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diff --git a/40158-0.txt b/40158-0.txt index 8a9285b..0e2909d 100644 --- a/40158-0.txt +++ b/40158-0.txt @@ -1,30 +1,4 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Manners, Vol 1 of 3, by Madame Panache - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and -most other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Manners, Vol 1 of 3 - -Author: Madame Panache - -Release Date: July 7, 2012 [eBook #40158] -[Most recently updated: January 27, 2021] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -Produced by: Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 *** - - - +*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40158 *** MANNERS: @@ -4603,358 +4577,4 @@ several, in nearly every respectable division of society, this collection of _one hundred_ Lives exhibits an almost continuous view of the English annals. - - - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 *** - -***** This file should be named 40158-0.txt or 40158-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - https://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/1/5/40158/ - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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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/license - - -Title: Manners, Vol 1 of 3 - A Novel - -Author: Frances Brooke - -Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40158] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - MANNERS: - - A NOVEL. - - - ----Dicas hîc forsitan unde - Ingenium par materiæ. - - JUVENAL. - - Je sais qu'un sot trouve toujours un plus sot pour le lire. - - FRED. LE GRAND. - - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - VOL. I. - - LONDON: - PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, - PATERNOSTER ROW. - - 1817. - - - - -MANNERS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - What, and how great, the virtue and the art, - To live on little with a cheerful heart-- - (A doctrine sage, but truly none of mine) - Let's talk, my friends,---- - - POPE. - - -In the retired village of Deane, in Yorkshire, lived for many years one -of those unfortunate females ycleped an old maid; a title which -generally exposes the possessor to every species of contempt, however -inoffensive, or even worthy, the individual may be, thus unluckily -designated. - -Mrs. Martin, the lady alluded to, was certainly one of those more -"sinned against than sinning;" for malice itself could not accuse her of -one uncharitable thought, word, or action: and even her enemies, if -enemies she had, must have acknowledged, that "Poor Mrs. Martin had a -good heart," however inferior she might be in understanding to those, -who affected to despise her unassuming merits. She was one of those -worthy good people, who never did a wicked thing, and never said a wise -one; and who, therefore, are seldom mentioned without some epithet of -contemptuous pity by those, who at least wish to be considered of an -entirely opposite character. She lived in a contented mediocrity, "aboon -distress below envy," humble, and good natured, with a most happy -temperament, both moral and physical; in friendship with all the world, -and devoutly believing all the world in friendship with her, and indeed -in that respect at least her judgment did not err; for few people were -more generally beloved than "Poor Mrs. Martin." She always had a ready -laugh for the awkward jests of her neighbours, and to the distressed she -as willingly gave her equally ready tear.--Her income was extremely -limited, yet she still contrived to spare a mite to those still poorer -than herself, and to her trifling donations she added such cordially -interested enquiries, and such well intentioned advice, that her mercy -was indeed "twice blest."--To her other good qualities she joined that -of being a most excellent manager. All the village acknowledged, that -"Poor Mrs. Martin's sweetmeats, and poor Mrs. Martin's bacon, were the -best in the place;" nor were there many seasons so unproductive in her -little garden, as to deprive her of the pride and pleasure of bestowing -a bottle of currant wine, or a pot of raspberry jam, on her more opulent -though less thrifty neighbour.--Her house, which was in the middle of -the village, was only distinguished from those around it by its superior -neatness: a court, about the dimensions of a modern dinner table, which -she facetiously termed her pleasure ground, divided it from the -principal, indeed the only street, and was separated from it by a few -white rails;--a little walk curiously paved in different coloured stones -was the approach to the hall door, and the grass on each side was -ornamented by a circular bed bordered with reversed oyster shells, and -containing each a few rose trees. The house boasted of one window -corresponding to each flower bed on the ground floor; and of three above -stairs, the centre one of which, being Mrs. Martin's own bed room, was -ornamented with an old fender painted green, which served as a balcony -to support three flourishing geraniums, and a stock July flower, that -"wasted its sweetness on the desert air" out of a broken tea pot, which -had been carefully treasured by this thrifty housewife as a substitute -for a flower pot. The hall door, which always stood open in fine -weather, was decorated with a clean but useless brass knocker, and a -conspicuous rush mat; whilst the narrow passage, to which it led, -presented, as its sole furniture, a huge clock, on which Mrs. Martin's -only attendant Peggy often boasted no spider was ever known to rest, and -whose gigantic case filled the whole space from wall to wall. The left -hand window, whose dark brown shutters were carefully bolted back on the -outside, illuminated a kitchen, where cheerful cleanliness amply -compensated for want of size;--opposite to it was the only parlour, of -the same proportions, and of equal neatness; a small Pembroke table, -that, with change of furniture, served the purpose of dinner, breakfast, -or card table; white dimity curtains, and a blind that was for any thing -rather than use, as it was never closed; half a dozen chairs, that once -had exhibited resplendent ornaments of lilies and roses, painted in all -the colours of the rainbow, but whose honours had long since faded under -the powerful and unremitting exertions of Peggy's scrubbing brush; a -corner cupboard, the top shelf of which with difficulty contained a well -polished japanned tea tray, where a rosy Celadon, in a brilliant scarlet -coat, sighed most romantically at the feet of Lavinia in a plume of -feathers; and the best cups and saucers, ranged in regular order, filled -the ranks below;--a book shelf, which, besides containing a Bible, Sir -Charles Grandison, a few volumes of the Spectator, and occasionally a -well thumbed novel from Mr. Salter's circulating library, was also the -repository for various stray articles, such as the tea caddy, Mrs. -Martin's knitting, and receipt book, transcribed by her niece Lucy; and -lastly, a barbarous copy of Bunbury's beautiful print of Jenny Grey, the -highly prized, and only production of Lucy's needle, while attending -Miss Slater's genteel "academy for young ladies," composed the furniture -of this little room. - -But its chief ornament, and Mrs. Martin's greatest pride (next to Lucy -herself), was a glass door, that opened into her demesne: a plot of -ground, containing about an acre and a half, which was kitchen garden, -flower garden, and orchard, all in one. This glass door had been a -present of young Mr. Mordaunt's, in whose company Mrs. Martin had often -undesignedly lamented, that the sole entrance to her garden was through -the scullery, and, on her return from her only visit to London, about -two years before this narration commences, she had been most agreeably -surprised by the improvement in question.--Various and manifold were the -speculations, to which this little piece of good natured gallantry had -given rise in the simple mind of Mrs. Martin.--"Indeed, indeed, she -never thought of his doing such a thing! so generous! so kind! and then -his manner was always so obliging and polite; it could not certainly be -for herself that he took the trouble of ordering the glass door; and she -remembered very well, when he called after their return from London, -that he said he was very glad to see a town life had agreed so well with -Lucy, though Mrs. Crosbie had very good naturedly said, she thought she -didn't look half so well as before she went. To be sure, she never saw -him _talk_ much to Lucy, but then she was so shy!"--Mrs. Martin had been -standing for some minutes at this same glass door, one fine evening in -July, indulging in a similar reverie, when it was suddenly interrupted -by the abrupt entrance of Lucy, who, with as much concern in her -countenance as her vacant unmeaning features could express, -exclaimed--"La! Aunt, he won't come to-night after all!"--"Not come, -child!" answered Mrs. Martin, "why, I never expected he would."--"Not -expect Mr. Brown?" returned Lucy, in a tone something between anger and -surprise; "Not expect Mr. Brown? why I'm sure he'd come if he could, and -you'd never ask the Lucases without him." "No, indeed, my dear, I would -not;" replied Mrs. Martin, totally unconscious that her first answer had -alluded to the subject of her own thoughts, not to the constant object -of poor Lucy's--"He is a well behaved, sober young man, and very -attentive to the shop; but why won't he come to-night?"--"He just rode -up as I was standing at the gate with this little bottle of rose water, -which he brought then, because, he said, he had to go to squire -Thornbull's to see the cook, and he didn't think he could be back for -tea do what he would--I'm sure I wish Mr. Lucas would attend his own -patients."--"Well, Lucy, I suppose the rest will soon be here; do just -set down the tray, my love, whilst I go and see if Peggy is doing the -Sally Lunn right." Poor Lucy proceeded to her task with unwonted gloom, -having first stopped to take one more smell of the rose water before she -placed it on the ready book shelf; and so slow was she in her movements, -that the tea table was scarcely arranged, when she heard her aunt accost -her visitors out of the kitchen window, with "How d'ye do Mrs. Crosbie, -how d'ye do Mrs. Lucas; beautiful evening; thank you kindly; I'm quite -well, and Lucy's charming; pray step in Mr. Crosbie--give me your hat; -Mr. Lucas, I'll hang your cane up by the clock here; sit down my dear -Nanny, I hope your shoes are dry--indeed, I don't think they can be wet; -we've scarcely had a drop of rain this fortnight.--Peggy! bring in the -kettle." - -And now, what with the disposal of the bonnets, the arrangement of the -chairs, and the repetition of observations on the weather, and inquiries -after the health of each individual present, the time was fully -occupied, till the arrival of Peggy, with a bright copper tea kettle in -one hand, and a well buttered, smoking hot Sally Lunn in the other, put -an end to the confusion of tongues, and assembled the party in temporary -silence round the tea table.--But Mrs. Martin's natural loquacity, added -to her incessant desire to be civil, soon induced her to interrupt the -momentary calm, and, while she spread her snow white pocket handkerchief -on her knees, as a preparation for her attack on the Sally Lunn, she -addressed her neighbour, the attorney, with--"Well, Mr. Crosbie, what -did you think of our sermon last evening; it was a delightful one, -wasn't it?"--"Yes, a very good, plain sermon, Mrs. Martin; but, with all -deference to your better judgment, Mrs. Martin, I think your friend Mr. -Temple doesn't show as much learning in the pulpit as he might -do."--"Learning!" quoth his amicable spouse, "I never can believe that -man is a learned man; I could make as good a sermon myself."--"_Non -constat_, my love," replied Mr. Crosbie; "though I often think you would -have done very well for a parson, you are so fond of always having the -last word." Probably the gentle Mrs. Crosbie would have given the -company a specimen of her talents for lecturing, had she not acquired a -habit of never attending to what her husband said: she had therefore, -fortunately, no doubt, during his speech, profited by the opportunity of -overhearing Mrs. Martin's and Mrs. Lucas's discussion, respecting the -appearance at church the evening before of the party from Webberly -House, consisting of Mrs. Sullivan and her two elder daughters, the Miss -Webberlys.--"I declare, I wasn't sure they were come down yet," said -Mrs. Martin, "till I saw their two great footmen bring their prayer -books into church, and their cushions; Mrs. Sullivan looks quite plump -and well."--"Yes, indeed, she looks remarkably well;" answered the -assenting Mrs. Lucas.--"Well!" retorted Mrs. Crosbie--"I think she is -going into a dropsy; her face is for all the world like a Cheshire -cheese."--"It certainly does look as if it was a little swelled," -replied the complacent Mrs. Lucas--"Dear me," rejoined Mr. Lucas, "I -must certainly call at Webberly House, and inquire after the health of -the family; I thought they never left town till August: perhaps they are -come down for change of air."--"And Lucy and I must pay our respects to -them too, they are always so very polite."--"They are never very -_civil_, I take it," said Mrs. Crosbie; "I believe, in my heart, they -would never come near their country neighbours, but to show off their -town airs on them."--"Well, for my part," observed Mr. Crosbie, "with -due deference be it spoken, I think town airs should be laid by for town -people, kept _in usum jus habentis_, for those who understand -'em."--"That's what you never could do, my dear," replied the -lady.--Mrs. Lucas, as usual, slipping in an assenting nod to every -successive observation from each person, while she as unremittingly -attended to the tea and cake. "Well, I'm sure, at all events," said her -daughter Nancy, "they are very genteel: what a lovely green bonnet the -little Miss Webberly had on!--she's the eldest, I believe."--"I'm sure, -if the bonnet was lovely, the face under it wasn't; the two together are -for all the world like a full blown daffodil in its green case." - -Notwithstanding Mrs. Crosbie had thus taken occasion to express her -dislike of the family in general, she was not less ready than the rest -of the little circle to pay her annual visit at Webberly House; and, as -all were anxious to wait on the ladies in question, either from motives -of civility, or interest, or curiosity, it was speedily settled, that -the party should adjourn thither on the following morning. All -particulars of their dress, their conveyance, &c., being finally -arranged, the four seniors of Mrs. Martin's visitors sat down to penny -whist, while she seated herself at the corner of the card table, ready -to cut in, snuff candles, or make civil observations between the deals. - -Lucy, and Nancy Lucas, strolled into the garden, ostensibly to pull -currants, but, in reality, to talk over Mr. Brown, the apothecary's -apprentice, and Mr. Slater's hopeful son and heir, whose professed -admiration of Miss Lucas had lately been eclipsed by a flash of military -ardour, that had induced him to enter into the Yorkshire militia. At -length Mrs. Martin's fears of the damp grass and evening dew induced the -two eternal friends to return to the parlour, where the fortunate -attainment of an odd trick, by finishing the rubber, broke up the little -party, who dispersed with much the same bustle with which they had -entered. While Mrs. Martin pursued her retreating visitors as far as the -white pales, with renewed offers of a glass of currant wine, hopes and -fears relative to the company catching cold, and assurances that she and -Lucy would certainly be ready before eleven o'clock for Mr. Lucas, with -a profusion of thanks for his offer of calling for them in his gig. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - Mons. De Sotenville--Que dites vous à cela? - - George Dandin--Je dis que ce sont là des contes à dormir debout[1]. - - MOLIERE. - -[Footnote 1: "What do you say to that?"--"I say such recitals are only -fit to sleep over."] - - -About eleven next day, a crazy machine, in the days of our grandfathers -called a noddy, appeared at Mrs. Martin's door. In it was seated Mr. -Lucas in his best black suit and flaxen wig, with his gold-headed cane -between his knees, his hands being sufficiently occupied in reining an -ill-trimmed carthorse, every movement of whose powerful hind leg -threatened destruction to the awkward vehicle. The good humoured Lucy -soon skipped in, and seated herself as bodkin; but to mount Mrs. Martin -was a task of greater difficulty, as the gig was of considerable -altitude, and the horse, teased by the flies, could not be kept quiet -two minutes at a time; a chair was first produced without effect, but at -last, with the aid of her maid Peggy, the neighbouring smith, and the -kitchen steps commonly used to wind up the jack, she was fairly seated; -and ere her laughter or her fears had subsided, they overtook the -village postchaise, containing Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie, and Mrs. and Miss -Lucas.--The travellers in the gig were incommoded by a dusty road, and a -beaming hot sun; the effects of which were dreaded by the good aunt for -Lucy's blue silk bonnet and spencer, which had been purchased two years -before, during their above-mentioned visit to London, which was still -their frequent theme, and only standard of fashion. However, they -proceeded on the whole much to their satisfaction, and after driving -nearly six miles, reached an ostentatious porter's lodge and gate, a -close copy of that at Sion, which announced the entrance to Webberly -House. The approach, with doublings and windings that would have puzzled -the best harrier in Sussex, did not accomplish concealing the house at -any one sweep, but displayed to Lucy's delighted eyes a huge -pile--_ci-devant_ brick, now glorying in a coat of Roman cement, further -adorned with clumsy virandas due north and east, and an open porch in -the southern sun. On one side of the proud mansion was a sunk fence, and -ha! ha!--on the other a shrubbery, quite inadequate to the task assigned -it of hiding the glaring brick-wall of a kitchen garden, which occupied -nearly as large a space as the whole of the pleasure-ground in front. - -On the scanty lawn was pitched a marquée; at the foot of it was a pond -filled with gold and silver fishes, over which was suspended a Chinese -bridge, leading to a grotto and hermitage, at a small distance from the -house.--Mr. Lucas, resigning the reins to Lucy, alighted to give notice -of the arrival of the party. After a few minutes delay, hasty footsteps -were heard in the hall, and a couple of house-maids scudded across, -bearing dust-pans and brushes, and running down one of the side -passages, called out in no very gentle voice, "William! Edward! here's -company!" "Company!" yawned out William, while he stretched his arms to -their utmost length, and, as he stopped to look at his fine watch, -which, as well as his master's, had numerous seals with French mottos, -declared "Pon honour, it isn't one o'clock;" and wondered "what could -bring those country-folk at that time o'day!"--then, settling his cravat -with one hand, and pulling up his gallowses with the other, leisurely -walked to the porch, where, with a gesture between leering and bowing, -he most incoherently answered the question of "At home, or not at -home;" and without giving himself the trouble of thinking which was -actually the case, ushered the visitors into the drawing-room, leaving -the business of negotiating their audience to the lady's maid. - -The beaming sun displayed the unsubsided dust and motes the house-maids -had so lately raised, and the village party were nearly stifled with the -effluvia of countless hot-house plants, whose united scent was too -strong to be called perfume: their entrance was impeded by stools, -cushions, tabourets, squabs, ottomans, fauteuils, sofas, screens, -bookstands, flower-stands, and tables of all sorts and sizes. An -unguarded push endangered the china furniture of a writing-table, and a -painted velvet cushion laid Mr. Crosbie prostrate on the floor. Mr. -Lucas, perceiving the difficulties of the navigation, very quietly -seated himself behind the door, but not in peace--for he was nearly -stunned by the chatter and contentions of a paroquet and a macaw, joined -to the shrill song of some indefatigable canaries hung on the outside of -the opposite window, which scarcely outvied the yelping of a lap-dog, -that Mrs. Martin's centre of gravity had discomfited, when she seated -herself in one of the fauteuils. Meantime, Lucy and Nancy, with -considerable expertness, gratified themselves with examining the -furniture, a task which would probably have occupied them for a week, as -the incongruous mixture seemed to resemble the emptying of an -upholsterer's room, a china manufactory, and a print-shop. The curtains, -five to a window, were hung for all seasons of the year at once, and -consisted of rich cloth, scarlet moreen, brilliant chintz, delicate -silk, and white muslin, to serve as blinds, fringed with gold. The sofa -and chair tribe (for to designate them would require a nomenclature as -accurate and extensive as Lavoisier's chemical one,) were covered with -every shade of colour, every variety of texture, and were in form -Grecian, Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, Parisian, Gothic, and Turkish. The -astonished visitors remained in the silence of perplexity for nearly a -quarter of an hour, but it was then broken by Mrs. Crosbie exclaiming, -with her usual acrimony--"Well, I'm sure, if I was Mrs. Sullivan, and -was _forced_ to go to a pawnbroker's for my settee and chair-frames, I -would at least make my covers all of a piece!--What folks will do to -make up a show!--I'm sure those musty old chests an't a whit better than -what's in my grandmother's garret; and I gave my little William the -other day, for a play-thing, a china image as like that white woman and -child as two peas."--"Though to be sure all these are very fine," said -Mrs. Martin, "Sir Henry Seymour's is the house for me; three -drawing-rooms with not a pin difference; and up stairs always six -bed-rooms of a pattern--then Mrs. Galton is so neat! not a cobweb to be -seen in the house.--Bless me, Lucy! your cheek is all dirty, and your -gloves such a figure!"--"Why, don't you see," interrupted Mrs. Crosbie, -"that the china is brimfull of dust! such slattern folks, pshaw!"--To -all which Mrs. Lucas returned her usual assenting, "He--hem!" Mr. Lucas, -in time recovering from his first dismay, rose from "_The place of his -unrest_," and, with Mr. Crosbie, proceeded to examine the contents of a -mongrel article between a cabinet and a table, on which were _thrown_ -rather than _placed_ a variety of curiosities; such as, a stuffed -hog-in-armour, a case of tropical birds, flying-fish, sharks' jaws, a -petrified lobster, edible swallows' nests, and Chinese balls; with -numerous mineral specimens neatly labelled, zeolite, mica, volcanic -glass, tourmaline, &c. "_Multum in parvo_," said Mr. Crosbie, with a -smirk at his own latinity; "Young Mr. Webberly must be vastly learned," -replied Mr. Lucas, "I should like to talk to him about the plants of the -West Indies, and the practice of physic in those parts, for all the -planters are obliged to attend to the health of the poor negroes for -their own profit, if they don't do it for humanity's sake." Here the -good man was electrified by a violent ringing of bells, followed by the -sound of a sharp female voice, running through all the notes of the -gamut in a scolding tone, of which the visitors could only hear detached -sentences, such as, "I _insist_ upon it, you never let them in -again--how could you say we were at home? Can I never drive into your -silly pate, that we are never at home to a _hired_ post chaise, or to -any open carriage, except a curricle and _two_ out-riders, or a -landaulet and four?"--"It wasn't me, Miss, it was William; I always -attend to your directions ma'am--I denied you the other day to your own -uncle and aunt, because they came in a buggy."--"Uncle, Sir! I have no -uncle.--Well, I give orders at the porter's lodge to-morrow--Go and ask -Miss Wildenheim to receive them; and if she won't, say we are all out; I -tell you once for all, I never will be disturbed at my morning studies -till four o'clock, and _then_ not except by _people of condition_." Soon -after this tirade, a light foot crossing the hall prepared the -confounded party for the entrance of the Iris of this angry Juno. But -when Miss Wildenheim opened the door, her elegantly affable curtsy and -benignant smile dispersed the gathering frowns on the visages of the -disappointed groupe. - -This young lady's politeness proceeded from the workings of a kind heart -guided by a clear head: it was a polish which owed its lustre to the -intrinsic value of the gem it embellished, not a superficial varnish -spread over a worthless substance, which a slight collision would -destroy, rendering the flaws it had for a time concealed but the more -conspicuous. With one glance of her dark eye she perceived, that the -good people were offended, and while she made the best apology she could -for the non-appearance of the Webberly family, her cheek glowed with -indignation at their insolent carriage to modest worth: the attentive -suavity of her manner was more than usually pleasing to the unassuming -but insulted party, and her endeavours to soothe their wounded pride -were quickly rewarded with the success they merited. Miss Wildenheim in -turn enquired for all the relations of each individual present, whose -existence had ever come to her knowledge; and in her search after -appropriate conversation, put in requisition every other subject of -chit-chat, her small stock of that current coin furnished her with. But -now--"the eloquent blood," which had spoken "in her cheek and so -divinely wrought," no longer tinging it with "vermeil hues," her -pallidity struck Mrs. Martin's kind heart with a pang of sorrow. "My -_dear_ Miss Wildenheim," said she, in a tone that showed the epithet was -not a word of course, "I'm afraid your visit to London has not agreed as -well with you as ours did with Lucy and me, you don't look so fresh -coloured as you did in the beginning of spring." "Ah! Mrs. Martin," -interrupted Mr. Lucas, "that high colour was a hectic symptom, I am not -altogether sorry to see it has disappeared; I hope, Miss Wildenheim, you -have nearly recovered from the effects of that smart fever you had last -winter." With a look of thanks to both enquirers, Mr. Lucas' _ci-devant_ -patient replied, "Perfectly, my dear Sir; it must have been a most -inveterate disorder, that could have baffled the skill and kind -attention--you exerted for my benefit." Mr. Lucas sapiently shook his -head, and expressed his doubts as to her _perfect_ recovery. "Believe -me, Sir, I feel quite well, my illness was only caused by change of -climate." At the word _climate_, the heretofore placid brow of the fair -speaker was clouded by an expression of ill-concealed anguish; for that -word had conjured up the remembrance of days of hope and joy--of -tenderness, on which the grave had closed for ever! which with all the -ardency of youthful feeling, alike poignant in sorrow as in joy, she -contrasted, in thought's utmost rapidity, with the dreary present, where -each day glided like its predecessor down the stream of time, uncheered -by the converse of a kindred mind, unblessed by the smile of -affectionate love. - -To hide her emotion she rose to ring the bell, apparently for the -purpose of ordering a luncheon, which it was the etiquette of the -neighbourhood to present to every morning visitor. The greater part of -the family were, at that moment, at breakfast, and therefore the -summons was not quickly obeyed; but at length a tray was brought in, -glittering in all the luxury of china, plate, and glass, and loaded with -cold meat, fruit, and a variety of confectionary, at the names or -contents of which Mrs. Martin's utmost knowledge of cookery could not -enable her to guess. However as she did not consider ignorance in this -instance as bliss, she immediately commenced her acquaintance with them; -and the whole party, having done ample justice to the repast, prepared -to depart; and it was settled that as steps could not easily be -procured, the arrangement of the vehicles should be changed, Miss Lucas -resigning her place in the post chaise to Mrs. Martin. - -Miss Wildenheim had scarcely made her farewell curtsy at the door, when -as the carriages drove off Mrs. Martin exclaimed, "What a sweet young -lady Miss Wildenheim is." "Oh!" said Mrs. Crosbie, "those French misses -have always honey on their lips." "I wonder how she happens to speak -such good English, for her eyes, complexion, and accent are quite -foreign," observed her spouse. "And I hope you'll add, her manner too," -returned the lady: "I was quite ashamed of her when she first came to -Webberly House, she used to have so many antics with her hands; now she -is something like; but though we have improved her, still her -countenance has never the exact same look three minutes together; and if -you say a civil thing to her, she grows as red as if you had slapped her -in the face." "Mr. Temple told me," said Mrs. Martin, "that she grieved -more after Mr. Sullivan, when he died last January, than all the rest of -the family put together. He told me one day, poor man, that she was the -daughter of a German baron." "Ah, Mrs. Martin," interrupted Mr. Crosbie, -laughing, "I'm afraid there was a mistake of gender and case there; a -_Baronness_ perhaps she might be daughter to, as an action might lie -against me for defamation, I won't say by whom." "You are both wrong," -said his wife, "for _Mrs._ Sullivan's _maid_ informed me, (and she knows -but every thing) that Miss Wildenheim was Mr. Sullivan's natural -daughter by a German _Princess_ (God forgive him), when he was a general -in the Austrian service. I dare say she is a papist, for he was a -papist, and they are _all_ papists in foreign parts." "Papist or not," -replied Mrs. Martin, "I'm sure she practises the Christian virtue of -humility; I wish Miss Webberly would take example by her, and learn to -be civil." "I never saw any thing like the airs of the whole family," -rejoined Mrs. Crosbie, bursting with passion. "I'll take care to affront -them, the very first time they put their noses in Deane." Here Mr. -Crosbie took the alarm, for he recollected certain deeds and -conveyances, young Webberly had spoken to him about, and therefore said, -"Indeed, my dear, we have no right to be offended; it's only the way of -the house: didn't you hear the footman tell Miss Webberly he had refused -to let in her own uncle, and after all, she didn't object to _us_, but -only to the _gig_ and _postchaise_." After some bitter observations, -followed by silent reflection, Mrs. Crosbie apparently acceded to her -husband's argument, and consented to acquit the Webberlys on the flaw -his ingenuity had discovered in the indictment she had made out against -them. - -In the humble society of Deane even she had inferiors, in whose eyes her -consequence was raised by her annual visits at Webberly House; and who -never guessed that the rudeness she practised to them, was a mere -transfer of that she submitted to receive from the insolent caprice of -these satellites of fashion. - -From whence does the strange infatuation arise, that makes so many -people in all ranks of society suppose, they are honoured by the -acquaintance of that immediately above them, when their intercourse is -so frequently only an interchange of insult and servility? Do they -suppose, that when the scale of their consequence is kicked down on one -side, it rises proportionally on the other? - -The comments of the travellers on the Webberly family continued for the -remainder of the drive; and perhaps had the objects of their -animadversions heard their remarks, they might have felt, that the proud -privilege of being impertinent scarcely compensated for the severity of -the criticism its exertion called forth. - -At length the party separated--Mrs. Crosbie to show a new edition of -fine airs to the wondering Mrs. Slater--the other ladies to discuss -their excursion again and again, over "cups which cheer, but not -inebriate." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - - Something there is more needful than expense, - And something previous even to taste--'tis sense. - - POPE. - - Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt[2]. - - HORACE. - -[Footnote 2: When fools would avoid one extreme, they run into the -other.] - - -The family at Webberly House was the only one in the neighbourhood of -Deane, which lived in a style of ostentatious expense; its members -vainly endeavouring to purchase respect by extravagance, and to transfer -the ideas and hours of the _beau monde_ to a place totally unfit for -their reception. The only families within a distance often miles of -their residence were--Sir Henry Seymour's, at Deane Hall--Squire -Thornbull's, at Hunting Field, and Mr. Temple's, at the parsonage of -Deane; all of whom lived in the most quiet manner. Beyond this distance, -however, the country was more thickly inhabited, and the town of York, -in the race and assize week, presented sufficient attractions to make a -drive of thirty miles no impediment to the Webberlys visiting it at -those times, though its allurements were not great enough to tempt their -immediate neighbours from their homes. Mrs. Sullivan had purchased -Webberly House, two years previous to the commencement of this -narration, on the faith of an advertisement nearly as deceptious as the -famous one of a celebrated auctioneer, that procured the sale of an -estate on the strength of a "hanging-wood," which proved to be a gibbet -on an adjoining common. - -Webberly House--formerly called Simson's Folly--had been purposely -tricked up for sale by a prodigal heir, when obliged to dispose of his -paternal estate to discharge the debts his extravagance had incurred. -As a second dupe was not easily to be found, Mrs. Sullivan now vainly -endeavoured to part with it, as neither she nor her children could -reconcile themselves to living in so retired a part of the country. - -Mrs. Sullivan was the only child of an extremely rich hosier in -Cheapside, who perhaps had saved more money than he had made, and fully -instructed his daughter in all the arts of frugality, limiting her -knowledge of all other arts and sciences to considerable manual -dexterity in making "a pudding and a shirt," which he considered the -ultimatum of female education. When Miss Leatherly was thus, according -to long established opinion, qualified for matrimony, her large fortune -brought her in reward a West Indian planter as a husband, from whom she -acquired those habits of ostentatious arrogance, which, united to her -early imbibed parsimony, formed the principal traits of her character. -By this marriage Mrs. Sullivan had one son and two daughters; and, -fifteen years after the birth of the former, became a widow, with a -large jointure, as well as all her father's riches, at her own disposal. -She received the addresses of many fortune hunters, but finally gave the -preference to a handsome, good natured, dissipated Irishman, whose name -she now bore. Mr. Sullivan at the period of his marriage was past the -prime of life; he had long served in the Austrian armies, (for being a -Catholic he was incapacitated from holding any high rank in those of his -native sovereign, and therefore preferred following another standard), -but his military career procuring him little except scars and honours, -he gladly availed himself of the wealthy widow's evident partiality, and -at first thought himself most fortunate in becoming the possessor of so -large a fortune; yet soon found he had dearly purchased the affluence -which inflicted on him, not only the disgusting illiberal vulgarity of -his wife, but the petulant rudeness and self-sufficiency of her -children. His only consolation was a daughter Mrs. Sullivan had -presented him with, in the first year of their marriage, and his -happiness as a father, made him in some degree forget his miseries as a -husband. His heart was completely wrapped up in the charming little -Caroline, and bitterly did he repent on her account, that his former -prodigality had obliged him to yield to his elder brother's desire of -cutting off the entail of the family estate; which must otherwise have -descended to her, being settled on the females, as well as males of -their ancient house. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan associated but little -together; as she was never happy except when she accompanied her elder -daughters to the most fashionable watering places; whilst he, remaining -at home, devoted most of his time to the little Caroline. But here, -unfortunately, in the attempt to banish the uneasy feelings of his -mind, he by degrees formed a habit of indulging in the pleasures of the -bottle, in a greater degree than strict propriety permits. About three -months before his death, the little domestic comfort he had enjoyed was -exchanged for the most complete disquietude, as at that time the -jealousy of his wife was roused by his introducing Miss Wildenheim into -his family as his ward.--Notwithstanding his most solemn assurances, -that this young lady was the daughter of a German baron, who had not -only long been his commanding officer but his most zealous friend, Mrs. -Sullivan constantly asserted she was his natural child. Such a paternity -was in her eyes an almost unpardonable crime; for, considering her -inferiority of rank and sex, she was still more unreasonable than Henry -the Eighth, who made it high treason for those he sought as partners to -his throne not to confess all the errors they had been guilty of in a -state of celibacy. Perhaps nothing but the stipend received for -Adelaide's maintenance could have reconciled Mrs. Sullivan to her -residence at Webberly House, for she was too avaricious not to submit to -a great deal for three hundred a year. - -When Miss Wildenheim first appeared in Mr. Sullivan's family she was in -the deepest mourning for a parent, who his wife felt convinced was her -mother. It must be confessed, the affection Mr. Sullivan showed -Adelaide, and his distracted state of mind from the period of her -arrival, gave a very plausible colour to his wife's suspicions. He -avoided the society of his family, and giving himself up to his habit of -drinking, it in a short time proved fatal; for returning late one night -from squire Thornbull's in a state of intoxication, he was killed at his -own gate by falling off his horse. Miss Wildenheim's consequent -affliction, and dangerous illness, left no doubt in Mrs. Sullivan's -mind, as to the justice of her surmises. Enraged by this apparent -confirmation of her imagined wrongs, and urged by the envious hatred the -Miss Webberlys showed of Adelaide's superior charms, she determined no -longer to retain under her roof an object on these accounts so -obnoxious; and, as a flattering unction to her soul, persuaded herself, -that a girl with ten thousand pounds fortune could never be at any great -loss for a home. But at length her darling passion, covetousness, -prevailed over her resentment; as she recollected, that should the -brother of her late husband ever hear of her treating in such a manner a -girl Mr. Sullivan had left under her protection, and in whose fate (from -whatever motive) he had shown so deep an interest, her unkindness might -be construed into disrespect to his memory, and as such be resented with -the warmth of family pride and affection, so natural to the Irish -character; and perhaps prompt the offended brother to revenge the -affront, by leaving his estate to a distant cousin, who had been dreaded -by her husband as a rival to Caroline. These and other pecuniary -considerations finally induced Mrs. Sullivan to accept the guardianship -of Miss Wildenheim in conjunction with a Mr. Austin, who was trustee to -her fortune, and was said to be an old and faithful friend of her -father. - -However Mrs. Sullivan had failed in the character of a wife, she had -always been weakly indulgent as a mother, and was easily led by her -children into every expensive folly. Her son's command of money had made -him, on his first entrance into life, a very desirable acquaintance to -some needy young men of fashion, who, in return for the pecuniary -accommodation he afforded them, did him the favour to turn his head and -corrupt his morals. As he became daily more ambitious to emulate his new -associates in all their extravagance, he persuaded his mother to change -her style of living, in order to imitate as closely as possible that of -the relatives of his _professed_ friends. At this critical period, he -had unfortunately found Mr. Sullivan no less solicitous of joining those -secondary circles of fashion, to which alone they could expect -admittance, from his having long been accustomed to lead as a bachelor a -life of gaiety and dissipation; and the Miss Webberlys still more -zealously promoted his wishes, being equally solicitous to reach the -threshold of fashion, which had long been the unattained object of their -highest hope. This was perhaps the only point in the chapter of -possibilities, on which the whole family could agree. - -Mrs. Sullivan reversed the order of nature, and followed the path her -children traced for her, supposing them to be better instructed in such -things than herself; for she knew they had received a superabundance of -the _means_, and, poor woman! she had not sense to perceive they had -missed the _ends_ of education. In encouraging her children in the -pursuit of fashionable follies, Mrs. Sullivan but followed the general -example of wealthy parents, whom we so frequently behold acting like the -worshippers of Moloch in elder days, making their sons and their -daughters pass through the fires of dissipation, in the chance of -drawing them forth from the ordeal with greater external brightness; but -the scorching flames too often wither to the root the shoots of honour, -benevolence, and truth. - -In nothing was Mrs. Sullivan's lamentable imitation of her children's -follies more perceptible, than in her conversation, which was a mixture -of Cheapside vulgarisms and Newmarket cant, with here and there a stray -ornament from her daughters' vocabularies of sentimental and -scientifical jargon; the whole misapplied and mispronounced, in a manner -that would have done honour to Mrs. Malaprop herself! - -Miss Webberly's person was much in the predicament Solomon laments in -his song for his sister; but she had in compensation an addendum which -the Jewish fair had not, in the shape of a protuberance on the left -shoulder, which however she always endeavoured to balance by applying to -the right the judicious stuffing of Madame Huber's stays; and her -deformity was only perceptible by some slight traces in her countenance, -in which there was nothing else remarkable, except a pair of little -black eyes, rather pert than sparkling. Conscious that she could not -shine as a beauty, she resolved on being a "_bel esprit_," for which she -was nearly as ill qualified by nature; and, reversing the fable of -Achilles habiting himself in female attire, she put on an armour she -could not carry, and grasped at weapons she was unable to wield. And as -she sought knowledge "with all her seeking," not to promote her own -happiness, but to subtract from that of others, by mortifying their -self-love, in the anticipated triumphs of her own, her preposterous -vanity led her to deform her mind as much by art with misplaced and -uncouth excrescences of pedantry, as her person was by the unlucky -addition it had received from nature: but while she sought to conceal -the one with the most anxious care, she laboured as incessantly to -display the other; thus resembling the infatuated being, who first held -up for the worship of his fellow mortal a disgusting reptile, or a -worthless weed. - -Miss Cecilia Webberly was in face and figure entitled to the appellation -of a fine bouncing girl, if for that a mass of flesh and blood -exquisitely coloured could suffice; but though to lilies and roses of -the most perfect hues were superadded fine blue eyes and beautiful -flaxen hair, her countenance was neither good-natured nor gay, but -indicative of the most supercilious self-conceit. She had enjoyed what -are usually termed the _advantages_ of a London boarding school, and -through their influence had acquired sufficient French to read the tales -of Marmontel, by a strange misnomer called "_Contes moraux_," and to -which, for the benefit of the rising generation, we would humbly advise -prefixing a syllable in any future edition. From these tales she learned -to be sentimental, and fancied herself in turn the heroine of "_Le mari -Sylph_," "_L'heureux Divorce_," &c. - -Moreover, the fair Cecilia had here been taught to move her ponderous -fingers with considerable swiftness over the keys of a piano forte, and -to exercise her powerful lungs in Vauxhall songs. - -In this seminary she was unfortunately inoculated with a virus, that -totally diseased a heart nature had intended for better -purposes--namely, an aching desire after fashionable life, which led her -to caricature those airs of _ton_ which she had not _tact_ to imitate. -The eye that is always turned upwards must be blinded by the brightness -of a sphere it is not fashioned to; and Cecilia Webberly was so dazzled -by the accounts she read in the daily prints, and La Belle Assemblée, of -"great lords and ladies dressed out on gay days," that she looked on the -inhabitants of Bloomsbury Square with sovereign contempt, her mother and -sister inclusive, who notwithstanding encouraged and emulated her -flights, flattering themselves that her eccentricities would carry her, -and them as her attendants, into regions of splendour, though in truth -they were only thus brought forth to the "garish eye of day," to be -exposed to the contempt and ridicule her folly excited. - -A few days after the expedition of Mrs. Martin and her friends to -Webberly House, as she was standing one fine morning at her parlour -window, Mrs. Sullivan's dashing equipage drove past, and her involuntary -exclamation at the sudden, and to her unpractised eyes, terrifying stop -of the four horses, which were a second before at their utmost speed, -was changed into an expression of pleasure, when she saw Miss Wildenheim -alone alight at Mr. Slater's shop, and the showy carriage from which she -descended drive away ere the door was well closed; for Mrs. Sullivan and -her daughters never condescended to enter _the shop_, as it was in token -of pre-eminence called in the village of Deane. The great Frederick has -wisely remarked, that "_custom_ guides fools in place of _reason_;" and -they had sapiently agreed amongst themselves, that "no lady of fashion -was ever seen in a shop out of Bond Street;" but as for many reasons -they were always anxious to prevail on Miss Wildenheim to execute their -commissions, they took care not to inform her of the solecism in -etiquette they had thus discovered, lest her timid and scrupulous -attention to propriety should overcome her good nature, and deprive -them of the benefit of her taste and judgment. The place of sale these -ladies thus contemned, was a rustic pantheon-physitechnicon, where were -to be had--food for the mind, at least for those who were content to -"prey on garbage," and countless articles for the ladies' use. Part of -the counter was covered with stationery of all descriptions, school -books, last speeches, and ballads, besides a few miscellaneous articles -in the reading way, such as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, the Seven -Champions of Christendom, and the Methodistical Magazine, relating how -Mr. Goodman "put on by faith," not "the armour of the Lord," but a pair -of "leathern conveniences," vulgarly called _breeches_. The remainder of -the counter showed, through glass panes, plated and pinchbeck _tiaras_ -for farmers' daughters, and every species of low-priced disfigurement -for the person, in the shape of necklace or ear-ring, with a variety of -other articles of equal utility. The drawers, on one side of the -counter, contained groceries of all kinds; those on the other, a no less -various assortment of haberdashery and millinery, the latter, when -unsaleable, being altered from year to year to "the newest London -fashion." The shop also displayed a considerable store of hardware and -crockery, from the unglazed brown pan to the gold edged tea cup and -painted sailor's pig--lastly, boasting of a delectable circulating -library, which presented volumes that, like the highly prized works of -classic fame, had a most oleaginous odour. - -The contents of the shop were scarcely less various than the occupations -of its master and his family. In part of the second floor, Miss Slater -held her "Academy for young ladies." In the other her sister performed -the office of mantua and corset maker. Their father was upholsterer, -undertaker, and _barber_, and by consequence _politician_ to the parish. -His gratuitous office of quidnunc had perhaps gained him more wealth -and patronage than all his others collectively, as in it he had never -made any direct attack on the purses of his neighbours, but by reading -the newspapers and gazette every market day free of cost, he assembled -all the farmers of the vicinity in his shop, who generally discovered -something amongst its various contents they felt an imperious necessity -to purchase, thus successfully following the plan of the ingenious -advertiser of----_A pair of globes for nothing!!!_----with an atlas, -price five guineas. - -On the above mentioned occasions Mr. Slater was furiously loyal, in a -flaming red waistcoat, which scarcely rivalled his rubicund face.--When -he first became the village orator, he had endeavoured, from motives of -interest, to persuade others he felt more than he really did; and, as is -commonly the case with those who _exaggerate_ but are not -_hypocritical_, he ended in feeling more than he got credit for.--In -the proceedings of the English government he now really thought, that -"whatever is is right."--And perhaps it is to be regretted, that in his -class this belief is not more general.--Illiterate politicians are -scarcely less dangerous than self-constituted physicians--It requires -men of skill to medicate for the body physical or political.--Quacks in -either injure in proportion to their ignorance and consequent audacity; -it may often be better to let a disease alone, in the constitution of -the state or individual, than to run the risk of aggravating it by the -nostrums of the venders of concealed poisons. - -Mr. Slater's window was always adorned with a bulletin of the news of -the day, of his own writing! and this singular composition set at -defiance all rules of grammar and orthography; but he had none of the -pride of authorship, and unfeignedly thanked the village schoolmaster -for his emendations, though perhaps it might sometimes be said, that -the _correction_ was the worst of the two. - -The good man also amused himself with what he called "mapping" and -"drawing." The few unoccupied spaces in his shop walls were stuck over -with representations of the Thalaba of modern history in a variety of -woful plights; and he had made more changes in the face of Europe than -that archconjurer himself--for, to elucidate the Duke of Wellington's -campaigns, he exhibited a map with Portugal at the wrong side of -Spain[3]! not failing to take similar liberties in his representations -of _actions_ of various kinds. - -[Footnote 3: Matter of fact.] - -It may be supposed, that a shop so filled, and a master thus -accomplished, would be unremittingly attended.--In truth, "The Shop" was -seldom empty; and what with haranguing, bargaining, and the ceaseless -creaking of the pack-thread on its ever revolving roller, with -interludes of breaking sugar, and chopping ham, the noise on market days -was so deafening, that the tower of Babel might serve as an emblem, but -that there only one faculty was confounded, whilst here three of the -five senses were assailed at once. - -At the moment of Miss Wildenheim's entrance, however, a comparative -"silence reigned within the walls,"--as in the shop were only Mrs. -Temple (wife of the rector) and her youngest son and daughter, the one -teazing her for a Robinson Crusoe, the other coaxing for a doll; but at -the sight of their "dear dote Miss Wildenheim" the little petitioners -forgot their requests, and throwing their arms about her neck, to the no -small damage of the muslin frill, that contrasted its snowy whiteness -with the sable hue of her other garments, made her cheek glow with their -kisses, whilst their friendly mother not less cordially shook her hand. - -After a little social chat, Miss Wildenheim proceeded to fulfil the -object of her visit to the shop, namely, to choose a novel for Miss -Cecilia Webberly.--"What are you looking for there, my dear, with so -much perseverance? any thing will do for her," said Mrs. -Temple.--"Here's the Delicate Distress--The Innocent Seduction."--"I -fear, from their titles, they would serve to aid her in her search after -romance; don't you think that would be a pity?--I was looking for -Patronage, or Almeria."--The peculiar tone, half foreign, half pathetic, -in which Adelaide said the word _pity_, joined to the ludicrous but just -parallel she had in sober sadness unconsciously drawn for Cecilia -Webberly, struck with so comic an effect on Mrs. Temple's risible -nerves, that she burst out into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. -Adelaide opened her eye-lids to their utmost expansion, and cast the -beautiful orbs they had concealed on Mrs. Temple's face, with a look of -mingled surprise and inquiry.--"I only thought, my dear girl, (laying -her hand on Miss Wildenheim's arm), it was a sin you should waste your -morality and your _pit-tie_ in so useless a manner: believe me, Miss -Edgeworth's wit and sense would be lost on a girl too stupid to -comprehend the one, and too silly to profit by the other: if Miss -Cecilia Webberly were only a _fool_, I might encourage your laudable -endeavours, but----" "Hush, hush, my dear Mrs. Temple, here are -strangers;" and turning round Mrs. Temple discovered Sir Henry Seymour's -carriage at the door. It was a vehicle as old fashioned as the owner, -"the good Sir Henry," and formed a striking contrast to the showy -_cortège_ of the Webberly family. It was drawn in a steady quiet trot, -by four heavy steeds as gray as their driver, who, seated on a -hammer-cloth adorned with fringes as numerous as those on the petticoat -of a modern belle, carefully avoided the sharp turns and charioteering -skill of the Four-in-hand Club. Sir Henry Seymour's carriage contained -only his sister-in-law, Mrs. Galton, who was addressed by Mrs. Temple -with all the intimacy of friendship, and answered a variety of inquiries -concerning Miss Seymour, which were made with real interest. - -After giving Mrs. Temple an invitation to join a dinner party at the -hall on the following Thursday, Mrs. Galton whispered, "I suspect; that -elegant girl in mourning is the interesting foreigner whose unexpected -appearance at Webberly House last November excited so much -gossip."--"Yes, she is."--"Then pray introduce me; we have never met, -though I called on her the last time I visited Mrs. Sullivan." This -request was soon complied with; and the ceremony being over, Mrs. Galton -politely appealed to Adelaide's taste, regarding the colours of some -silks she was choosing to work a trimming for her niece's first gown, -which, on her ensuing birth-day, was to mark her approach to womanhood; -for in Sir Henry Seymour's family the difference in dress between -sixteen and forty-five was preserved: Selina had not yet laid aside her -white frock, nor was Mrs. Galton in her own person anxious to antedate -the period of second childhood. Mrs. Martin and Lucy, accompanied by -Mrs. Lucas, now walked in to pay their compliments to the ladies they -had seen enter, and were as usual received by Mrs. Galton with the -utmost civility; and as she knew that a visit to Deane Hall was an event -and a distinction in the annals of village history, she included them in -her invitation for Thursday, which was delightfully accepted by them. -Mrs. Sullivan's carriage having now returned for Miss Wildenheim, she -took her leave. And Mr. Mordaunt, having executed some business the -worthy baronet had intrusted him with, entered the shop, and reminded -Mrs. Galton, that if they did not hasten home, Sir Henry would be kept -waiting dinner, and, what was to him of much more interest, Selina -Seymour would be disappointed of her evening ride. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - Each look, each motion, wak'd a new born grace, - That o'er her form its transient glory cast; - Some lovelier wonder soon usurp'd the place, - Chas'd by a charm still lovelier than the last. - - LYTTELTON. - - -Mr. Mordaunt, finding it impossible to persuade Sir Henry Seymour's -veteran coachman to resign his office of charioteer, or even willingly -to admit a partner on his throne, was obliged to solace himself with -Mrs. Galton's conversation, till they entered the park of Deane. At -last, as the carriage turned up the long dark avenue which led to the -magnificent though antique mansion, his delighted eye beheld Selina, as -she supported her father, whilst "with measured step and slow" he walked -up and down the broad smooth terrace, which stretched along the south -front of the house, and commanded all the beauties of the rich vale -below. Her fragile form and firm yet elastic step were contrasted with -Sir Henry's tottering feeble gait. But though her sparkling eyes gave a -joyous welcome, even from a distance, to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, yet, -with the fond solicitude of filial love, she restrained her father's -hastening steps, till Augustus relieved her from her charge; then light -as a zephyr which scarcely bends the flower over which it passes, she -flew to Mrs. Galton, and had already seen, if not examined, all her -purchases, recapitulated her various occupations during her three hours' -absence, and made Mrs. Galton repeat twice over all the particulars she -could recollect, of "dear Mrs. Temple," and Miss Wildenheim, before -Augustus had conducted Sir Henry to the hall door, or replied to more -than half his inquiries about "poor Brown's lease, and the arrangements -that were made for his wife and children." - -Selina Seymour was nearly seventeen; her person - - "Fair as the forms that, wove in fancy's loom, - Float in light vision round the poet's head;" - -and her mind as well cultivated as could be expected under the peculiar -circumstances of her situation; for she had lived entirely in the -country, and never had as yet an opportunity of acquiring that -brilliancy of execution in the fine arts, by which so many of our modern -girls of fashion rival the painters, and the dancers, and the singers, -and the players on musical instruments, who live only by the exertion of -their talents in those different lines. Of what are usually called -_accomplishments_ she was comparatively ignorant. She knew little or -nothing of fancy works--had never made any pasteboard screens--could -neither waltz nor play on the flageolet--nor beat the tambourine in all -the different attitudes practised and taught to young ladies by the -Duke of York's band--but with several modern languages she was well -acquainted, and had learned to draw from Mrs. Galton, who particularly -excelled in miniature painting, and delighted in transmitting all her -knowledge to her adopted child. Music was however Selina's favourite -amusement, and for it she early discovered a decided genius. An old -blind organist, from the town of ----, generally attended her for three -months every summer, and certainly taught her well the only part of the -art he understood, namely, thorough bass--but of the soul of music, he, -poor man, had no idea; for that she was indebted solely to her own -intensity of feeling; and whatever execution she possessed she had -acquired by the indefatigable practice of such lessons of Handel's, -Corelli's, Scarlatti's, and Bach's, as her father's old music chest -afforded; for Sir Henry had not added an air to his collection since the -death of her mother Lady Seymour, nor did he suppose it possible, that -any improvement could have taken place in the art of composition since -that period. Perhaps, had he heard Selina play some of Mozart's -admirable melodies, he might have been induced to acknowledge their -merit, as he generally thought all she did was perfection; though in her -education he never interfered--the care of that had been intrusted, ever -since she had lost her mother, to Mrs. Galton, and the excellent rector -of the parish, Mr. Temple, who had been tutor to Sir Henry Seymour's -ward, Augustus Mordaunt. With them Selina often joined in studies of a -graver cast than those usually appropriated to her age and sex. And -perhaps the peculiar style of her education was the one best adapted to -her disposition. She had naturally uncommon vivacity. "Her cheek was yet -unprofaned by a tear," and her buoyant spirits had never been depressed -by those unfeeling prohibitions and restraints, which, "like a worm i' -th' bud," feed on the opening blossom, and turn the happiest season of -our lives into days of protracted penance. To her elasticity of spirits -and brilliancy of imagination, which, but for an uncommon superiority of -talent, might have degenerated into frivolity of mind, this calm and -almost masculine education formed an admirable counterpoise. But yet -such was her natural pliability of character, that Mrs. Galton scarcely -deemed even this antidote sufficient; and looked forward with trembling -anxiety to the period of her being introduced to society, knowing how -probable it was, that her fancy, and even her heart, might be seriously -affected, long before her reason or understanding were called into -action. - -Selina was the only one of Sir Henry Seymour's children who had survived -their mother; in her were centred all his hopes and nearly all his -affections; her vivacity amused, and her talents gratified him. But he -was not capable of justly appreciating or fully comprehending her -character; he had so long considered her as a mere child, it never -entered into his calculation, that she was now approaching that eventful -period of life, when more was required from the discretion and affection -of a parent, than a mere tolerance of harmless vivacity. It did -certainly sometimes occur to him, that she might marry, but he generally -banished the idea from his mind as quickly as it arose; for it was -always accompanied by a painful feeling, arising in truth from a dread -of losing her delightful society; but he never analyzed this feeling, -and always repeating to himself that she was still but a child, he -concluded by his usual reflection, that there "was no use in thinking -about it; for, if it was to happen, he could not help it." - -Thus, with infatuated security, he anticipated no danger in allowing his -daughter to associate with Augustus Mordaunt. They had been brought up -as children together, and their manner to each other was so -unrestrained, so free from all those artificial precautions, that by a -premature defence first apprise innocence of its danger, that even wiser -heads than poor Sir Henry's might have believed, as Selina really did, -that only the affection of brother and sister existed between them: it -is true, Mrs. Galton and Mr. Temple sometimes talked over together the -possibility of their future union; and so desirable did it seem to both, -and so certain to obtain Sir Henry's consent, that they left them to -their fate, scarcely wishing that any circumstance should arise to -prevent a mutual attachment taking place. - -Augustus was nephew to the earl of Osselstone, and heir to his title. -His father, dying when he was four years old, had left him to the -guardianship of Sir Henry; and the boy had been removed to Deane Hall -the year before Selina was born, where he had constantly resided since, -except during the periods he had passed at Eton and Oxford. Sir Henry -felt for him an affection almost paternal; nor was it unreturned, or -unworthily bestowed. The disposition of Augustus was naturally -benevolent and ardent in the extreme. Even in the most trifling pursuit -either of knowledge or amusement, the fervency of his character was -manifested; and where the susceptibility of his heart was once called -forth, though expression might be repressed, his feelings were not -easily to be subdued. - -Mr. Temple, profiting by the example the fate of Mordaunt's parents had -presented, early laboured to bring his passions under the control of -reason. He succeeded in regulating them, though they were not to be -extinguished; and though Augustus early acquired a habit of -self-possession, yet the natural vivacity of his character was expressed -in every glance of his intelligent countenance, which served to portray -each fleeting sentiment as it arose, whilst his dark expressive eye -seemed to penetrate into the inmost thoughts of others, and to search -for a mind congenial to his own. His figure was not less remarkable for -elegance than strength; and he particularly excelled in all those manly -exercises and accomplishments in which grace or activity are required. -He had derived, partly from nature, partly from education, such high and -almost chivalrous ideas of principle, that, even as a boy, no temptation -could have induced him either to deserve or submit to the slightest -imputation on his honour; and as he approached to manhood, this jealousy -of character had given him a reputation of pride, which his dignified -manner and appearance in some degree corroborated.--Though to his -inferiors his address was always affable, yet to strangers of his own -rank in life he was generally reserved: he was therefore not always -understood; and those who were incapable of fully comprehending his -peculiar merits, frequently attributed that apparent haughtiness of -demeanour, which repelled officious familiarity, less to the superiority -of his individual character, than to the adventitious circumstance of -his high birth and expectations. - -He had early shown a strong predilection for the army, but he could -never prevail on Sir Henry to consent to his entering that profession; -and as a coolness existed between his uncle and his guardian, none other -had yet been decided on for him. Nor, if it was to depend on Sir Henry's -advice or exertions, was the selection likely soon to be made; for such -was the habitual indolence of the baronet's character, that, unless the -natural benevolence of his disposition was peculiarly called forth by -any accidental circumstance, he was content with feelings of unbounded -good will to all mankind, without making a single effort to promote the -welfare of any individual. Yet, nevertheless, he was an affectionate -father, an indulgent landlord, a hospitable neighbour, a kind friend, -and as such universally beloved and respected. In his establishment at -Deane Hall, old English hospitality was maintained to the fullest -extent; and the regularity of this establishment was united to such an -uniformity of pursuit, that it almost amounted to a monotony of life. -The care of directing his household and doing the honours of his table -he left entirely to Mrs. Galton, the sister of the late Lady Seymour. -She was, however, only called "mistress" by courtesy, for though "still -in the sober charms of womanhood mature," just "verging on decay," she -was yet unmarried. In her youth this lady had been as beautiful as she -was amiable, and being possessed of a large fortune, had many suitors: -on one of these, a Mr. Montague, she had bestowed her affections, and -was on the point of marrying him, when she discovered that he was an -inveterate gamester, ruined in fortune, morals, and character, and of -course unworthy of her regard; and though her good sense enabled her in -time to recover from the misery this discovery occasioned her, yet she -was never afterwards prevailed on to make another choice. Shortly after -her refusal of him, Mr. Montague married a Miss Mortimer, who was as -depraved as himself, and lost his life in a duel with one of his -dissipated companions. Mrs. Galton had resided at Deane Hall from the -period of her sister's death; and Selina soon filled the place of -daughter in her affectionate heart. As that heart had been so deeply -wounded, she had turned assiduously to the cultivation of her -understanding; and in endeavouring to engraft her own perfections on -Selina's ductile mind, she preserved the peace of her own, by -withdrawing it from those corroding remembrances, that had threatened it -with irreparable injury. - -The day at last arrived, which was fixed for the annual visit of Mrs. -Sullivan and her party at Deane Hall; for it may easily be supposed, -that where such dissimilarity of character and pursuit existed, little -intercourse would be maintained. At least an hour after the appointed -time, the loud and peremptory knock of their London footman proclaimed -their arrival; but their welcome was much less cordial, than it would -otherwise have been, from all the assembled party at Deane, as they came -unaccompanied by Miss Wildenheim. - -Mrs. Sullivan, on entering the room, displayed a low, fat, vulgar -figure, arrayed in all the shades admissible in fashionable _mourning_. -Her gown was a _soi-disant_ grey, approximating, as nearly as possible, -to a sky blue, relieved with black and scarlet, and profusely ornamented -with artificial flowers. On her head waved a plume of white ostrich -feathers, which, in their modest color and airy form, served perfectly -to contrast her piony cheeks and lumpish person. - -Her petticoats, wired at the bottom, kept unbroken the ample circle, of -which her breadth from hip to hip formed the diameter. Her shuffling -gait put all her finery in motion from head to foot; and Selina could -not help thinking, that, "if she might just give her one _little_ -twirl," she would make to perfection what in her girlish plays was -called a _cheese_. Mrs. Sullivan was followed by her two elder -daughters--Miss Webberly, loaded with all the superfluous decorations of -modern costume, which could be called in aid to conceal her natural -deformity, and her sister, dressed in the opposite extreme of capricious -fashion, equally solicitous to exhibit her all unobscured charms. Soon -after, the entrance of the remaining guests completed the circle, and -the company insensibly dividing into small separate parties, Mrs. Galton -found herself between her two intimate friends, Mr. and Mrs. Temple, -and expressed to them her sincere regret at not seeing Miss Wildenheim, -for whom Mrs. Sullivan had made an awkward apology. - -"What a beautiful style of countenance hers is," said Augustus Mordaunt, -who was standing by: "quite the Grecian head." "I look more to the -inside of the head," replied Mr. Temple, "and find it as admirable as -you do the outside." "You are always so warm in your admiration of your -young favourite, that I am really quite jealous," said his amiable wife, -with a look that expressed her love and pride in the speaker, and her -regard for the object spoken of. "I do indeed admire her; nay, youthful -as she is, I reverence her," resumed Mr. Temple. - -"And how did you happen to know so much of her?" asked Mrs. Galton; "for -she has been carefully secluded from the rest of the neighbourhood." - -"I was called upon to attend her in my pastoral office last winter, -during her dangerous illness; and having good reason to think that her -pillow was unsmoothed by any kind hand, I pitied her most sincerely; and -when we heard she was recovering, we both visited her frequently, and -without much difficulty prevailed on Mrs. Sullivan, to permit her to -come to the parsonage for change of air, where my ill-natured wife -nursed her for six weeks." "I think," said Mrs. Temple, "one becomes -better acquainted with a person in an invalide state, than in any other; -the sort of charge that the healthy take upon them for the sick, -entitles them to discard much of the formality of common intercourse." -"You are right, my dear; and the being that is in hourly uncertainty of -its stay here, is anxious to part with its fellow mortals, not only in -peace, but in love; and receives every proffered kindness with -gratitude. Impressed with these feelings," continued Mr. Temple, "Miss -Wildenheim suffered us to gain a knowledge of her disposition no other -circumstance could have procured us.--To know and not to admire her is -an impossibility!" - -Mrs. Sullivan, who had kept herself aloof to impress on her mind an -inventory of the furniture, and to listen to the whole company at once, -could no longer keep patience or restrain her indignation; and having -gathered sufficient to understand that Mr. and Mrs. Temple were praising -her lovely ward, she exclaimed with involuntary vehemence, "Lauk! how -can you admire Miss Wildenheim, with her sallow complexion, and such a -poke?" "Pardon me, Mrs. Sullivan," replied Mrs. Galton; "the only time I -ever met her I thought her complexion the most beautiful brunette I ever -saw: but perhaps her colour was heightened by exercise." "And her -carriage"--rejoined Mrs. Temple, with less ceremony, "is grace itself!" -"_Et vera incessu patuit Dea_[4]"--said the worthy rector to Mordaunt; -and, as he abhorred gossips, sheered off to the window, to ask him some -questions regarding his studies at Oxford. "Well, well!" resumed Mrs. -Sullivan, "I loves a girl as straight as the poplars at Islington, with -a good white skin, (casting a look of triumph at Cecilia); I never liked -none of them there outlandish folk: why she's for all the world like a -gipsy. My poor dear Mr. Sullivan didn't ought for to bring his casts-up -to me and my daughters, who are come of good havage!--If she and my -Carline wasn't sisters, they never would be so out of the way fond of -one another. If Miss was her natural mother, she couldn't make more of -her than she does now, for her father's sake: and my foolish little chit -thinks this Frenchified lady a nonsuch. I'll warrant me her schooling -cost a pretty penny in foreign parts, where she got that odorous twang -on her tongue; howsoever, she's culpable to teach my little girl to -jabber French; and, as one good turn deserves another, I takes a world -of pains to teach her not to misprison her words: and would you believe -it? she looks sometimes as if she had a mind to laugh; and then she -casts down her hugeous eyes, and colours up as red as a turkey cock, all -out of pride! But I'm resolved she shan't ruinate Carline's English; -I'll supersede that myself." - -[Footnote 4: - - And by her walk the queen of love is known. - - DRYDEN. -] - -Dinner being announced, prevented Mrs. Sullivan's female auditors from -making either comment or reply, except by an "alphabet of looks," which -had this sapient lady possessed sufficient shrewdness to decipher, she -would not have been much gratified by its import. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - Once on a time, so runs the fable, - A country mouse, right hospitable, - Received a town mouse at his board, - Just as a farmer would a lord. - - POPE. - - -The dessert was scarcely laid on the table and the servants withdrawn, -when a clatter of pattens and a loud talking announced the arrival of -the guests from Deane. Mrs. Galton and Miss Seymour were anxious to -retire immediately; but Mrs. Sullivan was too busily engaged paying her -devoirs to a fine peach, and her second daughter in monopolizing those -of Mr. Mordaunt, to attend the signal; whilst Miss Webberly was -slanderously attributing to the family of "Gases" affinities and -products that never before had been hinted at; and was so eagerly bent -on astonishing Mr. Temple by a discourse "_Enflé de vent, vide de -raison_," that some minutes elapsed before the _debouching_ was -effected. They however reached the huge fire-place, now decked in all -the pride of summer's bloom, which marked the centre of the -old-fashioned hall, before the finishing strokes were given to the -toilets of the newly-arrived party. "I declare here they all come!" -exclaimed Mrs. Martin; "Lucy, my dear, hold up your head. Here, put this -pocket-handkerchief in your bonnet for night, whilst I just slip your -shoes and stockings into your ridicule." "How d'ye do, Mrs. Galton? -Thank ye, ma'am, my Lucy's used to walking--never catches cold. We were -twice at Vauxhall last spring two year. Well certainly, Miss Seymour, -the country air does agree with you; you look vastly well. Pray, my dear -miss, isn't that Mrs. Sullivan and the two Miss Webberlys? They don't -seem to remember me. I'll just go and ask whether the currant wine I -made 'em a present of was good or not." So saying, the active Mrs. -Martin bustled up to Mrs. Sullivan to recommence her usual string of -queries, without waiting for an answer to any one of those she had -already made with such uninterrupted volubility. But Mrs. Sullivan's -pomposity was not to be discomposed by any sudden attack. She was by -this time sitting, or rather reclining, (for reposing it could not be -called) on the high-backed, hard-bottomed, uncushioned, damask-covered -sofa, which had not yet resigned its proud and ancient place against the -side wall of Sir Henry's drawing-room. She was paying as much attention -to Mrs. Galton's conversation as repeated yawns would permit, an -attention ostentatiously redoubled at the entrance of Mrs. Martin, while -Mrs. Lucas was balancing herself on the edge of an immoveable arm-chair, -assiduously offering her assenting monosyllable, and smiling "he hem" at -the close of every sentence the two ladies uttered, however -contradictory its import might be to the last expressed opinion. - -Mrs. Temple had in the mean time joined the young people who had -withdrawn to one of the deep recesses of the windows, collected together -in a groupe, by that indescribable attraction which is found in a -similarity of age, however unlike the characters or pursuits of the -different individuals may be. Some beautiful roses which filled an old -china vase, and scarcely rivalled its colours, served for the subject of -their conversation. "I suppose," said Miss Webberly, "you have plenty of -time, in this out of the way place, Miss Seymour, for the study of -botany and the fine arts. How I envy you! Now in town we have never no -time for nothing." "No, indeed," replied Miss Seymour, "I know nothing -of botany, though I delight in flowers." "Not understand botany!" "Why -indeed, my love Emily," interrupted Miss Cecilia Webberly, "no person -of taste likes those things now, they are quite out; indeed, 'the loves -of the plants' is a delightful book, that will always go down. I have it -almost off by heart. Don't you admire it, Miss Seymour?" "I have never -read it," answered Selina. "And what do you read?" continued Cecilia; "I -suppose you hardly ever get a new book at Slater's?" "Yes; do let us -hear what your studies are," said Miss Webberly, in a tone approaching -to contempt. "My employments scarcely deserve the name of studies," -modestly replied Selina. "I am very fond of drawing, and spend a great -deal of time in that occupation; but any information I receive from -books has been principally gathered from what Augustus reads out to my -aunt and me, whilst my father sleeps in an evening." "How extatic must -be your communication with Mr. Temple, my dear madam!" said Miss -Webberly, turning from Selina to Mrs. Temple; "yours must be the feast -of reason and the flow of soul. Does the vegetable creation ever attract -your notice?" "Yes;" quietly answered Mrs. Temple; "but I principally -cultivate flowers for the sake of my bees; they, you know, are my second -nursery." "And pray, while you are practising horticulture, do you think -you ever suffer from imbibing the hydrogen?" "To tell you the truth, my -dear Miss Webberly, I feel I so little understand either hydrogen or -oxygen, that I never think about them." "Nothing more easy! nothing more -easy, I assure you! Every body learns chemistry in town. I always attend -the Royal Institution;--Sir Humphrey Davy is so dear! so animated! so -delightful! I once asked him, 'My dear Sir Davy,' says I, 'what's the -distinction between oxygen and hydrogen?' 'Why,' says he, 'one is pure -gin, and the other gin and water.'" Poor Selina was as little capable of -enjoying the scientifical jargon of Miss Webberly, as she was of -comprehending the more fluent discourse of her sister, who had already -talked over the contents of Slater's library with Miss Martin and Miss -Lucas, and astonished them with a minute description of the last spring -fashions. The arrival of the tea and coffee was therefore to her no -unwelcome interruption. - -But the occupations attending the tea-table were scarcely commenced, -when the approach of Sir Henry Seymour from the dining-room was -announced by the quickly repeated sound of his knotted cane, which kept -due measure with his hurried footsteps along the well polished floor of -the hall, as it preserved the worthy baronet from its slippery -influence. "Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina!" exclaimed he, hastily -opening the door, "Who is it? what is it? are there any more asked to -day? have I forgot any one? bless my stars!" "What is the matter?" -exclaimed both ladies at once. "Matter!" quoth Sir Henry, "why a coach -and four's the matter, and a man galloping like the devil up the long -avenue is the matter. God forgive my swearing. Well, to be sure, that I -should never have thought of them! Who can it be? I have certainly -offended some of my neighbours! Good Lord!" The ladies had by this time -thronged to the windows to see the unusual sight, except Miss Webberly, -who affected to keep at a distance, though she could not refrain from -peeping over their heads as she stood on tip-toe. At the same instant, -all the family dogs joined in one chorus of welcome; and the equestrian, -arriving at full speed, jumped off his horse, and pulling the door-bell -with a vehemence it had seldom felt before, so electrified poor Sir -Henry, that he almost unconsciously repaired with unpremeditated haste -to the scene of action. "I say, old Square-toes," vociferated the -stranger, "is this Harry Seymour's castle?" "Ye-e-s," answered its -hospitable owner, whilst astonishment and indignation impeded his -utterance. "Ye-es! why you look as queer as the castle spectre yourself. -Well, send somebody for my horse, for here's my lord and lady; and, I -say, order beds." Perhaps Sir Henry would in his turn equally have -astonished his unexpected visitor, had not a sudden turn of the open -barouche, as it approached the door, presented to his view the faces of -Lord and Lady Eltondale. "Why, Gad's my life! Good Lord! Selina, here's -your aunt! Good Lord! well to be sure!" The name of "aunt," a title that -always called forth from Selina's affectionate heart sentiments of the -tenderest gratitude and delight, acted like a talisman on the lovely -girl, and brought her in an instant to the spot with sparkling eyes, -glowing cheeks, and steps of fairy lightness; while Mrs. Galton, who -better knew _the aunt_ she was about to meet, advanced to offer a more -sober, though not less polite reception. - -From the side of the barouche next the door descended Lord Eltondale, -with as much activity as his unwieldy body would permit, encumbered as -it was by an immense bang-up coat, which, by a moderate computation of -the specific gravity of like solids, would in all probability have -increased the weight of the ponderous carcase it enclosed to nearly that -of his Lordship's own prize ox. With much less alacrity his fair spouse -prepared to alight; an open pelisse, wrapped in a thousand folds, -partially concealed her yet beautiful figure, while an enormous London -_rustic_ bonnet, with the affectation of simplicity and the real stamp -of fashion, equally disguised her face. During that time, Lord -Eltondale, in no subdued tone of voice, was expressing his lively -pleasure at meeting Sir Henry, almost dislocating Mrs. Galton's wrists -with the fervency of salutation, and with no less zeal imprinting -oscular proofs of satisfaction on the fair retiring cheek of his niece. -Lady Eltondale had full time to kiss her white hand in turn to each -individual, to commit her smelling-bottle and work bag to the particular -charge of the footman who had preceded them, and to descend leisurely -from the carriage with apparent timidity, but real anxiety, to save her -shawls, and exhibit her well-turned ancle to Mordaunt, who supported her -faltering steps. - -"Why, Gad's my life, I'm glad to see you all, though I never should have -thought of it," exclaimed Sir Henry, his wig nearly as much turned round -as the brains underneath it. "Why, Bell, what the devil brings you -here?--Come to spend the summer, eh, with that chaise full of band -boxes? Well, to be sure, to think of your coming to Deane Hall again! -But I can't reach your mouth till you kick off that trumpet you've on." -"Good God!" exclaimed Lady Eltondale with an involuntary shudder, but -instantaneously recovering herself, "I am quite delighted, my dear -brother, to find you in such charming spirits. How do, Mrs. Galton? I -declare you look younger than ever. And Selina! why, child, you are -almost as tall as I am." Selina's first impulse had been to throw -herself into Lady Eltondale's arms, believing innocently that an "aunt" -was another Mrs. Galton. But the boisterous _bonhomie_ of the Viscount's -compliments, and still more the fashionable frigidity of Lady -Eltondale's address, were repulsive to her feelings, and she -unconsciously withdrew to that part of the hall to which Mordaunt had -retired, whilst a tear trembled on her long eye-lashes. "She is not at -all like aunt Mary," said Selina in a half whisper, "I'm sure I shan't -like her." "But she will surely like you, Selina," answered -Mordaunt.--"Come, you foolish girl," continued he, taking her hand, -"don't you know aunt Mary said this morning, you were almost old enough -to do the honours yourself! Let us see your _coup d'essai_." Meantime -Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton led the travellers to the drawing-room, and -introduced them to the wondering party they had left there. - -Lady Eltondale returned their salutations with a sweeping reverence, -between a bow and a curtsy, accompanied by one of her most fascinating -smiles; and walking deliberately to the head of the room, "I am afraid, -my dear Mrs. Galton, we have discomposed you;--we have arrived at an -unseasonable moment," said her Ladyship in a voice of dulcet sweetness; -though this demi-apology was accompanied by a look round the room, which -plainly indicated that the fair speaker felt assured her arrival would -at any time have discomposed _such_ a company. "Well, Sir Henry," -bellowed out Lord Eltondale, "how goes on the farm? I shall taste your -beef admirably--I'm confoundedly hungry." "Hungry!--Beef--Good -Lord!--Bless my heart, haven't dined yet? Now I should never have -thought of that! Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina! do order something to -be got ready directly. Bless my heart--not dined! why it's past seven -o'clock! James! John! I say, Wilson!" "Pray, my dear brother," said the -Viscountess, seating herself, "don't trouble yourself; a pâttié, a -Maintenon, anything will do for us." "Aye, aye, Sir Henry, give us a -beef steak or a mutton chop; any thing will do for us, if there is but -enough." Lady Eltondale's fragile form underwent that species of -delicate convulsion, between a shudder of horror and a shrug of -contempt, which was her usual commentary on her lord's speeches; and -very calmly untying her bonnet, she threw it on a chair at some -distance, and discovered a little French cap, from beneath which a -glossy ringlet of jet black hair had strayed not quite unbidden. She -then no less leisurely proceeded to slip from under her silken coat, of -which young Webberly, with officious velocity, flew to relieve her, -though she still retained as many shawls as she could well dispose of in -attitudinal drapery, without regarding the too apparent contrast they -formed to the transparent summer clothing, which shaded, but scarcely -hid her once perfect form. Mrs. Sullivan's impatience to be recognized -would not suffer her to wait till the tedious ceremony of disrobing was -finished; but finding her curtsies, and her nods, and her smiles, and -her flutterings, had not yet procured her the notice she was so -ambitious to obtain, she gave an audible preluding "hem!" and then -addressed Lady Eltondale with "'Pon honour, my lady, I'm delighted to -counter your ladyship. Your ladyship looks wastly vell. How is that 'ere -pretty cretur, your Ladyship's monkey?" Lady Eltondale turning her head -quickly round at the first sound of the sharp discordant voice that now -assailed her ear, saw something so irresistibly attractive in the vessel -of clay from which it proceeded, that she found it impossible -immediately to withdraw her eyes, and, taking up her glass, remained in -total silence for some moments, examining the grotesque figure opposite -to her, displayed as it was to particular advantage in the operation of -opening and shutting a brilliant scarlet fan with accelerated motion. -"Forgive me, my dear madam--I am quite ashamed; but really your name has -escaped my recollection:--your person I should think impossible to -forget." A polite inclination of an admirably turned head and neck -concealed the sarcasm of this equivocal compliment. "To be sure, my -lady," continued the gratified Mrs. Sullivan, "ve town ladies can't get -our wisiting lists off book like primers, he! he! he!--Sulliwan, my -lady, Sulliwan's my name, and them there two girls are my daughters, and -that there----" "Indeed, Mrs. Silly-one, you do me much honour," -interrupted her Ladyship. "Selina, my love, I want to talk to you;--how -goes on music?" "I think, Lady Eltondale," said Miss Cecilia Webberly, -with assumed _nonchalance_, "the last time you and I were together was -at the Lord Mayor's ball--a sweet girl that Lucy Nathin is!" "Brother, -you must let La Fayette dress this dear girl's hair to-morrow; these -ringlets will be _superbe_ done _à la corbeille_." "Yes, my Lady, I -quite agree with you, my Lady. All Miss Seymour vants is a little -winishing and warnishing, as we hearties say. Her bodies ought to be cut -down, my Lady; and her petticoats cut up, my Lady, and she would be -quite another guess figure, my Lady. Six weeks in town would quite -halter her hair and her mane; and as for music, Pinsheette's the man to -improve her in vice." "Pucit-ta-a-a, mother!" screamed Cecilia, "can you -ever learn that man's name?" - -A most opportune summons to the "beef-steak" relieved Lady Eltondale -from the discussion, which was on the point of commencing between mother -and daughter. She rose with an air of dignity, that immediately silenced -both combatants; and, while she leaned on Sir Henry's offered arm, she -drew Selina's through her own, and, turning to Mrs. Galton, said with a -bewitching smile, "You must spare this Hebe to be my cup-bearer. I -almost envy you having monopolized her so long, notwithstanding all she -has gained by it." Mordaunt, who had hitherto stood aloof, now advanced -to open the door for them, and smiled significantly to Selina as they -passed; while Webberly, who had just sense enough to perceive the -distance of Lady Eltondale's manner, called loudly for his mother's -carriage. The rest of the party, who had hitherto remained in dumb -astonishment, gladly took the hint, and began the tedious ceremony of -curtsying, bidding good night, and packing up; leaving Mrs. Galton at -liberty to do the honours of the second dinner table, which lasted till -nearly the hour when the good Baronet usually retired to rest. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - And all your wit--your most distinguished art, - But makes us grieve you want an honest heart! - - BROWN. - - -Lady Eltondale was arrived at the meridian of life, and no longer -boasted the charms of youth, "_Elle ne fut pas plus jolie; mais elle fut -toujours belle_:" and perhaps the finished polish of her manners, and -matured elegance of her person, were now scarcely less attractive than -the loveliness of her earlier days had been: for beautiful she once was; - - "Grace was in all her steps--Heav'n in her eye, - In all her gestures dignity:" - -and, if "love" could have been added, she would have been, almost, -faultless.--But a cold, selfish disposition blasted the fair promise; -it was, "a frost, a chilling frost," that withered every bud of virtue! -And yet she was not absolutely wicked; she could not be accused of -having a _bad_ heart; it might rather be said she had no heart at -all.--And with every other requisite to form perfection in a female -character, this one defect neutralized all the bounteous gifts of -nature--her very talents, like those of Prometheus, were perverted, and -preyed on her own soul; whilst the aching void, left by the total -absence of all the nameless charities of life, she had vainly -endeavoured to fill up by a restless, endless passion for scheming, -either for herself or others.--She would, perhaps, have shuddered at the -thought of designedly laying a plan to undermine the happiness of -another; yet such were the sophistical powers of her mind, that she -seldom failed in sincerely persuading herself, that whatever plan she -proposed to execute, was, in reality, the most desirable that could be -adopted,--and, with this conviction, she had scarcely ever been known -to relinquish a project she had once formed, and seldom failed, either -by art or perseverance, to obtain her end. - -Her history was a very common one--Her father died while she was young, -leaving her mother and herself a comfortable, though not a splendid -provision, as all the landed property descended to her brother, Sir -Henry Seymour, who was many years older than she was. - -The dowager lady Seymour, a weak woman, but indulgent parent, was easily -prevailed on by her lovely daughter, to choose London for her place of -residence; and when Sir Henry married, their visits to Deane Hall, which -had never been frequent entirely ceased. Miss Seymour meantime took -every advantage of the opportunities her new line of life afforded. She -cultivated with assiduity and success every brilliant accomplishment, -and was admired even more than her own vanity, and her mother's blind -partiality, had taught her to expect. Her pretensions rose in proportion -to her success; and at one time she fancied nothing less than a ducal -coronet could render the chains of matrimony supportable. At last, -however, after a thousand schemes and speculations, in a moment of -pique, she accepted the title of viscountess, which was all Lord -Eltondale had to offer, except a splendid temporary establishment; as -nearly all his property was entailed on his son by a former marriage. -Indeed, so dissimilar were their tastes, characters, and pursuits, that -their union was a seven days' wonder; and would not, perhaps, ever have -taken place, had not Miss Seymour, in the prosecution of a far different -plan, at first unguardedly encouraged, or rather provoked, Lord -Eltondale's addresses; and he, "good easy man," _had not time_ to -develope the cause of the flattering selection. - -Lord Eltondale was one of those unoffending, undistinguished mortals, -who would most probably have returned to his original clay unnoticed and -unwept, had not fortune, in one of her most sportive moods, hung a -coronet on his brow, and thus dragged the Cymon into observation. He -possessed neither talents nor acquirements, and held "the harmless -tenour of his way" in equal mean betwixt vice and virtue. - -By nature he was a gourmand, and by fashion a farmer; for, strange to -say, amongst the other changes this century has produced, not the least -remarkable is the insatiable ambition of our peers to rival--not their -ancestors--but their coachmen and ploughmen. But, even in the only -science Lord Eltondale affected to understand, his learning was only -superficial: he delighted in going through the whole farming vocabulary; -could talk for hours of threshing machines, and drilling machines, and -Scotch ploughs, and bush harrows; particularly if he was so fortunate -as to meet with an auditor, whose learning on those subjects did not -transcend his own. He was also an inimitable judge of the peculiar merit -of sheep and oxen, when they were transformed into beef and mutton: but -of real useful agriculture, that art which is one of England's proudest -boasts, he only knew enough to entitle him to imitate a clown in -appearance, and to constitute him an honorary member of different -farming societies; which, besides procuring him sundry good dinners, -particularly suited the supineness of his disposition, by giving him an -excuse, "_De ne rien faire, en toujours faisant des riens_[5]." - -[Footnote 5: To do nothing in always doing nothings.] - -Such was the partner the lovely Miss Seymour chose for life; and as the -death of her mother, and that of the only child she ever had, occurred -before the expiration of the second year of her marriage, she was left -without any tie to attach her to a domestic life; while her own -conscious superiority to her lord deprived her of any support from him, -which might have guided her, as she swam on the highest wave of fashion. - -Sir Henry Seymour experienced at least as much surprise as pleasure, at -such an unexpected visit from his sister and the viscount; but he did -not suspect the object of it, till her ladyship herself explained it to -him the following morning. Indeed the only motive that could have been -strong enough, to induce her to return, even for a few hours, to a place -she so much abhorred, was that which now had brought her; namely, an -anxious desire to promote a marriage between Selina Seymour and her -step-son, Mr. Elton. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that her -extravagance, and her lord's indolence, had already swallowed up any -ready money they had originally possessed, and that whenever the -property came into the hands of Frederick Elton, little, if any thing, -would be left for her support, except what she should receive from his -generosity; and therefore she had determined to secure for him one of -the richest and loveliest brides England could offer, believing, that by -so doing she should not only increase his power of being generous, but -also establish her claims on his everlasting gratitude. It is true she -was not certain, that such a step would ensure the happiness, or even -meet the approbation of Frederick. On that point, strange as it may -appear, Lady Eltondale had bestowed but little consideration, -(self-interest being always paramount in her mind), as this plan would -be certainly beneficial to herself, she determined to consider it -equally advantageous to him. In fine, she had been the first to suggest -it; she had long meditated on it, and at last resolved upon it: having -thus made up her own mind, the difficulties which might occur in the -prosecution of her scheme, if any should arise, would but make her more -solicitous for its accomplishment. - -At first Lady Eltondale found some little difficulty in persuading Sir -Henry to accede to her proposal; not that he for a moment recollected -the cruelty of engaging irrevocably his daughter's hand, before he even -enquired into the state of her affections; or that he reflected on the -danger of confiding a character so volatile as was Selina's to the -guardianship of a young man they were both totally unacquainted with. -Sir Henry only hesitated, from an unwillingness to part from her -himself; for he was one of those fatally partial parents, who, prizing -too highly their daughters' society, often sacrifice their happiness to -that selfish consideration. But to every objection he could urge Lady -Eltondale had some specious answer ready: she reminded him, that Mr. -Elton was then abroad, and that his return might possibly be delayed -for some time; dwelt upon the excellence of his character; and finally, -more by perseverance than argument, succeeded in obtaining Sir Henry's -promise, that he would consent to their marriage taking place, as soon -as Frederick returned from the continent. Lady Eltondale well understood -that magic, which is the empire a strong mind exercises over a weaker; -and had so well worked on all the springs of poor Sir Henry's, that he -gave the required promise as explicitly as she demanded it; for she was -well aware, that if once she prevailed on him to give such a promise, -not even his deference to Mrs. Galton's opinion would induce him to -break it. But as of the tendency of that opinion Lady Eltondale had a -sort of presentiment, she wished to save herself the trouble of -combating it; and therefore prevailed on her brother not to mention it -during the short remainder of her stay at the Hall, on the pretence of -sparing her "dear Selina's feelings;" and as he was for many reasons -not unwilling to dismiss the subject from his thoughts, he agreed to the -required silence. - -The evening of that day, which sealed Selina's destiny, passed over -without any particular circumstance to mark its progress, save only that -Lady Eltondale was even, if possible, more attractive than ever. She -eminently possessed that "complaisance, which adopts the ideas of others -as its own; and all that politeness, in fine, which perhaps is not -virtue itself, yet is sometimes its captivating resemblance, which gives -laws to self-love, and enables pride to pass every instant by the side -of pride, without offending." This art she was in the daily habit of -exercising towards all her associates; but to delude or flatter Mrs. -Galton, Lady Eltondale always felt, was a task of no small difficulty. -Her penetration and her modesty were both too great to be easily evaded; -and her character was composed of such delicate tints, blended -insensibly into so admirable a whole, that to bring forward only one -part seemed to destroy that unity, which constituted its perfection. -Besides, Mrs. Galton was so true, so simple, in all she said, and -thought, and did, that she seemed sanctified by her own purity: and -though the artful viscountess could not feel all the beauty of such a -mind, its very greatness, unadorned as it was, impressed her with an awe -so unusual, that the stranger feeling degenerated into repugnance and -distrust. Yet even to her her manner on the eventful night was -complaisant in the extreme--to Sir Henry it was affectionate, to Selina -indulgent; and to Mordaunt a veil of tempered coquetry gave a dazzling -attraction to all her words, looks, and actions. In her intercourse with -him, she chose to avail herself of all the privileges she could derive -from her seniority; while the fascinations of her wit, the elegance of -her manner, and the real beauty of her person, gave her a dangerous -power over an unpractised heart, which the artless charms of -inexperienced youth dared not have used, and could scarcely have -possessed. Little aware were the innocent members of the circle she was -delighting, that her increased animation and her improved charms arose -from the glow of conscious pride, as she triumphantly reflected on the -success of her scheme; a scheme which, nevertheless, she had sufficient -penetration to discover, would blight the fairest prospects of those she -appeared most sedulous to please; and which might destroy for ever the -happiness of a scene, that, till the moment of her intrusion, had -bloomed another Paradise. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - Ah! gentle pair, ye little think, how nigh - Your change approaches, when all these delights - Will vanish, and deliver ye to wo, - More wo, the more your taste is now of joy! - - PARADISE LOST. - -The next morning, notwithstanding its being Sunday, was fixed for the -departure of the Eltondales for Cheltenham; as, in addition to Lady -Eltondale's dread of passing a Sunday evening at the Hall, the hallowed -day was one usually set apart by her and her obedient lord for -travelling. - -The whole of Sir Henry's household, unused to such an appropriation of -the Sabbath, was thrown into disorder. The arrival of the post horses; -the bustle and importance of the servants who were departing, with the -confusion of those who were to remain; the enumeration of the packages -by Madame La Fayette, who was, if possible, a finer lady than her -mistress; and the awkward, and perhaps not quite unintentional, mistakes -of her aides-de-camp the house-maids, in their arrangement, presented -altogether a scene of clamour that totally dismayed poor quiet Sir -Henry: and even Mrs. Galton could scarcely refrain from expressing a -part of her discomposure, at perceiving the slow progress, that was -actually making in the work of preparation, would effectually prevent -either the domestics or themselves joining their worthy pastor in his -public worship. At last Lady Eltondale appeared, to partake of what she -called the early breakfast; and before this affair, always so important -to the Viscount, was concluded, the different forms of farewell had been -gone through, and the last part of the train had fairly moved from the -door, the greatest portion of the morning was elapsed. Selina stood at -the library window, watching the rapid motion of the carriages, and the -spirited action of the postilions; as, cracking their whips over the -horses' heads, they turned out of the long avenue, and disappeared down -the hill. She listened for some time, involuntarily wishing to hear -again the sound of the carriage wheels; then turning suddenly round, and -casting her eye hastily over the dark damask hangings and massy -furniture of the room, wondered why she had never before seen it look so -gloomy as it now appeared. Mrs. Galton, who had silently marked the -changes of that countenance, which so eloquently depicted every passing -idea, now abruptly asked her, what she had been thinking of. Selina -started and colored. But, as yet, she had never been conscious of a -thought she would not wish to own; and, with her usual ingenuousness, -replied--"I wonder, Aunt, what sort of place Cheltenham is? How I -should like to go there!"--"I dare say, Lady Eltondale would gladly have -taken you there, Selina," replied Mrs. Galton, with a look of sadness, -blended with anxiety.--"But you don't think, surely, I should like to -leave you and Papa behind?--no; if you, and Papa, and Augustus, would -all come with me, I should be delighted to go! but not else." So saying, -she threw her polished arms round Mrs. Galton's neck, and kissing her -cheek with an effusion of affection, gave a gratifying and unequivocal -proof of the sincerity of her assertion. - -Meantime, Sir Henry had strolled out, leaning on the arm of Augustus: at -last, after a silence unusually prolonged, the Baronet exclaimed, "Good -Lord! bless my heart, who would have thought, this day se'ennight, that -Bell and Lord Eltondale would have been come and gone again by this -time?"--"She must have been very beautiful," returned Mordaunt. "Aye, -she was once very handsome indeed," replied Sir Henry.--"Bless my -heart, how time passes on! I remember the winter she was presented at -Court, how much she was admired! and good Lord! how things come about: -every body said she was to have been married to your uncle, Lord -Osselstone, though, I believe, there was never any truth in the report. -That was the very year you were born, Augustus, two-and-twenty years -ago, last Michaelmas. I have never been in London since; and, please -God, never shall!" Augustus had attended more to his own thoughts, than -to Sir Henry's observations; and would perhaps have continued his -reverie, had not the old man's silence had the effect of rousing him, -which his conversation had not. "I think," said he, at last, "Selina is -very like her aunt: her eyes, to be sure, sparkle more, and her -countenance is more animated, but her figure is nearly the same, if she -were but a very little taller."--"Aye," returned Sir Henry, with a -sigh, "Selina will grow a great deal yet, I dare say.--Well, to be sure, -who would have thought it? Bless my heart, she was but a child the other -day: and then," he added, after a few moment's pause, "I wonder what -sort of a chap that Frederick Elton is? I wonder will he like to play -backgammon with me of an evening, as Selina does? Poor girl! he mustn't -think of taking her to London, it would be the death of me, God help -me!" - -"Frederick Elton!" rejoined Augustus, "Good God, sir! what do you mean?" -"Aye, Augustus, I thought you would be surprised. Bless my heart! why, I -never should have thought of it myself. Do you know, Bell and Lord -Eltondale came all this way out of their road to ask my consent to -Selina's marrying his son Frederick Elton? It was very kind of them to -think of it, to be sure; but I had rather they hadn't troubled -themselves." "Well, sir, well surely, Sir Henry, you didn't give it?" -"Bless my heart! well, to be sure, what makes you stare so?--to be sure -I gave it. What had I to say against the young man? and Bell told me he -would always like to live here." "And Selina, Miss Seymour, has given -her consent too?" "Oh, poor child! she knows nothing about it yet;--I -haven't told her a word of it.--But what makes you shiver so? Are you -cold? Why, Augustus, boy, you look as pale as ashes! Good Lord!--Bless -my heart, what's the matter with you?" "Nothing, sir, I've only a -confounded head-ache, which a ride will cure." So saying, he turned -abruptly from Sir Henry, who had by this time reached the hall door, and -resumed his knotty cane. "Good Lord! well to be sure, he's not half so -happy about it as I expected he would have been. I wonder what Mrs. -Galton will say." And the doubt of the possibility of her not approving -the plan, as he knew she was not partial to Lady Eltondale's plans in -general, made him at first hesitate about informing her. But the habit -he had acquired of consulting her on all occasions, and a certain -restless anxiety, which persons of weak minds always feel to have their -opinions or actions sanctioned by others, at last preponderated; and he -retired to his study, after sending to request to speak to Mrs. Galton, -fortifying himself, previous to her appearance, with as many of Lady -Eltondale's arguments as he could recal to his disturbed memory. - -Mrs. Galton was not as entirely unprepared for the communication as poor -Augustus had been. She knew enough of Lady Eltondale's character to -surmise, that her sudden re-appearance at Deane Hall could neither have -been unpremeditated or without design; and, from some hints which Lady -Eltondale had casually dropped in the course of conversation, her -penetration had led her to form some tolerably accurate surmises on the -subject. When, therefore, she entered the study, she was more grieved -than surprised at the looks of painful emotion, with which Sir Henry -received her. The poor old man, embarrassed with his own thoughts, began -with more circumlocution than explicitness, to relate the circumstances, -and ended a most perplexed speech by abruptly informing Mrs. Galton of -the proposal. "It is as I expected," calmly replied she. "Aye! aye!" -exclaimed the delighted Baronet, "I knew if any one would guess it you -would.--I should never have thought of it myself." "But have you given -your consent, Sir Henry?" "Given my consent--Good Lord! what do you -mean! Well to be sure, all the world's run mad to-day, I think! Why, -bless my heart! didn't you say it was what you expected?" "I could not -expect; my dear sir, that you would give your consent to any proposal on -which the future happiness of Selina's whole life depends, without -deliberation, and a proper understanding and consideration of her -feelings on the subject." "But, good Lord! I tell you again I _have_ -given my consent." "Not irrevocably, I hope, Sir Henry; you know nothing -of Mr. Elton's character, taste, or disposition; you know nothing.--" -"God forgive me for being in a passion," interrupted Sir Henry, "but the -perverseness of women is enough to provoke a saint, which, the Lord help -me, I'm not.--But you know, Mrs. Galton," continued he, in a more -moderate tone, "you know Frederick Elton is a connection of our -own;--and as for our not being acquainted with him--don't you remember -he came here from school one Easter holidays, and gave Selina the -measles by the same token, poor child!" "Forgive me, Sir Henry," calmly -replied Mrs. Galton, "but I do not think that is knowing him well enough -to decide on his title to Selina's esteem; and, believe me, that dear -girl will never be happy unless she marries a man she not only esteems -but loves." "Well, and didn't Lady Eltondale tell me Selina would -certainly love Frederick Elton? She says he is twice as handsome as -Augustus Mordaunt; which, good Lord! is unnecessary, for Augustus, poor -boy, is as fine a young man as ever I saw in my life." "Aye, poor -Augustus!" sorrowfully exclaimed Mrs. Galton, "he would indeed have been -happy with Selina, and God knows, he is the character that of all others -would best have suited her." "Augustus Mordaunt, Mrs. Galton! Well to be -sure! Good Lord! who would have thought of that! However, poor boy, -though I don't give him Selina, I'll take care to give him something -else--he shall never be dependent on that old uncle of his." - -Mrs. Galton saw it was in vain to contend at that moment with the -Baronet, who was fully convinced that his promise was irrevocable, and -that after all it was the best thing he could do, for Bell had told him -so. All that Mrs. Galton could procure was a promise no less positive, -that he would not give Selina the most distant hint of the project, by -which she hoped not only to prolong her present days of peace, but also -faintly flattered herself, that something might occur to prevent their -union, between then and the time of Mr. Elton's return from abroad. - -In the mean time Augustus prosecuted his useless ride-- - - "Il va monter en cheval pour bannir son ennui, - Le chagrin monte en croupe et galoppe après lui." - -Finding solitary reflection rather increased than cured his malady, he -at last determined to open his heart, to his reverend friend, Mr. -Temple; and, alighting at the parsonage, sent his servant back to the -hall, to say he should not return to dinner--an intimation which -considerably increased the gloom which pervaded the countenance of each -individual of the trio, that was seated in silence round the -dinner-table. Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton were each occupied by their own -reflections; and Selina felt depressed, not only by the unusual absence -of Augustus, but also from the effects of that vacuum, which the -departure of guests, however few in number, always makes in a country -house. After dinner she strolled listlessly from one room to another; -took up and laid down, alternately, all the books that lay on the -library table; sauntered to the harpsichord, and played parts of several -anthems, without finishing any, and stopping every five minutes, in the -vain belief that she heard the trampling of Mordaunt's horse. At last, -at an hour long before her usual bed-time, she retired to her room, -wondering what could keep him so late, and thinking she had never spent -so long, so tiresome an evening; whilst she involuntarily contrasted it -with the hours winged on swiftest pinions, which the fascinations of -Lady Eltondale's manners had so delightfully beguiled the night before. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - ----Men - Can counsel and give comfort to that grief, - Which they themselves not feel. - - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. - - -Augustus met with his usual kind reception at the parsonage; nor was it -long before he found the opportunity he wished of consulting his -earliest and most revered friend; for Mrs. Temple quickly perceived, -that something hung heavy on the bosom of this young man, whom she loved -almost as a son, and therefore soon retired from the dinner-table, -leaving the two gentlemen _tête à tête_, believing that he would find as -much comfort as she ever did, from conversing freely with him who was -"her guide, her head;" for, like our first parents, they lived, "he for -God only, she for God in him." - -No sooner did Augustus find himself alone with Mr. Temple, than his -oppressed heart found a ready vent, and he poured into the sympathetic -ear of his reverend auditor a full detail of all his feelings. He had -first discovered how ardently he loved Selina, at the moment he had -learned she was destined for another; and he described, with all the -eloquence of passion, the agony, the despair he now experienced. Mr. -Temple had not yet forgotten what it was to love; and, "though time had -thinn'd his flowing hair," his feelings had not yet become torpid under -its benumbing influence. He could listen with patience, and even pity, -to the wild effusions of his favourite's grief, while he waited calmly -till the first burst of passion should subside, and leave room for the -exercise of sober reason.--"Come, come, my dear Augustus," said he, at -last, "your case is neither a singular nor a desperate one: there are -very few young men of your age, that do not fancy themselves as deeply -in love as you do now, and, of the number, not one in five hundred marry -the object of their first choice: indeed it is often very fortunate for -them they do not."--"But Selina Seymour! where is such another woman to -be found?" exclaimed Augustus: and then, with all a lover's vehemence, -did he expatiate on her "matchless charms." "I grant you," replied Mr. -Temple, "she is a very delightful girl; and, as far as we can judge, is -likely to make a most estimable woman. But you know her disposition is -naturally volatile in the extreme, and much of her future character will -depend on her future guides. Well, well, we will not dispute on the -degree of her merits," continued Mr. Temple, seeing Mordaunt ready to -take up the gauntlet in her defence;--"hear me only with calmness, and I -will promise to confine my observations as much as I can to yourself. -You know, my dear boy, you are yet very young, and very inexperienced. -It is true you have been three years at Oxford. But of the world you may -literally be said to know nothing. Selina is now certainly the most -charming woman you have yet seen; but how can you be sure she will -always hold her pre-eminence in your estimation? Aye, my dear fellow, -you need not tell me;--I know you are at this moment perfectly convinced -of your own inviolable constancy, and so forth. But let me tell you, you -do not yourself know yet what would, and what would not, constitute your -happiness in a wedded life. The girl, whose vivacity and animation we -delight in at seventeen, may turn out a frivolous and even contemptible -character at seven and twenty. And can you picture to yourself a greater -calamity, than being obliged to drag on the lengthened chain of -existence with a companion, to whose fate yours is linked for ever, -without one tone of feeling in unison with yours; to whom your pleasures -and your griefs are alike unknown, or, if known, never comprehended; and -where every misery is aggravated by a certainty that your fate is -irremediable--when - - 'Life nothing blighter or darker can bring;' - -when - - 'Joy has no balm, and affliction no sting?' - -"It is very true that you think now, because Selina's pursuits have -hitherto been similar to yours, that her character must likewise be in -sympathy with yours. But, though I grant that it appears so now, I deny -that it is in any way so formed as to be safely depended on. She is very -young and very docile; and, believe me, her disposition, chameleon-like, -will, most probably, take the shade of whomsoever she associates -with:--'_Dimmi con chi vai, e vi diso quel che fai_[6].' You say, if -you were her husband you would be her guide; and that similitude of -character, now faintly traced, would be confirmed for ever. But without -dwelling on the argument, that your own is yet scarcely formed, let me -remind you, that Selina is even still more ignorant of the world than -yourself. Let me ask you, even in this moment of unrestrained passion, -would you consent to accept that dear innocent girl's hand, without a -certainty that with it you received her heart? And how could you be -certain of her affection, till time and experience, by maturing her -judgment, had confirmed her feelings? How, Augustus, would you support -the conviction, nay the bare suspicion, that when, as your wife, you -first introduced her to that world from which she has hitherto lived so -totally secluded, she should meet with another, whom she even thought -she could have preferred to you; and, while you continued to gaze on her -with the eye of tenderest love, you found your heart's warm offering -received with the cold petrifying glance of indifference? You shudder at -the very thought. Think, then, how the arrow that wounded you would be -doubly sharpened, if the slanderous tooth of envy galled your fair fame, -by accusing you of having secured to yourself Sir Henry Seymour's -property by marrying his heiress, before the poor girl was old enough to -judge for herself. What, then, my dear boy," said Mr. Temple, grasping -his hand with a fervour almost paternal, whilst his eyes swam in tears, -"What, then, Augustus, is the result of these observations, more painful -to me to make than to you to hear? You acknowledge you would not even -wish to marry Selina under these existing circumstances. What then is -your misery? Look at it boldly in the face; and, trust me, few are the -anticipated evils of life, which, by being steadily gazed at, do not -dwindle into insignificance. Lord Eltondale has proposed his son to be -Miss Seymour's husband; and the match is sufficiently desirable, in a -worldly point of view, to obtain Sir Henry Seymour's consent. But -Selina, you say, knows nothing of it yet, and has never seen Mr. Elton. -What then does it all come to? Why, when she does see him, if she does -not like him, do you think her father would force her to marry him? and -if she should like him, would you accept her hand, even if it were -offered to you?" - -[Footnote 6: Tell me with whom she goes, and I'll tell you what she -does.] - -Mr. Temple had not so long continued his discourse without frequent -interruptions from Augustus, who could not at first easily be persuaded -to assent to assertions, which tended to destroy the fairy dream of -bliss that floated in his imagination. By degrees, however, as his -judgment cooled, he acceded to the plain but severe truths which Mr. -Temple uttered; while the deference and regard, which his pupil had -always felt for the excellent old man, served still more effectually to -obtain the conviction he aimed at, than even the logical strength of his -reasoning. - -By degrees, Mordaunt not only confessed the truth of his remarks, but -submitted to the wise plan of conduct, which Mr. Temple laid down for -him. - -He proposed that Augustus should immediately leave the hall, and return -to the prosecution of his studies at Oxford, leaving to time not only -the development of Selina's character, but also the proof of to what -extent he was actually attached to her. - -Their conversation was prolonged to a late hour; and when Mordaunt -returned home, the family had all retired to rest, and the door was -opened by a servant, who, at the same time, shaded with his hand the -glimmering candle, which but partially illuminated the darkly -wain-scotted hall. Augustus felt a chill creep through his veins as he -quickly traversed it; and walking mechanically into the empty -drawing-room, stopped a few minutes in melancholy silence. The music -Selina had been playing was carelessly strewed over the harpsichord; the -sermon book, in which Mrs. Galton had been reading, was laid open on the -table; and Sir Henry's knotted cane had fallen down beside the chair, in -which he usually took his evening nap. A sort of involuntary reflection -passed through the mind of Augustus, that he might never again meet -those three beloved individuals in that room, which had hitherto been to -him the scene of his happiest hours; and shrinking from the melancholy -train of ideas which this reflection gave birth to, he hastily retired -to his room, though not to rest. Many a time, during that wakeful night, -did the same reflection cross his mind; and many a time, in his future -life, did it recur to his recollection with a poignant force. So often -does it happen that melancholy fancies, occasioned in the mind by the -temporary pressure of sorrow, are recalled to the memory by subsequent -events, and, dignified by the accidental confirmation of casual -circumstances, receive the name of _prophetic warnings_. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - _Sneer._--True; but I think you manage ill: for there certainly - appears no reason why Mr. Walter should be so communicative. - - _Puff._--For, egad now, that is one of the most ungrateful - observations I ever heard;--for the less inducement he has to tell - all this, the more I think you ought to be obliged to him; for I am - sure you'd know nothing of the matter without it. - - _Dangle._--That's very true, upon my word. - - THE CRITIC. - - -Augustus rose next morning at the first dawn of light; and, anxious to -avoid seeing Selina, whilst agitated by the unhappy feelings that had -now taken possession of his mind, left the hall before any of the family -were up, and in a short note, excused the abruptness of his departure, -by informing Sir Henry, that he had the evening before received at the -village a letter, to inform him that his Oxford friends had set out on -their long promised excursion to the lakes. - -Selina, though totally unconscious of the real cause of his absence, -felt it with unusual acuteness, which Mrs. Galton remarked with regret, -and for some time vainly endeavoured to turn her thoughts into their -usual channel. At length they were in some degree diverted by the -arrival of a letter from Lady Eltondale to Sir Henry, enclosing one from -Frederick Elton to his father; for Sir Henry's noble sister was fully -aware, that it was adviseable to remind him, from time to time, of the -existence of this young man, that such reminiscence might refresh his -memory as to his promise respecting him. - -Mr. Elton had been three years abroad, during which time he had kept up -a constant though not very confidential correspondence with his father; -for, dreading Lady Eltondale's satire, and knowing she was in the habit -of reading all his letters, he pictured to himself her smile of -contempt, or shrug of pity, at what she would term his romance, with a -repugnance he could not summon resolution to encounter: so that, though -his colloquial intercourse with his father was that of the most perfect -confidence, his written communications might have been posted on a -gateway, without the smallest detriment to his prospects in life. But, -as he thus felt himself debarred of the happiness of expressing, without -reserve, to his first and best friend, all his feelings and wishes, he -endeavoured to console himself for this deprivation, by a most -undisguised correspondence with a Mr. Sedley, with whom he had formed a -friendship during their academical course in the university of -Cambridge, where they had both been honourably distinguished. - -About twelve months before Lady Eltondale's visit to Deane Hall, Mr. -Sedley had received the first of the following letters, and seven -months after its arrival the two latter, though of different dates, -reached him on the same day: of course they did not meet the eye of the -viscountess, so that she remained ignorant of their contents; but even -had she known them entirely, no consideration for Frederick's -_happiness_ would for an instant have caused her to waver in her plan -for promoting his _prosperity_, as on the fulfilment of her long -meditated scheme for this purpose depended the possibility of her future -continuance in the London world. - - MR. ELTON, TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Catania, January 9. ---- - - If you have received the various letters I have written to you, my - dear Sedley, since I left England, you are perfectly _au fait_ of - all my rambles; and of my perils, and "hair-breadth 'scapes" by - sea and by land, beginning with a shipwreck on the island of - Rhodes, and ending with the dangers I encountered in paying my - compliments to the Dey of Algiers: if not I must refer you to my - note book, as a twice told tale is still more tedious to the - relater than to the hearer. You must not be incredulous, if said - manuscript should contain many wonderful adventures; but I have met - with something more rare, more "passing strange," than all the - marvels it describes: a woman I _can_ love! nay, that, for my very - soul, I could not help loving if I would; and, to say truth, at - present I do not wish to make the experiment. - - You see, Sedley, you were in the main no bad prophet. When we were - together, I forswore all womankind in the way of matrimony, because - I was disgusted with the manoeuvres of title-hunting mamas, and - the _agaceries_ of their varnished daughters, who have little - distinction but name, and nothing to guide a selection in the mass - of resemblance--nothing to mark their identity--except a scruple, - more or less, of folly or coquetry! Now don't plume yourself too - much on your penetration; you were not altogether right, it was not - the Gallic "_Erycina ridens, quam Jocus circumvolat et Cupido_[7]," - who captivated me.--Man seeks in man his fellow, but in woman his - contrary; and I am too volatile to be touched by a creature as - thoughtless as myself. I should not say as _thoughtless_, but as - _gay_; for their heads are continually filled with schemes to - excite admiration, or ensure conquest: besides, the Parisian belle - is only the more spirited original, of which our own girl of - fashion is the elegant but insipid translation. Having told you - those I do _not_ like, it is time to give you a faint, a very - faint, idea of her I _do_ admire.--But let me go on regularly, and - tell you first how I happened to meet with her. - - [Footnote 7: Laughing Venus, encircled by Love and Joy.] - - At Palermo there is a very numerous, if not good society, made up - of shreds and patches of the staple manufacture of all nations, but - principally of the English produce. You know, it is my practice to - profit, when abroad, by that of whatever country I may happen to be - in, as our own is to be had better and at a cheaper rate at home. - Impressed with this idea, I procured some introductions to the - principal nobility of this enchanting place, where, I understood, - there was a delightful native society, and the gentlemanly - amusements of drinking and gambling (the only ones to be found at - Palermo and Messina) were nearly superseded by those afforded by - music, dancing, and literary conversation. I have not been - disappointed; and if you should ever come to Sicily, I advise you - to take up your abode here, and I will introduce you to all my - acquaintance, with _one_ exception. About four months ago, I found - myself, one evening, at the Marchese Di Rosalba's, listening to - some exquisite music: I was as melancholy as a poet in love, for "I - am never merry when I hear sweet music;" when my eyes happened to - rest on a lady, whose image will never leave my mind. - - From the looks of the gentleman who accompanied her, I soon - discovered that the fair creature, who rested on his arm, was his - daughter. In his face was a strangely mingled expression of - habitual care, and present pleasure; his forehead was furrowed in a - thousand wrinkles, and the feverish glare of his eye spoke a mind - ill at ease: but when he turned to his daughter, to point out to - her notice, in the tacit language of the eye, any beautiful passage - in the music, he looked like a saint raised from his penance by a - vision of celestial nature. Her countenance formed the most perfect - contrast to his; it was the abode of peace, which seemed to repose - in her eye; her whole outline of face and form was so perfect, that - a sculptor might have taken her as a model for the statue that - Pygmalion worshipped; and, like him, I longed to see the beauteous - image waken to incipient thought--I was not long ungratified--its - apparent absence was only the effect of the music, which, to use - her own expression "_fait tout rêver et ne rien penser_." When she - joined in conversation her ever varying countenance resembled a - mirror, which transmits to our eye every passing image, (though the - polished surface is itself unmasked by any), and, like it, owing - its animation to the strong reflecting power gained from within. I - could not decide then, and I cannot tell you even now, whether I - most admire the angelic placidity of her countenance when silent, - or its luminous brilliancy, when her ideas and feelings are called - forth in interesting conversation. At such moments the brightness - of her soul is reflected in her eyes, and the lambent flame, which - then plays in them, seems, like the summer's lightning, to open a - Heaven to our view. - - You will easily suppose I lost no time in introducing myself to her - notice: she received my attentions in the most unembarrassed - manner--not courting--not repulsing them, but seeming to consider - them as justly due to her sex, and her rank in society. These - attentions I have not ceased to pay at every possible opportunity - since that delightful evening, and my admiration grows stronger - every day. I find her conversation truly charming; and I devoutly - believe it would be so were she externally the reverse of what she - is; for, in speaking, "she makes one forget every thing--even her - own beauty." She has not found out, that her extensive knowledge is - any thing to be ashamed of. But, poor thing! a short residence in - England would teach her that! She neither conceals nor displays - her acquirements. The stream of thought, in _her_ mind, flows, not - like the little mountain torrent, swelled by accidental rains, - exceeding every bound, and defacing the fair soil it should adorn; - but, like the fertilizing river, - - "Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull, - Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full." - - In the beginning of our acquaintance we conversed in Italian, but - as I was not very fluent, she politely adopted the French language - as the circulating medium of our commerce, and I was half sorry for - it; for besides the beauty of Italian in her mouth, her - good-natured smile, when I eked out my scanty stock with a word or - two of Latin, pleased me better than all the rest, it was so - encouragingly kind, so _untutored_! - - I soon found out she had a quick sense of the ridiculous, but only - because sharp-sighted people cannot go through the world with their - eyes shut. She forbears, from the benevolence of her heart, to use - the powers of ridicule her penetration furnishes her with; and I - admire her the more for having at command an arsenal of wit, with - so many polished weapons unused. We are always attached to the - generous enemy, who can strike, but spares! - - I have been so delighted with the employment of defining to myself, - for the first time, my ideas of the object of my admiration, that - (pardon me, my dear Sedley) I quite forgot they were to be read by - another; and, perhaps, should have gone on till to-morrow, had not - my servant, coming to inquire if my letters were ready to be - conveyed to the ship which is to carry them to England, roused me - from my soliloquy, (if you will permit me to extend this expression - to writing). - - I would not display the amulet, which guards my heart by its potent - charm, to any eye but yours; but I cannot, even in this instance, - depart from my usual habit of confidence in you; therefore, here - goes my unread rhapsody. - - Yours, dear Sedley, ever truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Catania, March 5, ---- - - My dear Sedley, - - About two months ago I sent you my confession, which you have no - doubt received and answered, ere this. It was no sooner gone than I - repented I had sent it, thinking it would have been wiser to - endeavour to restrain my perhaps unrequited passion, than to run - the risk of confirming it, by imparting it to another. This was - only the escort of a long train of reflections, which ended in a - resolution to leave Catania immediately; and in order to divert my - mind from the train of thought that had seized it, I resolved to - visit Mount Etna, in company with a party of Savans, assembled for - that purpose at this place. We had all the _de quoi_ for a most - amusing excursion, men of real science and literature, and still - more entertaining pretenders to both; amongst the latter I held a - distinguished rank, for in my zeal to acquire the "hardest - science," _ere_ "taught a lover yet," I mistook one mineral for - another, and miscalled every plant I met; indeed, I might give you - a long list of similar blunders, that raised many a learned - shoulder and eye-brow to the altitude of contemptuous surprise! - - After the descent from the mountain, I insensibly separated myself - from all the party, whose weak senses I had so much astonished; and - wandering about the exquisite scenery at the base of Etna, I was - more than ever possessed by feelings I had endeavoured to stifle; - - Pour chasser de sa souvenance - L'objet qui plait, - On se donne tant de souffrance, - Pour si peu d'effet! - Une si douce fantaisie, - Toujours revient, - Et en songeant qu'on doit l'oublier, - On s'en souvient[8]. - - [Footnote 8: - - From mem'ry's length'ning chain to part - The object that we love, - How vain the pang that rends the heart, - What fruitless grief we prove! - The dear idea, cherish'd yet, - Returns still o'er and o'er, - And thinking that we should forget, - Impresses it the more. - ] - - So to make a long story short, here I am again at Catania, for the - purpose of making myself quite sure, that Adelina is as charming as - my imagination has depicted her. I really don't think she is, for I - certainly did not love her half so much when I was with her as I - do now; perhaps my _mind_ was so much amused by her conversation, - that little room was left for the expansion of the _feelings_; but - they are unrestrained in absence, and its melancholy regrets are, I - verily believe, more powerful than the most potent present charm. - If Adelina is the superior character I take her for, I see no one - good reason why she should not be my wife: I have, on considering - the matter more maturely, put to flight the phantoms I had raised - previous to my departure from this place. - - My father, when twice my age, (with therefore half the excuse) - married for love, therefore why should not I? - - I am sure he will give me no opposition, for he has always been a - most indulgent parent, and on a point where my happiness is so much - concerned, I feel convinced my wishes would be his. Whenever he - has, on points of minor importance, wavered in the least, my - charming step-dame has always used her influence, to decide him in - my favour, therefore I am certain of her support. Indeed what can - my father object to in Adelina? He cannot surely want fortune for - me? I do not know whether Adelina is or is not possessed of this - root of all evil, but if she is not, it is the only want she can - possibly have. - - But all this is for an after-thought, the preamble must be to gain - Adelina's consent: she has shown me no particular preference as - yet, but I am determined to think she will not withhold it; _Qui - timidè rogat docet negare_[9], and the conviction of the success of - our plans so often ensures it! - - [Footnote 9: Who timidly asks teaches to deny.] - - With these hopes I am now as happy, as I was miserable a short time - ago. What fools we are to throw away the bliss we might enjoy, at - the suggestions of that preposterous prudence, that leads us to - seek for flaws in the short leases of happiness that are granted to - us, and which, after all, when they expire are renewable at - pleasure, if we would but pay the necessary fine, by sacrificing - our proud splenetic discontents. Hypochondriac spirits may say as - they like; but I will maintain, that to those who make the best of - it, this is a very delightful world! - - The Marchese di Rosalba has promised to take me to-morrow to the - Villa Marinella, where Adelina always goes with her father in the - beginning of spring. I shall establish my head quarters within two - or three miles of it at Aci reale, through which flows the river - immortalized by the loves of Acis and Galatea; and if my Galatea - should prove equally kind, no mental or corporeal giant shall - destroy our happiness. - - Ever yours, dear Sedley, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - ----He says he loves my daughter, - I think so too: for never gaz'd the moon - Upon the water, as he'll stand and read - As t'were, my daughter's eyes: and to be plain, - I think there is not half a kiss to choose, - Who loves another best. - If young Doricles - Do marry with her, she'll bring him that - Which he not dreams of. - - SHAKESPEARE. - - - Mr. ELTON TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Aci reale, July 15, - - My dear Sedley, - - I believe I informed you, in the beginning of spring, of my - intention of coming to this beautiful place, on account of its - vicinity to the Villa Marinella, the residence of "La belle - Adelina," - - (the appellation my fair one is known by at Catania). I have - accomplished almost domesticating myself at this charming villa. I - did not give its inhabitants the alarm at first, wishing to - ingratiate myself in their favour before they should be aware of - the object I had in view. My appearance excited no surprise, as Aci - reale was such a natural place for me to choose for my abode at - this fine season, from the facilities it affords for examining at - leisure all the natural wonders of Etna, and all the wonders of art - displayed in the antiquities of Taurominium. Adelina and I - conversed on the beautiful ruins of Syracuse; of course, I could - not do less than go there to take drawings of them, and she was - equally bound in gratitude to examine them most minutely in my - presence. One day her father, rather abruptly, asked me if I - understood _perspective_? I said I was at that moment studying it, - and thought it a most delightful employment! He was concerned that - so much good inclination should be thrown away, so insisted on - teaching me; and to make the matter worse, took the most abstruse - method of doing it. To make a good impression on him I was obliged - to brush up my rusty mathematics, and I assure you it required no - small self-command to fix my attention on the points of _sight_ and - points of _distance_ he expatiated on; whilst my mind was busily - employed in settling these points to my satisfaction, as they - regarded Adelina and myself. We have now got on a more agreeable - subject, which gives us many delightful hours' - conversation--namely, the beauties natural and artificial of this - island. On my second visit to the Villa Marinella, I was taken into - a saloon adorned with specimens of every thing Sicily could boast - of: the floor was mosaic, of all her different marbles; the - hangings of Sicilian silk; the walls were embellished with the - paintings of Velasquez--in vases, of the alabaster of the country, - bloomed every fragrant flower it produced. There was a cabinet of - beautiful workmanship containing highly wrought amber, coral, and - cameos; and a Sicilian museum and library of all the best books - extant, of native authors ancient and modern, completed the - collection. Amongst the moderns Adelina particularly pointed out to - me the works of the Abate Ferrara, of Balsamo, Bourigni, and the - exquisite poems of Melli and Guegli: the contents of this room - afford us constant discussion. Nothing can exceed the beauty of - this villa; the hand of taste has been impressed on it from the - first stone to the last: it is seated in a rich vale at the foot of - Etna, from which pours many a stream in foamy swiftness. The sea is - seen, here and there, like a smooth glassy lake, through the dark - foliage of magnificent forest trees, whose sombre hues are - admirably contrasted with the brilliant tints of the orange and - the vine. The myrtle, the rose, and all the choicest favourites of - Flora are "poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain." The - beauty of the sky, the balmy fragrance of the air, and the - classical and poetical associations which the surrounding scenery - brings to the mind, conspire to give a charm to this delightful - spot, which no words can convey to the mind of one who has not - roamed amidst its enchantments, and still less can language do - justice to the feelings of him who has! - - Adelina is just the being you would fancy such a scene should - produce; no cloud of sorrow, or of error, seems ever to have thrown - on her its dark shade; serene in conscious virtue and happiness, - and resplendent in mental and physical loveliness, - - "She walks in beauty, like the night - Of cloudless climes and starry skies." - - I have this day said to this charming creature every thing that - man can say, except those four words, "Will you marry me?" and was - proceeding to give them utterance, when I was most unseasonably - interrupted. From her surprise and confusion I augur well; whenever - I am secure of my happiness you shall know it, but perhaps you are - tired of all this, and are ready to say with Virgil, - - Sicelides musæ, paullo majora canamus; - Non omnes arbusta juvant, humilesque myricæ[10]. - - Yours ever, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -[Footnote 10: - - Sicilian muse, begin a loftier strain; - The lowly shrubs and trees that shade the plain - Delight not all. - - - DRYDEN. -] - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Aci reale, August 3, ---- - - Upon my soul, Sedley, you are a pretty father confessor, and give - pious admonition! - - I am quite _indignant_ at your answer to my first letter from - Catania; either you or I must be greatly changed since we parted. I - don't think our friendship could ever have been formed, if in the - first instance our sentiments had been so dissimilar. I must - honestly tell you, that if you ever write me such another letter - about Adelina, our correspondence ceases on that head. It is true - this charming Sicilian maid is fairer than Proserpine; but am I - Pluto, that could tear her from the arms of her fond parent, and - from the bright sphere she now moves in, to condemn her to the - shades of woe, from which she could know no return? So powerfully - do I feel "the might, the majesty of loveliness," that such a - thought never entered my head, nor would it yours, if you had ever - seen her; for one glance of her angelic eye would, like the touch - of Ithuriel's spear, put to flight all the offspring of evil. Since - I wrote to you last, Adelina's manner to me has totally changed; I - scarcely ever see her when I come to the villa. I can't tell what - to attribute this to, unless she thinks I have said too much and - too little. The matter shan't rest long in doubt;--her father goes - to Catania to-morrow, and I will take that opportunity for a - complete explanation. I cannot tell you how much I dread the crisis - of my fate so near at hand! No folly of my own shall deprive me of - a wife possessed of every charm, and every virtue, that can sweeten - or adorn life. If it did, I should deserve to be condemned to that - matrimonial limbo my father and his frigid Venus are so pitiably - bound in. I would prefer to such a trial the most ardent Purgatory! - A wife so charming and so unloving would drive me mad! - - Yours truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -A few months after the date of this last letter, Mr. Sedley received one -from his friend, written at Paris, but probably from pique at the style -of raillery in which he had continued to express his ideas on the -subject of his love for "_La bella Adelina_," Mr. Elton never afterwards -mentioned her name; and therefore, from that period, those Sedley -received contained nothing of sufficient interest to present to the -reader, who will now, however, have little difficulty in guessing the -motive of the visit to Sicily, which Frederick mentions his intention of -paying, in the letter which Lady Eltondale forwarded to Sir Henry -Seymour, of which the subjoined is a copy. The "hopes and fears" he -there speaks of, she supposed, alluded to some diplomatic appointments, -as, for several months past, all his attention appeared to have been -devoted to politics. And, whilst his father exulted in the hope of one -day seeing the son he was so proud of "Minister Plenipotentiary" at -Berlin, Petersburg, or Vienna, his fair spouse thought, with her usual -sarcasm, "Frederick Elton is, no doubt, peculiarly qualified to carry on -or develope the intrigues of a court, with his ridiculously romantic -generosity, and high spirit, and candour! His elegant manner and his -handsome person would carry every point he wished, if he would but avail -himself of the influence these advantages would give him with the -females, who are all-powerful in such scenes;--but the youth is much too -high flown to have common sense on such matters. My Lord Eltondale is as -silly on this subject as on all others, to wish to see his son in a -situation where his _mal-adresse_ will undoubtedly cover him with -disgrace!" - - MR. ELTON TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE. - - Paris, July 25, ---- - - My dear Father, - - I hope to be able to give you a satisfactory answer to your - question of "How do you spend your time at Paris?" for I have been - constantly employed, during the last year, in endeavouring to - acquire the political information necessary for the public career - you have chalked out for me; and this course of study I have - pursued with increased ardour, since my return to this capital, - with the congregation, not of preachers, but of kings, in order to - compensate for the unpleasant interruption my pursuits received in - spring from the marvellous apparition of the resuscitated French - Emperor. I am now tired of being a gentleman at large; and if you - will insist on my shining as an orator in the British senate, my - maiden speech ought shortly to be made, for being five and twenty, - I think I have no time to lose. - - I see the time approach, which we agreed on for my return to - England, with a pleasure that is unalloyed by a shade of regret, as - the Continent contains no object whatever of interest to me. I - hope to add much to your stock of agricultural knowledge, as I have - made the various modes of practising that useful art one of my - principal objects of inquiry; and from Syria to Picardy I think I - shall be able to describe the present processes of husbandry to - your satisfaction. After all, perhaps, you will find me only an - ignoramus, though I fancy myself quite an adept. - - I set off to-morrow to pay a short visit to Sicily. You will, no - doubt, be surprised at this retrograde movement; but should my - mission prove successful, I will explain the cause of it when we - meet, as I cannot trust my motives to paper; and if I do not carry - my wishes into execution, you will, I am sure, spare me the pain of - recapitulating them. But until my hopes and fears are at an end, I - at least shall not repose on a "bed of roses." - - I cannot well express my anxiety to see you, my ever kind father, - after so long an absence! Pray remember me to Lady Eltondale. I am - sorry she should so far impeach my gallantry, as to suppose it - possible I could leave the letters of so fair a correspondent - unanswered. I hope ere this the receipt of mine will have induced - her to do me justice; if not, pray be my intercessor. - - By the ship Mary, bound for Plymouth, I sent Lady Eltondale some - Sicilian vases and cameos, with a few bottles of ottar of roses, - and some turquoises I procured at Constantinople. If her Ladyship - has not received them, will you have the goodness to cause the - necessary inquiries to be made at the office of my agent in London, - to whom they were directed. - - Believe me, my dear Lord, - - Respectfully and affectionately yours, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -Sir Henry Seymour, with an air of triumph, gave the above letter to -Selina to read out to her aunt; at the same time casting a look at Mrs. -Galton, as much as to say, "You see I was quite right. I have provided a -husband for Selina, that we shall all be proud of." But her reflection -on hearing it was, "I trust my affectionate, innocent, candid Selina is -not destined to marry a cold-hearted designing politician. In what a -style of heartless politeness does Mr. Elton speak of his father's wife! -I fear he will treat his own in the same spirit of frigid -etiquette;--indeed, nothing better is to be hoped, from the example he -has always witnessed in his own domestic scene." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - How hang those trappings on thy motley gown? - They seem like garlands on the May-day queen! - - DE MONTFORD. - - -Soon after the family at Deane Hall had lost the society of Augustus -Mordaunt, they had accepted an invitation to dine at Webberly Mouse. The -appointed day having arrived, and Cecilia Webberly, being fully attired -for the reception of the expected guests, placed herself in a negligent -attitude near one of the windows of her mother's drawing-room, with a -book in her hand, not for the purpose of reading, but for that of -tossing it into a chair, conveniently set for the occasion, as she had -seen Lady Eltondale throw her bonnet the evening of her unexpected -arrival at Deane Hall. - -There could not, however, be a greater contrast, than the full-blown -Cecilia Webberly presented, to the elegant fragile Viscountess. Full one -half of her massive figure stood confessed to sight, without a single -particle of drapery. Her immense shoulders projected far above her -sleeve; in truth, her arm was bare half way to her elbow, and her back -in emulation nearly to her waist, whose circumference might well be -termed the _Arctic circle_, as it was described at that distance from -the pole, which exactly marked the boundary of those regions of eternal -snow which rose on its upper verge. Her petticoats, descending but -little below the calf of her leg, displayed its "ample round" to the -utmost advantage. - -But, to counterbalance this nudity, that moiety of her terrestrial -frame, which was clothed, was loaded with ornaments and puffings of all -descriptions, with reduplicated rows of lace and riband, which most -injudiciously increased her natural bulk; and the little covering which -was above her waist, differing in colour and texture from that below, -made the apparent seem still less than the real length of her garments. -Nor did Cecilia's countenance and manner more nearly resemble Lady -Eltondale than her dress and figure, as what was quiet elegance in the -latter, might, without any great breach of Christian charity, be -mistaken for stupid insipidity in the former. - -Miss Webberly had not yet finished the repetition of her anticipated -_impromptus_; and her mother had left the room to reiterate her -directions about the dinner, so that the fair attitudinist had no -spectator of her various rehearsals, except the unaffected Adelaide. - - "And what was her garb?-- - "I cannot well describe the fashion of it. - "She was not deck'd in any gallant trim, - "But seem'd to me clad in the usual weeds - "Of high habitual state. - "Such artless and majestic elegance, - "So exquisitely just, so nobly simple, - "Might make the gorgeous blush." - -But Cecilia Webberly was quite unused to _blushing_, though she might -sometimes redden with passion, and was equally unconscious of her -striking inferiority to her unstudied companion. At last the entrance of -the Seymour family presented another contrast to the brazen Colossus in -Selina's sylph-like form, vivacious eye, and glowing cheek:-- - - "The one love's arrows darting round, - "The other blushing at the wound!" - -Mrs. Sullivan and her eldest daughter hastened to pay their compliments -to their company, the one in the language of Cheapside, the other in all -the flowers of rhetoric; and the rest of the expected guests soon after -arriving, they all proceeded to the dining-room, Mrs. Sullivan insisting -on giving Selina "percussion," (for so she termed precedence) to the -blushing girl's infinite annoyance, who, never having dined out before, -was unaccustomed to take place of the woman whom, of all others, she -most respected: however her painful pre-eminence at the head of the -table was almost compensated by her aunt sitting next her, and thus -hedging her in from the rest of the company. - -The dinner--an object of too much consequence to be passed over -unnoticed in the present state of society--was evidently dressed by a -man cook; but as Mrs. Sullivan had insisted on making her own -alterations in the bill of fare, she had put the poor man in a passion; -and, as a natural consequence, the whole was a manqué, no unapt model of -the family, presenting vulgarity, finery, and high seasoning out of -place. - -The warmth of Mrs. Sullivan's temperature was considerably increased by -her vocal and manual exertions; whilst her son was much puzzled to -reconcile the _nonchalance_ he believed fashionable, with the desire he -had to show Selina that obsequious attention he deemed judicious. But -though his tongue was incessantly employed in Miss Seymour's service, -(for the poor girl would have died of a surfeit if she had taken a -fourth part of the eatables he pressed on her acceptance,) his eyes were -involuntarily attracted to Adelaide, who, amidst the confusion of -tongues, was keeping up a seemingly animated conversation with a very -handsome young man, the eldest son of Mr. Thornbull, who sat next her. -Of this Mr. Webberly did not approve; and therefore gave her every -possible interruption, but all in vain. For no sooner did she answer his -inquiry, or assent to his request, than she resumed her conversation, -which seemed much more to interest her; and, for the first time, he -thought the quick succession of smiles, that passed over her countenance -when she conversed, did not become her so much as its placid expression -when she was silent. - -At length Selina heard the welcome sound of "Vill you like any more -vine, Miss Seymour?" and this well understood summons relieved her from -her place of penance. - -Soon after the ladies had retired to the drawing-room, they separated, -some adjourning to the music-room, some to the green-house, and Miss -Seymour gladly accepted Adelaide's invitation to proceed from it to the -garden. Selina had, before dinner was half over, thought Miss Wildenheim -"the most delightful girl in the world!" But she was too diffident of -her own claims to attention to have sought her acquaintance so -immediately; though, with her usual precipitation, she felt already -convinced she should love her all her life, if she were never to see her -again. "She is too elegant, too clever, to like an unpolished girl like -me," thought Selina. But in this she was mistaken; for Adelaide -bestowed as much admiration on her untutored charms, as her own more -polished graces excited in Miss Seymour's mind, though she manifested -her approbation in a more sober manner; for, besides being three years -older than Selina, she had, unfortunately, had more opportunity of -having youth's first happy feelings chilled by the bitter blasts of -capricious fortune. - -When Selina found, from Adelaide's expressive manner, that she might say -to herself, "She really does like me," her surprise and delight knew no -bounds; and, if she had before thought the object of her enthusiasm the -most charming of the daughters of Eve, she was now nothing less than an -angel. Her pleasure did not escape her new friend's notice; for Selina -was too ingenuous to conceal any thing. Adelaide's countenance was -illuminated with one of those joyful smiles, which had brightened it in -better days, as she mentally exclaimed, "Happy creature!" But she -sighed with real sorrow, as she instantaneously recollected the fleeting -nature of youthful impressions, "_when thought is speech, and speech is -truth_." - -During the time Selina had employed in her own mind to sign and seal an -everlasting friendship with her new acquaintance, they visited the -pagoda and hermitage, sat under the marquée, where they found the novel -which had been Miss Cecilia Webberly's morning study, and had looked in -vain for the gold and silver fishes; for Mrs. Sullivan was too -fashionable to dine long before sunset, even in the height of summer. -Their fruitless search for their aqueous favourites reminded them of the -lateness of the hour; and they had begun to retrace their steps towards -the house, when a pretty rosy child, about seven years old, with dancing -eyes and disordered hair, came skipping up to them. "This sweet child, -Miss Seymour," said Adelaide, "is Caroline Sullivan, my dear little -companion." Selina kissed the child, partly for its own beauty, partly -for the sake of its patroness; and the little urchin, hearing the name -of Miss Seymour, said, in an arch tone, "I have a secret for you, Miss -Seymour--a great secret." "And what is your _great_ secret, my pretty -little love?" asked Selina. "Why, do you know, brother is going to make -love to you?--Mama bid him. And he said he would, for he thinks you have -a great deal of money; but for all that he says, my dear Adele is -handsomer than you--and I think so too--I believe," said the little -thing, stopping to look up at them both. The young ladies were so -astonished, that at first they had not power to stop the child's -harangue, but both coloured scarlet red from offended pride; and, when -their eyes met, the picture of the all-conquering hero and his mama -rising at once to Selina's mind in the most ludicrous point of view, -she burst out into an immoderate fit of laughter, in which Adelaide -could not resist joining. The child, from their mirth, thought they were -pleased with her observations; and, believing she had said something -clever, continued in the same strain; whilst, by grave faces, and knit -brows, and remonstrating, they endeavoured in vain to check her -volubility.--_Car on ne se quérit pas d'un défaut qui plait._ "Good -Lord! what shall we do?" said Selina, half laughing, half crying; for -the little girl, in the exuberance of her mirth, seemed bent on -following them into the house, with a repetition of her information, -when luckily they thought of diverting her attention; and so taking her -one by each arm, they almost carried her completely round the -pleasure-ground; and, by chattering and running, succeeded in diverting -the channel of her thoughts, and were not a little rejoiced that, on -their entrance into the drawing-room, Miss Webberly, in a peremptory -tone of "brief authority," ordered the little troublesome urchin to bed. - -The ladies were all assembled, and Miss Wildenheim thought it necessary -to apologise for their absence; and Selina, immediately walking up to -her aunt, excused herself, and wondered she had left her so long, for -the advanced state of tea and coffee told her it was late. - -When Miss Wildenheim, in reply to some observation addressed to her by -Mrs. Temple, entered into general conversation, Selina was as much -surprised as delighted by the graceful ease of her manner; and, in the -simplicity of her ideas, wondered how she could be so enlivening, and at -the same time so elegant. "It is not odd," thought she, "that Lady -Eltondale is elegant, for she is so quiet, she has plenty of time to do -every thing in the most beautiful manner; but, though she is very -elegant, she is not at all entertaining, while Miss Wildenheim is -both." - -Though Adelaide's character was ever the same, the style of her -conversation varied with every different person she conversed with. She -was generally _animated_, though seldom gay; and the liveliness of her -discourse was owing to her possessing not only an uncommonly clear -perception of the ideas of others, but also an equally clear arrangement -of her own, which gave her conversation a lucidity, that elicited the -thinking powers of her auditors; so that if she was not absolutely witty -herself, she was often at least "the cause of wit in others." She was -habitually cheerful, and generally self-possessed, except when her -feelings were accidentally excited, and they lay too deep to be called -forth in the common intercourse of society. In a word, her vivacity -proceeded less from the buoyancy of animal spirits, as passing as youth -itself, than from the satisfaction of a soul at peace with itself, and -of a mind amused by a constant flow of intellect. - -The entrance of the gentlemen transferred Miss Cecilia Webberly, and of -course her guests, from the drawing-room to the music saloon. Here again -her fine voice, like her fine person, was spoiled by affectation, and by -an attempt at displaying a taste, of which nature had denied her mind -any just perceptions. She had acquired from her master a would-be -expression, which consisted of a regular alternation of piano and forte, -as completely distinct as the black and white squares of a chess board, -with corresponding movements of her eyes and shoulders; the _tout -ensemble_ seeming to the hearer like a succession of unprepared screams, -neither leaving him the peace of a monotonous repose, nor affording him -the charm of variety. "By heavens, I would as soon be shut up in a room -with a trumpeter; she has voice enough to blow a man's brains out!" said -young Mr. Thornbull to Mr. Temple, while his ears yet tingled with -Cecilia's last shout. "I am sure Miss Wildenheim sings in a very -different manner." "I am not sure," replied his reverend auditor, -smiling, "that she sings at all. If she does, no doubt her judgment is -as correct in music as in every thing else;--however, let us see:"--and -walking up to Mrs. Sullivan, they begged of her to procure them a -specimen of Miss Wildenheim's musical abilities. Adelaide complied with -a look and a curtsy, that bespoke the pardon of her imperfections, and -which, strange to say, procured a temporary absolution for her charms, -even from those to whom they were most obnoxious. - -The young man was too much engaged in watching the playful variety of -her countenance when she sung (for she never looked half so charming as -when singing), to criticise her performance, but took for granted it -was divine, and so must - - "Those who were there, and those who were not." - -For though it is easy to exhibit deformity, it is impossible to describe -the nicely adjusted balance of opposite beauties, which constitutes -perfection: more especially in an art, that is often most felt when -least understood, and whose evanescent charms are passing for ever away, -whilst the mind is yet revelling in a consciousness of their existence! - -When the usual routine of complimenting had been gone through by the -rest of the company, and Adelaide was disengaged, Mr. Temple, after -praising her performance, said, "Notwithstanding your delightful -singing, I must say, I think the best days of music are past." The -lovely songstress, casting her eyes on Selina and thereby applying her -words to the beautiful girl's bewitching figure, replied, "I partly -agree with you, my dear sir.--'When music, heavenly maid, was young,' -perhaps her wild graces were more captivating than her mature -elegance."--"Your simile is just, and well applied. Music certainly now -feels her decay, and seeks to hide her faded charms by profuse -ornament." - -Mr. Temple not unfrequently talked _by inch of candle_, and would have -gone on, perhaps, for an hour, had not his wife, tapping him on the -shoulder, told him it was time to return home: and, as is usually the -case in parties in the country, the announcement of one carriage was the -signal for the abrupt departure of the whole company; and though Mrs. -Sullivan roared out in an audible voice, "Why, Cilly, you haven't a gone -half through the hairs you practised this morning! Where's your bravo -hair? and your polacker?" before the anxious mother had recapitulated -half the catalogue, she found, equally to her surprise and dismay, that -all her guests had disappeared, nearly as suddenly as Tam O'Shanter's -companions, before he had finished his commendatory exclamations: - - "In an instant all was dark, - -And, - - "Out the hellish legion sallied." - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - Pure was her bosom, as the silver lake, - Ere rising winds the ruffled waters shake; - When the bright pageants of the morning sky - Across the expansive mirror lightly fly, - By vernal gales in quick succession driv'n, - While the clear glass reflects the smile of Heav'n. - - HAYLEY. - - -"What a delightful girl Miss Wildenheim is!" exclaimed Selina Seymour, -as she sat at work in Mrs. Galton's dressing-room the day after she had -dined at Webberly House.--"I am sure we shall become intimate friends; I -never saw any body I admired half so much." Mrs. Galton coincided in -Selina's praise of her new favourite; for though she was not equally -prone to form "intimate friendships" at first sight, her penetration -had led her to conceive nearly as favourable an opinion of Miss -Wildenheim as Selina had expressed. Indeed, Mrs. Galton was particularly -desirous of improving her acquaintance with Mrs. Sullivan's interesting -ward; for though she was, in general, extremely suspicious of the -friendships girls so frequently contract and break with equal -precipitation, she was extremely anxious that Selina should meet with a -suitable companion of her own sex; and the refined elegance of Miss -Wildenheim's manners, the calmness of her deportment, and the good sense -which all her observations evinced, led Mrs. Galton to hope, that from -her society her beloved niece might derive as much advantage as -satisfaction. But at the same time, she recollected, that a degree of -mystery seemed to hang over Adelaide's situation; and, therefore, while -she gave a willing assent to Selina's encomiums, she cautiously withheld -her sanction to a sudden intimacy, until a longer acquaintance confirmed -or destroyed her present prepossession in Miss Wildenheim's favour. - -Selina had never yet had any female associate, except Mrs. Galton; for -though Sir Henry's considerate attention to "poor Mrs. Martin," and her -inseparable companion Lucy, occasioned their being frequent visitors at -the Hall, yet they were so different in character, pursuits, and -situation from Miss Seymour, that no degree of intimacy could ever take -place between them. Selina had been so much disgusted by the young -ladies at Webberly House, on their first introduction, that she had -shrunk from all subsequent familiarity with them, nor did her aunt, in -this, endeavour to conquer her prejudices. - -Mrs. Galton was aware, that such was the susceptibility of Selina's -heart, and the candour of her disposition, that if once she felt a -preference, her whole soul would be engrossed by the object of her -attachment, and that the strength of her regard could probably be more -easily anticipated than its duration: she was therefore particularly -cautious in permitting Selina to have any intercourse with those of -whose merits she did not feel well assured; believing that much of her -own future character, and consequent happiness, would depend on that of -her first guides and associates on her entrance into life. Hitherto, her -only companions and her only confidants had been Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Augustus Mordaunt. In them all her innocent affections were centred. -To them her whole mind was displayed; and so guiltless was she of even a -thought she could blush to own, that she scarcely imagined her -ingenuousness was a merit. Nor had the want of other companions in any -degree lessened the animation of her character; perhaps, on the -contrary, the very antidotes, to which Mrs. Galton had recourse to avoid -a premature gravity, had rather tended to increase that vivacity, which -bordered on levity, and was her most dangerous characteristic. Whenever -the lessons of her childhood had been concluded, she had always been -permitted, and even encouraged, to join in many of those games and -exercises, that are usually appropriated to the amusement of the other -sex. Often has she quitted an abstruse book, or a beautiful drawing, to -trundle her hoop, or run races with her playfellow Augustus. And when -other girls have trembled under the rod of the dancing master, she has -been gaining health and activity together, by vaulting over gates, that -more refined young ladies would, perhaps, have dreaded to climb. It is -true, that as she advanced towards womanhood, she was taught to attend -rather more to the decorums of life; and, instead of being permitted to -bound through the woods like the fawns she dislodged, or even (shocking -to relate) walk hand in hand with the old steward over half the park, -before girls of fashion would have broken their first slumbers; she now -changed her amusements, and accompanied Mrs. Galton in her charitable -errands to the poor, or, attended by Augustus and her groom, rode -through the delightful lanes in the neighbourhood. However, since his -departure from the Hall, her rides were confined within the park walls, -and scarcely a day passed, when the recollection of their rambles, in -which she so much delighted, did not serve to renew the expression of -her regrets at his absence. But even that circumstance failed to depress -her spirits. Perhaps, amongst all created beings, she at that moment was -almost the happiest. She knew no world beyond the little circle round -her own home, and in that circle she loved and was beloved. Every eye -beamed on hers with satisfaction, and every heart returned her affection -with redoubled fondness. She dreamed not of insincerity, and she knew -not what was grief, except indeed when she enjoyed the luxury of -sharing or alleviating that of others; which her frequent visits to the -neighbouring cottages sometimes presented to her view: and never did she -look so lovely as when she bent over the bed of sickness, or rocked the -cradle of infant suffering, while her eyes swam in tears, or sparkled -with the joy of successful benevolence. - - Beauty, and grace, and innocence in her - In heavenly union shone: one who had held - The faith of elder Greece would sure have thought - She was some glorious nymph of seed divine, - Oread or Dryad, of Diana's train - The youngest and the loveliest--yea, she seem'd - Angel or soul beatified, from realms - Of bliss, on errand of parental love, - To earth re-sent; if tears and trembling limbs - With such celestial nature might consist. - -Though Sir Henry Seymour was extremely hospitable, yet so retired was -the neighbourhood of Deane Hall, that the ladies at Webberly House and -the Parsonage were the only ones that Mrs. Galton visited, except Mrs. -Martin and Mrs. Lucas. But as autumn approached, the visits of the two -latter to the Hall became more frequent; for Sir Henry was fond of what -he called a social rubber of whist; and as his constant tormentor the -gout disabled him from using any exercise, beyond what his Bath chair -procured for him, his chief amusement was in the society of his country -friends, who were most happy to assemble round the good Baronet's fire -side, when a blazing faggot corrected the influence of a keen air, and -gave them a foretaste of the comforts of winter, before they were yet -introduced to any of its horrors. - -Of these quiet parties Selina was merely a spectator: as, after she had -answered all Mrs. Martin's questions, with the same kindness they were -asked; provided Lucy with the daily newspaper, and the last new -magazine; placed her father's chair and arranged his foot-stool, (for -he thought no one could settle them as comfortably as his Selina); all -her duties of the evening were at an end. She could then amuse herself -unnoticed, with her pencil or her tambour frame, or have recourse to her -harpsichord: where, unambitious of praise, and unstimulated by vanity, -she would, for hours, "warble her wood notes wild." - -Sometimes, indeed, Mr. and Mrs. Temple would join the party; and though -without even the acquisition of their society Selina was always -cheerful, yet when she enjoyed the rational conversation of the one, and -the lively good-nature of the other, she felt additional pleasure: for -both these excellent people looked on Selina almost as a child of their -own. Mr. Temple had watched with delight the gradual development of an -understanding, from whose matured powers he fondly anticipated every -good; though his anxious penetration led him sometimes to shudder for -her future character and fate, as he watched the susceptibility of her -heart, - - "Which like the needle true, - Turn'd at the touch of joy or woe, - But turning--trembled too." - -His amiable consort, however, notwithstanding all her deference to his -opinion, would scarcely acknowledge that the ray of celestial light, -which played round the opening blossom and gave it added brilliancy, -might, by prematurely expanding its charms, doom it to untimely decay. -And, sometimes, when the venerable pastor, with parental solicitude, -almost regretted that volatility, which to indifferent spectators but -gave a charm the more, Mrs. Temple, with that fearful prescience which -but belongs to a female heart, would stop the intended reproof, and say, -"Ah! James, do not check her innocent mirth; the day may come, when we -would give the world to see her smile." Meantime the lovely object of -their care would often, when at night she laid her guiltless head on her -pillow, as yet unwatered by a single tear, add to her pious thanksgiving -a wish that all the world was as happy, as she gratefully acknowledged -she was herself. - -Little did this innocent child of nature imagine, that fate had already -marked the hour, when she was to bid farewell to the calm scenes of her -present happiness. Sir Henry never spoke, and could scarcely bear to -think, of the engagement between her and Mr. Elton, to which he had so -precipitately given his consent: and Mrs. Galton was equally averse to -mentioning the subject: of course, therefore, Selina remained totally -unconscious of it, and her time passed in the happy alternation of -leisure and employment, unmarked by accident, and unimpaired by sorrow. -Even the visit of Lord and Lady Eltondale was already almost forgotten -by her, or only occasionally occurred to her memory as a dream, whilst -even the fascination she had wondered at and admired by degrees faded -from her recollection. - -One fine autumnal day, in the beginning of October, she had just -returned from one of her favourite rambles in the park, when she -abruptly entered the library, to show to Sir Henry an exhausted leveret, -that she had discovered panting in a thicket, and that she had brought -home in her arms: as she held it she partially covered it by her frock, -which she had caught up to keep it warm; without any recollection of the -consequent exposure of her beautiful ancle, which this derangement of -her drapery had occasioned. Her color was heightened by exercise, and -the wind had dishevelled her luxuriant brown hair, that strayed in -ringlets on her beaming cheek, whilst her straw hat, almost untied, had -slipped off her head, and hung behind, in contrast to the remaining -locks that a comb loosely fastened. Perhaps a painter or a sculptor -would have chosen that moment, to perpetuate the beautiful object, that, -as Selina opened the door, thus suddenly presented itself to the -delighted gaze of two gentlemen, who were then visiting Sir Henry: in -one Selina immediately recognised Mr. Webberly, and to the other she was -introduced as his friend, Mr. Sedley. At first Selina coloured, as she -momentarily recollected her dishabille, if such it might be called; but -in an instant, recovering herself, she apologized to her father for her -intrusion, and calmly obeyed his directions to seat herself beside him, -whilst she dismissed her trembling _protégée_ to be nursed below stairs. -Was it innate good sense, or was it incipient vanity, that saved this -young recluse from the torments of _mauvaise honte_, which so many -votaries of fashion feel or feign? Her colour was as variable as the -tints of a summer sky; but though it was often heightened, and -sometimes changed by quick susceptibility affecting it, it seldom -suffered from that illegitimate timidity, that owes its birth to an -inordinate anxiety to please. The language of compliment was foreign to -her ear, and she had yet to learn that finished coquetry, that wraps -itself in the veil of modesty, and flies to be pursued. - -Mr. Webberly stated, the motive of his visit was not only to deliver an -invitation from his mother to a ball she purposed giving in a few weeks, -but also to add his earnest persuasions, that Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Miss Seymour would accept it. On this occasion the unpolished Selina -broke through all the rules of etiquette; and, totally unmindful of the -presence of strangers, at the mention of a ball jumped up, clapped her -hands, and springing almost as high as another Parisot, exclaimed, as -she threw her arms round Sir Henry's neck, "Pray dear, dear Papa, let me -go, I've heard so much of balls!" It may be supposed, the gentlemen -strenuously seconded her solicitations: their united entreaties having -obtained Sir Henry's consent, they at length withdrew, whilst Selina -reiterated her thanks and her joy with equal earnestness and _naïveté_. - -"Well, Sedley, what do you think of Miss Seymour?" exclaimed Webberly, -as they rode leisurely home. "By Heavens! she is quite beautiful," -returned his friend.--"She has the finest eyes and teeth I ever -beheld."--"And fine oaks too, or she'd never do for me," rejoined her -calculating admirer. A silence of some minutes ensued, which was at last -broken by Sedley's observing, that "he had never seen such a profusion -of silky hair." "For my part," resumed Webberly, "I like black hair much -better: Miss Wildenheim is a thousand times handsomer than Miss -Seymour!" - -Mr. Sedley neither contradicted nor assented to this observation, but -with apparent _nonchalance_ turned the subject to that of shooting and -hunting; which promised amusements had been his inducement for visiting -Webberly House. The conversation was not again resumed, and they -returned scarcely in time to dress for dinner, which the anxious Mrs. -Sullivan declared would be quite "ruinated," assuring them, "the cook -was always arranged and discordant by them there long preambulations -a-horseback they were so fond of." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - "All is not empty whose low sound - Reverbs no hollowness." - - KING LEAR. - - -The excuse, which Mordaunt had made for his abrupt departure from Deane -Hall, was not, in truth, totally devoid of foundation: for he had really -received an invitation to join a party of college friends, on a tour to -the Lakes; though such a cause would not alone have been sufficient to -tear him from a scene, in which all his hopes and wishes were centred. -Notwithstanding his being an enthusiastic admirer of the beauties of -nature, and moreover a proficient in drawing, all the charms of the wild -country he then visited were insufficient long to rivet his attention; -and with an agitated mind and aching heart, he returned early in -September to Oxford, of which he meant to take his final leave at the -end of the following term. No profession had yet been determined on for -him, for his uncle, Lord Osselstone, whose title he was one day to -inherit, had never, in the least degree, interfered on the subject of -his education; and the habit of procrastination, which was one of the -principal failings of Sir Henry Seymour's character, had hitherto -prevented his making the important choice. Thus the period of Mr. -Mordaunt's minority had expired, before his guardian could be prevailed -on to come to any final determination; and Augustus now deferred his own -decision till the period, which would speedily arrive, of his quitting -the University of Oxford. - -The indolence of disposition, which had rendered Sir Henry Seymour's -judgment inert, had not extended its torpid influence to his feelings; -and a considerable degree of resentment was produced in his mind by the -indifference, indeed total alienation of all regard, which seemed to -mark Lord Osselstone's conduct to his nephew. Once, and once only, -before his going to Oxford, had Augustus met his uncle. For, when Mr. -Temple was deputed by Sir Henry, to conduct Mordaunt on his first -entering college, they had, on their way, passed through London, for the -express purpose of paying their respects to his Lordship. But his -reception of them had been so cold, so ostentatiously polite, that -Mordaunt felt by no means anxious to improve the acquaintance: and yet -it might have been supposed, that opportunity of cultivating the -friendship of Lord Osselstone would have been rather sought for than -declined by his nephew. For all the Earl's estates, which were -considerable, were in his own power; and it was the general opinion of -those who professed to know him best, that he intended to make a Mr. -Davis his heir, who was a distant relation, and had been for many years -as unremitting in his attentions to Lord Osselstone, as Mordaunt had -been the reverse. Not that Augustus was unaware of the consequence such -a disposition of this property might prove to him; for all he inherited -from his father was a few thousand pounds, the little that remained of a -younger brother's portion, after a life spent and finally sacrificed to -the excess of dissipation. But perhaps this conviction on both sides -served to make the barrier between them stronger. Lord Osselstone seemed -prepared to think, that any attention his nephew could pay him must -proceed from interested motives; and Mordaunt was fearful of showing -even the little natural affection, that remained in his breast towards -him, lest it might be construed into dissimulation. - -One of Lord Osselstone's estates was situated within a few miles of -Oxford, where he generally spent a few months every summer;--for he was -an upright and considerate landlord, and usually made it a point to -visit all his estates in the course of the year, for the purpose of -inquiring into the actual state of his tenantry--not that he was ever -known to lower a rent or remit a debt: no entreaty, no representation, -could ever persuade him either to break an agreement himself, or to -suffer it to be broken by another. And if ever he found his rights -invaded, or even disputed, there was no extremity or expense he declined -in the defence or prosecution of them. He had often heard, unmoved, a -tale that might have pierced a heart of stone; and seen, with relentless -eyes, the poor man's "one ewe lamb" sold to pay the arrears of rent. But -it not unfrequently happened, that the iron-hearted creditor was himself -the purchaser of the stock at a price much beyond its value; and the -tenant, if deserving, would probably find his Lord's steward inclined, -the next year, to let him have his seed-wheat, not gratis, but nearly -so. - -One peculiarity in the Earl's character was an extraordinary disposition -to disbelieve even the most natural expressions of gratitude, and to -doubt any testimony whatever of affection to himself. No way was so sure -of losing any claim on his favour, as to make the least allusion to his -former kindness; and one of the few domestics, that had at any time -remained long in his service, was an old grey-headed valet, who had -attended him faithfully from his youth; and had scarcely ever been known -to agree with him in opinion, or to hesitate in expressing, in the -strongest terms, his disapprobation. Yet even Lord Chesterfield could -not better understand the perfection of politeness than did Lord -Osselstone, or make it more his constant practice in his intercourse -with the world in general. However his real sentiments might differ -from those of his associates, he always took care to soften down so well -the sharp angles of dissent, that no cutting point was left to wound the -feelings of others; while his own remained impervious to every eye. All -acknowledged he was a just man, and every body _felt_ he was a proud -one; but, however dignified his manners were to his equals, to his -inferiors his pride was silvered over with an affability, that, whilst -it made it still more conspicuous, served almost to purchase its -forgiveness. - -To those who reflected on the various qualities of his mind, the picture -it presented seemed to be composed of a variety and contrast of colours -rarely to be met with, but all so highly varnished, that their very -brightness confounded. It seemed a mass of contradiction, by some -extraneous power compressed into an indefinable whole. His virtues and -his vices trod so closely on each other, that it was difficult to draw -the line of separation between them, and both appeared to owe their -origin either to the temporary error, or general superiority of his -judgment; all his actions seemed to proceed only from his head--his -heart was never called into play. It was difficult to decide whether the -finer feelings were really extinct in his breast; or whether, dreading -the power passion might usurp, he never for one moment permitted it to -assume the reins. In his general establishment he was magnificent;--in -the detail of its arrangements almost parsimonious. His charity was -ostentatious rather than benign; for, though his name graced every list -of public contribution, he never came forward in his own person as the -poor man's benefactor. None who experienced the urbanity of Lord -Osselstone's manners could believe him to be his own individual enemy; -and yet no person could repose in the calm confidence, that Lord -Osselstone was his friend. It was evident, that, had he not been a -courtier, he would have been a misanthropist. - -In conversation he was generally reserved; but, if circumstances called -upon him for exertion, his abilities seemed to rise with the occasion, -and his variety of information, his elegance of language, and even the -occasional playfulness of his imagination, made him one of the most -agreeable of companions. In all Lord Osselstone did, in all Lord -Osselstone said, in all he looked, there might be discovered an -intensity of thought; which, far from being confined to the surface, -seemed to increase in profundity the deeper it was examined. His -character, like his manner, was not to be deciphered by vulgar eyes. He -was generally serious--never dull; and at times his wit was even -sportive. Yet Lord Osselstone, when most gay, could scarcely be deemed -cheerful. At the moments of his greatest exhilaration, when an admiring -audience hung upon his words, or a more favoured few caught the sparks -of animation from the meteor that flashed before them, deriving all -their temporary brilliancy from the electric fire of his talents; even -at those moments, Lord Osselstone seemed scarcely happy;--the brightness -of the emanation was for them;--the dark body remained his own; and few -had skill or inclination to penetrate the dense medium that seemed still -to surround and obscure his soul. - -The first year that Mordaunt had been at college, Lord Osselstone had -made no advance towards cultivating the acquaintance that had so -inauspiciously commenced; for, except a very slight salutation in an -accidental meeting in the street, Augustus had received no mark whatever -even of recognizance. And perhaps this inattention was rendered still -more mortifying, as whenever Lord Osselstone was in the neighbourhood of -Oxford, he generally received a great deal of company at his house; and -several of the young men there, whose connections were amongst his -Lordship's associates in London, procured introductions to him, and -frequently partook of the elegant hospitality, that always graced his -table. Nay, many members of the very college Augustus was in, and some -of his own particular friends, received constant invitations to -Osselstone Park, from which he alone seemed to be invidiously excluded. -On Mordaunt's return to college the following year, he had been much -surprised by receiving, in the course of the last week of a term, a -formal but polite card of invitation to dinner, to which he sent a still -more formal apology, being most happy to have it in his power to allege -his intended return to Deane Hall as his excuse; and accordingly he left -Oxford the very day, that had been named by his uncle for receiving him. -Not, however, that he returned immediately to the Hall. Augustus, though -abhorring the excesses into which so many of his contemporaries -thoughtlessly plunged, was still not averse to taste slightly the cup of -pleasure, if placed within his reach; and, therefore, usually adopted -the geography most in fashion at Oxford, by which it is ascertained to a -demonstration, that London is the direct road from thence to every other -place in England. He had not then been taught, that the deprivation of -Selina Seymour's society for a little fortnight was an irreparable loss; -and the theatres and the delights of London were sufficiently new to -him, to beguile that, and even a longer time. It was just that season of -the year when a London winter begins to subside, not into a healthy -spring, but into an unwelcome summer, and when the dying embers of -gaiety are only kept alive by a few forced sparks of unwearied -dissipation. But to Augustus, who had not glared in the full flame, even -these had charms; and he frequented, with unsatiated pleasure, all the -places of public amusement then open. - -One night at the opera, whither he had repaired with some of his college -friends in a state of exhilaration, that, though it fell far short of -intoxication, was equally different from his usual tone of spirits, -while he was standing in the outer room laughing rather vociferously at -some ridiculous observation of his companions, his eye suddenly rested -on the face of Lord Osselstone, who, with an unmoved countenance and -steady gaze, had been scrutinizing the groupe with minute attention, -while they were totally unconscious of his proximity. Augustus's colour -rose; and a confused idea that he was the peculiar object of his uncle's -observation crossing his mind, he rather increased than restrained the -vivacity of his manner. "Lord Osselstone's carriage stops the way," was -repeated from stage to stage of the echoing stair-case; and, while the -Earl passed close to Mordaunt as he proceeded to obey the clamorous -summons, he stopped deliberately, and observing that "Mr. Mordaunt's -visit to Sir Henry Seymour had been a much shorter one than usual," made -him a low bow, and pursued his way without waiting for a reply; which, -in Mordaunt's then state of mind, would probably not have been an -amicable one, indignant as he felt at Lord Osselstone's conveying his -only acknowledgement of him in the form of an implied reproof. Here -then, once more, ended all intercourse between uncle and nephew; for, -when Augustus again returned to college, the invitation had not been -renewed; and though in the last examination he had received three -several prizes, and with them the compliments of all his friends, Lord -Osselstone had witnessed his triumph in silence, though it happened he -was in Oxford, nay, even in the school, that very day. - -On Mordaunt's arrival at Oxford, at the conclusion of his late northern -tour, his thoughts were so completely preoccupied, that he did not even -take the trouble of inquiring whether the Earl was then in the -neighbourhood. But as he was one evening sauntering along a retired road -on the banks of the river, attending more to the painful reflections of -his own mind than to a book which he mechanically held in his hand, he -was suddenly roused from his meditations by the sound of a carriage -coming furiously behind him; and, turning round, perceived a gentleman -alone in a curricle, the horses of which were approaching at their -utmost speed, and evidently ungovernable. The furious animals were -making directly towards the river, and, if their course was not impeded, -immediate destruction inevitably awaited their unfortunate driver. This -reflection, and his consequent determination, was but a momentary effort -of Augustus's mind. Throwing away his book, he sprang into the middle of -the road; and, though the gentleman loudly exclaimed, "Take care of -yourself--I cannot manage them," he deliberately kept his stand, and, -at the moment the horses reached the spot, dexterously succeeded in -grasping the reins, and stopping the carriage. The suddenness of the -jolt, however, unfortunately broke the axle-tree, and threw the -gentleman at a little distance on the road. A deep groan instantaneously -followed his fall; and Augustus felt a painful conviction, that though -his presence of mind had certainly saved the stranger's life at the -imminent risk of his own, yet the very act had been the cause of much -apparent suffering to him. He hesitated what to do:--the horses, still -more frightened by the noise made by the breaking of the carriage, were -almost furious; and it was as much as he could do to retain his hold, -while the poor suffering man lay helplessly on the road. At length two -grooms appeared, rapidly pursuing each other, with marks of the utmost -consternation in their countenances; and while one jumped off his horse -to assist his master, the other relieved Augustus from his troublesome -charge. The Osselstone liveries proclaimed the stranger's name, as -Augustus had not yet seen his face, and the discovery but increased his -distress:--"Good God, my uncle! Are you much hurt, dear sir?" exclaimed -he, in a tone of commiseration, almost of affection. At the sound of his -voice the Earl languidly turned his head as his servant supported him; -and, stretching out one hand, grasped that of Augustus, expressing -tacitly, but not ineloquently, his gratitude to his preserver. Augustus -flew to the side of the river, and bringing some water in his hat, -sprinkled it over his face, which in a few moments so revived him, that -he was able to articulate thanks, which Augustus, with looks of kindest -anxiety, interrupted, with inquiries as to the injury he had evidently -received in his fall. He soon found that one arm was broken, and Lord -Osselstone otherwise so much hurt, that it was difficult to move him -from the position in which he lay. Without, therefore, an instant's -deliberation, and scarcely explaining his design, he sprang on one of -the groom's horses, and was in a few moments out of sight. Indeed, so -rapid were his movements, that before it could be conjectured that he -had even reached Oxford, he was seen returning in a hired chaise and -four, accompanied by one of the first surgeons of that town, bringing -with him every thing necessary for the accommodation of his uncle. - -Before they attempted to remove Lord Osselstone, the fractured bone was -set; and the attendants then carefully assisting him into the carriage, -the surgeon took his place at one side of him, while Mordaunt, -uninvited, supported him on the other; and then desiring the drivers to -proceed carefully to Osselstone Park, left the grooms to take charge of -the broken equipage. - -Though Augustus had never been before within the gates of this -residence of his ancestors, its magnificent scenery had not the power to -withdraw his attention, for one moment, from its suffering master. In -addition to the natural benevolence of his heart, which would have led -him to pity any fellow-creature in a similar situation, from a -refinement of feeling, he experienced an additional though certainly an -unnecessary pang, from having been in any degree accessary to the -present pain; and his judicious and unremitting care resembled that of a -son to a beloved father. He watched by his uncle's bed all night, and -could scarcely be prevailed upon to leave it to take any nourishment, -till the surgeon, on the third day, pronounced the Earl out of danger. - -Meantime Lord Osselstone, from whose lips no complaint ever escaped, -however painful the operations he underwent, observed every change of -his nephew's countenance with a scrutinizing attention; and when in a -few days he was able to sit up, and enter into discourse, the modest -good sense of Augustus's remarks, animated as they sometimes were by -occasional bursts of a genius not quite dissimilar to his own, seemed -not entirely to escape his Lordship's observation. As soon, however, as -the Earl was able to leave his room, Augustus took his leave, alleging -as his excuse for not accepting Lord Osselstone's polite invitation to -protract his stay, that his services could be no longer useful; which -was indeed his only motive for so soon separating from his uncle, of -whom he now thought with far different feelings than he had done -formerly--so natural is it to the human mind, to imbibe a partiality for -those we have had it in our power to benefit. - -These feelings were, however, soon damped by the receipt of the -following note, accompanied by a beautiful edition of Horace, and some -other of the classics:-- - -"Lord Osselstone presents his compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and has the -honour of sending him a few books, of which he requests his acceptance, -in return for his late obliging attentions." - -"My attentions are not to be purchased," exclaimed Augustus, as he, -perhaps too indignantly, tore the note. "Nor," added he, with a sigh, -"are my affections likely to be gained by my noble uncle." Then hastily -writing the following answer, he returned with it the books by the -servant who brought them:-- - -"Mr. Mordaunt presents his compliments to Lord Osselstone, and begs to -assure him, that any attentions he had it in his power to show his -Lordship were at the moment sufficiently repaid by the belief, that he -in any degree contributed to the comfort of his uncle." - -The first time the Earl was able to venture out in his carriage, he -called at Mordaunt's apartments. But as he did not then happen to be at -home, they did not meet previous to his Lordship's leaving the -country--a circumstance which Augustus by no means regretted. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - This is my lady's holyday, - So pray let us be merry. - - FOUR AND TWENTY FIDDLERS ALL IN A ROW. - - -Whilst Mordaunt was thus occupied at Oxford, Mrs. Sullivan had been -indulging in a variety of speculations, the object of which were, to -endeavour to secure to her beloved son the rich and beautiful heiress of -Deane Hall. In order to afford him a favourable opportunity of paying -his addresses to Miss Seymour, the anxious mother resolved to give the -ball, for which he had personally taken the invitation; and as soon as -Sir Henry had returned the desired answer, the preparations for the -entertainment were without delay commenced. It was agreed _nem. con._ -that a _crowded_ entertainment was more fashionable than a select one; -and therefore, that every person by any excuse pronounced _visitable_, -within a circuit of twenty miles, was to be pressed into the service. -Mr. Webberly, and the gentlemen who were staying with him, proceeded to -York, to enlist as many beaux as they possibly could; whilst Mrs. -Sullivan wrote to London, to engage temporary rooms, transparencies, -coloured lamps, upholsterers, musicians, and confectioners. - -For a fortnight before the important day, all was confusion at Webberly -House. The usual furniture was put to flight;--bed-rooms were converted -into tasteful card-rooms, and store-closets into beautiful boudoirs; -whilst all the various operations were accompanied by an unceasing noise -of hammering, scouring, scolding, and arguing. - -Miss Webberly and her sister kept themselves aloof from the scene of -action, preferring playing billiards, or riding with Mr. Sedley and the -other gentlemen, to giving their mother the smallest assistance, who -repented of her undertaking ten times a day. But Adelaide was not so -selfish; and the moment she perceived Mrs. Sullivan's perplexity, she -left her usual occupations to offer her assistance. "Well, well," -thought Mrs. Sullivan, "I wish Meely and Cilly were as discreet as this -poor child. But it isn't their faults, pretty dears. I never used them -to no thrift; and, I dare say, her nose has been well kept to the -grinding-stone, as the like of her ought. My daughters, God bless them, -have got a rare spirit of their own!" (Would to Heaven it were a rare -spirit!) - -Miss Webberly thinking that chalking the floor of the dancing-room would -afford a good opportunity for displaying her knowledge of the fine arts, -at first joined Adelaide in the task; but quickly discovering that -kneeling on bare boards was more fatiguing than classical, left her at -the end of a quarter of an hour, to finish it alone, with a request not -to be sparing in the introduction of the Webberly arms. No mention was -made of the Sullivan honours; for, though that family traced its -pedigree _beyond the flood_, it had never been heard of in London, and, -therefore, was of no value. - -At nine o'clock on the appointed evening Mrs. Sullivan entered the -reception room; and seeing Adelaide already there, said, "That's right, -Miss Wildenheim, you be's always ready. I never can get them there girls -of mine to dishevel themselves in time. Will you be so kind as to help -me to put out the lights in them there chandlers? They can stay unlit a -bit, for none of the gentlemen ban't dressed yet, and we can light 'em -again when the folk come to the door, you know--I loves to practise -genteel economy." Adelaide executed her commission; and her companion -then proceeded to examine her attire with the most minute attention; -and, as her eye was attracted by the beautiful ornaments, which confined -and were intermixed with her luxuriant hair, she exclaimed, "La! what -fine pearls you have got on--your _mother's_ I suppose, Miss." "Yes, -madam," replied Adelaide, mournfully, "she had a great quantity of -pearls, which were new set for my use," "Wery like, Miss, wery like," -retorted the scornful lady; and, turning disdainfully from her, bustled -off to another part of the room, muttering, "Oh the vickedness of this -vorld!" - -Adelaide was dressed in that last stage of _real mourning_, which, from -its chaste contrast of colour, is perhaps the most elegant attire a -beautiful female can wear, as it seems to throw a veil on the -loveliness, which, in truth, it embellishes. Her mental, as well as -personal charms, were softened by the same garb of sorrow; and perhaps -their beauty, - - "Thus mellow'd to that tender light - Which Heav'n to gaudy day denies," - -was more winning than when they shone in their original brightness. She -was roused from a train of sorrowful reflections, which the mention of -her mother had occasioned in her mind, by a sound of carriages, and by -Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "As sure as the devil's in Lunnon, here they -be; Miss Wildenheim, do light that there candle brass, whilst I turn the -cock of this here lamp;" and the task was but just accomplished, when a -large party entered the room. - -The _coup d'oeil_ which Webberly House now presented was really -beautiful; for from London every thing in the way of decoration, even -taste, may be procured. The vestibule and apartments opening into it -were ornamented with wreaths of flowers, laurels, and coloured lamps, -and with beautifully designed and well executed transparencies. The -windows were left open, and displayed the _Chinese_ bridge splendidly -illuminated, beaming like an arch of light in the surrounding darkness. -The carved work of the porch was completely interlaced with wreaths of -colored lamps; and not less splendid were the grotto and hermitage, -which at a small distance from the house were fitted up to resemble the -rooms of rival restaurateurs. At their entrance Cecilia had placed her -own maid and footman, to distribute refreshments; and she had been -busily employed for some days, in teaching them as much French as their -capacity and her knowledge would permit them to acquire, for which the -slang of the one, and the Cockney dialect of the other, admirably -qualified them. A temporary canvass passage led to the station of these -pseudo-Parisians, which soon became the favourite lounge of the -evening, as the constant mistakes they made in the names of all the -refreshments they presented excited so much laughter, that every set of -visitors was sure to recommend another, to enjoy the bodily and mental -entertainment provided for them. - -When the company first assembled, a brilliant display of fire works was -let off on the lawn, and just as the last rocket was ascending, Mrs. -Martin and her niece entered the ball room. They had met with sundry -difficulties, as to conveyances, which had delayed their arrival so -long. - -Unfortunately for them, the company had, at that instant, nothing more -amusing to do, than seeking for subjects of ridicule; and in poor Lucy -Martin's dress they found an ample field. Her _ci-devant_ blue spencer -had been transformed into a fashionable body for a new pink petticoat, -under the superintendence of Miss Slater, who had informed her, that -"whole gowns were quite out, as all the ladies in London now wore -dolphin dresses," of which no two parts were of the same colour. Nearly -all the finery of Mr. Slater's shop had been deposited on her person; -and it would have been impossible for the greatest connoisseur in -tinting to have decided which was the prevailing colour in her dress: -but as she and her aunt were made happy, by the idea of her being "quite -smart," her appearing to the rest of the company in a most ludicrous -point of view would have been of no consequence, had not the unsuitable -extravagance deprived them of many almost necessary comforts for a long -time afterwards, for which the display of this evening but poorly -compensated. - -Before the unfeeling crowd had more than half finished their -commentaries on the curious specimen of taste the unconscious girl -exhibited, their attention was diverted by the arrival of Sir Henry -Seymour, who with all the formality of the _vieille cour_ entered the -room, with a _chapeau de bras_ under one arm, and Mrs. Galton leaning on -the other. At her side walked Selina in unadorned loveliness, her eyes -sparkling with delight at all the wonders that were presented to her -view, and totally unsuspicious that she was herself the goddess of the -fairy scene of pleasure. All eyes were fixed on her beaming countenance -radiant in smiles; and even envy, for the moment, pardoned such -unpresuming charms. Mr. Webberly had waited to open the ball with -Selina, and immediately led her to the head of the room, where, scarcely -conscious of the pre-eminence, her attention was so completely engrossed -by all the beauty and variety of the decorations, that she neither -listened to nor understood the fulsome compliments he momentarily -addressed to her. Though little skilled in the fashionable art of -dancing, the natural grace and vivacity of all her movements, and the -uncommon loveliness of her person, more than compensated for this -deficiency; and when she happened to make any mistake in the figures she -was unaccustomed to, she laughed so innocently and so heartily at her -own blunders, and in so doing displayed such dazzling teeth and -evanescent dimples, that one more practised in the arts of coquetry -would purposely have made the same errors, thus to have atoned them. - -From the moment Miss Seymour had entered the room, Mr. Sedley had -watched her every motion; and, as he happened to stand behind Webberly -in the dance, he could not help exclaiming, "By Jove, Jack, if you get -that girl you'll be a lucky dog." Webberly cast a glance on his lovely -partner, in which real exultation was ridiculously blended with affected -contempt; and shrugging his shoulders, replied, "She is half wild now, -we must give her a little fashion when she comes amongst us." Sedley -turned on his heel, and joined a groupe of young men, who were loudly -expatiating on the charms he affected to despise. Sedley also joined in -her praise; for as yet, though his warm admiration was excited, his -heart was not sufficiently interested to create a wariness in the -expression of its feelings; and as the whole party professed their -anxiety to be introduced to her, he laughingly boasted of his prior -claims, and hastened to secure her hand for the two following dances. -And now, according to a writer of the days of Queen Bess, "Some ambled, -and some skipped, and some minced it withal, and some were like the -bounding doe, and some like the majestic lion." - -Adelaide alone refused every solicitation to join in the festivity; and -when Mrs. Temple urged her to accept of some of the numerous partners -who contended for her fair hand, she replied, with a mournful -expression, "Dear Mrs. Temple do not ask me; surely this dress was -never meant for _dancing_;" so saying, she cast down her eyes to conceal -their watery visitors. Sedley, who had overheard her observation, took -this opportunity of examining her perfect features. He thought he had -never seen her look so lovely as at that moment, for - - "Upon her eye-lids many graces sat, - Under the shadow of her even brows;" - -and mentally exclaimed, "The braid of dark hair that borders that fair -forehead, 'so calm, so pure, yet eloquent,' is indeed beautiful in -contrast! Of all dresses certainly that becomes her most, it so -harmonizes with the style of her countenance; - - "One shade the more, one ray the less, - Had half impair'd the nameless grace, - That waves in every raven tress, - Or softly lightens o'er her face." - -Sedley was proceeding to compare in thought the merits of blondine and -brunette complexions, eyes of bewitching animation or touching softness, -hair of glossy black or silken brown, and in short the various charms, -which united to form the perfect models of the opposite styles of beauty -which Selina and Adelaide presented, when he was diverted from this -agreeable occupation by Mrs. Sullivan screaming in his ear, "Law! Mr. -Sedley, I vish I vas O'fat (probably _au fait_) of what you're in such a -brown study for; there's my daughter, Cilly, keeping herself _enragé_ -all this time to dance with you." Of course he could not refuse this -summons, and immediately led her to join the dancers, scarcely -regretting that the set was nearly finished. - -When Cecilia passed by, overloaded with finery, and encumbered with -ornament, Mrs. Temple exclaimed, "Good heavens! how that handsome girl -has contrived to disfigure herself! It is no wonder her mother -complained of her being so long dressing: I hope, my dear Miss -Wildenheim, you will never give into such follies." Adelaide smilingly -replied, "I cannot invert the first axiom of mechanics, and say of the -labours of the toilet, _that we gain in power what we lose in time_." -"Never, my dear girl, as long as you live, mention the word _mechanics_ -again, on pain of being pronounced a learned lady; which crime, in this -country, is punished by tortures far more severe than the _peine forte -et dure_ of the old French law. I assure you, in England, the reputation -of _femme savante_ is scarcely less odious than that of _femme galante_. -A fool with youth and beauty maybe quite _recherchée_, but no mental or -bodily perfection can atone for the blemish of _learning_ in a woman!" -Mrs. Temple's attention was now attracted by seeing Mrs. Sullivan doing -the honours to a _soi-disant_ beau, who scarcely heard what she said, -being intent on copying the air of real fashion so striking in Mr. -Sedley. "This here's the courting room, Sir--That there's the -refrigerating house for drinking o-shot--And that there's my daughter -Meely, and that there other one's my Cilly--we calls one Grace and -Dignity and the other Little Elegance--I'm sure you must allow we've -given them wery opprobrious names.--Look'ee here, Sir, Meely did all -this here topography herself[11], entirely from her own deceptions; I -assure you, Sir, she's pro-digiars clever." Mrs. Temple, finding Mrs. -Sullivan's discourse utterly subversive of all decorum of countenance, -left the dangerous neighbourhood, and took Adelaide to walk about the -room, for the double purpose of composing her own features, and -informing her young friend of the names and characters of such of the -guests as she was unacquainted with. "Who is that lovely innocent girl, -sitting near the transparency of Mirth and her crew, with her head on -one side, and her eyes cast down with so much modesty?" "I dare say, -Miss Wildenheim, she is at this moment, with affected _naïveté_, saying -something to the gentleman next her, which _he_ finds unanswerable. She -is a most incorrigible little flirt; and as she is no fool, her -conversation is in my mind quite reprehensible. She was the daughter of -a poor baronet of this county, and to counterbalance her want of -fortune, was brought up in the most homely manner, being, for example, -accustomed to iron her own clothes and go to market. Against the consent -of her friends, she married a _petit-maître_ parson, with little except -a handsome person and agreeable manners to recommend him, and nothing -but a curacy to support him and his beautiful young wife. They now live -with his mother, who takes care of their children, the father being too -constantly occupied in fishing, hunting, and snoring, the mother in -dressing, dancing, singing, and flirting, to find time for the discharge -of their duty to their offspring. Delicate as she looks, she will go -through any fatigue to attend a ball or party: I suppose you will -scarcely believe, that she has walked eight miles this morning, carrying -her own parcel, to be here to-night." Before Adelaide could offer any -comment on this portrait, Mrs. Temple's attention was attracted by -another acquaintance: "Why, bless me, (said she) there is old Mr. -Marshall: what can have brought him here all the way from Kingston, to -night? except, perhaps, to have the pleasure of seeing his daughters -admired: and it would delight any father's heart to look at that -beautiful creature in blue, now showing the very perfection of a lady's -dancing. That little laughing girl standing beside her is her sister, -who is one of the pleasantest creatures I ever knew."--"Oh!" said -Adelaide, "I believe she is the Miss Marshall I met lately at -Huntingfield, who gave vent to as many ideas in half an hour, as would -serve an economist in speech for a week; I could not help applying to -her Mrs. Sullivan's adage, that _stores breed waste_." - -[Footnote 11: Pointing to the chalking on the floor.] - -"And now, my dear Miss Wildenheim," resumed Mrs. Temple, as, weary of -their promenade, they seated themselves, "if you are curious to inform -yourself as to the beaux of this assembly, you have only to keep your -eyes steadily fixed in the direction of that large mirror, and as they -pass point them out to me; for I will venture to say there is hardly a -young man in the room, who will not, in the course of the evening, stop -opposite to it, and settle his cravat. Look there now, already! observe -that youth adjusting his dress----I hope you saw the shake he gave his -head when he had done, as if to ascertain whether he had any brains in -it or not; much in the style of a thrifty housewife, who uses this -method with her eggs, when she wishes to discover if any spark of -animation lurks within. If he had applied to me," continued Mrs. Temple, -"I could have saved him the trouble he has just put himself to, and -would have solved the doubts the vacant countenance he saw in the glass -excited, by answering in the negative without hesitation. This -gentleman, at present, resides a few miles from hence, for the purpose -of canvassing the town of----, in hopes to represent it in the next -parliament. His travelling equipage is not exactly suited to the -character of a British senator. In addition to the usual establishment -of blinds, his carriage is fitted up on the outside with shades to save -his complexion, and in the barouche seat are two monkeys trained to act -as footmen. It is the received etiquette for every new candidate to make -his _début_ as _patriot_; he therefore, of course, talks loudly of -'Parliamentary reform:' perhaps he may have some ambitious views for the -ape tribe; indeed I have heard it whispered, that one or two have been -detected in both honourable houses before now." - -Adelaide was much entertained by Mrs. Temple's volubility, but said she -was inclined to differ from her friend as to the conclusion to be drawn -from this singular _cortège_. "You know, my dear Mrs. Temple, to have -'grace enough to play the fool, craves wit,' _sense_ is quite another -affair; but I think it is only those that have at least some talent, who -venture to take out this sort of temporary act of lunacy against -themselves, well knowing they can give convincing proof of sanity when -necessary. I have formed this conclusion from observing, that the -English alone ever make these eccentric exhibitions; you will readily -allow, that if any nation equals, none exceeds them in solid abilities. -If the young gentleman in question is under twenty-five, I would risk -something in favour of the contents of his head, on the strength of the -two monkeys. What a pity Dr. Gall is not here to decide for us, by means -of his soul-revealing touch; our craniologists, you know, tell us, they -have wit, memory, sense, and judgment at their fingers' ends: it is to -be hoped they have them elsewhere also." "What you say of Mr. B----," -replied Mrs. Temple, "amazes me: I own, from you, who are one of the -most rational of human beings in your own department, I expected no -toleration of folly." "Oh, I think the case is far different in the -conduct of women," said Adelaide: "our minds have not the strong -re-active power those of men possess; they, in the regions of folly not -unfrequently 'fall so hard, they bound and rise again,' but we are not -sufficiently firm to possess such elasticity." "I believe you are right, -my dear girl: would you like to visit the other apartments? I have not -seen them yet." Miss Wildenheim consented with alacrity, and they -accordingly proceeded towards the vestibule, where numerous groupes were -promenading, as the dancing was for a time discontinued. - -Adelaide, whilst amusing herself with Mrs. Temple's account of the -company, by degrees herself became an object of general admiration. -Although there were some women present of greater personal beauty than -Miss Wildenheim, yet in her "_La grâce, plus belle encore que la -beauté_[12]," won the eye from the contemplation of more perfect -loveliness. "Who is she?" was repeated from mouth to mouth, as she -crossed the vestibule; and when nobody could answer the question, it was -asked with increased earnestness. All agreed she was foreign, and that -there was something not English in her countenance, her manner of -wearing her dress, but above all in her walk. As an epidemical mania -for every thing continental once more reigns in England, the idea that -Adelaide was a foreigner, above all things, stamped her the belle of the -night; she was followed from room to room, and wherever she turned -innumerable eye-glasses were levelled at her. The attention she excited -at last becoming perceptible even to herself, with a look of anxious -inquiry she said to Mrs. Temple, "Is there any thing remarkable in my -appearance, that those people stare so?" "Yes, my dear, something very -remarkable." "Then pray, pray tell me what it is." "Your ignorance of it -is one of your greatest charms, and I am not envious enough to wish to -deprive you of any of them." This reply covered Adelaide with blushes, -and adorned her with a hue, which was the only beauty her fine -countenance did not usually possess. For sorrow had breathed witheringly -on the roses, that once had bloomed on her soft cheek.--Will the voice -of joy ever recal them from their exile? - -[Footnote 12: Grace more lovely than beauty.] - -The Webberly family, finding Adelaide the admiration of the company, now -came up to her, not to show _her_ kindness, but to show _their guests_ -she belonged to them; and their ostentatious civility provoked a smile -of contempt from Mrs. Temple, who had been indignant at their previous -neglect. Miss Wildenheim was soon surrounded by a crowd of beaux and -belles, who addressed her in good, bad, or indifferent French, Italian, -German, or Spanish--some from the polite wish of showing proper -attention to a stranger, others from a natural curiosity as to subjects -of foreign interest. But a large number, from the pure love of display, -gave utterance to as many scraps of any foreign language as their memory -furnished them with from books of dialogues or idioms; and, as soon as -these were exhausted, found some urgent reason for retreating to the -very opposite part of the room, taking care to keep at an awful -distance from her for the rest of the night. Many a poor girl was -brought forward by her mother, _bon gré, mal gré_, to display her -philological acquirements. Adelaide happened to overhear part of a -dialogue, preparatory to an exhibition of this sort. "Italian, mama! -Indeed, indeed, I can't: besides it is quite unnecessary, for Mrs. -Temple says she speaks English fluently." "But you know, love," replied -the matron, "it is such good breeding to address strangers in their own -language." "Yes, _dear_ mama, it is indeed; she is a German, and, I dare -say, doesn't understand Italian." "That doesn't signify, come and speak -to her directly, Miss." "Pray, pray, let it be in French then," said the -girl, half crying; "I have only learned Italian three months, and it's -ten to one if I happen to know what she says to me." "Why, you know, -Maria, when I brought Flo--Floril--(you could help me to the name if -you chose)--but, in short, that travelling Italian you had your flowers -of, to talk to you, he said he took you for a native; but you may speak -Italian first, and French afterwards, and that will be a double -practice, my dear." There was no reprieve;--and a very nice girl, -colouring crimson deep from shame and anger, stammered out a sentence of -wretched Italian, whilst the mother stood by with an air of triumph, to -see her orders obeyed, and observe who was listening. Adelaide, pitying -the poor girl's confusion, replied in French, apparently for her own -ease, and addressed to her a few sentences, which afforded an -opportunity of throwing in that everlasting self-congratulating "_oui, -oui_," which is the young linguist's best ally, even more useful than -Madame de Genlis' "_Manuel du Voyageur_," which, by the bye, an adept in -short hand might have taken down that night. The young lady and her -mother soon left Adelaide, both highly delighted; and, however -unwilling the former had been to make the experiment mama had enjoined, -she certainly thought much more highly of her own attainments after this -happy result. Adelaide was then introduced to a gentleman who spoke -French with as much fluency as herself, and they soon got into that -style of conversation, to which the term _spirituelle_ is so justly -applied, where appropriate diction and elegant idea lend charms to each -other: in the language to which she had from infancy been accustomed, -she expressed herself with peculiar felicity, and seemed to take the -same sort of pleasure in doing so one feels in meeting a long absent -friend. Mrs. Temple was now a silent and wondering spectator, vainly -endeavouring to find out how such a girl as Miss Wildenheim could have -become an inmate of Mrs. Sullivan's family; and remarked that her manner -and acquirements always rose to the level of the scene which called them -forth. At that instant she acquitted herself with as much grace of all -those dues of society, which the passing moment demanded, as she, with -cheerful sweetness, contributed to the amusement of her friends in the -quiet family circle at the parsonage. Mrs. Temple was half angry at the -ease of her manner in such a situation; but when she again looked at -Adelaide, observed her varying blushes, vainly watched for any symptom -of coquetry or attempt at display; and at last caught an imploring -glance, which seemed to say, like Sterne's starling, "I can't get -out--pray relieve me," she felt the injustice of her incipient censures. -She was for an instant prevented from obeying the summons, by an old -general officer asking her, "If that young lady was any relation of the -Baron Wildenheim, who so much distinguished himself at the battle of -Hohenlinden, and so many other desperate encounters of the same -campaign?" "Possibly his daughter," replied Mrs. Temple; "but pray -don't direct any question of that nature to her; for whenever such -subjects are alluded to, she seems deeply affected." When Mrs. Temple -again took Adelaide's arm, she found Mr. Webberly importuning her to -dance. Mrs. Sullivan had made him promise that morning not to ask -Adelaide to dance, for fear of making Miss Seymour jealous! But he could -no longer deny himself the pleasure, for which he had most looked -forward to this evening; and, in spite of his mother's frowns and signs, -(seldom indeed much attended to at Webberly House) he solicited Adelaide -with much earnestness, to dance a set with him, which he offered to -procure express before supper. But as she steadily refused, he, to -solace himself, prevailed on a city cousin, (whose wealth procured her -admittance to her aunt's house) and his sister Cecilia, to exhibit -themselves as waltzers. Cecilia's partner was the _soi-disant_ beau, who -had been so indefatigable in his polygraphie of ton; and the travesty -of Lady Eltondale and Sedley was inimitably ludicrous to those who had a -key to the libel. The company had long been tired of quizzing poor -innocent Lucy Martin; equally fatigued with the amusements provided for -them; were almost weary of admiring and comparing Selina and Adelaide, -most of the ladies by this time having discovered, that though the -latter had a certain "_je ne sais quoi_" about her that was taking, her -hair was too black, and her complexion too pale, for beauty; and that -the loveliness of the former defied criticism--an unwilling confession, -which rendered their first triumph nugatory; so that the waltzers -afforded a very seasonable diversion. Nothing could be fancied more -laughable than the undextrous twirling of the quartet; and few things -are more worthy, in every respect, to be the subject of that spirit of -ridicule which so unfortunately pervades every society, than this -anti-Anglican dance. Mrs. Temple whispered to Adelaide, - - "So ill the motion with the music suits; - "Thus Orpheus play'd, and like them danc'd the brutes." - -How could Mrs. Temple be so ill bred as to whisper?--The whole thing is -'_mauvais ton_' no doubt some decorous belle now exclaims. Gentle -reader, if thou hast never sacrificed thy friend or thy love of the -_exact_ truth to a joke, thou hast a right to vent thine indignation -against this breach of _etiquette_. When thine ire is exhausted, proceed -to read, and thou wilt find that the cause of thine indignation is at an -end.--Supper was at length announced; the company were conducted into -rooms laid out in the same style of ornamental profusion as those they -had already visited. After supper, dancing was resumed with increased -ardour, and continued to an early hour. When the company separated, -they exchanged the glare of candles for the light of the sun; and the -sound of the harp, tabret, and all manner of musical instruments, for -the song of birds and the whistling of the husbandman. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - Stranger to civil and religious rage, - The good man walk'd innoxious through his age. - No courts he saw.-- - - POPE. - - -Few people were ever endowed with a greater capacity of receiving -pleasureable emotions than Selina Seymour, and the whole tenor of her -joyful life had hitherto tended to increase this inestimable gift of -nature. She had been as happy at Mrs. Sullivan's ball, as it was -possible for any innocent being, without a care for the present or a -regret for the past; and the pleasure of her own mind was reflected back -to her tenfold in the approving smiles of her father and aunt. Her -delight in the gay scene was unalloyed by envy or competition. She had -never been taught to estimate her _happiness_ by her height in the scale -of admiration; for her fond relatives, thinking her always charming, and -ever considering her felicity more than the gratification of their own -pride, had not tortured her by preparations for exhibition; and, as long -as she danced with pleasure to herself, they cared not _how_. The happy -girl so keenly enjoyed the brilliant scene, was so grateful for the -marked attention she received, that she had not time to stop to consider -whether she was _admired_ or not; and, perhaps, if this query had even -occurred to her mind, the answer to it might have been a matter of -indifference--sufficient was it to her felicity to know she was -_beloved_. - -But all Selina's delight would have been turned to pain the more -exquisite, could one fold of the veil of futurity have been raised to -show her the near approach of misery. On that night she first saw -pleasure decked in her festal robe, her brow crowned with flowers, her -countenance radiant with smiles, presenting her enchantments with one -hand--but saw not the other beckoning to the hovering forms of disease -and death, to array her in the garb of wo:--a task they too quickly -performed; for alas! this scene of gaiety was but the antechamber of -grief. - -Selina rose next day, refreshed with a few hours sound sleep; and, -animated with more than her general vivacity, was skipping down stairs -with her usual velocity, when she was stopped by Mrs. Galton; and, -terrified at the expression of her countenance, "Good God, aunt Mary!" -exclaimed she, "what is the matter you look so pale--are you ill?" "No, -my dear, no; but I am sorry to say your father is very unwell. Don't be -so much alarmed, my dear child--he is better now. Where are you going?" -continued she, holding Selina fast. "To see my dear papa." "You must -not, Selina, Mr. Lucas is with him, endeavouring to compose him to -sleep.--Come to the library, my love, and let us have breakfast." They -proceeded quietly and sorrowfully; and Selina, on entering it, perceived -her aunt was in the dress of the night before. "Why, my dear aunt, you -have never changed your dress. Oh, that vile ball! my dear dear father -has got cold. I wish we had never gone;" and here, quite overcome by the -acuteness of her feelings, she burst into a paroxysm of tears. Mrs. -Galton was not sorry to see her give way to her grief; but when she -became a little composed, addressed her with much solemnity of manner, -saying, "Selina, my dear Selina, command yourself! I require you to -exert all your fortitude; you must not, in a scene like this, render -yourself worse than useless. Do not selfishly give yourself up to your -own feelings. Remember, my child, you may be of much comfort to your -father." Selina answered but by a motion of the hand, and, retiring for -a short time to a solitary apartment, threw herself on her knees, and, -by a fervent supplication for support from Heaven, at last composed -herself so far as to return to her aunt with a calm countenance, though -still unable to speak. One expressive look told Mrs. Galton she was -aware of her father's danger, and was prepared to make every proper -exertion. Sir Henry had at Webberly House most imprudently accompanied -his darling Selina in one of her visits to the hermitage; and, in -consequence of the draughts of air and damps to which he had thereby -exposed himself, was, on his return to the Hall, seized with the gout in -his stomach in a most alarming manner. Mr. Lucas had been immediately -sent for, and, pronouncing him in imminent danger, had requested that -better advice might be procured without delay. At length the violence of -the attack seemed to give way to the remedies administered; and Mr. -Lucas was, as Mrs. Galton said, endeavouring to procure sleep for his -patient, when she heard Selina's bell; and, taking a favourable -opportunity of leaving the sick room, was proceeding to break the -intelligence to her, when they met on the stairs. The ladies continued -at the breakfast in perfect silence, Mrs. Galton not even addressing -Selina by a look, as she well knew that a mere trifle would destroy the -composure she was endeavouring to acquire. When they left the breakfast -table, Mrs. Galton took Selina up stairs, to assist her in changing her -dress, as she feared to leave her alone, and wished to employ her in -those little offices of attentive kindness, which, by their very -minuteness, disturb the mind from meditating on any new-born grief, -though they only irritate the feelings, when sorrow has arrived at -maturity. Mrs. Galton's watchful eye soon discovered Dr. Norton's -carriage at the lower end of the avenue; and that Selina might be out -of the way on his entrance, sent her to walk in the garden, promising to -call her the moment she could be admitted to see her father. When Dr. -Norton arrived, he immediately repaired to Sir Henry's apartment; and, -on hearing it, gave a sad confirmation of Mr. Lucas's opinion, -expressing his fears, that though his patient was tolerably easy at that -moment, violent attacks of the complaint might be expected; and if -_they_ should not prove fatal, the weakness consequent on them most -probably would. Mrs. Galton entreated he would remain at Deane Hall till -Sir Henry's fate was decided, which request he, without hesitation, -complied with. - -Had Dr. Norton conveyed his intelligence to Selina herself, it could -scarcely have afflicted her more deeply than it did Mrs. Galton. Her -regard for Sir Henry was great, and not less lively was her gratitude -for the constant kindness he had for a long course of years shown her; -so that had not another being on earth been interested in his life, she -would, in her own feelings, have found sufficient cause for sorrow. But -when she anticipated Selina's grief, should the fears of the physician -be realized, her own misery was tenfold aggravated by her commiseration -for the beloved child of her heart--the dearest solace of her existence! - -These reflections even increased the usual fondness of Mrs. Galton's -manner to Selina, when, on her return from the garden, she answered the -anxious child's inquiries for her father. She had a hard task to -fulfil--fearful of telling her too much or too little. To avoid any -direct reply, she informed her she might now go to Sir Henry's room, and -Selina, without a moment's delay, was at his bed-side. The poor old man, -anxious, if possible, to postpone the misery of his child, assured her -he was now easy, and desired her to tell him all she thought of the -night before. The innocent girl, on hearing this request, flattered -herself with all the delusion of hope, that her aunt's fears had -exaggerated the danger; and, elated by the idea that her father's -complaint had subsided, talked with much of her usual vivacity, which -increased as she perceived her lively ingenuous remarks cheered the sick -man's face with many smiles.--Little was she aware, they were the last -her own would ever brighten on beholding. - -An express, without delay, was dispatched to Mordaunt, requesting his -immediate presence at Deane Hall. When Selina heard of her father's -anxiety for his arrival, her spirits again sunk, and she reflected in an -agony of sorrow, that "Yesterday she could not have supposed it possible -the idea of seeing Augustus could have been a severe affliction to her." -The night of that sad day Selina requested she might pass in attendance -on her father. Her aunt, fearful of what the morrow might bring forth, -gratified her desire. Dreadful were the reflections that night gave -rise to, as she contrasted the awful stillness of Sir Henry's chamber -with the noisy gaiety of the one, in which she had spent the night -before. - -Two or three days of dreadful suspense thus passed over Selina's head: -whenever she was permitted she was at her father's bed-side, passing in -an instant from the utmost alarm to hope. But though she saw despair -expressed in every face, her mind still rejected it. She could not bring -herself to believe her beloved father was indeed to die! - -Those who most fervently love most ardently hope, and building their -faith on the most trifling circumstances, cling to it with a force none -less deeply interested can imagine. It is well they do. Their fond hopes -make them use exertions, and bestow comforts, they would be otherwise -incapable of. And thus affection is enabled to cheer the bed of death to -the last moment. - -And as for the survivors! no anticipation can prepare them for the -overwhelming despair of the moment in which they lose what they most -prize on earth! - -Grief, rising supreme in this her hour of triumph, will have her -dominion uncontrolled, and defies alike the past and the future,--even -religion must be aided by time to subdue her giant force. - -On the evening of the third day of Sir Henry's illness Augustus Mordaunt -arrived at Deane Hall; the domestics flocked around him, each conveying -to his agonized ear more dismal tidings,--he spent a dreadful half hour -alone in the library, without seeing either Selina or Mrs. Galton, as -Mr. Temple was at that time administering the sacred rites of the church -to Sir Henry, whilst they joined in prayer in the antechamber. When Sir -Henry had finished his devotions, he asked for Selina, and his voice -brought her in a moment to his bed-side; where, kneeling down, in a half -suffocated voice, she implored his blessing, which never father gave -more fervently, nor amiable child received more piously. - -"Selina! you have always been a good child, and obeyed me; when I am -gone, mind what Mrs. Galton says to you. If I had followed her advice, I -should have been better now." The baronet spoke with much difficulty, -and, exhausted with the effort, closed his eyes in a temporary lethargy. -Selina answered not, but with streaming eyes kissed his hand in token of -obedience. At last, raising his head from his pillow, "Where is -Augustus? he is a long time coming."--at that instant footsteps were -heard slowly and softly traversing the anteroom. Selina opening the door -admitted Augustus: she would have retired, but her father signed her -approach; and recovering his strength a little, faltered out, "Happy to -see you, my dear boy--I have been a father to you, Augustus, be a -brother to this poor girl." - -Augustus poured forth his feelings with more fervency than prudence, -and was stopped in the expression of them by Selina, who perceived her -father was quite exhausted: he once more opened his eyes, saying, "I die -content;" he struggled for utterance, but his words were unintelligible, -and he could only articulate, "Go away,--Send Mrs. Galton." Augustus -flew to bring her, whilst Selina hung in distraction over her dying -parent: as they entered the room, her exclamation of "Oh! my father, my -dear father!" gave them warning, that all was over; and when they -approached the bed, parent and child were lying side by side, the one -apparently as lifeless as the other. - -Augustus, in his first distraction, thought he had lost Selina as well -as his beloved and revered friend, but being recalled to his senses by -Mrs. Galton, assisted her in removing Selina to another room. At length -their exertions revived Selina to a dreadful consciousness of her -misfortune--how agonizing was that moment, when, in her frantic grief, -she upbraided their kind care, and wished they had left her to die by -her father's side! "I have no parent now." "Dearest child of my heart, -have I not ever been a mother to you, and will you refuse to be still my -daughter when I stand so much in need of consolation?" Selina threw -herself into her aunt's arms, and gave vent, in tears, to the sorrow of -her bursting heart; at length she cried herself to sleep, like a child, -and her aunt remained at her side all night, ready to soften the horrors -of her waking moments. - -Selina, next day, being comparatively calm, was wisely left in perfect -solitude to disburthen her heart: her grief was not insulted by -officious condolence, too often resembling reproof rather than comfort. -The aspect of grief is obnoxious to the comparatively happy, and they -often use but unskilful endeavours to banish her from their sight, more -for their own ease, than for the relief of the unfortunate beings who -are bound down to the earth by her oppressive power. Those who have felt -it, will with caution obtrude themselves on her sacred privacy, and will -know when to be mute in the presence of the mourner. - -But where shall the reign of selfishness end?--Her votaries intermeddle -with sorrows they cannot cure, and absent themselves from scenes where -they might bestow comfort: they are to be found in the chamber of the -mourner, but fly from the bed of death, which their presence might -cheer, leaving an expiring relative to look in vain for a loved face, on -which to rest the agonized eye. The friends of the dying do not fulfil -their duty, if they desert the expiring sufferer whilst a spark of life -remains. For who can say the moment when sense _begins_ to cease? Though -the eye is closed, and the tongue mute, the grateful heart may yet be -thankfully alive to the kind voice of affectionate care, or the last -silent pressure of unutterable love! - -Scenes of pain may be appalling to the delicate female. But should a -wife, mother, daughter, or sister, shrink from any task, which may be -useful to the object in which her _duty_ and her love are centred? This -is the courage, this the fortitude, it becomes woman to exert! - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - Hark! at that death-betok'ning knell - Of yonder doleful passing bell. - - GILBERT COWPER. - - -Immediately after Sir Henry Seymour's death Mordaunt wrote to inform Mr. -Seymour of the event, who was the nearest male relative to Sir Henry -then alive, but who had not lived on terms of any intimacy with the -Baronet, having chiefly resided on his own estate in Cumberland. He, -however, lost no time in repairing to the Hall, less out of respect to -the memory of his relation, than in hopes of benefiting by his decease. -The day after his arrival was appointed for opening the will, but in it -he was completely disappointed; it had evidently been written but a few -days before Sir Henry died; and, except small legacies to his servants, -no bequest was made in it to any person but Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and -Selina. To the first, Sir Henry gave a thousand pounds as a slight -testimony of his friendship and esteem; to Augustus he left a small -estate in Cumberland, and to Selina all his other property of every -description, appointing Lady Eltondale sole guardian of her person; -Mordaunt and Mr. Temple trustees to her estates till she married or came -of age. The interest of a large sum in the funds was appropriated to her -support till either of these events occurred; a considerable portion of -which was to be paid to Lady Eltondale for her maintenance, as it was -Sir Henry's wish that she should reside with her. - -Mr. Seymour endeavoured to conceal his own disappointment by paying a -variety of compliments to Selina and Augustus, whom he chose to class -together, in a manner which, had either of them been sufficiently -disengaged to observe it, would have been not a little embarrassing to -both: fortunately, however, they were each too much occupied by their -own feelings to attend to him; and, as his only motive for visiting -Deane Hall was now at an end, he was glad to escape from the house of -mourning, with as little delay as possible. - -Sir Henry's generosity, which was totally unexpected by Augustus, served -but to imbitter his regrets for the loss of his benefactor. In him he -had lost his earliest friend; for his uncle he considered as an entire -stranger, and of his parents he retained no recollection. Whatever had -been the errors of Sir Henry's judgment, his benevolence had never -failed towards Mordaunt; and, while his many virtues had always ensured -respect, his kindness had sunk deep in the grateful heart of Augustus, -as, in their intercourse, essential obligation had never been cancelled -by casual caprice, or rendered irksome by ungracious austerity of -manner. He however carefully suppressed his own feelings, in order the -better to administer consolation to those of Selina; and while Mrs. -Galton and Mr. Temple, with affection almost paternal, used every -argument which religion and reason could suggest, to reconcile her as -much as possible to her loss; Augustus endeavoured by the tenderest care -and unremitting attention to divert her thoughts from her recent -calamity, and thereby gradually soften the poignancy of her sorrow. -Selina had, till the moment when she was deprived of her father, been -totally unacquainted with grief; for when her mother died, she was too -young to be sensible of her loss; and Mrs. Galton's almost maternal -kindness had filled the void of her infant heart, while she was yet -scarcely conscious of its existence. At first she could hardly be -persuaded that Sir Henry really breathed no more; so sudden, and to her -so unexpected, was his dissolution. But, after she had in some degree -relieved her heart, by giving way to the first outrageous burst of -sorrow, on being convinced he was indeed no longer in existence, she -became almost stupified by the overpowering weight of her misfortune. -Sometimes she would rouse herself from her torpor, by questioning -herself, was what had passed but a dream, or an agonizing reality? Was -it possible she should never more hear his beloved voice, or see the -smile of parental fondness play round the cold lips, that were now -closed for ever? Was she never again to feel the delight of cheering a -parent's couch of sickness by the playful sallies of her imagination, or -soothing the acuteness of pain by those considerate attentions affection -only teaches us to pay. Alas! from whom could she now expect to hear the -joyful sound of welcome, with which her return was always greeted, -however short her absence might have been? or from whom could she now -hope to meet the approving glance, that more than rewarded the merit it -applauded; or experience that partiality, that accorded a ready -extenuation of the errors it could not overlook? Whilst these -reflections crowded on her mind, she felt as if the spring of all her -actions was broken, and in the despondency of the moment, thought she -would willingly have exchanged half the remaining years of her life to -recal a few short moments of her past existence. - -From these afflicting ideas she was however roused by receiving a letter -from Lady Eltondale. It was couched in terms that were intended as kind, -though the selfish feelings that dictated them were easily discernible. -The viscountess drew the consolation she offered to the mourner, not -from the source of religion, or that of friendship, but from the cold -unfeeling calculations of interest. She congratulated Selina on her -immense fortune, and on her speedy prospect of being emancipated from -the cloistered seclusion in which she had hitherto lived; and then, -assuming the tone of guardian, left Selina no pretext for refusing her -"orders" immediately to come to reside under her roof, though the -_orders_ were couched in the most polite terms of invitation. She -concluded by asking Selina, whether Mrs. Galton meant to continue at the -Hall, which was immediately understood by both as an intimation that she -was not expected to accompany Selina; but the interdiction was rendered -still more explicit by a postscript, that conveyed her Ladyship's -compliments to Mrs. Galton, and her hopes, at a future time, to prevail -on her to visit Eltondale. - -Selina was indignant at this marked exclusion of her beloved aunt; and -Mrs. Galton found some difficulty in prevailing on her to return even a -polite answer to the Viscountess; but being persuaded from the tenor of -her Ladyship's letter that excuses would be of no avail, she, at last, -persuaded Miss Seymour to name that day fortnight for leaving the Hall, -in hopes, her promptitude in obeying the summons, would, in some degree, -conceal the mortification it had occasioned. Mrs. Galton also wrote to -say, that she herself would accompany Miss Seymour to Eltondale, as she -could, on no account, think of resigning her charge, till she delivered -her in safety to her new guardian; adding, that Mr. Mordaunt had -promised to escort Mrs. Galton from thence to Bath, whither she purposed -proceeding immediately. When Selina saw these letters absolutely -dispatched, and found the time was decidedly fixed for her parting from -the beloved scenes of her infancy, she gave way to an extravagance of -grief, that resisted all Mrs. Galton's reasoning, and even Mordaunt's -anxious entreaties, that she would not thus endanger her health. While -Selina thus resigned herself to an excess of feeling, which was one of -the most conspicuous traits of her character; and indulged, -uncontrolled, a sorrow that was too poignant to be permanent, Mrs. -Galton was struggling against hers with that firmness, by which she was -equally distinguished. She not only did not obtrude her misery on -others, but her calmness, her mildness, her fortitude, proved she really -practised her own precepts of resignation. However, her mental was -superior to her bodily strength: and when she found she was suddenly to -be separated, probably for life, from the child of her fondest -affection; and recollected the pains, it was more than probable, her new -guardian would take to eradicate from the too pliant mind of her young -pupil, not only all the precepts she had so carefully instilled, but -even all remembrance of the instructress; her spirits drooped under the -painful anticipation: and her increased paleness, and declining -appetite, betrayed the approach of disease, to which, notwithstanding, -she was yet unwilling to yield. It was not, however, to be warded off, -and, before the day appointed for Selina's departure, Mrs. Galton was -confined to her bed in an alarming fever: for several days she continued -in imminent danger, but at length the complaint took a favourable turn, -and she was yet spared to the prayers of her anxious attendants. It was -by no means an unfortunate circumstance for Selina, that Mrs. Galton's -illness occurred, to divert her thoughts from the melancholy subject on -which alone she had hitherto permitted them to dwell. By feeling she had -yet much to lose, she imperceptibly became reconciled to the loss she -had already sustained. And when Mrs. Galton was able to sit up in her -dressing room, she, in some degree, resumed her natural character, once -more contributing to the comfort of those she loved. - -In this delightful task Mordaunt participated: when Mrs. Galton was -able, he would sit for hours reading out to her and Selina, while the -grateful smile that lightened the expressive countenance of the latter -sufficiently rewarded his toil. Sometimes, when Mrs. Galton reclined on -the couch, he would draw his chair closer to Selina's work-table, and -continue their conversation in that low tone, which belongs only to -confidence or feeling, which, therefore he doubly prized; but, though he -thus momentarily drank deeper of the draughts of love, no word escaped -his lips to betray the secret struggles of his soul. It is true, that -profiting by the name of brother, which their long intimacy, in some -degree, entitled him to use, he hesitated not to pay her every attention -the most assiduous lover could devise. But yet he scrupulously respected -the engagement her father had made, and studiously endeavoured to -conceal, even from its object, the passion that prayed upon his soul. -Nor was Selina insensible to his kindness; on the contrary, she felt it -with her characteristic gratitude, and expressed her feelings with her -usual ingenuousness; and such were the charms of Mordaunt's society, -notwithstanding the sincerity and depth of her affliction for her -father's death, the hours thus passed in the reciprocal interchange of -kindness from those most loved were amongst the happiest of her life: -and when, at length, Dr. Norton pronounced his patient sufficiently -recovered to travel, the regrets at leaving the Hall were, probably, not -a little increased on the minds both of Selina and Augustus, by the idea -that such hours might possibly never again recur. - -At last the day came, when Selina was to bid adieu to the only scene, -with which happiness was as yet associated in her mind. It was a cold -stormy morning in December. A mizzling rain darkened the atmosphere, and -the leafless trees presented a scene of external desolation, that in -some degree corresponded with the mental gloom of the travellers. The -sun was scarcely risen, and the domestics, that flitted about in the -bleak twilight, all eager to offer some last attention to their beloved -young mistress and her respected aunt, seemed by their mourning habits, -and sorrowful countenances, to sympathize in their grief; whilst the -mournful present was contrasted in every mind with the recollection of -those joyous days of benevolent hospitality, that season of the year had -formerly presented. Mrs. Galton, suppressing her own feelings, to soothe -those of others, stopped to take a friendly leave of all, while poor -Selina, overcome by their well meant commiseration, rushed past them, -and threw herself into a corner of the carriage in an agony of grief. - -When they reached the outer gate of the park, they found a few of her -father's favourite tenants, and some of the cottagers on whom Selina had -formerly bestowed her bounty, assembled to offer their last token of -respect and hearty wishes for her future happiness; but few of the -number could articulate their simple, though honest, salutations. -Unbidden tears trickled down their furrowed cheeks, as they thus parted -with the last of their revered master's family. The old men stood in -silence with their bare heads exposed to "the pelting of the pitiless -storm," while their hearts gave the blessing their lips refused to -utter. And the mothers held up their shivering infants to kiss their -little hands as the carriage passed, in hopes their infantine gestures -would explain the feelings they only could express by tears. - -When they arrived opposite to the parsonage, they found its kind -inhabitants equally anxious to bestow the parting benediction. Nor were -their greetings as they drove through the village less numerous or -sincere: most of the windows were crowded; and the few tradesmen Deane -boasted were waiting at their doors, to make their passing bow, whilst -poor Mrs. Martin and Lucy continued waving their handkerchiefs over the -white pales, till the carriage was out of sight. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - Alquanto malagevole ed aspretta, - Per mezzo im bosco presero la via, - Che, oltra che sassosa fosse e stretta, - Quasi su dritta alla collina gia. - Ma poiche furo ascesi in su la belta - Usciro in spaziosa pratiera-- - Dover il piu bel Palazzo e'l piu giocondo, - Vider che mai fosse vecluto al mondo[13]. - - ORLANDO FURIOSO. - -[Footnote 13: No doubt most of my readers will prefer their own -translations of my mottoes to any I could offer them; but for those who -choose to avoid this trouble, I add my imitations, which claim no other -merit than that of giving a general idea of the spirit of the original -passage. - - They through the wood their path descried, - Which climb'd the shaggy mountain's side; - Dark, narrow was the winding way, - O'er many a piercing stone it lay. - But when they left the forest's shade, - A spacious platform stood display'd, - On which a palace rose in sight, - The smiling scene of gay delight. -] - - -In proportion as Mrs. Galton and Augustus approached Eltondale, their -regrets increased from their anticipation of so soon parting with -Selina; whilst, on the contrary, her spirits seemed to rise with the -varying scene. Almost every object was new to her, and, as such, was a -fresh source of enjoyment. It would be impossible to describe Selina's -astonishment when she entered Leeds. She had never before been in any -large town; for though York was within thirty miles of the Hall, it had -been, in point of intercourse, as much beyond Sir Henry's circle as -London itself. The throng of people, the constant bustle of passengers, -the gaiety of the shops, and above all the comfort, and even elegance of -the hotel where they slept--were all to her subjects of agreeable -surprise. Even the rapid motion of the carriage whirled on by the post -horses, whose pace was so different from the sober gait of poor Sir -Henry's antiquated steeds, animated and delighted her. And will the -confession be forgiven?--such was her ignorance, or perhaps her -frivolity, that she not only felt, but was vulgar enough to acknowledge -a childish pleasure in the races the postillions frequently entered into -with the stage coaches. Augustus was enchanted with the _naïveté_ of her -observations, and gazed with delight on her sparkling eyes and changing -colour, which needed no interpreter to express her varying emotions. But -Mrs. Galton sighed to think how that pliability of disposition, that -now rendered her so bewitching to others, might hereafter become -dangerous to herself. Lady Eltondale, finding Mrs. Galton and Mordaunt -were determined to accompany Selina to the end of her journey, had -written a polite invitation to them to remain at her house some days; -but they had both resolved not to avail themselves of this tardy -civility, even for one night; however, unforeseen delays having -occurred, they did not reach Eltondale till past nine o'clock in the -evening. It was a dark stormy night; the wind, which blew in tremendous -gusts, had extinguished the lamps of the carriage, and they with -difficulty found their way through a thick wood, that climbed the side -of a hill on which the house was situated; but when they emerged from -this Cimmerian darkness, the superb mansion broke upon their view in an -unbroken blaze of light. The exterior rivalled the elegance of an -Italian villa from the lightness of its porticoes, the regularity of -its colonnades, and the symmetry of its whole proportion. Nor was the -interior less elegant. Almost before the carriage reached the steps of -the porch, the ready doors flew open, and a crowd of servants welcomed -their approach: and such was the brilliancy of the scene into which they -were thus suddenly introduced, that it was some minutes before the -travellers could face the dazzling glare of this sudden day. When, -however, they were enabled to look round, the _coup d'oeil_ called -forth involuntary admiration. Three halls, _en suite_, lay open before -them, all illuminated, particularly the centre one, which contained a -light stone stair-case, that wound round a dome to the top of the house, -only interrupted by galleries that corresponded to the different floors. -Out of the hall in which they stood, a conservatory stretched its length -of luxuriant sweetness. The roses, that were trained over its trellised -arches, were in full blow, and formed a beautiful contrast to the -icicles that hung on the outside of the windows, whilst the blooming -garden itself was equally contrasted by the winter clothing of the -adjoining halls. In them large blazing fires gave both light and heat; -whilst thick Turkey carpets, bearskin rugs, and cloth curtains to every -door, bid defiance to the inclemency of the severest season. - -Before Selina had time to express half her rapture and surprise, the -Alcina of this enchanted palace approached to welcome them. And such was -the elegance, the fascination of Lady Eltondale's address, particularly -to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, that they for a moment almost doubted -whether they had indeed rightly understood her prohibitory letter. Lord -Eltondale had not yet left the dinner table; but the moment he heard of -the arrival of his guests, he bustled out, napkin in hand, to bellow -forth his boisterous welcome: "Gad, I'm glad to see ye all. How do? how -do? Why, Mrs. Galton, you're thinner than ever; but this is capital -fattening ground. Selina, my girl, what have you done with the rosy -cheeks you had last summer? Come, child, don't cry; you know you could -not expect Sir Henry to live for ever--and you've plenty of cash, eh?" -Lady Eltondale, perceiving her Lord's condolences by no means assuaged -Selina's tears, took hold of her hand and that of Mrs. Galton, and with -a kindness much more effectual, though perhaps not more sincere, led -them away from her unconscious Lord, who, without waiting for reply or -excuse, seized Mordaunt by the arm, and dragged him into the eating -parlour, as he said, "to drink the ladies' health in a bottle of the -best Burgundy he ever tasted." - -The drawing-room, to which Lady Eltondale introduced her guests, was -perfectly consistent with its beautiful entrance, for here, - - "If a poet - Shone in description, he might show it,-- - Palladian walls--Venetian doors-- - Grotesco roofs--" - -in short, all that taste and extravagance could procure to combine -comfort and elegance. - -Before Lady Eltondale drew aside the curtain that screened the door of -the anteroom, a few chords on the harp were distinguished--and on -entering the apartment they perceived two ladies. One was an old woman, -dressed in mourning, with a large black bonnet, which almost entirely -concealed her face, whom Lady Eltondale introduced as Lady Hammersley. -She looked up, for a moment, from a book she appeared to be perusing -intently, and after saluting the strangers with an obsequious -inclination of the head, resumed her studies in silence. The other -lady, who was reclining against the harp, was dressed in the extreme of -French fashion. Her face, though not youthful, appeared, at that -distance, handsome, from the judicious arrangement of white and red, -with which it was covered. But a closer inspection proved the only -charms it could really boast were a pair of large black eyes, that could -assume any requisite expression, and a set of teeth, which, whether -natural or artificial, were certainly beautiful. Her dark hair was -crowned with a wreath of roses _en corbeille_, the colour of her cheeks; -and her tall slim figure was covered, not concealed, by a loose muslin -robe _à la Diane_. - -At first the Viscountess took no notice of the fair minstrel; but having -placed Mrs. Galton close to the fire in a Roman chair, and ordered -coffee, and an opera basket for her feet, she drew Selina's arm through -her own, and, approaching the stranger, addressed her, saying, "At -last, Mademoiselle Omphalie, here is my niece: have I said too much of -her?" "_Ah! mon Dieu, qu'elle est belle!_" returned the complaisant -foreigner. "_Ma foi, elle est fail à peindre._[14] _Ma chère_ young -ladi, ve must be ver good friends: I am positive I shall dote a you." So -saying, she held out her hand to Selina, who returned the proffered -courtesy with a glow of gratitude for the unexpected kindness. But the -Viscountess did not give her niece time to profit much by the stranger's -civility. She just happened to recollect, that Selina's furs were -unnecessary in her ladyship's drawing-room, and proposed to the -travellers to have them introduced to their apartments, which they -gladly acceded to. But here a new fashion struck their wondering eyes. -The Viscountess desired her footmen to send "Argant" to show the rooms. -Mrs. Galton and Selina ignorantly imagined they were to be consigned to -the care of a house-maid. What then was their dismay, when a Swiss groom -of the chambers made his appearance, with their wax tapers, and escorted -them, not only to their rooms, which adjoined each other, but familiarly -entered the apartments with them; and having deliberately lighted the -candles on their respective toilets, with a thousand shrugs and grimaces -asked, "_Si mesdames lui permettront l'honneur d'ôter leurs -pelisses[15]?_" When he had at last retired, Mrs. Galton could no longer -suppress her feelings; the tears trickled down her cheeks as she clasped -Selina to her bosom, with a fearful anticipation of the trials and -temptations, a scene so new and so bewitching was likely to offer to a -girl so totally inexperienced. But unwilling, unnecessarily, to damp -the dear girl's spirits, which were already fluttering between joy and -sorrow, she attributed her depression solely to the idea of so soon -parting with her, as she had fixed to leave Eltondale with Augustus very -early the following morning. When the two ladies returned to the drawing -room, they found the gentlemen had joined the party. Besides Lord -Eltondale and Mordaunt, the circle was enlarged by Sir Robert -Hammersley, an old fat Scotch admiral, and his son, who had thrown -himself, at full length, on a sofa, listening to an Italian _arietta_, -that Mademoiselle Omphalie was warbling forth in "liquid sweetness long -drawn out," whilst he occasionally interrupted her finest cadences with -an audible yawn, or an almost unintelligible "_brava_." Lady Eltondale, -Lady Hammersley, and Mrs. Galton formed a group together, and entered -into general conversation, while Sir Robert and his host were warmly -engaged in continuing a political dispute. Selina remained attentively -listening to the delightful harmony of Mademoiselle Omphalie's melodious -voice, till at length her eye meeting that of Mordaunt, which rested -solely on hers, her expressive countenance told him in a moment all her -admiration and delight. He softly approached her, and, leaning over her -chair, said, in a low tone, "All these new pleasures will soon make you -forget----I mean you will scarcely have time to think of Yorkshire." She -turned her beautiful face towards him, with an expression of melancholy -and surprise, but meeting his speaking glance, she hastily withdrew her -eyes, and coloured, with an ill defined feeling of painful pleasure: -some flowers, that she had inconsiderately taken from a china vase, that -stood on a table near her, suffered from her agitation, as she -unconsciously scattered some of the myrtle leaves on the floor. -Augustus picked up one of the fallen branches, and, looking at Selina, -"_Je ne change qu'en mourant_," said he, with an emphasis that seemed to -apply the motto in more ways than to the leaf he held. Selina's -confusion increased, and a tear stood on her long eye-lashes, but before -she could articulate the half formed sentence that trembled on her lip, -Lady Eltondale advanced to the table, and abruptly asked her to give her -opinion of some drawings that were scattered about it; and so completely -did she monopolize her for the remainder of the evening, that she had -not again an opportunity of speaking to Augustus. When, however, the -company were separating for the night, he advanced to ask if she had any -further commands for him; but, with a trepidation she did not wait to -analyse, she postponed her adieus, entreating him not to say farewell -then, as she meant certainly to be up long before Mrs. Galton and he -would leave Eltondale in the morning. - -[Footnote 14: "Ah! how beautiful she is!" "She is divinely formed."] - -[Footnote 15: "If the ladies would allow him to take off their -pelisses."] - -END OF VOL. I. - - * * * * * - -Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey. - - * * * * * - -[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes -left as printed.] - - * * * * * - -Books published by Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy. - -WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. - - -ROSABELLA, or A MOTHER'S MARRIAGE. In 5 vols. By the Author of "Romance -of the Pyrenees;" "Santo Sebastiano, or the Young Protector;" "Adelaide, -or the Countercharm;" and "Forest of Montalbano." - -HARRINGTON, a Tale; and Ormond, a Tale. By MARIA EDGEWORTH; Author of -"Tales of Fashionable Life," &c. &c. 3 vols. - -PATRONAGE. By the same Author. Third Edition. - -COMIC DRAMAS. By the same Author. 1 vol. - -SARSFIELD, or the Wanderings of Youth; an Irish Tale. By JOHN GAMBLE, -Esq. Strabane. 3 vols. - -HOWARD. By the same Author. 2 vols. - -WARWICK CASTLE, an Historical Novel. 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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 <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Manners, Vol 1 of 3</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:1em; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Madame Panache</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Release Date: July 7, 2012 [eBook #40158]<br /> -[Most recently updated: January 27, 2021]</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Language: English</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0'>Character set encoding: UTF-8</div> -<div style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Produced by: Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team</div> -<div style='margin-top:2em;margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 ***</div> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40158 ***</div> <div class="figcenter"> <img src="images/tp1.jpg" alt=""/> @@ -4878,446 +4860,6 @@ several, in nearly every respectable division of society, this collection of <i>one hundred</i> Lives exhibits an almost continuous view of the English annals.</p> -<div style='display:block;margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 ***</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This file should be named 40158-h.htm or 40158-h.zip</div> -<div style='display:block;margin:1em 0;'>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in https://www.gutenberg.org/4/0/1/5/40158/</div> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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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/license - - -Title: Manners, Vol 1 of 3 - A Novel - -Author: Frances Brooke - -Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40158] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - MANNERS: - - A NOVEL. - - - ----Dicas hic forsitan unde - Ingenium par materiae. - - JUVENAL. - - Je sais qu'un sot trouve toujours un plus sot pour le lire. - - FRED. LE GRAND. - - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - VOL. I. - - LONDON: - PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, - PATERNOSTER ROW. - - 1817. - - - - -MANNERS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - What, and how great, the virtue and the art, - To live on little with a cheerful heart-- - (A doctrine sage, but truly none of mine) - Let's talk, my friends,---- - - POPE. - - -In the retired village of Deane, in Yorkshire, lived for many years one -of those unfortunate females ycleped an old maid; a title which -generally exposes the possessor to every species of contempt, however -inoffensive, or even worthy, the individual may be, thus unluckily -designated. - -Mrs. Martin, the lady alluded to, was certainly one of those more -"sinned against than sinning;" for malice itself could not accuse her of -one uncharitable thought, word, or action: and even her enemies, if -enemies she had, must have acknowledged, that "Poor Mrs. Martin had a -good heart," however inferior she might be in understanding to those, -who affected to despise her unassuming merits. She was one of those -worthy good people, who never did a wicked thing, and never said a wise -one; and who, therefore, are seldom mentioned without some epithet of -contemptuous pity by those, who at least wish to be considered of an -entirely opposite character. She lived in a contented mediocrity, "aboon -distress below envy," humble, and good natured, with a most happy -temperament, both moral and physical; in friendship with all the world, -and devoutly believing all the world in friendship with her, and indeed -in that respect at least her judgment did not err; for few people were -more generally beloved than "Poor Mrs. Martin." She always had a ready -laugh for the awkward jests of her neighbours, and to the distressed she -as willingly gave her equally ready tear.--Her income was extremely -limited, yet she still contrived to spare a mite to those still poorer -than herself, and to her trifling donations she added such cordially -interested enquiries, and such well intentioned advice, that her mercy -was indeed "twice blest."--To her other good qualities she joined that -of being a most excellent manager. All the village acknowledged, that -"Poor Mrs. Martin's sweetmeats, and poor Mrs. Martin's bacon, were the -best in the place;" nor were there many seasons so unproductive in her -little garden, as to deprive her of the pride and pleasure of bestowing -a bottle of currant wine, or a pot of raspberry jam, on her more opulent -though less thrifty neighbour.--Her house, which was in the middle of -the village, was only distinguished from those around it by its superior -neatness: a court, about the dimensions of a modern dinner table, which -she facetiously termed her pleasure ground, divided it from the -principal, indeed the only street, and was separated from it by a few -white rails;--a little walk curiously paved in different coloured stones -was the approach to the hall door, and the grass on each side was -ornamented by a circular bed bordered with reversed oyster shells, and -containing each a few rose trees. The house boasted of one window -corresponding to each flower bed on the ground floor; and of three above -stairs, the centre one of which, being Mrs. Martin's own bed room, was -ornamented with an old fender painted green, which served as a balcony -to support three flourishing geraniums, and a stock July flower, that -"wasted its sweetness on the desert air" out of a broken tea pot, which -had been carefully treasured by this thrifty housewife as a substitute -for a flower pot. The hall door, which always stood open in fine -weather, was decorated with a clean but useless brass knocker, and a -conspicuous rush mat; whilst the narrow passage, to which it led, -presented, as its sole furniture, a huge clock, on which Mrs. Martin's -only attendant Peggy often boasted no spider was ever known to rest, and -whose gigantic case filled the whole space from wall to wall. The left -hand window, whose dark brown shutters were carefully bolted back on the -outside, illuminated a kitchen, where cheerful cleanliness amply -compensated for want of size;--opposite to it was the only parlour, of -the same proportions, and of equal neatness; a small Pembroke table, -that, with change of furniture, served the purpose of dinner, breakfast, -or card table; white dimity curtains, and a blind that was for any thing -rather than use, as it was never closed; half a dozen chairs, that once -had exhibited resplendent ornaments of lilies and roses, painted in all -the colours of the rainbow, but whose honours had long since faded under -the powerful and unremitting exertions of Peggy's scrubbing brush; a -corner cupboard, the top shelf of which with difficulty contained a well -polished japanned tea tray, where a rosy Celadon, in a brilliant scarlet -coat, sighed most romantically at the feet of Lavinia in a plume of -feathers; and the best cups and saucers, ranged in regular order, filled -the ranks below;--a book shelf, which, besides containing a Bible, Sir -Charles Grandison, a few volumes of the Spectator, and occasionally a -well thumbed novel from Mr. Salter's circulating library, was also the -repository for various stray articles, such as the tea caddy, Mrs. -Martin's knitting, and receipt book, transcribed by her niece Lucy; and -lastly, a barbarous copy of Bunbury's beautiful print of Jenny Grey, the -highly prized, and only production of Lucy's needle, while attending -Miss Slater's genteel "academy for young ladies," composed the furniture -of this little room. - -But its chief ornament, and Mrs. Martin's greatest pride (next to Lucy -herself), was a glass door, that opened into her demesne: a plot of -ground, containing about an acre and a half, which was kitchen garden, -flower garden, and orchard, all in one. This glass door had been a -present of young Mr. Mordaunt's, in whose company Mrs. Martin had often -undesignedly lamented, that the sole entrance to her garden was through -the scullery, and, on her return from her only visit to London, about -two years before this narration commences, she had been most agreeably -surprised by the improvement in question.--Various and manifold were the -speculations, to which this little piece of good natured gallantry had -given rise in the simple mind of Mrs. Martin.--"Indeed, indeed, she -never thought of his doing such a thing! so generous! so kind! and then -his manner was always so obliging and polite; it could not certainly be -for herself that he took the trouble of ordering the glass door; and she -remembered very well, when he called after their return from London, -that he said he was very glad to see a town life had agreed so well with -Lucy, though Mrs. Crosbie had very good naturedly said, she thought she -didn't look half so well as before she went. To be sure, she never saw -him _talk_ much to Lucy, but then she was so shy!"--Mrs. Martin had been -standing for some minutes at this same glass door, one fine evening in -July, indulging in a similar reverie, when it was suddenly interrupted -by the abrupt entrance of Lucy, who, with as much concern in her -countenance as her vacant unmeaning features could express, -exclaimed--"La! Aunt, he won't come to-night after all!"--"Not come, -child!" answered Mrs. Martin, "why, I never expected he would."--"Not -expect Mr. Brown?" returned Lucy, in a tone something between anger and -surprise; "Not expect Mr. Brown? why I'm sure he'd come if he could, and -you'd never ask the Lucases without him." "No, indeed, my dear, I would -not;" replied Mrs. Martin, totally unconscious that her first answer had -alluded to the subject of her own thoughts, not to the constant object -of poor Lucy's--"He is a well behaved, sober young man, and very -attentive to the shop; but why won't he come to-night?"--"He just rode -up as I was standing at the gate with this little bottle of rose water, -which he brought then, because, he said, he had to go to squire -Thornbull's to see the cook, and he didn't think he could be back for -tea do what he would--I'm sure I wish Mr. Lucas would attend his own -patients."--"Well, Lucy, I suppose the rest will soon be here; do just -set down the tray, my love, whilst I go and see if Peggy is doing the -Sally Lunn right." Poor Lucy proceeded to her task with unwonted gloom, -having first stopped to take one more smell of the rose water before she -placed it on the ready book shelf; and so slow was she in her movements, -that the tea table was scarcely arranged, when she heard her aunt accost -her visitors out of the kitchen window, with "How d'ye do Mrs. Crosbie, -how d'ye do Mrs. Lucas; beautiful evening; thank you kindly; I'm quite -well, and Lucy's charming; pray step in Mr. Crosbie--give me your hat; -Mr. Lucas, I'll hang your cane up by the clock here; sit down my dear -Nanny, I hope your shoes are dry--indeed, I don't think they can be wet; -we've scarcely had a drop of rain this fortnight.--Peggy! bring in the -kettle." - -And now, what with the disposal of the bonnets, the arrangement of the -chairs, and the repetition of observations on the weather, and inquiries -after the health of each individual present, the time was fully -occupied, till the arrival of Peggy, with a bright copper tea kettle in -one hand, and a well buttered, smoking hot Sally Lunn in the other, put -an end to the confusion of tongues, and assembled the party in temporary -silence round the tea table.--But Mrs. Martin's natural loquacity, added -to her incessant desire to be civil, soon induced her to interrupt the -momentary calm, and, while she spread her snow white pocket handkerchief -on her knees, as a preparation for her attack on the Sally Lunn, she -addressed her neighbour, the attorney, with--"Well, Mr. Crosbie, what -did you think of our sermon last evening; it was a delightful one, -wasn't it?"--"Yes, a very good, plain sermon, Mrs. Martin; but, with all -deference to your better judgment, Mrs. Martin, I think your friend Mr. -Temple doesn't show as much learning in the pulpit as he might -do."--"Learning!" quoth his amicable spouse, "I never can believe that -man is a learned man; I could make as good a sermon myself."--"_Non -constat_, my love," replied Mr. Crosbie; "though I often think you would -have done very well for a parson, you are so fond of always having the -last word." Probably the gentle Mrs. Crosbie would have given the -company a specimen of her talents for lecturing, had she not acquired a -habit of never attending to what her husband said: she had therefore, -fortunately, no doubt, during his speech, profited by the opportunity of -overhearing Mrs. Martin's and Mrs. Lucas's discussion, respecting the -appearance at church the evening before of the party from Webberly -House, consisting of Mrs. Sullivan and her two elder daughters, the Miss -Webberlys.--"I declare, I wasn't sure they were come down yet," said -Mrs. Martin, "till I saw their two great footmen bring their prayer -books into church, and their cushions; Mrs. Sullivan looks quite plump -and well."--"Yes, indeed, she looks remarkably well;" answered the -assenting Mrs. Lucas.--"Well!" retorted Mrs. Crosbie--"I think she is -going into a dropsy; her face is for all the world like a Cheshire -cheese."--"It certainly does look as if it was a little swelled," -replied the complacent Mrs. Lucas--"Dear me," rejoined Mr. Lucas, "I -must certainly call at Webberly House, and inquire after the health of -the family; I thought they never left town till August: perhaps they are -come down for change of air."--"And Lucy and I must pay our respects to -them too, they are always so very polite."--"They are never very -_civil_, I take it," said Mrs. Crosbie; "I believe, in my heart, they -would never come near their country neighbours, but to show off their -town airs on them."--"Well, for my part," observed Mr. Crosbie, "with -due deference be it spoken, I think town airs should be laid by for town -people, kept _in usum jus habentis_, for those who understand -'em."--"That's what you never could do, my dear," replied the -lady.--Mrs. Lucas, as usual, slipping in an assenting nod to every -successive observation from each person, while she as unremittingly -attended to the tea and cake. "Well, I'm sure, at all events," said her -daughter Nancy, "they are very genteel: what a lovely green bonnet the -little Miss Webberly had on!--she's the eldest, I believe."--"I'm sure, -if the bonnet was lovely, the face under it wasn't; the two together are -for all the world like a full blown daffodil in its green case." - -Notwithstanding Mrs. Crosbie had thus taken occasion to express her -dislike of the family in general, she was not less ready than the rest -of the little circle to pay her annual visit at Webberly House; and, as -all were anxious to wait on the ladies in question, either from motives -of civility, or interest, or curiosity, it was speedily settled, that -the party should adjourn thither on the following morning. All -particulars of their dress, their conveyance, &c., being finally -arranged, the four seniors of Mrs. Martin's visitors sat down to penny -whist, while she seated herself at the corner of the card table, ready -to cut in, snuff candles, or make civil observations between the deals. - -Lucy, and Nancy Lucas, strolled into the garden, ostensibly to pull -currants, but, in reality, to talk over Mr. Brown, the apothecary's -apprentice, and Mr. Slater's hopeful son and heir, whose professed -admiration of Miss Lucas had lately been eclipsed by a flash of military -ardour, that had induced him to enter into the Yorkshire militia. At -length Mrs. Martin's fears of the damp grass and evening dew induced the -two eternal friends to return to the parlour, where the fortunate -attainment of an odd trick, by finishing the rubber, broke up the little -party, who dispersed with much the same bustle with which they had -entered. While Mrs. Martin pursued her retreating visitors as far as the -white pales, with renewed offers of a glass of currant wine, hopes and -fears relative to the company catching cold, and assurances that she and -Lucy would certainly be ready before eleven o'clock for Mr. Lucas, with -a profusion of thanks for his offer of calling for them in his gig. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - Mons. De Sotenville--Que dites vous a cela? - - George Dandin--Je dis que ce sont la des contes a dormir debout[1]. - - MOLIERE. - -[Footnote 1: "What do you say to that?"--"I say such recitals are only -fit to sleep over."] - - -About eleven next day, a crazy machine, in the days of our grandfathers -called a noddy, appeared at Mrs. Martin's door. In it was seated Mr. -Lucas in his best black suit and flaxen wig, with his gold-headed cane -between his knees, his hands being sufficiently occupied in reining an -ill-trimmed carthorse, every movement of whose powerful hind leg -threatened destruction to the awkward vehicle. The good humoured Lucy -soon skipped in, and seated herself as bodkin; but to mount Mrs. Martin -was a task of greater difficulty, as the gig was of considerable -altitude, and the horse, teased by the flies, could not be kept quiet -two minutes at a time; a chair was first produced without effect, but at -last, with the aid of her maid Peggy, the neighbouring smith, and the -kitchen steps commonly used to wind up the jack, she was fairly seated; -and ere her laughter or her fears had subsided, they overtook the -village postchaise, containing Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie, and Mrs. and Miss -Lucas.--The travellers in the gig were incommoded by a dusty road, and a -beaming hot sun; the effects of which were dreaded by the good aunt for -Lucy's blue silk bonnet and spencer, which had been purchased two years -before, during their above-mentioned visit to London, which was still -their frequent theme, and only standard of fashion. However, they -proceeded on the whole much to their satisfaction, and after driving -nearly six miles, reached an ostentatious porter's lodge and gate, a -close copy of that at Sion, which announced the entrance to Webberly -House. The approach, with doublings and windings that would have puzzled -the best harrier in Sussex, did not accomplish concealing the house at -any one sweep, but displayed to Lucy's delighted eyes a huge -pile--_ci-devant_ brick, now glorying in a coat of Roman cement, further -adorned with clumsy virandas due north and east, and an open porch in -the southern sun. On one side of the proud mansion was a sunk fence, and -ha! ha!--on the other a shrubbery, quite inadequate to the task assigned -it of hiding the glaring brick-wall of a kitchen garden, which occupied -nearly as large a space as the whole of the pleasure-ground in front. - -On the scanty lawn was pitched a marquee; at the foot of it was a pond -filled with gold and silver fishes, over which was suspended a Chinese -bridge, leading to a grotto and hermitage, at a small distance from the -house.--Mr. Lucas, resigning the reins to Lucy, alighted to give notice -of the arrival of the party. After a few minutes delay, hasty footsteps -were heard in the hall, and a couple of house-maids scudded across, -bearing dust-pans and brushes, and running down one of the side -passages, called out in no very gentle voice, "William! Edward! here's -company!" "Company!" yawned out William, while he stretched his arms to -their utmost length, and, as he stopped to look at his fine watch, -which, as well as his master's, had numerous seals with French mottos, -declared "Pon honour, it isn't one o'clock;" and wondered "what could -bring those country-folk at that time o'day!"--then, settling his cravat -with one hand, and pulling up his gallowses with the other, leisurely -walked to the porch, where, with a gesture between leering and bowing, -he most incoherently answered the question of "At home, or not at -home;" and without giving himself the trouble of thinking which was -actually the case, ushered the visitors into the drawing-room, leaving -the business of negotiating their audience to the lady's maid. - -The beaming sun displayed the unsubsided dust and motes the house-maids -had so lately raised, and the village party were nearly stifled with the -effluvia of countless hot-house plants, whose united scent was too -strong to be called perfume: their entrance was impeded by stools, -cushions, tabourets, squabs, ottomans, fauteuils, sofas, screens, -bookstands, flower-stands, and tables of all sorts and sizes. An -unguarded push endangered the china furniture of a writing-table, and a -painted velvet cushion laid Mr. Crosbie prostrate on the floor. Mr. -Lucas, perceiving the difficulties of the navigation, very quietly -seated himself behind the door, but not in peace--for he was nearly -stunned by the chatter and contentions of a paroquet and a macaw, joined -to the shrill song of some indefatigable canaries hung on the outside of -the opposite window, which scarcely outvied the yelping of a lap-dog, -that Mrs. Martin's centre of gravity had discomfited, when she seated -herself in one of the fauteuils. Meantime, Lucy and Nancy, with -considerable expertness, gratified themselves with examining the -furniture, a task which would probably have occupied them for a week, as -the incongruous mixture seemed to resemble the emptying of an -upholsterer's room, a china manufactory, and a print-shop. The curtains, -five to a window, were hung for all seasons of the year at once, and -consisted of rich cloth, scarlet moreen, brilliant chintz, delicate -silk, and white muslin, to serve as blinds, fringed with gold. The sofa -and chair tribe (for to designate them would require a nomenclature as -accurate and extensive as Lavoisier's chemical one,) were covered with -every shade of colour, every variety of texture, and were in form -Grecian, Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, Parisian, Gothic, and Turkish. The -astonished visitors remained in the silence of perplexity for nearly a -quarter of an hour, but it was then broken by Mrs. Crosbie exclaiming, -with her usual acrimony--"Well, I'm sure, if I was Mrs. Sullivan, and -was _forced_ to go to a pawnbroker's for my settee and chair-frames, I -would at least make my covers all of a piece!--What folks will do to -make up a show!--I'm sure those musty old chests an't a whit better than -what's in my grandmother's garret; and I gave my little William the -other day, for a play-thing, a china image as like that white woman and -child as two peas."--"Though to be sure all these are very fine," said -Mrs. Martin, "Sir Henry Seymour's is the house for me; three -drawing-rooms with not a pin difference; and up stairs always six -bed-rooms of a pattern--then Mrs. Galton is so neat! not a cobweb to be -seen in the house.--Bless me, Lucy! your cheek is all dirty, and your -gloves such a figure!"--"Why, don't you see," interrupted Mrs. Crosbie, -"that the china is brimfull of dust! such slattern folks, pshaw!"--To -all which Mrs. Lucas returned her usual assenting, "He--hem!" Mr. Lucas, -in time recovering from his first dismay, rose from "_The place of his -unrest_," and, with Mr. Crosbie, proceeded to examine the contents of a -mongrel article between a cabinet and a table, on which were _thrown_ -rather than _placed_ a variety of curiosities; such as, a stuffed -hog-in-armour, a case of tropical birds, flying-fish, sharks' jaws, a -petrified lobster, edible swallows' nests, and Chinese balls; with -numerous mineral specimens neatly labelled, zeolite, mica, volcanic -glass, tourmaline, &c. "_Multum in parvo_," said Mr. Crosbie, with a -smirk at his own latinity; "Young Mr. Webberly must be vastly learned," -replied Mr. Lucas, "I should like to talk to him about the plants of the -West Indies, and the practice of physic in those parts, for all the -planters are obliged to attend to the health of the poor negroes for -their own profit, if they don't do it for humanity's sake." Here the -good man was electrified by a violent ringing of bells, followed by the -sound of a sharp female voice, running through all the notes of the -gamut in a scolding tone, of which the visitors could only hear detached -sentences, such as, "I _insist_ upon it, you never let them in -again--how could you say we were at home? Can I never drive into your -silly pate, that we are never at home to a _hired_ post chaise, or to -any open carriage, except a curricle and _two_ out-riders, or a -landaulet and four?"--"It wasn't me, Miss, it was William; I always -attend to your directions ma'am--I denied you the other day to your own -uncle and aunt, because they came in a buggy."--"Uncle, Sir! I have no -uncle.--Well, I give orders at the porter's lodge to-morrow--Go and ask -Miss Wildenheim to receive them; and if she won't, say we are all out; I -tell you once for all, I never will be disturbed at my morning studies -till four o'clock, and _then_ not except by _people of condition_." Soon -after this tirade, a light foot crossing the hall prepared the -confounded party for the entrance of the Iris of this angry Juno. But -when Miss Wildenheim opened the door, her elegantly affable curtsy and -benignant smile dispersed the gathering frowns on the visages of the -disappointed groupe. - -This young lady's politeness proceeded from the workings of a kind heart -guided by a clear head: it was a polish which owed its lustre to the -intrinsic value of the gem it embellished, not a superficial varnish -spread over a worthless substance, which a slight collision would -destroy, rendering the flaws it had for a time concealed but the more -conspicuous. With one glance of her dark eye she perceived, that the -good people were offended, and while she made the best apology she could -for the non-appearance of the Webberly family, her cheek glowed with -indignation at their insolent carriage to modest worth: the attentive -suavity of her manner was more than usually pleasing to the unassuming -but insulted party, and her endeavours to soothe their wounded pride -were quickly rewarded with the success they merited. Miss Wildenheim in -turn enquired for all the relations of each individual present, whose -existence had ever come to her knowledge; and in her search after -appropriate conversation, put in requisition every other subject of -chit-chat, her small stock of that current coin furnished her with. But -now--"the eloquent blood," which had spoken "in her cheek and so -divinely wrought," no longer tinging it with "vermeil hues," her -pallidity struck Mrs. Martin's kind heart with a pang of sorrow. "My -_dear_ Miss Wildenheim," said she, in a tone that showed the epithet was -not a word of course, "I'm afraid your visit to London has not agreed as -well with you as ours did with Lucy and me, you don't look so fresh -coloured as you did in the beginning of spring." "Ah! Mrs. Martin," -interrupted Mr. Lucas, "that high colour was a hectic symptom, I am not -altogether sorry to see it has disappeared; I hope, Miss Wildenheim, you -have nearly recovered from the effects of that smart fever you had last -winter." With a look of thanks to both enquirers, Mr. Lucas' _ci-devant_ -patient replied, "Perfectly, my dear Sir; it must have been a most -inveterate disorder, that could have baffled the skill and kind -attention--you exerted for my benefit." Mr. Lucas sapiently shook his -head, and expressed his doubts as to her _perfect_ recovery. "Believe -me, Sir, I feel quite well, my illness was only caused by change of -climate." At the word _climate_, the heretofore placid brow of the fair -speaker was clouded by an expression of ill-concealed anguish; for that -word had conjured up the remembrance of days of hope and joy--of -tenderness, on which the grave had closed for ever! which with all the -ardency of youthful feeling, alike poignant in sorrow as in joy, she -contrasted, in thought's utmost rapidity, with the dreary present, where -each day glided like its predecessor down the stream of time, uncheered -by the converse of a kindred mind, unblessed by the smile of -affectionate love. - -To hide her emotion she rose to ring the bell, apparently for the -purpose of ordering a luncheon, which it was the etiquette of the -neighbourhood to present to every morning visitor. The greater part of -the family were, at that moment, at breakfast, and therefore the -summons was not quickly obeyed; but at length a tray was brought in, -glittering in all the luxury of china, plate, and glass, and loaded with -cold meat, fruit, and a variety of confectionary, at the names or -contents of which Mrs. Martin's utmost knowledge of cookery could not -enable her to guess. However as she did not consider ignorance in this -instance as bliss, she immediately commenced her acquaintance with them; -and the whole party, having done ample justice to the repast, prepared -to depart; and it was settled that as steps could not easily be -procured, the arrangement of the vehicles should be changed, Miss Lucas -resigning her place in the post chaise to Mrs. Martin. - -Miss Wildenheim had scarcely made her farewell curtsy at the door, when -as the carriages drove off Mrs. Martin exclaimed, "What a sweet young -lady Miss Wildenheim is." "Oh!" said Mrs. Crosbie, "those French misses -have always honey on their lips." "I wonder how she happens to speak -such good English, for her eyes, complexion, and accent are quite -foreign," observed her spouse. "And I hope you'll add, her manner too," -returned the lady: "I was quite ashamed of her when she first came to -Webberly House, she used to have so many antics with her hands; now she -is something like; but though we have improved her, still her -countenance has never the exact same look three minutes together; and if -you say a civil thing to her, she grows as red as if you had slapped her -in the face." "Mr. Temple told me," said Mrs. Martin, "that she grieved -more after Mr. Sullivan, when he died last January, than all the rest of -the family put together. He told me one day, poor man, that she was the -daughter of a German baron." "Ah, Mrs. Martin," interrupted Mr. Crosbie, -laughing, "I'm afraid there was a mistake of gender and case there; a -_Baronness_ perhaps she might be daughter to, as an action might lie -against me for defamation, I won't say by whom." "You are both wrong," -said his wife, "for _Mrs._ Sullivan's _maid_ informed me, (and she knows -but every thing) that Miss Wildenheim was Mr. Sullivan's natural -daughter by a German _Princess_ (God forgive him), when he was a general -in the Austrian service. I dare say she is a papist, for he was a -papist, and they are _all_ papists in foreign parts." "Papist or not," -replied Mrs. Martin, "I'm sure she practises the Christian virtue of -humility; I wish Miss Webberly would take example by her, and learn to -be civil." "I never saw any thing like the airs of the whole family," -rejoined Mrs. Crosbie, bursting with passion. "I'll take care to affront -them, the very first time they put their noses in Deane." Here Mr. -Crosbie took the alarm, for he recollected certain deeds and -conveyances, young Webberly had spoken to him about, and therefore said, -"Indeed, my dear, we have no right to be offended; it's only the way of -the house: didn't you hear the footman tell Miss Webberly he had refused -to let in her own uncle, and after all, she didn't object to _us_, but -only to the _gig_ and _postchaise_." After some bitter observations, -followed by silent reflection, Mrs. Crosbie apparently acceded to her -husband's argument, and consented to acquit the Webberlys on the flaw -his ingenuity had discovered in the indictment she had made out against -them. - -In the humble society of Deane even she had inferiors, in whose eyes her -consequence was raised by her annual visits at Webberly House; and who -never guessed that the rudeness she practised to them, was a mere -transfer of that she submitted to receive from the insolent caprice of -these satellites of fashion. - -From whence does the strange infatuation arise, that makes so many -people in all ranks of society suppose, they are honoured by the -acquaintance of that immediately above them, when their intercourse is -so frequently only an interchange of insult and servility? Do they -suppose, that when the scale of their consequence is kicked down on one -side, it rises proportionally on the other? - -The comments of the travellers on the Webberly family continued for the -remainder of the drive; and perhaps had the objects of their -animadversions heard their remarks, they might have felt, that the proud -privilege of being impertinent scarcely compensated for the severity of -the criticism its exertion called forth. - -At length the party separated--Mrs. Crosbie to show a new edition of -fine airs to the wondering Mrs. Slater--the other ladies to discuss -their excursion again and again, over "cups which cheer, but not -inebriate." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - - Something there is more needful than expense, - And something previous even to taste--'tis sense. - - POPE. - - Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt[2]. - - HORACE. - -[Footnote 2: When fools would avoid one extreme, they run into the -other.] - - -The family at Webberly House was the only one in the neighbourhood of -Deane, which lived in a style of ostentatious expense; its members -vainly endeavouring to purchase respect by extravagance, and to transfer -the ideas and hours of the _beau monde_ to a place totally unfit for -their reception. The only families within a distance often miles of -their residence were--Sir Henry Seymour's, at Deane Hall--Squire -Thornbull's, at Hunting Field, and Mr. Temple's, at the parsonage of -Deane; all of whom lived in the most quiet manner. Beyond this distance, -however, the country was more thickly inhabited, and the town of York, -in the race and assize week, presented sufficient attractions to make a -drive of thirty miles no impediment to the Webberlys visiting it at -those times, though its allurements were not great enough to tempt their -immediate neighbours from their homes. Mrs. Sullivan had purchased -Webberly House, two years previous to the commencement of this -narration, on the faith of an advertisement nearly as deceptious as the -famous one of a celebrated auctioneer, that procured the sale of an -estate on the strength of a "hanging-wood," which proved to be a gibbet -on an adjoining common. - -Webberly House--formerly called Simson's Folly--had been purposely -tricked up for sale by a prodigal heir, when obliged to dispose of his -paternal estate to discharge the debts his extravagance had incurred. -As a second dupe was not easily to be found, Mrs. Sullivan now vainly -endeavoured to part with it, as neither she nor her children could -reconcile themselves to living in so retired a part of the country. - -Mrs. Sullivan was the only child of an extremely rich hosier in -Cheapside, who perhaps had saved more money than he had made, and fully -instructed his daughter in all the arts of frugality, limiting her -knowledge of all other arts and sciences to considerable manual -dexterity in making "a pudding and a shirt," which he considered the -ultimatum of female education. When Miss Leatherly was thus, according -to long established opinion, qualified for matrimony, her large fortune -brought her in reward a West Indian planter as a husband, from whom she -acquired those habits of ostentatious arrogance, which, united to her -early imbibed parsimony, formed the principal traits of her character. -By this marriage Mrs. Sullivan had one son and two daughters; and, -fifteen years after the birth of the former, became a widow, with a -large jointure, as well as all her father's riches, at her own disposal. -She received the addresses of many fortune hunters, but finally gave the -preference to a handsome, good natured, dissipated Irishman, whose name -she now bore. Mr. Sullivan at the period of his marriage was past the -prime of life; he had long served in the Austrian armies, (for being a -Catholic he was incapacitated from holding any high rank in those of his -native sovereign, and therefore preferred following another standard), -but his military career procuring him little except scars and honours, -he gladly availed himself of the wealthy widow's evident partiality, and -at first thought himself most fortunate in becoming the possessor of so -large a fortune; yet soon found he had dearly purchased the affluence -which inflicted on him, not only the disgusting illiberal vulgarity of -his wife, but the petulant rudeness and self-sufficiency of her -children. His only consolation was a daughter Mrs. Sullivan had -presented him with, in the first year of their marriage, and his -happiness as a father, made him in some degree forget his miseries as a -husband. His heart was completely wrapped up in the charming little -Caroline, and bitterly did he repent on her account, that his former -prodigality had obliged him to yield to his elder brother's desire of -cutting off the entail of the family estate; which must otherwise have -descended to her, being settled on the females, as well as males of -their ancient house. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan associated but little -together; as she was never happy except when she accompanied her elder -daughters to the most fashionable watering places; whilst he, remaining -at home, devoted most of his time to the little Caroline. But here, -unfortunately, in the attempt to banish the uneasy feelings of his -mind, he by degrees formed a habit of indulging in the pleasures of the -bottle, in a greater degree than strict propriety permits. About three -months before his death, the little domestic comfort he had enjoyed was -exchanged for the most complete disquietude, as at that time the -jealousy of his wife was roused by his introducing Miss Wildenheim into -his family as his ward.--Notwithstanding his most solemn assurances, -that this young lady was the daughter of a German baron, who had not -only long been his commanding officer but his most zealous friend, Mrs. -Sullivan constantly asserted she was his natural child. Such a paternity -was in her eyes an almost unpardonable crime; for, considering her -inferiority of rank and sex, she was still more unreasonable than Henry -the Eighth, who made it high treason for those he sought as partners to -his throne not to confess all the errors they had been guilty of in a -state of celibacy. Perhaps nothing but the stipend received for -Adelaide's maintenance could have reconciled Mrs. Sullivan to her -residence at Webberly House, for she was too avaricious not to submit to -a great deal for three hundred a year. - -When Miss Wildenheim first appeared in Mr. Sullivan's family she was in -the deepest mourning for a parent, who his wife felt convinced was her -mother. It must be confessed, the affection Mr. Sullivan showed -Adelaide, and his distracted state of mind from the period of her -arrival, gave a very plausible colour to his wife's suspicions. He -avoided the society of his family, and giving himself up to his habit of -drinking, it in a short time proved fatal; for returning late one night -from squire Thornbull's in a state of intoxication, he was killed at his -own gate by falling off his horse. Miss Wildenheim's consequent -affliction, and dangerous illness, left no doubt in Mrs. Sullivan's -mind, as to the justice of her surmises. Enraged by this apparent -confirmation of her imagined wrongs, and urged by the envious hatred the -Miss Webberlys showed of Adelaide's superior charms, she determined no -longer to retain under her roof an object on these accounts so -obnoxious; and, as a flattering unction to her soul, persuaded herself, -that a girl with ten thousand pounds fortune could never be at any great -loss for a home. But at length her darling passion, covetousness, -prevailed over her resentment; as she recollected, that should the -brother of her late husband ever hear of her treating in such a manner a -girl Mr. Sullivan had left under her protection, and in whose fate (from -whatever motive) he had shown so deep an interest, her unkindness might -be construed into disrespect to his memory, and as such be resented with -the warmth of family pride and affection, so natural to the Irish -character; and perhaps prompt the offended brother to revenge the -affront, by leaving his estate to a distant cousin, who had been dreaded -by her husband as a rival to Caroline. These and other pecuniary -considerations finally induced Mrs. Sullivan to accept the guardianship -of Miss Wildenheim in conjunction with a Mr. Austin, who was trustee to -her fortune, and was said to be an old and faithful friend of her -father. - -However Mrs. Sullivan had failed in the character of a wife, she had -always been weakly indulgent as a mother, and was easily led by her -children into every expensive folly. Her son's command of money had made -him, on his first entrance into life, a very desirable acquaintance to -some needy young men of fashion, who, in return for the pecuniary -accommodation he afforded them, did him the favour to turn his head and -corrupt his morals. As he became daily more ambitious to emulate his new -associates in all their extravagance, he persuaded his mother to change -her style of living, in order to imitate as closely as possible that of -the relatives of his _professed_ friends. At this critical period, he -had unfortunately found Mr. Sullivan no less solicitous of joining those -secondary circles of fashion, to which alone they could expect -admittance, from his having long been accustomed to lead as a bachelor a -life of gaiety and dissipation; and the Miss Webberlys still more -zealously promoted his wishes, being equally solicitous to reach the -threshold of fashion, which had long been the unattained object of their -highest hope. This was perhaps the only point in the chapter of -possibilities, on which the whole family could agree. - -Mrs. Sullivan reversed the order of nature, and followed the path her -children traced for her, supposing them to be better instructed in such -things than herself; for she knew they had received a superabundance of -the _means_, and, poor woman! she had not sense to perceive they had -missed the _ends_ of education. In encouraging her children in the -pursuit of fashionable follies, Mrs. Sullivan but followed the general -example of wealthy parents, whom we so frequently behold acting like the -worshippers of Moloch in elder days, making their sons and their -daughters pass through the fires of dissipation, in the chance of -drawing them forth from the ordeal with greater external brightness; but -the scorching flames too often wither to the root the shoots of honour, -benevolence, and truth. - -In nothing was Mrs. Sullivan's lamentable imitation of her children's -follies more perceptible, than in her conversation, which was a mixture -of Cheapside vulgarisms and Newmarket cant, with here and there a stray -ornament from her daughters' vocabularies of sentimental and -scientifical jargon; the whole misapplied and mispronounced, in a manner -that would have done honour to Mrs. Malaprop herself! - -Miss Webberly's person was much in the predicament Solomon laments in -his song for his sister; but she had in compensation an addendum which -the Jewish fair had not, in the shape of a protuberance on the left -shoulder, which however she always endeavoured to balance by applying to -the right the judicious stuffing of Madame Huber's stays; and her -deformity was only perceptible by some slight traces in her countenance, -in which there was nothing else remarkable, except a pair of little -black eyes, rather pert than sparkling. Conscious that she could not -shine as a beauty, she resolved on being a "_bel esprit_," for which she -was nearly as ill qualified by nature; and, reversing the fable of -Achilles habiting himself in female attire, she put on an armour she -could not carry, and grasped at weapons she was unable to wield. And as -she sought knowledge "with all her seeking," not to promote her own -happiness, but to subtract from that of others, by mortifying their -self-love, in the anticipated triumphs of her own, her preposterous -vanity led her to deform her mind as much by art with misplaced and -uncouth excrescences of pedantry, as her person was by the unlucky -addition it had received from nature: but while she sought to conceal -the one with the most anxious care, she laboured as incessantly to -display the other; thus resembling the infatuated being, who first held -up for the worship of his fellow mortal a disgusting reptile, or a -worthless weed. - -Miss Cecilia Webberly was in face and figure entitled to the appellation -of a fine bouncing girl, if for that a mass of flesh and blood -exquisitely coloured could suffice; but though to lilies and roses of -the most perfect hues were superadded fine blue eyes and beautiful -flaxen hair, her countenance was neither good-natured nor gay, but -indicative of the most supercilious self-conceit. She had enjoyed what -are usually termed the _advantages_ of a London boarding school, and -through their influence had acquired sufficient French to read the tales -of Marmontel, by a strange misnomer called "_Contes moraux_," and to -which, for the benefit of the rising generation, we would humbly advise -prefixing a syllable in any future edition. From these tales she learned -to be sentimental, and fancied herself in turn the heroine of "_Le mari -Sylph_," "_L'heureux Divorce_," &c. - -Moreover, the fair Cecilia had here been taught to move her ponderous -fingers with considerable swiftness over the keys of a piano forte, and -to exercise her powerful lungs in Vauxhall songs. - -In this seminary she was unfortunately inoculated with a virus, that -totally diseased a heart nature had intended for better -purposes--namely, an aching desire after fashionable life, which led her -to caricature those airs of _ton_ which she had not _tact_ to imitate. -The eye that is always turned upwards must be blinded by the brightness -of a sphere it is not fashioned to; and Cecilia Webberly was so dazzled -by the accounts she read in the daily prints, and La Belle Assemblee, of -"great lords and ladies dressed out on gay days," that she looked on the -inhabitants of Bloomsbury Square with sovereign contempt, her mother and -sister inclusive, who notwithstanding encouraged and emulated her -flights, flattering themselves that her eccentricities would carry her, -and them as her attendants, into regions of splendour, though in truth -they were only thus brought forth to the "garish eye of day," to be -exposed to the contempt and ridicule her folly excited. - -A few days after the expedition of Mrs. Martin and her friends to -Webberly House, as she was standing one fine morning at her parlour -window, Mrs. Sullivan's dashing equipage drove past, and her involuntary -exclamation at the sudden, and to her unpractised eyes, terrifying stop -of the four horses, which were a second before at their utmost speed, -was changed into an expression of pleasure, when she saw Miss Wildenheim -alone alight at Mr. Slater's shop, and the showy carriage from which she -descended drive away ere the door was well closed; for Mrs. Sullivan and -her daughters never condescended to enter _the shop_, as it was in token -of pre-eminence called in the village of Deane. The great Frederick has -wisely remarked, that "_custom_ guides fools in place of _reason_;" and -they had sapiently agreed amongst themselves, that "no lady of fashion -was ever seen in a shop out of Bond Street;" but as for many reasons -they were always anxious to prevail on Miss Wildenheim to execute their -commissions, they took care not to inform her of the solecism in -etiquette they had thus discovered, lest her timid and scrupulous -attention to propriety should overcome her good nature, and deprive -them of the benefit of her taste and judgment. The place of sale these -ladies thus contemned, was a rustic pantheon-physitechnicon, where were -to be had--food for the mind, at least for those who were content to -"prey on garbage," and countless articles for the ladies' use. Part of -the counter was covered with stationery of all descriptions, school -books, last speeches, and ballads, besides a few miscellaneous articles -in the reading way, such as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, the Seven -Champions of Christendom, and the Methodistical Magazine, relating how -Mr. Goodman "put on by faith," not "the armour of the Lord," but a pair -of "leathern conveniences," vulgarly called _breeches_. The remainder of -the counter showed, through glass panes, plated and pinchbeck _tiaras_ -for farmers' daughters, and every species of low-priced disfigurement -for the person, in the shape of necklace or ear-ring, with a variety of -other articles of equal utility. The drawers, on one side of the -counter, contained groceries of all kinds; those on the other, a no less -various assortment of haberdashery and millinery, the latter, when -unsaleable, being altered from year to year to "the newest London -fashion." The shop also displayed a considerable store of hardware and -crockery, from the unglazed brown pan to the gold edged tea cup and -painted sailor's pig--lastly, boasting of a delectable circulating -library, which presented volumes that, like the highly prized works of -classic fame, had a most oleaginous odour. - -The contents of the shop were scarcely less various than the occupations -of its master and his family. In part of the second floor, Miss Slater -held her "Academy for young ladies." In the other her sister performed -the office of mantua and corset maker. Their father was upholsterer, -undertaker, and _barber_, and by consequence _politician_ to the parish. -His gratuitous office of quidnunc had perhaps gained him more wealth -and patronage than all his others collectively, as in it he had never -made any direct attack on the purses of his neighbours, but by reading -the newspapers and gazette every market day free of cost, he assembled -all the farmers of the vicinity in his shop, who generally discovered -something amongst its various contents they felt an imperious necessity -to purchase, thus successfully following the plan of the ingenious -advertiser of----_A pair of globes for nothing!!!_----with an atlas, -price five guineas. - -On the above mentioned occasions Mr. Slater was furiously loyal, in a -flaming red waistcoat, which scarcely rivalled his rubicund face.--When -he first became the village orator, he had endeavoured, from motives of -interest, to persuade others he felt more than he really did; and, as is -commonly the case with those who _exaggerate_ but are not -_hypocritical_, he ended in feeling more than he got credit for.--In -the proceedings of the English government he now really thought, that -"whatever is is right."--And perhaps it is to be regretted, that in his -class this belief is not more general.--Illiterate politicians are -scarcely less dangerous than self-constituted physicians--It requires -men of skill to medicate for the body physical or political.--Quacks in -either injure in proportion to their ignorance and consequent audacity; -it may often be better to let a disease alone, in the constitution of -the state or individual, than to run the risk of aggravating it by the -nostrums of the venders of concealed poisons. - -Mr. Slater's window was always adorned with a bulletin of the news of -the day, of his own writing! and this singular composition set at -defiance all rules of grammar and orthography; but he had none of the -pride of authorship, and unfeignedly thanked the village schoolmaster -for his emendations, though perhaps it might sometimes be said, that -the _correction_ was the worst of the two. - -The good man also amused himself with what he called "mapping" and -"drawing." The few unoccupied spaces in his shop walls were stuck over -with representations of the Thalaba of modern history in a variety of -woful plights; and he had made more changes in the face of Europe than -that archconjurer himself--for, to elucidate the Duke of Wellington's -campaigns, he exhibited a map with Portugal at the wrong side of -Spain[3]! not failing to take similar liberties in his representations -of _actions_ of various kinds. - -[Footnote 3: Matter of fact.] - -It may be supposed, that a shop so filled, and a master thus -accomplished, would be unremittingly attended.--In truth, "The Shop" was -seldom empty; and what with haranguing, bargaining, and the ceaseless -creaking of the pack-thread on its ever revolving roller, with -interludes of breaking sugar, and chopping ham, the noise on market days -was so deafening, that the tower of Babel might serve as an emblem, but -that there only one faculty was confounded, whilst here three of the -five senses were assailed at once. - -At the moment of Miss Wildenheim's entrance, however, a comparative -"silence reigned within the walls,"--as in the shop were only Mrs. -Temple (wife of the rector) and her youngest son and daughter, the one -teazing her for a Robinson Crusoe, the other coaxing for a doll; but at -the sight of their "dear dote Miss Wildenheim" the little petitioners -forgot their requests, and throwing their arms about her neck, to the no -small damage of the muslin frill, that contrasted its snowy whiteness -with the sable hue of her other garments, made her cheek glow with their -kisses, whilst their friendly mother not less cordially shook her hand. - -After a little social chat, Miss Wildenheim proceeded to fulfil the -object of her visit to the shop, namely, to choose a novel for Miss -Cecilia Webberly.--"What are you looking for there, my dear, with so -much perseverance? any thing will do for her," said Mrs. -Temple.--"Here's the Delicate Distress--The Innocent Seduction."--"I -fear, from their titles, they would serve to aid her in her search after -romance; don't you think that would be a pity?--I was looking for -Patronage, or Almeria."--The peculiar tone, half foreign, half pathetic, -in which Adelaide said the word _pity_, joined to the ludicrous but just -parallel she had in sober sadness unconsciously drawn for Cecilia -Webberly, struck with so comic an effect on Mrs. Temple's risible -nerves, that she burst out into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. -Adelaide opened her eye-lids to their utmost expansion, and cast the -beautiful orbs they had concealed on Mrs. Temple's face, with a look of -mingled surprise and inquiry.--"I only thought, my dear girl, (laying -her hand on Miss Wildenheim's arm), it was a sin you should waste your -morality and your _pit-tie_ in so useless a manner: believe me, Miss -Edgeworth's wit and sense would be lost on a girl too stupid to -comprehend the one, and too silly to profit by the other: if Miss -Cecilia Webberly were only a _fool_, I might encourage your laudable -endeavours, but----" "Hush, hush, my dear Mrs. Temple, here are -strangers;" and turning round Mrs. Temple discovered Sir Henry Seymour's -carriage at the door. It was a vehicle as old fashioned as the owner, -"the good Sir Henry," and formed a striking contrast to the showy -_cortege_ of the Webberly family. It was drawn in a steady quiet trot, -by four heavy steeds as gray as their driver, who, seated on a -hammer-cloth adorned with fringes as numerous as those on the petticoat -of a modern belle, carefully avoided the sharp turns and charioteering -skill of the Four-in-hand Club. Sir Henry Seymour's carriage contained -only his sister-in-law, Mrs. Galton, who was addressed by Mrs. Temple -with all the intimacy of friendship, and answered a variety of inquiries -concerning Miss Seymour, which were made with real interest. - -After giving Mrs. Temple an invitation to join a dinner party at the -hall on the following Thursday, Mrs. Galton whispered, "I suspect; that -elegant girl in mourning is the interesting foreigner whose unexpected -appearance at Webberly House last November excited so much -gossip."--"Yes, she is."--"Then pray introduce me; we have never met, -though I called on her the last time I visited Mrs. Sullivan." This -request was soon complied with; and the ceremony being over, Mrs. Galton -politely appealed to Adelaide's taste, regarding the colours of some -silks she was choosing to work a trimming for her niece's first gown, -which, on her ensuing birth-day, was to mark her approach to womanhood; -for in Sir Henry Seymour's family the difference in dress between -sixteen and forty-five was preserved: Selina had not yet laid aside her -white frock, nor was Mrs. Galton in her own person anxious to antedate -the period of second childhood. Mrs. Martin and Lucy, accompanied by -Mrs. Lucas, now walked in to pay their compliments to the ladies they -had seen enter, and were as usual received by Mrs. Galton with the -utmost civility; and as she knew that a visit to Deane Hall was an event -and a distinction in the annals of village history, she included them in -her invitation for Thursday, which was delightfully accepted by them. -Mrs. Sullivan's carriage having now returned for Miss Wildenheim, she -took her leave. And Mr. Mordaunt, having executed some business the -worthy baronet had intrusted him with, entered the shop, and reminded -Mrs. Galton, that if they did not hasten home, Sir Henry would be kept -waiting dinner, and, what was to him of much more interest, Selina -Seymour would be disappointed of her evening ride. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - Each look, each motion, wak'd a new born grace, - That o'er her form its transient glory cast; - Some lovelier wonder soon usurp'd the place, - Chas'd by a charm still lovelier than the last. - - LYTTELTON. - - -Mr. Mordaunt, finding it impossible to persuade Sir Henry Seymour's -veteran coachman to resign his office of charioteer, or even willingly -to admit a partner on his throne, was obliged to solace himself with -Mrs. Galton's conversation, till they entered the park of Deane. At -last, as the carriage turned up the long dark avenue which led to the -magnificent though antique mansion, his delighted eye beheld Selina, as -she supported her father, whilst "with measured step and slow" he walked -up and down the broad smooth terrace, which stretched along the south -front of the house, and commanded all the beauties of the rich vale -below. Her fragile form and firm yet elastic step were contrasted with -Sir Henry's tottering feeble gait. But though her sparkling eyes gave a -joyous welcome, even from a distance, to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, yet, -with the fond solicitude of filial love, she restrained her father's -hastening steps, till Augustus relieved her from her charge; then light -as a zephyr which scarcely bends the flower over which it passes, she -flew to Mrs. Galton, and had already seen, if not examined, all her -purchases, recapitulated her various occupations during her three hours' -absence, and made Mrs. Galton repeat twice over all the particulars she -could recollect, of "dear Mrs. Temple," and Miss Wildenheim, before -Augustus had conducted Sir Henry to the hall door, or replied to more -than half his inquiries about "poor Brown's lease, and the arrangements -that were made for his wife and children." - -Selina Seymour was nearly seventeen; her person - - "Fair as the forms that, wove in fancy's loom, - Float in light vision round the poet's head;" - -and her mind as well cultivated as could be expected under the peculiar -circumstances of her situation; for she had lived entirely in the -country, and never had as yet an opportunity of acquiring that -brilliancy of execution in the fine arts, by which so many of our modern -girls of fashion rival the painters, and the dancers, and the singers, -and the players on musical instruments, who live only by the exertion of -their talents in those different lines. Of what are usually called -_accomplishments_ she was comparatively ignorant. She knew little or -nothing of fancy works--had never made any pasteboard screens--could -neither waltz nor play on the flageolet--nor beat the tambourine in all -the different attitudes practised and taught to young ladies by the -Duke of York's band--but with several modern languages she was well -acquainted, and had learned to draw from Mrs. Galton, who particularly -excelled in miniature painting, and delighted in transmitting all her -knowledge to her adopted child. Music was however Selina's favourite -amusement, and for it she early discovered a decided genius. An old -blind organist, from the town of ----, generally attended her for three -months every summer, and certainly taught her well the only part of the -art he understood, namely, thorough bass--but of the soul of music, he, -poor man, had no idea; for that she was indebted solely to her own -intensity of feeling; and whatever execution she possessed she had -acquired by the indefatigable practice of such lessons of Handel's, -Corelli's, Scarlatti's, and Bach's, as her father's old music chest -afforded; for Sir Henry had not added an air to his collection since the -death of her mother Lady Seymour, nor did he suppose it possible, that -any improvement could have taken place in the art of composition since -that period. Perhaps, had he heard Selina play some of Mozart's -admirable melodies, he might have been induced to acknowledge their -merit, as he generally thought all she did was perfection; though in her -education he never interfered--the care of that had been intrusted, ever -since she had lost her mother, to Mrs. Galton, and the excellent rector -of the parish, Mr. Temple, who had been tutor to Sir Henry Seymour's -ward, Augustus Mordaunt. With them Selina often joined in studies of a -graver cast than those usually appropriated to her age and sex. And -perhaps the peculiar style of her education was the one best adapted to -her disposition. She had naturally uncommon vivacity. "Her cheek was yet -unprofaned by a tear," and her buoyant spirits had never been depressed -by those unfeeling prohibitions and restraints, which, "like a worm i' -th' bud," feed on the opening blossom, and turn the happiest season of -our lives into days of protracted penance. To her elasticity of spirits -and brilliancy of imagination, which, but for an uncommon superiority of -talent, might have degenerated into frivolity of mind, this calm and -almost masculine education formed an admirable counterpoise. But yet -such was her natural pliability of character, that Mrs. Galton scarcely -deemed even this antidote sufficient; and looked forward with trembling -anxiety to the period of her being introduced to society, knowing how -probable it was, that her fancy, and even her heart, might be seriously -affected, long before her reason or understanding were called into -action. - -Selina was the only one of Sir Henry Seymour's children who had survived -their mother; in her were centred all his hopes and nearly all his -affections; her vivacity amused, and her talents gratified him. But he -was not capable of justly appreciating or fully comprehending her -character; he had so long considered her as a mere child, it never -entered into his calculation, that she was now approaching that eventful -period of life, when more was required from the discretion and affection -of a parent, than a mere tolerance of harmless vivacity. It did -certainly sometimes occur to him, that she might marry, but he generally -banished the idea from his mind as quickly as it arose; for it was -always accompanied by a painful feeling, arising in truth from a dread -of losing her delightful society; but he never analyzed this feeling, -and always repeating to himself that she was still but a child, he -concluded by his usual reflection, that there "was no use in thinking -about it; for, if it was to happen, he could not help it." - -Thus, with infatuated security, he anticipated no danger in allowing his -daughter to associate with Augustus Mordaunt. They had been brought up -as children together, and their manner to each other was so -unrestrained, so free from all those artificial precautions, that by a -premature defence first apprise innocence of its danger, that even wiser -heads than poor Sir Henry's might have believed, as Selina really did, -that only the affection of brother and sister existed between them: it -is true, Mrs. Galton and Mr. Temple sometimes talked over together the -possibility of their future union; and so desirable did it seem to both, -and so certain to obtain Sir Henry's consent, that they left them to -their fate, scarcely wishing that any circumstance should arise to -prevent a mutual attachment taking place. - -Augustus was nephew to the earl of Osselstone, and heir to his title. -His father, dying when he was four years old, had left him to the -guardianship of Sir Henry; and the boy had been removed to Deane Hall -the year before Selina was born, where he had constantly resided since, -except during the periods he had passed at Eton and Oxford. Sir Henry -felt for him an affection almost paternal; nor was it unreturned, or -unworthily bestowed. The disposition of Augustus was naturally -benevolent and ardent in the extreme. Even in the most trifling pursuit -either of knowledge or amusement, the fervency of his character was -manifested; and where the susceptibility of his heart was once called -forth, though expression might be repressed, his feelings were not -easily to be subdued. - -Mr. Temple, profiting by the example the fate of Mordaunt's parents had -presented, early laboured to bring his passions under the control of -reason. He succeeded in regulating them, though they were not to be -extinguished; and though Augustus early acquired a habit of -self-possession, yet the natural vivacity of his character was expressed -in every glance of his intelligent countenance, which served to portray -each fleeting sentiment as it arose, whilst his dark expressive eye -seemed to penetrate into the inmost thoughts of others, and to search -for a mind congenial to his own. His figure was not less remarkable for -elegance than strength; and he particularly excelled in all those manly -exercises and accomplishments in which grace or activity are required. -He had derived, partly from nature, partly from education, such high and -almost chivalrous ideas of principle, that, even as a boy, no temptation -could have induced him either to deserve or submit to the slightest -imputation on his honour; and as he approached to manhood, this jealousy -of character had given him a reputation of pride, which his dignified -manner and appearance in some degree corroborated.--Though to his -inferiors his address was always affable, yet to strangers of his own -rank in life he was generally reserved: he was therefore not always -understood; and those who were incapable of fully comprehending his -peculiar merits, frequently attributed that apparent haughtiness of -demeanour, which repelled officious familiarity, less to the superiority -of his individual character, than to the adventitious circumstance of -his high birth and expectations. - -He had early shown a strong predilection for the army, but he could -never prevail on Sir Henry to consent to his entering that profession; -and as a coolness existed between his uncle and his guardian, none other -had yet been decided on for him. Nor, if it was to depend on Sir Henry's -advice or exertions, was the selection likely soon to be made; for such -was the habitual indolence of the baronet's character, that, unless the -natural benevolence of his disposition was peculiarly called forth by -any accidental circumstance, he was content with feelings of unbounded -good will to all mankind, without making a single effort to promote the -welfare of any individual. Yet, nevertheless, he was an affectionate -father, an indulgent landlord, a hospitable neighbour, a kind friend, -and as such universally beloved and respected. In his establishment at -Deane Hall, old English hospitality was maintained to the fullest -extent; and the regularity of this establishment was united to such an -uniformity of pursuit, that it almost amounted to a monotony of life. -The care of directing his household and doing the honours of his table -he left entirely to Mrs. Galton, the sister of the late Lady Seymour. -She was, however, only called "mistress" by courtesy, for though "still -in the sober charms of womanhood mature," just "verging on decay," she -was yet unmarried. In her youth this lady had been as beautiful as she -was amiable, and being possessed of a large fortune, had many suitors: -on one of these, a Mr. Montague, she had bestowed her affections, and -was on the point of marrying him, when she discovered that he was an -inveterate gamester, ruined in fortune, morals, and character, and of -course unworthy of her regard; and though her good sense enabled her in -time to recover from the misery this discovery occasioned her, yet she -was never afterwards prevailed on to make another choice. Shortly after -her refusal of him, Mr. Montague married a Miss Mortimer, who was as -depraved as himself, and lost his life in a duel with one of his -dissipated companions. Mrs. Galton had resided at Deane Hall from the -period of her sister's death; and Selina soon filled the place of -daughter in her affectionate heart. As that heart had been so deeply -wounded, she had turned assiduously to the cultivation of her -understanding; and in endeavouring to engraft her own perfections on -Selina's ductile mind, she preserved the peace of her own, by -withdrawing it from those corroding remembrances, that had threatened it -with irreparable injury. - -The day at last arrived, which was fixed for the annual visit of Mrs. -Sullivan and her party at Deane Hall; for it may easily be supposed, -that where such dissimilarity of character and pursuit existed, little -intercourse would be maintained. At least an hour after the appointed -time, the loud and peremptory knock of their London footman proclaimed -their arrival; but their welcome was much less cordial, than it would -otherwise have been, from all the assembled party at Deane, as they came -unaccompanied by Miss Wildenheim. - -Mrs. Sullivan, on entering the room, displayed a low, fat, vulgar -figure, arrayed in all the shades admissible in fashionable _mourning_. -Her gown was a _soi-disant_ grey, approximating, as nearly as possible, -to a sky blue, relieved with black and scarlet, and profusely ornamented -with artificial flowers. On her head waved a plume of white ostrich -feathers, which, in their modest color and airy form, served perfectly -to contrast her piony cheeks and lumpish person. - -Her petticoats, wired at the bottom, kept unbroken the ample circle, of -which her breadth from hip to hip formed the diameter. Her shuffling -gait put all her finery in motion from head to foot; and Selina could -not help thinking, that, "if she might just give her one _little_ -twirl," she would make to perfection what in her girlish plays was -called a _cheese_. Mrs. Sullivan was followed by her two elder -daughters--Miss Webberly, loaded with all the superfluous decorations of -modern costume, which could be called in aid to conceal her natural -deformity, and her sister, dressed in the opposite extreme of capricious -fashion, equally solicitous to exhibit her all unobscured charms. Soon -after, the entrance of the remaining guests completed the circle, and -the company insensibly dividing into small separate parties, Mrs. Galton -found herself between her two intimate friends, Mr. and Mrs. Temple, -and expressed to them her sincere regret at not seeing Miss Wildenheim, -for whom Mrs. Sullivan had made an awkward apology. - -"What a beautiful style of countenance hers is," said Augustus Mordaunt, -who was standing by: "quite the Grecian head." "I look more to the -inside of the head," replied Mr. Temple, "and find it as admirable as -you do the outside." "You are always so warm in your admiration of your -young favourite, that I am really quite jealous," said his amiable wife, -with a look that expressed her love and pride in the speaker, and her -regard for the object spoken of. "I do indeed admire her; nay, youthful -as she is, I reverence her," resumed Mr. Temple. - -"And how did you happen to know so much of her?" asked Mrs. Galton; "for -she has been carefully secluded from the rest of the neighbourhood." - -"I was called upon to attend her in my pastoral office last winter, -during her dangerous illness; and having good reason to think that her -pillow was unsmoothed by any kind hand, I pitied her most sincerely; and -when we heard she was recovering, we both visited her frequently, and -without much difficulty prevailed on Mrs. Sullivan, to permit her to -come to the parsonage for change of air, where my ill-natured wife -nursed her for six weeks." "I think," said Mrs. Temple, "one becomes -better acquainted with a person in an invalide state, than in any other; -the sort of charge that the healthy take upon them for the sick, -entitles them to discard much of the formality of common intercourse." -"You are right, my dear; and the being that is in hourly uncertainty of -its stay here, is anxious to part with its fellow mortals, not only in -peace, but in love; and receives every proffered kindness with -gratitude. Impressed with these feelings," continued Mr. Temple, "Miss -Wildenheim suffered us to gain a knowledge of her disposition no other -circumstance could have procured us.--To know and not to admire her is -an impossibility!" - -Mrs. Sullivan, who had kept herself aloof to impress on her mind an -inventory of the furniture, and to listen to the whole company at once, -could no longer keep patience or restrain her indignation; and having -gathered sufficient to understand that Mr. and Mrs. Temple were praising -her lovely ward, she exclaimed with involuntary vehemence, "Lauk! how -can you admire Miss Wildenheim, with her sallow complexion, and such a -poke?" "Pardon me, Mrs. Sullivan," replied Mrs. Galton; "the only time I -ever met her I thought her complexion the most beautiful brunette I ever -saw: but perhaps her colour was heightened by exercise." "And her -carriage"--rejoined Mrs. Temple, with less ceremony, "is grace itself!" -"_Et vera incessu patuit Dea_[4]"--said the worthy rector to Mordaunt; -and, as he abhorred gossips, sheered off to the window, to ask him some -questions regarding his studies at Oxford. "Well, well!" resumed Mrs. -Sullivan, "I loves a girl as straight as the poplars at Islington, with -a good white skin, (casting a look of triumph at Cecilia); I never liked -none of them there outlandish folk: why she's for all the world like a -gipsy. My poor dear Mr. Sullivan didn't ought for to bring his casts-up -to me and my daughters, who are come of good havage!--If she and my -Carline wasn't sisters, they never would be so out of the way fond of -one another. If Miss was her natural mother, she couldn't make more of -her than she does now, for her father's sake: and my foolish little chit -thinks this Frenchified lady a nonsuch. I'll warrant me her schooling -cost a pretty penny in foreign parts, where she got that odorous twang -on her tongue; howsoever, she's culpable to teach my little girl to -jabber French; and, as one good turn deserves another, I takes a world -of pains to teach her not to misprison her words: and would you believe -it? she looks sometimes as if she had a mind to laugh; and then she -casts down her hugeous eyes, and colours up as red as a turkey cock, all -out of pride! But I'm resolved she shan't ruinate Carline's English; -I'll supersede that myself." - -[Footnote 4: - - And by her walk the queen of love is known. - - DRYDEN. -] - -Dinner being announced, prevented Mrs. Sullivan's female auditors from -making either comment or reply, except by an "alphabet of looks," which -had this sapient lady possessed sufficient shrewdness to decipher, she -would not have been much gratified by its import. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - Once on a time, so runs the fable, - A country mouse, right hospitable, - Received a town mouse at his board, - Just as a farmer would a lord. - - POPE. - - -The dessert was scarcely laid on the table and the servants withdrawn, -when a clatter of pattens and a loud talking announced the arrival of -the guests from Deane. Mrs. Galton and Miss Seymour were anxious to -retire immediately; but Mrs. Sullivan was too busily engaged paying her -devoirs to a fine peach, and her second daughter in monopolizing those -of Mr. Mordaunt, to attend the signal; whilst Miss Webberly was -slanderously attributing to the family of "Gases" affinities and -products that never before had been hinted at; and was so eagerly bent -on astonishing Mr. Temple by a discourse "_Enfle de vent, vide de -raison_," that some minutes elapsed before the _debouching_ was -effected. They however reached the huge fire-place, now decked in all -the pride of summer's bloom, which marked the centre of the -old-fashioned hall, before the finishing strokes were given to the -toilets of the newly-arrived party. "I declare here they all come!" -exclaimed Mrs. Martin; "Lucy, my dear, hold up your head. Here, put this -pocket-handkerchief in your bonnet for night, whilst I just slip your -shoes and stockings into your ridicule." "How d'ye do, Mrs. Galton? -Thank ye, ma'am, my Lucy's used to walking--never catches cold. We were -twice at Vauxhall last spring two year. Well certainly, Miss Seymour, -the country air does agree with you; you look vastly well. Pray, my dear -miss, isn't that Mrs. Sullivan and the two Miss Webberlys? They don't -seem to remember me. I'll just go and ask whether the currant wine I -made 'em a present of was good or not." So saying, the active Mrs. -Martin bustled up to Mrs. Sullivan to recommence her usual string of -queries, without waiting for an answer to any one of those she had -already made with such uninterrupted volubility. But Mrs. Sullivan's -pomposity was not to be discomposed by any sudden attack. She was by -this time sitting, or rather reclining, (for reposing it could not be -called) on the high-backed, hard-bottomed, uncushioned, damask-covered -sofa, which had not yet resigned its proud and ancient place against the -side wall of Sir Henry's drawing-room. She was paying as much attention -to Mrs. Galton's conversation as repeated yawns would permit, an -attention ostentatiously redoubled at the entrance of Mrs. Martin, while -Mrs. Lucas was balancing herself on the edge of an immoveable arm-chair, -assiduously offering her assenting monosyllable, and smiling "he hem" at -the close of every sentence the two ladies uttered, however -contradictory its import might be to the last expressed opinion. - -Mrs. Temple had in the mean time joined the young people who had -withdrawn to one of the deep recesses of the windows, collected together -in a groupe, by that indescribable attraction which is found in a -similarity of age, however unlike the characters or pursuits of the -different individuals may be. Some beautiful roses which filled an old -china vase, and scarcely rivalled its colours, served for the subject of -their conversation. "I suppose," said Miss Webberly, "you have plenty of -time, in this out of the way place, Miss Seymour, for the study of -botany and the fine arts. How I envy you! Now in town we have never no -time for nothing." "No, indeed," replied Miss Seymour, "I know nothing -of botany, though I delight in flowers." "Not understand botany!" "Why -indeed, my love Emily," interrupted Miss Cecilia Webberly, "no person -of taste likes those things now, they are quite out; indeed, 'the loves -of the plants' is a delightful book, that will always go down. I have it -almost off by heart. Don't you admire it, Miss Seymour?" "I have never -read it," answered Selina. "And what do you read?" continued Cecilia; "I -suppose you hardly ever get a new book at Slater's?" "Yes; do let us -hear what your studies are," said Miss Webberly, in a tone approaching -to contempt. "My employments scarcely deserve the name of studies," -modestly replied Selina. "I am very fond of drawing, and spend a great -deal of time in that occupation; but any information I receive from -books has been principally gathered from what Augustus reads out to my -aunt and me, whilst my father sleeps in an evening." "How extatic must -be your communication with Mr. Temple, my dear madam!" said Miss -Webberly, turning from Selina to Mrs. Temple; "yours must be the feast -of reason and the flow of soul. Does the vegetable creation ever attract -your notice?" "Yes;" quietly answered Mrs. Temple; "but I principally -cultivate flowers for the sake of my bees; they, you know, are my second -nursery." "And pray, while you are practising horticulture, do you think -you ever suffer from imbibing the hydrogen?" "To tell you the truth, my -dear Miss Webberly, I feel I so little understand either hydrogen or -oxygen, that I never think about them." "Nothing more easy! nothing more -easy, I assure you! Every body learns chemistry in town. I always attend -the Royal Institution;--Sir Humphrey Davy is so dear! so animated! so -delightful! I once asked him, 'My dear Sir Davy,' says I, 'what's the -distinction between oxygen and hydrogen?' 'Why,' says he, 'one is pure -gin, and the other gin and water.'" Poor Selina was as little capable of -enjoying the scientifical jargon of Miss Webberly, as she was of -comprehending the more fluent discourse of her sister, who had already -talked over the contents of Slater's library with Miss Martin and Miss -Lucas, and astonished them with a minute description of the last spring -fashions. The arrival of the tea and coffee was therefore to her no -unwelcome interruption. - -But the occupations attending the tea-table were scarcely commenced, -when the approach of Sir Henry Seymour from the dining-room was -announced by the quickly repeated sound of his knotted cane, which kept -due measure with his hurried footsteps along the well polished floor of -the hall, as it preserved the worthy baronet from its slippery -influence. "Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina!" exclaimed he, hastily -opening the door, "Who is it? what is it? are there any more asked to -day? have I forgot any one? bless my stars!" "What is the matter?" -exclaimed both ladies at once. "Matter!" quoth Sir Henry, "why a coach -and four's the matter, and a man galloping like the devil up the long -avenue is the matter. God forgive my swearing. Well, to be sure, that I -should never have thought of them! Who can it be? I have certainly -offended some of my neighbours! Good Lord!" The ladies had by this time -thronged to the windows to see the unusual sight, except Miss Webberly, -who affected to keep at a distance, though she could not refrain from -peeping over their heads as she stood on tip-toe. At the same instant, -all the family dogs joined in one chorus of welcome; and the equestrian, -arriving at full speed, jumped off his horse, and pulling the door-bell -with a vehemence it had seldom felt before, so electrified poor Sir -Henry, that he almost unconsciously repaired with unpremeditated haste -to the scene of action. "I say, old Square-toes," vociferated the -stranger, "is this Harry Seymour's castle?" "Ye-e-s," answered its -hospitable owner, whilst astonishment and indignation impeded his -utterance. "Ye-es! why you look as queer as the castle spectre yourself. -Well, send somebody for my horse, for here's my lord and lady; and, I -say, order beds." Perhaps Sir Henry would in his turn equally have -astonished his unexpected visitor, had not a sudden turn of the open -barouche, as it approached the door, presented to his view the faces of -Lord and Lady Eltondale. "Why, Gad's my life! Good Lord! Selina, here's -your aunt! Good Lord! well to be sure!" The name of "aunt," a title that -always called forth from Selina's affectionate heart sentiments of the -tenderest gratitude and delight, acted like a talisman on the lovely -girl, and brought her in an instant to the spot with sparkling eyes, -glowing cheeks, and steps of fairy lightness; while Mrs. Galton, who -better knew _the aunt_ she was about to meet, advanced to offer a more -sober, though not less polite reception. - -From the side of the barouche next the door descended Lord Eltondale, -with as much activity as his unwieldy body would permit, encumbered as -it was by an immense bang-up coat, which, by a moderate computation of -the specific gravity of like solids, would in all probability have -increased the weight of the ponderous carcase it enclosed to nearly that -of his Lordship's own prize ox. With much less alacrity his fair spouse -prepared to alight; an open pelisse, wrapped in a thousand folds, -partially concealed her yet beautiful figure, while an enormous London -_rustic_ bonnet, with the affectation of simplicity and the real stamp -of fashion, equally disguised her face. During that time, Lord -Eltondale, in no subdued tone of voice, was expressing his lively -pleasure at meeting Sir Henry, almost dislocating Mrs. Galton's wrists -with the fervency of salutation, and with no less zeal imprinting -oscular proofs of satisfaction on the fair retiring cheek of his niece. -Lady Eltondale had full time to kiss her white hand in turn to each -individual, to commit her smelling-bottle and work bag to the particular -charge of the footman who had preceded them, and to descend leisurely -from the carriage with apparent timidity, but real anxiety, to save her -shawls, and exhibit her well-turned ancle to Mordaunt, who supported her -faltering steps. - -"Why, Gad's my life, I'm glad to see you all, though I never should have -thought of it," exclaimed Sir Henry, his wig nearly as much turned round -as the brains underneath it. "Why, Bell, what the devil brings you -here?--Come to spend the summer, eh, with that chaise full of band -boxes? Well, to be sure, to think of your coming to Deane Hall again! -But I can't reach your mouth till you kick off that trumpet you've on." -"Good God!" exclaimed Lady Eltondale with an involuntary shudder, but -instantaneously recovering herself, "I am quite delighted, my dear -brother, to find you in such charming spirits. How do, Mrs. Galton? I -declare you look younger than ever. And Selina! why, child, you are -almost as tall as I am." Selina's first impulse had been to throw -herself into Lady Eltondale's arms, believing innocently that an "aunt" -was another Mrs. Galton. But the boisterous _bonhomie_ of the Viscount's -compliments, and still more the fashionable frigidity of Lady -Eltondale's address, were repulsive to her feelings, and she -unconsciously withdrew to that part of the hall to which Mordaunt had -retired, whilst a tear trembled on her long eye-lashes. "She is not at -all like aunt Mary," said Selina in a half whisper, "I'm sure I shan't -like her." "But she will surely like you, Selina," answered -Mordaunt.--"Come, you foolish girl," continued he, taking her hand, -"don't you know aunt Mary said this morning, you were almost old enough -to do the honours yourself! Let us see your _coup d'essai_." Meantime -Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton led the travellers to the drawing-room, and -introduced them to the wondering party they had left there. - -Lady Eltondale returned their salutations with a sweeping reverence, -between a bow and a curtsy, accompanied by one of her most fascinating -smiles; and walking deliberately to the head of the room, "I am afraid, -my dear Mrs. Galton, we have discomposed you;--we have arrived at an -unseasonable moment," said her Ladyship in a voice of dulcet sweetness; -though this demi-apology was accompanied by a look round the room, which -plainly indicated that the fair speaker felt assured her arrival would -at any time have discomposed _such_ a company. "Well, Sir Henry," -bellowed out Lord Eltondale, "how goes on the farm? I shall taste your -beef admirably--I'm confoundedly hungry." "Hungry!--Beef--Good -Lord!--Bless my heart, haven't dined yet? Now I should never have -thought of that! Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina! do order something to -be got ready directly. Bless my heart--not dined! why it's past seven -o'clock! James! John! I say, Wilson!" "Pray, my dear brother," said the -Viscountess, seating herself, "don't trouble yourself; a pattie, a -Maintenon, anything will do for us." "Aye, aye, Sir Henry, give us a -beef steak or a mutton chop; any thing will do for us, if there is but -enough." Lady Eltondale's fragile form underwent that species of -delicate convulsion, between a shudder of horror and a shrug of -contempt, which was her usual commentary on her lord's speeches; and -very calmly untying her bonnet, she threw it on a chair at some -distance, and discovered a little French cap, from beneath which a -glossy ringlet of jet black hair had strayed not quite unbidden. She -then no less leisurely proceeded to slip from under her silken coat, of -which young Webberly, with officious velocity, flew to relieve her, -though she still retained as many shawls as she could well dispose of in -attitudinal drapery, without regarding the too apparent contrast they -formed to the transparent summer clothing, which shaded, but scarcely -hid her once perfect form. Mrs. Sullivan's impatience to be recognized -would not suffer her to wait till the tedious ceremony of disrobing was -finished; but finding her curtsies, and her nods, and her smiles, and -her flutterings, had not yet procured her the notice she was so -ambitious to obtain, she gave an audible preluding "hem!" and then -addressed Lady Eltondale with "'Pon honour, my lady, I'm delighted to -counter your ladyship. Your ladyship looks wastly vell. How is that 'ere -pretty cretur, your Ladyship's monkey?" Lady Eltondale turning her head -quickly round at the first sound of the sharp discordant voice that now -assailed her ear, saw something so irresistibly attractive in the vessel -of clay from which it proceeded, that she found it impossible -immediately to withdraw her eyes, and, taking up her glass, remained in -total silence for some moments, examining the grotesque figure opposite -to her, displayed as it was to particular advantage in the operation of -opening and shutting a brilliant scarlet fan with accelerated motion. -"Forgive me, my dear madam--I am quite ashamed; but really your name has -escaped my recollection:--your person I should think impossible to -forget." A polite inclination of an admirably turned head and neck -concealed the sarcasm of this equivocal compliment. "To be sure, my -lady," continued the gratified Mrs. Sullivan, "ve town ladies can't get -our wisiting lists off book like primers, he! he! he!--Sulliwan, my -lady, Sulliwan's my name, and them there two girls are my daughters, and -that there----" "Indeed, Mrs. Silly-one, you do me much honour," -interrupted her Ladyship. "Selina, my love, I want to talk to you;--how -goes on music?" "I think, Lady Eltondale," said Miss Cecilia Webberly, -with assumed _nonchalance_, "the last time you and I were together was -at the Lord Mayor's ball--a sweet girl that Lucy Nathin is!" "Brother, -you must let La Fayette dress this dear girl's hair to-morrow; these -ringlets will be _superbe_ done _a la corbeille_." "Yes, my Lady, I -quite agree with you, my Lady. All Miss Seymour vants is a little -winishing and warnishing, as we hearties say. Her bodies ought to be cut -down, my Lady; and her petticoats cut up, my Lady, and she would be -quite another guess figure, my Lady. Six weeks in town would quite -halter her hair and her mane; and as for music, Pinsheette's the man to -improve her in vice." "Pucit-ta-a-a, mother!" screamed Cecilia, "can you -ever learn that man's name?" - -A most opportune summons to the "beef-steak" relieved Lady Eltondale -from the discussion, which was on the point of commencing between mother -and daughter. She rose with an air of dignity, that immediately silenced -both combatants; and, while she leaned on Sir Henry's offered arm, she -drew Selina's through her own, and, turning to Mrs. Galton, said with a -bewitching smile, "You must spare this Hebe to be my cup-bearer. I -almost envy you having monopolized her so long, notwithstanding all she -has gained by it." Mordaunt, who had hitherto stood aloof, now advanced -to open the door for them, and smiled significantly to Selina as they -passed; while Webberly, who had just sense enough to perceive the -distance of Lady Eltondale's manner, called loudly for his mother's -carriage. The rest of the party, who had hitherto remained in dumb -astonishment, gladly took the hint, and began the tedious ceremony of -curtsying, bidding good night, and packing up; leaving Mrs. Galton at -liberty to do the honours of the second dinner table, which lasted till -nearly the hour when the good Baronet usually retired to rest. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - And all your wit--your most distinguished art, - But makes us grieve you want an honest heart! - - BROWN. - - -Lady Eltondale was arrived at the meridian of life, and no longer -boasted the charms of youth, "_Elle ne fut pas plus jolie; mais elle fut -toujours belle_:" and perhaps the finished polish of her manners, and -matured elegance of her person, were now scarcely less attractive than -the loveliness of her earlier days had been: for beautiful she once was; - - "Grace was in all her steps--Heav'n in her eye, - In all her gestures dignity:" - -and, if "love" could have been added, she would have been, almost, -faultless.--But a cold, selfish disposition blasted the fair promise; -it was, "a frost, a chilling frost," that withered every bud of virtue! -And yet she was not absolutely wicked; she could not be accused of -having a _bad_ heart; it might rather be said she had no heart at -all.--And with every other requisite to form perfection in a female -character, this one defect neutralized all the bounteous gifts of -nature--her very talents, like those of Prometheus, were perverted, and -preyed on her own soul; whilst the aching void, left by the total -absence of all the nameless charities of life, she had vainly -endeavoured to fill up by a restless, endless passion for scheming, -either for herself or others.--She would, perhaps, have shuddered at the -thought of designedly laying a plan to undermine the happiness of -another; yet such were the sophistical powers of her mind, that she -seldom failed in sincerely persuading herself, that whatever plan she -proposed to execute, was, in reality, the most desirable that could be -adopted,--and, with this conviction, she had scarcely ever been known -to relinquish a project she had once formed, and seldom failed, either -by art or perseverance, to obtain her end. - -Her history was a very common one--Her father died while she was young, -leaving her mother and herself a comfortable, though not a splendid -provision, as all the landed property descended to her brother, Sir -Henry Seymour, who was many years older than she was. - -The dowager lady Seymour, a weak woman, but indulgent parent, was easily -prevailed on by her lovely daughter, to choose London for her place of -residence; and when Sir Henry married, their visits to Deane Hall, which -had never been frequent entirely ceased. Miss Seymour meantime took -every advantage of the opportunities her new line of life afforded. She -cultivated with assiduity and success every brilliant accomplishment, -and was admired even more than her own vanity, and her mother's blind -partiality, had taught her to expect. Her pretensions rose in proportion -to her success; and at one time she fancied nothing less than a ducal -coronet could render the chains of matrimony supportable. At last, -however, after a thousand schemes and speculations, in a moment of -pique, she accepted the title of viscountess, which was all Lord -Eltondale had to offer, except a splendid temporary establishment; as -nearly all his property was entailed on his son by a former marriage. -Indeed, so dissimilar were their tastes, characters, and pursuits, that -their union was a seven days' wonder; and would not, perhaps, ever have -taken place, had not Miss Seymour, in the prosecution of a far different -plan, at first unguardedly encouraged, or rather provoked, Lord -Eltondale's addresses; and he, "good easy man," _had not time_ to -develope the cause of the flattering selection. - -Lord Eltondale was one of those unoffending, undistinguished mortals, -who would most probably have returned to his original clay unnoticed and -unwept, had not fortune, in one of her most sportive moods, hung a -coronet on his brow, and thus dragged the Cymon into observation. He -possessed neither talents nor acquirements, and held "the harmless -tenour of his way" in equal mean betwixt vice and virtue. - -By nature he was a gourmand, and by fashion a farmer; for, strange to -say, amongst the other changes this century has produced, not the least -remarkable is the insatiable ambition of our peers to rival--not their -ancestors--but their coachmen and ploughmen. But, even in the only -science Lord Eltondale affected to understand, his learning was only -superficial: he delighted in going through the whole farming vocabulary; -could talk for hours of threshing machines, and drilling machines, and -Scotch ploughs, and bush harrows; particularly if he was so fortunate -as to meet with an auditor, whose learning on those subjects did not -transcend his own. He was also an inimitable judge of the peculiar merit -of sheep and oxen, when they were transformed into beef and mutton: but -of real useful agriculture, that art which is one of England's proudest -boasts, he only knew enough to entitle him to imitate a clown in -appearance, and to constitute him an honorary member of different -farming societies; which, besides procuring him sundry good dinners, -particularly suited the supineness of his disposition, by giving him an -excuse, "_De ne rien faire, en toujours faisant des riens_[5]." - -[Footnote 5: To do nothing in always doing nothings.] - -Such was the partner the lovely Miss Seymour chose for life; and as the -death of her mother, and that of the only child she ever had, occurred -before the expiration of the second year of her marriage, she was left -without any tie to attach her to a domestic life; while her own -conscious superiority to her lord deprived her of any support from him, -which might have guided her, as she swam on the highest wave of fashion. - -Sir Henry Seymour experienced at least as much surprise as pleasure, at -such an unexpected visit from his sister and the viscount; but he did -not suspect the object of it, till her ladyship herself explained it to -him the following morning. Indeed the only motive that could have been -strong enough, to induce her to return, even for a few hours, to a place -she so much abhorred, was that which now had brought her; namely, an -anxious desire to promote a marriage between Selina Seymour and her -step-son, Mr. Elton. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that her -extravagance, and her lord's indolence, had already swallowed up any -ready money they had originally possessed, and that whenever the -property came into the hands of Frederick Elton, little, if any thing, -would be left for her support, except what she should receive from his -generosity; and therefore she had determined to secure for him one of -the richest and loveliest brides England could offer, believing, that by -so doing she should not only increase his power of being generous, but -also establish her claims on his everlasting gratitude. It is true she -was not certain, that such a step would ensure the happiness, or even -meet the approbation of Frederick. On that point, strange as it may -appear, Lady Eltondale had bestowed but little consideration, -(self-interest being always paramount in her mind), as this plan would -be certainly beneficial to herself, she determined to consider it -equally advantageous to him. In fine, she had been the first to suggest -it; she had long meditated on it, and at last resolved upon it: having -thus made up her own mind, the difficulties which might occur in the -prosecution of her scheme, if any should arise, would but make her more -solicitous for its accomplishment. - -At first Lady Eltondale found some little difficulty in persuading Sir -Henry to accede to her proposal; not that he for a moment recollected -the cruelty of engaging irrevocably his daughter's hand, before he even -enquired into the state of her affections; or that he reflected on the -danger of confiding a character so volatile as was Selina's to the -guardianship of a young man they were both totally unacquainted with. -Sir Henry only hesitated, from an unwillingness to part from her -himself; for he was one of those fatally partial parents, who, prizing -too highly their daughters' society, often sacrifice their happiness to -that selfish consideration. But to every objection he could urge Lady -Eltondale had some specious answer ready: she reminded him, that Mr. -Elton was then abroad, and that his return might possibly be delayed -for some time; dwelt upon the excellence of his character; and finally, -more by perseverance than argument, succeeded in obtaining Sir Henry's -promise, that he would consent to their marriage taking place, as soon -as Frederick returned from the continent. Lady Eltondale well understood -that magic, which is the empire a strong mind exercises over a weaker; -and had so well worked on all the springs of poor Sir Henry's, that he -gave the required promise as explicitly as she demanded it; for she was -well aware, that if once she prevailed on him to give such a promise, -not even his deference to Mrs. Galton's opinion would induce him to -break it. But as of the tendency of that opinion Lady Eltondale had a -sort of presentiment, she wished to save herself the trouble of -combating it; and therefore prevailed on her brother not to mention it -during the short remainder of her stay at the Hall, on the pretence of -sparing her "dear Selina's feelings;" and as he was for many reasons -not unwilling to dismiss the subject from his thoughts, he agreed to the -required silence. - -The evening of that day, which sealed Selina's destiny, passed over -without any particular circumstance to mark its progress, save only that -Lady Eltondale was even, if possible, more attractive than ever. She -eminently possessed that "complaisance, which adopts the ideas of others -as its own; and all that politeness, in fine, which perhaps is not -virtue itself, yet is sometimes its captivating resemblance, which gives -laws to self-love, and enables pride to pass every instant by the side -of pride, without offending." This art she was in the daily habit of -exercising towards all her associates; but to delude or flatter Mrs. -Galton, Lady Eltondale always felt, was a task of no small difficulty. -Her penetration and her modesty were both too great to be easily evaded; -and her character was composed of such delicate tints, blended -insensibly into so admirable a whole, that to bring forward only one -part seemed to destroy that unity, which constituted its perfection. -Besides, Mrs. Galton was so true, so simple, in all she said, and -thought, and did, that she seemed sanctified by her own purity: and -though the artful viscountess could not feel all the beauty of such a -mind, its very greatness, unadorned as it was, impressed her with an awe -so unusual, that the stranger feeling degenerated into repugnance and -distrust. Yet even to her her manner on the eventful night was -complaisant in the extreme--to Sir Henry it was affectionate, to Selina -indulgent; and to Mordaunt a veil of tempered coquetry gave a dazzling -attraction to all her words, looks, and actions. In her intercourse with -him, she chose to avail herself of all the privileges she could derive -from her seniority; while the fascinations of her wit, the elegance of -her manner, and the real beauty of her person, gave her a dangerous -power over an unpractised heart, which the artless charms of -inexperienced youth dared not have used, and could scarcely have -possessed. Little aware were the innocent members of the circle she was -delighting, that her increased animation and her improved charms arose -from the glow of conscious pride, as she triumphantly reflected on the -success of her scheme; a scheme which, nevertheless, she had sufficient -penetration to discover, would blight the fairest prospects of those she -appeared most sedulous to please; and which might destroy for ever the -happiness of a scene, that, till the moment of her intrusion, had -bloomed another Paradise. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - Ah! gentle pair, ye little think, how nigh - Your change approaches, when all these delights - Will vanish, and deliver ye to wo, - More wo, the more your taste is now of joy! - - PARADISE LOST. - -The next morning, notwithstanding its being Sunday, was fixed for the -departure of the Eltondales for Cheltenham; as, in addition to Lady -Eltondale's dread of passing a Sunday evening at the Hall, the hallowed -day was one usually set apart by her and her obedient lord for -travelling. - -The whole of Sir Henry's household, unused to such an appropriation of -the Sabbath, was thrown into disorder. The arrival of the post horses; -the bustle and importance of the servants who were departing, with the -confusion of those who were to remain; the enumeration of the packages -by Madame La Fayette, who was, if possible, a finer lady than her -mistress; and the awkward, and perhaps not quite unintentional, mistakes -of her aides-de-camp the house-maids, in their arrangement, presented -altogether a scene of clamour that totally dismayed poor quiet Sir -Henry: and even Mrs. Galton could scarcely refrain from expressing a -part of her discomposure, at perceiving the slow progress, that was -actually making in the work of preparation, would effectually prevent -either the domestics or themselves joining their worthy pastor in his -public worship. At last Lady Eltondale appeared, to partake of what she -called the early breakfast; and before this affair, always so important -to the Viscount, was concluded, the different forms of farewell had been -gone through, and the last part of the train had fairly moved from the -door, the greatest portion of the morning was elapsed. Selina stood at -the library window, watching the rapid motion of the carriages, and the -spirited action of the postilions; as, cracking their whips over the -horses' heads, they turned out of the long avenue, and disappeared down -the hill. She listened for some time, involuntarily wishing to hear -again the sound of the carriage wheels; then turning suddenly round, and -casting her eye hastily over the dark damask hangings and massy -furniture of the room, wondered why she had never before seen it look so -gloomy as it now appeared. Mrs. Galton, who had silently marked the -changes of that countenance, which so eloquently depicted every passing -idea, now abruptly asked her, what she had been thinking of. Selina -started and colored. But, as yet, she had never been conscious of a -thought she would not wish to own; and, with her usual ingenuousness, -replied--"I wonder, Aunt, what sort of place Cheltenham is? How I -should like to go there!"--"I dare say, Lady Eltondale would gladly have -taken you there, Selina," replied Mrs. Galton, with a look of sadness, -blended with anxiety.--"But you don't think, surely, I should like to -leave you and Papa behind?--no; if you, and Papa, and Augustus, would -all come with me, I should be delighted to go! but not else." So saying, -she threw her polished arms round Mrs. Galton's neck, and kissing her -cheek with an effusion of affection, gave a gratifying and unequivocal -proof of the sincerity of her assertion. - -Meantime, Sir Henry had strolled out, leaning on the arm of Augustus: at -last, after a silence unusually prolonged, the Baronet exclaimed, "Good -Lord! bless my heart, who would have thought, this day se'ennight, that -Bell and Lord Eltondale would have been come and gone again by this -time?"--"She must have been very beautiful," returned Mordaunt. "Aye, -she was once very handsome indeed," replied Sir Henry.--"Bless my -heart, how time passes on! I remember the winter she was presented at -Court, how much she was admired! and good Lord! how things come about: -every body said she was to have been married to your uncle, Lord -Osselstone, though, I believe, there was never any truth in the report. -That was the very year you were born, Augustus, two-and-twenty years -ago, last Michaelmas. I have never been in London since; and, please -God, never shall!" Augustus had attended more to his own thoughts, than -to Sir Henry's observations; and would perhaps have continued his -reverie, had not the old man's silence had the effect of rousing him, -which his conversation had not. "I think," said he, at last, "Selina is -very like her aunt: her eyes, to be sure, sparkle more, and her -countenance is more animated, but her figure is nearly the same, if she -were but a very little taller."--"Aye," returned Sir Henry, with a -sigh, "Selina will grow a great deal yet, I dare say.--Well, to be sure, -who would have thought it? Bless my heart, she was but a child the other -day: and then," he added, after a few moment's pause, "I wonder what -sort of a chap that Frederick Elton is? I wonder will he like to play -backgammon with me of an evening, as Selina does? Poor girl! he mustn't -think of taking her to London, it would be the death of me, God help -me!" - -"Frederick Elton!" rejoined Augustus, "Good God, sir! what do you mean?" -"Aye, Augustus, I thought you would be surprised. Bless my heart! why, I -never should have thought of it myself. Do you know, Bell and Lord -Eltondale came all this way out of their road to ask my consent to -Selina's marrying his son Frederick Elton? It was very kind of them to -think of it, to be sure; but I had rather they hadn't troubled -themselves." "Well, sir, well surely, Sir Henry, you didn't give it?" -"Bless my heart! well, to be sure, what makes you stare so?--to be sure -I gave it. What had I to say against the young man? and Bell told me he -would always like to live here." "And Selina, Miss Seymour, has given -her consent too?" "Oh, poor child! she knows nothing about it yet;--I -haven't told her a word of it.--But what makes you shiver so? Are you -cold? Why, Augustus, boy, you look as pale as ashes! Good Lord!--Bless -my heart, what's the matter with you?" "Nothing, sir, I've only a -confounded head-ache, which a ride will cure." So saying, he turned -abruptly from Sir Henry, who had by this time reached the hall door, and -resumed his knotty cane. "Good Lord! well to be sure, he's not half so -happy about it as I expected he would have been. I wonder what Mrs. -Galton will say." And the doubt of the possibility of her not approving -the plan, as he knew she was not partial to Lady Eltondale's plans in -general, made him at first hesitate about informing her. But the habit -he had acquired of consulting her on all occasions, and a certain -restless anxiety, which persons of weak minds always feel to have their -opinions or actions sanctioned by others, at last preponderated; and he -retired to his study, after sending to request to speak to Mrs. Galton, -fortifying himself, previous to her appearance, with as many of Lady -Eltondale's arguments as he could recal to his disturbed memory. - -Mrs. Galton was not as entirely unprepared for the communication as poor -Augustus had been. She knew enough of Lady Eltondale's character to -surmise, that her sudden re-appearance at Deane Hall could neither have -been unpremeditated or without design; and, from some hints which Lady -Eltondale had casually dropped in the course of conversation, her -penetration had led her to form some tolerably accurate surmises on the -subject. When, therefore, she entered the study, she was more grieved -than surprised at the looks of painful emotion, with which Sir Henry -received her. The poor old man, embarrassed with his own thoughts, began -with more circumlocution than explicitness, to relate the circumstances, -and ended a most perplexed speech by abruptly informing Mrs. Galton of -the proposal. "It is as I expected," calmly replied she. "Aye! aye!" -exclaimed the delighted Baronet, "I knew if any one would guess it you -would.--I should never have thought of it myself." "But have you given -your consent, Sir Henry?" "Given my consent--Good Lord! what do you -mean! Well to be sure, all the world's run mad to-day, I think! Why, -bless my heart! didn't you say it was what you expected?" "I could not -expect; my dear sir, that you would give your consent to any proposal on -which the future happiness of Selina's whole life depends, without -deliberation, and a proper understanding and consideration of her -feelings on the subject." "But, good Lord! I tell you again I _have_ -given my consent." "Not irrevocably, I hope, Sir Henry; you know nothing -of Mr. Elton's character, taste, or disposition; you know nothing.--" -"God forgive me for being in a passion," interrupted Sir Henry, "but the -perverseness of women is enough to provoke a saint, which, the Lord help -me, I'm not.--But you know, Mrs. Galton," continued he, in a more -moderate tone, "you know Frederick Elton is a connection of our -own;--and as for our not being acquainted with him--don't you remember -he came here from school one Easter holidays, and gave Selina the -measles by the same token, poor child!" "Forgive me, Sir Henry," calmly -replied Mrs. Galton, "but I do not think that is knowing him well enough -to decide on his title to Selina's esteem; and, believe me, that dear -girl will never be happy unless she marries a man she not only esteems -but loves." "Well, and didn't Lady Eltondale tell me Selina would -certainly love Frederick Elton? She says he is twice as handsome as -Augustus Mordaunt; which, good Lord! is unnecessary, for Augustus, poor -boy, is as fine a young man as ever I saw in my life." "Aye, poor -Augustus!" sorrowfully exclaimed Mrs. Galton, "he would indeed have been -happy with Selina, and God knows, he is the character that of all others -would best have suited her." "Augustus Mordaunt, Mrs. Galton! Well to be -sure! Good Lord! who would have thought of that! However, poor boy, -though I don't give him Selina, I'll take care to give him something -else--he shall never be dependent on that old uncle of his." - -Mrs. Galton saw it was in vain to contend at that moment with the -Baronet, who was fully convinced that his promise was irrevocable, and -that after all it was the best thing he could do, for Bell had told him -so. All that Mrs. Galton could procure was a promise no less positive, -that he would not give Selina the most distant hint of the project, by -which she hoped not only to prolong her present days of peace, but also -faintly flattered herself, that something might occur to prevent their -union, between then and the time of Mr. Elton's return from abroad. - -In the mean time Augustus prosecuted his useless ride-- - - "Il va monter en cheval pour bannir son ennui, - Le chagrin monte en croupe et galoppe apres lui." - -Finding solitary reflection rather increased than cured his malady, he -at last determined to open his heart, to his reverend friend, Mr. -Temple; and, alighting at the parsonage, sent his servant back to the -hall, to say he should not return to dinner--an intimation which -considerably increased the gloom which pervaded the countenance of each -individual of the trio, that was seated in silence round the -dinner-table. Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton were each occupied by their own -reflections; and Selina felt depressed, not only by the unusual absence -of Augustus, but also from the effects of that vacuum, which the -departure of guests, however few in number, always makes in a country -house. After dinner she strolled listlessly from one room to another; -took up and laid down, alternately, all the books that lay on the -library table; sauntered to the harpsichord, and played parts of several -anthems, without finishing any, and stopping every five minutes, in the -vain belief that she heard the trampling of Mordaunt's horse. At last, -at an hour long before her usual bed-time, she retired to her room, -wondering what could keep him so late, and thinking she had never spent -so long, so tiresome an evening; whilst she involuntarily contrasted it -with the hours winged on swiftest pinions, which the fascinations of -Lady Eltondale's manners had so delightfully beguiled the night before. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - ----Men - Can counsel and give comfort to that grief, - Which they themselves not feel. - - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. - - -Augustus met with his usual kind reception at the parsonage; nor was it -long before he found the opportunity he wished of consulting his -earliest and most revered friend; for Mrs. Temple quickly perceived, -that something hung heavy on the bosom of this young man, whom she loved -almost as a son, and therefore soon retired from the dinner-table, -leaving the two gentlemen _tete a tete_, believing that he would find as -much comfort as she ever did, from conversing freely with him who was -"her guide, her head;" for, like our first parents, they lived, "he for -God only, she for God in him." - -No sooner did Augustus find himself alone with Mr. Temple, than his -oppressed heart found a ready vent, and he poured into the sympathetic -ear of his reverend auditor a full detail of all his feelings. He had -first discovered how ardently he loved Selina, at the moment he had -learned she was destined for another; and he described, with all the -eloquence of passion, the agony, the despair he now experienced. Mr. -Temple had not yet forgotten what it was to love; and, "though time had -thinn'd his flowing hair," his feelings had not yet become torpid under -its benumbing influence. He could listen with patience, and even pity, -to the wild effusions of his favourite's grief, while he waited calmly -till the first burst of passion should subside, and leave room for the -exercise of sober reason.--"Come, come, my dear Augustus," said he, at -last, "your case is neither a singular nor a desperate one: there are -very few young men of your age, that do not fancy themselves as deeply -in love as you do now, and, of the number, not one in five hundred marry -the object of their first choice: indeed it is often very fortunate for -them they do not."--"But Selina Seymour! where is such another woman to -be found?" exclaimed Augustus: and then, with all a lover's vehemence, -did he expatiate on her "matchless charms." "I grant you," replied Mr. -Temple, "she is a very delightful girl; and, as far as we can judge, is -likely to make a most estimable woman. But you know her disposition is -naturally volatile in the extreme, and much of her future character will -depend on her future guides. Well, well, we will not dispute on the -degree of her merits," continued Mr. Temple, seeing Mordaunt ready to -take up the gauntlet in her defence;--"hear me only with calmness, and I -will promise to confine my observations as much as I can to yourself. -You know, my dear boy, you are yet very young, and very inexperienced. -It is true you have been three years at Oxford. But of the world you may -literally be said to know nothing. Selina is now certainly the most -charming woman you have yet seen; but how can you be sure she will -always hold her pre-eminence in your estimation? Aye, my dear fellow, -you need not tell me;--I know you are at this moment perfectly convinced -of your own inviolable constancy, and so forth. But let me tell you, you -do not yourself know yet what would, and what would not, constitute your -happiness in a wedded life. The girl, whose vivacity and animation we -delight in at seventeen, may turn out a frivolous and even contemptible -character at seven and twenty. And can you picture to yourself a greater -calamity, than being obliged to drag on the lengthened chain of -existence with a companion, to whose fate yours is linked for ever, -without one tone of feeling in unison with yours; to whom your pleasures -and your griefs are alike unknown, or, if known, never comprehended; and -where every misery is aggravated by a certainty that your fate is -irremediable--when - - 'Life nothing blighter or darker can bring;' - -when - - 'Joy has no balm, and affliction no sting?' - -"It is very true that you think now, because Selina's pursuits have -hitherto been similar to yours, that her character must likewise be in -sympathy with yours. But, though I grant that it appears so now, I deny -that it is in any way so formed as to be safely depended on. She is very -young and very docile; and, believe me, her disposition, chameleon-like, -will, most probably, take the shade of whomsoever she associates -with:--'_Dimmi con chi vai, e vi diso quel che fai_[6].' You say, if -you were her husband you would be her guide; and that similitude of -character, now faintly traced, would be confirmed for ever. But without -dwelling on the argument, that your own is yet scarcely formed, let me -remind you, that Selina is even still more ignorant of the world than -yourself. Let me ask you, even in this moment of unrestrained passion, -would you consent to accept that dear innocent girl's hand, without a -certainty that with it you received her heart? And how could you be -certain of her affection, till time and experience, by maturing her -judgment, had confirmed her feelings? How, Augustus, would you support -the conviction, nay the bare suspicion, that when, as your wife, you -first introduced her to that world from which she has hitherto lived so -totally secluded, she should meet with another, whom she even thought -she could have preferred to you; and, while you continued to gaze on her -with the eye of tenderest love, you found your heart's warm offering -received with the cold petrifying glance of indifference? You shudder at -the very thought. Think, then, how the arrow that wounded you would be -doubly sharpened, if the slanderous tooth of envy galled your fair fame, -by accusing you of having secured to yourself Sir Henry Seymour's -property by marrying his heiress, before the poor girl was old enough to -judge for herself. What, then, my dear boy," said Mr. Temple, grasping -his hand with a fervour almost paternal, whilst his eyes swam in tears, -"What, then, Augustus, is the result of these observations, more painful -to me to make than to you to hear? You acknowledge you would not even -wish to marry Selina under these existing circumstances. What then is -your misery? Look at it boldly in the face; and, trust me, few are the -anticipated evils of life, which, by being steadily gazed at, do not -dwindle into insignificance. Lord Eltondale has proposed his son to be -Miss Seymour's husband; and the match is sufficiently desirable, in a -worldly point of view, to obtain Sir Henry Seymour's consent. But -Selina, you say, knows nothing of it yet, and has never seen Mr. Elton. -What then does it all come to? Why, when she does see him, if she does -not like him, do you think her father would force her to marry him? and -if she should like him, would you accept her hand, even if it were -offered to you?" - -[Footnote 6: Tell me with whom she goes, and I'll tell you what she -does.] - -Mr. Temple had not so long continued his discourse without frequent -interruptions from Augustus, who could not at first easily be persuaded -to assent to assertions, which tended to destroy the fairy dream of -bliss that floated in his imagination. By degrees, however, as his -judgment cooled, he acceded to the plain but severe truths which Mr. -Temple uttered; while the deference and regard, which his pupil had -always felt for the excellent old man, served still more effectually to -obtain the conviction he aimed at, than even the logical strength of his -reasoning. - -By degrees, Mordaunt not only confessed the truth of his remarks, but -submitted to the wise plan of conduct, which Mr. Temple laid down for -him. - -He proposed that Augustus should immediately leave the hall, and return -to the prosecution of his studies at Oxford, leaving to time not only -the development of Selina's character, but also the proof of to what -extent he was actually attached to her. - -Their conversation was prolonged to a late hour; and when Mordaunt -returned home, the family had all retired to rest, and the door was -opened by a servant, who, at the same time, shaded with his hand the -glimmering candle, which but partially illuminated the darkly -wain-scotted hall. Augustus felt a chill creep through his veins as he -quickly traversed it; and walking mechanically into the empty -drawing-room, stopped a few minutes in melancholy silence. The music -Selina had been playing was carelessly strewed over the harpsichord; the -sermon book, in which Mrs. Galton had been reading, was laid open on the -table; and Sir Henry's knotted cane had fallen down beside the chair, in -which he usually took his evening nap. A sort of involuntary reflection -passed through the mind of Augustus, that he might never again meet -those three beloved individuals in that room, which had hitherto been to -him the scene of his happiest hours; and shrinking from the melancholy -train of ideas which this reflection gave birth to, he hastily retired -to his room, though not to rest. Many a time, during that wakeful night, -did the same reflection cross his mind; and many a time, in his future -life, did it recur to his recollection with a poignant force. So often -does it happen that melancholy fancies, occasioned in the mind by the -temporary pressure of sorrow, are recalled to the memory by subsequent -events, and, dignified by the accidental confirmation of casual -circumstances, receive the name of _prophetic warnings_. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - _Sneer._--True; but I think you manage ill: for there certainly - appears no reason why Mr. Walter should be so communicative. - - _Puff._--For, egad now, that is one of the most ungrateful - observations I ever heard;--for the less inducement he has to tell - all this, the more I think you ought to be obliged to him; for I am - sure you'd know nothing of the matter without it. - - _Dangle._--That's very true, upon my word. - - THE CRITIC. - - -Augustus rose next morning at the first dawn of light; and, anxious to -avoid seeing Selina, whilst agitated by the unhappy feelings that had -now taken possession of his mind, left the hall before any of the family -were up, and in a short note, excused the abruptness of his departure, -by informing Sir Henry, that he had the evening before received at the -village a letter, to inform him that his Oxford friends had set out on -their long promised excursion to the lakes. - -Selina, though totally unconscious of the real cause of his absence, -felt it with unusual acuteness, which Mrs. Galton remarked with regret, -and for some time vainly endeavoured to turn her thoughts into their -usual channel. At length they were in some degree diverted by the -arrival of a letter from Lady Eltondale to Sir Henry, enclosing one from -Frederick Elton to his father; for Sir Henry's noble sister was fully -aware, that it was adviseable to remind him, from time to time, of the -existence of this young man, that such reminiscence might refresh his -memory as to his promise respecting him. - -Mr. Elton had been three years abroad, during which time he had kept up -a constant though not very confidential correspondence with his father; -for, dreading Lady Eltondale's satire, and knowing she was in the habit -of reading all his letters, he pictured to himself her smile of -contempt, or shrug of pity, at what she would term his romance, with a -repugnance he could not summon resolution to encounter: so that, though -his colloquial intercourse with his father was that of the most perfect -confidence, his written communications might have been posted on a -gateway, without the smallest detriment to his prospects in life. But, -as he thus felt himself debarred of the happiness of expressing, without -reserve, to his first and best friend, all his feelings and wishes, he -endeavoured to console himself for this deprivation, by a most -undisguised correspondence with a Mr. Sedley, with whom he had formed a -friendship during their academical course in the university of -Cambridge, where they had both been honourably distinguished. - -About twelve months before Lady Eltondale's visit to Deane Hall, Mr. -Sedley had received the first of the following letters, and seven -months after its arrival the two latter, though of different dates, -reached him on the same day: of course they did not meet the eye of the -viscountess, so that she remained ignorant of their contents; but even -had she known them entirely, no consideration for Frederick's -_happiness_ would for an instant have caused her to waver in her plan -for promoting his _prosperity_, as on the fulfilment of her long -meditated scheme for this purpose depended the possibility of her future -continuance in the London world. - - MR. ELTON, TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Catania, January 9. ---- - - If you have received the various letters I have written to you, my - dear Sedley, since I left England, you are perfectly _au fait_ of - all my rambles; and of my perils, and "hair-breadth 'scapes" by - sea and by land, beginning with a shipwreck on the island of - Rhodes, and ending with the dangers I encountered in paying my - compliments to the Dey of Algiers: if not I must refer you to my - note book, as a twice told tale is still more tedious to the - relater than to the hearer. You must not be incredulous, if said - manuscript should contain many wonderful adventures; but I have met - with something more rare, more "passing strange," than all the - marvels it describes: a woman I _can_ love! nay, that, for my very - soul, I could not help loving if I would; and, to say truth, at - present I do not wish to make the experiment. - - You see, Sedley, you were in the main no bad prophet. When we were - together, I forswore all womankind in the way of matrimony, because - I was disgusted with the manoeuvres of title-hunting mamas, and - the _agaceries_ of their varnished daughters, who have little - distinction but name, and nothing to guide a selection in the mass - of resemblance--nothing to mark their identity--except a scruple, - more or less, of folly or coquetry! Now don't plume yourself too - much on your penetration; you were not altogether right, it was not - the Gallic "_Erycina ridens, quam Jocus circumvolat et Cupido_[7]," - who captivated me.--Man seeks in man his fellow, but in woman his - contrary; and I am too volatile to be touched by a creature as - thoughtless as myself. I should not say as _thoughtless_, but as - _gay_; for their heads are continually filled with schemes to - excite admiration, or ensure conquest: besides, the Parisian belle - is only the more spirited original, of which our own girl of - fashion is the elegant but insipid translation. Having told you - those I do _not_ like, it is time to give you a faint, a very - faint, idea of her I _do_ admire.--But let me go on regularly, and - tell you first how I happened to meet with her. - - [Footnote 7: Laughing Venus, encircled by Love and Joy.] - - At Palermo there is a very numerous, if not good society, made up - of shreds and patches of the staple manufacture of all nations, but - principally of the English produce. You know, it is my practice to - profit, when abroad, by that of whatever country I may happen to be - in, as our own is to be had better and at a cheaper rate at home. - Impressed with this idea, I procured some introductions to the - principal nobility of this enchanting place, where, I understood, - there was a delightful native society, and the gentlemanly - amusements of drinking and gambling (the only ones to be found at - Palermo and Messina) were nearly superseded by those afforded by - music, dancing, and literary conversation. I have not been - disappointed; and if you should ever come to Sicily, I advise you - to take up your abode here, and I will introduce you to all my - acquaintance, with _one_ exception. About four months ago, I found - myself, one evening, at the Marchese Di Rosalba's, listening to - some exquisite music: I was as melancholy as a poet in love, for "I - am never merry when I hear sweet music;" when my eyes happened to - rest on a lady, whose image will never leave my mind. - - From the looks of the gentleman who accompanied her, I soon - discovered that the fair creature, who rested on his arm, was his - daughter. In his face was a strangely mingled expression of - habitual care, and present pleasure; his forehead was furrowed in a - thousand wrinkles, and the feverish glare of his eye spoke a mind - ill at ease: but when he turned to his daughter, to point out to - her notice, in the tacit language of the eye, any beautiful passage - in the music, he looked like a saint raised from his penance by a - vision of celestial nature. Her countenance formed the most perfect - contrast to his; it was the abode of peace, which seemed to repose - in her eye; her whole outline of face and form was so perfect, that - a sculptor might have taken her as a model for the statue that - Pygmalion worshipped; and, like him, I longed to see the beauteous - image waken to incipient thought--I was not long ungratified--its - apparent absence was only the effect of the music, which, to use - her own expression "_fait tout rever et ne rien penser_." When she - joined in conversation her ever varying countenance resembled a - mirror, which transmits to our eye every passing image, (though the - polished surface is itself unmasked by any), and, like it, owing - its animation to the strong reflecting power gained from within. I - could not decide then, and I cannot tell you even now, whether I - most admire the angelic placidity of her countenance when silent, - or its luminous brilliancy, when her ideas and feelings are called - forth in interesting conversation. At such moments the brightness - of her soul is reflected in her eyes, and the lambent flame, which - then plays in them, seems, like the summer's lightning, to open a - Heaven to our view. - - You will easily suppose I lost no time in introducing myself to her - notice: she received my attentions in the most unembarrassed - manner--not courting--not repulsing them, but seeming to consider - them as justly due to her sex, and her rank in society. These - attentions I have not ceased to pay at every possible opportunity - since that delightful evening, and my admiration grows stronger - every day. I find her conversation truly charming; and I devoutly - believe it would be so were she externally the reverse of what she - is; for, in speaking, "she makes one forget every thing--even her - own beauty." She has not found out, that her extensive knowledge is - any thing to be ashamed of. But, poor thing! a short residence in - England would teach her that! She neither conceals nor displays - her acquirements. The stream of thought, in _her_ mind, flows, not - like the little mountain torrent, swelled by accidental rains, - exceeding every bound, and defacing the fair soil it should adorn; - but, like the fertilizing river, - - "Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull, - Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full." - - In the beginning of our acquaintance we conversed in Italian, but - as I was not very fluent, she politely adopted the French language - as the circulating medium of our commerce, and I was half sorry for - it; for besides the beauty of Italian in her mouth, her - good-natured smile, when I eked out my scanty stock with a word or - two of Latin, pleased me better than all the rest, it was so - encouragingly kind, so _untutored_! - - I soon found out she had a quick sense of the ridiculous, but only - because sharp-sighted people cannot go through the world with their - eyes shut. She forbears, from the benevolence of her heart, to use - the powers of ridicule her penetration furnishes her with; and I - admire her the more for having at command an arsenal of wit, with - so many polished weapons unused. We are always attached to the - generous enemy, who can strike, but spares! - - I have been so delighted with the employment of defining to myself, - for the first time, my ideas of the object of my admiration, that - (pardon me, my dear Sedley) I quite forgot they were to be read by - another; and, perhaps, should have gone on till to-morrow, had not - my servant, coming to inquire if my letters were ready to be - conveyed to the ship which is to carry them to England, roused me - from my soliloquy, (if you will permit me to extend this expression - to writing). - - I would not display the amulet, which guards my heart by its potent - charm, to any eye but yours; but I cannot, even in this instance, - depart from my usual habit of confidence in you; therefore, here - goes my unread rhapsody. - - Yours, dear Sedley, ever truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Catania, March 5, ---- - - My dear Sedley, - - About two months ago I sent you my confession, which you have no - doubt received and answered, ere this. It was no sooner gone than I - repented I had sent it, thinking it would have been wiser to - endeavour to restrain my perhaps unrequited passion, than to run - the risk of confirming it, by imparting it to another. This was - only the escort of a long train of reflections, which ended in a - resolution to leave Catania immediately; and in order to divert my - mind from the train of thought that had seized it, I resolved to - visit Mount Etna, in company with a party of Savans, assembled for - that purpose at this place. We had all the _de quoi_ for a most - amusing excursion, men of real science and literature, and still - more entertaining pretenders to both; amongst the latter I held a - distinguished rank, for in my zeal to acquire the "hardest - science," _ere_ "taught a lover yet," I mistook one mineral for - another, and miscalled every plant I met; indeed, I might give you - a long list of similar blunders, that raised many a learned - shoulder and eye-brow to the altitude of contemptuous surprise! - - After the descent from the mountain, I insensibly separated myself - from all the party, whose weak senses I had so much astonished; and - wandering about the exquisite scenery at the base of Etna, I was - more than ever possessed by feelings I had endeavoured to stifle; - - Pour chasser de sa souvenance - L'objet qui plait, - On se donne tant de souffrance, - Pour si peu d'effet! - Une si douce fantaisie, - Toujours revient, - Et en songeant qu'on doit l'oublier, - On s'en souvient[8]. - - [Footnote 8: - - From mem'ry's length'ning chain to part - The object that we love, - How vain the pang that rends the heart, - What fruitless grief we prove! - The dear idea, cherish'd yet, - Returns still o'er and o'er, - And thinking that we should forget, - Impresses it the more. - ] - - So to make a long story short, here I am again at Catania, for the - purpose of making myself quite sure, that Adelina is as charming as - my imagination has depicted her. I really don't think she is, for I - certainly did not love her half so much when I was with her as I - do now; perhaps my _mind_ was so much amused by her conversation, - that little room was left for the expansion of the _feelings_; but - they are unrestrained in absence, and its melancholy regrets are, I - verily believe, more powerful than the most potent present charm. - If Adelina is the superior character I take her for, I see no one - good reason why she should not be my wife: I have, on considering - the matter more maturely, put to flight the phantoms I had raised - previous to my departure from this place. - - My father, when twice my age, (with therefore half the excuse) - married for love, therefore why should not I? - - I am sure he will give me no opposition, for he has always been a - most indulgent parent, and on a point where my happiness is so much - concerned, I feel convinced my wishes would be his. Whenever he - has, on points of minor importance, wavered in the least, my - charming step-dame has always used her influence, to decide him in - my favour, therefore I am certain of her support. Indeed what can - my father object to in Adelina? He cannot surely want fortune for - me? I do not know whether Adelina is or is not possessed of this - root of all evil, but if she is not, it is the only want she can - possibly have. - - But all this is for an after-thought, the preamble must be to gain - Adelina's consent: she has shown me no particular preference as - yet, but I am determined to think she will not withhold it; _Qui - timide rogat docet negare_[9], and the conviction of the success of - our plans so often ensures it! - - [Footnote 9: Who timidly asks teaches to deny.] - - With these hopes I am now as happy, as I was miserable a short time - ago. What fools we are to throw away the bliss we might enjoy, at - the suggestions of that preposterous prudence, that leads us to - seek for flaws in the short leases of happiness that are granted to - us, and which, after all, when they expire are renewable at - pleasure, if we would but pay the necessary fine, by sacrificing - our proud splenetic discontents. Hypochondriac spirits may say as - they like; but I will maintain, that to those who make the best of - it, this is a very delightful world! - - The Marchese di Rosalba has promised to take me to-morrow to the - Villa Marinella, where Adelina always goes with her father in the - beginning of spring. I shall establish my head quarters within two - or three miles of it at Aci reale, through which flows the river - immortalized by the loves of Acis and Galatea; and if my Galatea - should prove equally kind, no mental or corporeal giant shall - destroy our happiness. - - Ever yours, dear Sedley, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - ----He says he loves my daughter, - I think so too: for never gaz'd the moon - Upon the water, as he'll stand and read - As t'were, my daughter's eyes: and to be plain, - I think there is not half a kiss to choose, - Who loves another best. - If young Doricles - Do marry with her, she'll bring him that - Which he not dreams of. - - SHAKESPEARE. - - - Mr. ELTON TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Aci reale, July 15, - - My dear Sedley, - - I believe I informed you, in the beginning of spring, of my - intention of coming to this beautiful place, on account of its - vicinity to the Villa Marinella, the residence of "La belle - Adelina," - - (the appellation my fair one is known by at Catania). I have - accomplished almost domesticating myself at this charming villa. I - did not give its inhabitants the alarm at first, wishing to - ingratiate myself in their favour before they should be aware of - the object I had in view. My appearance excited no surprise, as Aci - reale was such a natural place for me to choose for my abode at - this fine season, from the facilities it affords for examining at - leisure all the natural wonders of Etna, and all the wonders of art - displayed in the antiquities of Taurominium. Adelina and I - conversed on the beautiful ruins of Syracuse; of course, I could - not do less than go there to take drawings of them, and she was - equally bound in gratitude to examine them most minutely in my - presence. One day her father, rather abruptly, asked me if I - understood _perspective_? I said I was at that moment studying it, - and thought it a most delightful employment! He was concerned that - so much good inclination should be thrown away, so insisted on - teaching me; and to make the matter worse, took the most abstruse - method of doing it. To make a good impression on him I was obliged - to brush up my rusty mathematics, and I assure you it required no - small self-command to fix my attention on the points of _sight_ and - points of _distance_ he expatiated on; whilst my mind was busily - employed in settling these points to my satisfaction, as they - regarded Adelina and myself. We have now got on a more agreeable - subject, which gives us many delightful hours' - conversation--namely, the beauties natural and artificial of this - island. On my second visit to the Villa Marinella, I was taken into - a saloon adorned with specimens of every thing Sicily could boast - of: the floor was mosaic, of all her different marbles; the - hangings of Sicilian silk; the walls were embellished with the - paintings of Velasquez--in vases, of the alabaster of the country, - bloomed every fragrant flower it produced. There was a cabinet of - beautiful workmanship containing highly wrought amber, coral, and - cameos; and a Sicilian museum and library of all the best books - extant, of native authors ancient and modern, completed the - collection. Amongst the moderns Adelina particularly pointed out to - me the works of the Abate Ferrara, of Balsamo, Bourigni, and the - exquisite poems of Melli and Guegli: the contents of this room - afford us constant discussion. Nothing can exceed the beauty of - this villa; the hand of taste has been impressed on it from the - first stone to the last: it is seated in a rich vale at the foot of - Etna, from which pours many a stream in foamy swiftness. The sea is - seen, here and there, like a smooth glassy lake, through the dark - foliage of magnificent forest trees, whose sombre hues are - admirably contrasted with the brilliant tints of the orange and - the vine. The myrtle, the rose, and all the choicest favourites of - Flora are "poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain." The - beauty of the sky, the balmy fragrance of the air, and the - classical and poetical associations which the surrounding scenery - brings to the mind, conspire to give a charm to this delightful - spot, which no words can convey to the mind of one who has not - roamed amidst its enchantments, and still less can language do - justice to the feelings of him who has! - - Adelina is just the being you would fancy such a scene should - produce; no cloud of sorrow, or of error, seems ever to have thrown - on her its dark shade; serene in conscious virtue and happiness, - and resplendent in mental and physical loveliness, - - "She walks in beauty, like the night - Of cloudless climes and starry skies." - - I have this day said to this charming creature every thing that - man can say, except those four words, "Will you marry me?" and was - proceeding to give them utterance, when I was most unseasonably - interrupted. From her surprise and confusion I augur well; whenever - I am secure of my happiness you shall know it, but perhaps you are - tired of all this, and are ready to say with Virgil, - - Sicelides musae, paullo majora canamus; - Non omnes arbusta juvant, humilesque myricae[10]. - - Yours ever, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -[Footnote 10: - - Sicilian muse, begin a loftier strain; - The lowly shrubs and trees that shade the plain - Delight not all. - - - DRYDEN. -] - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Aci reale, August 3, ---- - - Upon my soul, Sedley, you are a pretty father confessor, and give - pious admonition! - - I am quite _indignant_ at your answer to my first letter from - Catania; either you or I must be greatly changed since we parted. I - don't think our friendship could ever have been formed, if in the - first instance our sentiments had been so dissimilar. I must - honestly tell you, that if you ever write me such another letter - about Adelina, our correspondence ceases on that head. It is true - this charming Sicilian maid is fairer than Proserpine; but am I - Pluto, that could tear her from the arms of her fond parent, and - from the bright sphere she now moves in, to condemn her to the - shades of woe, from which she could know no return? So powerfully - do I feel "the might, the majesty of loveliness," that such a - thought never entered my head, nor would it yours, if you had ever - seen her; for one glance of her angelic eye would, like the touch - of Ithuriel's spear, put to flight all the offspring of evil. Since - I wrote to you last, Adelina's manner to me has totally changed; I - scarcely ever see her when I come to the villa. I can't tell what - to attribute this to, unless she thinks I have said too much and - too little. The matter shan't rest long in doubt;--her father goes - to Catania to-morrow, and I will take that opportunity for a - complete explanation. I cannot tell you how much I dread the crisis - of my fate so near at hand! No folly of my own shall deprive me of - a wife possessed of every charm, and every virtue, that can sweeten - or adorn life. If it did, I should deserve to be condemned to that - matrimonial limbo my father and his frigid Venus are so pitiably - bound in. I would prefer to such a trial the most ardent Purgatory! - A wife so charming and so unloving would drive me mad! - - Yours truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -A few months after the date of this last letter, Mr. Sedley received one -from his friend, written at Paris, but probably from pique at the style -of raillery in which he had continued to express his ideas on the -subject of his love for "_La bella Adelina_," Mr. Elton never afterwards -mentioned her name; and therefore, from that period, those Sedley -received contained nothing of sufficient interest to present to the -reader, who will now, however, have little difficulty in guessing the -motive of the visit to Sicily, which Frederick mentions his intention of -paying, in the letter which Lady Eltondale forwarded to Sir Henry -Seymour, of which the subjoined is a copy. The "hopes and fears" he -there speaks of, she supposed, alluded to some diplomatic appointments, -as, for several months past, all his attention appeared to have been -devoted to politics. And, whilst his father exulted in the hope of one -day seeing the son he was so proud of "Minister Plenipotentiary" at -Berlin, Petersburg, or Vienna, his fair spouse thought, with her usual -sarcasm, "Frederick Elton is, no doubt, peculiarly qualified to carry on -or develope the intrigues of a court, with his ridiculously romantic -generosity, and high spirit, and candour! His elegant manner and his -handsome person would carry every point he wished, if he would but avail -himself of the influence these advantages would give him with the -females, who are all-powerful in such scenes;--but the youth is much too -high flown to have common sense on such matters. My Lord Eltondale is as -silly on this subject as on all others, to wish to see his son in a -situation where his _mal-adresse_ will undoubtedly cover him with -disgrace!" - - MR. ELTON TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE. - - Paris, July 25, ---- - - My dear Father, - - I hope to be able to give you a satisfactory answer to your - question of "How do you spend your time at Paris?" for I have been - constantly employed, during the last year, in endeavouring to - acquire the political information necessary for the public career - you have chalked out for me; and this course of study I have - pursued with increased ardour, since my return to this capital, - with the congregation, not of preachers, but of kings, in order to - compensate for the unpleasant interruption my pursuits received in - spring from the marvellous apparition of the resuscitated French - Emperor. I am now tired of being a gentleman at large; and if you - will insist on my shining as an orator in the British senate, my - maiden speech ought shortly to be made, for being five and twenty, - I think I have no time to lose. - - I see the time approach, which we agreed on for my return to - England, with a pleasure that is unalloyed by a shade of regret, as - the Continent contains no object whatever of interest to me. I - hope to add much to your stock of agricultural knowledge, as I have - made the various modes of practising that useful art one of my - principal objects of inquiry; and from Syria to Picardy I think I - shall be able to describe the present processes of husbandry to - your satisfaction. After all, perhaps, you will find me only an - ignoramus, though I fancy myself quite an adept. - - I set off to-morrow to pay a short visit to Sicily. You will, no - doubt, be surprised at this retrograde movement; but should my - mission prove successful, I will explain the cause of it when we - meet, as I cannot trust my motives to paper; and if I do not carry - my wishes into execution, you will, I am sure, spare me the pain of - recapitulating them. But until my hopes and fears are at an end, I - at least shall not repose on a "bed of roses." - - I cannot well express my anxiety to see you, my ever kind father, - after so long an absence! Pray remember me to Lady Eltondale. I am - sorry she should so far impeach my gallantry, as to suppose it - possible I could leave the letters of so fair a correspondent - unanswered. I hope ere this the receipt of mine will have induced - her to do me justice; if not, pray be my intercessor. - - By the ship Mary, bound for Plymouth, I sent Lady Eltondale some - Sicilian vases and cameos, with a few bottles of ottar of roses, - and some turquoises I procured at Constantinople. If her Ladyship - has not received them, will you have the goodness to cause the - necessary inquiries to be made at the office of my agent in London, - to whom they were directed. - - Believe me, my dear Lord, - - Respectfully and affectionately yours, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -Sir Henry Seymour, with an air of triumph, gave the above letter to -Selina to read out to her aunt; at the same time casting a look at Mrs. -Galton, as much as to say, "You see I was quite right. I have provided a -husband for Selina, that we shall all be proud of." But her reflection -on hearing it was, "I trust my affectionate, innocent, candid Selina is -not destined to marry a cold-hearted designing politician. In what a -style of heartless politeness does Mr. Elton speak of his father's wife! -I fear he will treat his own in the same spirit of frigid -etiquette;--indeed, nothing better is to be hoped, from the example he -has always witnessed in his own domestic scene." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - How hang those trappings on thy motley gown? - They seem like garlands on the May-day queen! - - DE MONTFORD. - - -Soon after the family at Deane Hall had lost the society of Augustus -Mordaunt, they had accepted an invitation to dine at Webberly Mouse. The -appointed day having arrived, and Cecilia Webberly, being fully attired -for the reception of the expected guests, placed herself in a negligent -attitude near one of the windows of her mother's drawing-room, with a -book in her hand, not for the purpose of reading, but for that of -tossing it into a chair, conveniently set for the occasion, as she had -seen Lady Eltondale throw her bonnet the evening of her unexpected -arrival at Deane Hall. - -There could not, however, be a greater contrast, than the full-blown -Cecilia Webberly presented, to the elegant fragile Viscountess. Full one -half of her massive figure stood confessed to sight, without a single -particle of drapery. Her immense shoulders projected far above her -sleeve; in truth, her arm was bare half way to her elbow, and her back -in emulation nearly to her waist, whose circumference might well be -termed the _Arctic circle_, as it was described at that distance from -the pole, which exactly marked the boundary of those regions of eternal -snow which rose on its upper verge. Her petticoats, descending but -little below the calf of her leg, displayed its "ample round" to the -utmost advantage. - -But, to counterbalance this nudity, that moiety of her terrestrial -frame, which was clothed, was loaded with ornaments and puffings of all -descriptions, with reduplicated rows of lace and riband, which most -injudiciously increased her natural bulk; and the little covering which -was above her waist, differing in colour and texture from that below, -made the apparent seem still less than the real length of her garments. -Nor did Cecilia's countenance and manner more nearly resemble Lady -Eltondale than her dress and figure, as what was quiet elegance in the -latter, might, without any great breach of Christian charity, be -mistaken for stupid insipidity in the former. - -Miss Webberly had not yet finished the repetition of her anticipated -_impromptus_; and her mother had left the room to reiterate her -directions about the dinner, so that the fair attitudinist had no -spectator of her various rehearsals, except the unaffected Adelaide. - - "And what was her garb?-- - "I cannot well describe the fashion of it. - "She was not deck'd in any gallant trim, - "But seem'd to me clad in the usual weeds - "Of high habitual state. - "Such artless and majestic elegance, - "So exquisitely just, so nobly simple, - "Might make the gorgeous blush." - -But Cecilia Webberly was quite unused to _blushing_, though she might -sometimes redden with passion, and was equally unconscious of her -striking inferiority to her unstudied companion. At last the entrance of -the Seymour family presented another contrast to the brazen Colossus in -Selina's sylph-like form, vivacious eye, and glowing cheek:-- - - "The one love's arrows darting round, - "The other blushing at the wound!" - -Mrs. Sullivan and her eldest daughter hastened to pay their compliments -to their company, the one in the language of Cheapside, the other in all -the flowers of rhetoric; and the rest of the expected guests soon after -arriving, they all proceeded to the dining-room, Mrs. Sullivan insisting -on giving Selina "percussion," (for so she termed precedence) to the -blushing girl's infinite annoyance, who, never having dined out before, -was unaccustomed to take place of the woman whom, of all others, she -most respected: however her painful pre-eminence at the head of the -table was almost compensated by her aunt sitting next her, and thus -hedging her in from the rest of the company. - -The dinner--an object of too much consequence to be passed over -unnoticed in the present state of society--was evidently dressed by a -man cook; but as Mrs. Sullivan had insisted on making her own -alterations in the bill of fare, she had put the poor man in a passion; -and, as a natural consequence, the whole was a manque, no unapt model of -the family, presenting vulgarity, finery, and high seasoning out of -place. - -The warmth of Mrs. Sullivan's temperature was considerably increased by -her vocal and manual exertions; whilst her son was much puzzled to -reconcile the _nonchalance_ he believed fashionable, with the desire he -had to show Selina that obsequious attention he deemed judicious. But -though his tongue was incessantly employed in Miss Seymour's service, -(for the poor girl would have died of a surfeit if she had taken a -fourth part of the eatables he pressed on her acceptance,) his eyes were -involuntarily attracted to Adelaide, who, amidst the confusion of -tongues, was keeping up a seemingly animated conversation with a very -handsome young man, the eldest son of Mr. Thornbull, who sat next her. -Of this Mr. Webberly did not approve; and therefore gave her every -possible interruption, but all in vain. For no sooner did she answer his -inquiry, or assent to his request, than she resumed her conversation, -which seemed much more to interest her; and, for the first time, he -thought the quick succession of smiles, that passed over her countenance -when she conversed, did not become her so much as its placid expression -when she was silent. - -At length Selina heard the welcome sound of "Vill you like any more -vine, Miss Seymour?" and this well understood summons relieved her from -her place of penance. - -Soon after the ladies had retired to the drawing-room, they separated, -some adjourning to the music-room, some to the green-house, and Miss -Seymour gladly accepted Adelaide's invitation to proceed from it to the -garden. Selina had, before dinner was half over, thought Miss Wildenheim -"the most delightful girl in the world!" But she was too diffident of -her own claims to attention to have sought her acquaintance so -immediately; though, with her usual precipitation, she felt already -convinced she should love her all her life, if she were never to see her -again. "She is too elegant, too clever, to like an unpolished girl like -me," thought Selina. But in this she was mistaken; for Adelaide -bestowed as much admiration on her untutored charms, as her own more -polished graces excited in Miss Seymour's mind, though she manifested -her approbation in a more sober manner; for, besides being three years -older than Selina, she had, unfortunately, had more opportunity of -having youth's first happy feelings chilled by the bitter blasts of -capricious fortune. - -When Selina found, from Adelaide's expressive manner, that she might say -to herself, "She really does like me," her surprise and delight knew no -bounds; and, if she had before thought the object of her enthusiasm the -most charming of the daughters of Eve, she was now nothing less than an -angel. Her pleasure did not escape her new friend's notice; for Selina -was too ingenuous to conceal any thing. Adelaide's countenance was -illuminated with one of those joyful smiles, which had brightened it in -better days, as she mentally exclaimed, "Happy creature!" But she -sighed with real sorrow, as she instantaneously recollected the fleeting -nature of youthful impressions, "_when thought is speech, and speech is -truth_." - -During the time Selina had employed in her own mind to sign and seal an -everlasting friendship with her new acquaintance, they visited the -pagoda and hermitage, sat under the marquee, where they found the novel -which had been Miss Cecilia Webberly's morning study, and had looked in -vain for the gold and silver fishes; for Mrs. Sullivan was too -fashionable to dine long before sunset, even in the height of summer. -Their fruitless search for their aqueous favourites reminded them of the -lateness of the hour; and they had begun to retrace their steps towards -the house, when a pretty rosy child, about seven years old, with dancing -eyes and disordered hair, came skipping up to them. "This sweet child, -Miss Seymour," said Adelaide, "is Caroline Sullivan, my dear little -companion." Selina kissed the child, partly for its own beauty, partly -for the sake of its patroness; and the little urchin, hearing the name -of Miss Seymour, said, in an arch tone, "I have a secret for you, Miss -Seymour--a great secret." "And what is your _great_ secret, my pretty -little love?" asked Selina. "Why, do you know, brother is going to make -love to you?--Mama bid him. And he said he would, for he thinks you have -a great deal of money; but for all that he says, my dear Adele is -handsomer than you--and I think so too--I believe," said the little -thing, stopping to look up at them both. The young ladies were so -astonished, that at first they had not power to stop the child's -harangue, but both coloured scarlet red from offended pride; and, when -their eyes met, the picture of the all-conquering hero and his mama -rising at once to Selina's mind in the most ludicrous point of view, -she burst out into an immoderate fit of laughter, in which Adelaide -could not resist joining. The child, from their mirth, thought they were -pleased with her observations; and, believing she had said something -clever, continued in the same strain; whilst, by grave faces, and knit -brows, and remonstrating, they endeavoured in vain to check her -volubility.--_Car on ne se querit pas d'un defaut qui plait._ "Good -Lord! what shall we do?" said Selina, half laughing, half crying; for -the little girl, in the exuberance of her mirth, seemed bent on -following them into the house, with a repetition of her information, -when luckily they thought of diverting her attention; and so taking her -one by each arm, they almost carried her completely round the -pleasure-ground; and, by chattering and running, succeeded in diverting -the channel of her thoughts, and were not a little rejoiced that, on -their entrance into the drawing-room, Miss Webberly, in a peremptory -tone of "brief authority," ordered the little troublesome urchin to bed. - -The ladies were all assembled, and Miss Wildenheim thought it necessary -to apologise for their absence; and Selina, immediately walking up to -her aunt, excused herself, and wondered she had left her so long, for -the advanced state of tea and coffee told her it was late. - -When Miss Wildenheim, in reply to some observation addressed to her by -Mrs. Temple, entered into general conversation, Selina was as much -surprised as delighted by the graceful ease of her manner; and, in the -simplicity of her ideas, wondered how she could be so enlivening, and at -the same time so elegant. "It is not odd," thought she, "that Lady -Eltondale is elegant, for she is so quiet, she has plenty of time to do -every thing in the most beautiful manner; but, though she is very -elegant, she is not at all entertaining, while Miss Wildenheim is -both." - -Though Adelaide's character was ever the same, the style of her -conversation varied with every different person she conversed with. She -was generally _animated_, though seldom gay; and the liveliness of her -discourse was owing to her possessing not only an uncommonly clear -perception of the ideas of others, but also an equally clear arrangement -of her own, which gave her conversation a lucidity, that elicited the -thinking powers of her auditors; so that if she was not absolutely witty -herself, she was often at least "the cause of wit in others." She was -habitually cheerful, and generally self-possessed, except when her -feelings were accidentally excited, and they lay too deep to be called -forth in the common intercourse of society. In a word, her vivacity -proceeded less from the buoyancy of animal spirits, as passing as youth -itself, than from the satisfaction of a soul at peace with itself, and -of a mind amused by a constant flow of intellect. - -The entrance of the gentlemen transferred Miss Cecilia Webberly, and of -course her guests, from the drawing-room to the music saloon. Here again -her fine voice, like her fine person, was spoiled by affectation, and by -an attempt at displaying a taste, of which nature had denied her mind -any just perceptions. She had acquired from her master a would-be -expression, which consisted of a regular alternation of piano and forte, -as completely distinct as the black and white squares of a chess board, -with corresponding movements of her eyes and shoulders; the _tout -ensemble_ seeming to the hearer like a succession of unprepared screams, -neither leaving him the peace of a monotonous repose, nor affording him -the charm of variety. "By heavens, I would as soon be shut up in a room -with a trumpeter; she has voice enough to blow a man's brains out!" said -young Mr. Thornbull to Mr. Temple, while his ears yet tingled with -Cecilia's last shout. "I am sure Miss Wildenheim sings in a very -different manner." "I am not sure," replied his reverend auditor, -smiling, "that she sings at all. If she does, no doubt her judgment is -as correct in music as in every thing else;--however, let us see:"--and -walking up to Mrs. Sullivan, they begged of her to procure them a -specimen of Miss Wildenheim's musical abilities. Adelaide complied with -a look and a curtsy, that bespoke the pardon of her imperfections, and -which, strange to say, procured a temporary absolution for her charms, -even from those to whom they were most obnoxious. - -The young man was too much engaged in watching the playful variety of -her countenance when she sung (for she never looked half so charming as -when singing), to criticise her performance, but took for granted it -was divine, and so must - - "Those who were there, and those who were not." - -For though it is easy to exhibit deformity, it is impossible to describe -the nicely adjusted balance of opposite beauties, which constitutes -perfection: more especially in an art, that is often most felt when -least understood, and whose evanescent charms are passing for ever away, -whilst the mind is yet revelling in a consciousness of their existence! - -When the usual routine of complimenting had been gone through by the -rest of the company, and Adelaide was disengaged, Mr. Temple, after -praising her performance, said, "Notwithstanding your delightful -singing, I must say, I think the best days of music are past." The -lovely songstress, casting her eyes on Selina and thereby applying her -words to the beautiful girl's bewitching figure, replied, "I partly -agree with you, my dear sir.--'When music, heavenly maid, was young,' -perhaps her wild graces were more captivating than her mature -elegance."--"Your simile is just, and well applied. Music certainly now -feels her decay, and seeks to hide her faded charms by profuse -ornament." - -Mr. Temple not unfrequently talked _by inch of candle_, and would have -gone on, perhaps, for an hour, had not his wife, tapping him on the -shoulder, told him it was time to return home: and, as is usually the -case in parties in the country, the announcement of one carriage was the -signal for the abrupt departure of the whole company; and though Mrs. -Sullivan roared out in an audible voice, "Why, Cilly, you haven't a gone -half through the hairs you practised this morning! Where's your bravo -hair? and your polacker?" before the anxious mother had recapitulated -half the catalogue, she found, equally to her surprise and dismay, that -all her guests had disappeared, nearly as suddenly as Tam O'Shanter's -companions, before he had finished his commendatory exclamations: - - "In an instant all was dark, - -And, - - "Out the hellish legion sallied." - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - Pure was her bosom, as the silver lake, - Ere rising winds the ruffled waters shake; - When the bright pageants of the morning sky - Across the expansive mirror lightly fly, - By vernal gales in quick succession driv'n, - While the clear glass reflects the smile of Heav'n. - - HAYLEY. - - -"What a delightful girl Miss Wildenheim is!" exclaimed Selina Seymour, -as she sat at work in Mrs. Galton's dressing-room the day after she had -dined at Webberly House.--"I am sure we shall become intimate friends; I -never saw any body I admired half so much." Mrs. Galton coincided in -Selina's praise of her new favourite; for though she was not equally -prone to form "intimate friendships" at first sight, her penetration -had led her to conceive nearly as favourable an opinion of Miss -Wildenheim as Selina had expressed. Indeed, Mrs. Galton was particularly -desirous of improving her acquaintance with Mrs. Sullivan's interesting -ward; for though she was, in general, extremely suspicious of the -friendships girls so frequently contract and break with equal -precipitation, she was extremely anxious that Selina should meet with a -suitable companion of her own sex; and the refined elegance of Miss -Wildenheim's manners, the calmness of her deportment, and the good sense -which all her observations evinced, led Mrs. Galton to hope, that from -her society her beloved niece might derive as much advantage as -satisfaction. But at the same time, she recollected, that a degree of -mystery seemed to hang over Adelaide's situation; and, therefore, while -she gave a willing assent to Selina's encomiums, she cautiously withheld -her sanction to a sudden intimacy, until a longer acquaintance confirmed -or destroyed her present prepossession in Miss Wildenheim's favour. - -Selina had never yet had any female associate, except Mrs. Galton; for -though Sir Henry's considerate attention to "poor Mrs. Martin," and her -inseparable companion Lucy, occasioned their being frequent visitors at -the Hall, yet they were so different in character, pursuits, and -situation from Miss Seymour, that no degree of intimacy could ever take -place between them. Selina had been so much disgusted by the young -ladies at Webberly House, on their first introduction, that she had -shrunk from all subsequent familiarity with them, nor did her aunt, in -this, endeavour to conquer her prejudices. - -Mrs. Galton was aware, that such was the susceptibility of Selina's -heart, and the candour of her disposition, that if once she felt a -preference, her whole soul would be engrossed by the object of her -attachment, and that the strength of her regard could probably be more -easily anticipated than its duration: she was therefore particularly -cautious in permitting Selina to have any intercourse with those of -whose merits she did not feel well assured; believing that much of her -own future character, and consequent happiness, would depend on that of -her first guides and associates on her entrance into life. Hitherto, her -only companions and her only confidants had been Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Augustus Mordaunt. In them all her innocent affections were centred. -To them her whole mind was displayed; and so guiltless was she of even a -thought she could blush to own, that she scarcely imagined her -ingenuousness was a merit. Nor had the want of other companions in any -degree lessened the animation of her character; perhaps, on the -contrary, the very antidotes, to which Mrs. Galton had recourse to avoid -a premature gravity, had rather tended to increase that vivacity, which -bordered on levity, and was her most dangerous characteristic. Whenever -the lessons of her childhood had been concluded, she had always been -permitted, and even encouraged, to join in many of those games and -exercises, that are usually appropriated to the amusement of the other -sex. Often has she quitted an abstruse book, or a beautiful drawing, to -trundle her hoop, or run races with her playfellow Augustus. And when -other girls have trembled under the rod of the dancing master, she has -been gaining health and activity together, by vaulting over gates, that -more refined young ladies would, perhaps, have dreaded to climb. It is -true, that as she advanced towards womanhood, she was taught to attend -rather more to the decorums of life; and, instead of being permitted to -bound through the woods like the fawns she dislodged, or even (shocking -to relate) walk hand in hand with the old steward over half the park, -before girls of fashion would have broken their first slumbers; she now -changed her amusements, and accompanied Mrs. Galton in her charitable -errands to the poor, or, attended by Augustus and her groom, rode -through the delightful lanes in the neighbourhood. However, since his -departure from the Hall, her rides were confined within the park walls, -and scarcely a day passed, when the recollection of their rambles, in -which she so much delighted, did not serve to renew the expression of -her regrets at his absence. But even that circumstance failed to depress -her spirits. Perhaps, amongst all created beings, she at that moment was -almost the happiest. She knew no world beyond the little circle round -her own home, and in that circle she loved and was beloved. Every eye -beamed on hers with satisfaction, and every heart returned her affection -with redoubled fondness. She dreamed not of insincerity, and she knew -not what was grief, except indeed when she enjoyed the luxury of -sharing or alleviating that of others; which her frequent visits to the -neighbouring cottages sometimes presented to her view: and never did she -look so lovely as when she bent over the bed of sickness, or rocked the -cradle of infant suffering, while her eyes swam in tears, or sparkled -with the joy of successful benevolence. - - Beauty, and grace, and innocence in her - In heavenly union shone: one who had held - The faith of elder Greece would sure have thought - She was some glorious nymph of seed divine, - Oread or Dryad, of Diana's train - The youngest and the loveliest--yea, she seem'd - Angel or soul beatified, from realms - Of bliss, on errand of parental love, - To earth re-sent; if tears and trembling limbs - With such celestial nature might consist. - -Though Sir Henry Seymour was extremely hospitable, yet so retired was -the neighbourhood of Deane Hall, that the ladies at Webberly House and -the Parsonage were the only ones that Mrs. Galton visited, except Mrs. -Martin and Mrs. Lucas. But as autumn approached, the visits of the two -latter to the Hall became more frequent; for Sir Henry was fond of what -he called a social rubber of whist; and as his constant tormentor the -gout disabled him from using any exercise, beyond what his Bath chair -procured for him, his chief amusement was in the society of his country -friends, who were most happy to assemble round the good Baronet's fire -side, when a blazing faggot corrected the influence of a keen air, and -gave them a foretaste of the comforts of winter, before they were yet -introduced to any of its horrors. - -Of these quiet parties Selina was merely a spectator: as, after she had -answered all Mrs. Martin's questions, with the same kindness they were -asked; provided Lucy with the daily newspaper, and the last new -magazine; placed her father's chair and arranged his foot-stool, (for -he thought no one could settle them as comfortably as his Selina); all -her duties of the evening were at an end. She could then amuse herself -unnoticed, with her pencil or her tambour frame, or have recourse to her -harpsichord: where, unambitious of praise, and unstimulated by vanity, -she would, for hours, "warble her wood notes wild." - -Sometimes, indeed, Mr. and Mrs. Temple would join the party; and though -without even the acquisition of their society Selina was always -cheerful, yet when she enjoyed the rational conversation of the one, and -the lively good-nature of the other, she felt additional pleasure: for -both these excellent people looked on Selina almost as a child of their -own. Mr. Temple had watched with delight the gradual development of an -understanding, from whose matured powers he fondly anticipated every -good; though his anxious penetration led him sometimes to shudder for -her future character and fate, as he watched the susceptibility of her -heart, - - "Which like the needle true, - Turn'd at the touch of joy or woe, - But turning--trembled too." - -His amiable consort, however, notwithstanding all her deference to his -opinion, would scarcely acknowledge that the ray of celestial light, -which played round the opening blossom and gave it added brilliancy, -might, by prematurely expanding its charms, doom it to untimely decay. -And, sometimes, when the venerable pastor, with parental solicitude, -almost regretted that volatility, which to indifferent spectators but -gave a charm the more, Mrs. Temple, with that fearful prescience which -but belongs to a female heart, would stop the intended reproof, and say, -"Ah! James, do not check her innocent mirth; the day may come, when we -would give the world to see her smile." Meantime the lovely object of -their care would often, when at night she laid her guiltless head on her -pillow, as yet unwatered by a single tear, add to her pious thanksgiving -a wish that all the world was as happy, as she gratefully acknowledged -she was herself. - -Little did this innocent child of nature imagine, that fate had already -marked the hour, when she was to bid farewell to the calm scenes of her -present happiness. Sir Henry never spoke, and could scarcely bear to -think, of the engagement between her and Mr. Elton, to which he had so -precipitately given his consent: and Mrs. Galton was equally averse to -mentioning the subject: of course, therefore, Selina remained totally -unconscious of it, and her time passed in the happy alternation of -leisure and employment, unmarked by accident, and unimpaired by sorrow. -Even the visit of Lord and Lady Eltondale was already almost forgotten -by her, or only occasionally occurred to her memory as a dream, whilst -even the fascination she had wondered at and admired by degrees faded -from her recollection. - -One fine autumnal day, in the beginning of October, she had just -returned from one of her favourite rambles in the park, when she -abruptly entered the library, to show to Sir Henry an exhausted leveret, -that she had discovered panting in a thicket, and that she had brought -home in her arms: as she held it she partially covered it by her frock, -which she had caught up to keep it warm; without any recollection of the -consequent exposure of her beautiful ancle, which this derangement of -her drapery had occasioned. Her color was heightened by exercise, and -the wind had dishevelled her luxuriant brown hair, that strayed in -ringlets on her beaming cheek, whilst her straw hat, almost untied, had -slipped off her head, and hung behind, in contrast to the remaining -locks that a comb loosely fastened. Perhaps a painter or a sculptor -would have chosen that moment, to perpetuate the beautiful object, that, -as Selina opened the door, thus suddenly presented itself to the -delighted gaze of two gentlemen, who were then visiting Sir Henry: in -one Selina immediately recognised Mr. Webberly, and to the other she was -introduced as his friend, Mr. Sedley. At first Selina coloured, as she -momentarily recollected her dishabille, if such it might be called; but -in an instant, recovering herself, she apologized to her father for her -intrusion, and calmly obeyed his directions to seat herself beside him, -whilst she dismissed her trembling _protegee_ to be nursed below stairs. -Was it innate good sense, or was it incipient vanity, that saved this -young recluse from the torments of _mauvaise honte_, which so many -votaries of fashion feel or feign? Her colour was as variable as the -tints of a summer sky; but though it was often heightened, and -sometimes changed by quick susceptibility affecting it, it seldom -suffered from that illegitimate timidity, that owes its birth to an -inordinate anxiety to please. The language of compliment was foreign to -her ear, and she had yet to learn that finished coquetry, that wraps -itself in the veil of modesty, and flies to be pursued. - -Mr. Webberly stated, the motive of his visit was not only to deliver an -invitation from his mother to a ball she purposed giving in a few weeks, -but also to add his earnest persuasions, that Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Miss Seymour would accept it. On this occasion the unpolished Selina -broke through all the rules of etiquette; and, totally unmindful of the -presence of strangers, at the mention of a ball jumped up, clapped her -hands, and springing almost as high as another Parisot, exclaimed, as -she threw her arms round Sir Henry's neck, "Pray dear, dear Papa, let me -go, I've heard so much of balls!" It may be supposed, the gentlemen -strenuously seconded her solicitations: their united entreaties having -obtained Sir Henry's consent, they at length withdrew, whilst Selina -reiterated her thanks and her joy with equal earnestness and _naivete_. - -"Well, Sedley, what do you think of Miss Seymour?" exclaimed Webberly, -as they rode leisurely home. "By Heavens! she is quite beautiful," -returned his friend.--"She has the finest eyes and teeth I ever -beheld."--"And fine oaks too, or she'd never do for me," rejoined her -calculating admirer. A silence of some minutes ensued, which was at last -broken by Sedley's observing, that "he had never seen such a profusion -of silky hair." "For my part," resumed Webberly, "I like black hair much -better: Miss Wildenheim is a thousand times handsomer than Miss -Seymour!" - -Mr. Sedley neither contradicted nor assented to this observation, but -with apparent _nonchalance_ turned the subject to that of shooting and -hunting; which promised amusements had been his inducement for visiting -Webberly House. The conversation was not again resumed, and they -returned scarcely in time to dress for dinner, which the anxious Mrs. -Sullivan declared would be quite "ruinated," assuring them, "the cook -was always arranged and discordant by them there long preambulations -a-horseback they were so fond of." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - "All is not empty whose low sound - Reverbs no hollowness." - - KING LEAR. - - -The excuse, which Mordaunt had made for his abrupt departure from Deane -Hall, was not, in truth, totally devoid of foundation: for he had really -received an invitation to join a party of college friends, on a tour to -the Lakes; though such a cause would not alone have been sufficient to -tear him from a scene, in which all his hopes and wishes were centred. -Notwithstanding his being an enthusiastic admirer of the beauties of -nature, and moreover a proficient in drawing, all the charms of the wild -country he then visited were insufficient long to rivet his attention; -and with an agitated mind and aching heart, he returned early in -September to Oxford, of which he meant to take his final leave at the -end of the following term. No profession had yet been determined on for -him, for his uncle, Lord Osselstone, whose title he was one day to -inherit, had never, in the least degree, interfered on the subject of -his education; and the habit of procrastination, which was one of the -principal failings of Sir Henry Seymour's character, had hitherto -prevented his making the important choice. Thus the period of Mr. -Mordaunt's minority had expired, before his guardian could be prevailed -on to come to any final determination; and Augustus now deferred his own -decision till the period, which would speedily arrive, of his quitting -the University of Oxford. - -The indolence of disposition, which had rendered Sir Henry Seymour's -judgment inert, had not extended its torpid influence to his feelings; -and a considerable degree of resentment was produced in his mind by the -indifference, indeed total alienation of all regard, which seemed to -mark Lord Osselstone's conduct to his nephew. Once, and once only, -before his going to Oxford, had Augustus met his uncle. For, when Mr. -Temple was deputed by Sir Henry, to conduct Mordaunt on his first -entering college, they had, on their way, passed through London, for the -express purpose of paying their respects to his Lordship. But his -reception of them had been so cold, so ostentatiously polite, that -Mordaunt felt by no means anxious to improve the acquaintance: and yet -it might have been supposed, that opportunity of cultivating the -friendship of Lord Osselstone would have been rather sought for than -declined by his nephew. For all the Earl's estates, which were -considerable, were in his own power; and it was the general opinion of -those who professed to know him best, that he intended to make a Mr. -Davis his heir, who was a distant relation, and had been for many years -as unremitting in his attentions to Lord Osselstone, as Mordaunt had -been the reverse. Not that Augustus was unaware of the consequence such -a disposition of this property might prove to him; for all he inherited -from his father was a few thousand pounds, the little that remained of a -younger brother's portion, after a life spent and finally sacrificed to -the excess of dissipation. But perhaps this conviction on both sides -served to make the barrier between them stronger. Lord Osselstone seemed -prepared to think, that any attention his nephew could pay him must -proceed from interested motives; and Mordaunt was fearful of showing -even the little natural affection, that remained in his breast towards -him, lest it might be construed into dissimulation. - -One of Lord Osselstone's estates was situated within a few miles of -Oxford, where he generally spent a few months every summer;--for he was -an upright and considerate landlord, and usually made it a point to -visit all his estates in the course of the year, for the purpose of -inquiring into the actual state of his tenantry--not that he was ever -known to lower a rent or remit a debt: no entreaty, no representation, -could ever persuade him either to break an agreement himself, or to -suffer it to be broken by another. And if ever he found his rights -invaded, or even disputed, there was no extremity or expense he declined -in the defence or prosecution of them. He had often heard, unmoved, a -tale that might have pierced a heart of stone; and seen, with relentless -eyes, the poor man's "one ewe lamb" sold to pay the arrears of rent. But -it not unfrequently happened, that the iron-hearted creditor was himself -the purchaser of the stock at a price much beyond its value; and the -tenant, if deserving, would probably find his Lord's steward inclined, -the next year, to let him have his seed-wheat, not gratis, but nearly -so. - -One peculiarity in the Earl's character was an extraordinary disposition -to disbelieve even the most natural expressions of gratitude, and to -doubt any testimony whatever of affection to himself. No way was so sure -of losing any claim on his favour, as to make the least allusion to his -former kindness; and one of the few domestics, that had at any time -remained long in his service, was an old grey-headed valet, who had -attended him faithfully from his youth; and had scarcely ever been known -to agree with him in opinion, or to hesitate in expressing, in the -strongest terms, his disapprobation. Yet even Lord Chesterfield could -not better understand the perfection of politeness than did Lord -Osselstone, or make it more his constant practice in his intercourse -with the world in general. However his real sentiments might differ -from those of his associates, he always took care to soften down so well -the sharp angles of dissent, that no cutting point was left to wound the -feelings of others; while his own remained impervious to every eye. All -acknowledged he was a just man, and every body _felt_ he was a proud -one; but, however dignified his manners were to his equals, to his -inferiors his pride was silvered over with an affability, that, whilst -it made it still more conspicuous, served almost to purchase its -forgiveness. - -To those who reflected on the various qualities of his mind, the picture -it presented seemed to be composed of a variety and contrast of colours -rarely to be met with, but all so highly varnished, that their very -brightness confounded. It seemed a mass of contradiction, by some -extraneous power compressed into an indefinable whole. His virtues and -his vices trod so closely on each other, that it was difficult to draw -the line of separation between them, and both appeared to owe their -origin either to the temporary error, or general superiority of his -judgment; all his actions seemed to proceed only from his head--his -heart was never called into play. It was difficult to decide whether the -finer feelings were really extinct in his breast; or whether, dreading -the power passion might usurp, he never for one moment permitted it to -assume the reins. In his general establishment he was magnificent;--in -the detail of its arrangements almost parsimonious. His charity was -ostentatious rather than benign; for, though his name graced every list -of public contribution, he never came forward in his own person as the -poor man's benefactor. None who experienced the urbanity of Lord -Osselstone's manners could believe him to be his own individual enemy; -and yet no person could repose in the calm confidence, that Lord -Osselstone was his friend. It was evident, that, had he not been a -courtier, he would have been a misanthropist. - -In conversation he was generally reserved; but, if circumstances called -upon him for exertion, his abilities seemed to rise with the occasion, -and his variety of information, his elegance of language, and even the -occasional playfulness of his imagination, made him one of the most -agreeable of companions. In all Lord Osselstone did, in all Lord -Osselstone said, in all he looked, there might be discovered an -intensity of thought; which, far from being confined to the surface, -seemed to increase in profundity the deeper it was examined. His -character, like his manner, was not to be deciphered by vulgar eyes. He -was generally serious--never dull; and at times his wit was even -sportive. Yet Lord Osselstone, when most gay, could scarcely be deemed -cheerful. At the moments of his greatest exhilaration, when an admiring -audience hung upon his words, or a more favoured few caught the sparks -of animation from the meteor that flashed before them, deriving all -their temporary brilliancy from the electric fire of his talents; even -at those moments, Lord Osselstone seemed scarcely happy;--the brightness -of the emanation was for them;--the dark body remained his own; and few -had skill or inclination to penetrate the dense medium that seemed still -to surround and obscure his soul. - -The first year that Mordaunt had been at college, Lord Osselstone had -made no advance towards cultivating the acquaintance that had so -inauspiciously commenced; for, except a very slight salutation in an -accidental meeting in the street, Augustus had received no mark whatever -even of recognizance. And perhaps this inattention was rendered still -more mortifying, as whenever Lord Osselstone was in the neighbourhood of -Oxford, he generally received a great deal of company at his house; and -several of the young men there, whose connections were amongst his -Lordship's associates in London, procured introductions to him, and -frequently partook of the elegant hospitality, that always graced his -table. Nay, many members of the very college Augustus was in, and some -of his own particular friends, received constant invitations to -Osselstone Park, from which he alone seemed to be invidiously excluded. -On Mordaunt's return to college the following year, he had been much -surprised by receiving, in the course of the last week of a term, a -formal but polite card of invitation to dinner, to which he sent a still -more formal apology, being most happy to have it in his power to allege -his intended return to Deane Hall as his excuse; and accordingly he left -Oxford the very day, that had been named by his uncle for receiving him. -Not, however, that he returned immediately to the Hall. Augustus, though -abhorring the excesses into which so many of his contemporaries -thoughtlessly plunged, was still not averse to taste slightly the cup of -pleasure, if placed within his reach; and, therefore, usually adopted -the geography most in fashion at Oxford, by which it is ascertained to a -demonstration, that London is the direct road from thence to every other -place in England. He had not then been taught, that the deprivation of -Selina Seymour's society for a little fortnight was an irreparable loss; -and the theatres and the delights of London were sufficiently new to -him, to beguile that, and even a longer time. It was just that season of -the year when a London winter begins to subside, not into a healthy -spring, but into an unwelcome summer, and when the dying embers of -gaiety are only kept alive by a few forced sparks of unwearied -dissipation. But to Augustus, who had not glared in the full flame, even -these had charms; and he frequented, with unsatiated pleasure, all the -places of public amusement then open. - -One night at the opera, whither he had repaired with some of his college -friends in a state of exhilaration, that, though it fell far short of -intoxication, was equally different from his usual tone of spirits, -while he was standing in the outer room laughing rather vociferously at -some ridiculous observation of his companions, his eye suddenly rested -on the face of Lord Osselstone, who, with an unmoved countenance and -steady gaze, had been scrutinizing the groupe with minute attention, -while they were totally unconscious of his proximity. Augustus's colour -rose; and a confused idea that he was the peculiar object of his uncle's -observation crossing his mind, he rather increased than restrained the -vivacity of his manner. "Lord Osselstone's carriage stops the way," was -repeated from stage to stage of the echoing stair-case; and, while the -Earl passed close to Mordaunt as he proceeded to obey the clamorous -summons, he stopped deliberately, and observing that "Mr. Mordaunt's -visit to Sir Henry Seymour had been a much shorter one than usual," made -him a low bow, and pursued his way without waiting for a reply; which, -in Mordaunt's then state of mind, would probably not have been an -amicable one, indignant as he felt at Lord Osselstone's conveying his -only acknowledgement of him in the form of an implied reproof. Here -then, once more, ended all intercourse between uncle and nephew; for, -when Augustus again returned to college, the invitation had not been -renewed; and though in the last examination he had received three -several prizes, and with them the compliments of all his friends, Lord -Osselstone had witnessed his triumph in silence, though it happened he -was in Oxford, nay, even in the school, that very day. - -On Mordaunt's arrival at Oxford, at the conclusion of his late northern -tour, his thoughts were so completely preoccupied, that he did not even -take the trouble of inquiring whether the Earl was then in the -neighbourhood. But as he was one evening sauntering along a retired road -on the banks of the river, attending more to the painful reflections of -his own mind than to a book which he mechanically held in his hand, he -was suddenly roused from his meditations by the sound of a carriage -coming furiously behind him; and, turning round, perceived a gentleman -alone in a curricle, the horses of which were approaching at their -utmost speed, and evidently ungovernable. The furious animals were -making directly towards the river, and, if their course was not impeded, -immediate destruction inevitably awaited their unfortunate driver. This -reflection, and his consequent determination, was but a momentary effort -of Augustus's mind. Throwing away his book, he sprang into the middle of -the road; and, though the gentleman loudly exclaimed, "Take care of -yourself--I cannot manage them," he deliberately kept his stand, and, -at the moment the horses reached the spot, dexterously succeeded in -grasping the reins, and stopping the carriage. The suddenness of the -jolt, however, unfortunately broke the axle-tree, and threw the -gentleman at a little distance on the road. A deep groan instantaneously -followed his fall; and Augustus felt a painful conviction, that though -his presence of mind had certainly saved the stranger's life at the -imminent risk of his own, yet the very act had been the cause of much -apparent suffering to him. He hesitated what to do:--the horses, still -more frightened by the noise made by the breaking of the carriage, were -almost furious; and it was as much as he could do to retain his hold, -while the poor suffering man lay helplessly on the road. At length two -grooms appeared, rapidly pursuing each other, with marks of the utmost -consternation in their countenances; and while one jumped off his horse -to assist his master, the other relieved Augustus from his troublesome -charge. The Osselstone liveries proclaimed the stranger's name, as -Augustus had not yet seen his face, and the discovery but increased his -distress:--"Good God, my uncle! Are you much hurt, dear sir?" exclaimed -he, in a tone of commiseration, almost of affection. At the sound of his -voice the Earl languidly turned his head as his servant supported him; -and, stretching out one hand, grasped that of Augustus, expressing -tacitly, but not ineloquently, his gratitude to his preserver. Augustus -flew to the side of the river, and bringing some water in his hat, -sprinkled it over his face, which in a few moments so revived him, that -he was able to articulate thanks, which Augustus, with looks of kindest -anxiety, interrupted, with inquiries as to the injury he had evidently -received in his fall. He soon found that one arm was broken, and Lord -Osselstone otherwise so much hurt, that it was difficult to move him -from the position in which he lay. Without, therefore, an instant's -deliberation, and scarcely explaining his design, he sprang on one of -the groom's horses, and was in a few moments out of sight. Indeed, so -rapid were his movements, that before it could be conjectured that he -had even reached Oxford, he was seen returning in a hired chaise and -four, accompanied by one of the first surgeons of that town, bringing -with him every thing necessary for the accommodation of his uncle. - -Before they attempted to remove Lord Osselstone, the fractured bone was -set; and the attendants then carefully assisting him into the carriage, -the surgeon took his place at one side of him, while Mordaunt, -uninvited, supported him on the other; and then desiring the drivers to -proceed carefully to Osselstone Park, left the grooms to take charge of -the broken equipage. - -Though Augustus had never been before within the gates of this -residence of his ancestors, its magnificent scenery had not the power to -withdraw his attention, for one moment, from its suffering master. In -addition to the natural benevolence of his heart, which would have led -him to pity any fellow-creature in a similar situation, from a -refinement of feeling, he experienced an additional though certainly an -unnecessary pang, from having been in any degree accessary to the -present pain; and his judicious and unremitting care resembled that of a -son to a beloved father. He watched by his uncle's bed all night, and -could scarcely be prevailed upon to leave it to take any nourishment, -till the surgeon, on the third day, pronounced the Earl out of danger. - -Meantime Lord Osselstone, from whose lips no complaint ever escaped, -however painful the operations he underwent, observed every change of -his nephew's countenance with a scrutinizing attention; and when in a -few days he was able to sit up, and enter into discourse, the modest -good sense of Augustus's remarks, animated as they sometimes were by -occasional bursts of a genius not quite dissimilar to his own, seemed -not entirely to escape his Lordship's observation. As soon, however, as -the Earl was able to leave his room, Augustus took his leave, alleging -as his excuse for not accepting Lord Osselstone's polite invitation to -protract his stay, that his services could be no longer useful; which -was indeed his only motive for so soon separating from his uncle, of -whom he now thought with far different feelings than he had done -formerly--so natural is it to the human mind, to imbibe a partiality for -those we have had it in our power to benefit. - -These feelings were, however, soon damped by the receipt of the -following note, accompanied by a beautiful edition of Horace, and some -other of the classics:-- - -"Lord Osselstone presents his compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and has the -honour of sending him a few books, of which he requests his acceptance, -in return for his late obliging attentions." - -"My attentions are not to be purchased," exclaimed Augustus, as he, -perhaps too indignantly, tore the note. "Nor," added he, with a sigh, -"are my affections likely to be gained by my noble uncle." Then hastily -writing the following answer, he returned with it the books by the -servant who brought them:-- - -"Mr. Mordaunt presents his compliments to Lord Osselstone, and begs to -assure him, that any attentions he had it in his power to show his -Lordship were at the moment sufficiently repaid by the belief, that he -in any degree contributed to the comfort of his uncle." - -The first time the Earl was able to venture out in his carriage, he -called at Mordaunt's apartments. But as he did not then happen to be at -home, they did not meet previous to his Lordship's leaving the -country--a circumstance which Augustus by no means regretted. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - This is my lady's holyday, - So pray let us be merry. - - FOUR AND TWENTY FIDDLERS ALL IN A ROW. - - -Whilst Mordaunt was thus occupied at Oxford, Mrs. Sullivan had been -indulging in a variety of speculations, the object of which were, to -endeavour to secure to her beloved son the rich and beautiful heiress of -Deane Hall. In order to afford him a favourable opportunity of paying -his addresses to Miss Seymour, the anxious mother resolved to give the -ball, for which he had personally taken the invitation; and as soon as -Sir Henry had returned the desired answer, the preparations for the -entertainment were without delay commenced. It was agreed _nem. con._ -that a _crowded_ entertainment was more fashionable than a select one; -and therefore, that every person by any excuse pronounced _visitable_, -within a circuit of twenty miles, was to be pressed into the service. -Mr. Webberly, and the gentlemen who were staying with him, proceeded to -York, to enlist as many beaux as they possibly could; whilst Mrs. -Sullivan wrote to London, to engage temporary rooms, transparencies, -coloured lamps, upholsterers, musicians, and confectioners. - -For a fortnight before the important day, all was confusion at Webberly -House. The usual furniture was put to flight;--bed-rooms were converted -into tasteful card-rooms, and store-closets into beautiful boudoirs; -whilst all the various operations were accompanied by an unceasing noise -of hammering, scouring, scolding, and arguing. - -Miss Webberly and her sister kept themselves aloof from the scene of -action, preferring playing billiards, or riding with Mr. Sedley and the -other gentlemen, to giving their mother the smallest assistance, who -repented of her undertaking ten times a day. But Adelaide was not so -selfish; and the moment she perceived Mrs. Sullivan's perplexity, she -left her usual occupations to offer her assistance. "Well, well," -thought Mrs. Sullivan, "I wish Meely and Cilly were as discreet as this -poor child. But it isn't their faults, pretty dears. I never used them -to no thrift; and, I dare say, her nose has been well kept to the -grinding-stone, as the like of her ought. My daughters, God bless them, -have got a rare spirit of their own!" (Would to Heaven it were a rare -spirit!) - -Miss Webberly thinking that chalking the floor of the dancing-room would -afford a good opportunity for displaying her knowledge of the fine arts, -at first joined Adelaide in the task; but quickly discovering that -kneeling on bare boards was more fatiguing than classical, left her at -the end of a quarter of an hour, to finish it alone, with a request not -to be sparing in the introduction of the Webberly arms. No mention was -made of the Sullivan honours; for, though that family traced its -pedigree _beyond the flood_, it had never been heard of in London, and, -therefore, was of no value. - -At nine o'clock on the appointed evening Mrs. Sullivan entered the -reception room; and seeing Adelaide already there, said, "That's right, -Miss Wildenheim, you be's always ready. I never can get them there girls -of mine to dishevel themselves in time. Will you be so kind as to help -me to put out the lights in them there chandlers? They can stay unlit a -bit, for none of the gentlemen ban't dressed yet, and we can light 'em -again when the folk come to the door, you know--I loves to practise -genteel economy." Adelaide executed her commission; and her companion -then proceeded to examine her attire with the most minute attention; -and, as her eye was attracted by the beautiful ornaments, which confined -and were intermixed with her luxuriant hair, she exclaimed, "La! what -fine pearls you have got on--your _mother's_ I suppose, Miss." "Yes, -madam," replied Adelaide, mournfully, "she had a great quantity of -pearls, which were new set for my use," "Wery like, Miss, wery like," -retorted the scornful lady; and, turning disdainfully from her, bustled -off to another part of the room, muttering, "Oh the vickedness of this -vorld!" - -Adelaide was dressed in that last stage of _real mourning_, which, from -its chaste contrast of colour, is perhaps the most elegant attire a -beautiful female can wear, as it seems to throw a veil on the -loveliness, which, in truth, it embellishes. Her mental, as well as -personal charms, were softened by the same garb of sorrow; and perhaps -their beauty, - - "Thus mellow'd to that tender light - Which Heav'n to gaudy day denies," - -was more winning than when they shone in their original brightness. She -was roused from a train of sorrowful reflections, which the mention of -her mother had occasioned in her mind, by a sound of carriages, and by -Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "As sure as the devil's in Lunnon, here they -be; Miss Wildenheim, do light that there candle brass, whilst I turn the -cock of this here lamp;" and the task was but just accomplished, when a -large party entered the room. - -The _coup d'oeil_ which Webberly House now presented was really -beautiful; for from London every thing in the way of decoration, even -taste, may be procured. The vestibule and apartments opening into it -were ornamented with wreaths of flowers, laurels, and coloured lamps, -and with beautifully designed and well executed transparencies. The -windows were left open, and displayed the _Chinese_ bridge splendidly -illuminated, beaming like an arch of light in the surrounding darkness. -The carved work of the porch was completely interlaced with wreaths of -colored lamps; and not less splendid were the grotto and hermitage, -which at a small distance from the house were fitted up to resemble the -rooms of rival restaurateurs. At their entrance Cecilia had placed her -own maid and footman, to distribute refreshments; and she had been -busily employed for some days, in teaching them as much French as their -capacity and her knowledge would permit them to acquire, for which the -slang of the one, and the Cockney dialect of the other, admirably -qualified them. A temporary canvass passage led to the station of these -pseudo-Parisians, which soon became the favourite lounge of the -evening, as the constant mistakes they made in the names of all the -refreshments they presented excited so much laughter, that every set of -visitors was sure to recommend another, to enjoy the bodily and mental -entertainment provided for them. - -When the company first assembled, a brilliant display of fire works was -let off on the lawn, and just as the last rocket was ascending, Mrs. -Martin and her niece entered the ball room. They had met with sundry -difficulties, as to conveyances, which had delayed their arrival so -long. - -Unfortunately for them, the company had, at that instant, nothing more -amusing to do, than seeking for subjects of ridicule; and in poor Lucy -Martin's dress they found an ample field. Her _ci-devant_ blue spencer -had been transformed into a fashionable body for a new pink petticoat, -under the superintendence of Miss Slater, who had informed her, that -"whole gowns were quite out, as all the ladies in London now wore -dolphin dresses," of which no two parts were of the same colour. Nearly -all the finery of Mr. Slater's shop had been deposited on her person; -and it would have been impossible for the greatest connoisseur in -tinting to have decided which was the prevailing colour in her dress: -but as she and her aunt were made happy, by the idea of her being "quite -smart," her appearing to the rest of the company in a most ludicrous -point of view would have been of no consequence, had not the unsuitable -extravagance deprived them of many almost necessary comforts for a long -time afterwards, for which the display of this evening but poorly -compensated. - -Before the unfeeling crowd had more than half finished their -commentaries on the curious specimen of taste the unconscious girl -exhibited, their attention was diverted by the arrival of Sir Henry -Seymour, who with all the formality of the _vieille cour_ entered the -room, with a _chapeau de bras_ under one arm, and Mrs. Galton leaning on -the other. At her side walked Selina in unadorned loveliness, her eyes -sparkling with delight at all the wonders that were presented to her -view, and totally unsuspicious that she was herself the goddess of the -fairy scene of pleasure. All eyes were fixed on her beaming countenance -radiant in smiles; and even envy, for the moment, pardoned such -unpresuming charms. Mr. Webberly had waited to open the ball with -Selina, and immediately led her to the head of the room, where, scarcely -conscious of the pre-eminence, her attention was so completely engrossed -by all the beauty and variety of the decorations, that she neither -listened to nor understood the fulsome compliments he momentarily -addressed to her. Though little skilled in the fashionable art of -dancing, the natural grace and vivacity of all her movements, and the -uncommon loveliness of her person, more than compensated for this -deficiency; and when she happened to make any mistake in the figures she -was unaccustomed to, she laughed so innocently and so heartily at her -own blunders, and in so doing displayed such dazzling teeth and -evanescent dimples, that one more practised in the arts of coquetry -would purposely have made the same errors, thus to have atoned them. - -From the moment Miss Seymour had entered the room, Mr. Sedley had -watched her every motion; and, as he happened to stand behind Webberly -in the dance, he could not help exclaiming, "By Jove, Jack, if you get -that girl you'll be a lucky dog." Webberly cast a glance on his lovely -partner, in which real exultation was ridiculously blended with affected -contempt; and shrugging his shoulders, replied, "She is half wild now, -we must give her a little fashion when she comes amongst us." Sedley -turned on his heel, and joined a groupe of young men, who were loudly -expatiating on the charms he affected to despise. Sedley also joined in -her praise; for as yet, though his warm admiration was excited, his -heart was not sufficiently interested to create a wariness in the -expression of its feelings; and as the whole party professed their -anxiety to be introduced to her, he laughingly boasted of his prior -claims, and hastened to secure her hand for the two following dances. -And now, according to a writer of the days of Queen Bess, "Some ambled, -and some skipped, and some minced it withal, and some were like the -bounding doe, and some like the majestic lion." - -Adelaide alone refused every solicitation to join in the festivity; and -when Mrs. Temple urged her to accept of some of the numerous partners -who contended for her fair hand, she replied, with a mournful -expression, "Dear Mrs. Temple do not ask me; surely this dress was -never meant for _dancing_;" so saying, she cast down her eyes to conceal -their watery visitors. Sedley, who had overheard her observation, took -this opportunity of examining her perfect features. He thought he had -never seen her look so lovely as at that moment, for - - "Upon her eye-lids many graces sat, - Under the shadow of her even brows;" - -and mentally exclaimed, "The braid of dark hair that borders that fair -forehead, 'so calm, so pure, yet eloquent,' is indeed beautiful in -contrast! Of all dresses certainly that becomes her most, it so -harmonizes with the style of her countenance; - - "One shade the more, one ray the less, - Had half impair'd the nameless grace, - That waves in every raven tress, - Or softly lightens o'er her face." - -Sedley was proceeding to compare in thought the merits of blondine and -brunette complexions, eyes of bewitching animation or touching softness, -hair of glossy black or silken brown, and in short the various charms, -which united to form the perfect models of the opposite styles of beauty -which Selina and Adelaide presented, when he was diverted from this -agreeable occupation by Mrs. Sullivan screaming in his ear, "Law! Mr. -Sedley, I vish I vas O'fat (probably _au fait_) of what you're in such a -brown study for; there's my daughter, Cilly, keeping herself _enrage_ -all this time to dance with you." Of course he could not refuse this -summons, and immediately led her to join the dancers, scarcely -regretting that the set was nearly finished. - -When Cecilia passed by, overloaded with finery, and encumbered with -ornament, Mrs. Temple exclaimed, "Good heavens! how that handsome girl -has contrived to disfigure herself! It is no wonder her mother -complained of her being so long dressing: I hope, my dear Miss -Wildenheim, you will never give into such follies." Adelaide smilingly -replied, "I cannot invert the first axiom of mechanics, and say of the -labours of the toilet, _that we gain in power what we lose in time_." -"Never, my dear girl, as long as you live, mention the word _mechanics_ -again, on pain of being pronounced a learned lady; which crime, in this -country, is punished by tortures far more severe than the _peine forte -et dure_ of the old French law. I assure you, in England, the reputation -of _femme savante_ is scarcely less odious than that of _femme galante_. -A fool with youth and beauty maybe quite _recherchee_, but no mental or -bodily perfection can atone for the blemish of _learning_ in a woman!" -Mrs. Temple's attention was now attracted by seeing Mrs. Sullivan doing -the honours to a _soi-disant_ beau, who scarcely heard what she said, -being intent on copying the air of real fashion so striking in Mr. -Sedley. "This here's the courting room, Sir--That there's the -refrigerating house for drinking o-shot--And that there's my daughter -Meely, and that there other one's my Cilly--we calls one Grace and -Dignity and the other Little Elegance--I'm sure you must allow we've -given them wery opprobrious names.--Look'ee here, Sir, Meely did all -this here topography herself[11], entirely from her own deceptions; I -assure you, Sir, she's pro-digiars clever." Mrs. Temple, finding Mrs. -Sullivan's discourse utterly subversive of all decorum of countenance, -left the dangerous neighbourhood, and took Adelaide to walk about the -room, for the double purpose of composing her own features, and -informing her young friend of the names and characters of such of the -guests as she was unacquainted with. "Who is that lovely innocent girl, -sitting near the transparency of Mirth and her crew, with her head on -one side, and her eyes cast down with so much modesty?" "I dare say, -Miss Wildenheim, she is at this moment, with affected _naivete_, saying -something to the gentleman next her, which _he_ finds unanswerable. She -is a most incorrigible little flirt; and as she is no fool, her -conversation is in my mind quite reprehensible. She was the daughter of -a poor baronet of this county, and to counterbalance her want of -fortune, was brought up in the most homely manner, being, for example, -accustomed to iron her own clothes and go to market. Against the consent -of her friends, she married a _petit-maitre_ parson, with little except -a handsome person and agreeable manners to recommend him, and nothing -but a curacy to support him and his beautiful young wife. They now live -with his mother, who takes care of their children, the father being too -constantly occupied in fishing, hunting, and snoring, the mother in -dressing, dancing, singing, and flirting, to find time for the discharge -of their duty to their offspring. Delicate as she looks, she will go -through any fatigue to attend a ball or party: I suppose you will -scarcely believe, that she has walked eight miles this morning, carrying -her own parcel, to be here to-night." Before Adelaide could offer any -comment on this portrait, Mrs. Temple's attention was attracted by -another acquaintance: "Why, bless me, (said she) there is old Mr. -Marshall: what can have brought him here all the way from Kingston, to -night? except, perhaps, to have the pleasure of seeing his daughters -admired: and it would delight any father's heart to look at that -beautiful creature in blue, now showing the very perfection of a lady's -dancing. That little laughing girl standing beside her is her sister, -who is one of the pleasantest creatures I ever knew."--"Oh!" said -Adelaide, "I believe she is the Miss Marshall I met lately at -Huntingfield, who gave vent to as many ideas in half an hour, as would -serve an economist in speech for a week; I could not help applying to -her Mrs. Sullivan's adage, that _stores breed waste_." - -[Footnote 11: Pointing to the chalking on the floor.] - -"And now, my dear Miss Wildenheim," resumed Mrs. Temple, as, weary of -their promenade, they seated themselves, "if you are curious to inform -yourself as to the beaux of this assembly, you have only to keep your -eyes steadily fixed in the direction of that large mirror, and as they -pass point them out to me; for I will venture to say there is hardly a -young man in the room, who will not, in the course of the evening, stop -opposite to it, and settle his cravat. Look there now, already! observe -that youth adjusting his dress----I hope you saw the shake he gave his -head when he had done, as if to ascertain whether he had any brains in -it or not; much in the style of a thrifty housewife, who uses this -method with her eggs, when she wishes to discover if any spark of -animation lurks within. If he had applied to me," continued Mrs. Temple, -"I could have saved him the trouble he has just put himself to, and -would have solved the doubts the vacant countenance he saw in the glass -excited, by answering in the negative without hesitation. This -gentleman, at present, resides a few miles from hence, for the purpose -of canvassing the town of----, in hopes to represent it in the next -parliament. His travelling equipage is not exactly suited to the -character of a British senator. In addition to the usual establishment -of blinds, his carriage is fitted up on the outside with shades to save -his complexion, and in the barouche seat are two monkeys trained to act -as footmen. It is the received etiquette for every new candidate to make -his _debut_ as _patriot_; he therefore, of course, talks loudly of -'Parliamentary reform:' perhaps he may have some ambitious views for the -ape tribe; indeed I have heard it whispered, that one or two have been -detected in both honourable houses before now." - -Adelaide was much entertained by Mrs. Temple's volubility, but said she -was inclined to differ from her friend as to the conclusion to be drawn -from this singular _cortege_. "You know, my dear Mrs. Temple, to have -'grace enough to play the fool, craves wit,' _sense_ is quite another -affair; but I think it is only those that have at least some talent, who -venture to take out this sort of temporary act of lunacy against -themselves, well knowing they can give convincing proof of sanity when -necessary. I have formed this conclusion from observing, that the -English alone ever make these eccentric exhibitions; you will readily -allow, that if any nation equals, none exceeds them in solid abilities. -If the young gentleman in question is under twenty-five, I would risk -something in favour of the contents of his head, on the strength of the -two monkeys. What a pity Dr. Gall is not here to decide for us, by means -of his soul-revealing touch; our craniologists, you know, tell us, they -have wit, memory, sense, and judgment at their fingers' ends: it is to -be hoped they have them elsewhere also." "What you say of Mr. B----," -replied Mrs. Temple, "amazes me: I own, from you, who are one of the -most rational of human beings in your own department, I expected no -toleration of folly." "Oh, I think the case is far different in the -conduct of women," said Adelaide: "our minds have not the strong -re-active power those of men possess; they, in the regions of folly not -unfrequently 'fall so hard, they bound and rise again,' but we are not -sufficiently firm to possess such elasticity." "I believe you are right, -my dear girl: would you like to visit the other apartments? I have not -seen them yet." Miss Wildenheim consented with alacrity, and they -accordingly proceeded towards the vestibule, where numerous groupes were -promenading, as the dancing was for a time discontinued. - -Adelaide, whilst amusing herself with Mrs. Temple's account of the -company, by degrees herself became an object of general admiration. -Although there were some women present of greater personal beauty than -Miss Wildenheim, yet in her "_La grace, plus belle encore que la -beaute_[12]," won the eye from the contemplation of more perfect -loveliness. "Who is she?" was repeated from mouth to mouth, as she -crossed the vestibule; and when nobody could answer the question, it was -asked with increased earnestness. All agreed she was foreign, and that -there was something not English in her countenance, her manner of -wearing her dress, but above all in her walk. As an epidemical mania -for every thing continental once more reigns in England, the idea that -Adelaide was a foreigner, above all things, stamped her the belle of the -night; she was followed from room to room, and wherever she turned -innumerable eye-glasses were levelled at her. The attention she excited -at last becoming perceptible even to herself, with a look of anxious -inquiry she said to Mrs. Temple, "Is there any thing remarkable in my -appearance, that those people stare so?" "Yes, my dear, something very -remarkable." "Then pray, pray tell me what it is." "Your ignorance of it -is one of your greatest charms, and I am not envious enough to wish to -deprive you of any of them." This reply covered Adelaide with blushes, -and adorned her with a hue, which was the only beauty her fine -countenance did not usually possess. For sorrow had breathed witheringly -on the roses, that once had bloomed on her soft cheek.--Will the voice -of joy ever recal them from their exile? - -[Footnote 12: Grace more lovely than beauty.] - -The Webberly family, finding Adelaide the admiration of the company, now -came up to her, not to show _her_ kindness, but to show _their guests_ -she belonged to them; and their ostentatious civility provoked a smile -of contempt from Mrs. Temple, who had been indignant at their previous -neglect. Miss Wildenheim was soon surrounded by a crowd of beaux and -belles, who addressed her in good, bad, or indifferent French, Italian, -German, or Spanish--some from the polite wish of showing proper -attention to a stranger, others from a natural curiosity as to subjects -of foreign interest. But a large number, from the pure love of display, -gave utterance to as many scraps of any foreign language as their memory -furnished them with from books of dialogues or idioms; and, as soon as -these were exhausted, found some urgent reason for retreating to the -very opposite part of the room, taking care to keep at an awful -distance from her for the rest of the night. Many a poor girl was -brought forward by her mother, _bon gre, mal gre_, to display her -philological acquirements. Adelaide happened to overhear part of a -dialogue, preparatory to an exhibition of this sort. "Italian, mama! -Indeed, indeed, I can't: besides it is quite unnecessary, for Mrs. -Temple says she speaks English fluently." "But you know, love," replied -the matron, "it is such good breeding to address strangers in their own -language." "Yes, _dear_ mama, it is indeed; she is a German, and, I dare -say, doesn't understand Italian." "That doesn't signify, come and speak -to her directly, Miss." "Pray, pray, let it be in French then," said the -girl, half crying; "I have only learned Italian three months, and it's -ten to one if I happen to know what she says to me." "Why, you know, -Maria, when I brought Flo--Floril--(you could help me to the name if -you chose)--but, in short, that travelling Italian you had your flowers -of, to talk to you, he said he took you for a native; but you may speak -Italian first, and French afterwards, and that will be a double -practice, my dear." There was no reprieve;--and a very nice girl, -colouring crimson deep from shame and anger, stammered out a sentence of -wretched Italian, whilst the mother stood by with an air of triumph, to -see her orders obeyed, and observe who was listening. Adelaide, pitying -the poor girl's confusion, replied in French, apparently for her own -ease, and addressed to her a few sentences, which afforded an -opportunity of throwing in that everlasting self-congratulating "_oui, -oui_," which is the young linguist's best ally, even more useful than -Madame de Genlis' "_Manuel du Voyageur_," which, by the bye, an adept in -short hand might have taken down that night. The young lady and her -mother soon left Adelaide, both highly delighted; and, however -unwilling the former had been to make the experiment mama had enjoined, -she certainly thought much more highly of her own attainments after this -happy result. Adelaide was then introduced to a gentleman who spoke -French with as much fluency as herself, and they soon got into that -style of conversation, to which the term _spirituelle_ is so justly -applied, where appropriate diction and elegant idea lend charms to each -other: in the language to which she had from infancy been accustomed, -she expressed herself with peculiar felicity, and seemed to take the -same sort of pleasure in doing so one feels in meeting a long absent -friend. Mrs. Temple was now a silent and wondering spectator, vainly -endeavouring to find out how such a girl as Miss Wildenheim could have -become an inmate of Mrs. Sullivan's family; and remarked that her manner -and acquirements always rose to the level of the scene which called them -forth. At that instant she acquitted herself with as much grace of all -those dues of society, which the passing moment demanded, as she, with -cheerful sweetness, contributed to the amusement of her friends in the -quiet family circle at the parsonage. Mrs. Temple was half angry at the -ease of her manner in such a situation; but when she again looked at -Adelaide, observed her varying blushes, vainly watched for any symptom -of coquetry or attempt at display; and at last caught an imploring -glance, which seemed to say, like Sterne's starling, "I can't get -out--pray relieve me," she felt the injustice of her incipient censures. -She was for an instant prevented from obeying the summons, by an old -general officer asking her, "If that young lady was any relation of the -Baron Wildenheim, who so much distinguished himself at the battle of -Hohenlinden, and so many other desperate encounters of the same -campaign?" "Possibly his daughter," replied Mrs. Temple; "but pray -don't direct any question of that nature to her; for whenever such -subjects are alluded to, she seems deeply affected." When Mrs. Temple -again took Adelaide's arm, she found Mr. Webberly importuning her to -dance. Mrs. Sullivan had made him promise that morning not to ask -Adelaide to dance, for fear of making Miss Seymour jealous! But he could -no longer deny himself the pleasure, for which he had most looked -forward to this evening; and, in spite of his mother's frowns and signs, -(seldom indeed much attended to at Webberly House) he solicited Adelaide -with much earnestness, to dance a set with him, which he offered to -procure express before supper. But as she steadily refused, he, to -solace himself, prevailed on a city cousin, (whose wealth procured her -admittance to her aunt's house) and his sister Cecilia, to exhibit -themselves as waltzers. Cecilia's partner was the _soi-disant_ beau, who -had been so indefatigable in his polygraphie of ton; and the travesty -of Lady Eltondale and Sedley was inimitably ludicrous to those who had a -key to the libel. The company had long been tired of quizzing poor -innocent Lucy Martin; equally fatigued with the amusements provided for -them; were almost weary of admiring and comparing Selina and Adelaide, -most of the ladies by this time having discovered, that though the -latter had a certain "_je ne sais quoi_" about her that was taking, her -hair was too black, and her complexion too pale, for beauty; and that -the loveliness of the former defied criticism--an unwilling confession, -which rendered their first triumph nugatory; so that the waltzers -afforded a very seasonable diversion. Nothing could be fancied more -laughable than the undextrous twirling of the quartet; and few things -are more worthy, in every respect, to be the subject of that spirit of -ridicule which so unfortunately pervades every society, than this -anti-Anglican dance. Mrs. Temple whispered to Adelaide, - - "So ill the motion with the music suits; - "Thus Orpheus play'd, and like them danc'd the brutes." - -How could Mrs. Temple be so ill bred as to whisper?--The whole thing is -'_mauvais ton_' no doubt some decorous belle now exclaims. Gentle -reader, if thou hast never sacrificed thy friend or thy love of the -_exact_ truth to a joke, thou hast a right to vent thine indignation -against this breach of _etiquette_. When thine ire is exhausted, proceed -to read, and thou wilt find that the cause of thine indignation is at an -end.--Supper was at length announced; the company were conducted into -rooms laid out in the same style of ornamental profusion as those they -had already visited. After supper, dancing was resumed with increased -ardour, and continued to an early hour. When the company separated, -they exchanged the glare of candles for the light of the sun; and the -sound of the harp, tabret, and all manner of musical instruments, for -the song of birds and the whistling of the husbandman. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - Stranger to civil and religious rage, - The good man walk'd innoxious through his age. - No courts he saw.-- - - POPE. - - -Few people were ever endowed with a greater capacity of receiving -pleasureable emotions than Selina Seymour, and the whole tenor of her -joyful life had hitherto tended to increase this inestimable gift of -nature. She had been as happy at Mrs. Sullivan's ball, as it was -possible for any innocent being, without a care for the present or a -regret for the past; and the pleasure of her own mind was reflected back -to her tenfold in the approving smiles of her father and aunt. Her -delight in the gay scene was unalloyed by envy or competition. She had -never been taught to estimate her _happiness_ by her height in the scale -of admiration; for her fond relatives, thinking her always charming, and -ever considering her felicity more than the gratification of their own -pride, had not tortured her by preparations for exhibition; and, as long -as she danced with pleasure to herself, they cared not _how_. The happy -girl so keenly enjoyed the brilliant scene, was so grateful for the -marked attention she received, that she had not time to stop to consider -whether she was _admired_ or not; and, perhaps, if this query had even -occurred to her mind, the answer to it might have been a matter of -indifference--sufficient was it to her felicity to know she was -_beloved_. - -But all Selina's delight would have been turned to pain the more -exquisite, could one fold of the veil of futurity have been raised to -show her the near approach of misery. On that night she first saw -pleasure decked in her festal robe, her brow crowned with flowers, her -countenance radiant with smiles, presenting her enchantments with one -hand--but saw not the other beckoning to the hovering forms of disease -and death, to array her in the garb of wo:--a task they too quickly -performed; for alas! this scene of gaiety was but the antechamber of -grief. - -Selina rose next day, refreshed with a few hours sound sleep; and, -animated with more than her general vivacity, was skipping down stairs -with her usual velocity, when she was stopped by Mrs. Galton; and, -terrified at the expression of her countenance, "Good God, aunt Mary!" -exclaimed she, "what is the matter you look so pale--are you ill?" "No, -my dear, no; but I am sorry to say your father is very unwell. Don't be -so much alarmed, my dear child--he is better now. Where are you going?" -continued she, holding Selina fast. "To see my dear papa." "You must -not, Selina, Mr. Lucas is with him, endeavouring to compose him to -sleep.--Come to the library, my love, and let us have breakfast." They -proceeded quietly and sorrowfully; and Selina, on entering it, perceived -her aunt was in the dress of the night before. "Why, my dear aunt, you -have never changed your dress. Oh, that vile ball! my dear dear father -has got cold. I wish we had never gone;" and here, quite overcome by the -acuteness of her feelings, she burst into a paroxysm of tears. Mrs. -Galton was not sorry to see her give way to her grief; but when she -became a little composed, addressed her with much solemnity of manner, -saying, "Selina, my dear Selina, command yourself! I require you to -exert all your fortitude; you must not, in a scene like this, render -yourself worse than useless. Do not selfishly give yourself up to your -own feelings. Remember, my child, you may be of much comfort to your -father." Selina answered but by a motion of the hand, and, retiring for -a short time to a solitary apartment, threw herself on her knees, and, -by a fervent supplication for support from Heaven, at last composed -herself so far as to return to her aunt with a calm countenance, though -still unable to speak. One expressive look told Mrs. Galton she was -aware of her father's danger, and was prepared to make every proper -exertion. Sir Henry had at Webberly House most imprudently accompanied -his darling Selina in one of her visits to the hermitage; and, in -consequence of the draughts of air and damps to which he had thereby -exposed himself, was, on his return to the Hall, seized with the gout in -his stomach in a most alarming manner. Mr. Lucas had been immediately -sent for, and, pronouncing him in imminent danger, had requested that -better advice might be procured without delay. At length the violence of -the attack seemed to give way to the remedies administered; and Mr. -Lucas was, as Mrs. Galton said, endeavouring to procure sleep for his -patient, when she heard Selina's bell; and, taking a favourable -opportunity of leaving the sick room, was proceeding to break the -intelligence to her, when they met on the stairs. The ladies continued -at the breakfast in perfect silence, Mrs. Galton not even addressing -Selina by a look, as she well knew that a mere trifle would destroy the -composure she was endeavouring to acquire. When they left the breakfast -table, Mrs. Galton took Selina up stairs, to assist her in changing her -dress, as she feared to leave her alone, and wished to employ her in -those little offices of attentive kindness, which, by their very -minuteness, disturb the mind from meditating on any new-born grief, -though they only irritate the feelings, when sorrow has arrived at -maturity. Mrs. Galton's watchful eye soon discovered Dr. Norton's -carriage at the lower end of the avenue; and that Selina might be out -of the way on his entrance, sent her to walk in the garden, promising to -call her the moment she could be admitted to see her father. When Dr. -Norton arrived, he immediately repaired to Sir Henry's apartment; and, -on hearing it, gave a sad confirmation of Mr. Lucas's opinion, -expressing his fears, that though his patient was tolerably easy at that -moment, violent attacks of the complaint might be expected; and if -_they_ should not prove fatal, the weakness consequent on them most -probably would. Mrs. Galton entreated he would remain at Deane Hall till -Sir Henry's fate was decided, which request he, without hesitation, -complied with. - -Had Dr. Norton conveyed his intelligence to Selina herself, it could -scarcely have afflicted her more deeply than it did Mrs. Galton. Her -regard for Sir Henry was great, and not less lively was her gratitude -for the constant kindness he had for a long course of years shown her; -so that had not another being on earth been interested in his life, she -would, in her own feelings, have found sufficient cause for sorrow. But -when she anticipated Selina's grief, should the fears of the physician -be realized, her own misery was tenfold aggravated by her commiseration -for the beloved child of her heart--the dearest solace of her existence! - -These reflections even increased the usual fondness of Mrs. Galton's -manner to Selina, when, on her return from the garden, she answered the -anxious child's inquiries for her father. She had a hard task to -fulfil--fearful of telling her too much or too little. To avoid any -direct reply, she informed her she might now go to Sir Henry's room, and -Selina, without a moment's delay, was at his bed-side. The poor old man, -anxious, if possible, to postpone the misery of his child, assured her -he was now easy, and desired her to tell him all she thought of the -night before. The innocent girl, on hearing this request, flattered -herself with all the delusion of hope, that her aunt's fears had -exaggerated the danger; and, elated by the idea that her father's -complaint had subsided, talked with much of her usual vivacity, which -increased as she perceived her lively ingenuous remarks cheered the sick -man's face with many smiles.--Little was she aware, they were the last -her own would ever brighten on beholding. - -An express, without delay, was dispatched to Mordaunt, requesting his -immediate presence at Deane Hall. When Selina heard of her father's -anxiety for his arrival, her spirits again sunk, and she reflected in an -agony of sorrow, that "Yesterday she could not have supposed it possible -the idea of seeing Augustus could have been a severe affliction to her." -The night of that sad day Selina requested she might pass in attendance -on her father. Her aunt, fearful of what the morrow might bring forth, -gratified her desire. Dreadful were the reflections that night gave -rise to, as she contrasted the awful stillness of Sir Henry's chamber -with the noisy gaiety of the one, in which she had spent the night -before. - -Two or three days of dreadful suspense thus passed over Selina's head: -whenever she was permitted she was at her father's bed-side, passing in -an instant from the utmost alarm to hope. But though she saw despair -expressed in every face, her mind still rejected it. She could not bring -herself to believe her beloved father was indeed to die! - -Those who most fervently love most ardently hope, and building their -faith on the most trifling circumstances, cling to it with a force none -less deeply interested can imagine. It is well they do. Their fond hopes -make them use exertions, and bestow comforts, they would be otherwise -incapable of. And thus affection is enabled to cheer the bed of death to -the last moment. - -And as for the survivors! no anticipation can prepare them for the -overwhelming despair of the moment in which they lose what they most -prize on earth! - -Grief, rising supreme in this her hour of triumph, will have her -dominion uncontrolled, and defies alike the past and the future,--even -religion must be aided by time to subdue her giant force. - -On the evening of the third day of Sir Henry's illness Augustus Mordaunt -arrived at Deane Hall; the domestics flocked around him, each conveying -to his agonized ear more dismal tidings,--he spent a dreadful half hour -alone in the library, without seeing either Selina or Mrs. Galton, as -Mr. Temple was at that time administering the sacred rites of the church -to Sir Henry, whilst they joined in prayer in the antechamber. When Sir -Henry had finished his devotions, he asked for Selina, and his voice -brought her in a moment to his bed-side; where, kneeling down, in a half -suffocated voice, she implored his blessing, which never father gave -more fervently, nor amiable child received more piously. - -"Selina! you have always been a good child, and obeyed me; when I am -gone, mind what Mrs. Galton says to you. If I had followed her advice, I -should have been better now." The baronet spoke with much difficulty, -and, exhausted with the effort, closed his eyes in a temporary lethargy. -Selina answered not, but with streaming eyes kissed his hand in token of -obedience. At last, raising his head from his pillow, "Where is -Augustus? he is a long time coming."--at that instant footsteps were -heard slowly and softly traversing the anteroom. Selina opening the door -admitted Augustus: she would have retired, but her father signed her -approach; and recovering his strength a little, faltered out, "Happy to -see you, my dear boy--I have been a father to you, Augustus, be a -brother to this poor girl." - -Augustus poured forth his feelings with more fervency than prudence, -and was stopped in the expression of them by Selina, who perceived her -father was quite exhausted: he once more opened his eyes, saying, "I die -content;" he struggled for utterance, but his words were unintelligible, -and he could only articulate, "Go away,--Send Mrs. Galton." Augustus -flew to bring her, whilst Selina hung in distraction over her dying -parent: as they entered the room, her exclamation of "Oh! my father, my -dear father!" gave them warning, that all was over; and when they -approached the bed, parent and child were lying side by side, the one -apparently as lifeless as the other. - -Augustus, in his first distraction, thought he had lost Selina as well -as his beloved and revered friend, but being recalled to his senses by -Mrs. Galton, assisted her in removing Selina to another room. At length -their exertions revived Selina to a dreadful consciousness of her -misfortune--how agonizing was that moment, when, in her frantic grief, -she upbraided their kind care, and wished they had left her to die by -her father's side! "I have no parent now." "Dearest child of my heart, -have I not ever been a mother to you, and will you refuse to be still my -daughter when I stand so much in need of consolation?" Selina threw -herself into her aunt's arms, and gave vent, in tears, to the sorrow of -her bursting heart; at length she cried herself to sleep, like a child, -and her aunt remained at her side all night, ready to soften the horrors -of her waking moments. - -Selina, next day, being comparatively calm, was wisely left in perfect -solitude to disburthen her heart: her grief was not insulted by -officious condolence, too often resembling reproof rather than comfort. -The aspect of grief is obnoxious to the comparatively happy, and they -often use but unskilful endeavours to banish her from their sight, more -for their own ease, than for the relief of the unfortunate beings who -are bound down to the earth by her oppressive power. Those who have felt -it, will with caution obtrude themselves on her sacred privacy, and will -know when to be mute in the presence of the mourner. - -But where shall the reign of selfishness end?--Her votaries intermeddle -with sorrows they cannot cure, and absent themselves from scenes where -they might bestow comfort: they are to be found in the chamber of the -mourner, but fly from the bed of death, which their presence might -cheer, leaving an expiring relative to look in vain for a loved face, on -which to rest the agonized eye. The friends of the dying do not fulfil -their duty, if they desert the expiring sufferer whilst a spark of life -remains. For who can say the moment when sense _begins_ to cease? Though -the eye is closed, and the tongue mute, the grateful heart may yet be -thankfully alive to the kind voice of affectionate care, or the last -silent pressure of unutterable love! - -Scenes of pain may be appalling to the delicate female. But should a -wife, mother, daughter, or sister, shrink from any task, which may be -useful to the object in which her _duty_ and her love are centred? This -is the courage, this the fortitude, it becomes woman to exert! - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - Hark! at that death-betok'ning knell - Of yonder doleful passing bell. - - GILBERT COWPER. - - -Immediately after Sir Henry Seymour's death Mordaunt wrote to inform Mr. -Seymour of the event, who was the nearest male relative to Sir Henry -then alive, but who had not lived on terms of any intimacy with the -Baronet, having chiefly resided on his own estate in Cumberland. He, -however, lost no time in repairing to the Hall, less out of respect to -the memory of his relation, than in hopes of benefiting by his decease. -The day after his arrival was appointed for opening the will, but in it -he was completely disappointed; it had evidently been written but a few -days before Sir Henry died; and, except small legacies to his servants, -no bequest was made in it to any person but Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and -Selina. To the first, Sir Henry gave a thousand pounds as a slight -testimony of his friendship and esteem; to Augustus he left a small -estate in Cumberland, and to Selina all his other property of every -description, appointing Lady Eltondale sole guardian of her person; -Mordaunt and Mr. Temple trustees to her estates till she married or came -of age. The interest of a large sum in the funds was appropriated to her -support till either of these events occurred; a considerable portion of -which was to be paid to Lady Eltondale for her maintenance, as it was -Sir Henry's wish that she should reside with her. - -Mr. Seymour endeavoured to conceal his own disappointment by paying a -variety of compliments to Selina and Augustus, whom he chose to class -together, in a manner which, had either of them been sufficiently -disengaged to observe it, would have been not a little embarrassing to -both: fortunately, however, they were each too much occupied by their -own feelings to attend to him; and, as his only motive for visiting -Deane Hall was now at an end, he was glad to escape from the house of -mourning, with as little delay as possible. - -Sir Henry's generosity, which was totally unexpected by Augustus, served -but to imbitter his regrets for the loss of his benefactor. In him he -had lost his earliest friend; for his uncle he considered as an entire -stranger, and of his parents he retained no recollection. Whatever had -been the errors of Sir Henry's judgment, his benevolence had never -failed towards Mordaunt; and, while his many virtues had always ensured -respect, his kindness had sunk deep in the grateful heart of Augustus, -as, in their intercourse, essential obligation had never been cancelled -by casual caprice, or rendered irksome by ungracious austerity of -manner. He however carefully suppressed his own feelings, in order the -better to administer consolation to those of Selina; and while Mrs. -Galton and Mr. Temple, with affection almost paternal, used every -argument which religion and reason could suggest, to reconcile her as -much as possible to her loss; Augustus endeavoured by the tenderest care -and unremitting attention to divert her thoughts from her recent -calamity, and thereby gradually soften the poignancy of her sorrow. -Selina had, till the moment when she was deprived of her father, been -totally unacquainted with grief; for when her mother died, she was too -young to be sensible of her loss; and Mrs. Galton's almost maternal -kindness had filled the void of her infant heart, while she was yet -scarcely conscious of its existence. At first she could hardly be -persuaded that Sir Henry really breathed no more; so sudden, and to her -so unexpected, was his dissolution. But, after she had in some degree -relieved her heart, by giving way to the first outrageous burst of -sorrow, on being convinced he was indeed no longer in existence, she -became almost stupified by the overpowering weight of her misfortune. -Sometimes she would rouse herself from her torpor, by questioning -herself, was what had passed but a dream, or an agonizing reality? Was -it possible she should never more hear his beloved voice, or see the -smile of parental fondness play round the cold lips, that were now -closed for ever? Was she never again to feel the delight of cheering a -parent's couch of sickness by the playful sallies of her imagination, or -soothing the acuteness of pain by those considerate attentions affection -only teaches us to pay. Alas! from whom could she now expect to hear the -joyful sound of welcome, with which her return was always greeted, -however short her absence might have been? or from whom could she now -hope to meet the approving glance, that more than rewarded the merit it -applauded; or experience that partiality, that accorded a ready -extenuation of the errors it could not overlook? Whilst these -reflections crowded on her mind, she felt as if the spring of all her -actions was broken, and in the despondency of the moment, thought she -would willingly have exchanged half the remaining years of her life to -recal a few short moments of her past existence. - -From these afflicting ideas she was however roused by receiving a letter -from Lady Eltondale. It was couched in terms that were intended as kind, -though the selfish feelings that dictated them were easily discernible. -The viscountess drew the consolation she offered to the mourner, not -from the source of religion, or that of friendship, but from the cold -unfeeling calculations of interest. She congratulated Selina on her -immense fortune, and on her speedy prospect of being emancipated from -the cloistered seclusion in which she had hitherto lived; and then, -assuming the tone of guardian, left Selina no pretext for refusing her -"orders" immediately to come to reside under her roof, though the -_orders_ were couched in the most polite terms of invitation. She -concluded by asking Selina, whether Mrs. Galton meant to continue at the -Hall, which was immediately understood by both as an intimation that she -was not expected to accompany Selina; but the interdiction was rendered -still more explicit by a postscript, that conveyed her Ladyship's -compliments to Mrs. Galton, and her hopes, at a future time, to prevail -on her to visit Eltondale. - -Selina was indignant at this marked exclusion of her beloved aunt; and -Mrs. Galton found some difficulty in prevailing on her to return even a -polite answer to the Viscountess; but being persuaded from the tenor of -her Ladyship's letter that excuses would be of no avail, she, at last, -persuaded Miss Seymour to name that day fortnight for leaving the Hall, -in hopes, her promptitude in obeying the summons, would, in some degree, -conceal the mortification it had occasioned. Mrs. Galton also wrote to -say, that she herself would accompany Miss Seymour to Eltondale, as she -could, on no account, think of resigning her charge, till she delivered -her in safety to her new guardian; adding, that Mr. Mordaunt had -promised to escort Mrs. Galton from thence to Bath, whither she purposed -proceeding immediately. When Selina saw these letters absolutely -dispatched, and found the time was decidedly fixed for her parting from -the beloved scenes of her infancy, she gave way to an extravagance of -grief, that resisted all Mrs. Galton's reasoning, and even Mordaunt's -anxious entreaties, that she would not thus endanger her health. While -Selina thus resigned herself to an excess of feeling, which was one of -the most conspicuous traits of her character; and indulged, -uncontrolled, a sorrow that was too poignant to be permanent, Mrs. -Galton was struggling against hers with that firmness, by which she was -equally distinguished. She not only did not obtrude her misery on -others, but her calmness, her mildness, her fortitude, proved she really -practised her own precepts of resignation. However, her mental was -superior to her bodily strength: and when she found she was suddenly to -be separated, probably for life, from the child of her fondest -affection; and recollected the pains, it was more than probable, her new -guardian would take to eradicate from the too pliant mind of her young -pupil, not only all the precepts she had so carefully instilled, but -even all remembrance of the instructress; her spirits drooped under the -painful anticipation: and her increased paleness, and declining -appetite, betrayed the approach of disease, to which, notwithstanding, -she was yet unwilling to yield. It was not, however, to be warded off, -and, before the day appointed for Selina's departure, Mrs. Galton was -confined to her bed in an alarming fever: for several days she continued -in imminent danger, but at length the complaint took a favourable turn, -and she was yet spared to the prayers of her anxious attendants. It was -by no means an unfortunate circumstance for Selina, that Mrs. Galton's -illness occurred, to divert her thoughts from the melancholy subject on -which alone she had hitherto permitted them to dwell. By feeling she had -yet much to lose, she imperceptibly became reconciled to the loss she -had already sustained. And when Mrs. Galton was able to sit up in her -dressing room, she, in some degree, resumed her natural character, once -more contributing to the comfort of those she loved. - -In this delightful task Mordaunt participated: when Mrs. Galton was -able, he would sit for hours reading out to her and Selina, while the -grateful smile that lightened the expressive countenance of the latter -sufficiently rewarded his toil. Sometimes, when Mrs. Galton reclined on -the couch, he would draw his chair closer to Selina's work-table, and -continue their conversation in that low tone, which belongs only to -confidence or feeling, which, therefore he doubly prized; but, though he -thus momentarily drank deeper of the draughts of love, no word escaped -his lips to betray the secret struggles of his soul. It is true, that -profiting by the name of brother, which their long intimacy, in some -degree, entitled him to use, he hesitated not to pay her every attention -the most assiduous lover could devise. But yet he scrupulously respected -the engagement her father had made, and studiously endeavoured to -conceal, even from its object, the passion that prayed upon his soul. -Nor was Selina insensible to his kindness; on the contrary, she felt it -with her characteristic gratitude, and expressed her feelings with her -usual ingenuousness; and such were the charms of Mordaunt's society, -notwithstanding the sincerity and depth of her affliction for her -father's death, the hours thus passed in the reciprocal interchange of -kindness from those most loved were amongst the happiest of her life: -and when, at length, Dr. Norton pronounced his patient sufficiently -recovered to travel, the regrets at leaving the Hall were, probably, not -a little increased on the minds both of Selina and Augustus, by the idea -that such hours might possibly never again recur. - -At last the day came, when Selina was to bid adieu to the only scene, -with which happiness was as yet associated in her mind. It was a cold -stormy morning in December. A mizzling rain darkened the atmosphere, and -the leafless trees presented a scene of external desolation, that in -some degree corresponded with the mental gloom of the travellers. The -sun was scarcely risen, and the domestics, that flitted about in the -bleak twilight, all eager to offer some last attention to their beloved -young mistress and her respected aunt, seemed by their mourning habits, -and sorrowful countenances, to sympathize in their grief; whilst the -mournful present was contrasted in every mind with the recollection of -those joyous days of benevolent hospitality, that season of the year had -formerly presented. Mrs. Galton, suppressing her own feelings, to soothe -those of others, stopped to take a friendly leave of all, while poor -Selina, overcome by their well meant commiseration, rushed past them, -and threw herself into a corner of the carriage in an agony of grief. - -When they reached the outer gate of the park, they found a few of her -father's favourite tenants, and some of the cottagers on whom Selina had -formerly bestowed her bounty, assembled to offer their last token of -respect and hearty wishes for her future happiness; but few of the -number could articulate their simple, though honest, salutations. -Unbidden tears trickled down their furrowed cheeks, as they thus parted -with the last of their revered master's family. The old men stood in -silence with their bare heads exposed to "the pelting of the pitiless -storm," while their hearts gave the blessing their lips refused to -utter. And the mothers held up their shivering infants to kiss their -little hands as the carriage passed, in hopes their infantine gestures -would explain the feelings they only could express by tears. - -When they arrived opposite to the parsonage, they found its kind -inhabitants equally anxious to bestow the parting benediction. Nor were -their greetings as they drove through the village less numerous or -sincere: most of the windows were crowded; and the few tradesmen Deane -boasted were waiting at their doors, to make their passing bow, whilst -poor Mrs. Martin and Lucy continued waving their handkerchiefs over the -white pales, till the carriage was out of sight. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - Alquanto malagevole ed aspretta, - Per mezzo im bosco presero la via, - Che, oltra che sassosa fosse e stretta, - Quasi su dritta alla collina gia. - Ma poiche furo ascesi in su la belta - Usciro in spaziosa pratiera-- - Dover il piu bel Palazzo e'l piu giocondo, - Vider che mai fosse vecluto al mondo[13]. - - ORLANDO FURIOSO. - -[Footnote 13: No doubt most of my readers will prefer their own -translations of my mottoes to any I could offer them; but for those who -choose to avoid this trouble, I add my imitations, which claim no other -merit than that of giving a general idea of the spirit of the original -passage. - - They through the wood their path descried, - Which climb'd the shaggy mountain's side; - Dark, narrow was the winding way, - O'er many a piercing stone it lay. - But when they left the forest's shade, - A spacious platform stood display'd, - On which a palace rose in sight, - The smiling scene of gay delight. -] - - -In proportion as Mrs. Galton and Augustus approached Eltondale, their -regrets increased from their anticipation of so soon parting with -Selina; whilst, on the contrary, her spirits seemed to rise with the -varying scene. Almost every object was new to her, and, as such, was a -fresh source of enjoyment. It would be impossible to describe Selina's -astonishment when she entered Leeds. She had never before been in any -large town; for though York was within thirty miles of the Hall, it had -been, in point of intercourse, as much beyond Sir Henry's circle as -London itself. The throng of people, the constant bustle of passengers, -the gaiety of the shops, and above all the comfort, and even elegance of -the hotel where they slept--were all to her subjects of agreeable -surprise. Even the rapid motion of the carriage whirled on by the post -horses, whose pace was so different from the sober gait of poor Sir -Henry's antiquated steeds, animated and delighted her. And will the -confession be forgiven?--such was her ignorance, or perhaps her -frivolity, that she not only felt, but was vulgar enough to acknowledge -a childish pleasure in the races the postillions frequently entered into -with the stage coaches. Augustus was enchanted with the _naivete_ of her -observations, and gazed with delight on her sparkling eyes and changing -colour, which needed no interpreter to express her varying emotions. But -Mrs. Galton sighed to think how that pliability of disposition, that -now rendered her so bewitching to others, might hereafter become -dangerous to herself. Lady Eltondale, finding Mrs. Galton and Mordaunt -were determined to accompany Selina to the end of her journey, had -written a polite invitation to them to remain at her house some days; -but they had both resolved not to avail themselves of this tardy -civility, even for one night; however, unforeseen delays having -occurred, they did not reach Eltondale till past nine o'clock in the -evening. It was a dark stormy night; the wind, which blew in tremendous -gusts, had extinguished the lamps of the carriage, and they with -difficulty found their way through a thick wood, that climbed the side -of a hill on which the house was situated; but when they emerged from -this Cimmerian darkness, the superb mansion broke upon their view in an -unbroken blaze of light. The exterior rivalled the elegance of an -Italian villa from the lightness of its porticoes, the regularity of -its colonnades, and the symmetry of its whole proportion. Nor was the -interior less elegant. Almost before the carriage reached the steps of -the porch, the ready doors flew open, and a crowd of servants welcomed -their approach: and such was the brilliancy of the scene into which they -were thus suddenly introduced, that it was some minutes before the -travellers could face the dazzling glare of this sudden day. When, -however, they were enabled to look round, the _coup d'oeil_ called -forth involuntary admiration. Three halls, _en suite_, lay open before -them, all illuminated, particularly the centre one, which contained a -light stone stair-case, that wound round a dome to the top of the house, -only interrupted by galleries that corresponded to the different floors. -Out of the hall in which they stood, a conservatory stretched its length -of luxuriant sweetness. The roses, that were trained over its trellised -arches, were in full blow, and formed a beautiful contrast to the -icicles that hung on the outside of the windows, whilst the blooming -garden itself was equally contrasted by the winter clothing of the -adjoining halls. In them large blazing fires gave both light and heat; -whilst thick Turkey carpets, bearskin rugs, and cloth curtains to every -door, bid defiance to the inclemency of the severest season. - -Before Selina had time to express half her rapture and surprise, the -Alcina of this enchanted palace approached to welcome them. And such was -the elegance, the fascination of Lady Eltondale's address, particularly -to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, that they for a moment almost doubted -whether they had indeed rightly understood her prohibitory letter. Lord -Eltondale had not yet left the dinner table; but the moment he heard of -the arrival of his guests, he bustled out, napkin in hand, to bellow -forth his boisterous welcome: "Gad, I'm glad to see ye all. How do? how -do? Why, Mrs. Galton, you're thinner than ever; but this is capital -fattening ground. Selina, my girl, what have you done with the rosy -cheeks you had last summer? Come, child, don't cry; you know you could -not expect Sir Henry to live for ever--and you've plenty of cash, eh?" -Lady Eltondale, perceiving her Lord's condolences by no means assuaged -Selina's tears, took hold of her hand and that of Mrs. Galton, and with -a kindness much more effectual, though perhaps not more sincere, led -them away from her unconscious Lord, who, without waiting for reply or -excuse, seized Mordaunt by the arm, and dragged him into the eating -parlour, as he said, "to drink the ladies' health in a bottle of the -best Burgundy he ever tasted." - -The drawing-room, to which Lady Eltondale introduced her guests, was -perfectly consistent with its beautiful entrance, for here, - - "If a poet - Shone in description, he might show it,-- - Palladian walls--Venetian doors-- - Grotesco roofs--" - -in short, all that taste and extravagance could procure to combine -comfort and elegance. - -Before Lady Eltondale drew aside the curtain that screened the door of -the anteroom, a few chords on the harp were distinguished--and on -entering the apartment they perceived two ladies. One was an old woman, -dressed in mourning, with a large black bonnet, which almost entirely -concealed her face, whom Lady Eltondale introduced as Lady Hammersley. -She looked up, for a moment, from a book she appeared to be perusing -intently, and after saluting the strangers with an obsequious -inclination of the head, resumed her studies in silence. The other -lady, who was reclining against the harp, was dressed in the extreme of -French fashion. Her face, though not youthful, appeared, at that -distance, handsome, from the judicious arrangement of white and red, -with which it was covered. But a closer inspection proved the only -charms it could really boast were a pair of large black eyes, that could -assume any requisite expression, and a set of teeth, which, whether -natural or artificial, were certainly beautiful. Her dark hair was -crowned with a wreath of roses _en corbeille_, the colour of her cheeks; -and her tall slim figure was covered, not concealed, by a loose muslin -robe _a la Diane_. - -At first the Viscountess took no notice of the fair minstrel; but having -placed Mrs. Galton close to the fire in a Roman chair, and ordered -coffee, and an opera basket for her feet, she drew Selina's arm through -her own, and, approaching the stranger, addressed her, saying, "At -last, Mademoiselle Omphalie, here is my niece: have I said too much of -her?" "_Ah! mon Dieu, qu'elle est belle!_" returned the complaisant -foreigner. "_Ma foi, elle est fail a peindre._[14] _Ma chere_ young -ladi, ve must be ver good friends: I am positive I shall dote a you." So -saying, she held out her hand to Selina, who returned the proffered -courtesy with a glow of gratitude for the unexpected kindness. But the -Viscountess did not give her niece time to profit much by the stranger's -civility. She just happened to recollect, that Selina's furs were -unnecessary in her ladyship's drawing-room, and proposed to the -travellers to have them introduced to their apartments, which they -gladly acceded to. But here a new fashion struck their wondering eyes. -The Viscountess desired her footmen to send "Argant" to show the rooms. -Mrs. Galton and Selina ignorantly imagined they were to be consigned to -the care of a house-maid. What then was their dismay, when a Swiss groom -of the chambers made his appearance, with their wax tapers, and escorted -them, not only to their rooms, which adjoined each other, but familiarly -entered the apartments with them; and having deliberately lighted the -candles on their respective toilets, with a thousand shrugs and grimaces -asked, "_Si mesdames lui permettront l'honneur d'oter leurs -pelisses[15]?_" When he had at last retired, Mrs. Galton could no longer -suppress her feelings; the tears trickled down her cheeks as she clasped -Selina to her bosom, with a fearful anticipation of the trials and -temptations, a scene so new and so bewitching was likely to offer to a -girl so totally inexperienced. But unwilling, unnecessarily, to damp -the dear girl's spirits, which were already fluttering between joy and -sorrow, she attributed her depression solely to the idea of so soon -parting with her, as she had fixed to leave Eltondale with Augustus very -early the following morning. When the two ladies returned to the drawing -room, they found the gentlemen had joined the party. Besides Lord -Eltondale and Mordaunt, the circle was enlarged by Sir Robert -Hammersley, an old fat Scotch admiral, and his son, who had thrown -himself, at full length, on a sofa, listening to an Italian _arietta_, -that Mademoiselle Omphalie was warbling forth in "liquid sweetness long -drawn out," whilst he occasionally interrupted her finest cadences with -an audible yawn, or an almost unintelligible "_brava_." Lady Eltondale, -Lady Hammersley, and Mrs. Galton formed a group together, and entered -into general conversation, while Sir Robert and his host were warmly -engaged in continuing a political dispute. Selina remained attentively -listening to the delightful harmony of Mademoiselle Omphalie's melodious -voice, till at length her eye meeting that of Mordaunt, which rested -solely on hers, her expressive countenance told him in a moment all her -admiration and delight. He softly approached her, and, leaning over her -chair, said, in a low tone, "All these new pleasures will soon make you -forget----I mean you will scarcely have time to think of Yorkshire." She -turned her beautiful face towards him, with an expression of melancholy -and surprise, but meeting his speaking glance, she hastily withdrew her -eyes, and coloured, with an ill defined feeling of painful pleasure: -some flowers, that she had inconsiderately taken from a china vase, that -stood on a table near her, suffered from her agitation, as she -unconsciously scattered some of the myrtle leaves on the floor. -Augustus picked up one of the fallen branches, and, looking at Selina, -"_Je ne change qu'en mourant_," said he, with an emphasis that seemed to -apply the motto in more ways than to the leaf he held. Selina's -confusion increased, and a tear stood on her long eye-lashes, but before -she could articulate the half formed sentence that trembled on her lip, -Lady Eltondale advanced to the table, and abruptly asked her to give her -opinion of some drawings that were scattered about it; and so completely -did she monopolize her for the remainder of the evening, that she had -not again an opportunity of speaking to Augustus. When, however, the -company were separating for the night, he advanced to ask if she had any -further commands for him; but, with a trepidation she did not wait to -analyse, she postponed her adieus, entreating him not to say farewell -then, as she meant certainly to be up long before Mrs. Galton and he -would leave Eltondale in the morning. - -[Footnote 14: "Ah! how beautiful she is!" "She is divinely formed."] - -[Footnote 15: "If the ladies would allow him to take off their -pelisses."] - -END OF VOL. I. - - * * * * * - -Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey. - - * * * * * - -[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes -left as printed.] - - * * * * * - -Books published by Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy. - -WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. - - -ROSABELLA, or A MOTHER'S MARRIAGE. In 5 vols. By the Author of "Romance -of the Pyrenees;" "Santo Sebastiano, or the Young Protector;" "Adelaide, -or the Countercharm;" and "Forest of Montalbano." - -HARRINGTON, a Tale; and Ormond, a Tale. By MARIA EDGEWORTH; Author of -"Tales of Fashionable Life," &c. &c. 3 vols. - -PATRONAGE. By the same Author. Third Edition. - -COMIC DRAMAS. By the same Author. 1 vol. - -SARSFIELD, or the Wanderings of Youth; an Irish Tale. By JOHN GAMBLE, -Esq. Strabane. 3 vols. - -HOWARD. By the same Author. 2 vols. - -WARWICK CASTLE, an Historical Novel. 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Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - http://www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. diff --git a/40158.zip b/40158.zip Binary files differdeleted file mode 100644 index ed2315f..0000000 --- a/40158.zip +++ /dev/null diff --git a/old/40158-8.txt b/old/40158-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4bd6d00..0000000 --- a/old/40158-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4983 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Manners, Vol 1 of 3, by Frances Brooke - -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/license - - -Title: Manners, Vol 1 of 3 - A Novel - -Author: Frances Brooke - -Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40158] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - MANNERS: - - A NOVEL. - - - ----Dicas hîc forsitan unde - Ingenium par materiæ. - - JUVENAL. - - Je sais qu'un sot trouve toujours un plus sot pour le lire. - - FRED. LE GRAND. - - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - VOL. I. - - LONDON: - PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, - PATERNOSTER ROW. - - 1817. - - - - -MANNERS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - What, and how great, the virtue and the art, - To live on little with a cheerful heart-- - (A doctrine sage, but truly none of mine) - Let's talk, my friends,---- - - POPE. - - -In the retired village of Deane, in Yorkshire, lived for many years one -of those unfortunate females ycleped an old maid; a title which -generally exposes the possessor to every species of contempt, however -inoffensive, or even worthy, the individual may be, thus unluckily -designated. - -Mrs. Martin, the lady alluded to, was certainly one of those more -"sinned against than sinning;" for malice itself could not accuse her of -one uncharitable thought, word, or action: and even her enemies, if -enemies she had, must have acknowledged, that "Poor Mrs. Martin had a -good heart," however inferior she might be in understanding to those, -who affected to despise her unassuming merits. She was one of those -worthy good people, who never did a wicked thing, and never said a wise -one; and who, therefore, are seldom mentioned without some epithet of -contemptuous pity by those, who at least wish to be considered of an -entirely opposite character. She lived in a contented mediocrity, "aboon -distress below envy," humble, and good natured, with a most happy -temperament, both moral and physical; in friendship with all the world, -and devoutly believing all the world in friendship with her, and indeed -in that respect at least her judgment did not err; for few people were -more generally beloved than "Poor Mrs. Martin." She always had a ready -laugh for the awkward jests of her neighbours, and to the distressed she -as willingly gave her equally ready tear.--Her income was extremely -limited, yet she still contrived to spare a mite to those still poorer -than herself, and to her trifling donations she added such cordially -interested enquiries, and such well intentioned advice, that her mercy -was indeed "twice blest."--To her other good qualities she joined that -of being a most excellent manager. All the village acknowledged, that -"Poor Mrs. Martin's sweetmeats, and poor Mrs. Martin's bacon, were the -best in the place;" nor were there many seasons so unproductive in her -little garden, as to deprive her of the pride and pleasure of bestowing -a bottle of currant wine, or a pot of raspberry jam, on her more opulent -though less thrifty neighbour.--Her house, which was in the middle of -the village, was only distinguished from those around it by its superior -neatness: a court, about the dimensions of a modern dinner table, which -she facetiously termed her pleasure ground, divided it from the -principal, indeed the only street, and was separated from it by a few -white rails;--a little walk curiously paved in different coloured stones -was the approach to the hall door, and the grass on each side was -ornamented by a circular bed bordered with reversed oyster shells, and -containing each a few rose trees. The house boasted of one window -corresponding to each flower bed on the ground floor; and of three above -stairs, the centre one of which, being Mrs. Martin's own bed room, was -ornamented with an old fender painted green, which served as a balcony -to support three flourishing geraniums, and a stock July flower, that -"wasted its sweetness on the desert air" out of a broken tea pot, which -had been carefully treasured by this thrifty housewife as a substitute -for a flower pot. The hall door, which always stood open in fine -weather, was decorated with a clean but useless brass knocker, and a -conspicuous rush mat; whilst the narrow passage, to which it led, -presented, as its sole furniture, a huge clock, on which Mrs. Martin's -only attendant Peggy often boasted no spider was ever known to rest, and -whose gigantic case filled the whole space from wall to wall. The left -hand window, whose dark brown shutters were carefully bolted back on the -outside, illuminated a kitchen, where cheerful cleanliness amply -compensated for want of size;--opposite to it was the only parlour, of -the same proportions, and of equal neatness; a small Pembroke table, -that, with change of furniture, served the purpose of dinner, breakfast, -or card table; white dimity curtains, and a blind that was for any thing -rather than use, as it was never closed; half a dozen chairs, that once -had exhibited resplendent ornaments of lilies and roses, painted in all -the colours of the rainbow, but whose honours had long since faded under -the powerful and unremitting exertions of Peggy's scrubbing brush; a -corner cupboard, the top shelf of which with difficulty contained a well -polished japanned tea tray, where a rosy Celadon, in a brilliant scarlet -coat, sighed most romantically at the feet of Lavinia in a plume of -feathers; and the best cups and saucers, ranged in regular order, filled -the ranks below;--a book shelf, which, besides containing a Bible, Sir -Charles Grandison, a few volumes of the Spectator, and occasionally a -well thumbed novel from Mr. Salter's circulating library, was also the -repository for various stray articles, such as the tea caddy, Mrs. -Martin's knitting, and receipt book, transcribed by her niece Lucy; and -lastly, a barbarous copy of Bunbury's beautiful print of Jenny Grey, the -highly prized, and only production of Lucy's needle, while attending -Miss Slater's genteel "academy for young ladies," composed the furniture -of this little room. - -But its chief ornament, and Mrs. Martin's greatest pride (next to Lucy -herself), was a glass door, that opened into her demesne: a plot of -ground, containing about an acre and a half, which was kitchen garden, -flower garden, and orchard, all in one. This glass door had been a -present of young Mr. Mordaunt's, in whose company Mrs. Martin had often -undesignedly lamented, that the sole entrance to her garden was through -the scullery, and, on her return from her only visit to London, about -two years before this narration commences, she had been most agreeably -surprised by the improvement in question.--Various and manifold were the -speculations, to which this little piece of good natured gallantry had -given rise in the simple mind of Mrs. Martin.--"Indeed, indeed, she -never thought of his doing such a thing! so generous! so kind! and then -his manner was always so obliging and polite; it could not certainly be -for herself that he took the trouble of ordering the glass door; and she -remembered very well, when he called after their return from London, -that he said he was very glad to see a town life had agreed so well with -Lucy, though Mrs. Crosbie had very good naturedly said, she thought she -didn't look half so well as before she went. To be sure, she never saw -him _talk_ much to Lucy, but then she was so shy!"--Mrs. Martin had been -standing for some minutes at this same glass door, one fine evening in -July, indulging in a similar reverie, when it was suddenly interrupted -by the abrupt entrance of Lucy, who, with as much concern in her -countenance as her vacant unmeaning features could express, -exclaimed--"La! Aunt, he won't come to-night after all!"--"Not come, -child!" answered Mrs. Martin, "why, I never expected he would."--"Not -expect Mr. Brown?" returned Lucy, in a tone something between anger and -surprise; "Not expect Mr. Brown? why I'm sure he'd come if he could, and -you'd never ask the Lucases without him." "No, indeed, my dear, I would -not;" replied Mrs. Martin, totally unconscious that her first answer had -alluded to the subject of her own thoughts, not to the constant object -of poor Lucy's--"He is a well behaved, sober young man, and very -attentive to the shop; but why won't he come to-night?"--"He just rode -up as I was standing at the gate with this little bottle of rose water, -which he brought then, because, he said, he had to go to squire -Thornbull's to see the cook, and he didn't think he could be back for -tea do what he would--I'm sure I wish Mr. Lucas would attend his own -patients."--"Well, Lucy, I suppose the rest will soon be here; do just -set down the tray, my love, whilst I go and see if Peggy is doing the -Sally Lunn right." Poor Lucy proceeded to her task with unwonted gloom, -having first stopped to take one more smell of the rose water before she -placed it on the ready book shelf; and so slow was she in her movements, -that the tea table was scarcely arranged, when she heard her aunt accost -her visitors out of the kitchen window, with "How d'ye do Mrs. Crosbie, -how d'ye do Mrs. Lucas; beautiful evening; thank you kindly; I'm quite -well, and Lucy's charming; pray step in Mr. Crosbie--give me your hat; -Mr. Lucas, I'll hang your cane up by the clock here; sit down my dear -Nanny, I hope your shoes are dry--indeed, I don't think they can be wet; -we've scarcely had a drop of rain this fortnight.--Peggy! bring in the -kettle." - -And now, what with the disposal of the bonnets, the arrangement of the -chairs, and the repetition of observations on the weather, and inquiries -after the health of each individual present, the time was fully -occupied, till the arrival of Peggy, with a bright copper tea kettle in -one hand, and a well buttered, smoking hot Sally Lunn in the other, put -an end to the confusion of tongues, and assembled the party in temporary -silence round the tea table.--But Mrs. Martin's natural loquacity, added -to her incessant desire to be civil, soon induced her to interrupt the -momentary calm, and, while she spread her snow white pocket handkerchief -on her knees, as a preparation for her attack on the Sally Lunn, she -addressed her neighbour, the attorney, with--"Well, Mr. Crosbie, what -did you think of our sermon last evening; it was a delightful one, -wasn't it?"--"Yes, a very good, plain sermon, Mrs. Martin; but, with all -deference to your better judgment, Mrs. Martin, I think your friend Mr. -Temple doesn't show as much learning in the pulpit as he might -do."--"Learning!" quoth his amicable spouse, "I never can believe that -man is a learned man; I could make as good a sermon myself."--"_Non -constat_, my love," replied Mr. Crosbie; "though I often think you would -have done very well for a parson, you are so fond of always having the -last word." Probably the gentle Mrs. Crosbie would have given the -company a specimen of her talents for lecturing, had she not acquired a -habit of never attending to what her husband said: she had therefore, -fortunately, no doubt, during his speech, profited by the opportunity of -overhearing Mrs. Martin's and Mrs. Lucas's discussion, respecting the -appearance at church the evening before of the party from Webberly -House, consisting of Mrs. Sullivan and her two elder daughters, the Miss -Webberlys.--"I declare, I wasn't sure they were come down yet," said -Mrs. Martin, "till I saw their two great footmen bring their prayer -books into church, and their cushions; Mrs. Sullivan looks quite plump -and well."--"Yes, indeed, she looks remarkably well;" answered the -assenting Mrs. Lucas.--"Well!" retorted Mrs. Crosbie--"I think she is -going into a dropsy; her face is for all the world like a Cheshire -cheese."--"It certainly does look as if it was a little swelled," -replied the complacent Mrs. Lucas--"Dear me," rejoined Mr. Lucas, "I -must certainly call at Webberly House, and inquire after the health of -the family; I thought they never left town till August: perhaps they are -come down for change of air."--"And Lucy and I must pay our respects to -them too, they are always so very polite."--"They are never very -_civil_, I take it," said Mrs. Crosbie; "I believe, in my heart, they -would never come near their country neighbours, but to show off their -town airs on them."--"Well, for my part," observed Mr. Crosbie, "with -due deference be it spoken, I think town airs should be laid by for town -people, kept _in usum jus habentis_, for those who understand -'em."--"That's what you never could do, my dear," replied the -lady.--Mrs. Lucas, as usual, slipping in an assenting nod to every -successive observation from each person, while she as unremittingly -attended to the tea and cake. "Well, I'm sure, at all events," said her -daughter Nancy, "they are very genteel: what a lovely green bonnet the -little Miss Webberly had on!--she's the eldest, I believe."--"I'm sure, -if the bonnet was lovely, the face under it wasn't; the two together are -for all the world like a full blown daffodil in its green case." - -Notwithstanding Mrs. Crosbie had thus taken occasion to express her -dislike of the family in general, she was not less ready than the rest -of the little circle to pay her annual visit at Webberly House; and, as -all were anxious to wait on the ladies in question, either from motives -of civility, or interest, or curiosity, it was speedily settled, that -the party should adjourn thither on the following morning. All -particulars of their dress, their conveyance, &c., being finally -arranged, the four seniors of Mrs. Martin's visitors sat down to penny -whist, while she seated herself at the corner of the card table, ready -to cut in, snuff candles, or make civil observations between the deals. - -Lucy, and Nancy Lucas, strolled into the garden, ostensibly to pull -currants, but, in reality, to talk over Mr. Brown, the apothecary's -apprentice, and Mr. Slater's hopeful son and heir, whose professed -admiration of Miss Lucas had lately been eclipsed by a flash of military -ardour, that had induced him to enter into the Yorkshire militia. At -length Mrs. Martin's fears of the damp grass and evening dew induced the -two eternal friends to return to the parlour, where the fortunate -attainment of an odd trick, by finishing the rubber, broke up the little -party, who dispersed with much the same bustle with which they had -entered. While Mrs. Martin pursued her retreating visitors as far as the -white pales, with renewed offers of a glass of currant wine, hopes and -fears relative to the company catching cold, and assurances that she and -Lucy would certainly be ready before eleven o'clock for Mr. Lucas, with -a profusion of thanks for his offer of calling for them in his gig. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - Mons. De Sotenville--Que dites vous à cela? - - George Dandin--Je dis que ce sont là des contes à dormir debout[1]. - - MOLIERE. - -[Footnote 1: "What do you say to that?"--"I say such recitals are only -fit to sleep over."] - - -About eleven next day, a crazy machine, in the days of our grandfathers -called a noddy, appeared at Mrs. Martin's door. In it was seated Mr. -Lucas in his best black suit and flaxen wig, with his gold-headed cane -between his knees, his hands being sufficiently occupied in reining an -ill-trimmed carthorse, every movement of whose powerful hind leg -threatened destruction to the awkward vehicle. The good humoured Lucy -soon skipped in, and seated herself as bodkin; but to mount Mrs. Martin -was a task of greater difficulty, as the gig was of considerable -altitude, and the horse, teased by the flies, could not be kept quiet -two minutes at a time; a chair was first produced without effect, but at -last, with the aid of her maid Peggy, the neighbouring smith, and the -kitchen steps commonly used to wind up the jack, she was fairly seated; -and ere her laughter or her fears had subsided, they overtook the -village postchaise, containing Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie, and Mrs. and Miss -Lucas.--The travellers in the gig were incommoded by a dusty road, and a -beaming hot sun; the effects of which were dreaded by the good aunt for -Lucy's blue silk bonnet and spencer, which had been purchased two years -before, during their above-mentioned visit to London, which was still -their frequent theme, and only standard of fashion. However, they -proceeded on the whole much to their satisfaction, and after driving -nearly six miles, reached an ostentatious porter's lodge and gate, a -close copy of that at Sion, which announced the entrance to Webberly -House. The approach, with doublings and windings that would have puzzled -the best harrier in Sussex, did not accomplish concealing the house at -any one sweep, but displayed to Lucy's delighted eyes a huge -pile--_ci-devant_ brick, now glorying in a coat of Roman cement, further -adorned with clumsy virandas due north and east, and an open porch in -the southern sun. On one side of the proud mansion was a sunk fence, and -ha! ha!--on the other a shrubbery, quite inadequate to the task assigned -it of hiding the glaring brick-wall of a kitchen garden, which occupied -nearly as large a space as the whole of the pleasure-ground in front. - -On the scanty lawn was pitched a marquée; at the foot of it was a pond -filled with gold and silver fishes, over which was suspended a Chinese -bridge, leading to a grotto and hermitage, at a small distance from the -house.--Mr. Lucas, resigning the reins to Lucy, alighted to give notice -of the arrival of the party. After a few minutes delay, hasty footsteps -were heard in the hall, and a couple of house-maids scudded across, -bearing dust-pans and brushes, and running down one of the side -passages, called out in no very gentle voice, "William! Edward! here's -company!" "Company!" yawned out William, while he stretched his arms to -their utmost length, and, as he stopped to look at his fine watch, -which, as well as his master's, had numerous seals with French mottos, -declared "Pon honour, it isn't one o'clock;" and wondered "what could -bring those country-folk at that time o'day!"--then, settling his cravat -with one hand, and pulling up his gallowses with the other, leisurely -walked to the porch, where, with a gesture between leering and bowing, -he most incoherently answered the question of "At home, or not at -home;" and without giving himself the trouble of thinking which was -actually the case, ushered the visitors into the drawing-room, leaving -the business of negotiating their audience to the lady's maid. - -The beaming sun displayed the unsubsided dust and motes the house-maids -had so lately raised, and the village party were nearly stifled with the -effluvia of countless hot-house plants, whose united scent was too -strong to be called perfume: their entrance was impeded by stools, -cushions, tabourets, squabs, ottomans, fauteuils, sofas, screens, -bookstands, flower-stands, and tables of all sorts and sizes. An -unguarded push endangered the china furniture of a writing-table, and a -painted velvet cushion laid Mr. Crosbie prostrate on the floor. Mr. -Lucas, perceiving the difficulties of the navigation, very quietly -seated himself behind the door, but not in peace--for he was nearly -stunned by the chatter and contentions of a paroquet and a macaw, joined -to the shrill song of some indefatigable canaries hung on the outside of -the opposite window, which scarcely outvied the yelping of a lap-dog, -that Mrs. Martin's centre of gravity had discomfited, when she seated -herself in one of the fauteuils. Meantime, Lucy and Nancy, with -considerable expertness, gratified themselves with examining the -furniture, a task which would probably have occupied them for a week, as -the incongruous mixture seemed to resemble the emptying of an -upholsterer's room, a china manufactory, and a print-shop. The curtains, -five to a window, were hung for all seasons of the year at once, and -consisted of rich cloth, scarlet moreen, brilliant chintz, delicate -silk, and white muslin, to serve as blinds, fringed with gold. The sofa -and chair tribe (for to designate them would require a nomenclature as -accurate and extensive as Lavoisier's chemical one,) were covered with -every shade of colour, every variety of texture, and were in form -Grecian, Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, Parisian, Gothic, and Turkish. The -astonished visitors remained in the silence of perplexity for nearly a -quarter of an hour, but it was then broken by Mrs. Crosbie exclaiming, -with her usual acrimony--"Well, I'm sure, if I was Mrs. Sullivan, and -was _forced_ to go to a pawnbroker's for my settee and chair-frames, I -would at least make my covers all of a piece!--What folks will do to -make up a show!--I'm sure those musty old chests an't a whit better than -what's in my grandmother's garret; and I gave my little William the -other day, for a play-thing, a china image as like that white woman and -child as two peas."--"Though to be sure all these are very fine," said -Mrs. Martin, "Sir Henry Seymour's is the house for me; three -drawing-rooms with not a pin difference; and up stairs always six -bed-rooms of a pattern--then Mrs. Galton is so neat! not a cobweb to be -seen in the house.--Bless me, Lucy! your cheek is all dirty, and your -gloves such a figure!"--"Why, don't you see," interrupted Mrs. Crosbie, -"that the china is brimfull of dust! such slattern folks, pshaw!"--To -all which Mrs. Lucas returned her usual assenting, "He--hem!" Mr. Lucas, -in time recovering from his first dismay, rose from "_The place of his -unrest_," and, with Mr. Crosbie, proceeded to examine the contents of a -mongrel article between a cabinet and a table, on which were _thrown_ -rather than _placed_ a variety of curiosities; such as, a stuffed -hog-in-armour, a case of tropical birds, flying-fish, sharks' jaws, a -petrified lobster, edible swallows' nests, and Chinese balls; with -numerous mineral specimens neatly labelled, zeolite, mica, volcanic -glass, tourmaline, &c. "_Multum in parvo_," said Mr. Crosbie, with a -smirk at his own latinity; "Young Mr. Webberly must be vastly learned," -replied Mr. Lucas, "I should like to talk to him about the plants of the -West Indies, and the practice of physic in those parts, for all the -planters are obliged to attend to the health of the poor negroes for -their own profit, if they don't do it for humanity's sake." Here the -good man was electrified by a violent ringing of bells, followed by the -sound of a sharp female voice, running through all the notes of the -gamut in a scolding tone, of which the visitors could only hear detached -sentences, such as, "I _insist_ upon it, you never let them in -again--how could you say we were at home? Can I never drive into your -silly pate, that we are never at home to a _hired_ post chaise, or to -any open carriage, except a curricle and _two_ out-riders, or a -landaulet and four?"--"It wasn't me, Miss, it was William; I always -attend to your directions ma'am--I denied you the other day to your own -uncle and aunt, because they came in a buggy."--"Uncle, Sir! I have no -uncle.--Well, I give orders at the porter's lodge to-morrow--Go and ask -Miss Wildenheim to receive them; and if she won't, say we are all out; I -tell you once for all, I never will be disturbed at my morning studies -till four o'clock, and _then_ not except by _people of condition_." Soon -after this tirade, a light foot crossing the hall prepared the -confounded party for the entrance of the Iris of this angry Juno. But -when Miss Wildenheim opened the door, her elegantly affable curtsy and -benignant smile dispersed the gathering frowns on the visages of the -disappointed groupe. - -This young lady's politeness proceeded from the workings of a kind heart -guided by a clear head: it was a polish which owed its lustre to the -intrinsic value of the gem it embellished, not a superficial varnish -spread over a worthless substance, which a slight collision would -destroy, rendering the flaws it had for a time concealed but the more -conspicuous. With one glance of her dark eye she perceived, that the -good people were offended, and while she made the best apology she could -for the non-appearance of the Webberly family, her cheek glowed with -indignation at their insolent carriage to modest worth: the attentive -suavity of her manner was more than usually pleasing to the unassuming -but insulted party, and her endeavours to soothe their wounded pride -were quickly rewarded with the success they merited. Miss Wildenheim in -turn enquired for all the relations of each individual present, whose -existence had ever come to her knowledge; and in her search after -appropriate conversation, put in requisition every other subject of -chit-chat, her small stock of that current coin furnished her with. But -now--"the eloquent blood," which had spoken "in her cheek and so -divinely wrought," no longer tinging it with "vermeil hues," her -pallidity struck Mrs. Martin's kind heart with a pang of sorrow. "My -_dear_ Miss Wildenheim," said she, in a tone that showed the epithet was -not a word of course, "I'm afraid your visit to London has not agreed as -well with you as ours did with Lucy and me, you don't look so fresh -coloured as you did in the beginning of spring." "Ah! Mrs. Martin," -interrupted Mr. Lucas, "that high colour was a hectic symptom, I am not -altogether sorry to see it has disappeared; I hope, Miss Wildenheim, you -have nearly recovered from the effects of that smart fever you had last -winter." With a look of thanks to both enquirers, Mr. Lucas' _ci-devant_ -patient replied, "Perfectly, my dear Sir; it must have been a most -inveterate disorder, that could have baffled the skill and kind -attention--you exerted for my benefit." Mr. Lucas sapiently shook his -head, and expressed his doubts as to her _perfect_ recovery. "Believe -me, Sir, I feel quite well, my illness was only caused by change of -climate." At the word _climate_, the heretofore placid brow of the fair -speaker was clouded by an expression of ill-concealed anguish; for that -word had conjured up the remembrance of days of hope and joy--of -tenderness, on which the grave had closed for ever! which with all the -ardency of youthful feeling, alike poignant in sorrow as in joy, she -contrasted, in thought's utmost rapidity, with the dreary present, where -each day glided like its predecessor down the stream of time, uncheered -by the converse of a kindred mind, unblessed by the smile of -affectionate love. - -To hide her emotion she rose to ring the bell, apparently for the -purpose of ordering a luncheon, which it was the etiquette of the -neighbourhood to present to every morning visitor. The greater part of -the family were, at that moment, at breakfast, and therefore the -summons was not quickly obeyed; but at length a tray was brought in, -glittering in all the luxury of china, plate, and glass, and loaded with -cold meat, fruit, and a variety of confectionary, at the names or -contents of which Mrs. Martin's utmost knowledge of cookery could not -enable her to guess. However as she did not consider ignorance in this -instance as bliss, she immediately commenced her acquaintance with them; -and the whole party, having done ample justice to the repast, prepared -to depart; and it was settled that as steps could not easily be -procured, the arrangement of the vehicles should be changed, Miss Lucas -resigning her place in the post chaise to Mrs. Martin. - -Miss Wildenheim had scarcely made her farewell curtsy at the door, when -as the carriages drove off Mrs. Martin exclaimed, "What a sweet young -lady Miss Wildenheim is." "Oh!" said Mrs. Crosbie, "those French misses -have always honey on their lips." "I wonder how she happens to speak -such good English, for her eyes, complexion, and accent are quite -foreign," observed her spouse. "And I hope you'll add, her manner too," -returned the lady: "I was quite ashamed of her when she first came to -Webberly House, she used to have so many antics with her hands; now she -is something like; but though we have improved her, still her -countenance has never the exact same look three minutes together; and if -you say a civil thing to her, she grows as red as if you had slapped her -in the face." "Mr. Temple told me," said Mrs. Martin, "that she grieved -more after Mr. Sullivan, when he died last January, than all the rest of -the family put together. He told me one day, poor man, that she was the -daughter of a German baron." "Ah, Mrs. Martin," interrupted Mr. Crosbie, -laughing, "I'm afraid there was a mistake of gender and case there; a -_Baronness_ perhaps she might be daughter to, as an action might lie -against me for defamation, I won't say by whom." "You are both wrong," -said his wife, "for _Mrs._ Sullivan's _maid_ informed me, (and she knows -but every thing) that Miss Wildenheim was Mr. Sullivan's natural -daughter by a German _Princess_ (God forgive him), when he was a general -in the Austrian service. I dare say she is a papist, for he was a -papist, and they are _all_ papists in foreign parts." "Papist or not," -replied Mrs. Martin, "I'm sure she practises the Christian virtue of -humility; I wish Miss Webberly would take example by her, and learn to -be civil." "I never saw any thing like the airs of the whole family," -rejoined Mrs. Crosbie, bursting with passion. "I'll take care to affront -them, the very first time they put their noses in Deane." Here Mr. -Crosbie took the alarm, for he recollected certain deeds and -conveyances, young Webberly had spoken to him about, and therefore said, -"Indeed, my dear, we have no right to be offended; it's only the way of -the house: didn't you hear the footman tell Miss Webberly he had refused -to let in her own uncle, and after all, she didn't object to _us_, but -only to the _gig_ and _postchaise_." After some bitter observations, -followed by silent reflection, Mrs. Crosbie apparently acceded to her -husband's argument, and consented to acquit the Webberlys on the flaw -his ingenuity had discovered in the indictment she had made out against -them. - -In the humble society of Deane even she had inferiors, in whose eyes her -consequence was raised by her annual visits at Webberly House; and who -never guessed that the rudeness she practised to them, was a mere -transfer of that she submitted to receive from the insolent caprice of -these satellites of fashion. - -From whence does the strange infatuation arise, that makes so many -people in all ranks of society suppose, they are honoured by the -acquaintance of that immediately above them, when their intercourse is -so frequently only an interchange of insult and servility? Do they -suppose, that when the scale of their consequence is kicked down on one -side, it rises proportionally on the other? - -The comments of the travellers on the Webberly family continued for the -remainder of the drive; and perhaps had the objects of their -animadversions heard their remarks, they might have felt, that the proud -privilege of being impertinent scarcely compensated for the severity of -the criticism its exertion called forth. - -At length the party separated--Mrs. Crosbie to show a new edition of -fine airs to the wondering Mrs. Slater--the other ladies to discuss -their excursion again and again, over "cups which cheer, but not -inebriate." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - - Something there is more needful than expense, - And something previous even to taste--'tis sense. - - POPE. - - Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt[2]. - - HORACE. - -[Footnote 2: When fools would avoid one extreme, they run into the -other.] - - -The family at Webberly House was the only one in the neighbourhood of -Deane, which lived in a style of ostentatious expense; its members -vainly endeavouring to purchase respect by extravagance, and to transfer -the ideas and hours of the _beau monde_ to a place totally unfit for -their reception. The only families within a distance often miles of -their residence were--Sir Henry Seymour's, at Deane Hall--Squire -Thornbull's, at Hunting Field, and Mr. Temple's, at the parsonage of -Deane; all of whom lived in the most quiet manner. Beyond this distance, -however, the country was more thickly inhabited, and the town of York, -in the race and assize week, presented sufficient attractions to make a -drive of thirty miles no impediment to the Webberlys visiting it at -those times, though its allurements were not great enough to tempt their -immediate neighbours from their homes. Mrs. Sullivan had purchased -Webberly House, two years previous to the commencement of this -narration, on the faith of an advertisement nearly as deceptious as the -famous one of a celebrated auctioneer, that procured the sale of an -estate on the strength of a "hanging-wood," which proved to be a gibbet -on an adjoining common. - -Webberly House--formerly called Simson's Folly--had been purposely -tricked up for sale by a prodigal heir, when obliged to dispose of his -paternal estate to discharge the debts his extravagance had incurred. -As a second dupe was not easily to be found, Mrs. Sullivan now vainly -endeavoured to part with it, as neither she nor her children could -reconcile themselves to living in so retired a part of the country. - -Mrs. Sullivan was the only child of an extremely rich hosier in -Cheapside, who perhaps had saved more money than he had made, and fully -instructed his daughter in all the arts of frugality, limiting her -knowledge of all other arts and sciences to considerable manual -dexterity in making "a pudding and a shirt," which he considered the -ultimatum of female education. When Miss Leatherly was thus, according -to long established opinion, qualified for matrimony, her large fortune -brought her in reward a West Indian planter as a husband, from whom she -acquired those habits of ostentatious arrogance, which, united to her -early imbibed parsimony, formed the principal traits of her character. -By this marriage Mrs. Sullivan had one son and two daughters; and, -fifteen years after the birth of the former, became a widow, with a -large jointure, as well as all her father's riches, at her own disposal. -She received the addresses of many fortune hunters, but finally gave the -preference to a handsome, good natured, dissipated Irishman, whose name -she now bore. Mr. Sullivan at the period of his marriage was past the -prime of life; he had long served in the Austrian armies, (for being a -Catholic he was incapacitated from holding any high rank in those of his -native sovereign, and therefore preferred following another standard), -but his military career procuring him little except scars and honours, -he gladly availed himself of the wealthy widow's evident partiality, and -at first thought himself most fortunate in becoming the possessor of so -large a fortune; yet soon found he had dearly purchased the affluence -which inflicted on him, not only the disgusting illiberal vulgarity of -his wife, but the petulant rudeness and self-sufficiency of her -children. His only consolation was a daughter Mrs. Sullivan had -presented him with, in the first year of their marriage, and his -happiness as a father, made him in some degree forget his miseries as a -husband. His heart was completely wrapped up in the charming little -Caroline, and bitterly did he repent on her account, that his former -prodigality had obliged him to yield to his elder brother's desire of -cutting off the entail of the family estate; which must otherwise have -descended to her, being settled on the females, as well as males of -their ancient house. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan associated but little -together; as she was never happy except when she accompanied her elder -daughters to the most fashionable watering places; whilst he, remaining -at home, devoted most of his time to the little Caroline. But here, -unfortunately, in the attempt to banish the uneasy feelings of his -mind, he by degrees formed a habit of indulging in the pleasures of the -bottle, in a greater degree than strict propriety permits. About three -months before his death, the little domestic comfort he had enjoyed was -exchanged for the most complete disquietude, as at that time the -jealousy of his wife was roused by his introducing Miss Wildenheim into -his family as his ward.--Notwithstanding his most solemn assurances, -that this young lady was the daughter of a German baron, who had not -only long been his commanding officer but his most zealous friend, Mrs. -Sullivan constantly asserted she was his natural child. Such a paternity -was in her eyes an almost unpardonable crime; for, considering her -inferiority of rank and sex, she was still more unreasonable than Henry -the Eighth, who made it high treason for those he sought as partners to -his throne not to confess all the errors they had been guilty of in a -state of celibacy. Perhaps nothing but the stipend received for -Adelaide's maintenance could have reconciled Mrs. Sullivan to her -residence at Webberly House, for she was too avaricious not to submit to -a great deal for three hundred a year. - -When Miss Wildenheim first appeared in Mr. Sullivan's family she was in -the deepest mourning for a parent, who his wife felt convinced was her -mother. It must be confessed, the affection Mr. Sullivan showed -Adelaide, and his distracted state of mind from the period of her -arrival, gave a very plausible colour to his wife's suspicions. He -avoided the society of his family, and giving himself up to his habit of -drinking, it in a short time proved fatal; for returning late one night -from squire Thornbull's in a state of intoxication, he was killed at his -own gate by falling off his horse. Miss Wildenheim's consequent -affliction, and dangerous illness, left no doubt in Mrs. Sullivan's -mind, as to the justice of her surmises. Enraged by this apparent -confirmation of her imagined wrongs, and urged by the envious hatred the -Miss Webberlys showed of Adelaide's superior charms, she determined no -longer to retain under her roof an object on these accounts so -obnoxious; and, as a flattering unction to her soul, persuaded herself, -that a girl with ten thousand pounds fortune could never be at any great -loss for a home. But at length her darling passion, covetousness, -prevailed over her resentment; as she recollected, that should the -brother of her late husband ever hear of her treating in such a manner a -girl Mr. Sullivan had left under her protection, and in whose fate (from -whatever motive) he had shown so deep an interest, her unkindness might -be construed into disrespect to his memory, and as such be resented with -the warmth of family pride and affection, so natural to the Irish -character; and perhaps prompt the offended brother to revenge the -affront, by leaving his estate to a distant cousin, who had been dreaded -by her husband as a rival to Caroline. These and other pecuniary -considerations finally induced Mrs. Sullivan to accept the guardianship -of Miss Wildenheim in conjunction with a Mr. Austin, who was trustee to -her fortune, and was said to be an old and faithful friend of her -father. - -However Mrs. Sullivan had failed in the character of a wife, she had -always been weakly indulgent as a mother, and was easily led by her -children into every expensive folly. Her son's command of money had made -him, on his first entrance into life, a very desirable acquaintance to -some needy young men of fashion, who, in return for the pecuniary -accommodation he afforded them, did him the favour to turn his head and -corrupt his morals. As he became daily more ambitious to emulate his new -associates in all their extravagance, he persuaded his mother to change -her style of living, in order to imitate as closely as possible that of -the relatives of his _professed_ friends. At this critical period, he -had unfortunately found Mr. Sullivan no less solicitous of joining those -secondary circles of fashion, to which alone they could expect -admittance, from his having long been accustomed to lead as a bachelor a -life of gaiety and dissipation; and the Miss Webberlys still more -zealously promoted his wishes, being equally solicitous to reach the -threshold of fashion, which had long been the unattained object of their -highest hope. This was perhaps the only point in the chapter of -possibilities, on which the whole family could agree. - -Mrs. Sullivan reversed the order of nature, and followed the path her -children traced for her, supposing them to be better instructed in such -things than herself; for she knew they had received a superabundance of -the _means_, and, poor woman! she had not sense to perceive they had -missed the _ends_ of education. In encouraging her children in the -pursuit of fashionable follies, Mrs. Sullivan but followed the general -example of wealthy parents, whom we so frequently behold acting like the -worshippers of Moloch in elder days, making their sons and their -daughters pass through the fires of dissipation, in the chance of -drawing them forth from the ordeal with greater external brightness; but -the scorching flames too often wither to the root the shoots of honour, -benevolence, and truth. - -In nothing was Mrs. Sullivan's lamentable imitation of her children's -follies more perceptible, than in her conversation, which was a mixture -of Cheapside vulgarisms and Newmarket cant, with here and there a stray -ornament from her daughters' vocabularies of sentimental and -scientifical jargon; the whole misapplied and mispronounced, in a manner -that would have done honour to Mrs. Malaprop herself! - -Miss Webberly's person was much in the predicament Solomon laments in -his song for his sister; but she had in compensation an addendum which -the Jewish fair had not, in the shape of a protuberance on the left -shoulder, which however she always endeavoured to balance by applying to -the right the judicious stuffing of Madame Huber's stays; and her -deformity was only perceptible by some slight traces in her countenance, -in which there was nothing else remarkable, except a pair of little -black eyes, rather pert than sparkling. Conscious that she could not -shine as a beauty, she resolved on being a "_bel esprit_," for which she -was nearly as ill qualified by nature; and, reversing the fable of -Achilles habiting himself in female attire, she put on an armour she -could not carry, and grasped at weapons she was unable to wield. And as -she sought knowledge "with all her seeking," not to promote her own -happiness, but to subtract from that of others, by mortifying their -self-love, in the anticipated triumphs of her own, her preposterous -vanity led her to deform her mind as much by art with misplaced and -uncouth excrescences of pedantry, as her person was by the unlucky -addition it had received from nature: but while she sought to conceal -the one with the most anxious care, she laboured as incessantly to -display the other; thus resembling the infatuated being, who first held -up for the worship of his fellow mortal a disgusting reptile, or a -worthless weed. - -Miss Cecilia Webberly was in face and figure entitled to the appellation -of a fine bouncing girl, if for that a mass of flesh and blood -exquisitely coloured could suffice; but though to lilies and roses of -the most perfect hues were superadded fine blue eyes and beautiful -flaxen hair, her countenance was neither good-natured nor gay, but -indicative of the most supercilious self-conceit. She had enjoyed what -are usually termed the _advantages_ of a London boarding school, and -through their influence had acquired sufficient French to read the tales -of Marmontel, by a strange misnomer called "_Contes moraux_," and to -which, for the benefit of the rising generation, we would humbly advise -prefixing a syllable in any future edition. From these tales she learned -to be sentimental, and fancied herself in turn the heroine of "_Le mari -Sylph_," "_L'heureux Divorce_," &c. - -Moreover, the fair Cecilia had here been taught to move her ponderous -fingers with considerable swiftness over the keys of a piano forte, and -to exercise her powerful lungs in Vauxhall songs. - -In this seminary she was unfortunately inoculated with a virus, that -totally diseased a heart nature had intended for better -purposes--namely, an aching desire after fashionable life, which led her -to caricature those airs of _ton_ which she had not _tact_ to imitate. -The eye that is always turned upwards must be blinded by the brightness -of a sphere it is not fashioned to; and Cecilia Webberly was so dazzled -by the accounts she read in the daily prints, and La Belle Assemblée, of -"great lords and ladies dressed out on gay days," that she looked on the -inhabitants of Bloomsbury Square with sovereign contempt, her mother and -sister inclusive, who notwithstanding encouraged and emulated her -flights, flattering themselves that her eccentricities would carry her, -and them as her attendants, into regions of splendour, though in truth -they were only thus brought forth to the "garish eye of day," to be -exposed to the contempt and ridicule her folly excited. - -A few days after the expedition of Mrs. Martin and her friends to -Webberly House, as she was standing one fine morning at her parlour -window, Mrs. Sullivan's dashing equipage drove past, and her involuntary -exclamation at the sudden, and to her unpractised eyes, terrifying stop -of the four horses, which were a second before at their utmost speed, -was changed into an expression of pleasure, when she saw Miss Wildenheim -alone alight at Mr. Slater's shop, and the showy carriage from which she -descended drive away ere the door was well closed; for Mrs. Sullivan and -her daughters never condescended to enter _the shop_, as it was in token -of pre-eminence called in the village of Deane. The great Frederick has -wisely remarked, that "_custom_ guides fools in place of _reason_;" and -they had sapiently agreed amongst themselves, that "no lady of fashion -was ever seen in a shop out of Bond Street;" but as for many reasons -they were always anxious to prevail on Miss Wildenheim to execute their -commissions, they took care not to inform her of the solecism in -etiquette they had thus discovered, lest her timid and scrupulous -attention to propriety should overcome her good nature, and deprive -them of the benefit of her taste and judgment. The place of sale these -ladies thus contemned, was a rustic pantheon-physitechnicon, where were -to be had--food for the mind, at least for those who were content to -"prey on garbage," and countless articles for the ladies' use. Part of -the counter was covered with stationery of all descriptions, school -books, last speeches, and ballads, besides a few miscellaneous articles -in the reading way, such as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, the Seven -Champions of Christendom, and the Methodistical Magazine, relating how -Mr. Goodman "put on by faith," not "the armour of the Lord," but a pair -of "leathern conveniences," vulgarly called _breeches_. The remainder of -the counter showed, through glass panes, plated and pinchbeck _tiaras_ -for farmers' daughters, and every species of low-priced disfigurement -for the person, in the shape of necklace or ear-ring, with a variety of -other articles of equal utility. The drawers, on one side of the -counter, contained groceries of all kinds; those on the other, a no less -various assortment of haberdashery and millinery, the latter, when -unsaleable, being altered from year to year to "the newest London -fashion." The shop also displayed a considerable store of hardware and -crockery, from the unglazed brown pan to the gold edged tea cup and -painted sailor's pig--lastly, boasting of a delectable circulating -library, which presented volumes that, like the highly prized works of -classic fame, had a most oleaginous odour. - -The contents of the shop were scarcely less various than the occupations -of its master and his family. In part of the second floor, Miss Slater -held her "Academy for young ladies." In the other her sister performed -the office of mantua and corset maker. Their father was upholsterer, -undertaker, and _barber_, and by consequence _politician_ to the parish. -His gratuitous office of quidnunc had perhaps gained him more wealth -and patronage than all his others collectively, as in it he had never -made any direct attack on the purses of his neighbours, but by reading -the newspapers and gazette every market day free of cost, he assembled -all the farmers of the vicinity in his shop, who generally discovered -something amongst its various contents they felt an imperious necessity -to purchase, thus successfully following the plan of the ingenious -advertiser of----_A pair of globes for nothing!!!_----with an atlas, -price five guineas. - -On the above mentioned occasions Mr. Slater was furiously loyal, in a -flaming red waistcoat, which scarcely rivalled his rubicund face.--When -he first became the village orator, he had endeavoured, from motives of -interest, to persuade others he felt more than he really did; and, as is -commonly the case with those who _exaggerate_ but are not -_hypocritical_, he ended in feeling more than he got credit for.--In -the proceedings of the English government he now really thought, that -"whatever is is right."--And perhaps it is to be regretted, that in his -class this belief is not more general.--Illiterate politicians are -scarcely less dangerous than self-constituted physicians--It requires -men of skill to medicate for the body physical or political.--Quacks in -either injure in proportion to their ignorance and consequent audacity; -it may often be better to let a disease alone, in the constitution of -the state or individual, than to run the risk of aggravating it by the -nostrums of the venders of concealed poisons. - -Mr. Slater's window was always adorned with a bulletin of the news of -the day, of his own writing! and this singular composition set at -defiance all rules of grammar and orthography; but he had none of the -pride of authorship, and unfeignedly thanked the village schoolmaster -for his emendations, though perhaps it might sometimes be said, that -the _correction_ was the worst of the two. - -The good man also amused himself with what he called "mapping" and -"drawing." The few unoccupied spaces in his shop walls were stuck over -with representations of the Thalaba of modern history in a variety of -woful plights; and he had made more changes in the face of Europe than -that archconjurer himself--for, to elucidate the Duke of Wellington's -campaigns, he exhibited a map with Portugal at the wrong side of -Spain[3]! not failing to take similar liberties in his representations -of _actions_ of various kinds. - -[Footnote 3: Matter of fact.] - -It may be supposed, that a shop so filled, and a master thus -accomplished, would be unremittingly attended.--In truth, "The Shop" was -seldom empty; and what with haranguing, bargaining, and the ceaseless -creaking of the pack-thread on its ever revolving roller, with -interludes of breaking sugar, and chopping ham, the noise on market days -was so deafening, that the tower of Babel might serve as an emblem, but -that there only one faculty was confounded, whilst here three of the -five senses were assailed at once. - -At the moment of Miss Wildenheim's entrance, however, a comparative -"silence reigned within the walls,"--as in the shop were only Mrs. -Temple (wife of the rector) and her youngest son and daughter, the one -teazing her for a Robinson Crusoe, the other coaxing for a doll; but at -the sight of their "dear dote Miss Wildenheim" the little petitioners -forgot their requests, and throwing their arms about her neck, to the no -small damage of the muslin frill, that contrasted its snowy whiteness -with the sable hue of her other garments, made her cheek glow with their -kisses, whilst their friendly mother not less cordially shook her hand. - -After a little social chat, Miss Wildenheim proceeded to fulfil the -object of her visit to the shop, namely, to choose a novel for Miss -Cecilia Webberly.--"What are you looking for there, my dear, with so -much perseverance? any thing will do for her," said Mrs. -Temple.--"Here's the Delicate Distress--The Innocent Seduction."--"I -fear, from their titles, they would serve to aid her in her search after -romance; don't you think that would be a pity?--I was looking for -Patronage, or Almeria."--The peculiar tone, half foreign, half pathetic, -in which Adelaide said the word _pity_, joined to the ludicrous but just -parallel she had in sober sadness unconsciously drawn for Cecilia -Webberly, struck with so comic an effect on Mrs. Temple's risible -nerves, that she burst out into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. -Adelaide opened her eye-lids to their utmost expansion, and cast the -beautiful orbs they had concealed on Mrs. Temple's face, with a look of -mingled surprise and inquiry.--"I only thought, my dear girl, (laying -her hand on Miss Wildenheim's arm), it was a sin you should waste your -morality and your _pit-tie_ in so useless a manner: believe me, Miss -Edgeworth's wit and sense would be lost on a girl too stupid to -comprehend the one, and too silly to profit by the other: if Miss -Cecilia Webberly were only a _fool_, I might encourage your laudable -endeavours, but----" "Hush, hush, my dear Mrs. Temple, here are -strangers;" and turning round Mrs. Temple discovered Sir Henry Seymour's -carriage at the door. It was a vehicle as old fashioned as the owner, -"the good Sir Henry," and formed a striking contrast to the showy -_cortège_ of the Webberly family. It was drawn in a steady quiet trot, -by four heavy steeds as gray as their driver, who, seated on a -hammer-cloth adorned with fringes as numerous as those on the petticoat -of a modern belle, carefully avoided the sharp turns and charioteering -skill of the Four-in-hand Club. Sir Henry Seymour's carriage contained -only his sister-in-law, Mrs. Galton, who was addressed by Mrs. Temple -with all the intimacy of friendship, and answered a variety of inquiries -concerning Miss Seymour, which were made with real interest. - -After giving Mrs. Temple an invitation to join a dinner party at the -hall on the following Thursday, Mrs. Galton whispered, "I suspect; that -elegant girl in mourning is the interesting foreigner whose unexpected -appearance at Webberly House last November excited so much -gossip."--"Yes, she is."--"Then pray introduce me; we have never met, -though I called on her the last time I visited Mrs. Sullivan." This -request was soon complied with; and the ceremony being over, Mrs. Galton -politely appealed to Adelaide's taste, regarding the colours of some -silks she was choosing to work a trimming for her niece's first gown, -which, on her ensuing birth-day, was to mark her approach to womanhood; -for in Sir Henry Seymour's family the difference in dress between -sixteen and forty-five was preserved: Selina had not yet laid aside her -white frock, nor was Mrs. Galton in her own person anxious to antedate -the period of second childhood. Mrs. Martin and Lucy, accompanied by -Mrs. Lucas, now walked in to pay their compliments to the ladies they -had seen enter, and were as usual received by Mrs. Galton with the -utmost civility; and as she knew that a visit to Deane Hall was an event -and a distinction in the annals of village history, she included them in -her invitation for Thursday, which was delightfully accepted by them. -Mrs. Sullivan's carriage having now returned for Miss Wildenheim, she -took her leave. And Mr. Mordaunt, having executed some business the -worthy baronet had intrusted him with, entered the shop, and reminded -Mrs. Galton, that if they did not hasten home, Sir Henry would be kept -waiting dinner, and, what was to him of much more interest, Selina -Seymour would be disappointed of her evening ride. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - Each look, each motion, wak'd a new born grace, - That o'er her form its transient glory cast; - Some lovelier wonder soon usurp'd the place, - Chas'd by a charm still lovelier than the last. - - LYTTELTON. - - -Mr. Mordaunt, finding it impossible to persuade Sir Henry Seymour's -veteran coachman to resign his office of charioteer, or even willingly -to admit a partner on his throne, was obliged to solace himself with -Mrs. Galton's conversation, till they entered the park of Deane. At -last, as the carriage turned up the long dark avenue which led to the -magnificent though antique mansion, his delighted eye beheld Selina, as -she supported her father, whilst "with measured step and slow" he walked -up and down the broad smooth terrace, which stretched along the south -front of the house, and commanded all the beauties of the rich vale -below. Her fragile form and firm yet elastic step were contrasted with -Sir Henry's tottering feeble gait. But though her sparkling eyes gave a -joyous welcome, even from a distance, to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, yet, -with the fond solicitude of filial love, she restrained her father's -hastening steps, till Augustus relieved her from her charge; then light -as a zephyr which scarcely bends the flower over which it passes, she -flew to Mrs. Galton, and had already seen, if not examined, all her -purchases, recapitulated her various occupations during her three hours' -absence, and made Mrs. Galton repeat twice over all the particulars she -could recollect, of "dear Mrs. Temple," and Miss Wildenheim, before -Augustus had conducted Sir Henry to the hall door, or replied to more -than half his inquiries about "poor Brown's lease, and the arrangements -that were made for his wife and children." - -Selina Seymour was nearly seventeen; her person - - "Fair as the forms that, wove in fancy's loom, - Float in light vision round the poet's head;" - -and her mind as well cultivated as could be expected under the peculiar -circumstances of her situation; for she had lived entirely in the -country, and never had as yet an opportunity of acquiring that -brilliancy of execution in the fine arts, by which so many of our modern -girls of fashion rival the painters, and the dancers, and the singers, -and the players on musical instruments, who live only by the exertion of -their talents in those different lines. Of what are usually called -_accomplishments_ she was comparatively ignorant. She knew little or -nothing of fancy works--had never made any pasteboard screens--could -neither waltz nor play on the flageolet--nor beat the tambourine in all -the different attitudes practised and taught to young ladies by the -Duke of York's band--but with several modern languages she was well -acquainted, and had learned to draw from Mrs. Galton, who particularly -excelled in miniature painting, and delighted in transmitting all her -knowledge to her adopted child. Music was however Selina's favourite -amusement, and for it she early discovered a decided genius. An old -blind organist, from the town of ----, generally attended her for three -months every summer, and certainly taught her well the only part of the -art he understood, namely, thorough bass--but of the soul of music, he, -poor man, had no idea; for that she was indebted solely to her own -intensity of feeling; and whatever execution she possessed she had -acquired by the indefatigable practice of such lessons of Handel's, -Corelli's, Scarlatti's, and Bach's, as her father's old music chest -afforded; for Sir Henry had not added an air to his collection since the -death of her mother Lady Seymour, nor did he suppose it possible, that -any improvement could have taken place in the art of composition since -that period. Perhaps, had he heard Selina play some of Mozart's -admirable melodies, he might have been induced to acknowledge their -merit, as he generally thought all she did was perfection; though in her -education he never interfered--the care of that had been intrusted, ever -since she had lost her mother, to Mrs. Galton, and the excellent rector -of the parish, Mr. Temple, who had been tutor to Sir Henry Seymour's -ward, Augustus Mordaunt. With them Selina often joined in studies of a -graver cast than those usually appropriated to her age and sex. And -perhaps the peculiar style of her education was the one best adapted to -her disposition. She had naturally uncommon vivacity. "Her cheek was yet -unprofaned by a tear," and her buoyant spirits had never been depressed -by those unfeeling prohibitions and restraints, which, "like a worm i' -th' bud," feed on the opening blossom, and turn the happiest season of -our lives into days of protracted penance. To her elasticity of spirits -and brilliancy of imagination, which, but for an uncommon superiority of -talent, might have degenerated into frivolity of mind, this calm and -almost masculine education formed an admirable counterpoise. But yet -such was her natural pliability of character, that Mrs. Galton scarcely -deemed even this antidote sufficient; and looked forward with trembling -anxiety to the period of her being introduced to society, knowing how -probable it was, that her fancy, and even her heart, might be seriously -affected, long before her reason or understanding were called into -action. - -Selina was the only one of Sir Henry Seymour's children who had survived -their mother; in her were centred all his hopes and nearly all his -affections; her vivacity amused, and her talents gratified him. But he -was not capable of justly appreciating or fully comprehending her -character; he had so long considered her as a mere child, it never -entered into his calculation, that she was now approaching that eventful -period of life, when more was required from the discretion and affection -of a parent, than a mere tolerance of harmless vivacity. It did -certainly sometimes occur to him, that she might marry, but he generally -banished the idea from his mind as quickly as it arose; for it was -always accompanied by a painful feeling, arising in truth from a dread -of losing her delightful society; but he never analyzed this feeling, -and always repeating to himself that she was still but a child, he -concluded by his usual reflection, that there "was no use in thinking -about it; for, if it was to happen, he could not help it." - -Thus, with infatuated security, he anticipated no danger in allowing his -daughter to associate with Augustus Mordaunt. They had been brought up -as children together, and their manner to each other was so -unrestrained, so free from all those artificial precautions, that by a -premature defence first apprise innocence of its danger, that even wiser -heads than poor Sir Henry's might have believed, as Selina really did, -that only the affection of brother and sister existed between them: it -is true, Mrs. Galton and Mr. Temple sometimes talked over together the -possibility of their future union; and so desirable did it seem to both, -and so certain to obtain Sir Henry's consent, that they left them to -their fate, scarcely wishing that any circumstance should arise to -prevent a mutual attachment taking place. - -Augustus was nephew to the earl of Osselstone, and heir to his title. -His father, dying when he was four years old, had left him to the -guardianship of Sir Henry; and the boy had been removed to Deane Hall -the year before Selina was born, where he had constantly resided since, -except during the periods he had passed at Eton and Oxford. Sir Henry -felt for him an affection almost paternal; nor was it unreturned, or -unworthily bestowed. The disposition of Augustus was naturally -benevolent and ardent in the extreme. Even in the most trifling pursuit -either of knowledge or amusement, the fervency of his character was -manifested; and where the susceptibility of his heart was once called -forth, though expression might be repressed, his feelings were not -easily to be subdued. - -Mr. Temple, profiting by the example the fate of Mordaunt's parents had -presented, early laboured to bring his passions under the control of -reason. He succeeded in regulating them, though they were not to be -extinguished; and though Augustus early acquired a habit of -self-possession, yet the natural vivacity of his character was expressed -in every glance of his intelligent countenance, which served to portray -each fleeting sentiment as it arose, whilst his dark expressive eye -seemed to penetrate into the inmost thoughts of others, and to search -for a mind congenial to his own. His figure was not less remarkable for -elegance than strength; and he particularly excelled in all those manly -exercises and accomplishments in which grace or activity are required. -He had derived, partly from nature, partly from education, such high and -almost chivalrous ideas of principle, that, even as a boy, no temptation -could have induced him either to deserve or submit to the slightest -imputation on his honour; and as he approached to manhood, this jealousy -of character had given him a reputation of pride, which his dignified -manner and appearance in some degree corroborated.--Though to his -inferiors his address was always affable, yet to strangers of his own -rank in life he was generally reserved: he was therefore not always -understood; and those who were incapable of fully comprehending his -peculiar merits, frequently attributed that apparent haughtiness of -demeanour, which repelled officious familiarity, less to the superiority -of his individual character, than to the adventitious circumstance of -his high birth and expectations. - -He had early shown a strong predilection for the army, but he could -never prevail on Sir Henry to consent to his entering that profession; -and as a coolness existed between his uncle and his guardian, none other -had yet been decided on for him. Nor, if it was to depend on Sir Henry's -advice or exertions, was the selection likely soon to be made; for such -was the habitual indolence of the baronet's character, that, unless the -natural benevolence of his disposition was peculiarly called forth by -any accidental circumstance, he was content with feelings of unbounded -good will to all mankind, without making a single effort to promote the -welfare of any individual. Yet, nevertheless, he was an affectionate -father, an indulgent landlord, a hospitable neighbour, a kind friend, -and as such universally beloved and respected. In his establishment at -Deane Hall, old English hospitality was maintained to the fullest -extent; and the regularity of this establishment was united to such an -uniformity of pursuit, that it almost amounted to a monotony of life. -The care of directing his household and doing the honours of his table -he left entirely to Mrs. Galton, the sister of the late Lady Seymour. -She was, however, only called "mistress" by courtesy, for though "still -in the sober charms of womanhood mature," just "verging on decay," she -was yet unmarried. In her youth this lady had been as beautiful as she -was amiable, and being possessed of a large fortune, had many suitors: -on one of these, a Mr. Montague, she had bestowed her affections, and -was on the point of marrying him, when she discovered that he was an -inveterate gamester, ruined in fortune, morals, and character, and of -course unworthy of her regard; and though her good sense enabled her in -time to recover from the misery this discovery occasioned her, yet she -was never afterwards prevailed on to make another choice. Shortly after -her refusal of him, Mr. Montague married a Miss Mortimer, who was as -depraved as himself, and lost his life in a duel with one of his -dissipated companions. Mrs. Galton had resided at Deane Hall from the -period of her sister's death; and Selina soon filled the place of -daughter in her affectionate heart. As that heart had been so deeply -wounded, she had turned assiduously to the cultivation of her -understanding; and in endeavouring to engraft her own perfections on -Selina's ductile mind, she preserved the peace of her own, by -withdrawing it from those corroding remembrances, that had threatened it -with irreparable injury. - -The day at last arrived, which was fixed for the annual visit of Mrs. -Sullivan and her party at Deane Hall; for it may easily be supposed, -that where such dissimilarity of character and pursuit existed, little -intercourse would be maintained. At least an hour after the appointed -time, the loud and peremptory knock of their London footman proclaimed -their arrival; but their welcome was much less cordial, than it would -otherwise have been, from all the assembled party at Deane, as they came -unaccompanied by Miss Wildenheim. - -Mrs. Sullivan, on entering the room, displayed a low, fat, vulgar -figure, arrayed in all the shades admissible in fashionable _mourning_. -Her gown was a _soi-disant_ grey, approximating, as nearly as possible, -to a sky blue, relieved with black and scarlet, and profusely ornamented -with artificial flowers. On her head waved a plume of white ostrich -feathers, which, in their modest color and airy form, served perfectly -to contrast her piony cheeks and lumpish person. - -Her petticoats, wired at the bottom, kept unbroken the ample circle, of -which her breadth from hip to hip formed the diameter. Her shuffling -gait put all her finery in motion from head to foot; and Selina could -not help thinking, that, "if she might just give her one _little_ -twirl," she would make to perfection what in her girlish plays was -called a _cheese_. Mrs. Sullivan was followed by her two elder -daughters--Miss Webberly, loaded with all the superfluous decorations of -modern costume, which could be called in aid to conceal her natural -deformity, and her sister, dressed in the opposite extreme of capricious -fashion, equally solicitous to exhibit her all unobscured charms. Soon -after, the entrance of the remaining guests completed the circle, and -the company insensibly dividing into small separate parties, Mrs. Galton -found herself between her two intimate friends, Mr. and Mrs. Temple, -and expressed to them her sincere regret at not seeing Miss Wildenheim, -for whom Mrs. Sullivan had made an awkward apology. - -"What a beautiful style of countenance hers is," said Augustus Mordaunt, -who was standing by: "quite the Grecian head." "I look more to the -inside of the head," replied Mr. Temple, "and find it as admirable as -you do the outside." "You are always so warm in your admiration of your -young favourite, that I am really quite jealous," said his amiable wife, -with a look that expressed her love and pride in the speaker, and her -regard for the object spoken of. "I do indeed admire her; nay, youthful -as she is, I reverence her," resumed Mr. Temple. - -"And how did you happen to know so much of her?" asked Mrs. Galton; "for -she has been carefully secluded from the rest of the neighbourhood." - -"I was called upon to attend her in my pastoral office last winter, -during her dangerous illness; and having good reason to think that her -pillow was unsmoothed by any kind hand, I pitied her most sincerely; and -when we heard she was recovering, we both visited her frequently, and -without much difficulty prevailed on Mrs. Sullivan, to permit her to -come to the parsonage for change of air, where my ill-natured wife -nursed her for six weeks." "I think," said Mrs. Temple, "one becomes -better acquainted with a person in an invalide state, than in any other; -the sort of charge that the healthy take upon them for the sick, -entitles them to discard much of the formality of common intercourse." -"You are right, my dear; and the being that is in hourly uncertainty of -its stay here, is anxious to part with its fellow mortals, not only in -peace, but in love; and receives every proffered kindness with -gratitude. Impressed with these feelings," continued Mr. Temple, "Miss -Wildenheim suffered us to gain a knowledge of her disposition no other -circumstance could have procured us.--To know and not to admire her is -an impossibility!" - -Mrs. Sullivan, who had kept herself aloof to impress on her mind an -inventory of the furniture, and to listen to the whole company at once, -could no longer keep patience or restrain her indignation; and having -gathered sufficient to understand that Mr. and Mrs. Temple were praising -her lovely ward, she exclaimed with involuntary vehemence, "Lauk! how -can you admire Miss Wildenheim, with her sallow complexion, and such a -poke?" "Pardon me, Mrs. Sullivan," replied Mrs. Galton; "the only time I -ever met her I thought her complexion the most beautiful brunette I ever -saw: but perhaps her colour was heightened by exercise." "And her -carriage"--rejoined Mrs. Temple, with less ceremony, "is grace itself!" -"_Et vera incessu patuit Dea_[4]"--said the worthy rector to Mordaunt; -and, as he abhorred gossips, sheered off to the window, to ask him some -questions regarding his studies at Oxford. "Well, well!" resumed Mrs. -Sullivan, "I loves a girl as straight as the poplars at Islington, with -a good white skin, (casting a look of triumph at Cecilia); I never liked -none of them there outlandish folk: why she's for all the world like a -gipsy. My poor dear Mr. Sullivan didn't ought for to bring his casts-up -to me and my daughters, who are come of good havage!--If she and my -Carline wasn't sisters, they never would be so out of the way fond of -one another. If Miss was her natural mother, she couldn't make more of -her than she does now, for her father's sake: and my foolish little chit -thinks this Frenchified lady a nonsuch. I'll warrant me her schooling -cost a pretty penny in foreign parts, where she got that odorous twang -on her tongue; howsoever, she's culpable to teach my little girl to -jabber French; and, as one good turn deserves another, I takes a world -of pains to teach her not to misprison her words: and would you believe -it? she looks sometimes as if she had a mind to laugh; and then she -casts down her hugeous eyes, and colours up as red as a turkey cock, all -out of pride! But I'm resolved she shan't ruinate Carline's English; -I'll supersede that myself." - -[Footnote 4: - - And by her walk the queen of love is known. - - DRYDEN. -] - -Dinner being announced, prevented Mrs. Sullivan's female auditors from -making either comment or reply, except by an "alphabet of looks," which -had this sapient lady possessed sufficient shrewdness to decipher, she -would not have been much gratified by its import. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - Once on a time, so runs the fable, - A country mouse, right hospitable, - Received a town mouse at his board, - Just as a farmer would a lord. - - POPE. - - -The dessert was scarcely laid on the table and the servants withdrawn, -when a clatter of pattens and a loud talking announced the arrival of -the guests from Deane. Mrs. Galton and Miss Seymour were anxious to -retire immediately; but Mrs. Sullivan was too busily engaged paying her -devoirs to a fine peach, and her second daughter in monopolizing those -of Mr. Mordaunt, to attend the signal; whilst Miss Webberly was -slanderously attributing to the family of "Gases" affinities and -products that never before had been hinted at; and was so eagerly bent -on astonishing Mr. Temple by a discourse "_Enflé de vent, vide de -raison_," that some minutes elapsed before the _debouching_ was -effected. They however reached the huge fire-place, now decked in all -the pride of summer's bloom, which marked the centre of the -old-fashioned hall, before the finishing strokes were given to the -toilets of the newly-arrived party. "I declare here they all come!" -exclaimed Mrs. Martin; "Lucy, my dear, hold up your head. Here, put this -pocket-handkerchief in your bonnet for night, whilst I just slip your -shoes and stockings into your ridicule." "How d'ye do, Mrs. Galton? -Thank ye, ma'am, my Lucy's used to walking--never catches cold. We were -twice at Vauxhall last spring two year. Well certainly, Miss Seymour, -the country air does agree with you; you look vastly well. Pray, my dear -miss, isn't that Mrs. Sullivan and the two Miss Webberlys? They don't -seem to remember me. I'll just go and ask whether the currant wine I -made 'em a present of was good or not." So saying, the active Mrs. -Martin bustled up to Mrs. Sullivan to recommence her usual string of -queries, without waiting for an answer to any one of those she had -already made with such uninterrupted volubility. But Mrs. Sullivan's -pomposity was not to be discomposed by any sudden attack. She was by -this time sitting, or rather reclining, (for reposing it could not be -called) on the high-backed, hard-bottomed, uncushioned, damask-covered -sofa, which had not yet resigned its proud and ancient place against the -side wall of Sir Henry's drawing-room. She was paying as much attention -to Mrs. Galton's conversation as repeated yawns would permit, an -attention ostentatiously redoubled at the entrance of Mrs. Martin, while -Mrs. Lucas was balancing herself on the edge of an immoveable arm-chair, -assiduously offering her assenting monosyllable, and smiling "he hem" at -the close of every sentence the two ladies uttered, however -contradictory its import might be to the last expressed opinion. - -Mrs. Temple had in the mean time joined the young people who had -withdrawn to one of the deep recesses of the windows, collected together -in a groupe, by that indescribable attraction which is found in a -similarity of age, however unlike the characters or pursuits of the -different individuals may be. Some beautiful roses which filled an old -china vase, and scarcely rivalled its colours, served for the subject of -their conversation. "I suppose," said Miss Webberly, "you have plenty of -time, in this out of the way place, Miss Seymour, for the study of -botany and the fine arts. How I envy you! Now in town we have never no -time for nothing." "No, indeed," replied Miss Seymour, "I know nothing -of botany, though I delight in flowers." "Not understand botany!" "Why -indeed, my love Emily," interrupted Miss Cecilia Webberly, "no person -of taste likes those things now, they are quite out; indeed, 'the loves -of the plants' is a delightful book, that will always go down. I have it -almost off by heart. Don't you admire it, Miss Seymour?" "I have never -read it," answered Selina. "And what do you read?" continued Cecilia; "I -suppose you hardly ever get a new book at Slater's?" "Yes; do let us -hear what your studies are," said Miss Webberly, in a tone approaching -to contempt. "My employments scarcely deserve the name of studies," -modestly replied Selina. "I am very fond of drawing, and spend a great -deal of time in that occupation; but any information I receive from -books has been principally gathered from what Augustus reads out to my -aunt and me, whilst my father sleeps in an evening." "How extatic must -be your communication with Mr. Temple, my dear madam!" said Miss -Webberly, turning from Selina to Mrs. Temple; "yours must be the feast -of reason and the flow of soul. Does the vegetable creation ever attract -your notice?" "Yes;" quietly answered Mrs. Temple; "but I principally -cultivate flowers for the sake of my bees; they, you know, are my second -nursery." "And pray, while you are practising horticulture, do you think -you ever suffer from imbibing the hydrogen?" "To tell you the truth, my -dear Miss Webberly, I feel I so little understand either hydrogen or -oxygen, that I never think about them." "Nothing more easy! nothing more -easy, I assure you! Every body learns chemistry in town. I always attend -the Royal Institution;--Sir Humphrey Davy is so dear! so animated! so -delightful! I once asked him, 'My dear Sir Davy,' says I, 'what's the -distinction between oxygen and hydrogen?' 'Why,' says he, 'one is pure -gin, and the other gin and water.'" Poor Selina was as little capable of -enjoying the scientifical jargon of Miss Webberly, as she was of -comprehending the more fluent discourse of her sister, who had already -talked over the contents of Slater's library with Miss Martin and Miss -Lucas, and astonished them with a minute description of the last spring -fashions. The arrival of the tea and coffee was therefore to her no -unwelcome interruption. - -But the occupations attending the tea-table were scarcely commenced, -when the approach of Sir Henry Seymour from the dining-room was -announced by the quickly repeated sound of his knotted cane, which kept -due measure with his hurried footsteps along the well polished floor of -the hall, as it preserved the worthy baronet from its slippery -influence. "Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina!" exclaimed he, hastily -opening the door, "Who is it? what is it? are there any more asked to -day? have I forgot any one? bless my stars!" "What is the matter?" -exclaimed both ladies at once. "Matter!" quoth Sir Henry, "why a coach -and four's the matter, and a man galloping like the devil up the long -avenue is the matter. God forgive my swearing. Well, to be sure, that I -should never have thought of them! Who can it be? I have certainly -offended some of my neighbours! Good Lord!" The ladies had by this time -thronged to the windows to see the unusual sight, except Miss Webberly, -who affected to keep at a distance, though she could not refrain from -peeping over their heads as she stood on tip-toe. At the same instant, -all the family dogs joined in one chorus of welcome; and the equestrian, -arriving at full speed, jumped off his horse, and pulling the door-bell -with a vehemence it had seldom felt before, so electrified poor Sir -Henry, that he almost unconsciously repaired with unpremeditated haste -to the scene of action. "I say, old Square-toes," vociferated the -stranger, "is this Harry Seymour's castle?" "Ye-e-s," answered its -hospitable owner, whilst astonishment and indignation impeded his -utterance. "Ye-es! why you look as queer as the castle spectre yourself. -Well, send somebody for my horse, for here's my lord and lady; and, I -say, order beds." Perhaps Sir Henry would in his turn equally have -astonished his unexpected visitor, had not a sudden turn of the open -barouche, as it approached the door, presented to his view the faces of -Lord and Lady Eltondale. "Why, Gad's my life! Good Lord! Selina, here's -your aunt! Good Lord! well to be sure!" The name of "aunt," a title that -always called forth from Selina's affectionate heart sentiments of the -tenderest gratitude and delight, acted like a talisman on the lovely -girl, and brought her in an instant to the spot with sparkling eyes, -glowing cheeks, and steps of fairy lightness; while Mrs. Galton, who -better knew _the aunt_ she was about to meet, advanced to offer a more -sober, though not less polite reception. - -From the side of the barouche next the door descended Lord Eltondale, -with as much activity as his unwieldy body would permit, encumbered as -it was by an immense bang-up coat, which, by a moderate computation of -the specific gravity of like solids, would in all probability have -increased the weight of the ponderous carcase it enclosed to nearly that -of his Lordship's own prize ox. With much less alacrity his fair spouse -prepared to alight; an open pelisse, wrapped in a thousand folds, -partially concealed her yet beautiful figure, while an enormous London -_rustic_ bonnet, with the affectation of simplicity and the real stamp -of fashion, equally disguised her face. During that time, Lord -Eltondale, in no subdued tone of voice, was expressing his lively -pleasure at meeting Sir Henry, almost dislocating Mrs. Galton's wrists -with the fervency of salutation, and with no less zeal imprinting -oscular proofs of satisfaction on the fair retiring cheek of his niece. -Lady Eltondale had full time to kiss her white hand in turn to each -individual, to commit her smelling-bottle and work bag to the particular -charge of the footman who had preceded them, and to descend leisurely -from the carriage with apparent timidity, but real anxiety, to save her -shawls, and exhibit her well-turned ancle to Mordaunt, who supported her -faltering steps. - -"Why, Gad's my life, I'm glad to see you all, though I never should have -thought of it," exclaimed Sir Henry, his wig nearly as much turned round -as the brains underneath it. "Why, Bell, what the devil brings you -here?--Come to spend the summer, eh, with that chaise full of band -boxes? Well, to be sure, to think of your coming to Deane Hall again! -But I can't reach your mouth till you kick off that trumpet you've on." -"Good God!" exclaimed Lady Eltondale with an involuntary shudder, but -instantaneously recovering herself, "I am quite delighted, my dear -brother, to find you in such charming spirits. How do, Mrs. Galton? I -declare you look younger than ever. And Selina! why, child, you are -almost as tall as I am." Selina's first impulse had been to throw -herself into Lady Eltondale's arms, believing innocently that an "aunt" -was another Mrs. Galton. But the boisterous _bonhomie_ of the Viscount's -compliments, and still more the fashionable frigidity of Lady -Eltondale's address, were repulsive to her feelings, and she -unconsciously withdrew to that part of the hall to which Mordaunt had -retired, whilst a tear trembled on her long eye-lashes. "She is not at -all like aunt Mary," said Selina in a half whisper, "I'm sure I shan't -like her." "But she will surely like you, Selina," answered -Mordaunt.--"Come, you foolish girl," continued he, taking her hand, -"don't you know aunt Mary said this morning, you were almost old enough -to do the honours yourself! Let us see your _coup d'essai_." Meantime -Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton led the travellers to the drawing-room, and -introduced them to the wondering party they had left there. - -Lady Eltondale returned their salutations with a sweeping reverence, -between a bow and a curtsy, accompanied by one of her most fascinating -smiles; and walking deliberately to the head of the room, "I am afraid, -my dear Mrs. Galton, we have discomposed you;--we have arrived at an -unseasonable moment," said her Ladyship in a voice of dulcet sweetness; -though this demi-apology was accompanied by a look round the room, which -plainly indicated that the fair speaker felt assured her arrival would -at any time have discomposed _such_ a company. "Well, Sir Henry," -bellowed out Lord Eltondale, "how goes on the farm? I shall taste your -beef admirably--I'm confoundedly hungry." "Hungry!--Beef--Good -Lord!--Bless my heart, haven't dined yet? Now I should never have -thought of that! Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina! do order something to -be got ready directly. Bless my heart--not dined! why it's past seven -o'clock! James! John! I say, Wilson!" "Pray, my dear brother," said the -Viscountess, seating herself, "don't trouble yourself; a pâttié, a -Maintenon, anything will do for us." "Aye, aye, Sir Henry, give us a -beef steak or a mutton chop; any thing will do for us, if there is but -enough." Lady Eltondale's fragile form underwent that species of -delicate convulsion, between a shudder of horror and a shrug of -contempt, which was her usual commentary on her lord's speeches; and -very calmly untying her bonnet, she threw it on a chair at some -distance, and discovered a little French cap, from beneath which a -glossy ringlet of jet black hair had strayed not quite unbidden. She -then no less leisurely proceeded to slip from under her silken coat, of -which young Webberly, with officious velocity, flew to relieve her, -though she still retained as many shawls as she could well dispose of in -attitudinal drapery, without regarding the too apparent contrast they -formed to the transparent summer clothing, which shaded, but scarcely -hid her once perfect form. Mrs. Sullivan's impatience to be recognized -would not suffer her to wait till the tedious ceremony of disrobing was -finished; but finding her curtsies, and her nods, and her smiles, and -her flutterings, had not yet procured her the notice she was so -ambitious to obtain, she gave an audible preluding "hem!" and then -addressed Lady Eltondale with "'Pon honour, my lady, I'm delighted to -counter your ladyship. Your ladyship looks wastly vell. How is that 'ere -pretty cretur, your Ladyship's monkey?" Lady Eltondale turning her head -quickly round at the first sound of the sharp discordant voice that now -assailed her ear, saw something so irresistibly attractive in the vessel -of clay from which it proceeded, that she found it impossible -immediately to withdraw her eyes, and, taking up her glass, remained in -total silence for some moments, examining the grotesque figure opposite -to her, displayed as it was to particular advantage in the operation of -opening and shutting a brilliant scarlet fan with accelerated motion. -"Forgive me, my dear madam--I am quite ashamed; but really your name has -escaped my recollection:--your person I should think impossible to -forget." A polite inclination of an admirably turned head and neck -concealed the sarcasm of this equivocal compliment. "To be sure, my -lady," continued the gratified Mrs. Sullivan, "ve town ladies can't get -our wisiting lists off book like primers, he! he! he!--Sulliwan, my -lady, Sulliwan's my name, and them there two girls are my daughters, and -that there----" "Indeed, Mrs. Silly-one, you do me much honour," -interrupted her Ladyship. "Selina, my love, I want to talk to you;--how -goes on music?" "I think, Lady Eltondale," said Miss Cecilia Webberly, -with assumed _nonchalance_, "the last time you and I were together was -at the Lord Mayor's ball--a sweet girl that Lucy Nathin is!" "Brother, -you must let La Fayette dress this dear girl's hair to-morrow; these -ringlets will be _superbe_ done _à la corbeille_." "Yes, my Lady, I -quite agree with you, my Lady. All Miss Seymour vants is a little -winishing and warnishing, as we hearties say. Her bodies ought to be cut -down, my Lady; and her petticoats cut up, my Lady, and she would be -quite another guess figure, my Lady. Six weeks in town would quite -halter her hair and her mane; and as for music, Pinsheette's the man to -improve her in vice." "Pucit-ta-a-a, mother!" screamed Cecilia, "can you -ever learn that man's name?" - -A most opportune summons to the "beef-steak" relieved Lady Eltondale -from the discussion, which was on the point of commencing between mother -and daughter. She rose with an air of dignity, that immediately silenced -both combatants; and, while she leaned on Sir Henry's offered arm, she -drew Selina's through her own, and, turning to Mrs. Galton, said with a -bewitching smile, "You must spare this Hebe to be my cup-bearer. I -almost envy you having monopolized her so long, notwithstanding all she -has gained by it." Mordaunt, who had hitherto stood aloof, now advanced -to open the door for them, and smiled significantly to Selina as they -passed; while Webberly, who had just sense enough to perceive the -distance of Lady Eltondale's manner, called loudly for his mother's -carriage. The rest of the party, who had hitherto remained in dumb -astonishment, gladly took the hint, and began the tedious ceremony of -curtsying, bidding good night, and packing up; leaving Mrs. Galton at -liberty to do the honours of the second dinner table, which lasted till -nearly the hour when the good Baronet usually retired to rest. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - And all your wit--your most distinguished art, - But makes us grieve you want an honest heart! - - BROWN. - - -Lady Eltondale was arrived at the meridian of life, and no longer -boasted the charms of youth, "_Elle ne fut pas plus jolie; mais elle fut -toujours belle_:" and perhaps the finished polish of her manners, and -matured elegance of her person, were now scarcely less attractive than -the loveliness of her earlier days had been: for beautiful she once was; - - "Grace was in all her steps--Heav'n in her eye, - In all her gestures dignity:" - -and, if "love" could have been added, she would have been, almost, -faultless.--But a cold, selfish disposition blasted the fair promise; -it was, "a frost, a chilling frost," that withered every bud of virtue! -And yet she was not absolutely wicked; she could not be accused of -having a _bad_ heart; it might rather be said she had no heart at -all.--And with every other requisite to form perfection in a female -character, this one defect neutralized all the bounteous gifts of -nature--her very talents, like those of Prometheus, were perverted, and -preyed on her own soul; whilst the aching void, left by the total -absence of all the nameless charities of life, she had vainly -endeavoured to fill up by a restless, endless passion for scheming, -either for herself or others.--She would, perhaps, have shuddered at the -thought of designedly laying a plan to undermine the happiness of -another; yet such were the sophistical powers of her mind, that she -seldom failed in sincerely persuading herself, that whatever plan she -proposed to execute, was, in reality, the most desirable that could be -adopted,--and, with this conviction, she had scarcely ever been known -to relinquish a project she had once formed, and seldom failed, either -by art or perseverance, to obtain her end. - -Her history was a very common one--Her father died while she was young, -leaving her mother and herself a comfortable, though not a splendid -provision, as all the landed property descended to her brother, Sir -Henry Seymour, who was many years older than she was. - -The dowager lady Seymour, a weak woman, but indulgent parent, was easily -prevailed on by her lovely daughter, to choose London for her place of -residence; and when Sir Henry married, their visits to Deane Hall, which -had never been frequent entirely ceased. Miss Seymour meantime took -every advantage of the opportunities her new line of life afforded. She -cultivated with assiduity and success every brilliant accomplishment, -and was admired even more than her own vanity, and her mother's blind -partiality, had taught her to expect. Her pretensions rose in proportion -to her success; and at one time she fancied nothing less than a ducal -coronet could render the chains of matrimony supportable. At last, -however, after a thousand schemes and speculations, in a moment of -pique, she accepted the title of viscountess, which was all Lord -Eltondale had to offer, except a splendid temporary establishment; as -nearly all his property was entailed on his son by a former marriage. -Indeed, so dissimilar were their tastes, characters, and pursuits, that -their union was a seven days' wonder; and would not, perhaps, ever have -taken place, had not Miss Seymour, in the prosecution of a far different -plan, at first unguardedly encouraged, or rather provoked, Lord -Eltondale's addresses; and he, "good easy man," _had not time_ to -develope the cause of the flattering selection. - -Lord Eltondale was one of those unoffending, undistinguished mortals, -who would most probably have returned to his original clay unnoticed and -unwept, had not fortune, in one of her most sportive moods, hung a -coronet on his brow, and thus dragged the Cymon into observation. He -possessed neither talents nor acquirements, and held "the harmless -tenour of his way" in equal mean betwixt vice and virtue. - -By nature he was a gourmand, and by fashion a farmer; for, strange to -say, amongst the other changes this century has produced, not the least -remarkable is the insatiable ambition of our peers to rival--not their -ancestors--but their coachmen and ploughmen. But, even in the only -science Lord Eltondale affected to understand, his learning was only -superficial: he delighted in going through the whole farming vocabulary; -could talk for hours of threshing machines, and drilling machines, and -Scotch ploughs, and bush harrows; particularly if he was so fortunate -as to meet with an auditor, whose learning on those subjects did not -transcend his own. He was also an inimitable judge of the peculiar merit -of sheep and oxen, when they were transformed into beef and mutton: but -of real useful agriculture, that art which is one of England's proudest -boasts, he only knew enough to entitle him to imitate a clown in -appearance, and to constitute him an honorary member of different -farming societies; which, besides procuring him sundry good dinners, -particularly suited the supineness of his disposition, by giving him an -excuse, "_De ne rien faire, en toujours faisant des riens_[5]." - -[Footnote 5: To do nothing in always doing nothings.] - -Such was the partner the lovely Miss Seymour chose for life; and as the -death of her mother, and that of the only child she ever had, occurred -before the expiration of the second year of her marriage, she was left -without any tie to attach her to a domestic life; while her own -conscious superiority to her lord deprived her of any support from him, -which might have guided her, as she swam on the highest wave of fashion. - -Sir Henry Seymour experienced at least as much surprise as pleasure, at -such an unexpected visit from his sister and the viscount; but he did -not suspect the object of it, till her ladyship herself explained it to -him the following morning. Indeed the only motive that could have been -strong enough, to induce her to return, even for a few hours, to a place -she so much abhorred, was that which now had brought her; namely, an -anxious desire to promote a marriage between Selina Seymour and her -step-son, Mr. Elton. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that her -extravagance, and her lord's indolence, had already swallowed up any -ready money they had originally possessed, and that whenever the -property came into the hands of Frederick Elton, little, if any thing, -would be left for her support, except what she should receive from his -generosity; and therefore she had determined to secure for him one of -the richest and loveliest brides England could offer, believing, that by -so doing she should not only increase his power of being generous, but -also establish her claims on his everlasting gratitude. It is true she -was not certain, that such a step would ensure the happiness, or even -meet the approbation of Frederick. On that point, strange as it may -appear, Lady Eltondale had bestowed but little consideration, -(self-interest being always paramount in her mind), as this plan would -be certainly beneficial to herself, she determined to consider it -equally advantageous to him. In fine, she had been the first to suggest -it; she had long meditated on it, and at last resolved upon it: having -thus made up her own mind, the difficulties which might occur in the -prosecution of her scheme, if any should arise, would but make her more -solicitous for its accomplishment. - -At first Lady Eltondale found some little difficulty in persuading Sir -Henry to accede to her proposal; not that he for a moment recollected -the cruelty of engaging irrevocably his daughter's hand, before he even -enquired into the state of her affections; or that he reflected on the -danger of confiding a character so volatile as was Selina's to the -guardianship of a young man they were both totally unacquainted with. -Sir Henry only hesitated, from an unwillingness to part from her -himself; for he was one of those fatally partial parents, who, prizing -too highly their daughters' society, often sacrifice their happiness to -that selfish consideration. But to every objection he could urge Lady -Eltondale had some specious answer ready: she reminded him, that Mr. -Elton was then abroad, and that his return might possibly be delayed -for some time; dwelt upon the excellence of his character; and finally, -more by perseverance than argument, succeeded in obtaining Sir Henry's -promise, that he would consent to their marriage taking place, as soon -as Frederick returned from the continent. Lady Eltondale well understood -that magic, which is the empire a strong mind exercises over a weaker; -and had so well worked on all the springs of poor Sir Henry's, that he -gave the required promise as explicitly as she demanded it; for she was -well aware, that if once she prevailed on him to give such a promise, -not even his deference to Mrs. Galton's opinion would induce him to -break it. But as of the tendency of that opinion Lady Eltondale had a -sort of presentiment, she wished to save herself the trouble of -combating it; and therefore prevailed on her brother not to mention it -during the short remainder of her stay at the Hall, on the pretence of -sparing her "dear Selina's feelings;" and as he was for many reasons -not unwilling to dismiss the subject from his thoughts, he agreed to the -required silence. - -The evening of that day, which sealed Selina's destiny, passed over -without any particular circumstance to mark its progress, save only that -Lady Eltondale was even, if possible, more attractive than ever. She -eminently possessed that "complaisance, which adopts the ideas of others -as its own; and all that politeness, in fine, which perhaps is not -virtue itself, yet is sometimes its captivating resemblance, which gives -laws to self-love, and enables pride to pass every instant by the side -of pride, without offending." This art she was in the daily habit of -exercising towards all her associates; but to delude or flatter Mrs. -Galton, Lady Eltondale always felt, was a task of no small difficulty. -Her penetration and her modesty were both too great to be easily evaded; -and her character was composed of such delicate tints, blended -insensibly into so admirable a whole, that to bring forward only one -part seemed to destroy that unity, which constituted its perfection. -Besides, Mrs. Galton was so true, so simple, in all she said, and -thought, and did, that she seemed sanctified by her own purity: and -though the artful viscountess could not feel all the beauty of such a -mind, its very greatness, unadorned as it was, impressed her with an awe -so unusual, that the stranger feeling degenerated into repugnance and -distrust. Yet even to her her manner on the eventful night was -complaisant in the extreme--to Sir Henry it was affectionate, to Selina -indulgent; and to Mordaunt a veil of tempered coquetry gave a dazzling -attraction to all her words, looks, and actions. In her intercourse with -him, she chose to avail herself of all the privileges she could derive -from her seniority; while the fascinations of her wit, the elegance of -her manner, and the real beauty of her person, gave her a dangerous -power over an unpractised heart, which the artless charms of -inexperienced youth dared not have used, and could scarcely have -possessed. Little aware were the innocent members of the circle she was -delighting, that her increased animation and her improved charms arose -from the glow of conscious pride, as she triumphantly reflected on the -success of her scheme; a scheme which, nevertheless, she had sufficient -penetration to discover, would blight the fairest prospects of those she -appeared most sedulous to please; and which might destroy for ever the -happiness of a scene, that, till the moment of her intrusion, had -bloomed another Paradise. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - Ah! gentle pair, ye little think, how nigh - Your change approaches, when all these delights - Will vanish, and deliver ye to wo, - More wo, the more your taste is now of joy! - - PARADISE LOST. - -The next morning, notwithstanding its being Sunday, was fixed for the -departure of the Eltondales for Cheltenham; as, in addition to Lady -Eltondale's dread of passing a Sunday evening at the Hall, the hallowed -day was one usually set apart by her and her obedient lord for -travelling. - -The whole of Sir Henry's household, unused to such an appropriation of -the Sabbath, was thrown into disorder. The arrival of the post horses; -the bustle and importance of the servants who were departing, with the -confusion of those who were to remain; the enumeration of the packages -by Madame La Fayette, who was, if possible, a finer lady than her -mistress; and the awkward, and perhaps not quite unintentional, mistakes -of her aides-de-camp the house-maids, in their arrangement, presented -altogether a scene of clamour that totally dismayed poor quiet Sir -Henry: and even Mrs. Galton could scarcely refrain from expressing a -part of her discomposure, at perceiving the slow progress, that was -actually making in the work of preparation, would effectually prevent -either the domestics or themselves joining their worthy pastor in his -public worship. At last Lady Eltondale appeared, to partake of what she -called the early breakfast; and before this affair, always so important -to the Viscount, was concluded, the different forms of farewell had been -gone through, and the last part of the train had fairly moved from the -door, the greatest portion of the morning was elapsed. Selina stood at -the library window, watching the rapid motion of the carriages, and the -spirited action of the postilions; as, cracking their whips over the -horses' heads, they turned out of the long avenue, and disappeared down -the hill. She listened for some time, involuntarily wishing to hear -again the sound of the carriage wheels; then turning suddenly round, and -casting her eye hastily over the dark damask hangings and massy -furniture of the room, wondered why she had never before seen it look so -gloomy as it now appeared. Mrs. Galton, who had silently marked the -changes of that countenance, which so eloquently depicted every passing -idea, now abruptly asked her, what she had been thinking of. Selina -started and colored. But, as yet, she had never been conscious of a -thought she would not wish to own; and, with her usual ingenuousness, -replied--"I wonder, Aunt, what sort of place Cheltenham is? How I -should like to go there!"--"I dare say, Lady Eltondale would gladly have -taken you there, Selina," replied Mrs. Galton, with a look of sadness, -blended with anxiety.--"But you don't think, surely, I should like to -leave you and Papa behind?--no; if you, and Papa, and Augustus, would -all come with me, I should be delighted to go! but not else." So saying, -she threw her polished arms round Mrs. Galton's neck, and kissing her -cheek with an effusion of affection, gave a gratifying and unequivocal -proof of the sincerity of her assertion. - -Meantime, Sir Henry had strolled out, leaning on the arm of Augustus: at -last, after a silence unusually prolonged, the Baronet exclaimed, "Good -Lord! bless my heart, who would have thought, this day se'ennight, that -Bell and Lord Eltondale would have been come and gone again by this -time?"--"She must have been very beautiful," returned Mordaunt. "Aye, -she was once very handsome indeed," replied Sir Henry.--"Bless my -heart, how time passes on! I remember the winter she was presented at -Court, how much she was admired! and good Lord! how things come about: -every body said she was to have been married to your uncle, Lord -Osselstone, though, I believe, there was never any truth in the report. -That was the very year you were born, Augustus, two-and-twenty years -ago, last Michaelmas. I have never been in London since; and, please -God, never shall!" Augustus had attended more to his own thoughts, than -to Sir Henry's observations; and would perhaps have continued his -reverie, had not the old man's silence had the effect of rousing him, -which his conversation had not. "I think," said he, at last, "Selina is -very like her aunt: her eyes, to be sure, sparkle more, and her -countenance is more animated, but her figure is nearly the same, if she -were but a very little taller."--"Aye," returned Sir Henry, with a -sigh, "Selina will grow a great deal yet, I dare say.--Well, to be sure, -who would have thought it? Bless my heart, she was but a child the other -day: and then," he added, after a few moment's pause, "I wonder what -sort of a chap that Frederick Elton is? I wonder will he like to play -backgammon with me of an evening, as Selina does? Poor girl! he mustn't -think of taking her to London, it would be the death of me, God help -me!" - -"Frederick Elton!" rejoined Augustus, "Good God, sir! what do you mean?" -"Aye, Augustus, I thought you would be surprised. Bless my heart! why, I -never should have thought of it myself. Do you know, Bell and Lord -Eltondale came all this way out of their road to ask my consent to -Selina's marrying his son Frederick Elton? It was very kind of them to -think of it, to be sure; but I had rather they hadn't troubled -themselves." "Well, sir, well surely, Sir Henry, you didn't give it?" -"Bless my heart! well, to be sure, what makes you stare so?--to be sure -I gave it. What had I to say against the young man? and Bell told me he -would always like to live here." "And Selina, Miss Seymour, has given -her consent too?" "Oh, poor child! she knows nothing about it yet;--I -haven't told her a word of it.--But what makes you shiver so? Are you -cold? Why, Augustus, boy, you look as pale as ashes! Good Lord!--Bless -my heart, what's the matter with you?" "Nothing, sir, I've only a -confounded head-ache, which a ride will cure." So saying, he turned -abruptly from Sir Henry, who had by this time reached the hall door, and -resumed his knotty cane. "Good Lord! well to be sure, he's not half so -happy about it as I expected he would have been. I wonder what Mrs. -Galton will say." And the doubt of the possibility of her not approving -the plan, as he knew she was not partial to Lady Eltondale's plans in -general, made him at first hesitate about informing her. But the habit -he had acquired of consulting her on all occasions, and a certain -restless anxiety, which persons of weak minds always feel to have their -opinions or actions sanctioned by others, at last preponderated; and he -retired to his study, after sending to request to speak to Mrs. Galton, -fortifying himself, previous to her appearance, with as many of Lady -Eltondale's arguments as he could recal to his disturbed memory. - -Mrs. Galton was not as entirely unprepared for the communication as poor -Augustus had been. She knew enough of Lady Eltondale's character to -surmise, that her sudden re-appearance at Deane Hall could neither have -been unpremeditated or without design; and, from some hints which Lady -Eltondale had casually dropped in the course of conversation, her -penetration had led her to form some tolerably accurate surmises on the -subject. When, therefore, she entered the study, she was more grieved -than surprised at the looks of painful emotion, with which Sir Henry -received her. The poor old man, embarrassed with his own thoughts, began -with more circumlocution than explicitness, to relate the circumstances, -and ended a most perplexed speech by abruptly informing Mrs. Galton of -the proposal. "It is as I expected," calmly replied she. "Aye! aye!" -exclaimed the delighted Baronet, "I knew if any one would guess it you -would.--I should never have thought of it myself." "But have you given -your consent, Sir Henry?" "Given my consent--Good Lord! what do you -mean! Well to be sure, all the world's run mad to-day, I think! Why, -bless my heart! didn't you say it was what you expected?" "I could not -expect; my dear sir, that you would give your consent to any proposal on -which the future happiness of Selina's whole life depends, without -deliberation, and a proper understanding and consideration of her -feelings on the subject." "But, good Lord! I tell you again I _have_ -given my consent." "Not irrevocably, I hope, Sir Henry; you know nothing -of Mr. Elton's character, taste, or disposition; you know nothing.--" -"God forgive me for being in a passion," interrupted Sir Henry, "but the -perverseness of women is enough to provoke a saint, which, the Lord help -me, I'm not.--But you know, Mrs. Galton," continued he, in a more -moderate tone, "you know Frederick Elton is a connection of our -own;--and as for our not being acquainted with him--don't you remember -he came here from school one Easter holidays, and gave Selina the -measles by the same token, poor child!" "Forgive me, Sir Henry," calmly -replied Mrs. Galton, "but I do not think that is knowing him well enough -to decide on his title to Selina's esteem; and, believe me, that dear -girl will never be happy unless she marries a man she not only esteems -but loves." "Well, and didn't Lady Eltondale tell me Selina would -certainly love Frederick Elton? She says he is twice as handsome as -Augustus Mordaunt; which, good Lord! is unnecessary, for Augustus, poor -boy, is as fine a young man as ever I saw in my life." "Aye, poor -Augustus!" sorrowfully exclaimed Mrs. Galton, "he would indeed have been -happy with Selina, and God knows, he is the character that of all others -would best have suited her." "Augustus Mordaunt, Mrs. Galton! Well to be -sure! Good Lord! who would have thought of that! However, poor boy, -though I don't give him Selina, I'll take care to give him something -else--he shall never be dependent on that old uncle of his." - -Mrs. Galton saw it was in vain to contend at that moment with the -Baronet, who was fully convinced that his promise was irrevocable, and -that after all it was the best thing he could do, for Bell had told him -so. All that Mrs. Galton could procure was a promise no less positive, -that he would not give Selina the most distant hint of the project, by -which she hoped not only to prolong her present days of peace, but also -faintly flattered herself, that something might occur to prevent their -union, between then and the time of Mr. Elton's return from abroad. - -In the mean time Augustus prosecuted his useless ride-- - - "Il va monter en cheval pour bannir son ennui, - Le chagrin monte en croupe et galoppe après lui." - -Finding solitary reflection rather increased than cured his malady, he -at last determined to open his heart, to his reverend friend, Mr. -Temple; and, alighting at the parsonage, sent his servant back to the -hall, to say he should not return to dinner--an intimation which -considerably increased the gloom which pervaded the countenance of each -individual of the trio, that was seated in silence round the -dinner-table. Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton were each occupied by their own -reflections; and Selina felt depressed, not only by the unusual absence -of Augustus, but also from the effects of that vacuum, which the -departure of guests, however few in number, always makes in a country -house. After dinner she strolled listlessly from one room to another; -took up and laid down, alternately, all the books that lay on the -library table; sauntered to the harpsichord, and played parts of several -anthems, without finishing any, and stopping every five minutes, in the -vain belief that she heard the trampling of Mordaunt's horse. At last, -at an hour long before her usual bed-time, she retired to her room, -wondering what could keep him so late, and thinking she had never spent -so long, so tiresome an evening; whilst she involuntarily contrasted it -with the hours winged on swiftest pinions, which the fascinations of -Lady Eltondale's manners had so delightfully beguiled the night before. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - ----Men - Can counsel and give comfort to that grief, - Which they themselves not feel. - - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. - - -Augustus met with his usual kind reception at the parsonage; nor was it -long before he found the opportunity he wished of consulting his -earliest and most revered friend; for Mrs. Temple quickly perceived, -that something hung heavy on the bosom of this young man, whom she loved -almost as a son, and therefore soon retired from the dinner-table, -leaving the two gentlemen _tête à tête_, believing that he would find as -much comfort as she ever did, from conversing freely with him who was -"her guide, her head;" for, like our first parents, they lived, "he for -God only, she for God in him." - -No sooner did Augustus find himself alone with Mr. Temple, than his -oppressed heart found a ready vent, and he poured into the sympathetic -ear of his reverend auditor a full detail of all his feelings. He had -first discovered how ardently he loved Selina, at the moment he had -learned she was destined for another; and he described, with all the -eloquence of passion, the agony, the despair he now experienced. Mr. -Temple had not yet forgotten what it was to love; and, "though time had -thinn'd his flowing hair," his feelings had not yet become torpid under -its benumbing influence. He could listen with patience, and even pity, -to the wild effusions of his favourite's grief, while he waited calmly -till the first burst of passion should subside, and leave room for the -exercise of sober reason.--"Come, come, my dear Augustus," said he, at -last, "your case is neither a singular nor a desperate one: there are -very few young men of your age, that do not fancy themselves as deeply -in love as you do now, and, of the number, not one in five hundred marry -the object of their first choice: indeed it is often very fortunate for -them they do not."--"But Selina Seymour! where is such another woman to -be found?" exclaimed Augustus: and then, with all a lover's vehemence, -did he expatiate on her "matchless charms." "I grant you," replied Mr. -Temple, "she is a very delightful girl; and, as far as we can judge, is -likely to make a most estimable woman. But you know her disposition is -naturally volatile in the extreme, and much of her future character will -depend on her future guides. Well, well, we will not dispute on the -degree of her merits," continued Mr. Temple, seeing Mordaunt ready to -take up the gauntlet in her defence;--"hear me only with calmness, and I -will promise to confine my observations as much as I can to yourself. -You know, my dear boy, you are yet very young, and very inexperienced. -It is true you have been three years at Oxford. But of the world you may -literally be said to know nothing. Selina is now certainly the most -charming woman you have yet seen; but how can you be sure she will -always hold her pre-eminence in your estimation? Aye, my dear fellow, -you need not tell me;--I know you are at this moment perfectly convinced -of your own inviolable constancy, and so forth. But let me tell you, you -do not yourself know yet what would, and what would not, constitute your -happiness in a wedded life. The girl, whose vivacity and animation we -delight in at seventeen, may turn out a frivolous and even contemptible -character at seven and twenty. And can you picture to yourself a greater -calamity, than being obliged to drag on the lengthened chain of -existence with a companion, to whose fate yours is linked for ever, -without one tone of feeling in unison with yours; to whom your pleasures -and your griefs are alike unknown, or, if known, never comprehended; and -where every misery is aggravated by a certainty that your fate is -irremediable--when - - 'Life nothing blighter or darker can bring;' - -when - - 'Joy has no balm, and affliction no sting?' - -"It is very true that you think now, because Selina's pursuits have -hitherto been similar to yours, that her character must likewise be in -sympathy with yours. But, though I grant that it appears so now, I deny -that it is in any way so formed as to be safely depended on. She is very -young and very docile; and, believe me, her disposition, chameleon-like, -will, most probably, take the shade of whomsoever she associates -with:--'_Dimmi con chi vai, e vi diso quel che fai_[6].' You say, if -you were her husband you would be her guide; and that similitude of -character, now faintly traced, would be confirmed for ever. But without -dwelling on the argument, that your own is yet scarcely formed, let me -remind you, that Selina is even still more ignorant of the world than -yourself. Let me ask you, even in this moment of unrestrained passion, -would you consent to accept that dear innocent girl's hand, without a -certainty that with it you received her heart? And how could you be -certain of her affection, till time and experience, by maturing her -judgment, had confirmed her feelings? How, Augustus, would you support -the conviction, nay the bare suspicion, that when, as your wife, you -first introduced her to that world from which she has hitherto lived so -totally secluded, she should meet with another, whom she even thought -she could have preferred to you; and, while you continued to gaze on her -with the eye of tenderest love, you found your heart's warm offering -received with the cold petrifying glance of indifference? You shudder at -the very thought. Think, then, how the arrow that wounded you would be -doubly sharpened, if the slanderous tooth of envy galled your fair fame, -by accusing you of having secured to yourself Sir Henry Seymour's -property by marrying his heiress, before the poor girl was old enough to -judge for herself. What, then, my dear boy," said Mr. Temple, grasping -his hand with a fervour almost paternal, whilst his eyes swam in tears, -"What, then, Augustus, is the result of these observations, more painful -to me to make than to you to hear? You acknowledge you would not even -wish to marry Selina under these existing circumstances. What then is -your misery? Look at it boldly in the face; and, trust me, few are the -anticipated evils of life, which, by being steadily gazed at, do not -dwindle into insignificance. Lord Eltondale has proposed his son to be -Miss Seymour's husband; and the match is sufficiently desirable, in a -worldly point of view, to obtain Sir Henry Seymour's consent. But -Selina, you say, knows nothing of it yet, and has never seen Mr. Elton. -What then does it all come to? Why, when she does see him, if she does -not like him, do you think her father would force her to marry him? and -if she should like him, would you accept her hand, even if it were -offered to you?" - -[Footnote 6: Tell me with whom she goes, and I'll tell you what she -does.] - -Mr. Temple had not so long continued his discourse without frequent -interruptions from Augustus, who could not at first easily be persuaded -to assent to assertions, which tended to destroy the fairy dream of -bliss that floated in his imagination. By degrees, however, as his -judgment cooled, he acceded to the plain but severe truths which Mr. -Temple uttered; while the deference and regard, which his pupil had -always felt for the excellent old man, served still more effectually to -obtain the conviction he aimed at, than even the logical strength of his -reasoning. - -By degrees, Mordaunt not only confessed the truth of his remarks, but -submitted to the wise plan of conduct, which Mr. Temple laid down for -him. - -He proposed that Augustus should immediately leave the hall, and return -to the prosecution of his studies at Oxford, leaving to time not only -the development of Selina's character, but also the proof of to what -extent he was actually attached to her. - -Their conversation was prolonged to a late hour; and when Mordaunt -returned home, the family had all retired to rest, and the door was -opened by a servant, who, at the same time, shaded with his hand the -glimmering candle, which but partially illuminated the darkly -wain-scotted hall. Augustus felt a chill creep through his veins as he -quickly traversed it; and walking mechanically into the empty -drawing-room, stopped a few minutes in melancholy silence. The music -Selina had been playing was carelessly strewed over the harpsichord; the -sermon book, in which Mrs. Galton had been reading, was laid open on the -table; and Sir Henry's knotted cane had fallen down beside the chair, in -which he usually took his evening nap. A sort of involuntary reflection -passed through the mind of Augustus, that he might never again meet -those three beloved individuals in that room, which had hitherto been to -him the scene of his happiest hours; and shrinking from the melancholy -train of ideas which this reflection gave birth to, he hastily retired -to his room, though not to rest. Many a time, during that wakeful night, -did the same reflection cross his mind; and many a time, in his future -life, did it recur to his recollection with a poignant force. So often -does it happen that melancholy fancies, occasioned in the mind by the -temporary pressure of sorrow, are recalled to the memory by subsequent -events, and, dignified by the accidental confirmation of casual -circumstances, receive the name of _prophetic warnings_. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - _Sneer._--True; but I think you manage ill: for there certainly - appears no reason why Mr. Walter should be so communicative. - - _Puff._--For, egad now, that is one of the most ungrateful - observations I ever heard;--for the less inducement he has to tell - all this, the more I think you ought to be obliged to him; for I am - sure you'd know nothing of the matter without it. - - _Dangle._--That's very true, upon my word. - - THE CRITIC. - - -Augustus rose next morning at the first dawn of light; and, anxious to -avoid seeing Selina, whilst agitated by the unhappy feelings that had -now taken possession of his mind, left the hall before any of the family -were up, and in a short note, excused the abruptness of his departure, -by informing Sir Henry, that he had the evening before received at the -village a letter, to inform him that his Oxford friends had set out on -their long promised excursion to the lakes. - -Selina, though totally unconscious of the real cause of his absence, -felt it with unusual acuteness, which Mrs. Galton remarked with regret, -and for some time vainly endeavoured to turn her thoughts into their -usual channel. At length they were in some degree diverted by the -arrival of a letter from Lady Eltondale to Sir Henry, enclosing one from -Frederick Elton to his father; for Sir Henry's noble sister was fully -aware, that it was adviseable to remind him, from time to time, of the -existence of this young man, that such reminiscence might refresh his -memory as to his promise respecting him. - -Mr. Elton had been three years abroad, during which time he had kept up -a constant though not very confidential correspondence with his father; -for, dreading Lady Eltondale's satire, and knowing she was in the habit -of reading all his letters, he pictured to himself her smile of -contempt, or shrug of pity, at what she would term his romance, with a -repugnance he could not summon resolution to encounter: so that, though -his colloquial intercourse with his father was that of the most perfect -confidence, his written communications might have been posted on a -gateway, without the smallest detriment to his prospects in life. But, -as he thus felt himself debarred of the happiness of expressing, without -reserve, to his first and best friend, all his feelings and wishes, he -endeavoured to console himself for this deprivation, by a most -undisguised correspondence with a Mr. Sedley, with whom he had formed a -friendship during their academical course in the university of -Cambridge, where they had both been honourably distinguished. - -About twelve months before Lady Eltondale's visit to Deane Hall, Mr. -Sedley had received the first of the following letters, and seven -months after its arrival the two latter, though of different dates, -reached him on the same day: of course they did not meet the eye of the -viscountess, so that she remained ignorant of their contents; but even -had she known them entirely, no consideration for Frederick's -_happiness_ would for an instant have caused her to waver in her plan -for promoting his _prosperity_, as on the fulfilment of her long -meditated scheme for this purpose depended the possibility of her future -continuance in the London world. - - MR. ELTON, TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Catania, January 9. ---- - - If you have received the various letters I have written to you, my - dear Sedley, since I left England, you are perfectly _au fait_ of - all my rambles; and of my perils, and "hair-breadth 'scapes" by - sea and by land, beginning with a shipwreck on the island of - Rhodes, and ending with the dangers I encountered in paying my - compliments to the Dey of Algiers: if not I must refer you to my - note book, as a twice told tale is still more tedious to the - relater than to the hearer. You must not be incredulous, if said - manuscript should contain many wonderful adventures; but I have met - with something more rare, more "passing strange," than all the - marvels it describes: a woman I _can_ love! nay, that, for my very - soul, I could not help loving if I would; and, to say truth, at - present I do not wish to make the experiment. - - You see, Sedley, you were in the main no bad prophet. When we were - together, I forswore all womankind in the way of matrimony, because - I was disgusted with the manoeuvres of title-hunting mamas, and - the _agaceries_ of their varnished daughters, who have little - distinction but name, and nothing to guide a selection in the mass - of resemblance--nothing to mark their identity--except a scruple, - more or less, of folly or coquetry! Now don't plume yourself too - much on your penetration; you were not altogether right, it was not - the Gallic "_Erycina ridens, quam Jocus circumvolat et Cupido_[7]," - who captivated me.--Man seeks in man his fellow, but in woman his - contrary; and I am too volatile to be touched by a creature as - thoughtless as myself. I should not say as _thoughtless_, but as - _gay_; for their heads are continually filled with schemes to - excite admiration, or ensure conquest: besides, the Parisian belle - is only the more spirited original, of which our own girl of - fashion is the elegant but insipid translation. Having told you - those I do _not_ like, it is time to give you a faint, a very - faint, idea of her I _do_ admire.--But let me go on regularly, and - tell you first how I happened to meet with her. - - [Footnote 7: Laughing Venus, encircled by Love and Joy.] - - At Palermo there is a very numerous, if not good society, made up - of shreds and patches of the staple manufacture of all nations, but - principally of the English produce. You know, it is my practice to - profit, when abroad, by that of whatever country I may happen to be - in, as our own is to be had better and at a cheaper rate at home. - Impressed with this idea, I procured some introductions to the - principal nobility of this enchanting place, where, I understood, - there was a delightful native society, and the gentlemanly - amusements of drinking and gambling (the only ones to be found at - Palermo and Messina) were nearly superseded by those afforded by - music, dancing, and literary conversation. I have not been - disappointed; and if you should ever come to Sicily, I advise you - to take up your abode here, and I will introduce you to all my - acquaintance, with _one_ exception. About four months ago, I found - myself, one evening, at the Marchese Di Rosalba's, listening to - some exquisite music: I was as melancholy as a poet in love, for "I - am never merry when I hear sweet music;" when my eyes happened to - rest on a lady, whose image will never leave my mind. - - From the looks of the gentleman who accompanied her, I soon - discovered that the fair creature, who rested on his arm, was his - daughter. In his face was a strangely mingled expression of - habitual care, and present pleasure; his forehead was furrowed in a - thousand wrinkles, and the feverish glare of his eye spoke a mind - ill at ease: but when he turned to his daughter, to point out to - her notice, in the tacit language of the eye, any beautiful passage - in the music, he looked like a saint raised from his penance by a - vision of celestial nature. Her countenance formed the most perfect - contrast to his; it was the abode of peace, which seemed to repose - in her eye; her whole outline of face and form was so perfect, that - a sculptor might have taken her as a model for the statue that - Pygmalion worshipped; and, like him, I longed to see the beauteous - image waken to incipient thought--I was not long ungratified--its - apparent absence was only the effect of the music, which, to use - her own expression "_fait tout rêver et ne rien penser_." When she - joined in conversation her ever varying countenance resembled a - mirror, which transmits to our eye every passing image, (though the - polished surface is itself unmasked by any), and, like it, owing - its animation to the strong reflecting power gained from within. I - could not decide then, and I cannot tell you even now, whether I - most admire the angelic placidity of her countenance when silent, - or its luminous brilliancy, when her ideas and feelings are called - forth in interesting conversation. At such moments the brightness - of her soul is reflected in her eyes, and the lambent flame, which - then plays in them, seems, like the summer's lightning, to open a - Heaven to our view. - - You will easily suppose I lost no time in introducing myself to her - notice: she received my attentions in the most unembarrassed - manner--not courting--not repulsing them, but seeming to consider - them as justly due to her sex, and her rank in society. These - attentions I have not ceased to pay at every possible opportunity - since that delightful evening, and my admiration grows stronger - every day. I find her conversation truly charming; and I devoutly - believe it would be so were she externally the reverse of what she - is; for, in speaking, "she makes one forget every thing--even her - own beauty." She has not found out, that her extensive knowledge is - any thing to be ashamed of. But, poor thing! a short residence in - England would teach her that! She neither conceals nor displays - her acquirements. The stream of thought, in _her_ mind, flows, not - like the little mountain torrent, swelled by accidental rains, - exceeding every bound, and defacing the fair soil it should adorn; - but, like the fertilizing river, - - "Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull, - Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full." - - In the beginning of our acquaintance we conversed in Italian, but - as I was not very fluent, she politely adopted the French language - as the circulating medium of our commerce, and I was half sorry for - it; for besides the beauty of Italian in her mouth, her - good-natured smile, when I eked out my scanty stock with a word or - two of Latin, pleased me better than all the rest, it was so - encouragingly kind, so _untutored_! - - I soon found out she had a quick sense of the ridiculous, but only - because sharp-sighted people cannot go through the world with their - eyes shut. She forbears, from the benevolence of her heart, to use - the powers of ridicule her penetration furnishes her with; and I - admire her the more for having at command an arsenal of wit, with - so many polished weapons unused. We are always attached to the - generous enemy, who can strike, but spares! - - I have been so delighted with the employment of defining to myself, - for the first time, my ideas of the object of my admiration, that - (pardon me, my dear Sedley) I quite forgot they were to be read by - another; and, perhaps, should have gone on till to-morrow, had not - my servant, coming to inquire if my letters were ready to be - conveyed to the ship which is to carry them to England, roused me - from my soliloquy, (if you will permit me to extend this expression - to writing). - - I would not display the amulet, which guards my heart by its potent - charm, to any eye but yours; but I cannot, even in this instance, - depart from my usual habit of confidence in you; therefore, here - goes my unread rhapsody. - - Yours, dear Sedley, ever truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Catania, March 5, ---- - - My dear Sedley, - - About two months ago I sent you my confession, which you have no - doubt received and answered, ere this. It was no sooner gone than I - repented I had sent it, thinking it would have been wiser to - endeavour to restrain my perhaps unrequited passion, than to run - the risk of confirming it, by imparting it to another. This was - only the escort of a long train of reflections, which ended in a - resolution to leave Catania immediately; and in order to divert my - mind from the train of thought that had seized it, I resolved to - visit Mount Etna, in company with a party of Savans, assembled for - that purpose at this place. We had all the _de quoi_ for a most - amusing excursion, men of real science and literature, and still - more entertaining pretenders to both; amongst the latter I held a - distinguished rank, for in my zeal to acquire the "hardest - science," _ere_ "taught a lover yet," I mistook one mineral for - another, and miscalled every plant I met; indeed, I might give you - a long list of similar blunders, that raised many a learned - shoulder and eye-brow to the altitude of contemptuous surprise! - - After the descent from the mountain, I insensibly separated myself - from all the party, whose weak senses I had so much astonished; and - wandering about the exquisite scenery at the base of Etna, I was - more than ever possessed by feelings I had endeavoured to stifle; - - Pour chasser de sa souvenance - L'objet qui plait, - On se donne tant de souffrance, - Pour si peu d'effet! - Une si douce fantaisie, - Toujours revient, - Et en songeant qu'on doit l'oublier, - On s'en souvient[8]. - - [Footnote 8: - - From mem'ry's length'ning chain to part - The object that we love, - How vain the pang that rends the heart, - What fruitless grief we prove! - The dear idea, cherish'd yet, - Returns still o'er and o'er, - And thinking that we should forget, - Impresses it the more. - ] - - So to make a long story short, here I am again at Catania, for the - purpose of making myself quite sure, that Adelina is as charming as - my imagination has depicted her. I really don't think she is, for I - certainly did not love her half so much when I was with her as I - do now; perhaps my _mind_ was so much amused by her conversation, - that little room was left for the expansion of the _feelings_; but - they are unrestrained in absence, and its melancholy regrets are, I - verily believe, more powerful than the most potent present charm. - If Adelina is the superior character I take her for, I see no one - good reason why she should not be my wife: I have, on considering - the matter more maturely, put to flight the phantoms I had raised - previous to my departure from this place. - - My father, when twice my age, (with therefore half the excuse) - married for love, therefore why should not I? - - I am sure he will give me no opposition, for he has always been a - most indulgent parent, and on a point where my happiness is so much - concerned, I feel convinced my wishes would be his. Whenever he - has, on points of minor importance, wavered in the least, my - charming step-dame has always used her influence, to decide him in - my favour, therefore I am certain of her support. Indeed what can - my father object to in Adelina? He cannot surely want fortune for - me? I do not know whether Adelina is or is not possessed of this - root of all evil, but if she is not, it is the only want she can - possibly have. - - But all this is for an after-thought, the preamble must be to gain - Adelina's consent: she has shown me no particular preference as - yet, but I am determined to think she will not withhold it; _Qui - timidè rogat docet negare_[9], and the conviction of the success of - our plans so often ensures it! - - [Footnote 9: Who timidly asks teaches to deny.] - - With these hopes I am now as happy, as I was miserable a short time - ago. What fools we are to throw away the bliss we might enjoy, at - the suggestions of that preposterous prudence, that leads us to - seek for flaws in the short leases of happiness that are granted to - us, and which, after all, when they expire are renewable at - pleasure, if we would but pay the necessary fine, by sacrificing - our proud splenetic discontents. Hypochondriac spirits may say as - they like; but I will maintain, that to those who make the best of - it, this is a very delightful world! - - The Marchese di Rosalba has promised to take me to-morrow to the - Villa Marinella, where Adelina always goes with her father in the - beginning of spring. I shall establish my head quarters within two - or three miles of it at Aci reale, through which flows the river - immortalized by the loves of Acis and Galatea; and if my Galatea - should prove equally kind, no mental or corporeal giant shall - destroy our happiness. - - Ever yours, dear Sedley, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - ----He says he loves my daughter, - I think so too: for never gaz'd the moon - Upon the water, as he'll stand and read - As t'were, my daughter's eyes: and to be plain, - I think there is not half a kiss to choose, - Who loves another best. - If young Doricles - Do marry with her, she'll bring him that - Which he not dreams of. - - SHAKESPEARE. - - - Mr. ELTON TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Aci reale, July 15, - - My dear Sedley, - - I believe I informed you, in the beginning of spring, of my - intention of coming to this beautiful place, on account of its - vicinity to the Villa Marinella, the residence of "La belle - Adelina," - - (the appellation my fair one is known by at Catania). I have - accomplished almost domesticating myself at this charming villa. I - did not give its inhabitants the alarm at first, wishing to - ingratiate myself in their favour before they should be aware of - the object I had in view. My appearance excited no surprise, as Aci - reale was such a natural place for me to choose for my abode at - this fine season, from the facilities it affords for examining at - leisure all the natural wonders of Etna, and all the wonders of art - displayed in the antiquities of Taurominium. Adelina and I - conversed on the beautiful ruins of Syracuse; of course, I could - not do less than go there to take drawings of them, and she was - equally bound in gratitude to examine them most minutely in my - presence. One day her father, rather abruptly, asked me if I - understood _perspective_? I said I was at that moment studying it, - and thought it a most delightful employment! He was concerned that - so much good inclination should be thrown away, so insisted on - teaching me; and to make the matter worse, took the most abstruse - method of doing it. To make a good impression on him I was obliged - to brush up my rusty mathematics, and I assure you it required no - small self-command to fix my attention on the points of _sight_ and - points of _distance_ he expatiated on; whilst my mind was busily - employed in settling these points to my satisfaction, as they - regarded Adelina and myself. We have now got on a more agreeable - subject, which gives us many delightful hours' - conversation--namely, the beauties natural and artificial of this - island. On my second visit to the Villa Marinella, I was taken into - a saloon adorned with specimens of every thing Sicily could boast - of: the floor was mosaic, of all her different marbles; the - hangings of Sicilian silk; the walls were embellished with the - paintings of Velasquez--in vases, of the alabaster of the country, - bloomed every fragrant flower it produced. There was a cabinet of - beautiful workmanship containing highly wrought amber, coral, and - cameos; and a Sicilian museum and library of all the best books - extant, of native authors ancient and modern, completed the - collection. Amongst the moderns Adelina particularly pointed out to - me the works of the Abate Ferrara, of Balsamo, Bourigni, and the - exquisite poems of Melli and Guegli: the contents of this room - afford us constant discussion. Nothing can exceed the beauty of - this villa; the hand of taste has been impressed on it from the - first stone to the last: it is seated in a rich vale at the foot of - Etna, from which pours many a stream in foamy swiftness. The sea is - seen, here and there, like a smooth glassy lake, through the dark - foliage of magnificent forest trees, whose sombre hues are - admirably contrasted with the brilliant tints of the orange and - the vine. The myrtle, the rose, and all the choicest favourites of - Flora are "poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain." The - beauty of the sky, the balmy fragrance of the air, and the - classical and poetical associations which the surrounding scenery - brings to the mind, conspire to give a charm to this delightful - spot, which no words can convey to the mind of one who has not - roamed amidst its enchantments, and still less can language do - justice to the feelings of him who has! - - Adelina is just the being you would fancy such a scene should - produce; no cloud of sorrow, or of error, seems ever to have thrown - on her its dark shade; serene in conscious virtue and happiness, - and resplendent in mental and physical loveliness, - - "She walks in beauty, like the night - Of cloudless climes and starry skies." - - I have this day said to this charming creature every thing that - man can say, except those four words, "Will you marry me?" and was - proceeding to give them utterance, when I was most unseasonably - interrupted. From her surprise and confusion I augur well; whenever - I am secure of my happiness you shall know it, but perhaps you are - tired of all this, and are ready to say with Virgil, - - Sicelides musæ, paullo majora canamus; - Non omnes arbusta juvant, humilesque myricæ[10]. - - Yours ever, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -[Footnote 10: - - Sicilian muse, begin a loftier strain; - The lowly shrubs and trees that shade the plain - Delight not all. - - - DRYDEN. -] - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Aci reale, August 3, ---- - - Upon my soul, Sedley, you are a pretty father confessor, and give - pious admonition! - - I am quite _indignant_ at your answer to my first letter from - Catania; either you or I must be greatly changed since we parted. I - don't think our friendship could ever have been formed, if in the - first instance our sentiments had been so dissimilar. I must - honestly tell you, that if you ever write me such another letter - about Adelina, our correspondence ceases on that head. It is true - this charming Sicilian maid is fairer than Proserpine; but am I - Pluto, that could tear her from the arms of her fond parent, and - from the bright sphere she now moves in, to condemn her to the - shades of woe, from which she could know no return? So powerfully - do I feel "the might, the majesty of loveliness," that such a - thought never entered my head, nor would it yours, if you had ever - seen her; for one glance of her angelic eye would, like the touch - of Ithuriel's spear, put to flight all the offspring of evil. Since - I wrote to you last, Adelina's manner to me has totally changed; I - scarcely ever see her when I come to the villa. I can't tell what - to attribute this to, unless she thinks I have said too much and - too little. The matter shan't rest long in doubt;--her father goes - to Catania to-morrow, and I will take that opportunity for a - complete explanation. I cannot tell you how much I dread the crisis - of my fate so near at hand! No folly of my own shall deprive me of - a wife possessed of every charm, and every virtue, that can sweeten - or adorn life. If it did, I should deserve to be condemned to that - matrimonial limbo my father and his frigid Venus are so pitiably - bound in. I would prefer to such a trial the most ardent Purgatory! - A wife so charming and so unloving would drive me mad! - - Yours truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -A few months after the date of this last letter, Mr. Sedley received one -from his friend, written at Paris, but probably from pique at the style -of raillery in which he had continued to express his ideas on the -subject of his love for "_La bella Adelina_," Mr. Elton never afterwards -mentioned her name; and therefore, from that period, those Sedley -received contained nothing of sufficient interest to present to the -reader, who will now, however, have little difficulty in guessing the -motive of the visit to Sicily, which Frederick mentions his intention of -paying, in the letter which Lady Eltondale forwarded to Sir Henry -Seymour, of which the subjoined is a copy. The "hopes and fears" he -there speaks of, she supposed, alluded to some diplomatic appointments, -as, for several months past, all his attention appeared to have been -devoted to politics. And, whilst his father exulted in the hope of one -day seeing the son he was so proud of "Minister Plenipotentiary" at -Berlin, Petersburg, or Vienna, his fair spouse thought, with her usual -sarcasm, "Frederick Elton is, no doubt, peculiarly qualified to carry on -or develope the intrigues of a court, with his ridiculously romantic -generosity, and high spirit, and candour! His elegant manner and his -handsome person would carry every point he wished, if he would but avail -himself of the influence these advantages would give him with the -females, who are all-powerful in such scenes;--but the youth is much too -high flown to have common sense on such matters. My Lord Eltondale is as -silly on this subject as on all others, to wish to see his son in a -situation where his _mal-adresse_ will undoubtedly cover him with -disgrace!" - - MR. ELTON TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE. - - Paris, July 25, ---- - - My dear Father, - - I hope to be able to give you a satisfactory answer to your - question of "How do you spend your time at Paris?" for I have been - constantly employed, during the last year, in endeavouring to - acquire the political information necessary for the public career - you have chalked out for me; and this course of study I have - pursued with increased ardour, since my return to this capital, - with the congregation, not of preachers, but of kings, in order to - compensate for the unpleasant interruption my pursuits received in - spring from the marvellous apparition of the resuscitated French - Emperor. I am now tired of being a gentleman at large; and if you - will insist on my shining as an orator in the British senate, my - maiden speech ought shortly to be made, for being five and twenty, - I think I have no time to lose. - - I see the time approach, which we agreed on for my return to - England, with a pleasure that is unalloyed by a shade of regret, as - the Continent contains no object whatever of interest to me. I - hope to add much to your stock of agricultural knowledge, as I have - made the various modes of practising that useful art one of my - principal objects of inquiry; and from Syria to Picardy I think I - shall be able to describe the present processes of husbandry to - your satisfaction. After all, perhaps, you will find me only an - ignoramus, though I fancy myself quite an adept. - - I set off to-morrow to pay a short visit to Sicily. You will, no - doubt, be surprised at this retrograde movement; but should my - mission prove successful, I will explain the cause of it when we - meet, as I cannot trust my motives to paper; and if I do not carry - my wishes into execution, you will, I am sure, spare me the pain of - recapitulating them. But until my hopes and fears are at an end, I - at least shall not repose on a "bed of roses." - - I cannot well express my anxiety to see you, my ever kind father, - after so long an absence! Pray remember me to Lady Eltondale. I am - sorry she should so far impeach my gallantry, as to suppose it - possible I could leave the letters of so fair a correspondent - unanswered. I hope ere this the receipt of mine will have induced - her to do me justice; if not, pray be my intercessor. - - By the ship Mary, bound for Plymouth, I sent Lady Eltondale some - Sicilian vases and cameos, with a few bottles of ottar of roses, - and some turquoises I procured at Constantinople. If her Ladyship - has not received them, will you have the goodness to cause the - necessary inquiries to be made at the office of my agent in London, - to whom they were directed. - - Believe me, my dear Lord, - - Respectfully and affectionately yours, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -Sir Henry Seymour, with an air of triumph, gave the above letter to -Selina to read out to her aunt; at the same time casting a look at Mrs. -Galton, as much as to say, "You see I was quite right. I have provided a -husband for Selina, that we shall all be proud of." But her reflection -on hearing it was, "I trust my affectionate, innocent, candid Selina is -not destined to marry a cold-hearted designing politician. In what a -style of heartless politeness does Mr. Elton speak of his father's wife! -I fear he will treat his own in the same spirit of frigid -etiquette;--indeed, nothing better is to be hoped, from the example he -has always witnessed in his own domestic scene." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - How hang those trappings on thy motley gown? - They seem like garlands on the May-day queen! - - DE MONTFORD. - - -Soon after the family at Deane Hall had lost the society of Augustus -Mordaunt, they had accepted an invitation to dine at Webberly Mouse. The -appointed day having arrived, and Cecilia Webberly, being fully attired -for the reception of the expected guests, placed herself in a negligent -attitude near one of the windows of her mother's drawing-room, with a -book in her hand, not for the purpose of reading, but for that of -tossing it into a chair, conveniently set for the occasion, as she had -seen Lady Eltondale throw her bonnet the evening of her unexpected -arrival at Deane Hall. - -There could not, however, be a greater contrast, than the full-blown -Cecilia Webberly presented, to the elegant fragile Viscountess. Full one -half of her massive figure stood confessed to sight, without a single -particle of drapery. Her immense shoulders projected far above her -sleeve; in truth, her arm was bare half way to her elbow, and her back -in emulation nearly to her waist, whose circumference might well be -termed the _Arctic circle_, as it was described at that distance from -the pole, which exactly marked the boundary of those regions of eternal -snow which rose on its upper verge. Her petticoats, descending but -little below the calf of her leg, displayed its "ample round" to the -utmost advantage. - -But, to counterbalance this nudity, that moiety of her terrestrial -frame, which was clothed, was loaded with ornaments and puffings of all -descriptions, with reduplicated rows of lace and riband, which most -injudiciously increased her natural bulk; and the little covering which -was above her waist, differing in colour and texture from that below, -made the apparent seem still less than the real length of her garments. -Nor did Cecilia's countenance and manner more nearly resemble Lady -Eltondale than her dress and figure, as what was quiet elegance in the -latter, might, without any great breach of Christian charity, be -mistaken for stupid insipidity in the former. - -Miss Webberly had not yet finished the repetition of her anticipated -_impromptus_; and her mother had left the room to reiterate her -directions about the dinner, so that the fair attitudinist had no -spectator of her various rehearsals, except the unaffected Adelaide. - - "And what was her garb?-- - "I cannot well describe the fashion of it. - "She was not deck'd in any gallant trim, - "But seem'd to me clad in the usual weeds - "Of high habitual state. - "Such artless and majestic elegance, - "So exquisitely just, so nobly simple, - "Might make the gorgeous blush." - -But Cecilia Webberly was quite unused to _blushing_, though she might -sometimes redden with passion, and was equally unconscious of her -striking inferiority to her unstudied companion. At last the entrance of -the Seymour family presented another contrast to the brazen Colossus in -Selina's sylph-like form, vivacious eye, and glowing cheek:-- - - "The one love's arrows darting round, - "The other blushing at the wound!" - -Mrs. Sullivan and her eldest daughter hastened to pay their compliments -to their company, the one in the language of Cheapside, the other in all -the flowers of rhetoric; and the rest of the expected guests soon after -arriving, they all proceeded to the dining-room, Mrs. Sullivan insisting -on giving Selina "percussion," (for so she termed precedence) to the -blushing girl's infinite annoyance, who, never having dined out before, -was unaccustomed to take place of the woman whom, of all others, she -most respected: however her painful pre-eminence at the head of the -table was almost compensated by her aunt sitting next her, and thus -hedging her in from the rest of the company. - -The dinner--an object of too much consequence to be passed over -unnoticed in the present state of society--was evidently dressed by a -man cook; but as Mrs. Sullivan had insisted on making her own -alterations in the bill of fare, she had put the poor man in a passion; -and, as a natural consequence, the whole was a manqué, no unapt model of -the family, presenting vulgarity, finery, and high seasoning out of -place. - -The warmth of Mrs. Sullivan's temperature was considerably increased by -her vocal and manual exertions; whilst her son was much puzzled to -reconcile the _nonchalance_ he believed fashionable, with the desire he -had to show Selina that obsequious attention he deemed judicious. But -though his tongue was incessantly employed in Miss Seymour's service, -(for the poor girl would have died of a surfeit if she had taken a -fourth part of the eatables he pressed on her acceptance,) his eyes were -involuntarily attracted to Adelaide, who, amidst the confusion of -tongues, was keeping up a seemingly animated conversation with a very -handsome young man, the eldest son of Mr. Thornbull, who sat next her. -Of this Mr. Webberly did not approve; and therefore gave her every -possible interruption, but all in vain. For no sooner did she answer his -inquiry, or assent to his request, than she resumed her conversation, -which seemed much more to interest her; and, for the first time, he -thought the quick succession of smiles, that passed over her countenance -when she conversed, did not become her so much as its placid expression -when she was silent. - -At length Selina heard the welcome sound of "Vill you like any more -vine, Miss Seymour?" and this well understood summons relieved her from -her place of penance. - -Soon after the ladies had retired to the drawing-room, they separated, -some adjourning to the music-room, some to the green-house, and Miss -Seymour gladly accepted Adelaide's invitation to proceed from it to the -garden. Selina had, before dinner was half over, thought Miss Wildenheim -"the most delightful girl in the world!" But she was too diffident of -her own claims to attention to have sought her acquaintance so -immediately; though, with her usual precipitation, she felt already -convinced she should love her all her life, if she were never to see her -again. "She is too elegant, too clever, to like an unpolished girl like -me," thought Selina. But in this she was mistaken; for Adelaide -bestowed as much admiration on her untutored charms, as her own more -polished graces excited in Miss Seymour's mind, though she manifested -her approbation in a more sober manner; for, besides being three years -older than Selina, she had, unfortunately, had more opportunity of -having youth's first happy feelings chilled by the bitter blasts of -capricious fortune. - -When Selina found, from Adelaide's expressive manner, that she might say -to herself, "She really does like me," her surprise and delight knew no -bounds; and, if she had before thought the object of her enthusiasm the -most charming of the daughters of Eve, she was now nothing less than an -angel. Her pleasure did not escape her new friend's notice; for Selina -was too ingenuous to conceal any thing. Adelaide's countenance was -illuminated with one of those joyful smiles, which had brightened it in -better days, as she mentally exclaimed, "Happy creature!" But she -sighed with real sorrow, as she instantaneously recollected the fleeting -nature of youthful impressions, "_when thought is speech, and speech is -truth_." - -During the time Selina had employed in her own mind to sign and seal an -everlasting friendship with her new acquaintance, they visited the -pagoda and hermitage, sat under the marquée, where they found the novel -which had been Miss Cecilia Webberly's morning study, and had looked in -vain for the gold and silver fishes; for Mrs. Sullivan was too -fashionable to dine long before sunset, even in the height of summer. -Their fruitless search for their aqueous favourites reminded them of the -lateness of the hour; and they had begun to retrace their steps towards -the house, when a pretty rosy child, about seven years old, with dancing -eyes and disordered hair, came skipping up to them. "This sweet child, -Miss Seymour," said Adelaide, "is Caroline Sullivan, my dear little -companion." Selina kissed the child, partly for its own beauty, partly -for the sake of its patroness; and the little urchin, hearing the name -of Miss Seymour, said, in an arch tone, "I have a secret for you, Miss -Seymour--a great secret." "And what is your _great_ secret, my pretty -little love?" asked Selina. "Why, do you know, brother is going to make -love to you?--Mama bid him. And he said he would, for he thinks you have -a great deal of money; but for all that he says, my dear Adele is -handsomer than you--and I think so too--I believe," said the little -thing, stopping to look up at them both. The young ladies were so -astonished, that at first they had not power to stop the child's -harangue, but both coloured scarlet red from offended pride; and, when -their eyes met, the picture of the all-conquering hero and his mama -rising at once to Selina's mind in the most ludicrous point of view, -she burst out into an immoderate fit of laughter, in which Adelaide -could not resist joining. The child, from their mirth, thought they were -pleased with her observations; and, believing she had said something -clever, continued in the same strain; whilst, by grave faces, and knit -brows, and remonstrating, they endeavoured in vain to check her -volubility.--_Car on ne se quérit pas d'un défaut qui plait._ "Good -Lord! what shall we do?" said Selina, half laughing, half crying; for -the little girl, in the exuberance of her mirth, seemed bent on -following them into the house, with a repetition of her information, -when luckily they thought of diverting her attention; and so taking her -one by each arm, they almost carried her completely round the -pleasure-ground; and, by chattering and running, succeeded in diverting -the channel of her thoughts, and were not a little rejoiced that, on -their entrance into the drawing-room, Miss Webberly, in a peremptory -tone of "brief authority," ordered the little troublesome urchin to bed. - -The ladies were all assembled, and Miss Wildenheim thought it necessary -to apologise for their absence; and Selina, immediately walking up to -her aunt, excused herself, and wondered she had left her so long, for -the advanced state of tea and coffee told her it was late. - -When Miss Wildenheim, in reply to some observation addressed to her by -Mrs. Temple, entered into general conversation, Selina was as much -surprised as delighted by the graceful ease of her manner; and, in the -simplicity of her ideas, wondered how she could be so enlivening, and at -the same time so elegant. "It is not odd," thought she, "that Lady -Eltondale is elegant, for she is so quiet, she has plenty of time to do -every thing in the most beautiful manner; but, though she is very -elegant, she is not at all entertaining, while Miss Wildenheim is -both." - -Though Adelaide's character was ever the same, the style of her -conversation varied with every different person she conversed with. She -was generally _animated_, though seldom gay; and the liveliness of her -discourse was owing to her possessing not only an uncommonly clear -perception of the ideas of others, but also an equally clear arrangement -of her own, which gave her conversation a lucidity, that elicited the -thinking powers of her auditors; so that if she was not absolutely witty -herself, she was often at least "the cause of wit in others." She was -habitually cheerful, and generally self-possessed, except when her -feelings were accidentally excited, and they lay too deep to be called -forth in the common intercourse of society. In a word, her vivacity -proceeded less from the buoyancy of animal spirits, as passing as youth -itself, than from the satisfaction of a soul at peace with itself, and -of a mind amused by a constant flow of intellect. - -The entrance of the gentlemen transferred Miss Cecilia Webberly, and of -course her guests, from the drawing-room to the music saloon. Here again -her fine voice, like her fine person, was spoiled by affectation, and by -an attempt at displaying a taste, of which nature had denied her mind -any just perceptions. She had acquired from her master a would-be -expression, which consisted of a regular alternation of piano and forte, -as completely distinct as the black and white squares of a chess board, -with corresponding movements of her eyes and shoulders; the _tout -ensemble_ seeming to the hearer like a succession of unprepared screams, -neither leaving him the peace of a monotonous repose, nor affording him -the charm of variety. "By heavens, I would as soon be shut up in a room -with a trumpeter; she has voice enough to blow a man's brains out!" said -young Mr. Thornbull to Mr. Temple, while his ears yet tingled with -Cecilia's last shout. "I am sure Miss Wildenheim sings in a very -different manner." "I am not sure," replied his reverend auditor, -smiling, "that she sings at all. If she does, no doubt her judgment is -as correct in music as in every thing else;--however, let us see:"--and -walking up to Mrs. Sullivan, they begged of her to procure them a -specimen of Miss Wildenheim's musical abilities. Adelaide complied with -a look and a curtsy, that bespoke the pardon of her imperfections, and -which, strange to say, procured a temporary absolution for her charms, -even from those to whom they were most obnoxious. - -The young man was too much engaged in watching the playful variety of -her countenance when she sung (for she never looked half so charming as -when singing), to criticise her performance, but took for granted it -was divine, and so must - - "Those who were there, and those who were not." - -For though it is easy to exhibit deformity, it is impossible to describe -the nicely adjusted balance of opposite beauties, which constitutes -perfection: more especially in an art, that is often most felt when -least understood, and whose evanescent charms are passing for ever away, -whilst the mind is yet revelling in a consciousness of their existence! - -When the usual routine of complimenting had been gone through by the -rest of the company, and Adelaide was disengaged, Mr. Temple, after -praising her performance, said, "Notwithstanding your delightful -singing, I must say, I think the best days of music are past." The -lovely songstress, casting her eyes on Selina and thereby applying her -words to the beautiful girl's bewitching figure, replied, "I partly -agree with you, my dear sir.--'When music, heavenly maid, was young,' -perhaps her wild graces were more captivating than her mature -elegance."--"Your simile is just, and well applied. Music certainly now -feels her decay, and seeks to hide her faded charms by profuse -ornament." - -Mr. Temple not unfrequently talked _by inch of candle_, and would have -gone on, perhaps, for an hour, had not his wife, tapping him on the -shoulder, told him it was time to return home: and, as is usually the -case in parties in the country, the announcement of one carriage was the -signal for the abrupt departure of the whole company; and though Mrs. -Sullivan roared out in an audible voice, "Why, Cilly, you haven't a gone -half through the hairs you practised this morning! Where's your bravo -hair? and your polacker?" before the anxious mother had recapitulated -half the catalogue, she found, equally to her surprise and dismay, that -all her guests had disappeared, nearly as suddenly as Tam O'Shanter's -companions, before he had finished his commendatory exclamations: - - "In an instant all was dark, - -And, - - "Out the hellish legion sallied." - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - Pure was her bosom, as the silver lake, - Ere rising winds the ruffled waters shake; - When the bright pageants of the morning sky - Across the expansive mirror lightly fly, - By vernal gales in quick succession driv'n, - While the clear glass reflects the smile of Heav'n. - - HAYLEY. - - -"What a delightful girl Miss Wildenheim is!" exclaimed Selina Seymour, -as she sat at work in Mrs. Galton's dressing-room the day after she had -dined at Webberly House.--"I am sure we shall become intimate friends; I -never saw any body I admired half so much." Mrs. Galton coincided in -Selina's praise of her new favourite; for though she was not equally -prone to form "intimate friendships" at first sight, her penetration -had led her to conceive nearly as favourable an opinion of Miss -Wildenheim as Selina had expressed. Indeed, Mrs. Galton was particularly -desirous of improving her acquaintance with Mrs. Sullivan's interesting -ward; for though she was, in general, extremely suspicious of the -friendships girls so frequently contract and break with equal -precipitation, she was extremely anxious that Selina should meet with a -suitable companion of her own sex; and the refined elegance of Miss -Wildenheim's manners, the calmness of her deportment, and the good sense -which all her observations evinced, led Mrs. Galton to hope, that from -her society her beloved niece might derive as much advantage as -satisfaction. But at the same time, she recollected, that a degree of -mystery seemed to hang over Adelaide's situation; and, therefore, while -she gave a willing assent to Selina's encomiums, she cautiously withheld -her sanction to a sudden intimacy, until a longer acquaintance confirmed -or destroyed her present prepossession in Miss Wildenheim's favour. - -Selina had never yet had any female associate, except Mrs. Galton; for -though Sir Henry's considerate attention to "poor Mrs. Martin," and her -inseparable companion Lucy, occasioned their being frequent visitors at -the Hall, yet they were so different in character, pursuits, and -situation from Miss Seymour, that no degree of intimacy could ever take -place between them. Selina had been so much disgusted by the young -ladies at Webberly House, on their first introduction, that she had -shrunk from all subsequent familiarity with them, nor did her aunt, in -this, endeavour to conquer her prejudices. - -Mrs. Galton was aware, that such was the susceptibility of Selina's -heart, and the candour of her disposition, that if once she felt a -preference, her whole soul would be engrossed by the object of her -attachment, and that the strength of her regard could probably be more -easily anticipated than its duration: she was therefore particularly -cautious in permitting Selina to have any intercourse with those of -whose merits she did not feel well assured; believing that much of her -own future character, and consequent happiness, would depend on that of -her first guides and associates on her entrance into life. Hitherto, her -only companions and her only confidants had been Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Augustus Mordaunt. In them all her innocent affections were centred. -To them her whole mind was displayed; and so guiltless was she of even a -thought she could blush to own, that she scarcely imagined her -ingenuousness was a merit. Nor had the want of other companions in any -degree lessened the animation of her character; perhaps, on the -contrary, the very antidotes, to which Mrs. Galton had recourse to avoid -a premature gravity, had rather tended to increase that vivacity, which -bordered on levity, and was her most dangerous characteristic. Whenever -the lessons of her childhood had been concluded, she had always been -permitted, and even encouraged, to join in many of those games and -exercises, that are usually appropriated to the amusement of the other -sex. Often has she quitted an abstruse book, or a beautiful drawing, to -trundle her hoop, or run races with her playfellow Augustus. And when -other girls have trembled under the rod of the dancing master, she has -been gaining health and activity together, by vaulting over gates, that -more refined young ladies would, perhaps, have dreaded to climb. It is -true, that as she advanced towards womanhood, she was taught to attend -rather more to the decorums of life; and, instead of being permitted to -bound through the woods like the fawns she dislodged, or even (shocking -to relate) walk hand in hand with the old steward over half the park, -before girls of fashion would have broken their first slumbers; she now -changed her amusements, and accompanied Mrs. Galton in her charitable -errands to the poor, or, attended by Augustus and her groom, rode -through the delightful lanes in the neighbourhood. However, since his -departure from the Hall, her rides were confined within the park walls, -and scarcely a day passed, when the recollection of their rambles, in -which she so much delighted, did not serve to renew the expression of -her regrets at his absence. But even that circumstance failed to depress -her spirits. Perhaps, amongst all created beings, she at that moment was -almost the happiest. She knew no world beyond the little circle round -her own home, and in that circle she loved and was beloved. Every eye -beamed on hers with satisfaction, and every heart returned her affection -with redoubled fondness. She dreamed not of insincerity, and she knew -not what was grief, except indeed when she enjoyed the luxury of -sharing or alleviating that of others; which her frequent visits to the -neighbouring cottages sometimes presented to her view: and never did she -look so lovely as when she bent over the bed of sickness, or rocked the -cradle of infant suffering, while her eyes swam in tears, or sparkled -with the joy of successful benevolence. - - Beauty, and grace, and innocence in her - In heavenly union shone: one who had held - The faith of elder Greece would sure have thought - She was some glorious nymph of seed divine, - Oread or Dryad, of Diana's train - The youngest and the loveliest--yea, she seem'd - Angel or soul beatified, from realms - Of bliss, on errand of parental love, - To earth re-sent; if tears and trembling limbs - With such celestial nature might consist. - -Though Sir Henry Seymour was extremely hospitable, yet so retired was -the neighbourhood of Deane Hall, that the ladies at Webberly House and -the Parsonage were the only ones that Mrs. Galton visited, except Mrs. -Martin and Mrs. Lucas. But as autumn approached, the visits of the two -latter to the Hall became more frequent; for Sir Henry was fond of what -he called a social rubber of whist; and as his constant tormentor the -gout disabled him from using any exercise, beyond what his Bath chair -procured for him, his chief amusement was in the society of his country -friends, who were most happy to assemble round the good Baronet's fire -side, when a blazing faggot corrected the influence of a keen air, and -gave them a foretaste of the comforts of winter, before they were yet -introduced to any of its horrors. - -Of these quiet parties Selina was merely a spectator: as, after she had -answered all Mrs. Martin's questions, with the same kindness they were -asked; provided Lucy with the daily newspaper, and the last new -magazine; placed her father's chair and arranged his foot-stool, (for -he thought no one could settle them as comfortably as his Selina); all -her duties of the evening were at an end. She could then amuse herself -unnoticed, with her pencil or her tambour frame, or have recourse to her -harpsichord: where, unambitious of praise, and unstimulated by vanity, -she would, for hours, "warble her wood notes wild." - -Sometimes, indeed, Mr. and Mrs. Temple would join the party; and though -without even the acquisition of their society Selina was always -cheerful, yet when she enjoyed the rational conversation of the one, and -the lively good-nature of the other, she felt additional pleasure: for -both these excellent people looked on Selina almost as a child of their -own. Mr. Temple had watched with delight the gradual development of an -understanding, from whose matured powers he fondly anticipated every -good; though his anxious penetration led him sometimes to shudder for -her future character and fate, as he watched the susceptibility of her -heart, - - "Which like the needle true, - Turn'd at the touch of joy or woe, - But turning--trembled too." - -His amiable consort, however, notwithstanding all her deference to his -opinion, would scarcely acknowledge that the ray of celestial light, -which played round the opening blossom and gave it added brilliancy, -might, by prematurely expanding its charms, doom it to untimely decay. -And, sometimes, when the venerable pastor, with parental solicitude, -almost regretted that volatility, which to indifferent spectators but -gave a charm the more, Mrs. Temple, with that fearful prescience which -but belongs to a female heart, would stop the intended reproof, and say, -"Ah! James, do not check her innocent mirth; the day may come, when we -would give the world to see her smile." Meantime the lovely object of -their care would often, when at night she laid her guiltless head on her -pillow, as yet unwatered by a single tear, add to her pious thanksgiving -a wish that all the world was as happy, as she gratefully acknowledged -she was herself. - -Little did this innocent child of nature imagine, that fate had already -marked the hour, when she was to bid farewell to the calm scenes of her -present happiness. Sir Henry never spoke, and could scarcely bear to -think, of the engagement between her and Mr. Elton, to which he had so -precipitately given his consent: and Mrs. Galton was equally averse to -mentioning the subject: of course, therefore, Selina remained totally -unconscious of it, and her time passed in the happy alternation of -leisure and employment, unmarked by accident, and unimpaired by sorrow. -Even the visit of Lord and Lady Eltondale was already almost forgotten -by her, or only occasionally occurred to her memory as a dream, whilst -even the fascination she had wondered at and admired by degrees faded -from her recollection. - -One fine autumnal day, in the beginning of October, she had just -returned from one of her favourite rambles in the park, when she -abruptly entered the library, to show to Sir Henry an exhausted leveret, -that she had discovered panting in a thicket, and that she had brought -home in her arms: as she held it she partially covered it by her frock, -which she had caught up to keep it warm; without any recollection of the -consequent exposure of her beautiful ancle, which this derangement of -her drapery had occasioned. Her color was heightened by exercise, and -the wind had dishevelled her luxuriant brown hair, that strayed in -ringlets on her beaming cheek, whilst her straw hat, almost untied, had -slipped off her head, and hung behind, in contrast to the remaining -locks that a comb loosely fastened. Perhaps a painter or a sculptor -would have chosen that moment, to perpetuate the beautiful object, that, -as Selina opened the door, thus suddenly presented itself to the -delighted gaze of two gentlemen, who were then visiting Sir Henry: in -one Selina immediately recognised Mr. Webberly, and to the other she was -introduced as his friend, Mr. Sedley. At first Selina coloured, as she -momentarily recollected her dishabille, if such it might be called; but -in an instant, recovering herself, she apologized to her father for her -intrusion, and calmly obeyed his directions to seat herself beside him, -whilst she dismissed her trembling _protégée_ to be nursed below stairs. -Was it innate good sense, or was it incipient vanity, that saved this -young recluse from the torments of _mauvaise honte_, which so many -votaries of fashion feel or feign? Her colour was as variable as the -tints of a summer sky; but though it was often heightened, and -sometimes changed by quick susceptibility affecting it, it seldom -suffered from that illegitimate timidity, that owes its birth to an -inordinate anxiety to please. The language of compliment was foreign to -her ear, and she had yet to learn that finished coquetry, that wraps -itself in the veil of modesty, and flies to be pursued. - -Mr. Webberly stated, the motive of his visit was not only to deliver an -invitation from his mother to a ball she purposed giving in a few weeks, -but also to add his earnest persuasions, that Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Miss Seymour would accept it. On this occasion the unpolished Selina -broke through all the rules of etiquette; and, totally unmindful of the -presence of strangers, at the mention of a ball jumped up, clapped her -hands, and springing almost as high as another Parisot, exclaimed, as -she threw her arms round Sir Henry's neck, "Pray dear, dear Papa, let me -go, I've heard so much of balls!" It may be supposed, the gentlemen -strenuously seconded her solicitations: their united entreaties having -obtained Sir Henry's consent, they at length withdrew, whilst Selina -reiterated her thanks and her joy with equal earnestness and _naïveté_. - -"Well, Sedley, what do you think of Miss Seymour?" exclaimed Webberly, -as they rode leisurely home. "By Heavens! she is quite beautiful," -returned his friend.--"She has the finest eyes and teeth I ever -beheld."--"And fine oaks too, or she'd never do for me," rejoined her -calculating admirer. A silence of some minutes ensued, which was at last -broken by Sedley's observing, that "he had never seen such a profusion -of silky hair." "For my part," resumed Webberly, "I like black hair much -better: Miss Wildenheim is a thousand times handsomer than Miss -Seymour!" - -Mr. Sedley neither contradicted nor assented to this observation, but -with apparent _nonchalance_ turned the subject to that of shooting and -hunting; which promised amusements had been his inducement for visiting -Webberly House. The conversation was not again resumed, and they -returned scarcely in time to dress for dinner, which the anxious Mrs. -Sullivan declared would be quite "ruinated," assuring them, "the cook -was always arranged and discordant by them there long preambulations -a-horseback they were so fond of." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - "All is not empty whose low sound - Reverbs no hollowness." - - KING LEAR. - - -The excuse, which Mordaunt had made for his abrupt departure from Deane -Hall, was not, in truth, totally devoid of foundation: for he had really -received an invitation to join a party of college friends, on a tour to -the Lakes; though such a cause would not alone have been sufficient to -tear him from a scene, in which all his hopes and wishes were centred. -Notwithstanding his being an enthusiastic admirer of the beauties of -nature, and moreover a proficient in drawing, all the charms of the wild -country he then visited were insufficient long to rivet his attention; -and with an agitated mind and aching heart, he returned early in -September to Oxford, of which he meant to take his final leave at the -end of the following term. No profession had yet been determined on for -him, for his uncle, Lord Osselstone, whose title he was one day to -inherit, had never, in the least degree, interfered on the subject of -his education; and the habit of procrastination, which was one of the -principal failings of Sir Henry Seymour's character, had hitherto -prevented his making the important choice. Thus the period of Mr. -Mordaunt's minority had expired, before his guardian could be prevailed -on to come to any final determination; and Augustus now deferred his own -decision till the period, which would speedily arrive, of his quitting -the University of Oxford. - -The indolence of disposition, which had rendered Sir Henry Seymour's -judgment inert, had not extended its torpid influence to his feelings; -and a considerable degree of resentment was produced in his mind by the -indifference, indeed total alienation of all regard, which seemed to -mark Lord Osselstone's conduct to his nephew. Once, and once only, -before his going to Oxford, had Augustus met his uncle. For, when Mr. -Temple was deputed by Sir Henry, to conduct Mordaunt on his first -entering college, they had, on their way, passed through London, for the -express purpose of paying their respects to his Lordship. But his -reception of them had been so cold, so ostentatiously polite, that -Mordaunt felt by no means anxious to improve the acquaintance: and yet -it might have been supposed, that opportunity of cultivating the -friendship of Lord Osselstone would have been rather sought for than -declined by his nephew. For all the Earl's estates, which were -considerable, were in his own power; and it was the general opinion of -those who professed to know him best, that he intended to make a Mr. -Davis his heir, who was a distant relation, and had been for many years -as unremitting in his attentions to Lord Osselstone, as Mordaunt had -been the reverse. Not that Augustus was unaware of the consequence such -a disposition of this property might prove to him; for all he inherited -from his father was a few thousand pounds, the little that remained of a -younger brother's portion, after a life spent and finally sacrificed to -the excess of dissipation. But perhaps this conviction on both sides -served to make the barrier between them stronger. Lord Osselstone seemed -prepared to think, that any attention his nephew could pay him must -proceed from interested motives; and Mordaunt was fearful of showing -even the little natural affection, that remained in his breast towards -him, lest it might be construed into dissimulation. - -One of Lord Osselstone's estates was situated within a few miles of -Oxford, where he generally spent a few months every summer;--for he was -an upright and considerate landlord, and usually made it a point to -visit all his estates in the course of the year, for the purpose of -inquiring into the actual state of his tenantry--not that he was ever -known to lower a rent or remit a debt: no entreaty, no representation, -could ever persuade him either to break an agreement himself, or to -suffer it to be broken by another. And if ever he found his rights -invaded, or even disputed, there was no extremity or expense he declined -in the defence or prosecution of them. He had often heard, unmoved, a -tale that might have pierced a heart of stone; and seen, with relentless -eyes, the poor man's "one ewe lamb" sold to pay the arrears of rent. But -it not unfrequently happened, that the iron-hearted creditor was himself -the purchaser of the stock at a price much beyond its value; and the -tenant, if deserving, would probably find his Lord's steward inclined, -the next year, to let him have his seed-wheat, not gratis, but nearly -so. - -One peculiarity in the Earl's character was an extraordinary disposition -to disbelieve even the most natural expressions of gratitude, and to -doubt any testimony whatever of affection to himself. No way was so sure -of losing any claim on his favour, as to make the least allusion to his -former kindness; and one of the few domestics, that had at any time -remained long in his service, was an old grey-headed valet, who had -attended him faithfully from his youth; and had scarcely ever been known -to agree with him in opinion, or to hesitate in expressing, in the -strongest terms, his disapprobation. Yet even Lord Chesterfield could -not better understand the perfection of politeness than did Lord -Osselstone, or make it more his constant practice in his intercourse -with the world in general. However his real sentiments might differ -from those of his associates, he always took care to soften down so well -the sharp angles of dissent, that no cutting point was left to wound the -feelings of others; while his own remained impervious to every eye. All -acknowledged he was a just man, and every body _felt_ he was a proud -one; but, however dignified his manners were to his equals, to his -inferiors his pride was silvered over with an affability, that, whilst -it made it still more conspicuous, served almost to purchase its -forgiveness. - -To those who reflected on the various qualities of his mind, the picture -it presented seemed to be composed of a variety and contrast of colours -rarely to be met with, but all so highly varnished, that their very -brightness confounded. It seemed a mass of contradiction, by some -extraneous power compressed into an indefinable whole. His virtues and -his vices trod so closely on each other, that it was difficult to draw -the line of separation between them, and both appeared to owe their -origin either to the temporary error, or general superiority of his -judgment; all his actions seemed to proceed only from his head--his -heart was never called into play. It was difficult to decide whether the -finer feelings were really extinct in his breast; or whether, dreading -the power passion might usurp, he never for one moment permitted it to -assume the reins. In his general establishment he was magnificent;--in -the detail of its arrangements almost parsimonious. His charity was -ostentatious rather than benign; for, though his name graced every list -of public contribution, he never came forward in his own person as the -poor man's benefactor. None who experienced the urbanity of Lord -Osselstone's manners could believe him to be his own individual enemy; -and yet no person could repose in the calm confidence, that Lord -Osselstone was his friend. It was evident, that, had he not been a -courtier, he would have been a misanthropist. - -In conversation he was generally reserved; but, if circumstances called -upon him for exertion, his abilities seemed to rise with the occasion, -and his variety of information, his elegance of language, and even the -occasional playfulness of his imagination, made him one of the most -agreeable of companions. In all Lord Osselstone did, in all Lord -Osselstone said, in all he looked, there might be discovered an -intensity of thought; which, far from being confined to the surface, -seemed to increase in profundity the deeper it was examined. His -character, like his manner, was not to be deciphered by vulgar eyes. He -was generally serious--never dull; and at times his wit was even -sportive. Yet Lord Osselstone, when most gay, could scarcely be deemed -cheerful. At the moments of his greatest exhilaration, when an admiring -audience hung upon his words, or a more favoured few caught the sparks -of animation from the meteor that flashed before them, deriving all -their temporary brilliancy from the electric fire of his talents; even -at those moments, Lord Osselstone seemed scarcely happy;--the brightness -of the emanation was for them;--the dark body remained his own; and few -had skill or inclination to penetrate the dense medium that seemed still -to surround and obscure his soul. - -The first year that Mordaunt had been at college, Lord Osselstone had -made no advance towards cultivating the acquaintance that had so -inauspiciously commenced; for, except a very slight salutation in an -accidental meeting in the street, Augustus had received no mark whatever -even of recognizance. And perhaps this inattention was rendered still -more mortifying, as whenever Lord Osselstone was in the neighbourhood of -Oxford, he generally received a great deal of company at his house; and -several of the young men there, whose connections were amongst his -Lordship's associates in London, procured introductions to him, and -frequently partook of the elegant hospitality, that always graced his -table. Nay, many members of the very college Augustus was in, and some -of his own particular friends, received constant invitations to -Osselstone Park, from which he alone seemed to be invidiously excluded. -On Mordaunt's return to college the following year, he had been much -surprised by receiving, in the course of the last week of a term, a -formal but polite card of invitation to dinner, to which he sent a still -more formal apology, being most happy to have it in his power to allege -his intended return to Deane Hall as his excuse; and accordingly he left -Oxford the very day, that had been named by his uncle for receiving him. -Not, however, that he returned immediately to the Hall. Augustus, though -abhorring the excesses into which so many of his contemporaries -thoughtlessly plunged, was still not averse to taste slightly the cup of -pleasure, if placed within his reach; and, therefore, usually adopted -the geography most in fashion at Oxford, by which it is ascertained to a -demonstration, that London is the direct road from thence to every other -place in England. He had not then been taught, that the deprivation of -Selina Seymour's society for a little fortnight was an irreparable loss; -and the theatres and the delights of London were sufficiently new to -him, to beguile that, and even a longer time. It was just that season of -the year when a London winter begins to subside, not into a healthy -spring, but into an unwelcome summer, and when the dying embers of -gaiety are only kept alive by a few forced sparks of unwearied -dissipation. But to Augustus, who had not glared in the full flame, even -these had charms; and he frequented, with unsatiated pleasure, all the -places of public amusement then open. - -One night at the opera, whither he had repaired with some of his college -friends in a state of exhilaration, that, though it fell far short of -intoxication, was equally different from his usual tone of spirits, -while he was standing in the outer room laughing rather vociferously at -some ridiculous observation of his companions, his eye suddenly rested -on the face of Lord Osselstone, who, with an unmoved countenance and -steady gaze, had been scrutinizing the groupe with minute attention, -while they were totally unconscious of his proximity. Augustus's colour -rose; and a confused idea that he was the peculiar object of his uncle's -observation crossing his mind, he rather increased than restrained the -vivacity of his manner. "Lord Osselstone's carriage stops the way," was -repeated from stage to stage of the echoing stair-case; and, while the -Earl passed close to Mordaunt as he proceeded to obey the clamorous -summons, he stopped deliberately, and observing that "Mr. Mordaunt's -visit to Sir Henry Seymour had been a much shorter one than usual," made -him a low bow, and pursued his way without waiting for a reply; which, -in Mordaunt's then state of mind, would probably not have been an -amicable one, indignant as he felt at Lord Osselstone's conveying his -only acknowledgement of him in the form of an implied reproof. Here -then, once more, ended all intercourse between uncle and nephew; for, -when Augustus again returned to college, the invitation had not been -renewed; and though in the last examination he had received three -several prizes, and with them the compliments of all his friends, Lord -Osselstone had witnessed his triumph in silence, though it happened he -was in Oxford, nay, even in the school, that very day. - -On Mordaunt's arrival at Oxford, at the conclusion of his late northern -tour, his thoughts were so completely preoccupied, that he did not even -take the trouble of inquiring whether the Earl was then in the -neighbourhood. But as he was one evening sauntering along a retired road -on the banks of the river, attending more to the painful reflections of -his own mind than to a book which he mechanically held in his hand, he -was suddenly roused from his meditations by the sound of a carriage -coming furiously behind him; and, turning round, perceived a gentleman -alone in a curricle, the horses of which were approaching at their -utmost speed, and evidently ungovernable. The furious animals were -making directly towards the river, and, if their course was not impeded, -immediate destruction inevitably awaited their unfortunate driver. This -reflection, and his consequent determination, was but a momentary effort -of Augustus's mind. Throwing away his book, he sprang into the middle of -the road; and, though the gentleman loudly exclaimed, "Take care of -yourself--I cannot manage them," he deliberately kept his stand, and, -at the moment the horses reached the spot, dexterously succeeded in -grasping the reins, and stopping the carriage. The suddenness of the -jolt, however, unfortunately broke the axle-tree, and threw the -gentleman at a little distance on the road. A deep groan instantaneously -followed his fall; and Augustus felt a painful conviction, that though -his presence of mind had certainly saved the stranger's life at the -imminent risk of his own, yet the very act had been the cause of much -apparent suffering to him. He hesitated what to do:--the horses, still -more frightened by the noise made by the breaking of the carriage, were -almost furious; and it was as much as he could do to retain his hold, -while the poor suffering man lay helplessly on the road. At length two -grooms appeared, rapidly pursuing each other, with marks of the utmost -consternation in their countenances; and while one jumped off his horse -to assist his master, the other relieved Augustus from his troublesome -charge. The Osselstone liveries proclaimed the stranger's name, as -Augustus had not yet seen his face, and the discovery but increased his -distress:--"Good God, my uncle! Are you much hurt, dear sir?" exclaimed -he, in a tone of commiseration, almost of affection. At the sound of his -voice the Earl languidly turned his head as his servant supported him; -and, stretching out one hand, grasped that of Augustus, expressing -tacitly, but not ineloquently, his gratitude to his preserver. Augustus -flew to the side of the river, and bringing some water in his hat, -sprinkled it over his face, which in a few moments so revived him, that -he was able to articulate thanks, which Augustus, with looks of kindest -anxiety, interrupted, with inquiries as to the injury he had evidently -received in his fall. He soon found that one arm was broken, and Lord -Osselstone otherwise so much hurt, that it was difficult to move him -from the position in which he lay. Without, therefore, an instant's -deliberation, and scarcely explaining his design, he sprang on one of -the groom's horses, and was in a few moments out of sight. Indeed, so -rapid were his movements, that before it could be conjectured that he -had even reached Oxford, he was seen returning in a hired chaise and -four, accompanied by one of the first surgeons of that town, bringing -with him every thing necessary for the accommodation of his uncle. - -Before they attempted to remove Lord Osselstone, the fractured bone was -set; and the attendants then carefully assisting him into the carriage, -the surgeon took his place at one side of him, while Mordaunt, -uninvited, supported him on the other; and then desiring the drivers to -proceed carefully to Osselstone Park, left the grooms to take charge of -the broken equipage. - -Though Augustus had never been before within the gates of this -residence of his ancestors, its magnificent scenery had not the power to -withdraw his attention, for one moment, from its suffering master. In -addition to the natural benevolence of his heart, which would have led -him to pity any fellow-creature in a similar situation, from a -refinement of feeling, he experienced an additional though certainly an -unnecessary pang, from having been in any degree accessary to the -present pain; and his judicious and unremitting care resembled that of a -son to a beloved father. He watched by his uncle's bed all night, and -could scarcely be prevailed upon to leave it to take any nourishment, -till the surgeon, on the third day, pronounced the Earl out of danger. - -Meantime Lord Osselstone, from whose lips no complaint ever escaped, -however painful the operations he underwent, observed every change of -his nephew's countenance with a scrutinizing attention; and when in a -few days he was able to sit up, and enter into discourse, the modest -good sense of Augustus's remarks, animated as they sometimes were by -occasional bursts of a genius not quite dissimilar to his own, seemed -not entirely to escape his Lordship's observation. As soon, however, as -the Earl was able to leave his room, Augustus took his leave, alleging -as his excuse for not accepting Lord Osselstone's polite invitation to -protract his stay, that his services could be no longer useful; which -was indeed his only motive for so soon separating from his uncle, of -whom he now thought with far different feelings than he had done -formerly--so natural is it to the human mind, to imbibe a partiality for -those we have had it in our power to benefit. - -These feelings were, however, soon damped by the receipt of the -following note, accompanied by a beautiful edition of Horace, and some -other of the classics:-- - -"Lord Osselstone presents his compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and has the -honour of sending him a few books, of which he requests his acceptance, -in return for his late obliging attentions." - -"My attentions are not to be purchased," exclaimed Augustus, as he, -perhaps too indignantly, tore the note. "Nor," added he, with a sigh, -"are my affections likely to be gained by my noble uncle." Then hastily -writing the following answer, he returned with it the books by the -servant who brought them:-- - -"Mr. Mordaunt presents his compliments to Lord Osselstone, and begs to -assure him, that any attentions he had it in his power to show his -Lordship were at the moment sufficiently repaid by the belief, that he -in any degree contributed to the comfort of his uncle." - -The first time the Earl was able to venture out in his carriage, he -called at Mordaunt's apartments. But as he did not then happen to be at -home, they did not meet previous to his Lordship's leaving the -country--a circumstance which Augustus by no means regretted. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - This is my lady's holyday, - So pray let us be merry. - - FOUR AND TWENTY FIDDLERS ALL IN A ROW. - - -Whilst Mordaunt was thus occupied at Oxford, Mrs. Sullivan had been -indulging in a variety of speculations, the object of which were, to -endeavour to secure to her beloved son the rich and beautiful heiress of -Deane Hall. In order to afford him a favourable opportunity of paying -his addresses to Miss Seymour, the anxious mother resolved to give the -ball, for which he had personally taken the invitation; and as soon as -Sir Henry had returned the desired answer, the preparations for the -entertainment were without delay commenced. It was agreed _nem. con._ -that a _crowded_ entertainment was more fashionable than a select one; -and therefore, that every person by any excuse pronounced _visitable_, -within a circuit of twenty miles, was to be pressed into the service. -Mr. Webberly, and the gentlemen who were staying with him, proceeded to -York, to enlist as many beaux as they possibly could; whilst Mrs. -Sullivan wrote to London, to engage temporary rooms, transparencies, -coloured lamps, upholsterers, musicians, and confectioners. - -For a fortnight before the important day, all was confusion at Webberly -House. The usual furniture was put to flight;--bed-rooms were converted -into tasteful card-rooms, and store-closets into beautiful boudoirs; -whilst all the various operations were accompanied by an unceasing noise -of hammering, scouring, scolding, and arguing. - -Miss Webberly and her sister kept themselves aloof from the scene of -action, preferring playing billiards, or riding with Mr. Sedley and the -other gentlemen, to giving their mother the smallest assistance, who -repented of her undertaking ten times a day. But Adelaide was not so -selfish; and the moment she perceived Mrs. Sullivan's perplexity, she -left her usual occupations to offer her assistance. "Well, well," -thought Mrs. Sullivan, "I wish Meely and Cilly were as discreet as this -poor child. But it isn't their faults, pretty dears. I never used them -to no thrift; and, I dare say, her nose has been well kept to the -grinding-stone, as the like of her ought. My daughters, God bless them, -have got a rare spirit of their own!" (Would to Heaven it were a rare -spirit!) - -Miss Webberly thinking that chalking the floor of the dancing-room would -afford a good opportunity for displaying her knowledge of the fine arts, -at first joined Adelaide in the task; but quickly discovering that -kneeling on bare boards was more fatiguing than classical, left her at -the end of a quarter of an hour, to finish it alone, with a request not -to be sparing in the introduction of the Webberly arms. No mention was -made of the Sullivan honours; for, though that family traced its -pedigree _beyond the flood_, it had never been heard of in London, and, -therefore, was of no value. - -At nine o'clock on the appointed evening Mrs. Sullivan entered the -reception room; and seeing Adelaide already there, said, "That's right, -Miss Wildenheim, you be's always ready. I never can get them there girls -of mine to dishevel themselves in time. Will you be so kind as to help -me to put out the lights in them there chandlers? They can stay unlit a -bit, for none of the gentlemen ban't dressed yet, and we can light 'em -again when the folk come to the door, you know--I loves to practise -genteel economy." Adelaide executed her commission; and her companion -then proceeded to examine her attire with the most minute attention; -and, as her eye was attracted by the beautiful ornaments, which confined -and were intermixed with her luxuriant hair, she exclaimed, "La! what -fine pearls you have got on--your _mother's_ I suppose, Miss." "Yes, -madam," replied Adelaide, mournfully, "she had a great quantity of -pearls, which were new set for my use," "Wery like, Miss, wery like," -retorted the scornful lady; and, turning disdainfully from her, bustled -off to another part of the room, muttering, "Oh the vickedness of this -vorld!" - -Adelaide was dressed in that last stage of _real mourning_, which, from -its chaste contrast of colour, is perhaps the most elegant attire a -beautiful female can wear, as it seems to throw a veil on the -loveliness, which, in truth, it embellishes. Her mental, as well as -personal charms, were softened by the same garb of sorrow; and perhaps -their beauty, - - "Thus mellow'd to that tender light - Which Heav'n to gaudy day denies," - -was more winning than when they shone in their original brightness. She -was roused from a train of sorrowful reflections, which the mention of -her mother had occasioned in her mind, by a sound of carriages, and by -Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "As sure as the devil's in Lunnon, here they -be; Miss Wildenheim, do light that there candle brass, whilst I turn the -cock of this here lamp;" and the task was but just accomplished, when a -large party entered the room. - -The _coup d'oeil_ which Webberly House now presented was really -beautiful; for from London every thing in the way of decoration, even -taste, may be procured. The vestibule and apartments opening into it -were ornamented with wreaths of flowers, laurels, and coloured lamps, -and with beautifully designed and well executed transparencies. The -windows were left open, and displayed the _Chinese_ bridge splendidly -illuminated, beaming like an arch of light in the surrounding darkness. -The carved work of the porch was completely interlaced with wreaths of -colored lamps; and not less splendid were the grotto and hermitage, -which at a small distance from the house were fitted up to resemble the -rooms of rival restaurateurs. At their entrance Cecilia had placed her -own maid and footman, to distribute refreshments; and she had been -busily employed for some days, in teaching them as much French as their -capacity and her knowledge would permit them to acquire, for which the -slang of the one, and the Cockney dialect of the other, admirably -qualified them. A temporary canvass passage led to the station of these -pseudo-Parisians, which soon became the favourite lounge of the -evening, as the constant mistakes they made in the names of all the -refreshments they presented excited so much laughter, that every set of -visitors was sure to recommend another, to enjoy the bodily and mental -entertainment provided for them. - -When the company first assembled, a brilliant display of fire works was -let off on the lawn, and just as the last rocket was ascending, Mrs. -Martin and her niece entered the ball room. They had met with sundry -difficulties, as to conveyances, which had delayed their arrival so -long. - -Unfortunately for them, the company had, at that instant, nothing more -amusing to do, than seeking for subjects of ridicule; and in poor Lucy -Martin's dress they found an ample field. Her _ci-devant_ blue spencer -had been transformed into a fashionable body for a new pink petticoat, -under the superintendence of Miss Slater, who had informed her, that -"whole gowns were quite out, as all the ladies in London now wore -dolphin dresses," of which no two parts were of the same colour. Nearly -all the finery of Mr. Slater's shop had been deposited on her person; -and it would have been impossible for the greatest connoisseur in -tinting to have decided which was the prevailing colour in her dress: -but as she and her aunt were made happy, by the idea of her being "quite -smart," her appearing to the rest of the company in a most ludicrous -point of view would have been of no consequence, had not the unsuitable -extravagance deprived them of many almost necessary comforts for a long -time afterwards, for which the display of this evening but poorly -compensated. - -Before the unfeeling crowd had more than half finished their -commentaries on the curious specimen of taste the unconscious girl -exhibited, their attention was diverted by the arrival of Sir Henry -Seymour, who with all the formality of the _vieille cour_ entered the -room, with a _chapeau de bras_ under one arm, and Mrs. Galton leaning on -the other. At her side walked Selina in unadorned loveliness, her eyes -sparkling with delight at all the wonders that were presented to her -view, and totally unsuspicious that she was herself the goddess of the -fairy scene of pleasure. All eyes were fixed on her beaming countenance -radiant in smiles; and even envy, for the moment, pardoned such -unpresuming charms. Mr. Webberly had waited to open the ball with -Selina, and immediately led her to the head of the room, where, scarcely -conscious of the pre-eminence, her attention was so completely engrossed -by all the beauty and variety of the decorations, that she neither -listened to nor understood the fulsome compliments he momentarily -addressed to her. Though little skilled in the fashionable art of -dancing, the natural grace and vivacity of all her movements, and the -uncommon loveliness of her person, more than compensated for this -deficiency; and when she happened to make any mistake in the figures she -was unaccustomed to, she laughed so innocently and so heartily at her -own blunders, and in so doing displayed such dazzling teeth and -evanescent dimples, that one more practised in the arts of coquetry -would purposely have made the same errors, thus to have atoned them. - -From the moment Miss Seymour had entered the room, Mr. Sedley had -watched her every motion; and, as he happened to stand behind Webberly -in the dance, he could not help exclaiming, "By Jove, Jack, if you get -that girl you'll be a lucky dog." Webberly cast a glance on his lovely -partner, in which real exultation was ridiculously blended with affected -contempt; and shrugging his shoulders, replied, "She is half wild now, -we must give her a little fashion when she comes amongst us." Sedley -turned on his heel, and joined a groupe of young men, who were loudly -expatiating on the charms he affected to despise. Sedley also joined in -her praise; for as yet, though his warm admiration was excited, his -heart was not sufficiently interested to create a wariness in the -expression of its feelings; and as the whole party professed their -anxiety to be introduced to her, he laughingly boasted of his prior -claims, and hastened to secure her hand for the two following dances. -And now, according to a writer of the days of Queen Bess, "Some ambled, -and some skipped, and some minced it withal, and some were like the -bounding doe, and some like the majestic lion." - -Adelaide alone refused every solicitation to join in the festivity; and -when Mrs. Temple urged her to accept of some of the numerous partners -who contended for her fair hand, she replied, with a mournful -expression, "Dear Mrs. Temple do not ask me; surely this dress was -never meant for _dancing_;" so saying, she cast down her eyes to conceal -their watery visitors. Sedley, who had overheard her observation, took -this opportunity of examining her perfect features. He thought he had -never seen her look so lovely as at that moment, for - - "Upon her eye-lids many graces sat, - Under the shadow of her even brows;" - -and mentally exclaimed, "The braid of dark hair that borders that fair -forehead, 'so calm, so pure, yet eloquent,' is indeed beautiful in -contrast! Of all dresses certainly that becomes her most, it so -harmonizes with the style of her countenance; - - "One shade the more, one ray the less, - Had half impair'd the nameless grace, - That waves in every raven tress, - Or softly lightens o'er her face." - -Sedley was proceeding to compare in thought the merits of blondine and -brunette complexions, eyes of bewitching animation or touching softness, -hair of glossy black or silken brown, and in short the various charms, -which united to form the perfect models of the opposite styles of beauty -which Selina and Adelaide presented, when he was diverted from this -agreeable occupation by Mrs. Sullivan screaming in his ear, "Law! Mr. -Sedley, I vish I vas O'fat (probably _au fait_) of what you're in such a -brown study for; there's my daughter, Cilly, keeping herself _enragé_ -all this time to dance with you." Of course he could not refuse this -summons, and immediately led her to join the dancers, scarcely -regretting that the set was nearly finished. - -When Cecilia passed by, overloaded with finery, and encumbered with -ornament, Mrs. Temple exclaimed, "Good heavens! how that handsome girl -has contrived to disfigure herself! It is no wonder her mother -complained of her being so long dressing: I hope, my dear Miss -Wildenheim, you will never give into such follies." Adelaide smilingly -replied, "I cannot invert the first axiom of mechanics, and say of the -labours of the toilet, _that we gain in power what we lose in time_." -"Never, my dear girl, as long as you live, mention the word _mechanics_ -again, on pain of being pronounced a learned lady; which crime, in this -country, is punished by tortures far more severe than the _peine forte -et dure_ of the old French law. I assure you, in England, the reputation -of _femme savante_ is scarcely less odious than that of _femme galante_. -A fool with youth and beauty maybe quite _recherchée_, but no mental or -bodily perfection can atone for the blemish of _learning_ in a woman!" -Mrs. Temple's attention was now attracted by seeing Mrs. Sullivan doing -the honours to a _soi-disant_ beau, who scarcely heard what she said, -being intent on copying the air of real fashion so striking in Mr. -Sedley. "This here's the courting room, Sir--That there's the -refrigerating house for drinking o-shot--And that there's my daughter -Meely, and that there other one's my Cilly--we calls one Grace and -Dignity and the other Little Elegance--I'm sure you must allow we've -given them wery opprobrious names.--Look'ee here, Sir, Meely did all -this here topography herself[11], entirely from her own deceptions; I -assure you, Sir, she's pro-digiars clever." Mrs. Temple, finding Mrs. -Sullivan's discourse utterly subversive of all decorum of countenance, -left the dangerous neighbourhood, and took Adelaide to walk about the -room, for the double purpose of composing her own features, and -informing her young friend of the names and characters of such of the -guests as she was unacquainted with. "Who is that lovely innocent girl, -sitting near the transparency of Mirth and her crew, with her head on -one side, and her eyes cast down with so much modesty?" "I dare say, -Miss Wildenheim, she is at this moment, with affected _naïveté_, saying -something to the gentleman next her, which _he_ finds unanswerable. She -is a most incorrigible little flirt; and as she is no fool, her -conversation is in my mind quite reprehensible. She was the daughter of -a poor baronet of this county, and to counterbalance her want of -fortune, was brought up in the most homely manner, being, for example, -accustomed to iron her own clothes and go to market. Against the consent -of her friends, she married a _petit-maître_ parson, with little except -a handsome person and agreeable manners to recommend him, and nothing -but a curacy to support him and his beautiful young wife. They now live -with his mother, who takes care of their children, the father being too -constantly occupied in fishing, hunting, and snoring, the mother in -dressing, dancing, singing, and flirting, to find time for the discharge -of their duty to their offspring. Delicate as she looks, she will go -through any fatigue to attend a ball or party: I suppose you will -scarcely believe, that she has walked eight miles this morning, carrying -her own parcel, to be here to-night." Before Adelaide could offer any -comment on this portrait, Mrs. Temple's attention was attracted by -another acquaintance: "Why, bless me, (said she) there is old Mr. -Marshall: what can have brought him here all the way from Kingston, to -night? except, perhaps, to have the pleasure of seeing his daughters -admired: and it would delight any father's heart to look at that -beautiful creature in blue, now showing the very perfection of a lady's -dancing. That little laughing girl standing beside her is her sister, -who is one of the pleasantest creatures I ever knew."--"Oh!" said -Adelaide, "I believe she is the Miss Marshall I met lately at -Huntingfield, who gave vent to as many ideas in half an hour, as would -serve an economist in speech for a week; I could not help applying to -her Mrs. Sullivan's adage, that _stores breed waste_." - -[Footnote 11: Pointing to the chalking on the floor.] - -"And now, my dear Miss Wildenheim," resumed Mrs. Temple, as, weary of -their promenade, they seated themselves, "if you are curious to inform -yourself as to the beaux of this assembly, you have only to keep your -eyes steadily fixed in the direction of that large mirror, and as they -pass point them out to me; for I will venture to say there is hardly a -young man in the room, who will not, in the course of the evening, stop -opposite to it, and settle his cravat. Look there now, already! observe -that youth adjusting his dress----I hope you saw the shake he gave his -head when he had done, as if to ascertain whether he had any brains in -it or not; much in the style of a thrifty housewife, who uses this -method with her eggs, when she wishes to discover if any spark of -animation lurks within. If he had applied to me," continued Mrs. Temple, -"I could have saved him the trouble he has just put himself to, and -would have solved the doubts the vacant countenance he saw in the glass -excited, by answering in the negative without hesitation. This -gentleman, at present, resides a few miles from hence, for the purpose -of canvassing the town of----, in hopes to represent it in the next -parliament. His travelling equipage is not exactly suited to the -character of a British senator. In addition to the usual establishment -of blinds, his carriage is fitted up on the outside with shades to save -his complexion, and in the barouche seat are two monkeys trained to act -as footmen. It is the received etiquette for every new candidate to make -his _début_ as _patriot_; he therefore, of course, talks loudly of -'Parliamentary reform:' perhaps he may have some ambitious views for the -ape tribe; indeed I have heard it whispered, that one or two have been -detected in both honourable houses before now." - -Adelaide was much entertained by Mrs. Temple's volubility, but said she -was inclined to differ from her friend as to the conclusion to be drawn -from this singular _cortège_. "You know, my dear Mrs. Temple, to have -'grace enough to play the fool, craves wit,' _sense_ is quite another -affair; but I think it is only those that have at least some talent, who -venture to take out this sort of temporary act of lunacy against -themselves, well knowing they can give convincing proof of sanity when -necessary. I have formed this conclusion from observing, that the -English alone ever make these eccentric exhibitions; you will readily -allow, that if any nation equals, none exceeds them in solid abilities. -If the young gentleman in question is under twenty-five, I would risk -something in favour of the contents of his head, on the strength of the -two monkeys. What a pity Dr. Gall is not here to decide for us, by means -of his soul-revealing touch; our craniologists, you know, tell us, they -have wit, memory, sense, and judgment at their fingers' ends: it is to -be hoped they have them elsewhere also." "What you say of Mr. B----," -replied Mrs. Temple, "amazes me: I own, from you, who are one of the -most rational of human beings in your own department, I expected no -toleration of folly." "Oh, I think the case is far different in the -conduct of women," said Adelaide: "our minds have not the strong -re-active power those of men possess; they, in the regions of folly not -unfrequently 'fall so hard, they bound and rise again,' but we are not -sufficiently firm to possess such elasticity." "I believe you are right, -my dear girl: would you like to visit the other apartments? I have not -seen them yet." Miss Wildenheim consented with alacrity, and they -accordingly proceeded towards the vestibule, where numerous groupes were -promenading, as the dancing was for a time discontinued. - -Adelaide, whilst amusing herself with Mrs. Temple's account of the -company, by degrees herself became an object of general admiration. -Although there were some women present of greater personal beauty than -Miss Wildenheim, yet in her "_La grâce, plus belle encore que la -beauté_[12]," won the eye from the contemplation of more perfect -loveliness. "Who is she?" was repeated from mouth to mouth, as she -crossed the vestibule; and when nobody could answer the question, it was -asked with increased earnestness. All agreed she was foreign, and that -there was something not English in her countenance, her manner of -wearing her dress, but above all in her walk. As an epidemical mania -for every thing continental once more reigns in England, the idea that -Adelaide was a foreigner, above all things, stamped her the belle of the -night; she was followed from room to room, and wherever she turned -innumerable eye-glasses were levelled at her. The attention she excited -at last becoming perceptible even to herself, with a look of anxious -inquiry she said to Mrs. Temple, "Is there any thing remarkable in my -appearance, that those people stare so?" "Yes, my dear, something very -remarkable." "Then pray, pray tell me what it is." "Your ignorance of it -is one of your greatest charms, and I am not envious enough to wish to -deprive you of any of them." This reply covered Adelaide with blushes, -and adorned her with a hue, which was the only beauty her fine -countenance did not usually possess. For sorrow had breathed witheringly -on the roses, that once had bloomed on her soft cheek.--Will the voice -of joy ever recal them from their exile? - -[Footnote 12: Grace more lovely than beauty.] - -The Webberly family, finding Adelaide the admiration of the company, now -came up to her, not to show _her_ kindness, but to show _their guests_ -she belonged to them; and their ostentatious civility provoked a smile -of contempt from Mrs. Temple, who had been indignant at their previous -neglect. Miss Wildenheim was soon surrounded by a crowd of beaux and -belles, who addressed her in good, bad, or indifferent French, Italian, -German, or Spanish--some from the polite wish of showing proper -attention to a stranger, others from a natural curiosity as to subjects -of foreign interest. But a large number, from the pure love of display, -gave utterance to as many scraps of any foreign language as their memory -furnished them with from books of dialogues or idioms; and, as soon as -these were exhausted, found some urgent reason for retreating to the -very opposite part of the room, taking care to keep at an awful -distance from her for the rest of the night. Many a poor girl was -brought forward by her mother, _bon gré, mal gré_, to display her -philological acquirements. Adelaide happened to overhear part of a -dialogue, preparatory to an exhibition of this sort. "Italian, mama! -Indeed, indeed, I can't: besides it is quite unnecessary, for Mrs. -Temple says she speaks English fluently." "But you know, love," replied -the matron, "it is such good breeding to address strangers in their own -language." "Yes, _dear_ mama, it is indeed; she is a German, and, I dare -say, doesn't understand Italian." "That doesn't signify, come and speak -to her directly, Miss." "Pray, pray, let it be in French then," said the -girl, half crying; "I have only learned Italian three months, and it's -ten to one if I happen to know what she says to me." "Why, you know, -Maria, when I brought Flo--Floril--(you could help me to the name if -you chose)--but, in short, that travelling Italian you had your flowers -of, to talk to you, he said he took you for a native; but you may speak -Italian first, and French afterwards, and that will be a double -practice, my dear." There was no reprieve;--and a very nice girl, -colouring crimson deep from shame and anger, stammered out a sentence of -wretched Italian, whilst the mother stood by with an air of triumph, to -see her orders obeyed, and observe who was listening. Adelaide, pitying -the poor girl's confusion, replied in French, apparently for her own -ease, and addressed to her a few sentences, which afforded an -opportunity of throwing in that everlasting self-congratulating "_oui, -oui_," which is the young linguist's best ally, even more useful than -Madame de Genlis' "_Manuel du Voyageur_," which, by the bye, an adept in -short hand might have taken down that night. The young lady and her -mother soon left Adelaide, both highly delighted; and, however -unwilling the former had been to make the experiment mama had enjoined, -she certainly thought much more highly of her own attainments after this -happy result. Adelaide was then introduced to a gentleman who spoke -French with as much fluency as herself, and they soon got into that -style of conversation, to which the term _spirituelle_ is so justly -applied, where appropriate diction and elegant idea lend charms to each -other: in the language to which she had from infancy been accustomed, -she expressed herself with peculiar felicity, and seemed to take the -same sort of pleasure in doing so one feels in meeting a long absent -friend. Mrs. Temple was now a silent and wondering spectator, vainly -endeavouring to find out how such a girl as Miss Wildenheim could have -become an inmate of Mrs. Sullivan's family; and remarked that her manner -and acquirements always rose to the level of the scene which called them -forth. At that instant she acquitted herself with as much grace of all -those dues of society, which the passing moment demanded, as she, with -cheerful sweetness, contributed to the amusement of her friends in the -quiet family circle at the parsonage. Mrs. Temple was half angry at the -ease of her manner in such a situation; but when she again looked at -Adelaide, observed her varying blushes, vainly watched for any symptom -of coquetry or attempt at display; and at last caught an imploring -glance, which seemed to say, like Sterne's starling, "I can't get -out--pray relieve me," she felt the injustice of her incipient censures. -She was for an instant prevented from obeying the summons, by an old -general officer asking her, "If that young lady was any relation of the -Baron Wildenheim, who so much distinguished himself at the battle of -Hohenlinden, and so many other desperate encounters of the same -campaign?" "Possibly his daughter," replied Mrs. Temple; "but pray -don't direct any question of that nature to her; for whenever such -subjects are alluded to, she seems deeply affected." When Mrs. Temple -again took Adelaide's arm, she found Mr. Webberly importuning her to -dance. Mrs. Sullivan had made him promise that morning not to ask -Adelaide to dance, for fear of making Miss Seymour jealous! But he could -no longer deny himself the pleasure, for which he had most looked -forward to this evening; and, in spite of his mother's frowns and signs, -(seldom indeed much attended to at Webberly House) he solicited Adelaide -with much earnestness, to dance a set with him, which he offered to -procure express before supper. But as she steadily refused, he, to -solace himself, prevailed on a city cousin, (whose wealth procured her -admittance to her aunt's house) and his sister Cecilia, to exhibit -themselves as waltzers. Cecilia's partner was the _soi-disant_ beau, who -had been so indefatigable in his polygraphie of ton; and the travesty -of Lady Eltondale and Sedley was inimitably ludicrous to those who had a -key to the libel. The company had long been tired of quizzing poor -innocent Lucy Martin; equally fatigued with the amusements provided for -them; were almost weary of admiring and comparing Selina and Adelaide, -most of the ladies by this time having discovered, that though the -latter had a certain "_je ne sais quoi_" about her that was taking, her -hair was too black, and her complexion too pale, for beauty; and that -the loveliness of the former defied criticism--an unwilling confession, -which rendered their first triumph nugatory; so that the waltzers -afforded a very seasonable diversion. Nothing could be fancied more -laughable than the undextrous twirling of the quartet; and few things -are more worthy, in every respect, to be the subject of that spirit of -ridicule which so unfortunately pervades every society, than this -anti-Anglican dance. Mrs. Temple whispered to Adelaide, - - "So ill the motion with the music suits; - "Thus Orpheus play'd, and like them danc'd the brutes." - -How could Mrs. Temple be so ill bred as to whisper?--The whole thing is -'_mauvais ton_' no doubt some decorous belle now exclaims. Gentle -reader, if thou hast never sacrificed thy friend or thy love of the -_exact_ truth to a joke, thou hast a right to vent thine indignation -against this breach of _etiquette_. When thine ire is exhausted, proceed -to read, and thou wilt find that the cause of thine indignation is at an -end.--Supper was at length announced; the company were conducted into -rooms laid out in the same style of ornamental profusion as those they -had already visited. After supper, dancing was resumed with increased -ardour, and continued to an early hour. When the company separated, -they exchanged the glare of candles for the light of the sun; and the -sound of the harp, tabret, and all manner of musical instruments, for -the song of birds and the whistling of the husbandman. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - Stranger to civil and religious rage, - The good man walk'd innoxious through his age. - No courts he saw.-- - - POPE. - - -Few people were ever endowed with a greater capacity of receiving -pleasureable emotions than Selina Seymour, and the whole tenor of her -joyful life had hitherto tended to increase this inestimable gift of -nature. She had been as happy at Mrs. Sullivan's ball, as it was -possible for any innocent being, without a care for the present or a -regret for the past; and the pleasure of her own mind was reflected back -to her tenfold in the approving smiles of her father and aunt. Her -delight in the gay scene was unalloyed by envy or competition. She had -never been taught to estimate her _happiness_ by her height in the scale -of admiration; for her fond relatives, thinking her always charming, and -ever considering her felicity more than the gratification of their own -pride, had not tortured her by preparations for exhibition; and, as long -as she danced with pleasure to herself, they cared not _how_. The happy -girl so keenly enjoyed the brilliant scene, was so grateful for the -marked attention she received, that she had not time to stop to consider -whether she was _admired_ or not; and, perhaps, if this query had even -occurred to her mind, the answer to it might have been a matter of -indifference--sufficient was it to her felicity to know she was -_beloved_. - -But all Selina's delight would have been turned to pain the more -exquisite, could one fold of the veil of futurity have been raised to -show her the near approach of misery. On that night she first saw -pleasure decked in her festal robe, her brow crowned with flowers, her -countenance radiant with smiles, presenting her enchantments with one -hand--but saw not the other beckoning to the hovering forms of disease -and death, to array her in the garb of wo:--a task they too quickly -performed; for alas! this scene of gaiety was but the antechamber of -grief. - -Selina rose next day, refreshed with a few hours sound sleep; and, -animated with more than her general vivacity, was skipping down stairs -with her usual velocity, when she was stopped by Mrs. Galton; and, -terrified at the expression of her countenance, "Good God, aunt Mary!" -exclaimed she, "what is the matter you look so pale--are you ill?" "No, -my dear, no; but I am sorry to say your father is very unwell. Don't be -so much alarmed, my dear child--he is better now. Where are you going?" -continued she, holding Selina fast. "To see my dear papa." "You must -not, Selina, Mr. Lucas is with him, endeavouring to compose him to -sleep.--Come to the library, my love, and let us have breakfast." They -proceeded quietly and sorrowfully; and Selina, on entering it, perceived -her aunt was in the dress of the night before. "Why, my dear aunt, you -have never changed your dress. Oh, that vile ball! my dear dear father -has got cold. I wish we had never gone;" and here, quite overcome by the -acuteness of her feelings, she burst into a paroxysm of tears. Mrs. -Galton was not sorry to see her give way to her grief; but when she -became a little composed, addressed her with much solemnity of manner, -saying, "Selina, my dear Selina, command yourself! I require you to -exert all your fortitude; you must not, in a scene like this, render -yourself worse than useless. Do not selfishly give yourself up to your -own feelings. Remember, my child, you may be of much comfort to your -father." Selina answered but by a motion of the hand, and, retiring for -a short time to a solitary apartment, threw herself on her knees, and, -by a fervent supplication for support from Heaven, at last composed -herself so far as to return to her aunt with a calm countenance, though -still unable to speak. One expressive look told Mrs. Galton she was -aware of her father's danger, and was prepared to make every proper -exertion. Sir Henry had at Webberly House most imprudently accompanied -his darling Selina in one of her visits to the hermitage; and, in -consequence of the draughts of air and damps to which he had thereby -exposed himself, was, on his return to the Hall, seized with the gout in -his stomach in a most alarming manner. Mr. Lucas had been immediately -sent for, and, pronouncing him in imminent danger, had requested that -better advice might be procured without delay. At length the violence of -the attack seemed to give way to the remedies administered; and Mr. -Lucas was, as Mrs. Galton said, endeavouring to procure sleep for his -patient, when she heard Selina's bell; and, taking a favourable -opportunity of leaving the sick room, was proceeding to break the -intelligence to her, when they met on the stairs. The ladies continued -at the breakfast in perfect silence, Mrs. Galton not even addressing -Selina by a look, as she well knew that a mere trifle would destroy the -composure she was endeavouring to acquire. When they left the breakfast -table, Mrs. Galton took Selina up stairs, to assist her in changing her -dress, as she feared to leave her alone, and wished to employ her in -those little offices of attentive kindness, which, by their very -minuteness, disturb the mind from meditating on any new-born grief, -though they only irritate the feelings, when sorrow has arrived at -maturity. Mrs. Galton's watchful eye soon discovered Dr. Norton's -carriage at the lower end of the avenue; and that Selina might be out -of the way on his entrance, sent her to walk in the garden, promising to -call her the moment she could be admitted to see her father. When Dr. -Norton arrived, he immediately repaired to Sir Henry's apartment; and, -on hearing it, gave a sad confirmation of Mr. Lucas's opinion, -expressing his fears, that though his patient was tolerably easy at that -moment, violent attacks of the complaint might be expected; and if -_they_ should not prove fatal, the weakness consequent on them most -probably would. Mrs. Galton entreated he would remain at Deane Hall till -Sir Henry's fate was decided, which request he, without hesitation, -complied with. - -Had Dr. Norton conveyed his intelligence to Selina herself, it could -scarcely have afflicted her more deeply than it did Mrs. Galton. Her -regard for Sir Henry was great, and not less lively was her gratitude -for the constant kindness he had for a long course of years shown her; -so that had not another being on earth been interested in his life, she -would, in her own feelings, have found sufficient cause for sorrow. But -when she anticipated Selina's grief, should the fears of the physician -be realized, her own misery was tenfold aggravated by her commiseration -for the beloved child of her heart--the dearest solace of her existence! - -These reflections even increased the usual fondness of Mrs. Galton's -manner to Selina, when, on her return from the garden, she answered the -anxious child's inquiries for her father. She had a hard task to -fulfil--fearful of telling her too much or too little. To avoid any -direct reply, she informed her she might now go to Sir Henry's room, and -Selina, without a moment's delay, was at his bed-side. The poor old man, -anxious, if possible, to postpone the misery of his child, assured her -he was now easy, and desired her to tell him all she thought of the -night before. The innocent girl, on hearing this request, flattered -herself with all the delusion of hope, that her aunt's fears had -exaggerated the danger; and, elated by the idea that her father's -complaint had subsided, talked with much of her usual vivacity, which -increased as she perceived her lively ingenuous remarks cheered the sick -man's face with many smiles.--Little was she aware, they were the last -her own would ever brighten on beholding. - -An express, without delay, was dispatched to Mordaunt, requesting his -immediate presence at Deane Hall. When Selina heard of her father's -anxiety for his arrival, her spirits again sunk, and she reflected in an -agony of sorrow, that "Yesterday she could not have supposed it possible -the idea of seeing Augustus could have been a severe affliction to her." -The night of that sad day Selina requested she might pass in attendance -on her father. Her aunt, fearful of what the morrow might bring forth, -gratified her desire. Dreadful were the reflections that night gave -rise to, as she contrasted the awful stillness of Sir Henry's chamber -with the noisy gaiety of the one, in which she had spent the night -before. - -Two or three days of dreadful suspense thus passed over Selina's head: -whenever she was permitted she was at her father's bed-side, passing in -an instant from the utmost alarm to hope. But though she saw despair -expressed in every face, her mind still rejected it. She could not bring -herself to believe her beloved father was indeed to die! - -Those who most fervently love most ardently hope, and building their -faith on the most trifling circumstances, cling to it with a force none -less deeply interested can imagine. It is well they do. Their fond hopes -make them use exertions, and bestow comforts, they would be otherwise -incapable of. And thus affection is enabled to cheer the bed of death to -the last moment. - -And as for the survivors! no anticipation can prepare them for the -overwhelming despair of the moment in which they lose what they most -prize on earth! - -Grief, rising supreme in this her hour of triumph, will have her -dominion uncontrolled, and defies alike the past and the future,--even -religion must be aided by time to subdue her giant force. - -On the evening of the third day of Sir Henry's illness Augustus Mordaunt -arrived at Deane Hall; the domestics flocked around him, each conveying -to his agonized ear more dismal tidings,--he spent a dreadful half hour -alone in the library, without seeing either Selina or Mrs. Galton, as -Mr. Temple was at that time administering the sacred rites of the church -to Sir Henry, whilst they joined in prayer in the antechamber. When Sir -Henry had finished his devotions, he asked for Selina, and his voice -brought her in a moment to his bed-side; where, kneeling down, in a half -suffocated voice, she implored his blessing, which never father gave -more fervently, nor amiable child received more piously. - -"Selina! you have always been a good child, and obeyed me; when I am -gone, mind what Mrs. Galton says to you. If I had followed her advice, I -should have been better now." The baronet spoke with much difficulty, -and, exhausted with the effort, closed his eyes in a temporary lethargy. -Selina answered not, but with streaming eyes kissed his hand in token of -obedience. At last, raising his head from his pillow, "Where is -Augustus? he is a long time coming."--at that instant footsteps were -heard slowly and softly traversing the anteroom. Selina opening the door -admitted Augustus: she would have retired, but her father signed her -approach; and recovering his strength a little, faltered out, "Happy to -see you, my dear boy--I have been a father to you, Augustus, be a -brother to this poor girl." - -Augustus poured forth his feelings with more fervency than prudence, -and was stopped in the expression of them by Selina, who perceived her -father was quite exhausted: he once more opened his eyes, saying, "I die -content;" he struggled for utterance, but his words were unintelligible, -and he could only articulate, "Go away,--Send Mrs. Galton." Augustus -flew to bring her, whilst Selina hung in distraction over her dying -parent: as they entered the room, her exclamation of "Oh! my father, my -dear father!" gave them warning, that all was over; and when they -approached the bed, parent and child were lying side by side, the one -apparently as lifeless as the other. - -Augustus, in his first distraction, thought he had lost Selina as well -as his beloved and revered friend, but being recalled to his senses by -Mrs. Galton, assisted her in removing Selina to another room. At length -their exertions revived Selina to a dreadful consciousness of her -misfortune--how agonizing was that moment, when, in her frantic grief, -she upbraided their kind care, and wished they had left her to die by -her father's side! "I have no parent now." "Dearest child of my heart, -have I not ever been a mother to you, and will you refuse to be still my -daughter when I stand so much in need of consolation?" Selina threw -herself into her aunt's arms, and gave vent, in tears, to the sorrow of -her bursting heart; at length she cried herself to sleep, like a child, -and her aunt remained at her side all night, ready to soften the horrors -of her waking moments. - -Selina, next day, being comparatively calm, was wisely left in perfect -solitude to disburthen her heart: her grief was not insulted by -officious condolence, too often resembling reproof rather than comfort. -The aspect of grief is obnoxious to the comparatively happy, and they -often use but unskilful endeavours to banish her from their sight, more -for their own ease, than for the relief of the unfortunate beings who -are bound down to the earth by her oppressive power. Those who have felt -it, will with caution obtrude themselves on her sacred privacy, and will -know when to be mute in the presence of the mourner. - -But where shall the reign of selfishness end?--Her votaries intermeddle -with sorrows they cannot cure, and absent themselves from scenes where -they might bestow comfort: they are to be found in the chamber of the -mourner, but fly from the bed of death, which their presence might -cheer, leaving an expiring relative to look in vain for a loved face, on -which to rest the agonized eye. The friends of the dying do not fulfil -their duty, if they desert the expiring sufferer whilst a spark of life -remains. For who can say the moment when sense _begins_ to cease? Though -the eye is closed, and the tongue mute, the grateful heart may yet be -thankfully alive to the kind voice of affectionate care, or the last -silent pressure of unutterable love! - -Scenes of pain may be appalling to the delicate female. But should a -wife, mother, daughter, or sister, shrink from any task, which may be -useful to the object in which her _duty_ and her love are centred? This -is the courage, this the fortitude, it becomes woman to exert! - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - Hark! at that death-betok'ning knell - Of yonder doleful passing bell. - - GILBERT COWPER. - - -Immediately after Sir Henry Seymour's death Mordaunt wrote to inform Mr. -Seymour of the event, who was the nearest male relative to Sir Henry -then alive, but who had not lived on terms of any intimacy with the -Baronet, having chiefly resided on his own estate in Cumberland. He, -however, lost no time in repairing to the Hall, less out of respect to -the memory of his relation, than in hopes of benefiting by his decease. -The day after his arrival was appointed for opening the will, but in it -he was completely disappointed; it had evidently been written but a few -days before Sir Henry died; and, except small legacies to his servants, -no bequest was made in it to any person but Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and -Selina. To the first, Sir Henry gave a thousand pounds as a slight -testimony of his friendship and esteem; to Augustus he left a small -estate in Cumberland, and to Selina all his other property of every -description, appointing Lady Eltondale sole guardian of her person; -Mordaunt and Mr. Temple trustees to her estates till she married or came -of age. The interest of a large sum in the funds was appropriated to her -support till either of these events occurred; a considerable portion of -which was to be paid to Lady Eltondale for her maintenance, as it was -Sir Henry's wish that she should reside with her. - -Mr. Seymour endeavoured to conceal his own disappointment by paying a -variety of compliments to Selina and Augustus, whom he chose to class -together, in a manner which, had either of them been sufficiently -disengaged to observe it, would have been not a little embarrassing to -both: fortunately, however, they were each too much occupied by their -own feelings to attend to him; and, as his only motive for visiting -Deane Hall was now at an end, he was glad to escape from the house of -mourning, with as little delay as possible. - -Sir Henry's generosity, which was totally unexpected by Augustus, served -but to imbitter his regrets for the loss of his benefactor. In him he -had lost his earliest friend; for his uncle he considered as an entire -stranger, and of his parents he retained no recollection. Whatever had -been the errors of Sir Henry's judgment, his benevolence had never -failed towards Mordaunt; and, while his many virtues had always ensured -respect, his kindness had sunk deep in the grateful heart of Augustus, -as, in their intercourse, essential obligation had never been cancelled -by casual caprice, or rendered irksome by ungracious austerity of -manner. He however carefully suppressed his own feelings, in order the -better to administer consolation to those of Selina; and while Mrs. -Galton and Mr. Temple, with affection almost paternal, used every -argument which religion and reason could suggest, to reconcile her as -much as possible to her loss; Augustus endeavoured by the tenderest care -and unremitting attention to divert her thoughts from her recent -calamity, and thereby gradually soften the poignancy of her sorrow. -Selina had, till the moment when she was deprived of her father, been -totally unacquainted with grief; for when her mother died, she was too -young to be sensible of her loss; and Mrs. Galton's almost maternal -kindness had filled the void of her infant heart, while she was yet -scarcely conscious of its existence. At first she could hardly be -persuaded that Sir Henry really breathed no more; so sudden, and to her -so unexpected, was his dissolution. But, after she had in some degree -relieved her heart, by giving way to the first outrageous burst of -sorrow, on being convinced he was indeed no longer in existence, she -became almost stupified by the overpowering weight of her misfortune. -Sometimes she would rouse herself from her torpor, by questioning -herself, was what had passed but a dream, or an agonizing reality? Was -it possible she should never more hear his beloved voice, or see the -smile of parental fondness play round the cold lips, that were now -closed for ever? Was she never again to feel the delight of cheering a -parent's couch of sickness by the playful sallies of her imagination, or -soothing the acuteness of pain by those considerate attentions affection -only teaches us to pay. Alas! from whom could she now expect to hear the -joyful sound of welcome, with which her return was always greeted, -however short her absence might have been? or from whom could she now -hope to meet the approving glance, that more than rewarded the merit it -applauded; or experience that partiality, that accorded a ready -extenuation of the errors it could not overlook? Whilst these -reflections crowded on her mind, she felt as if the spring of all her -actions was broken, and in the despondency of the moment, thought she -would willingly have exchanged half the remaining years of her life to -recal a few short moments of her past existence. - -From these afflicting ideas she was however roused by receiving a letter -from Lady Eltondale. It was couched in terms that were intended as kind, -though the selfish feelings that dictated them were easily discernible. -The viscountess drew the consolation she offered to the mourner, not -from the source of religion, or that of friendship, but from the cold -unfeeling calculations of interest. She congratulated Selina on her -immense fortune, and on her speedy prospect of being emancipated from -the cloistered seclusion in which she had hitherto lived; and then, -assuming the tone of guardian, left Selina no pretext for refusing her -"orders" immediately to come to reside under her roof, though the -_orders_ were couched in the most polite terms of invitation. She -concluded by asking Selina, whether Mrs. Galton meant to continue at the -Hall, which was immediately understood by both as an intimation that she -was not expected to accompany Selina; but the interdiction was rendered -still more explicit by a postscript, that conveyed her Ladyship's -compliments to Mrs. Galton, and her hopes, at a future time, to prevail -on her to visit Eltondale. - -Selina was indignant at this marked exclusion of her beloved aunt; and -Mrs. Galton found some difficulty in prevailing on her to return even a -polite answer to the Viscountess; but being persuaded from the tenor of -her Ladyship's letter that excuses would be of no avail, she, at last, -persuaded Miss Seymour to name that day fortnight for leaving the Hall, -in hopes, her promptitude in obeying the summons, would, in some degree, -conceal the mortification it had occasioned. Mrs. Galton also wrote to -say, that she herself would accompany Miss Seymour to Eltondale, as she -could, on no account, think of resigning her charge, till she delivered -her in safety to her new guardian; adding, that Mr. Mordaunt had -promised to escort Mrs. Galton from thence to Bath, whither she purposed -proceeding immediately. When Selina saw these letters absolutely -dispatched, and found the time was decidedly fixed for her parting from -the beloved scenes of her infancy, she gave way to an extravagance of -grief, that resisted all Mrs. Galton's reasoning, and even Mordaunt's -anxious entreaties, that she would not thus endanger her health. While -Selina thus resigned herself to an excess of feeling, which was one of -the most conspicuous traits of her character; and indulged, -uncontrolled, a sorrow that was too poignant to be permanent, Mrs. -Galton was struggling against hers with that firmness, by which she was -equally distinguished. She not only did not obtrude her misery on -others, but her calmness, her mildness, her fortitude, proved she really -practised her own precepts of resignation. However, her mental was -superior to her bodily strength: and when she found she was suddenly to -be separated, probably for life, from the child of her fondest -affection; and recollected the pains, it was more than probable, her new -guardian would take to eradicate from the too pliant mind of her young -pupil, not only all the precepts she had so carefully instilled, but -even all remembrance of the instructress; her spirits drooped under the -painful anticipation: and her increased paleness, and declining -appetite, betrayed the approach of disease, to which, notwithstanding, -she was yet unwilling to yield. It was not, however, to be warded off, -and, before the day appointed for Selina's departure, Mrs. Galton was -confined to her bed in an alarming fever: for several days she continued -in imminent danger, but at length the complaint took a favourable turn, -and she was yet spared to the prayers of her anxious attendants. It was -by no means an unfortunate circumstance for Selina, that Mrs. Galton's -illness occurred, to divert her thoughts from the melancholy subject on -which alone she had hitherto permitted them to dwell. By feeling she had -yet much to lose, she imperceptibly became reconciled to the loss she -had already sustained. And when Mrs. Galton was able to sit up in her -dressing room, she, in some degree, resumed her natural character, once -more contributing to the comfort of those she loved. - -In this delightful task Mordaunt participated: when Mrs. Galton was -able, he would sit for hours reading out to her and Selina, while the -grateful smile that lightened the expressive countenance of the latter -sufficiently rewarded his toil. Sometimes, when Mrs. Galton reclined on -the couch, he would draw his chair closer to Selina's work-table, and -continue their conversation in that low tone, which belongs only to -confidence or feeling, which, therefore he doubly prized; but, though he -thus momentarily drank deeper of the draughts of love, no word escaped -his lips to betray the secret struggles of his soul. It is true, that -profiting by the name of brother, which their long intimacy, in some -degree, entitled him to use, he hesitated not to pay her every attention -the most assiduous lover could devise. But yet he scrupulously respected -the engagement her father had made, and studiously endeavoured to -conceal, even from its object, the passion that prayed upon his soul. -Nor was Selina insensible to his kindness; on the contrary, she felt it -with her characteristic gratitude, and expressed her feelings with her -usual ingenuousness; and such were the charms of Mordaunt's society, -notwithstanding the sincerity and depth of her affliction for her -father's death, the hours thus passed in the reciprocal interchange of -kindness from those most loved were amongst the happiest of her life: -and when, at length, Dr. Norton pronounced his patient sufficiently -recovered to travel, the regrets at leaving the Hall were, probably, not -a little increased on the minds both of Selina and Augustus, by the idea -that such hours might possibly never again recur. - -At last the day came, when Selina was to bid adieu to the only scene, -with which happiness was as yet associated in her mind. It was a cold -stormy morning in December. A mizzling rain darkened the atmosphere, and -the leafless trees presented a scene of external desolation, that in -some degree corresponded with the mental gloom of the travellers. The -sun was scarcely risen, and the domestics, that flitted about in the -bleak twilight, all eager to offer some last attention to their beloved -young mistress and her respected aunt, seemed by their mourning habits, -and sorrowful countenances, to sympathize in their grief; whilst the -mournful present was contrasted in every mind with the recollection of -those joyous days of benevolent hospitality, that season of the year had -formerly presented. Mrs. Galton, suppressing her own feelings, to soothe -those of others, stopped to take a friendly leave of all, while poor -Selina, overcome by their well meant commiseration, rushed past them, -and threw herself into a corner of the carriage in an agony of grief. - -When they reached the outer gate of the park, they found a few of her -father's favourite tenants, and some of the cottagers on whom Selina had -formerly bestowed her bounty, assembled to offer their last token of -respect and hearty wishes for her future happiness; but few of the -number could articulate their simple, though honest, salutations. -Unbidden tears trickled down their furrowed cheeks, as they thus parted -with the last of their revered master's family. The old men stood in -silence with their bare heads exposed to "the pelting of the pitiless -storm," while their hearts gave the blessing their lips refused to -utter. And the mothers held up their shivering infants to kiss their -little hands as the carriage passed, in hopes their infantine gestures -would explain the feelings they only could express by tears. - -When they arrived opposite to the parsonage, they found its kind -inhabitants equally anxious to bestow the parting benediction. Nor were -their greetings as they drove through the village less numerous or -sincere: most of the windows were crowded; and the few tradesmen Deane -boasted were waiting at their doors, to make their passing bow, whilst -poor Mrs. Martin and Lucy continued waving their handkerchiefs over the -white pales, till the carriage was out of sight. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - Alquanto malagevole ed aspretta, - Per mezzo im bosco presero la via, - Che, oltra che sassosa fosse e stretta, - Quasi su dritta alla collina gia. - Ma poiche furo ascesi in su la belta - Usciro in spaziosa pratiera-- - Dover il piu bel Palazzo e'l piu giocondo, - Vider che mai fosse vecluto al mondo[13]. - - ORLANDO FURIOSO. - -[Footnote 13: No doubt most of my readers will prefer their own -translations of my mottoes to any I could offer them; but for those who -choose to avoid this trouble, I add my imitations, which claim no other -merit than that of giving a general idea of the spirit of the original -passage. - - They through the wood their path descried, - Which climb'd the shaggy mountain's side; - Dark, narrow was the winding way, - O'er many a piercing stone it lay. - But when they left the forest's shade, - A spacious platform stood display'd, - On which a palace rose in sight, - The smiling scene of gay delight. -] - - -In proportion as Mrs. Galton and Augustus approached Eltondale, their -regrets increased from their anticipation of so soon parting with -Selina; whilst, on the contrary, her spirits seemed to rise with the -varying scene. Almost every object was new to her, and, as such, was a -fresh source of enjoyment. It would be impossible to describe Selina's -astonishment when she entered Leeds. She had never before been in any -large town; for though York was within thirty miles of the Hall, it had -been, in point of intercourse, as much beyond Sir Henry's circle as -London itself. The throng of people, the constant bustle of passengers, -the gaiety of the shops, and above all the comfort, and even elegance of -the hotel where they slept--were all to her subjects of agreeable -surprise. Even the rapid motion of the carriage whirled on by the post -horses, whose pace was so different from the sober gait of poor Sir -Henry's antiquated steeds, animated and delighted her. And will the -confession be forgiven?--such was her ignorance, or perhaps her -frivolity, that she not only felt, but was vulgar enough to acknowledge -a childish pleasure in the races the postillions frequently entered into -with the stage coaches. Augustus was enchanted with the _naïveté_ of her -observations, and gazed with delight on her sparkling eyes and changing -colour, which needed no interpreter to express her varying emotions. But -Mrs. Galton sighed to think how that pliability of disposition, that -now rendered her so bewitching to others, might hereafter become -dangerous to herself. Lady Eltondale, finding Mrs. Galton and Mordaunt -were determined to accompany Selina to the end of her journey, had -written a polite invitation to them to remain at her house some days; -but they had both resolved not to avail themselves of this tardy -civility, even for one night; however, unforeseen delays having -occurred, they did not reach Eltondale till past nine o'clock in the -evening. It was a dark stormy night; the wind, which blew in tremendous -gusts, had extinguished the lamps of the carriage, and they with -difficulty found their way through a thick wood, that climbed the side -of a hill on which the house was situated; but when they emerged from -this Cimmerian darkness, the superb mansion broke upon their view in an -unbroken blaze of light. The exterior rivalled the elegance of an -Italian villa from the lightness of its porticoes, the regularity of -its colonnades, and the symmetry of its whole proportion. Nor was the -interior less elegant. Almost before the carriage reached the steps of -the porch, the ready doors flew open, and a crowd of servants welcomed -their approach: and such was the brilliancy of the scene into which they -were thus suddenly introduced, that it was some minutes before the -travellers could face the dazzling glare of this sudden day. When, -however, they were enabled to look round, the _coup d'oeil_ called -forth involuntary admiration. Three halls, _en suite_, lay open before -them, all illuminated, particularly the centre one, which contained a -light stone stair-case, that wound round a dome to the top of the house, -only interrupted by galleries that corresponded to the different floors. -Out of the hall in which they stood, a conservatory stretched its length -of luxuriant sweetness. The roses, that were trained over its trellised -arches, were in full blow, and formed a beautiful contrast to the -icicles that hung on the outside of the windows, whilst the blooming -garden itself was equally contrasted by the winter clothing of the -adjoining halls. In them large blazing fires gave both light and heat; -whilst thick Turkey carpets, bearskin rugs, and cloth curtains to every -door, bid defiance to the inclemency of the severest season. - -Before Selina had time to express half her rapture and surprise, the -Alcina of this enchanted palace approached to welcome them. And such was -the elegance, the fascination of Lady Eltondale's address, particularly -to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, that they for a moment almost doubted -whether they had indeed rightly understood her prohibitory letter. Lord -Eltondale had not yet left the dinner table; but the moment he heard of -the arrival of his guests, he bustled out, napkin in hand, to bellow -forth his boisterous welcome: "Gad, I'm glad to see ye all. How do? how -do? Why, Mrs. Galton, you're thinner than ever; but this is capital -fattening ground. Selina, my girl, what have you done with the rosy -cheeks you had last summer? Come, child, don't cry; you know you could -not expect Sir Henry to live for ever--and you've plenty of cash, eh?" -Lady Eltondale, perceiving her Lord's condolences by no means assuaged -Selina's tears, took hold of her hand and that of Mrs. Galton, and with -a kindness much more effectual, though perhaps not more sincere, led -them away from her unconscious Lord, who, without waiting for reply or -excuse, seized Mordaunt by the arm, and dragged him into the eating -parlour, as he said, "to drink the ladies' health in a bottle of the -best Burgundy he ever tasted." - -The drawing-room, to which Lady Eltondale introduced her guests, was -perfectly consistent with its beautiful entrance, for here, - - "If a poet - Shone in description, he might show it,-- - Palladian walls--Venetian doors-- - Grotesco roofs--" - -in short, all that taste and extravagance could procure to combine -comfort and elegance. - -Before Lady Eltondale drew aside the curtain that screened the door of -the anteroom, a few chords on the harp were distinguished--and on -entering the apartment they perceived two ladies. One was an old woman, -dressed in mourning, with a large black bonnet, which almost entirely -concealed her face, whom Lady Eltondale introduced as Lady Hammersley. -She looked up, for a moment, from a book she appeared to be perusing -intently, and after saluting the strangers with an obsequious -inclination of the head, resumed her studies in silence. The other -lady, who was reclining against the harp, was dressed in the extreme of -French fashion. Her face, though not youthful, appeared, at that -distance, handsome, from the judicious arrangement of white and red, -with which it was covered. But a closer inspection proved the only -charms it could really boast were a pair of large black eyes, that could -assume any requisite expression, and a set of teeth, which, whether -natural or artificial, were certainly beautiful. Her dark hair was -crowned with a wreath of roses _en corbeille_, the colour of her cheeks; -and her tall slim figure was covered, not concealed, by a loose muslin -robe _à la Diane_. - -At first the Viscountess took no notice of the fair minstrel; but having -placed Mrs. Galton close to the fire in a Roman chair, and ordered -coffee, and an opera basket for her feet, she drew Selina's arm through -her own, and, approaching the stranger, addressed her, saying, "At -last, Mademoiselle Omphalie, here is my niece: have I said too much of -her?" "_Ah! mon Dieu, qu'elle est belle!_" returned the complaisant -foreigner. "_Ma foi, elle est fail à peindre._[14] _Ma chère_ young -ladi, ve must be ver good friends: I am positive I shall dote a you." So -saying, she held out her hand to Selina, who returned the proffered -courtesy with a glow of gratitude for the unexpected kindness. But the -Viscountess did not give her niece time to profit much by the stranger's -civility. She just happened to recollect, that Selina's furs were -unnecessary in her ladyship's drawing-room, and proposed to the -travellers to have them introduced to their apartments, which they -gladly acceded to. But here a new fashion struck their wondering eyes. -The Viscountess desired her footmen to send "Argant" to show the rooms. -Mrs. Galton and Selina ignorantly imagined they were to be consigned to -the care of a house-maid. What then was their dismay, when a Swiss groom -of the chambers made his appearance, with their wax tapers, and escorted -them, not only to their rooms, which adjoined each other, but familiarly -entered the apartments with them; and having deliberately lighted the -candles on their respective toilets, with a thousand shrugs and grimaces -asked, "_Si mesdames lui permettront l'honneur d'ôter leurs -pelisses[15]?_" When he had at last retired, Mrs. Galton could no longer -suppress her feelings; the tears trickled down her cheeks as she clasped -Selina to her bosom, with a fearful anticipation of the trials and -temptations, a scene so new and so bewitching was likely to offer to a -girl so totally inexperienced. But unwilling, unnecessarily, to damp -the dear girl's spirits, which were already fluttering between joy and -sorrow, she attributed her depression solely to the idea of so soon -parting with her, as she had fixed to leave Eltondale with Augustus very -early the following morning. When the two ladies returned to the drawing -room, they found the gentlemen had joined the party. Besides Lord -Eltondale and Mordaunt, the circle was enlarged by Sir Robert -Hammersley, an old fat Scotch admiral, and his son, who had thrown -himself, at full length, on a sofa, listening to an Italian _arietta_, -that Mademoiselle Omphalie was warbling forth in "liquid sweetness long -drawn out," whilst he occasionally interrupted her finest cadences with -an audible yawn, or an almost unintelligible "_brava_." Lady Eltondale, -Lady Hammersley, and Mrs. Galton formed a group together, and entered -into general conversation, while Sir Robert and his host were warmly -engaged in continuing a political dispute. Selina remained attentively -listening to the delightful harmony of Mademoiselle Omphalie's melodious -voice, till at length her eye meeting that of Mordaunt, which rested -solely on hers, her expressive countenance told him in a moment all her -admiration and delight. He softly approached her, and, leaning over her -chair, said, in a low tone, "All these new pleasures will soon make you -forget----I mean you will scarcely have time to think of Yorkshire." She -turned her beautiful face towards him, with an expression of melancholy -and surprise, but meeting his speaking glance, she hastily withdrew her -eyes, and coloured, with an ill defined feeling of painful pleasure: -some flowers, that she had inconsiderately taken from a china vase, that -stood on a table near her, suffered from her agitation, as she -unconsciously scattered some of the myrtle leaves on the floor. -Augustus picked up one of the fallen branches, and, looking at Selina, -"_Je ne change qu'en mourant_," said he, with an emphasis that seemed to -apply the motto in more ways than to the leaf he held. Selina's -confusion increased, and a tear stood on her long eye-lashes, but before -she could articulate the half formed sentence that trembled on her lip, -Lady Eltondale advanced to the table, and abruptly asked her to give her -opinion of some drawings that were scattered about it; and so completely -did she monopolize her for the remainder of the evening, that she had -not again an opportunity of speaking to Augustus. When, however, the -company were separating for the night, he advanced to ask if she had any -further commands for him; but, with a trepidation she did not wait to -analyse, she postponed her adieus, entreating him not to say farewell -then, as she meant certainly to be up long before Mrs. Galton and he -would leave Eltondale in the morning. - -[Footnote 14: "Ah! how beautiful she is!" "She is divinely formed."] - -[Footnote 15: "If the ladies would allow him to take off their -pelisses."] - -END OF VOL. I. - - * * * * * - -Printed by S. 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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/license - - -Title: Manners, Vol 1 of 3 - A Novel - -Author: Frances Brooke - -Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40158] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ASCII - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 1 OF 3 *** - - - - -Produced by Robert Cicconetti, Mary Meehan and the Online -Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This -file was produced from images generously made available -by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - - MANNERS: - - A NOVEL. - - - ----Dicas hic forsitan unde - Ingenium par materiae. - - JUVENAL. - - Je sais qu'un sot trouve toujours un plus sot pour le lire. - - FRED. LE GRAND. - - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - VOL. I. - - LONDON: - PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY, - PATERNOSTER ROW. - - 1817. - - - - -MANNERS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - What, and how great, the virtue and the art, - To live on little with a cheerful heart-- - (A doctrine sage, but truly none of mine) - Let's talk, my friends,---- - - POPE. - - -In the retired village of Deane, in Yorkshire, lived for many years one -of those unfortunate females ycleped an old maid; a title which -generally exposes the possessor to every species of contempt, however -inoffensive, or even worthy, the individual may be, thus unluckily -designated. - -Mrs. Martin, the lady alluded to, was certainly one of those more -"sinned against than sinning;" for malice itself could not accuse her of -one uncharitable thought, word, or action: and even her enemies, if -enemies she had, must have acknowledged, that "Poor Mrs. Martin had a -good heart," however inferior she might be in understanding to those, -who affected to despise her unassuming merits. She was one of those -worthy good people, who never did a wicked thing, and never said a wise -one; and who, therefore, are seldom mentioned without some epithet of -contemptuous pity by those, who at least wish to be considered of an -entirely opposite character. She lived in a contented mediocrity, "aboon -distress below envy," humble, and good natured, with a most happy -temperament, both moral and physical; in friendship with all the world, -and devoutly believing all the world in friendship with her, and indeed -in that respect at least her judgment did not err; for few people were -more generally beloved than "Poor Mrs. Martin." She always had a ready -laugh for the awkward jests of her neighbours, and to the distressed she -as willingly gave her equally ready tear.--Her income was extremely -limited, yet she still contrived to spare a mite to those still poorer -than herself, and to her trifling donations she added such cordially -interested enquiries, and such well intentioned advice, that her mercy -was indeed "twice blest."--To her other good qualities she joined that -of being a most excellent manager. All the village acknowledged, that -"Poor Mrs. Martin's sweetmeats, and poor Mrs. Martin's bacon, were the -best in the place;" nor were there many seasons so unproductive in her -little garden, as to deprive her of the pride and pleasure of bestowing -a bottle of currant wine, or a pot of raspberry jam, on her more opulent -though less thrifty neighbour.--Her house, which was in the middle of -the village, was only distinguished from those around it by its superior -neatness: a court, about the dimensions of a modern dinner table, which -she facetiously termed her pleasure ground, divided it from the -principal, indeed the only street, and was separated from it by a few -white rails;--a little walk curiously paved in different coloured stones -was the approach to the hall door, and the grass on each side was -ornamented by a circular bed bordered with reversed oyster shells, and -containing each a few rose trees. The house boasted of one window -corresponding to each flower bed on the ground floor; and of three above -stairs, the centre one of which, being Mrs. Martin's own bed room, was -ornamented with an old fender painted green, which served as a balcony -to support three flourishing geraniums, and a stock July flower, that -"wasted its sweetness on the desert air" out of a broken tea pot, which -had been carefully treasured by this thrifty housewife as a substitute -for a flower pot. The hall door, which always stood open in fine -weather, was decorated with a clean but useless brass knocker, and a -conspicuous rush mat; whilst the narrow passage, to which it led, -presented, as its sole furniture, a huge clock, on which Mrs. Martin's -only attendant Peggy often boasted no spider was ever known to rest, and -whose gigantic case filled the whole space from wall to wall. The left -hand window, whose dark brown shutters were carefully bolted back on the -outside, illuminated a kitchen, where cheerful cleanliness amply -compensated for want of size;--opposite to it was the only parlour, of -the same proportions, and of equal neatness; a small Pembroke table, -that, with change of furniture, served the purpose of dinner, breakfast, -or card table; white dimity curtains, and a blind that was for any thing -rather than use, as it was never closed; half a dozen chairs, that once -had exhibited resplendent ornaments of lilies and roses, painted in all -the colours of the rainbow, but whose honours had long since faded under -the powerful and unremitting exertions of Peggy's scrubbing brush; a -corner cupboard, the top shelf of which with difficulty contained a well -polished japanned tea tray, where a rosy Celadon, in a brilliant scarlet -coat, sighed most romantically at the feet of Lavinia in a plume of -feathers; and the best cups and saucers, ranged in regular order, filled -the ranks below;--a book shelf, which, besides containing a Bible, Sir -Charles Grandison, a few volumes of the Spectator, and occasionally a -well thumbed novel from Mr. Salter's circulating library, was also the -repository for various stray articles, such as the tea caddy, Mrs. -Martin's knitting, and receipt book, transcribed by her niece Lucy; and -lastly, a barbarous copy of Bunbury's beautiful print of Jenny Grey, the -highly prized, and only production of Lucy's needle, while attending -Miss Slater's genteel "academy for young ladies," composed the furniture -of this little room. - -But its chief ornament, and Mrs. Martin's greatest pride (next to Lucy -herself), was a glass door, that opened into her demesne: a plot of -ground, containing about an acre and a half, which was kitchen garden, -flower garden, and orchard, all in one. This glass door had been a -present of young Mr. Mordaunt's, in whose company Mrs. Martin had often -undesignedly lamented, that the sole entrance to her garden was through -the scullery, and, on her return from her only visit to London, about -two years before this narration commences, she had been most agreeably -surprised by the improvement in question.--Various and manifold were the -speculations, to which this little piece of good natured gallantry had -given rise in the simple mind of Mrs. Martin.--"Indeed, indeed, she -never thought of his doing such a thing! so generous! so kind! and then -his manner was always so obliging and polite; it could not certainly be -for herself that he took the trouble of ordering the glass door; and she -remembered very well, when he called after their return from London, -that he said he was very glad to see a town life had agreed so well with -Lucy, though Mrs. Crosbie had very good naturedly said, she thought she -didn't look half so well as before she went. To be sure, she never saw -him _talk_ much to Lucy, but then she was so shy!"--Mrs. Martin had been -standing for some minutes at this same glass door, one fine evening in -July, indulging in a similar reverie, when it was suddenly interrupted -by the abrupt entrance of Lucy, who, with as much concern in her -countenance as her vacant unmeaning features could express, -exclaimed--"La! Aunt, he won't come to-night after all!"--"Not come, -child!" answered Mrs. Martin, "why, I never expected he would."--"Not -expect Mr. Brown?" returned Lucy, in a tone something between anger and -surprise; "Not expect Mr. Brown? why I'm sure he'd come if he could, and -you'd never ask the Lucases without him." "No, indeed, my dear, I would -not;" replied Mrs. Martin, totally unconscious that her first answer had -alluded to the subject of her own thoughts, not to the constant object -of poor Lucy's--"He is a well behaved, sober young man, and very -attentive to the shop; but why won't he come to-night?"--"He just rode -up as I was standing at the gate with this little bottle of rose water, -which he brought then, because, he said, he had to go to squire -Thornbull's to see the cook, and he didn't think he could be back for -tea do what he would--I'm sure I wish Mr. Lucas would attend his own -patients."--"Well, Lucy, I suppose the rest will soon be here; do just -set down the tray, my love, whilst I go and see if Peggy is doing the -Sally Lunn right." Poor Lucy proceeded to her task with unwonted gloom, -having first stopped to take one more smell of the rose water before she -placed it on the ready book shelf; and so slow was she in her movements, -that the tea table was scarcely arranged, when she heard her aunt accost -her visitors out of the kitchen window, with "How d'ye do Mrs. Crosbie, -how d'ye do Mrs. Lucas; beautiful evening; thank you kindly; I'm quite -well, and Lucy's charming; pray step in Mr. Crosbie--give me your hat; -Mr. Lucas, I'll hang your cane up by the clock here; sit down my dear -Nanny, I hope your shoes are dry--indeed, I don't think they can be wet; -we've scarcely had a drop of rain this fortnight.--Peggy! bring in the -kettle." - -And now, what with the disposal of the bonnets, the arrangement of the -chairs, and the repetition of observations on the weather, and inquiries -after the health of each individual present, the time was fully -occupied, till the arrival of Peggy, with a bright copper tea kettle in -one hand, and a well buttered, smoking hot Sally Lunn in the other, put -an end to the confusion of tongues, and assembled the party in temporary -silence round the tea table.--But Mrs. Martin's natural loquacity, added -to her incessant desire to be civil, soon induced her to interrupt the -momentary calm, and, while she spread her snow white pocket handkerchief -on her knees, as a preparation for her attack on the Sally Lunn, she -addressed her neighbour, the attorney, with--"Well, Mr. Crosbie, what -did you think of our sermon last evening; it was a delightful one, -wasn't it?"--"Yes, a very good, plain sermon, Mrs. Martin; but, with all -deference to your better judgment, Mrs. Martin, I think your friend Mr. -Temple doesn't show as much learning in the pulpit as he might -do."--"Learning!" quoth his amicable spouse, "I never can believe that -man is a learned man; I could make as good a sermon myself."--"_Non -constat_, my love," replied Mr. Crosbie; "though I often think you would -have done very well for a parson, you are so fond of always having the -last word." Probably the gentle Mrs. Crosbie would have given the -company a specimen of her talents for lecturing, had she not acquired a -habit of never attending to what her husband said: she had therefore, -fortunately, no doubt, during his speech, profited by the opportunity of -overhearing Mrs. Martin's and Mrs. Lucas's discussion, respecting the -appearance at church the evening before of the party from Webberly -House, consisting of Mrs. Sullivan and her two elder daughters, the Miss -Webberlys.--"I declare, I wasn't sure they were come down yet," said -Mrs. Martin, "till I saw their two great footmen bring their prayer -books into church, and their cushions; Mrs. Sullivan looks quite plump -and well."--"Yes, indeed, she looks remarkably well;" answered the -assenting Mrs. Lucas.--"Well!" retorted Mrs. Crosbie--"I think she is -going into a dropsy; her face is for all the world like a Cheshire -cheese."--"It certainly does look as if it was a little swelled," -replied the complacent Mrs. Lucas--"Dear me," rejoined Mr. Lucas, "I -must certainly call at Webberly House, and inquire after the health of -the family; I thought they never left town till August: perhaps they are -come down for change of air."--"And Lucy and I must pay our respects to -them too, they are always so very polite."--"They are never very -_civil_, I take it," said Mrs. Crosbie; "I believe, in my heart, they -would never come near their country neighbours, but to show off their -town airs on them."--"Well, for my part," observed Mr. Crosbie, "with -due deference be it spoken, I think town airs should be laid by for town -people, kept _in usum jus habentis_, for those who understand -'em."--"That's what you never could do, my dear," replied the -lady.--Mrs. Lucas, as usual, slipping in an assenting nod to every -successive observation from each person, while she as unremittingly -attended to the tea and cake. "Well, I'm sure, at all events," said her -daughter Nancy, "they are very genteel: what a lovely green bonnet the -little Miss Webberly had on!--she's the eldest, I believe."--"I'm sure, -if the bonnet was lovely, the face under it wasn't; the two together are -for all the world like a full blown daffodil in its green case." - -Notwithstanding Mrs. Crosbie had thus taken occasion to express her -dislike of the family in general, she was not less ready than the rest -of the little circle to pay her annual visit at Webberly House; and, as -all were anxious to wait on the ladies in question, either from motives -of civility, or interest, or curiosity, it was speedily settled, that -the party should adjourn thither on the following morning. All -particulars of their dress, their conveyance, &c., being finally -arranged, the four seniors of Mrs. Martin's visitors sat down to penny -whist, while she seated herself at the corner of the card table, ready -to cut in, snuff candles, or make civil observations between the deals. - -Lucy, and Nancy Lucas, strolled into the garden, ostensibly to pull -currants, but, in reality, to talk over Mr. Brown, the apothecary's -apprentice, and Mr. Slater's hopeful son and heir, whose professed -admiration of Miss Lucas had lately been eclipsed by a flash of military -ardour, that had induced him to enter into the Yorkshire militia. At -length Mrs. Martin's fears of the damp grass and evening dew induced the -two eternal friends to return to the parlour, where the fortunate -attainment of an odd trick, by finishing the rubber, broke up the little -party, who dispersed with much the same bustle with which they had -entered. While Mrs. Martin pursued her retreating visitors as far as the -white pales, with renewed offers of a glass of currant wine, hopes and -fears relative to the company catching cold, and assurances that she and -Lucy would certainly be ready before eleven o'clock for Mr. Lucas, with -a profusion of thanks for his offer of calling for them in his gig. - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - Mons. De Sotenville--Que dites vous a cela? - - George Dandin--Je dis que ce sont la des contes a dormir debout[1]. - - MOLIERE. - -[Footnote 1: "What do you say to that?"--"I say such recitals are only -fit to sleep over."] - - -About eleven next day, a crazy machine, in the days of our grandfathers -called a noddy, appeared at Mrs. Martin's door. In it was seated Mr. -Lucas in his best black suit and flaxen wig, with his gold-headed cane -between his knees, his hands being sufficiently occupied in reining an -ill-trimmed carthorse, every movement of whose powerful hind leg -threatened destruction to the awkward vehicle. The good humoured Lucy -soon skipped in, and seated herself as bodkin; but to mount Mrs. Martin -was a task of greater difficulty, as the gig was of considerable -altitude, and the horse, teased by the flies, could not be kept quiet -two minutes at a time; a chair was first produced without effect, but at -last, with the aid of her maid Peggy, the neighbouring smith, and the -kitchen steps commonly used to wind up the jack, she was fairly seated; -and ere her laughter or her fears had subsided, they overtook the -village postchaise, containing Mr. and Mrs. Crosbie, and Mrs. and Miss -Lucas.--The travellers in the gig were incommoded by a dusty road, and a -beaming hot sun; the effects of which were dreaded by the good aunt for -Lucy's blue silk bonnet and spencer, which had been purchased two years -before, during their above-mentioned visit to London, which was still -their frequent theme, and only standard of fashion. However, they -proceeded on the whole much to their satisfaction, and after driving -nearly six miles, reached an ostentatious porter's lodge and gate, a -close copy of that at Sion, which announced the entrance to Webberly -House. The approach, with doublings and windings that would have puzzled -the best harrier in Sussex, did not accomplish concealing the house at -any one sweep, but displayed to Lucy's delighted eyes a huge -pile--_ci-devant_ brick, now glorying in a coat of Roman cement, further -adorned with clumsy virandas due north and east, and an open porch in -the southern sun. On one side of the proud mansion was a sunk fence, and -ha! ha!--on the other a shrubbery, quite inadequate to the task assigned -it of hiding the glaring brick-wall of a kitchen garden, which occupied -nearly as large a space as the whole of the pleasure-ground in front. - -On the scanty lawn was pitched a marquee; at the foot of it was a pond -filled with gold and silver fishes, over which was suspended a Chinese -bridge, leading to a grotto and hermitage, at a small distance from the -house.--Mr. Lucas, resigning the reins to Lucy, alighted to give notice -of the arrival of the party. After a few minutes delay, hasty footsteps -were heard in the hall, and a couple of house-maids scudded across, -bearing dust-pans and brushes, and running down one of the side -passages, called out in no very gentle voice, "William! Edward! here's -company!" "Company!" yawned out William, while he stretched his arms to -their utmost length, and, as he stopped to look at his fine watch, -which, as well as his master's, had numerous seals with French mottos, -declared "Pon honour, it isn't one o'clock;" and wondered "what could -bring those country-folk at that time o'day!"--then, settling his cravat -with one hand, and pulling up his gallowses with the other, leisurely -walked to the porch, where, with a gesture between leering and bowing, -he most incoherently answered the question of "At home, or not at -home;" and without giving himself the trouble of thinking which was -actually the case, ushered the visitors into the drawing-room, leaving -the business of negotiating their audience to the lady's maid. - -The beaming sun displayed the unsubsided dust and motes the house-maids -had so lately raised, and the village party were nearly stifled with the -effluvia of countless hot-house plants, whose united scent was too -strong to be called perfume: their entrance was impeded by stools, -cushions, tabourets, squabs, ottomans, fauteuils, sofas, screens, -bookstands, flower-stands, and tables of all sorts and sizes. An -unguarded push endangered the china furniture of a writing-table, and a -painted velvet cushion laid Mr. Crosbie prostrate on the floor. Mr. -Lucas, perceiving the difficulties of the navigation, very quietly -seated himself behind the door, but not in peace--for he was nearly -stunned by the chatter and contentions of a paroquet and a macaw, joined -to the shrill song of some indefatigable canaries hung on the outside of -the opposite window, which scarcely outvied the yelping of a lap-dog, -that Mrs. Martin's centre of gravity had discomfited, when she seated -herself in one of the fauteuils. Meantime, Lucy and Nancy, with -considerable expertness, gratified themselves with examining the -furniture, a task which would probably have occupied them for a week, as -the incongruous mixture seemed to resemble the emptying of an -upholsterer's room, a china manufactory, and a print-shop. The curtains, -five to a window, were hung for all seasons of the year at once, and -consisted of rich cloth, scarlet moreen, brilliant chintz, delicate -silk, and white muslin, to serve as blinds, fringed with gold. The sofa -and chair tribe (for to designate them would require a nomenclature as -accurate and extensive as Lavoisier's chemical one,) were covered with -every shade of colour, every variety of texture, and were in form -Grecian, Chinese, Roman, Egyptian, Parisian, Gothic, and Turkish. The -astonished visitors remained in the silence of perplexity for nearly a -quarter of an hour, but it was then broken by Mrs. Crosbie exclaiming, -with her usual acrimony--"Well, I'm sure, if I was Mrs. Sullivan, and -was _forced_ to go to a pawnbroker's for my settee and chair-frames, I -would at least make my covers all of a piece!--What folks will do to -make up a show!--I'm sure those musty old chests an't a whit better than -what's in my grandmother's garret; and I gave my little William the -other day, for a play-thing, a china image as like that white woman and -child as two peas."--"Though to be sure all these are very fine," said -Mrs. Martin, "Sir Henry Seymour's is the house for me; three -drawing-rooms with not a pin difference; and up stairs always six -bed-rooms of a pattern--then Mrs. Galton is so neat! not a cobweb to be -seen in the house.--Bless me, Lucy! your cheek is all dirty, and your -gloves such a figure!"--"Why, don't you see," interrupted Mrs. Crosbie, -"that the china is brimfull of dust! such slattern folks, pshaw!"--To -all which Mrs. Lucas returned her usual assenting, "He--hem!" Mr. Lucas, -in time recovering from his first dismay, rose from "_The place of his -unrest_," and, with Mr. Crosbie, proceeded to examine the contents of a -mongrel article between a cabinet and a table, on which were _thrown_ -rather than _placed_ a variety of curiosities; such as, a stuffed -hog-in-armour, a case of tropical birds, flying-fish, sharks' jaws, a -petrified lobster, edible swallows' nests, and Chinese balls; with -numerous mineral specimens neatly labelled, zeolite, mica, volcanic -glass, tourmaline, &c. "_Multum in parvo_," said Mr. Crosbie, with a -smirk at his own latinity; "Young Mr. Webberly must be vastly learned," -replied Mr. Lucas, "I should like to talk to him about the plants of the -West Indies, and the practice of physic in those parts, for all the -planters are obliged to attend to the health of the poor negroes for -their own profit, if they don't do it for humanity's sake." Here the -good man was electrified by a violent ringing of bells, followed by the -sound of a sharp female voice, running through all the notes of the -gamut in a scolding tone, of which the visitors could only hear detached -sentences, such as, "I _insist_ upon it, you never let them in -again--how could you say we were at home? Can I never drive into your -silly pate, that we are never at home to a _hired_ post chaise, or to -any open carriage, except a curricle and _two_ out-riders, or a -landaulet and four?"--"It wasn't me, Miss, it was William; I always -attend to your directions ma'am--I denied you the other day to your own -uncle and aunt, because they came in a buggy."--"Uncle, Sir! I have no -uncle.--Well, I give orders at the porter's lodge to-morrow--Go and ask -Miss Wildenheim to receive them; and if she won't, say we are all out; I -tell you once for all, I never will be disturbed at my morning studies -till four o'clock, and _then_ not except by _people of condition_." Soon -after this tirade, a light foot crossing the hall prepared the -confounded party for the entrance of the Iris of this angry Juno. But -when Miss Wildenheim opened the door, her elegantly affable curtsy and -benignant smile dispersed the gathering frowns on the visages of the -disappointed groupe. - -This young lady's politeness proceeded from the workings of a kind heart -guided by a clear head: it was a polish which owed its lustre to the -intrinsic value of the gem it embellished, not a superficial varnish -spread over a worthless substance, which a slight collision would -destroy, rendering the flaws it had for a time concealed but the more -conspicuous. With one glance of her dark eye she perceived, that the -good people were offended, and while she made the best apology she could -for the non-appearance of the Webberly family, her cheek glowed with -indignation at their insolent carriage to modest worth: the attentive -suavity of her manner was more than usually pleasing to the unassuming -but insulted party, and her endeavours to soothe their wounded pride -were quickly rewarded with the success they merited. Miss Wildenheim in -turn enquired for all the relations of each individual present, whose -existence had ever come to her knowledge; and in her search after -appropriate conversation, put in requisition every other subject of -chit-chat, her small stock of that current coin furnished her with. But -now--"the eloquent blood," which had spoken "in her cheek and so -divinely wrought," no longer tinging it with "vermeil hues," her -pallidity struck Mrs. Martin's kind heart with a pang of sorrow. "My -_dear_ Miss Wildenheim," said she, in a tone that showed the epithet was -not a word of course, "I'm afraid your visit to London has not agreed as -well with you as ours did with Lucy and me, you don't look so fresh -coloured as you did in the beginning of spring." "Ah! Mrs. Martin," -interrupted Mr. Lucas, "that high colour was a hectic symptom, I am not -altogether sorry to see it has disappeared; I hope, Miss Wildenheim, you -have nearly recovered from the effects of that smart fever you had last -winter." With a look of thanks to both enquirers, Mr. Lucas' _ci-devant_ -patient replied, "Perfectly, my dear Sir; it must have been a most -inveterate disorder, that could have baffled the skill and kind -attention--you exerted for my benefit." Mr. Lucas sapiently shook his -head, and expressed his doubts as to her _perfect_ recovery. "Believe -me, Sir, I feel quite well, my illness was only caused by change of -climate." At the word _climate_, the heretofore placid brow of the fair -speaker was clouded by an expression of ill-concealed anguish; for that -word had conjured up the remembrance of days of hope and joy--of -tenderness, on which the grave had closed for ever! which with all the -ardency of youthful feeling, alike poignant in sorrow as in joy, she -contrasted, in thought's utmost rapidity, with the dreary present, where -each day glided like its predecessor down the stream of time, uncheered -by the converse of a kindred mind, unblessed by the smile of -affectionate love. - -To hide her emotion she rose to ring the bell, apparently for the -purpose of ordering a luncheon, which it was the etiquette of the -neighbourhood to present to every morning visitor. The greater part of -the family were, at that moment, at breakfast, and therefore the -summons was not quickly obeyed; but at length a tray was brought in, -glittering in all the luxury of china, plate, and glass, and loaded with -cold meat, fruit, and a variety of confectionary, at the names or -contents of which Mrs. Martin's utmost knowledge of cookery could not -enable her to guess. However as she did not consider ignorance in this -instance as bliss, she immediately commenced her acquaintance with them; -and the whole party, having done ample justice to the repast, prepared -to depart; and it was settled that as steps could not easily be -procured, the arrangement of the vehicles should be changed, Miss Lucas -resigning her place in the post chaise to Mrs. Martin. - -Miss Wildenheim had scarcely made her farewell curtsy at the door, when -as the carriages drove off Mrs. Martin exclaimed, "What a sweet young -lady Miss Wildenheim is." "Oh!" said Mrs. Crosbie, "those French misses -have always honey on their lips." "I wonder how she happens to speak -such good English, for her eyes, complexion, and accent are quite -foreign," observed her spouse. "And I hope you'll add, her manner too," -returned the lady: "I was quite ashamed of her when she first came to -Webberly House, she used to have so many antics with her hands; now she -is something like; but though we have improved her, still her -countenance has never the exact same look three minutes together; and if -you say a civil thing to her, she grows as red as if you had slapped her -in the face." "Mr. Temple told me," said Mrs. Martin, "that she grieved -more after Mr. Sullivan, when he died last January, than all the rest of -the family put together. He told me one day, poor man, that she was the -daughter of a German baron." "Ah, Mrs. Martin," interrupted Mr. Crosbie, -laughing, "I'm afraid there was a mistake of gender and case there; a -_Baronness_ perhaps she might be daughter to, as an action might lie -against me for defamation, I won't say by whom." "You are both wrong," -said his wife, "for _Mrs._ Sullivan's _maid_ informed me, (and she knows -but every thing) that Miss Wildenheim was Mr. Sullivan's natural -daughter by a German _Princess_ (God forgive him), when he was a general -in the Austrian service. I dare say she is a papist, for he was a -papist, and they are _all_ papists in foreign parts." "Papist or not," -replied Mrs. Martin, "I'm sure she practises the Christian virtue of -humility; I wish Miss Webberly would take example by her, and learn to -be civil." "I never saw any thing like the airs of the whole family," -rejoined Mrs. Crosbie, bursting with passion. "I'll take care to affront -them, the very first time they put their noses in Deane." Here Mr. -Crosbie took the alarm, for he recollected certain deeds and -conveyances, young Webberly had spoken to him about, and therefore said, -"Indeed, my dear, we have no right to be offended; it's only the way of -the house: didn't you hear the footman tell Miss Webberly he had refused -to let in her own uncle, and after all, she didn't object to _us_, but -only to the _gig_ and _postchaise_." After some bitter observations, -followed by silent reflection, Mrs. Crosbie apparently acceded to her -husband's argument, and consented to acquit the Webberlys on the flaw -his ingenuity had discovered in the indictment she had made out against -them. - -In the humble society of Deane even she had inferiors, in whose eyes her -consequence was raised by her annual visits at Webberly House; and who -never guessed that the rudeness she practised to them, was a mere -transfer of that she submitted to receive from the insolent caprice of -these satellites of fashion. - -From whence does the strange infatuation arise, that makes so many -people in all ranks of society suppose, they are honoured by the -acquaintance of that immediately above them, when their intercourse is -so frequently only an interchange of insult and servility? Do they -suppose, that when the scale of their consequence is kicked down on one -side, it rises proportionally on the other? - -The comments of the travellers on the Webberly family continued for the -remainder of the drive; and perhaps had the objects of their -animadversions heard their remarks, they might have felt, that the proud -privilege of being impertinent scarcely compensated for the severity of -the criticism its exertion called forth. - -At length the party separated--Mrs. Crosbie to show a new edition of -fine airs to the wondering Mrs. Slater--the other ladies to discuss -their excursion again and again, over "cups which cheer, but not -inebriate." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - - Something there is more needful than expense, - And something previous even to taste--'tis sense. - - POPE. - - Dum vitant stulti vitia, in contraria currunt[2]. - - HORACE. - -[Footnote 2: When fools would avoid one extreme, they run into the -other.] - - -The family at Webberly House was the only one in the neighbourhood of -Deane, which lived in a style of ostentatious expense; its members -vainly endeavouring to purchase respect by extravagance, and to transfer -the ideas and hours of the _beau monde_ to a place totally unfit for -their reception. The only families within a distance often miles of -their residence were--Sir Henry Seymour's, at Deane Hall--Squire -Thornbull's, at Hunting Field, and Mr. Temple's, at the parsonage of -Deane; all of whom lived in the most quiet manner. Beyond this distance, -however, the country was more thickly inhabited, and the town of York, -in the race and assize week, presented sufficient attractions to make a -drive of thirty miles no impediment to the Webberlys visiting it at -those times, though its allurements were not great enough to tempt their -immediate neighbours from their homes. Mrs. Sullivan had purchased -Webberly House, two years previous to the commencement of this -narration, on the faith of an advertisement nearly as deceptious as the -famous one of a celebrated auctioneer, that procured the sale of an -estate on the strength of a "hanging-wood," which proved to be a gibbet -on an adjoining common. - -Webberly House--formerly called Simson's Folly--had been purposely -tricked up for sale by a prodigal heir, when obliged to dispose of his -paternal estate to discharge the debts his extravagance had incurred. -As a second dupe was not easily to be found, Mrs. Sullivan now vainly -endeavoured to part with it, as neither she nor her children could -reconcile themselves to living in so retired a part of the country. - -Mrs. Sullivan was the only child of an extremely rich hosier in -Cheapside, who perhaps had saved more money than he had made, and fully -instructed his daughter in all the arts of frugality, limiting her -knowledge of all other arts and sciences to considerable manual -dexterity in making "a pudding and a shirt," which he considered the -ultimatum of female education. When Miss Leatherly was thus, according -to long established opinion, qualified for matrimony, her large fortune -brought her in reward a West Indian planter as a husband, from whom she -acquired those habits of ostentatious arrogance, which, united to her -early imbibed parsimony, formed the principal traits of her character. -By this marriage Mrs. Sullivan had one son and two daughters; and, -fifteen years after the birth of the former, became a widow, with a -large jointure, as well as all her father's riches, at her own disposal. -She received the addresses of many fortune hunters, but finally gave the -preference to a handsome, good natured, dissipated Irishman, whose name -she now bore. Mr. Sullivan at the period of his marriage was past the -prime of life; he had long served in the Austrian armies, (for being a -Catholic he was incapacitated from holding any high rank in those of his -native sovereign, and therefore preferred following another standard), -but his military career procuring him little except scars and honours, -he gladly availed himself of the wealthy widow's evident partiality, and -at first thought himself most fortunate in becoming the possessor of so -large a fortune; yet soon found he had dearly purchased the affluence -which inflicted on him, not only the disgusting illiberal vulgarity of -his wife, but the petulant rudeness and self-sufficiency of her -children. His only consolation was a daughter Mrs. Sullivan had -presented him with, in the first year of their marriage, and his -happiness as a father, made him in some degree forget his miseries as a -husband. His heart was completely wrapped up in the charming little -Caroline, and bitterly did he repent on her account, that his former -prodigality had obliged him to yield to his elder brother's desire of -cutting off the entail of the family estate; which must otherwise have -descended to her, being settled on the females, as well as males of -their ancient house. Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan associated but little -together; as she was never happy except when she accompanied her elder -daughters to the most fashionable watering places; whilst he, remaining -at home, devoted most of his time to the little Caroline. But here, -unfortunately, in the attempt to banish the uneasy feelings of his -mind, he by degrees formed a habit of indulging in the pleasures of the -bottle, in a greater degree than strict propriety permits. About three -months before his death, the little domestic comfort he had enjoyed was -exchanged for the most complete disquietude, as at that time the -jealousy of his wife was roused by his introducing Miss Wildenheim into -his family as his ward.--Notwithstanding his most solemn assurances, -that this young lady was the daughter of a German baron, who had not -only long been his commanding officer but his most zealous friend, Mrs. -Sullivan constantly asserted she was his natural child. Such a paternity -was in her eyes an almost unpardonable crime; for, considering her -inferiority of rank and sex, she was still more unreasonable than Henry -the Eighth, who made it high treason for those he sought as partners to -his throne not to confess all the errors they had been guilty of in a -state of celibacy. Perhaps nothing but the stipend received for -Adelaide's maintenance could have reconciled Mrs. Sullivan to her -residence at Webberly House, for she was too avaricious not to submit to -a great deal for three hundred a year. - -When Miss Wildenheim first appeared in Mr. Sullivan's family she was in -the deepest mourning for a parent, who his wife felt convinced was her -mother. It must be confessed, the affection Mr. Sullivan showed -Adelaide, and his distracted state of mind from the period of her -arrival, gave a very plausible colour to his wife's suspicions. He -avoided the society of his family, and giving himself up to his habit of -drinking, it in a short time proved fatal; for returning late one night -from squire Thornbull's in a state of intoxication, he was killed at his -own gate by falling off his horse. Miss Wildenheim's consequent -affliction, and dangerous illness, left no doubt in Mrs. Sullivan's -mind, as to the justice of her surmises. Enraged by this apparent -confirmation of her imagined wrongs, and urged by the envious hatred the -Miss Webberlys showed of Adelaide's superior charms, she determined no -longer to retain under her roof an object on these accounts so -obnoxious; and, as a flattering unction to her soul, persuaded herself, -that a girl with ten thousand pounds fortune could never be at any great -loss for a home. But at length her darling passion, covetousness, -prevailed over her resentment; as she recollected, that should the -brother of her late husband ever hear of her treating in such a manner a -girl Mr. Sullivan had left under her protection, and in whose fate (from -whatever motive) he had shown so deep an interest, her unkindness might -be construed into disrespect to his memory, and as such be resented with -the warmth of family pride and affection, so natural to the Irish -character; and perhaps prompt the offended brother to revenge the -affront, by leaving his estate to a distant cousin, who had been dreaded -by her husband as a rival to Caroline. These and other pecuniary -considerations finally induced Mrs. Sullivan to accept the guardianship -of Miss Wildenheim in conjunction with a Mr. Austin, who was trustee to -her fortune, and was said to be an old and faithful friend of her -father. - -However Mrs. Sullivan had failed in the character of a wife, she had -always been weakly indulgent as a mother, and was easily led by her -children into every expensive folly. Her son's command of money had made -him, on his first entrance into life, a very desirable acquaintance to -some needy young men of fashion, who, in return for the pecuniary -accommodation he afforded them, did him the favour to turn his head and -corrupt his morals. As he became daily more ambitious to emulate his new -associates in all their extravagance, he persuaded his mother to change -her style of living, in order to imitate as closely as possible that of -the relatives of his _professed_ friends. At this critical period, he -had unfortunately found Mr. Sullivan no less solicitous of joining those -secondary circles of fashion, to which alone they could expect -admittance, from his having long been accustomed to lead as a bachelor a -life of gaiety and dissipation; and the Miss Webberlys still more -zealously promoted his wishes, being equally solicitous to reach the -threshold of fashion, which had long been the unattained object of their -highest hope. This was perhaps the only point in the chapter of -possibilities, on which the whole family could agree. - -Mrs. Sullivan reversed the order of nature, and followed the path her -children traced for her, supposing them to be better instructed in such -things than herself; for she knew they had received a superabundance of -the _means_, and, poor woman! she had not sense to perceive they had -missed the _ends_ of education. In encouraging her children in the -pursuit of fashionable follies, Mrs. Sullivan but followed the general -example of wealthy parents, whom we so frequently behold acting like the -worshippers of Moloch in elder days, making their sons and their -daughters pass through the fires of dissipation, in the chance of -drawing them forth from the ordeal with greater external brightness; but -the scorching flames too often wither to the root the shoots of honour, -benevolence, and truth. - -In nothing was Mrs. Sullivan's lamentable imitation of her children's -follies more perceptible, than in her conversation, which was a mixture -of Cheapside vulgarisms and Newmarket cant, with here and there a stray -ornament from her daughters' vocabularies of sentimental and -scientifical jargon; the whole misapplied and mispronounced, in a manner -that would have done honour to Mrs. Malaprop herself! - -Miss Webberly's person was much in the predicament Solomon laments in -his song for his sister; but she had in compensation an addendum which -the Jewish fair had not, in the shape of a protuberance on the left -shoulder, which however she always endeavoured to balance by applying to -the right the judicious stuffing of Madame Huber's stays; and her -deformity was only perceptible by some slight traces in her countenance, -in which there was nothing else remarkable, except a pair of little -black eyes, rather pert than sparkling. Conscious that she could not -shine as a beauty, she resolved on being a "_bel esprit_," for which she -was nearly as ill qualified by nature; and, reversing the fable of -Achilles habiting himself in female attire, she put on an armour she -could not carry, and grasped at weapons she was unable to wield. And as -she sought knowledge "with all her seeking," not to promote her own -happiness, but to subtract from that of others, by mortifying their -self-love, in the anticipated triumphs of her own, her preposterous -vanity led her to deform her mind as much by art with misplaced and -uncouth excrescences of pedantry, as her person was by the unlucky -addition it had received from nature: but while she sought to conceal -the one with the most anxious care, she laboured as incessantly to -display the other; thus resembling the infatuated being, who first held -up for the worship of his fellow mortal a disgusting reptile, or a -worthless weed. - -Miss Cecilia Webberly was in face and figure entitled to the appellation -of a fine bouncing girl, if for that a mass of flesh and blood -exquisitely coloured could suffice; but though to lilies and roses of -the most perfect hues were superadded fine blue eyes and beautiful -flaxen hair, her countenance was neither good-natured nor gay, but -indicative of the most supercilious self-conceit. She had enjoyed what -are usually termed the _advantages_ of a London boarding school, and -through their influence had acquired sufficient French to read the tales -of Marmontel, by a strange misnomer called "_Contes moraux_," and to -which, for the benefit of the rising generation, we would humbly advise -prefixing a syllable in any future edition. From these tales she learned -to be sentimental, and fancied herself in turn the heroine of "_Le mari -Sylph_," "_L'heureux Divorce_," &c. - -Moreover, the fair Cecilia had here been taught to move her ponderous -fingers with considerable swiftness over the keys of a piano forte, and -to exercise her powerful lungs in Vauxhall songs. - -In this seminary she was unfortunately inoculated with a virus, that -totally diseased a heart nature had intended for better -purposes--namely, an aching desire after fashionable life, which led her -to caricature those airs of _ton_ which she had not _tact_ to imitate. -The eye that is always turned upwards must be blinded by the brightness -of a sphere it is not fashioned to; and Cecilia Webberly was so dazzled -by the accounts she read in the daily prints, and La Belle Assemblee, of -"great lords and ladies dressed out on gay days," that she looked on the -inhabitants of Bloomsbury Square with sovereign contempt, her mother and -sister inclusive, who notwithstanding encouraged and emulated her -flights, flattering themselves that her eccentricities would carry her, -and them as her attendants, into regions of splendour, though in truth -they were only thus brought forth to the "garish eye of day," to be -exposed to the contempt and ridicule her folly excited. - -A few days after the expedition of Mrs. Martin and her friends to -Webberly House, as she was standing one fine morning at her parlour -window, Mrs. Sullivan's dashing equipage drove past, and her involuntary -exclamation at the sudden, and to her unpractised eyes, terrifying stop -of the four horses, which were a second before at their utmost speed, -was changed into an expression of pleasure, when she saw Miss Wildenheim -alone alight at Mr. Slater's shop, and the showy carriage from which she -descended drive away ere the door was well closed; for Mrs. Sullivan and -her daughters never condescended to enter _the shop_, as it was in token -of pre-eminence called in the village of Deane. The great Frederick has -wisely remarked, that "_custom_ guides fools in place of _reason_;" and -they had sapiently agreed amongst themselves, that "no lady of fashion -was ever seen in a shop out of Bond Street;" but as for many reasons -they were always anxious to prevail on Miss Wildenheim to execute their -commissions, they took care not to inform her of the solecism in -etiquette they had thus discovered, lest her timid and scrupulous -attention to propriety should overcome her good nature, and deprive -them of the benefit of her taste and judgment. The place of sale these -ladies thus contemned, was a rustic pantheon-physitechnicon, where were -to be had--food for the mind, at least for those who were content to -"prey on garbage," and countless articles for the ladies' use. Part of -the counter was covered with stationery of all descriptions, school -books, last speeches, and ballads, besides a few miscellaneous articles -in the reading way, such as Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, the Seven -Champions of Christendom, and the Methodistical Magazine, relating how -Mr. Goodman "put on by faith," not "the armour of the Lord," but a pair -of "leathern conveniences," vulgarly called _breeches_. The remainder of -the counter showed, through glass panes, plated and pinchbeck _tiaras_ -for farmers' daughters, and every species of low-priced disfigurement -for the person, in the shape of necklace or ear-ring, with a variety of -other articles of equal utility. The drawers, on one side of the -counter, contained groceries of all kinds; those on the other, a no less -various assortment of haberdashery and millinery, the latter, when -unsaleable, being altered from year to year to "the newest London -fashion." The shop also displayed a considerable store of hardware and -crockery, from the unglazed brown pan to the gold edged tea cup and -painted sailor's pig--lastly, boasting of a delectable circulating -library, which presented volumes that, like the highly prized works of -classic fame, had a most oleaginous odour. - -The contents of the shop were scarcely less various than the occupations -of its master and his family. In part of the second floor, Miss Slater -held her "Academy for young ladies." In the other her sister performed -the office of mantua and corset maker. Their father was upholsterer, -undertaker, and _barber_, and by consequence _politician_ to the parish. -His gratuitous office of quidnunc had perhaps gained him more wealth -and patronage than all his others collectively, as in it he had never -made any direct attack on the purses of his neighbours, but by reading -the newspapers and gazette every market day free of cost, he assembled -all the farmers of the vicinity in his shop, who generally discovered -something amongst its various contents they felt an imperious necessity -to purchase, thus successfully following the plan of the ingenious -advertiser of----_A pair of globes for nothing!!!_----with an atlas, -price five guineas. - -On the above mentioned occasions Mr. Slater was furiously loyal, in a -flaming red waistcoat, which scarcely rivalled his rubicund face.--When -he first became the village orator, he had endeavoured, from motives of -interest, to persuade others he felt more than he really did; and, as is -commonly the case with those who _exaggerate_ but are not -_hypocritical_, he ended in feeling more than he got credit for.--In -the proceedings of the English government he now really thought, that -"whatever is is right."--And perhaps it is to be regretted, that in his -class this belief is not more general.--Illiterate politicians are -scarcely less dangerous than self-constituted physicians--It requires -men of skill to medicate for the body physical or political.--Quacks in -either injure in proportion to their ignorance and consequent audacity; -it may often be better to let a disease alone, in the constitution of -the state or individual, than to run the risk of aggravating it by the -nostrums of the venders of concealed poisons. - -Mr. Slater's window was always adorned with a bulletin of the news of -the day, of his own writing! and this singular composition set at -defiance all rules of grammar and orthography; but he had none of the -pride of authorship, and unfeignedly thanked the village schoolmaster -for his emendations, though perhaps it might sometimes be said, that -the _correction_ was the worst of the two. - -The good man also amused himself with what he called "mapping" and -"drawing." The few unoccupied spaces in his shop walls were stuck over -with representations of the Thalaba of modern history in a variety of -woful plights; and he had made more changes in the face of Europe than -that archconjurer himself--for, to elucidate the Duke of Wellington's -campaigns, he exhibited a map with Portugal at the wrong side of -Spain[3]! not failing to take similar liberties in his representations -of _actions_ of various kinds. - -[Footnote 3: Matter of fact.] - -It may be supposed, that a shop so filled, and a master thus -accomplished, would be unremittingly attended.--In truth, "The Shop" was -seldom empty; and what with haranguing, bargaining, and the ceaseless -creaking of the pack-thread on its ever revolving roller, with -interludes of breaking sugar, and chopping ham, the noise on market days -was so deafening, that the tower of Babel might serve as an emblem, but -that there only one faculty was confounded, whilst here three of the -five senses were assailed at once. - -At the moment of Miss Wildenheim's entrance, however, a comparative -"silence reigned within the walls,"--as in the shop were only Mrs. -Temple (wife of the rector) and her youngest son and daughter, the one -teazing her for a Robinson Crusoe, the other coaxing for a doll; but at -the sight of their "dear dote Miss Wildenheim" the little petitioners -forgot their requests, and throwing their arms about her neck, to the no -small damage of the muslin frill, that contrasted its snowy whiteness -with the sable hue of her other garments, made her cheek glow with their -kisses, whilst their friendly mother not less cordially shook her hand. - -After a little social chat, Miss Wildenheim proceeded to fulfil the -object of her visit to the shop, namely, to choose a novel for Miss -Cecilia Webberly.--"What are you looking for there, my dear, with so -much perseverance? any thing will do for her," said Mrs. -Temple.--"Here's the Delicate Distress--The Innocent Seduction."--"I -fear, from their titles, they would serve to aid her in her search after -romance; don't you think that would be a pity?--I was looking for -Patronage, or Almeria."--The peculiar tone, half foreign, half pathetic, -in which Adelaide said the word _pity_, joined to the ludicrous but just -parallel she had in sober sadness unconsciously drawn for Cecilia -Webberly, struck with so comic an effect on Mrs. Temple's risible -nerves, that she burst out into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. -Adelaide opened her eye-lids to their utmost expansion, and cast the -beautiful orbs they had concealed on Mrs. Temple's face, with a look of -mingled surprise and inquiry.--"I only thought, my dear girl, (laying -her hand on Miss Wildenheim's arm), it was a sin you should waste your -morality and your _pit-tie_ in so useless a manner: believe me, Miss -Edgeworth's wit and sense would be lost on a girl too stupid to -comprehend the one, and too silly to profit by the other: if Miss -Cecilia Webberly were only a _fool_, I might encourage your laudable -endeavours, but----" "Hush, hush, my dear Mrs. Temple, here are -strangers;" and turning round Mrs. Temple discovered Sir Henry Seymour's -carriage at the door. It was a vehicle as old fashioned as the owner, -"the good Sir Henry," and formed a striking contrast to the showy -_cortege_ of the Webberly family. It was drawn in a steady quiet trot, -by four heavy steeds as gray as their driver, who, seated on a -hammer-cloth adorned with fringes as numerous as those on the petticoat -of a modern belle, carefully avoided the sharp turns and charioteering -skill of the Four-in-hand Club. Sir Henry Seymour's carriage contained -only his sister-in-law, Mrs. Galton, who was addressed by Mrs. Temple -with all the intimacy of friendship, and answered a variety of inquiries -concerning Miss Seymour, which were made with real interest. - -After giving Mrs. Temple an invitation to join a dinner party at the -hall on the following Thursday, Mrs. Galton whispered, "I suspect; that -elegant girl in mourning is the interesting foreigner whose unexpected -appearance at Webberly House last November excited so much -gossip."--"Yes, she is."--"Then pray introduce me; we have never met, -though I called on her the last time I visited Mrs. Sullivan." This -request was soon complied with; and the ceremony being over, Mrs. Galton -politely appealed to Adelaide's taste, regarding the colours of some -silks she was choosing to work a trimming for her niece's first gown, -which, on her ensuing birth-day, was to mark her approach to womanhood; -for in Sir Henry Seymour's family the difference in dress between -sixteen and forty-five was preserved: Selina had not yet laid aside her -white frock, nor was Mrs. Galton in her own person anxious to antedate -the period of second childhood. Mrs. Martin and Lucy, accompanied by -Mrs. Lucas, now walked in to pay their compliments to the ladies they -had seen enter, and were as usual received by Mrs. Galton with the -utmost civility; and as she knew that a visit to Deane Hall was an event -and a distinction in the annals of village history, she included them in -her invitation for Thursday, which was delightfully accepted by them. -Mrs. Sullivan's carriage having now returned for Miss Wildenheim, she -took her leave. And Mr. Mordaunt, having executed some business the -worthy baronet had intrusted him with, entered the shop, and reminded -Mrs. Galton, that if they did not hasten home, Sir Henry would be kept -waiting dinner, and, what was to him of much more interest, Selina -Seymour would be disappointed of her evening ride. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - Each look, each motion, wak'd a new born grace, - That o'er her form its transient glory cast; - Some lovelier wonder soon usurp'd the place, - Chas'd by a charm still lovelier than the last. - - LYTTELTON. - - -Mr. Mordaunt, finding it impossible to persuade Sir Henry Seymour's -veteran coachman to resign his office of charioteer, or even willingly -to admit a partner on his throne, was obliged to solace himself with -Mrs. Galton's conversation, till they entered the park of Deane. At -last, as the carriage turned up the long dark avenue which led to the -magnificent though antique mansion, his delighted eye beheld Selina, as -she supported her father, whilst "with measured step and slow" he walked -up and down the broad smooth terrace, which stretched along the south -front of the house, and commanded all the beauties of the rich vale -below. Her fragile form and firm yet elastic step were contrasted with -Sir Henry's tottering feeble gait. But though her sparkling eyes gave a -joyous welcome, even from a distance, to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, yet, -with the fond solicitude of filial love, she restrained her father's -hastening steps, till Augustus relieved her from her charge; then light -as a zephyr which scarcely bends the flower over which it passes, she -flew to Mrs. Galton, and had already seen, if not examined, all her -purchases, recapitulated her various occupations during her three hours' -absence, and made Mrs. Galton repeat twice over all the particulars she -could recollect, of "dear Mrs. Temple," and Miss Wildenheim, before -Augustus had conducted Sir Henry to the hall door, or replied to more -than half his inquiries about "poor Brown's lease, and the arrangements -that were made for his wife and children." - -Selina Seymour was nearly seventeen; her person - - "Fair as the forms that, wove in fancy's loom, - Float in light vision round the poet's head;" - -and her mind as well cultivated as could be expected under the peculiar -circumstances of her situation; for she had lived entirely in the -country, and never had as yet an opportunity of acquiring that -brilliancy of execution in the fine arts, by which so many of our modern -girls of fashion rival the painters, and the dancers, and the singers, -and the players on musical instruments, who live only by the exertion of -their talents in those different lines. Of what are usually called -_accomplishments_ she was comparatively ignorant. She knew little or -nothing of fancy works--had never made any pasteboard screens--could -neither waltz nor play on the flageolet--nor beat the tambourine in all -the different attitudes practised and taught to young ladies by the -Duke of York's band--but with several modern languages she was well -acquainted, and had learned to draw from Mrs. Galton, who particularly -excelled in miniature painting, and delighted in transmitting all her -knowledge to her adopted child. Music was however Selina's favourite -amusement, and for it she early discovered a decided genius. An old -blind organist, from the town of ----, generally attended her for three -months every summer, and certainly taught her well the only part of the -art he understood, namely, thorough bass--but of the soul of music, he, -poor man, had no idea; for that she was indebted solely to her own -intensity of feeling; and whatever execution she possessed she had -acquired by the indefatigable practice of such lessons of Handel's, -Corelli's, Scarlatti's, and Bach's, as her father's old music chest -afforded; for Sir Henry had not added an air to his collection since the -death of her mother Lady Seymour, nor did he suppose it possible, that -any improvement could have taken place in the art of composition since -that period. Perhaps, had he heard Selina play some of Mozart's -admirable melodies, he might have been induced to acknowledge their -merit, as he generally thought all she did was perfection; though in her -education he never interfered--the care of that had been intrusted, ever -since she had lost her mother, to Mrs. Galton, and the excellent rector -of the parish, Mr. Temple, who had been tutor to Sir Henry Seymour's -ward, Augustus Mordaunt. With them Selina often joined in studies of a -graver cast than those usually appropriated to her age and sex. And -perhaps the peculiar style of her education was the one best adapted to -her disposition. She had naturally uncommon vivacity. "Her cheek was yet -unprofaned by a tear," and her buoyant spirits had never been depressed -by those unfeeling prohibitions and restraints, which, "like a worm i' -th' bud," feed on the opening blossom, and turn the happiest season of -our lives into days of protracted penance. To her elasticity of spirits -and brilliancy of imagination, which, but for an uncommon superiority of -talent, might have degenerated into frivolity of mind, this calm and -almost masculine education formed an admirable counterpoise. But yet -such was her natural pliability of character, that Mrs. Galton scarcely -deemed even this antidote sufficient; and looked forward with trembling -anxiety to the period of her being introduced to society, knowing how -probable it was, that her fancy, and even her heart, might be seriously -affected, long before her reason or understanding were called into -action. - -Selina was the only one of Sir Henry Seymour's children who had survived -their mother; in her were centred all his hopes and nearly all his -affections; her vivacity amused, and her talents gratified him. But he -was not capable of justly appreciating or fully comprehending her -character; he had so long considered her as a mere child, it never -entered into his calculation, that she was now approaching that eventful -period of life, when more was required from the discretion and affection -of a parent, than a mere tolerance of harmless vivacity. It did -certainly sometimes occur to him, that she might marry, but he generally -banished the idea from his mind as quickly as it arose; for it was -always accompanied by a painful feeling, arising in truth from a dread -of losing her delightful society; but he never analyzed this feeling, -and always repeating to himself that she was still but a child, he -concluded by his usual reflection, that there "was no use in thinking -about it; for, if it was to happen, he could not help it." - -Thus, with infatuated security, he anticipated no danger in allowing his -daughter to associate with Augustus Mordaunt. They had been brought up -as children together, and their manner to each other was so -unrestrained, so free from all those artificial precautions, that by a -premature defence first apprise innocence of its danger, that even wiser -heads than poor Sir Henry's might have believed, as Selina really did, -that only the affection of brother and sister existed between them: it -is true, Mrs. Galton and Mr. Temple sometimes talked over together the -possibility of their future union; and so desirable did it seem to both, -and so certain to obtain Sir Henry's consent, that they left them to -their fate, scarcely wishing that any circumstance should arise to -prevent a mutual attachment taking place. - -Augustus was nephew to the earl of Osselstone, and heir to his title. -His father, dying when he was four years old, had left him to the -guardianship of Sir Henry; and the boy had been removed to Deane Hall -the year before Selina was born, where he had constantly resided since, -except during the periods he had passed at Eton and Oxford. Sir Henry -felt for him an affection almost paternal; nor was it unreturned, or -unworthily bestowed. The disposition of Augustus was naturally -benevolent and ardent in the extreme. Even in the most trifling pursuit -either of knowledge or amusement, the fervency of his character was -manifested; and where the susceptibility of his heart was once called -forth, though expression might be repressed, his feelings were not -easily to be subdued. - -Mr. Temple, profiting by the example the fate of Mordaunt's parents had -presented, early laboured to bring his passions under the control of -reason. He succeeded in regulating them, though they were not to be -extinguished; and though Augustus early acquired a habit of -self-possession, yet the natural vivacity of his character was expressed -in every glance of his intelligent countenance, which served to portray -each fleeting sentiment as it arose, whilst his dark expressive eye -seemed to penetrate into the inmost thoughts of others, and to search -for a mind congenial to his own. His figure was not less remarkable for -elegance than strength; and he particularly excelled in all those manly -exercises and accomplishments in which grace or activity are required. -He had derived, partly from nature, partly from education, such high and -almost chivalrous ideas of principle, that, even as a boy, no temptation -could have induced him either to deserve or submit to the slightest -imputation on his honour; and as he approached to manhood, this jealousy -of character had given him a reputation of pride, which his dignified -manner and appearance in some degree corroborated.--Though to his -inferiors his address was always affable, yet to strangers of his own -rank in life he was generally reserved: he was therefore not always -understood; and those who were incapable of fully comprehending his -peculiar merits, frequently attributed that apparent haughtiness of -demeanour, which repelled officious familiarity, less to the superiority -of his individual character, than to the adventitious circumstance of -his high birth and expectations. - -He had early shown a strong predilection for the army, but he could -never prevail on Sir Henry to consent to his entering that profession; -and as a coolness existed between his uncle and his guardian, none other -had yet been decided on for him. Nor, if it was to depend on Sir Henry's -advice or exertions, was the selection likely soon to be made; for such -was the habitual indolence of the baronet's character, that, unless the -natural benevolence of his disposition was peculiarly called forth by -any accidental circumstance, he was content with feelings of unbounded -good will to all mankind, without making a single effort to promote the -welfare of any individual. Yet, nevertheless, he was an affectionate -father, an indulgent landlord, a hospitable neighbour, a kind friend, -and as such universally beloved and respected. In his establishment at -Deane Hall, old English hospitality was maintained to the fullest -extent; and the regularity of this establishment was united to such an -uniformity of pursuit, that it almost amounted to a monotony of life. -The care of directing his household and doing the honours of his table -he left entirely to Mrs. Galton, the sister of the late Lady Seymour. -She was, however, only called "mistress" by courtesy, for though "still -in the sober charms of womanhood mature," just "verging on decay," she -was yet unmarried. In her youth this lady had been as beautiful as she -was amiable, and being possessed of a large fortune, had many suitors: -on one of these, a Mr. Montague, she had bestowed her affections, and -was on the point of marrying him, when she discovered that he was an -inveterate gamester, ruined in fortune, morals, and character, and of -course unworthy of her regard; and though her good sense enabled her in -time to recover from the misery this discovery occasioned her, yet she -was never afterwards prevailed on to make another choice. Shortly after -her refusal of him, Mr. Montague married a Miss Mortimer, who was as -depraved as himself, and lost his life in a duel with one of his -dissipated companions. Mrs. Galton had resided at Deane Hall from the -period of her sister's death; and Selina soon filled the place of -daughter in her affectionate heart. As that heart had been so deeply -wounded, she had turned assiduously to the cultivation of her -understanding; and in endeavouring to engraft her own perfections on -Selina's ductile mind, she preserved the peace of her own, by -withdrawing it from those corroding remembrances, that had threatened it -with irreparable injury. - -The day at last arrived, which was fixed for the annual visit of Mrs. -Sullivan and her party at Deane Hall; for it may easily be supposed, -that where such dissimilarity of character and pursuit existed, little -intercourse would be maintained. At least an hour after the appointed -time, the loud and peremptory knock of their London footman proclaimed -their arrival; but their welcome was much less cordial, than it would -otherwise have been, from all the assembled party at Deane, as they came -unaccompanied by Miss Wildenheim. - -Mrs. Sullivan, on entering the room, displayed a low, fat, vulgar -figure, arrayed in all the shades admissible in fashionable _mourning_. -Her gown was a _soi-disant_ grey, approximating, as nearly as possible, -to a sky blue, relieved with black and scarlet, and profusely ornamented -with artificial flowers. On her head waved a plume of white ostrich -feathers, which, in their modest color and airy form, served perfectly -to contrast her piony cheeks and lumpish person. - -Her petticoats, wired at the bottom, kept unbroken the ample circle, of -which her breadth from hip to hip formed the diameter. Her shuffling -gait put all her finery in motion from head to foot; and Selina could -not help thinking, that, "if she might just give her one _little_ -twirl," she would make to perfection what in her girlish plays was -called a _cheese_. Mrs. Sullivan was followed by her two elder -daughters--Miss Webberly, loaded with all the superfluous decorations of -modern costume, which could be called in aid to conceal her natural -deformity, and her sister, dressed in the opposite extreme of capricious -fashion, equally solicitous to exhibit her all unobscured charms. Soon -after, the entrance of the remaining guests completed the circle, and -the company insensibly dividing into small separate parties, Mrs. Galton -found herself between her two intimate friends, Mr. and Mrs. Temple, -and expressed to them her sincere regret at not seeing Miss Wildenheim, -for whom Mrs. Sullivan had made an awkward apology. - -"What a beautiful style of countenance hers is," said Augustus Mordaunt, -who was standing by: "quite the Grecian head." "I look more to the -inside of the head," replied Mr. Temple, "and find it as admirable as -you do the outside." "You are always so warm in your admiration of your -young favourite, that I am really quite jealous," said his amiable wife, -with a look that expressed her love and pride in the speaker, and her -regard for the object spoken of. "I do indeed admire her; nay, youthful -as she is, I reverence her," resumed Mr. Temple. - -"And how did you happen to know so much of her?" asked Mrs. Galton; "for -she has been carefully secluded from the rest of the neighbourhood." - -"I was called upon to attend her in my pastoral office last winter, -during her dangerous illness; and having good reason to think that her -pillow was unsmoothed by any kind hand, I pitied her most sincerely; and -when we heard she was recovering, we both visited her frequently, and -without much difficulty prevailed on Mrs. Sullivan, to permit her to -come to the parsonage for change of air, where my ill-natured wife -nursed her for six weeks." "I think," said Mrs. Temple, "one becomes -better acquainted with a person in an invalide state, than in any other; -the sort of charge that the healthy take upon them for the sick, -entitles them to discard much of the formality of common intercourse." -"You are right, my dear; and the being that is in hourly uncertainty of -its stay here, is anxious to part with its fellow mortals, not only in -peace, but in love; and receives every proffered kindness with -gratitude. Impressed with these feelings," continued Mr. Temple, "Miss -Wildenheim suffered us to gain a knowledge of her disposition no other -circumstance could have procured us.--To know and not to admire her is -an impossibility!" - -Mrs. Sullivan, who had kept herself aloof to impress on her mind an -inventory of the furniture, and to listen to the whole company at once, -could no longer keep patience or restrain her indignation; and having -gathered sufficient to understand that Mr. and Mrs. Temple were praising -her lovely ward, she exclaimed with involuntary vehemence, "Lauk! how -can you admire Miss Wildenheim, with her sallow complexion, and such a -poke?" "Pardon me, Mrs. Sullivan," replied Mrs. Galton; "the only time I -ever met her I thought her complexion the most beautiful brunette I ever -saw: but perhaps her colour was heightened by exercise." "And her -carriage"--rejoined Mrs. Temple, with less ceremony, "is grace itself!" -"_Et vera incessu patuit Dea_[4]"--said the worthy rector to Mordaunt; -and, as he abhorred gossips, sheered off to the window, to ask him some -questions regarding his studies at Oxford. "Well, well!" resumed Mrs. -Sullivan, "I loves a girl as straight as the poplars at Islington, with -a good white skin, (casting a look of triumph at Cecilia); I never liked -none of them there outlandish folk: why she's for all the world like a -gipsy. My poor dear Mr. Sullivan didn't ought for to bring his casts-up -to me and my daughters, who are come of good havage!--If she and my -Carline wasn't sisters, they never would be so out of the way fond of -one another. If Miss was her natural mother, she couldn't make more of -her than she does now, for her father's sake: and my foolish little chit -thinks this Frenchified lady a nonsuch. I'll warrant me her schooling -cost a pretty penny in foreign parts, where she got that odorous twang -on her tongue; howsoever, she's culpable to teach my little girl to -jabber French; and, as one good turn deserves another, I takes a world -of pains to teach her not to misprison her words: and would you believe -it? she looks sometimes as if she had a mind to laugh; and then she -casts down her hugeous eyes, and colours up as red as a turkey cock, all -out of pride! But I'm resolved she shan't ruinate Carline's English; -I'll supersede that myself." - -[Footnote 4: - - And by her walk the queen of love is known. - - DRYDEN. -] - -Dinner being announced, prevented Mrs. Sullivan's female auditors from -making either comment or reply, except by an "alphabet of looks," which -had this sapient lady possessed sufficient shrewdness to decipher, she -would not have been much gratified by its import. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - - Once on a time, so runs the fable, - A country mouse, right hospitable, - Received a town mouse at his board, - Just as a farmer would a lord. - - POPE. - - -The dessert was scarcely laid on the table and the servants withdrawn, -when a clatter of pattens and a loud talking announced the arrival of -the guests from Deane. Mrs. Galton and Miss Seymour were anxious to -retire immediately; but Mrs. Sullivan was too busily engaged paying her -devoirs to a fine peach, and her second daughter in monopolizing those -of Mr. Mordaunt, to attend the signal; whilst Miss Webberly was -slanderously attributing to the family of "Gases" affinities and -products that never before had been hinted at; and was so eagerly bent -on astonishing Mr. Temple by a discourse "_Enfle de vent, vide de -raison_," that some minutes elapsed before the _debouching_ was -effected. They however reached the huge fire-place, now decked in all -the pride of summer's bloom, which marked the centre of the -old-fashioned hall, before the finishing strokes were given to the -toilets of the newly-arrived party. "I declare here they all come!" -exclaimed Mrs. Martin; "Lucy, my dear, hold up your head. Here, put this -pocket-handkerchief in your bonnet for night, whilst I just slip your -shoes and stockings into your ridicule." "How d'ye do, Mrs. Galton? -Thank ye, ma'am, my Lucy's used to walking--never catches cold. We were -twice at Vauxhall last spring two year. Well certainly, Miss Seymour, -the country air does agree with you; you look vastly well. Pray, my dear -miss, isn't that Mrs. Sullivan and the two Miss Webberlys? They don't -seem to remember me. I'll just go and ask whether the currant wine I -made 'em a present of was good or not." So saying, the active Mrs. -Martin bustled up to Mrs. Sullivan to recommence her usual string of -queries, without waiting for an answer to any one of those she had -already made with such uninterrupted volubility. But Mrs. Sullivan's -pomposity was not to be discomposed by any sudden attack. She was by -this time sitting, or rather reclining, (for reposing it could not be -called) on the high-backed, hard-bottomed, uncushioned, damask-covered -sofa, which had not yet resigned its proud and ancient place against the -side wall of Sir Henry's drawing-room. She was paying as much attention -to Mrs. Galton's conversation as repeated yawns would permit, an -attention ostentatiously redoubled at the entrance of Mrs. Martin, while -Mrs. Lucas was balancing herself on the edge of an immoveable arm-chair, -assiduously offering her assenting monosyllable, and smiling "he hem" at -the close of every sentence the two ladies uttered, however -contradictory its import might be to the last expressed opinion. - -Mrs. Temple had in the mean time joined the young people who had -withdrawn to one of the deep recesses of the windows, collected together -in a groupe, by that indescribable attraction which is found in a -similarity of age, however unlike the characters or pursuits of the -different individuals may be. Some beautiful roses which filled an old -china vase, and scarcely rivalled its colours, served for the subject of -their conversation. "I suppose," said Miss Webberly, "you have plenty of -time, in this out of the way place, Miss Seymour, for the study of -botany and the fine arts. How I envy you! Now in town we have never no -time for nothing." "No, indeed," replied Miss Seymour, "I know nothing -of botany, though I delight in flowers." "Not understand botany!" "Why -indeed, my love Emily," interrupted Miss Cecilia Webberly, "no person -of taste likes those things now, they are quite out; indeed, 'the loves -of the plants' is a delightful book, that will always go down. I have it -almost off by heart. Don't you admire it, Miss Seymour?" "I have never -read it," answered Selina. "And what do you read?" continued Cecilia; "I -suppose you hardly ever get a new book at Slater's?" "Yes; do let us -hear what your studies are," said Miss Webberly, in a tone approaching -to contempt. "My employments scarcely deserve the name of studies," -modestly replied Selina. "I am very fond of drawing, and spend a great -deal of time in that occupation; but any information I receive from -books has been principally gathered from what Augustus reads out to my -aunt and me, whilst my father sleeps in an evening." "How extatic must -be your communication with Mr. Temple, my dear madam!" said Miss -Webberly, turning from Selina to Mrs. Temple; "yours must be the feast -of reason and the flow of soul. Does the vegetable creation ever attract -your notice?" "Yes;" quietly answered Mrs. Temple; "but I principally -cultivate flowers for the sake of my bees; they, you know, are my second -nursery." "And pray, while you are practising horticulture, do you think -you ever suffer from imbibing the hydrogen?" "To tell you the truth, my -dear Miss Webberly, I feel I so little understand either hydrogen or -oxygen, that I never think about them." "Nothing more easy! nothing more -easy, I assure you! Every body learns chemistry in town. I always attend -the Royal Institution;--Sir Humphrey Davy is so dear! so animated! so -delightful! I once asked him, 'My dear Sir Davy,' says I, 'what's the -distinction between oxygen and hydrogen?' 'Why,' says he, 'one is pure -gin, and the other gin and water.'" Poor Selina was as little capable of -enjoying the scientifical jargon of Miss Webberly, as she was of -comprehending the more fluent discourse of her sister, who had already -talked over the contents of Slater's library with Miss Martin and Miss -Lucas, and astonished them with a minute description of the last spring -fashions. The arrival of the tea and coffee was therefore to her no -unwelcome interruption. - -But the occupations attending the tea-table were scarcely commenced, -when the approach of Sir Henry Seymour from the dining-room was -announced by the quickly repeated sound of his knotted cane, which kept -due measure with his hurried footsteps along the well polished floor of -the hall, as it preserved the worthy baronet from its slippery -influence. "Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina!" exclaimed he, hastily -opening the door, "Who is it? what is it? are there any more asked to -day? have I forgot any one? bless my stars!" "What is the matter?" -exclaimed both ladies at once. "Matter!" quoth Sir Henry, "why a coach -and four's the matter, and a man galloping like the devil up the long -avenue is the matter. God forgive my swearing. Well, to be sure, that I -should never have thought of them! Who can it be? I have certainly -offended some of my neighbours! Good Lord!" The ladies had by this time -thronged to the windows to see the unusual sight, except Miss Webberly, -who affected to keep at a distance, though she could not refrain from -peeping over their heads as she stood on tip-toe. At the same instant, -all the family dogs joined in one chorus of welcome; and the equestrian, -arriving at full speed, jumped off his horse, and pulling the door-bell -with a vehemence it had seldom felt before, so electrified poor Sir -Henry, that he almost unconsciously repaired with unpremeditated haste -to the scene of action. "I say, old Square-toes," vociferated the -stranger, "is this Harry Seymour's castle?" "Ye-e-s," answered its -hospitable owner, whilst astonishment and indignation impeded his -utterance. "Ye-es! why you look as queer as the castle spectre yourself. -Well, send somebody for my horse, for here's my lord and lady; and, I -say, order beds." Perhaps Sir Henry would in his turn equally have -astonished his unexpected visitor, had not a sudden turn of the open -barouche, as it approached the door, presented to his view the faces of -Lord and Lady Eltondale. "Why, Gad's my life! Good Lord! Selina, here's -your aunt! Good Lord! well to be sure!" The name of "aunt," a title that -always called forth from Selina's affectionate heart sentiments of the -tenderest gratitude and delight, acted like a talisman on the lovely -girl, and brought her in an instant to the spot with sparkling eyes, -glowing cheeks, and steps of fairy lightness; while Mrs. Galton, who -better knew _the aunt_ she was about to meet, advanced to offer a more -sober, though not less polite reception. - -From the side of the barouche next the door descended Lord Eltondale, -with as much activity as his unwieldy body would permit, encumbered as -it was by an immense bang-up coat, which, by a moderate computation of -the specific gravity of like solids, would in all probability have -increased the weight of the ponderous carcase it enclosed to nearly that -of his Lordship's own prize ox. With much less alacrity his fair spouse -prepared to alight; an open pelisse, wrapped in a thousand folds, -partially concealed her yet beautiful figure, while an enormous London -_rustic_ bonnet, with the affectation of simplicity and the real stamp -of fashion, equally disguised her face. During that time, Lord -Eltondale, in no subdued tone of voice, was expressing his lively -pleasure at meeting Sir Henry, almost dislocating Mrs. Galton's wrists -with the fervency of salutation, and with no less zeal imprinting -oscular proofs of satisfaction on the fair retiring cheek of his niece. -Lady Eltondale had full time to kiss her white hand in turn to each -individual, to commit her smelling-bottle and work bag to the particular -charge of the footman who had preceded them, and to descend leisurely -from the carriage with apparent timidity, but real anxiety, to save her -shawls, and exhibit her well-turned ancle to Mordaunt, who supported her -faltering steps. - -"Why, Gad's my life, I'm glad to see you all, though I never should have -thought of it," exclaimed Sir Henry, his wig nearly as much turned round -as the brains underneath it. "Why, Bell, what the devil brings you -here?--Come to spend the summer, eh, with that chaise full of band -boxes? Well, to be sure, to think of your coming to Deane Hall again! -But I can't reach your mouth till you kick off that trumpet you've on." -"Good God!" exclaimed Lady Eltondale with an involuntary shudder, but -instantaneously recovering herself, "I am quite delighted, my dear -brother, to find you in such charming spirits. How do, Mrs. Galton? I -declare you look younger than ever. And Selina! why, child, you are -almost as tall as I am." Selina's first impulse had been to throw -herself into Lady Eltondale's arms, believing innocently that an "aunt" -was another Mrs. Galton. But the boisterous _bonhomie_ of the Viscount's -compliments, and still more the fashionable frigidity of Lady -Eltondale's address, were repulsive to her feelings, and she -unconsciously withdrew to that part of the hall to which Mordaunt had -retired, whilst a tear trembled on her long eye-lashes. "She is not at -all like aunt Mary," said Selina in a half whisper, "I'm sure I shan't -like her." "But she will surely like you, Selina," answered -Mordaunt.--"Come, you foolish girl," continued he, taking her hand, -"don't you know aunt Mary said this morning, you were almost old enough -to do the honours yourself! Let us see your _coup d'essai_." Meantime -Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton led the travellers to the drawing-room, and -introduced them to the wondering party they had left there. - -Lady Eltondale returned their salutations with a sweeping reverence, -between a bow and a curtsy, accompanied by one of her most fascinating -smiles; and walking deliberately to the head of the room, "I am afraid, -my dear Mrs. Galton, we have discomposed you;--we have arrived at an -unseasonable moment," said her Ladyship in a voice of dulcet sweetness; -though this demi-apology was accompanied by a look round the room, which -plainly indicated that the fair speaker felt assured her arrival would -at any time have discomposed _such_ a company. "Well, Sir Henry," -bellowed out Lord Eltondale, "how goes on the farm? I shall taste your -beef admirably--I'm confoundedly hungry." "Hungry!--Beef--Good -Lord!--Bless my heart, haven't dined yet? Now I should never have -thought of that! Why, Selina! Mrs. Galton! Selina! do order something to -be got ready directly. Bless my heart--not dined! why it's past seven -o'clock! James! John! I say, Wilson!" "Pray, my dear brother," said the -Viscountess, seating herself, "don't trouble yourself; a pattie, a -Maintenon, anything will do for us." "Aye, aye, Sir Henry, give us a -beef steak or a mutton chop; any thing will do for us, if there is but -enough." Lady Eltondale's fragile form underwent that species of -delicate convulsion, between a shudder of horror and a shrug of -contempt, which was her usual commentary on her lord's speeches; and -very calmly untying her bonnet, she threw it on a chair at some -distance, and discovered a little French cap, from beneath which a -glossy ringlet of jet black hair had strayed not quite unbidden. She -then no less leisurely proceeded to slip from under her silken coat, of -which young Webberly, with officious velocity, flew to relieve her, -though she still retained as many shawls as she could well dispose of in -attitudinal drapery, without regarding the too apparent contrast they -formed to the transparent summer clothing, which shaded, but scarcely -hid her once perfect form. Mrs. Sullivan's impatience to be recognized -would not suffer her to wait till the tedious ceremony of disrobing was -finished; but finding her curtsies, and her nods, and her smiles, and -her flutterings, had not yet procured her the notice she was so -ambitious to obtain, she gave an audible preluding "hem!" and then -addressed Lady Eltondale with "'Pon honour, my lady, I'm delighted to -counter your ladyship. Your ladyship looks wastly vell. How is that 'ere -pretty cretur, your Ladyship's monkey?" Lady Eltondale turning her head -quickly round at the first sound of the sharp discordant voice that now -assailed her ear, saw something so irresistibly attractive in the vessel -of clay from which it proceeded, that she found it impossible -immediately to withdraw her eyes, and, taking up her glass, remained in -total silence for some moments, examining the grotesque figure opposite -to her, displayed as it was to particular advantage in the operation of -opening and shutting a brilliant scarlet fan with accelerated motion. -"Forgive me, my dear madam--I am quite ashamed; but really your name has -escaped my recollection:--your person I should think impossible to -forget." A polite inclination of an admirably turned head and neck -concealed the sarcasm of this equivocal compliment. "To be sure, my -lady," continued the gratified Mrs. Sullivan, "ve town ladies can't get -our wisiting lists off book like primers, he! he! he!--Sulliwan, my -lady, Sulliwan's my name, and them there two girls are my daughters, and -that there----" "Indeed, Mrs. Silly-one, you do me much honour," -interrupted her Ladyship. "Selina, my love, I want to talk to you;--how -goes on music?" "I think, Lady Eltondale," said Miss Cecilia Webberly, -with assumed _nonchalance_, "the last time you and I were together was -at the Lord Mayor's ball--a sweet girl that Lucy Nathin is!" "Brother, -you must let La Fayette dress this dear girl's hair to-morrow; these -ringlets will be _superbe_ done _a la corbeille_." "Yes, my Lady, I -quite agree with you, my Lady. All Miss Seymour vants is a little -winishing and warnishing, as we hearties say. Her bodies ought to be cut -down, my Lady; and her petticoats cut up, my Lady, and she would be -quite another guess figure, my Lady. Six weeks in town would quite -halter her hair and her mane; and as for music, Pinsheette's the man to -improve her in vice." "Pucit-ta-a-a, mother!" screamed Cecilia, "can you -ever learn that man's name?" - -A most opportune summons to the "beef-steak" relieved Lady Eltondale -from the discussion, which was on the point of commencing between mother -and daughter. She rose with an air of dignity, that immediately silenced -both combatants; and, while she leaned on Sir Henry's offered arm, she -drew Selina's through her own, and, turning to Mrs. Galton, said with a -bewitching smile, "You must spare this Hebe to be my cup-bearer. I -almost envy you having monopolized her so long, notwithstanding all she -has gained by it." Mordaunt, who had hitherto stood aloof, now advanced -to open the door for them, and smiled significantly to Selina as they -passed; while Webberly, who had just sense enough to perceive the -distance of Lady Eltondale's manner, called loudly for his mother's -carriage. The rest of the party, who had hitherto remained in dumb -astonishment, gladly took the hint, and began the tedious ceremony of -curtsying, bidding good night, and packing up; leaving Mrs. Galton at -liberty to do the honours of the second dinner table, which lasted till -nearly the hour when the good Baronet usually retired to rest. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - - And all your wit--your most distinguished art, - But makes us grieve you want an honest heart! - - BROWN. - - -Lady Eltondale was arrived at the meridian of life, and no longer -boasted the charms of youth, "_Elle ne fut pas plus jolie; mais elle fut -toujours belle_:" and perhaps the finished polish of her manners, and -matured elegance of her person, were now scarcely less attractive than -the loveliness of her earlier days had been: for beautiful she once was; - - "Grace was in all her steps--Heav'n in her eye, - In all her gestures dignity:" - -and, if "love" could have been added, she would have been, almost, -faultless.--But a cold, selfish disposition blasted the fair promise; -it was, "a frost, a chilling frost," that withered every bud of virtue! -And yet she was not absolutely wicked; she could not be accused of -having a _bad_ heart; it might rather be said she had no heart at -all.--And with every other requisite to form perfection in a female -character, this one defect neutralized all the bounteous gifts of -nature--her very talents, like those of Prometheus, were perverted, and -preyed on her own soul; whilst the aching void, left by the total -absence of all the nameless charities of life, she had vainly -endeavoured to fill up by a restless, endless passion for scheming, -either for herself or others.--She would, perhaps, have shuddered at the -thought of designedly laying a plan to undermine the happiness of -another; yet such were the sophistical powers of her mind, that she -seldom failed in sincerely persuading herself, that whatever plan she -proposed to execute, was, in reality, the most desirable that could be -adopted,--and, with this conviction, she had scarcely ever been known -to relinquish a project she had once formed, and seldom failed, either -by art or perseverance, to obtain her end. - -Her history was a very common one--Her father died while she was young, -leaving her mother and herself a comfortable, though not a splendid -provision, as all the landed property descended to her brother, Sir -Henry Seymour, who was many years older than she was. - -The dowager lady Seymour, a weak woman, but indulgent parent, was easily -prevailed on by her lovely daughter, to choose London for her place of -residence; and when Sir Henry married, their visits to Deane Hall, which -had never been frequent entirely ceased. Miss Seymour meantime took -every advantage of the opportunities her new line of life afforded. She -cultivated with assiduity and success every brilliant accomplishment, -and was admired even more than her own vanity, and her mother's blind -partiality, had taught her to expect. Her pretensions rose in proportion -to her success; and at one time she fancied nothing less than a ducal -coronet could render the chains of matrimony supportable. At last, -however, after a thousand schemes and speculations, in a moment of -pique, she accepted the title of viscountess, which was all Lord -Eltondale had to offer, except a splendid temporary establishment; as -nearly all his property was entailed on his son by a former marriage. -Indeed, so dissimilar were their tastes, characters, and pursuits, that -their union was a seven days' wonder; and would not, perhaps, ever have -taken place, had not Miss Seymour, in the prosecution of a far different -plan, at first unguardedly encouraged, or rather provoked, Lord -Eltondale's addresses; and he, "good easy man," _had not time_ to -develope the cause of the flattering selection. - -Lord Eltondale was one of those unoffending, undistinguished mortals, -who would most probably have returned to his original clay unnoticed and -unwept, had not fortune, in one of her most sportive moods, hung a -coronet on his brow, and thus dragged the Cymon into observation. He -possessed neither talents nor acquirements, and held "the harmless -tenour of his way" in equal mean betwixt vice and virtue. - -By nature he was a gourmand, and by fashion a farmer; for, strange to -say, amongst the other changes this century has produced, not the least -remarkable is the insatiable ambition of our peers to rival--not their -ancestors--but their coachmen and ploughmen. But, even in the only -science Lord Eltondale affected to understand, his learning was only -superficial: he delighted in going through the whole farming vocabulary; -could talk for hours of threshing machines, and drilling machines, and -Scotch ploughs, and bush harrows; particularly if he was so fortunate -as to meet with an auditor, whose learning on those subjects did not -transcend his own. He was also an inimitable judge of the peculiar merit -of sheep and oxen, when they were transformed into beef and mutton: but -of real useful agriculture, that art which is one of England's proudest -boasts, he only knew enough to entitle him to imitate a clown in -appearance, and to constitute him an honorary member of different -farming societies; which, besides procuring him sundry good dinners, -particularly suited the supineness of his disposition, by giving him an -excuse, "_De ne rien faire, en toujours faisant des riens_[5]." - -[Footnote 5: To do nothing in always doing nothings.] - -Such was the partner the lovely Miss Seymour chose for life; and as the -death of her mother, and that of the only child she ever had, occurred -before the expiration of the second year of her marriage, she was left -without any tie to attach her to a domestic life; while her own -conscious superiority to her lord deprived her of any support from him, -which might have guided her, as she swam on the highest wave of fashion. - -Sir Henry Seymour experienced at least as much surprise as pleasure, at -such an unexpected visit from his sister and the viscount; but he did -not suspect the object of it, till her ladyship herself explained it to -him the following morning. Indeed the only motive that could have been -strong enough, to induce her to return, even for a few hours, to a place -she so much abhorred, was that which now had brought her; namely, an -anxious desire to promote a marriage between Selina Seymour and her -step-son, Mr. Elton. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that her -extravagance, and her lord's indolence, had already swallowed up any -ready money they had originally possessed, and that whenever the -property came into the hands of Frederick Elton, little, if any thing, -would be left for her support, except what she should receive from his -generosity; and therefore she had determined to secure for him one of -the richest and loveliest brides England could offer, believing, that by -so doing she should not only increase his power of being generous, but -also establish her claims on his everlasting gratitude. It is true she -was not certain, that such a step would ensure the happiness, or even -meet the approbation of Frederick. On that point, strange as it may -appear, Lady Eltondale had bestowed but little consideration, -(self-interest being always paramount in her mind), as this plan would -be certainly beneficial to herself, she determined to consider it -equally advantageous to him. In fine, she had been the first to suggest -it; she had long meditated on it, and at last resolved upon it: having -thus made up her own mind, the difficulties which might occur in the -prosecution of her scheme, if any should arise, would but make her more -solicitous for its accomplishment. - -At first Lady Eltondale found some little difficulty in persuading Sir -Henry to accede to her proposal; not that he for a moment recollected -the cruelty of engaging irrevocably his daughter's hand, before he even -enquired into the state of her affections; or that he reflected on the -danger of confiding a character so volatile as was Selina's to the -guardianship of a young man they were both totally unacquainted with. -Sir Henry only hesitated, from an unwillingness to part from her -himself; for he was one of those fatally partial parents, who, prizing -too highly their daughters' society, often sacrifice their happiness to -that selfish consideration. But to every objection he could urge Lady -Eltondale had some specious answer ready: she reminded him, that Mr. -Elton was then abroad, and that his return might possibly be delayed -for some time; dwelt upon the excellence of his character; and finally, -more by perseverance than argument, succeeded in obtaining Sir Henry's -promise, that he would consent to their marriage taking place, as soon -as Frederick returned from the continent. Lady Eltondale well understood -that magic, which is the empire a strong mind exercises over a weaker; -and had so well worked on all the springs of poor Sir Henry's, that he -gave the required promise as explicitly as she demanded it; for she was -well aware, that if once she prevailed on him to give such a promise, -not even his deference to Mrs. Galton's opinion would induce him to -break it. But as of the tendency of that opinion Lady Eltondale had a -sort of presentiment, she wished to save herself the trouble of -combating it; and therefore prevailed on her brother not to mention it -during the short remainder of her stay at the Hall, on the pretence of -sparing her "dear Selina's feelings;" and as he was for many reasons -not unwilling to dismiss the subject from his thoughts, he agreed to the -required silence. - -The evening of that day, which sealed Selina's destiny, passed over -without any particular circumstance to mark its progress, save only that -Lady Eltondale was even, if possible, more attractive than ever. She -eminently possessed that "complaisance, which adopts the ideas of others -as its own; and all that politeness, in fine, which perhaps is not -virtue itself, yet is sometimes its captivating resemblance, which gives -laws to self-love, and enables pride to pass every instant by the side -of pride, without offending." This art she was in the daily habit of -exercising towards all her associates; but to delude or flatter Mrs. -Galton, Lady Eltondale always felt, was a task of no small difficulty. -Her penetration and her modesty were both too great to be easily evaded; -and her character was composed of such delicate tints, blended -insensibly into so admirable a whole, that to bring forward only one -part seemed to destroy that unity, which constituted its perfection. -Besides, Mrs. Galton was so true, so simple, in all she said, and -thought, and did, that she seemed sanctified by her own purity: and -though the artful viscountess could not feel all the beauty of such a -mind, its very greatness, unadorned as it was, impressed her with an awe -so unusual, that the stranger feeling degenerated into repugnance and -distrust. Yet even to her her manner on the eventful night was -complaisant in the extreme--to Sir Henry it was affectionate, to Selina -indulgent; and to Mordaunt a veil of tempered coquetry gave a dazzling -attraction to all her words, looks, and actions. In her intercourse with -him, she chose to avail herself of all the privileges she could derive -from her seniority; while the fascinations of her wit, the elegance of -her manner, and the real beauty of her person, gave her a dangerous -power over an unpractised heart, which the artless charms of -inexperienced youth dared not have used, and could scarcely have -possessed. Little aware were the innocent members of the circle she was -delighting, that her increased animation and her improved charms arose -from the glow of conscious pride, as she triumphantly reflected on the -success of her scheme; a scheme which, nevertheless, she had sufficient -penetration to discover, would blight the fairest prospects of those she -appeared most sedulous to please; and which might destroy for ever the -happiness of a scene, that, till the moment of her intrusion, had -bloomed another Paradise. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - - Ah! gentle pair, ye little think, how nigh - Your change approaches, when all these delights - Will vanish, and deliver ye to wo, - More wo, the more your taste is now of joy! - - PARADISE LOST. - -The next morning, notwithstanding its being Sunday, was fixed for the -departure of the Eltondales for Cheltenham; as, in addition to Lady -Eltondale's dread of passing a Sunday evening at the Hall, the hallowed -day was one usually set apart by her and her obedient lord for -travelling. - -The whole of Sir Henry's household, unused to such an appropriation of -the Sabbath, was thrown into disorder. The arrival of the post horses; -the bustle and importance of the servants who were departing, with the -confusion of those who were to remain; the enumeration of the packages -by Madame La Fayette, who was, if possible, a finer lady than her -mistress; and the awkward, and perhaps not quite unintentional, mistakes -of her aides-de-camp the house-maids, in their arrangement, presented -altogether a scene of clamour that totally dismayed poor quiet Sir -Henry: and even Mrs. Galton could scarcely refrain from expressing a -part of her discomposure, at perceiving the slow progress, that was -actually making in the work of preparation, would effectually prevent -either the domestics or themselves joining their worthy pastor in his -public worship. At last Lady Eltondale appeared, to partake of what she -called the early breakfast; and before this affair, always so important -to the Viscount, was concluded, the different forms of farewell had been -gone through, and the last part of the train had fairly moved from the -door, the greatest portion of the morning was elapsed. Selina stood at -the library window, watching the rapid motion of the carriages, and the -spirited action of the postilions; as, cracking their whips over the -horses' heads, they turned out of the long avenue, and disappeared down -the hill. She listened for some time, involuntarily wishing to hear -again the sound of the carriage wheels; then turning suddenly round, and -casting her eye hastily over the dark damask hangings and massy -furniture of the room, wondered why she had never before seen it look so -gloomy as it now appeared. Mrs. Galton, who had silently marked the -changes of that countenance, which so eloquently depicted every passing -idea, now abruptly asked her, what she had been thinking of. Selina -started and colored. But, as yet, she had never been conscious of a -thought she would not wish to own; and, with her usual ingenuousness, -replied--"I wonder, Aunt, what sort of place Cheltenham is? How I -should like to go there!"--"I dare say, Lady Eltondale would gladly have -taken you there, Selina," replied Mrs. Galton, with a look of sadness, -blended with anxiety.--"But you don't think, surely, I should like to -leave you and Papa behind?--no; if you, and Papa, and Augustus, would -all come with me, I should be delighted to go! but not else." So saying, -she threw her polished arms round Mrs. Galton's neck, and kissing her -cheek with an effusion of affection, gave a gratifying and unequivocal -proof of the sincerity of her assertion. - -Meantime, Sir Henry had strolled out, leaning on the arm of Augustus: at -last, after a silence unusually prolonged, the Baronet exclaimed, "Good -Lord! bless my heart, who would have thought, this day se'ennight, that -Bell and Lord Eltondale would have been come and gone again by this -time?"--"She must have been very beautiful," returned Mordaunt. "Aye, -she was once very handsome indeed," replied Sir Henry.--"Bless my -heart, how time passes on! I remember the winter she was presented at -Court, how much she was admired! and good Lord! how things come about: -every body said she was to have been married to your uncle, Lord -Osselstone, though, I believe, there was never any truth in the report. -That was the very year you were born, Augustus, two-and-twenty years -ago, last Michaelmas. I have never been in London since; and, please -God, never shall!" Augustus had attended more to his own thoughts, than -to Sir Henry's observations; and would perhaps have continued his -reverie, had not the old man's silence had the effect of rousing him, -which his conversation had not. "I think," said he, at last, "Selina is -very like her aunt: her eyes, to be sure, sparkle more, and her -countenance is more animated, but her figure is nearly the same, if she -were but a very little taller."--"Aye," returned Sir Henry, with a -sigh, "Selina will grow a great deal yet, I dare say.--Well, to be sure, -who would have thought it? Bless my heart, she was but a child the other -day: and then," he added, after a few moment's pause, "I wonder what -sort of a chap that Frederick Elton is? I wonder will he like to play -backgammon with me of an evening, as Selina does? Poor girl! he mustn't -think of taking her to London, it would be the death of me, God help -me!" - -"Frederick Elton!" rejoined Augustus, "Good God, sir! what do you mean?" -"Aye, Augustus, I thought you would be surprised. Bless my heart! why, I -never should have thought of it myself. Do you know, Bell and Lord -Eltondale came all this way out of their road to ask my consent to -Selina's marrying his son Frederick Elton? It was very kind of them to -think of it, to be sure; but I had rather they hadn't troubled -themselves." "Well, sir, well surely, Sir Henry, you didn't give it?" -"Bless my heart! well, to be sure, what makes you stare so?--to be sure -I gave it. What had I to say against the young man? and Bell told me he -would always like to live here." "And Selina, Miss Seymour, has given -her consent too?" "Oh, poor child! she knows nothing about it yet;--I -haven't told her a word of it.--But what makes you shiver so? Are you -cold? Why, Augustus, boy, you look as pale as ashes! Good Lord!--Bless -my heart, what's the matter with you?" "Nothing, sir, I've only a -confounded head-ache, which a ride will cure." So saying, he turned -abruptly from Sir Henry, who had by this time reached the hall door, and -resumed his knotty cane. "Good Lord! well to be sure, he's not half so -happy about it as I expected he would have been. I wonder what Mrs. -Galton will say." And the doubt of the possibility of her not approving -the plan, as he knew she was not partial to Lady Eltondale's plans in -general, made him at first hesitate about informing her. But the habit -he had acquired of consulting her on all occasions, and a certain -restless anxiety, which persons of weak minds always feel to have their -opinions or actions sanctioned by others, at last preponderated; and he -retired to his study, after sending to request to speak to Mrs. Galton, -fortifying himself, previous to her appearance, with as many of Lady -Eltondale's arguments as he could recal to his disturbed memory. - -Mrs. Galton was not as entirely unprepared for the communication as poor -Augustus had been. She knew enough of Lady Eltondale's character to -surmise, that her sudden re-appearance at Deane Hall could neither have -been unpremeditated or without design; and, from some hints which Lady -Eltondale had casually dropped in the course of conversation, her -penetration had led her to form some tolerably accurate surmises on the -subject. When, therefore, she entered the study, she was more grieved -than surprised at the looks of painful emotion, with which Sir Henry -received her. The poor old man, embarrassed with his own thoughts, began -with more circumlocution than explicitness, to relate the circumstances, -and ended a most perplexed speech by abruptly informing Mrs. Galton of -the proposal. "It is as I expected," calmly replied she. "Aye! aye!" -exclaimed the delighted Baronet, "I knew if any one would guess it you -would.--I should never have thought of it myself." "But have you given -your consent, Sir Henry?" "Given my consent--Good Lord! what do you -mean! Well to be sure, all the world's run mad to-day, I think! Why, -bless my heart! didn't you say it was what you expected?" "I could not -expect; my dear sir, that you would give your consent to any proposal on -which the future happiness of Selina's whole life depends, without -deliberation, and a proper understanding and consideration of her -feelings on the subject." "But, good Lord! I tell you again I _have_ -given my consent." "Not irrevocably, I hope, Sir Henry; you know nothing -of Mr. Elton's character, taste, or disposition; you know nothing.--" -"God forgive me for being in a passion," interrupted Sir Henry, "but the -perverseness of women is enough to provoke a saint, which, the Lord help -me, I'm not.--But you know, Mrs. Galton," continued he, in a more -moderate tone, "you know Frederick Elton is a connection of our -own;--and as for our not being acquainted with him--don't you remember -he came here from school one Easter holidays, and gave Selina the -measles by the same token, poor child!" "Forgive me, Sir Henry," calmly -replied Mrs. Galton, "but I do not think that is knowing him well enough -to decide on his title to Selina's esteem; and, believe me, that dear -girl will never be happy unless she marries a man she not only esteems -but loves." "Well, and didn't Lady Eltondale tell me Selina would -certainly love Frederick Elton? She says he is twice as handsome as -Augustus Mordaunt; which, good Lord! is unnecessary, for Augustus, poor -boy, is as fine a young man as ever I saw in my life." "Aye, poor -Augustus!" sorrowfully exclaimed Mrs. Galton, "he would indeed have been -happy with Selina, and God knows, he is the character that of all others -would best have suited her." "Augustus Mordaunt, Mrs. Galton! Well to be -sure! Good Lord! who would have thought of that! However, poor boy, -though I don't give him Selina, I'll take care to give him something -else--he shall never be dependent on that old uncle of his." - -Mrs. Galton saw it was in vain to contend at that moment with the -Baronet, who was fully convinced that his promise was irrevocable, and -that after all it was the best thing he could do, for Bell had told him -so. All that Mrs. Galton could procure was a promise no less positive, -that he would not give Selina the most distant hint of the project, by -which she hoped not only to prolong her present days of peace, but also -faintly flattered herself, that something might occur to prevent their -union, between then and the time of Mr. Elton's return from abroad. - -In the mean time Augustus prosecuted his useless ride-- - - "Il va monter en cheval pour bannir son ennui, - Le chagrin monte en croupe et galoppe apres lui." - -Finding solitary reflection rather increased than cured his malady, he -at last determined to open his heart, to his reverend friend, Mr. -Temple; and, alighting at the parsonage, sent his servant back to the -hall, to say he should not return to dinner--an intimation which -considerably increased the gloom which pervaded the countenance of each -individual of the trio, that was seated in silence round the -dinner-table. Sir Henry and Mrs. Galton were each occupied by their own -reflections; and Selina felt depressed, not only by the unusual absence -of Augustus, but also from the effects of that vacuum, which the -departure of guests, however few in number, always makes in a country -house. After dinner she strolled listlessly from one room to another; -took up and laid down, alternately, all the books that lay on the -library table; sauntered to the harpsichord, and played parts of several -anthems, without finishing any, and stopping every five minutes, in the -vain belief that she heard the trampling of Mordaunt's horse. At last, -at an hour long before her usual bed-time, she retired to her room, -wondering what could keep him so late, and thinking she had never spent -so long, so tiresome an evening; whilst she involuntarily contrasted it -with the hours winged on swiftest pinions, which the fascinations of -Lady Eltondale's manners had so delightfully beguiled the night before. - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - - ----Men - Can counsel and give comfort to that grief, - Which they themselves not feel. - - MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING. - - -Augustus met with his usual kind reception at the parsonage; nor was it -long before he found the opportunity he wished of consulting his -earliest and most revered friend; for Mrs. Temple quickly perceived, -that something hung heavy on the bosom of this young man, whom she loved -almost as a son, and therefore soon retired from the dinner-table, -leaving the two gentlemen _tete a tete_, believing that he would find as -much comfort as she ever did, from conversing freely with him who was -"her guide, her head;" for, like our first parents, they lived, "he for -God only, she for God in him." - -No sooner did Augustus find himself alone with Mr. Temple, than his -oppressed heart found a ready vent, and he poured into the sympathetic -ear of his reverend auditor a full detail of all his feelings. He had -first discovered how ardently he loved Selina, at the moment he had -learned she was destined for another; and he described, with all the -eloquence of passion, the agony, the despair he now experienced. Mr. -Temple had not yet forgotten what it was to love; and, "though time had -thinn'd his flowing hair," his feelings had not yet become torpid under -its benumbing influence. He could listen with patience, and even pity, -to the wild effusions of his favourite's grief, while he waited calmly -till the first burst of passion should subside, and leave room for the -exercise of sober reason.--"Come, come, my dear Augustus," said he, at -last, "your case is neither a singular nor a desperate one: there are -very few young men of your age, that do not fancy themselves as deeply -in love as you do now, and, of the number, not one in five hundred marry -the object of their first choice: indeed it is often very fortunate for -them they do not."--"But Selina Seymour! where is such another woman to -be found?" exclaimed Augustus: and then, with all a lover's vehemence, -did he expatiate on her "matchless charms." "I grant you," replied Mr. -Temple, "she is a very delightful girl; and, as far as we can judge, is -likely to make a most estimable woman. But you know her disposition is -naturally volatile in the extreme, and much of her future character will -depend on her future guides. Well, well, we will not dispute on the -degree of her merits," continued Mr. Temple, seeing Mordaunt ready to -take up the gauntlet in her defence;--"hear me only with calmness, and I -will promise to confine my observations as much as I can to yourself. -You know, my dear boy, you are yet very young, and very inexperienced. -It is true you have been three years at Oxford. But of the world you may -literally be said to know nothing. Selina is now certainly the most -charming woman you have yet seen; but how can you be sure she will -always hold her pre-eminence in your estimation? Aye, my dear fellow, -you need not tell me;--I know you are at this moment perfectly convinced -of your own inviolable constancy, and so forth. But let me tell you, you -do not yourself know yet what would, and what would not, constitute your -happiness in a wedded life. The girl, whose vivacity and animation we -delight in at seventeen, may turn out a frivolous and even contemptible -character at seven and twenty. And can you picture to yourself a greater -calamity, than being obliged to drag on the lengthened chain of -existence with a companion, to whose fate yours is linked for ever, -without one tone of feeling in unison with yours; to whom your pleasures -and your griefs are alike unknown, or, if known, never comprehended; and -where every misery is aggravated by a certainty that your fate is -irremediable--when - - 'Life nothing blighter or darker can bring;' - -when - - 'Joy has no balm, and affliction no sting?' - -"It is very true that you think now, because Selina's pursuits have -hitherto been similar to yours, that her character must likewise be in -sympathy with yours. But, though I grant that it appears so now, I deny -that it is in any way so formed as to be safely depended on. She is very -young and very docile; and, believe me, her disposition, chameleon-like, -will, most probably, take the shade of whomsoever she associates -with:--'_Dimmi con chi vai, e vi diso quel che fai_[6].' You say, if -you were her husband you would be her guide; and that similitude of -character, now faintly traced, would be confirmed for ever. But without -dwelling on the argument, that your own is yet scarcely formed, let me -remind you, that Selina is even still more ignorant of the world than -yourself. Let me ask you, even in this moment of unrestrained passion, -would you consent to accept that dear innocent girl's hand, without a -certainty that with it you received her heart? And how could you be -certain of her affection, till time and experience, by maturing her -judgment, had confirmed her feelings? How, Augustus, would you support -the conviction, nay the bare suspicion, that when, as your wife, you -first introduced her to that world from which she has hitherto lived so -totally secluded, she should meet with another, whom she even thought -she could have preferred to you; and, while you continued to gaze on her -with the eye of tenderest love, you found your heart's warm offering -received with the cold petrifying glance of indifference? You shudder at -the very thought. Think, then, how the arrow that wounded you would be -doubly sharpened, if the slanderous tooth of envy galled your fair fame, -by accusing you of having secured to yourself Sir Henry Seymour's -property by marrying his heiress, before the poor girl was old enough to -judge for herself. What, then, my dear boy," said Mr. Temple, grasping -his hand with a fervour almost paternal, whilst his eyes swam in tears, -"What, then, Augustus, is the result of these observations, more painful -to me to make than to you to hear? You acknowledge you would not even -wish to marry Selina under these existing circumstances. What then is -your misery? Look at it boldly in the face; and, trust me, few are the -anticipated evils of life, which, by being steadily gazed at, do not -dwindle into insignificance. Lord Eltondale has proposed his son to be -Miss Seymour's husband; and the match is sufficiently desirable, in a -worldly point of view, to obtain Sir Henry Seymour's consent. But -Selina, you say, knows nothing of it yet, and has never seen Mr. Elton. -What then does it all come to? Why, when she does see him, if she does -not like him, do you think her father would force her to marry him? and -if she should like him, would you accept her hand, even if it were -offered to you?" - -[Footnote 6: Tell me with whom she goes, and I'll tell you what she -does.] - -Mr. Temple had not so long continued his discourse without frequent -interruptions from Augustus, who could not at first easily be persuaded -to assent to assertions, which tended to destroy the fairy dream of -bliss that floated in his imagination. By degrees, however, as his -judgment cooled, he acceded to the plain but severe truths which Mr. -Temple uttered; while the deference and regard, which his pupil had -always felt for the excellent old man, served still more effectually to -obtain the conviction he aimed at, than even the logical strength of his -reasoning. - -By degrees, Mordaunt not only confessed the truth of his remarks, but -submitted to the wise plan of conduct, which Mr. Temple laid down for -him. - -He proposed that Augustus should immediately leave the hall, and return -to the prosecution of his studies at Oxford, leaving to time not only -the development of Selina's character, but also the proof of to what -extent he was actually attached to her. - -Their conversation was prolonged to a late hour; and when Mordaunt -returned home, the family had all retired to rest, and the door was -opened by a servant, who, at the same time, shaded with his hand the -glimmering candle, which but partially illuminated the darkly -wain-scotted hall. Augustus felt a chill creep through his veins as he -quickly traversed it; and walking mechanically into the empty -drawing-room, stopped a few minutes in melancholy silence. The music -Selina had been playing was carelessly strewed over the harpsichord; the -sermon book, in which Mrs. Galton had been reading, was laid open on the -table; and Sir Henry's knotted cane had fallen down beside the chair, in -which he usually took his evening nap. A sort of involuntary reflection -passed through the mind of Augustus, that he might never again meet -those three beloved individuals in that room, which had hitherto been to -him the scene of his happiest hours; and shrinking from the melancholy -train of ideas which this reflection gave birth to, he hastily retired -to his room, though not to rest. Many a time, during that wakeful night, -did the same reflection cross his mind; and many a time, in his future -life, did it recur to his recollection with a poignant force. So often -does it happen that melancholy fancies, occasioned in the mind by the -temporary pressure of sorrow, are recalled to the memory by subsequent -events, and, dignified by the accidental confirmation of casual -circumstances, receive the name of _prophetic warnings_. - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - - _Sneer._--True; but I think you manage ill: for there certainly - appears no reason why Mr. Walter should be so communicative. - - _Puff._--For, egad now, that is one of the most ungrateful - observations I ever heard;--for the less inducement he has to tell - all this, the more I think you ought to be obliged to him; for I am - sure you'd know nothing of the matter without it. - - _Dangle._--That's very true, upon my word. - - THE CRITIC. - - -Augustus rose next morning at the first dawn of light; and, anxious to -avoid seeing Selina, whilst agitated by the unhappy feelings that had -now taken possession of his mind, left the hall before any of the family -were up, and in a short note, excused the abruptness of his departure, -by informing Sir Henry, that he had the evening before received at the -village a letter, to inform him that his Oxford friends had set out on -their long promised excursion to the lakes. - -Selina, though totally unconscious of the real cause of his absence, -felt it with unusual acuteness, which Mrs. Galton remarked with regret, -and for some time vainly endeavoured to turn her thoughts into their -usual channel. At length they were in some degree diverted by the -arrival of a letter from Lady Eltondale to Sir Henry, enclosing one from -Frederick Elton to his father; for Sir Henry's noble sister was fully -aware, that it was adviseable to remind him, from time to time, of the -existence of this young man, that such reminiscence might refresh his -memory as to his promise respecting him. - -Mr. Elton had been three years abroad, during which time he had kept up -a constant though not very confidential correspondence with his father; -for, dreading Lady Eltondale's satire, and knowing she was in the habit -of reading all his letters, he pictured to himself her smile of -contempt, or shrug of pity, at what she would term his romance, with a -repugnance he could not summon resolution to encounter: so that, though -his colloquial intercourse with his father was that of the most perfect -confidence, his written communications might have been posted on a -gateway, without the smallest detriment to his prospects in life. But, -as he thus felt himself debarred of the happiness of expressing, without -reserve, to his first and best friend, all his feelings and wishes, he -endeavoured to console himself for this deprivation, by a most -undisguised correspondence with a Mr. Sedley, with whom he had formed a -friendship during their academical course in the university of -Cambridge, where they had both been honourably distinguished. - -About twelve months before Lady Eltondale's visit to Deane Hall, Mr. -Sedley had received the first of the following letters, and seven -months after its arrival the two latter, though of different dates, -reached him on the same day: of course they did not meet the eye of the -viscountess, so that she remained ignorant of their contents; but even -had she known them entirely, no consideration for Frederick's -_happiness_ would for an instant have caused her to waver in her plan -for promoting his _prosperity_, as on the fulfilment of her long -meditated scheme for this purpose depended the possibility of her future -continuance in the London world. - - MR. ELTON, TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Catania, January 9. ---- - - If you have received the various letters I have written to you, my - dear Sedley, since I left England, you are perfectly _au fait_ of - all my rambles; and of my perils, and "hair-breadth 'scapes" by - sea and by land, beginning with a shipwreck on the island of - Rhodes, and ending with the dangers I encountered in paying my - compliments to the Dey of Algiers: if not I must refer you to my - note book, as a twice told tale is still more tedious to the - relater than to the hearer. You must not be incredulous, if said - manuscript should contain many wonderful adventures; but I have met - with something more rare, more "passing strange," than all the - marvels it describes: a woman I _can_ love! nay, that, for my very - soul, I could not help loving if I would; and, to say truth, at - present I do not wish to make the experiment. - - You see, Sedley, you were in the main no bad prophet. When we were - together, I forswore all womankind in the way of matrimony, because - I was disgusted with the manoeuvres of title-hunting mamas, and - the _agaceries_ of their varnished daughters, who have little - distinction but name, and nothing to guide a selection in the mass - of resemblance--nothing to mark their identity--except a scruple, - more or less, of folly or coquetry! Now don't plume yourself too - much on your penetration; you were not altogether right, it was not - the Gallic "_Erycina ridens, quam Jocus circumvolat et Cupido_[7]," - who captivated me.--Man seeks in man his fellow, but in woman his - contrary; and I am too volatile to be touched by a creature as - thoughtless as myself. I should not say as _thoughtless_, but as - _gay_; for their heads are continually filled with schemes to - excite admiration, or ensure conquest: besides, the Parisian belle - is only the more spirited original, of which our own girl of - fashion is the elegant but insipid translation. Having told you - those I do _not_ like, it is time to give you a faint, a very - faint, idea of her I _do_ admire.--But let me go on regularly, and - tell you first how I happened to meet with her. - - [Footnote 7: Laughing Venus, encircled by Love and Joy.] - - At Palermo there is a very numerous, if not good society, made up - of shreds and patches of the staple manufacture of all nations, but - principally of the English produce. You know, it is my practice to - profit, when abroad, by that of whatever country I may happen to be - in, as our own is to be had better and at a cheaper rate at home. - Impressed with this idea, I procured some introductions to the - principal nobility of this enchanting place, where, I understood, - there was a delightful native society, and the gentlemanly - amusements of drinking and gambling (the only ones to be found at - Palermo and Messina) were nearly superseded by those afforded by - music, dancing, and literary conversation. I have not been - disappointed; and if you should ever come to Sicily, I advise you - to take up your abode here, and I will introduce you to all my - acquaintance, with _one_ exception. About four months ago, I found - myself, one evening, at the Marchese Di Rosalba's, listening to - some exquisite music: I was as melancholy as a poet in love, for "I - am never merry when I hear sweet music;" when my eyes happened to - rest on a lady, whose image will never leave my mind. - - From the looks of the gentleman who accompanied her, I soon - discovered that the fair creature, who rested on his arm, was his - daughter. In his face was a strangely mingled expression of - habitual care, and present pleasure; his forehead was furrowed in a - thousand wrinkles, and the feverish glare of his eye spoke a mind - ill at ease: but when he turned to his daughter, to point out to - her notice, in the tacit language of the eye, any beautiful passage - in the music, he looked like a saint raised from his penance by a - vision of celestial nature. Her countenance formed the most perfect - contrast to his; it was the abode of peace, which seemed to repose - in her eye; her whole outline of face and form was so perfect, that - a sculptor might have taken her as a model for the statue that - Pygmalion worshipped; and, like him, I longed to see the beauteous - image waken to incipient thought--I was not long ungratified--its - apparent absence was only the effect of the music, which, to use - her own expression "_fait tout rever et ne rien penser_." When she - joined in conversation her ever varying countenance resembled a - mirror, which transmits to our eye every passing image, (though the - polished surface is itself unmasked by any), and, like it, owing - its animation to the strong reflecting power gained from within. I - could not decide then, and I cannot tell you even now, whether I - most admire the angelic placidity of her countenance when silent, - or its luminous brilliancy, when her ideas and feelings are called - forth in interesting conversation. At such moments the brightness - of her soul is reflected in her eyes, and the lambent flame, which - then plays in them, seems, like the summer's lightning, to open a - Heaven to our view. - - You will easily suppose I lost no time in introducing myself to her - notice: she received my attentions in the most unembarrassed - manner--not courting--not repulsing them, but seeming to consider - them as justly due to her sex, and her rank in society. These - attentions I have not ceased to pay at every possible opportunity - since that delightful evening, and my admiration grows stronger - every day. I find her conversation truly charming; and I devoutly - believe it would be so were she externally the reverse of what she - is; for, in speaking, "she makes one forget every thing--even her - own beauty." She has not found out, that her extensive knowledge is - any thing to be ashamed of. But, poor thing! a short residence in - England would teach her that! She neither conceals nor displays - her acquirements. The stream of thought, in _her_ mind, flows, not - like the little mountain torrent, swelled by accidental rains, - exceeding every bound, and defacing the fair soil it should adorn; - but, like the fertilizing river, - - "Though deep yet clear, though gentle yet not dull, - Strong without rage, without o'erflowing full." - - In the beginning of our acquaintance we conversed in Italian, but - as I was not very fluent, she politely adopted the French language - as the circulating medium of our commerce, and I was half sorry for - it; for besides the beauty of Italian in her mouth, her - good-natured smile, when I eked out my scanty stock with a word or - two of Latin, pleased me better than all the rest, it was so - encouragingly kind, so _untutored_! - - I soon found out she had a quick sense of the ridiculous, but only - because sharp-sighted people cannot go through the world with their - eyes shut. She forbears, from the benevolence of her heart, to use - the powers of ridicule her penetration furnishes her with; and I - admire her the more for having at command an arsenal of wit, with - so many polished weapons unused. We are always attached to the - generous enemy, who can strike, but spares! - - I have been so delighted with the employment of defining to myself, - for the first time, my ideas of the object of my admiration, that - (pardon me, my dear Sedley) I quite forgot they were to be read by - another; and, perhaps, should have gone on till to-morrow, had not - my servant, coming to inquire if my letters were ready to be - conveyed to the ship which is to carry them to England, roused me - from my soliloquy, (if you will permit me to extend this expression - to writing). - - I would not display the amulet, which guards my heart by its potent - charm, to any eye but yours; but I cannot, even in this instance, - depart from my usual habit of confidence in you; therefore, here - goes my unread rhapsody. - - Yours, dear Sedley, ever truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Catania, March 5, ---- - - My dear Sedley, - - About two months ago I sent you my confession, which you have no - doubt received and answered, ere this. It was no sooner gone than I - repented I had sent it, thinking it would have been wiser to - endeavour to restrain my perhaps unrequited passion, than to run - the risk of confirming it, by imparting it to another. This was - only the escort of a long train of reflections, which ended in a - resolution to leave Catania immediately; and in order to divert my - mind from the train of thought that had seized it, I resolved to - visit Mount Etna, in company with a party of Savans, assembled for - that purpose at this place. We had all the _de quoi_ for a most - amusing excursion, men of real science and literature, and still - more entertaining pretenders to both; amongst the latter I held a - distinguished rank, for in my zeal to acquire the "hardest - science," _ere_ "taught a lover yet," I mistook one mineral for - another, and miscalled every plant I met; indeed, I might give you - a long list of similar blunders, that raised many a learned - shoulder and eye-brow to the altitude of contemptuous surprise! - - After the descent from the mountain, I insensibly separated myself - from all the party, whose weak senses I had so much astonished; and - wandering about the exquisite scenery at the base of Etna, I was - more than ever possessed by feelings I had endeavoured to stifle; - - Pour chasser de sa souvenance - L'objet qui plait, - On se donne tant de souffrance, - Pour si peu d'effet! - Une si douce fantaisie, - Toujours revient, - Et en songeant qu'on doit l'oublier, - On s'en souvient[8]. - - [Footnote 8: - - From mem'ry's length'ning chain to part - The object that we love, - How vain the pang that rends the heart, - What fruitless grief we prove! - The dear idea, cherish'd yet, - Returns still o'er and o'er, - And thinking that we should forget, - Impresses it the more. - ] - - So to make a long story short, here I am again at Catania, for the - purpose of making myself quite sure, that Adelina is as charming as - my imagination has depicted her. I really don't think she is, for I - certainly did not love her half so much when I was with her as I - do now; perhaps my _mind_ was so much amused by her conversation, - that little room was left for the expansion of the _feelings_; but - they are unrestrained in absence, and its melancholy regrets are, I - verily believe, more powerful than the most potent present charm. - If Adelina is the superior character I take her for, I see no one - good reason why she should not be my wife: I have, on considering - the matter more maturely, put to flight the phantoms I had raised - previous to my departure from this place. - - My father, when twice my age, (with therefore half the excuse) - married for love, therefore why should not I? - - I am sure he will give me no opposition, for he has always been a - most indulgent parent, and on a point where my happiness is so much - concerned, I feel convinced my wishes would be his. Whenever he - has, on points of minor importance, wavered in the least, my - charming step-dame has always used her influence, to decide him in - my favour, therefore I am certain of her support. Indeed what can - my father object to in Adelina? He cannot surely want fortune for - me? I do not know whether Adelina is or is not possessed of this - root of all evil, but if she is not, it is the only want she can - possibly have. - - But all this is for an after-thought, the preamble must be to gain - Adelina's consent: she has shown me no particular preference as - yet, but I am determined to think she will not withhold it; _Qui - timide rogat docet negare_[9], and the conviction of the success of - our plans so often ensures it! - - [Footnote 9: Who timidly asks teaches to deny.] - - With these hopes I am now as happy, as I was miserable a short time - ago. What fools we are to throw away the bliss we might enjoy, at - the suggestions of that preposterous prudence, that leads us to - seek for flaws in the short leases of happiness that are granted to - us, and which, after all, when they expire are renewable at - pleasure, if we would but pay the necessary fine, by sacrificing - our proud splenetic discontents. Hypochondriac spirits may say as - they like; but I will maintain, that to those who make the best of - it, this is a very delightful world! - - The Marchese di Rosalba has promised to take me to-morrow to the - Villa Marinella, where Adelina always goes with her father in the - beginning of spring. I shall establish my head quarters within two - or three miles of it at Aci reale, through which flows the river - immortalized by the loves of Acis and Galatea; and if my Galatea - should prove equally kind, no mental or corporeal giant shall - destroy our happiness. - - Ever yours, dear Sedley, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - - - - -CHAPTER X. - - ----He says he loves my daughter, - I think so too: for never gaz'd the moon - Upon the water, as he'll stand and read - As t'were, my daughter's eyes: and to be plain, - I think there is not half a kiss to choose, - Who loves another best. - If young Doricles - Do marry with her, she'll bring him that - Which he not dreams of. - - SHAKESPEARE. - - - Mr. ELTON TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQ. - - Aci reale, July 15, - - My dear Sedley, - - I believe I informed you, in the beginning of spring, of my - intention of coming to this beautiful place, on account of its - vicinity to the Villa Marinella, the residence of "La belle - Adelina," - - (the appellation my fair one is known by at Catania). I have - accomplished almost domesticating myself at this charming villa. I - did not give its inhabitants the alarm at first, wishing to - ingratiate myself in their favour before they should be aware of - the object I had in view. My appearance excited no surprise, as Aci - reale was such a natural place for me to choose for my abode at - this fine season, from the facilities it affords for examining at - leisure all the natural wonders of Etna, and all the wonders of art - displayed in the antiquities of Taurominium. Adelina and I - conversed on the beautiful ruins of Syracuse; of course, I could - not do less than go there to take drawings of them, and she was - equally bound in gratitude to examine them most minutely in my - presence. One day her father, rather abruptly, asked me if I - understood _perspective_? I said I was at that moment studying it, - and thought it a most delightful employment! He was concerned that - so much good inclination should be thrown away, so insisted on - teaching me; and to make the matter worse, took the most abstruse - method of doing it. To make a good impression on him I was obliged - to brush up my rusty mathematics, and I assure you it required no - small self-command to fix my attention on the points of _sight_ and - points of _distance_ he expatiated on; whilst my mind was busily - employed in settling these points to my satisfaction, as they - regarded Adelina and myself. We have now got on a more agreeable - subject, which gives us many delightful hours' - conversation--namely, the beauties natural and artificial of this - island. On my second visit to the Villa Marinella, I was taken into - a saloon adorned with specimens of every thing Sicily could boast - of: the floor was mosaic, of all her different marbles; the - hangings of Sicilian silk; the walls were embellished with the - paintings of Velasquez--in vases, of the alabaster of the country, - bloomed every fragrant flower it produced. There was a cabinet of - beautiful workmanship containing highly wrought amber, coral, and - cameos; and a Sicilian museum and library of all the best books - extant, of native authors ancient and modern, completed the - collection. Amongst the moderns Adelina particularly pointed out to - me the works of the Abate Ferrara, of Balsamo, Bourigni, and the - exquisite poems of Melli and Guegli: the contents of this room - afford us constant discussion. Nothing can exceed the beauty of - this villa; the hand of taste has been impressed on it from the - first stone to the last: it is seated in a rich vale at the foot of - Etna, from which pours many a stream in foamy swiftness. The sea is - seen, here and there, like a smooth glassy lake, through the dark - foliage of magnificent forest trees, whose sombre hues are - admirably contrasted with the brilliant tints of the orange and - the vine. The myrtle, the rose, and all the choicest favourites of - Flora are "poured forth profuse on hill, and dale, and plain." The - beauty of the sky, the balmy fragrance of the air, and the - classical and poetical associations which the surrounding scenery - brings to the mind, conspire to give a charm to this delightful - spot, which no words can convey to the mind of one who has not - roamed amidst its enchantments, and still less can language do - justice to the feelings of him who has! - - Adelina is just the being you would fancy such a scene should - produce; no cloud of sorrow, or of error, seems ever to have thrown - on her its dark shade; serene in conscious virtue and happiness, - and resplendent in mental and physical loveliness, - - "She walks in beauty, like the night - Of cloudless climes and starry skies." - - I have this day said to this charming creature every thing that - man can say, except those four words, "Will you marry me?" and was - proceeding to give them utterance, when I was most unseasonably - interrupted. From her surprise and confusion I augur well; whenever - I am secure of my happiness you shall know it, but perhaps you are - tired of all this, and are ready to say with Virgil, - - Sicelides musae, paullo majora canamus; - Non omnes arbusta juvant, humilesque myricae[10]. - - Yours ever, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -[Footnote 10: - - Sicilian muse, begin a loftier strain; - The lowly shrubs and trees that shade the plain - Delight not all. - - - DRYDEN. -] - - * * * * * - - TO CHARLES SEDLEY, ESQUIRE. - - Aci reale, August 3, ---- - - Upon my soul, Sedley, you are a pretty father confessor, and give - pious admonition! - - I am quite _indignant_ at your answer to my first letter from - Catania; either you or I must be greatly changed since we parted. I - don't think our friendship could ever have been formed, if in the - first instance our sentiments had been so dissimilar. I must - honestly tell you, that if you ever write me such another letter - about Adelina, our correspondence ceases on that head. It is true - this charming Sicilian maid is fairer than Proserpine; but am I - Pluto, that could tear her from the arms of her fond parent, and - from the bright sphere she now moves in, to condemn her to the - shades of woe, from which she could know no return? So powerfully - do I feel "the might, the majesty of loveliness," that such a - thought never entered my head, nor would it yours, if you had ever - seen her; for one glance of her angelic eye would, like the touch - of Ithuriel's spear, put to flight all the offspring of evil. Since - I wrote to you last, Adelina's manner to me has totally changed; I - scarcely ever see her when I come to the villa. I can't tell what - to attribute this to, unless she thinks I have said too much and - too little. The matter shan't rest long in doubt;--her father goes - to Catania to-morrow, and I will take that opportunity for a - complete explanation. I cannot tell you how much I dread the crisis - of my fate so near at hand! No folly of my own shall deprive me of - a wife possessed of every charm, and every virtue, that can sweeten - or adorn life. If it did, I should deserve to be condemned to that - matrimonial limbo my father and his frigid Venus are so pitiably - bound in. I would prefer to such a trial the most ardent Purgatory! - A wife so charming and so unloving would drive me mad! - - Yours truly, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -A few months after the date of this last letter, Mr. Sedley received one -from his friend, written at Paris, but probably from pique at the style -of raillery in which he had continued to express his ideas on the -subject of his love for "_La bella Adelina_," Mr. Elton never afterwards -mentioned her name; and therefore, from that period, those Sedley -received contained nothing of sufficient interest to present to the -reader, who will now, however, have little difficulty in guessing the -motive of the visit to Sicily, which Frederick mentions his intention of -paying, in the letter which Lady Eltondale forwarded to Sir Henry -Seymour, of which the subjoined is a copy. The "hopes and fears" he -there speaks of, she supposed, alluded to some diplomatic appointments, -as, for several months past, all his attention appeared to have been -devoted to politics. And, whilst his father exulted in the hope of one -day seeing the son he was so proud of "Minister Plenipotentiary" at -Berlin, Petersburg, or Vienna, his fair spouse thought, with her usual -sarcasm, "Frederick Elton is, no doubt, peculiarly qualified to carry on -or develope the intrigues of a court, with his ridiculously romantic -generosity, and high spirit, and candour! His elegant manner and his -handsome person would carry every point he wished, if he would but avail -himself of the influence these advantages would give him with the -females, who are all-powerful in such scenes;--but the youth is much too -high flown to have common sense on such matters. My Lord Eltondale is as -silly on this subject as on all others, to wish to see his son in a -situation where his _mal-adresse_ will undoubtedly cover him with -disgrace!" - - MR. ELTON TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE. - - Paris, July 25, ---- - - My dear Father, - - I hope to be able to give you a satisfactory answer to your - question of "How do you spend your time at Paris?" for I have been - constantly employed, during the last year, in endeavouring to - acquire the political information necessary for the public career - you have chalked out for me; and this course of study I have - pursued with increased ardour, since my return to this capital, - with the congregation, not of preachers, but of kings, in order to - compensate for the unpleasant interruption my pursuits received in - spring from the marvellous apparition of the resuscitated French - Emperor. I am now tired of being a gentleman at large; and if you - will insist on my shining as an orator in the British senate, my - maiden speech ought shortly to be made, for being five and twenty, - I think I have no time to lose. - - I see the time approach, which we agreed on for my return to - England, with a pleasure that is unalloyed by a shade of regret, as - the Continent contains no object whatever of interest to me. I - hope to add much to your stock of agricultural knowledge, as I have - made the various modes of practising that useful art one of my - principal objects of inquiry; and from Syria to Picardy I think I - shall be able to describe the present processes of husbandry to - your satisfaction. After all, perhaps, you will find me only an - ignoramus, though I fancy myself quite an adept. - - I set off to-morrow to pay a short visit to Sicily. You will, no - doubt, be surprised at this retrograde movement; but should my - mission prove successful, I will explain the cause of it when we - meet, as I cannot trust my motives to paper; and if I do not carry - my wishes into execution, you will, I am sure, spare me the pain of - recapitulating them. But until my hopes and fears are at an end, I - at least shall not repose on a "bed of roses." - - I cannot well express my anxiety to see you, my ever kind father, - after so long an absence! Pray remember me to Lady Eltondale. I am - sorry she should so far impeach my gallantry, as to suppose it - possible I could leave the letters of so fair a correspondent - unanswered. I hope ere this the receipt of mine will have induced - her to do me justice; if not, pray be my intercessor. - - By the ship Mary, bound for Plymouth, I sent Lady Eltondale some - Sicilian vases and cameos, with a few bottles of ottar of roses, - and some turquoises I procured at Constantinople. If her Ladyship - has not received them, will you have the goodness to cause the - necessary inquiries to be made at the office of my agent in London, - to whom they were directed. - - Believe me, my dear Lord, - - Respectfully and affectionately yours, - - FREDERICK ELTON. - -Sir Henry Seymour, with an air of triumph, gave the above letter to -Selina to read out to her aunt; at the same time casting a look at Mrs. -Galton, as much as to say, "You see I was quite right. I have provided a -husband for Selina, that we shall all be proud of." But her reflection -on hearing it was, "I trust my affectionate, innocent, candid Selina is -not destined to marry a cold-hearted designing politician. In what a -style of heartless politeness does Mr. Elton speak of his father's wife! -I fear he will treat his own in the same spirit of frigid -etiquette;--indeed, nothing better is to be hoped, from the example he -has always witnessed in his own domestic scene." - - - - -CHAPTER XI. - - How hang those trappings on thy motley gown? - They seem like garlands on the May-day queen! - - DE MONTFORD. - - -Soon after the family at Deane Hall had lost the society of Augustus -Mordaunt, they had accepted an invitation to dine at Webberly Mouse. The -appointed day having arrived, and Cecilia Webberly, being fully attired -for the reception of the expected guests, placed herself in a negligent -attitude near one of the windows of her mother's drawing-room, with a -book in her hand, not for the purpose of reading, but for that of -tossing it into a chair, conveniently set for the occasion, as she had -seen Lady Eltondale throw her bonnet the evening of her unexpected -arrival at Deane Hall. - -There could not, however, be a greater contrast, than the full-blown -Cecilia Webberly presented, to the elegant fragile Viscountess. Full one -half of her massive figure stood confessed to sight, without a single -particle of drapery. Her immense shoulders projected far above her -sleeve; in truth, her arm was bare half way to her elbow, and her back -in emulation nearly to her waist, whose circumference might well be -termed the _Arctic circle_, as it was described at that distance from -the pole, which exactly marked the boundary of those regions of eternal -snow which rose on its upper verge. Her petticoats, descending but -little below the calf of her leg, displayed its "ample round" to the -utmost advantage. - -But, to counterbalance this nudity, that moiety of her terrestrial -frame, which was clothed, was loaded with ornaments and puffings of all -descriptions, with reduplicated rows of lace and riband, which most -injudiciously increased her natural bulk; and the little covering which -was above her waist, differing in colour and texture from that below, -made the apparent seem still less than the real length of her garments. -Nor did Cecilia's countenance and manner more nearly resemble Lady -Eltondale than her dress and figure, as what was quiet elegance in the -latter, might, without any great breach of Christian charity, be -mistaken for stupid insipidity in the former. - -Miss Webberly had not yet finished the repetition of her anticipated -_impromptus_; and her mother had left the room to reiterate her -directions about the dinner, so that the fair attitudinist had no -spectator of her various rehearsals, except the unaffected Adelaide. - - "And what was her garb?-- - "I cannot well describe the fashion of it. - "She was not deck'd in any gallant trim, - "But seem'd to me clad in the usual weeds - "Of high habitual state. - "Such artless and majestic elegance, - "So exquisitely just, so nobly simple, - "Might make the gorgeous blush." - -But Cecilia Webberly was quite unused to _blushing_, though she might -sometimes redden with passion, and was equally unconscious of her -striking inferiority to her unstudied companion. At last the entrance of -the Seymour family presented another contrast to the brazen Colossus in -Selina's sylph-like form, vivacious eye, and glowing cheek:-- - - "The one love's arrows darting round, - "The other blushing at the wound!" - -Mrs. Sullivan and her eldest daughter hastened to pay their compliments -to their company, the one in the language of Cheapside, the other in all -the flowers of rhetoric; and the rest of the expected guests soon after -arriving, they all proceeded to the dining-room, Mrs. Sullivan insisting -on giving Selina "percussion," (for so she termed precedence) to the -blushing girl's infinite annoyance, who, never having dined out before, -was unaccustomed to take place of the woman whom, of all others, she -most respected: however her painful pre-eminence at the head of the -table was almost compensated by her aunt sitting next her, and thus -hedging her in from the rest of the company. - -The dinner--an object of too much consequence to be passed over -unnoticed in the present state of society--was evidently dressed by a -man cook; but as Mrs. Sullivan had insisted on making her own -alterations in the bill of fare, she had put the poor man in a passion; -and, as a natural consequence, the whole was a manque, no unapt model of -the family, presenting vulgarity, finery, and high seasoning out of -place. - -The warmth of Mrs. Sullivan's temperature was considerably increased by -her vocal and manual exertions; whilst her son was much puzzled to -reconcile the _nonchalance_ he believed fashionable, with the desire he -had to show Selina that obsequious attention he deemed judicious. But -though his tongue was incessantly employed in Miss Seymour's service, -(for the poor girl would have died of a surfeit if she had taken a -fourth part of the eatables he pressed on her acceptance,) his eyes were -involuntarily attracted to Adelaide, who, amidst the confusion of -tongues, was keeping up a seemingly animated conversation with a very -handsome young man, the eldest son of Mr. Thornbull, who sat next her. -Of this Mr. Webberly did not approve; and therefore gave her every -possible interruption, but all in vain. For no sooner did she answer his -inquiry, or assent to his request, than she resumed her conversation, -which seemed much more to interest her; and, for the first time, he -thought the quick succession of smiles, that passed over her countenance -when she conversed, did not become her so much as its placid expression -when she was silent. - -At length Selina heard the welcome sound of "Vill you like any more -vine, Miss Seymour?" and this well understood summons relieved her from -her place of penance. - -Soon after the ladies had retired to the drawing-room, they separated, -some adjourning to the music-room, some to the green-house, and Miss -Seymour gladly accepted Adelaide's invitation to proceed from it to the -garden. Selina had, before dinner was half over, thought Miss Wildenheim -"the most delightful girl in the world!" But she was too diffident of -her own claims to attention to have sought her acquaintance so -immediately; though, with her usual precipitation, she felt already -convinced she should love her all her life, if she were never to see her -again. "She is too elegant, too clever, to like an unpolished girl like -me," thought Selina. But in this she was mistaken; for Adelaide -bestowed as much admiration on her untutored charms, as her own more -polished graces excited in Miss Seymour's mind, though she manifested -her approbation in a more sober manner; for, besides being three years -older than Selina, she had, unfortunately, had more opportunity of -having youth's first happy feelings chilled by the bitter blasts of -capricious fortune. - -When Selina found, from Adelaide's expressive manner, that she might say -to herself, "She really does like me," her surprise and delight knew no -bounds; and, if she had before thought the object of her enthusiasm the -most charming of the daughters of Eve, she was now nothing less than an -angel. Her pleasure did not escape her new friend's notice; for Selina -was too ingenuous to conceal any thing. Adelaide's countenance was -illuminated with one of those joyful smiles, which had brightened it in -better days, as she mentally exclaimed, "Happy creature!" But she -sighed with real sorrow, as she instantaneously recollected the fleeting -nature of youthful impressions, "_when thought is speech, and speech is -truth_." - -During the time Selina had employed in her own mind to sign and seal an -everlasting friendship with her new acquaintance, they visited the -pagoda and hermitage, sat under the marquee, where they found the novel -which had been Miss Cecilia Webberly's morning study, and had looked in -vain for the gold and silver fishes; for Mrs. Sullivan was too -fashionable to dine long before sunset, even in the height of summer. -Their fruitless search for their aqueous favourites reminded them of the -lateness of the hour; and they had begun to retrace their steps towards -the house, when a pretty rosy child, about seven years old, with dancing -eyes and disordered hair, came skipping up to them. "This sweet child, -Miss Seymour," said Adelaide, "is Caroline Sullivan, my dear little -companion." Selina kissed the child, partly for its own beauty, partly -for the sake of its patroness; and the little urchin, hearing the name -of Miss Seymour, said, in an arch tone, "I have a secret for you, Miss -Seymour--a great secret." "And what is your _great_ secret, my pretty -little love?" asked Selina. "Why, do you know, brother is going to make -love to you?--Mama bid him. And he said he would, for he thinks you have -a great deal of money; but for all that he says, my dear Adele is -handsomer than you--and I think so too--I believe," said the little -thing, stopping to look up at them both. The young ladies were so -astonished, that at first they had not power to stop the child's -harangue, but both coloured scarlet red from offended pride; and, when -their eyes met, the picture of the all-conquering hero and his mama -rising at once to Selina's mind in the most ludicrous point of view, -she burst out into an immoderate fit of laughter, in which Adelaide -could not resist joining. The child, from their mirth, thought they were -pleased with her observations; and, believing she had said something -clever, continued in the same strain; whilst, by grave faces, and knit -brows, and remonstrating, they endeavoured in vain to check her -volubility.--_Car on ne se querit pas d'un defaut qui plait._ "Good -Lord! what shall we do?" said Selina, half laughing, half crying; for -the little girl, in the exuberance of her mirth, seemed bent on -following them into the house, with a repetition of her information, -when luckily they thought of diverting her attention; and so taking her -one by each arm, they almost carried her completely round the -pleasure-ground; and, by chattering and running, succeeded in diverting -the channel of her thoughts, and were not a little rejoiced that, on -their entrance into the drawing-room, Miss Webberly, in a peremptory -tone of "brief authority," ordered the little troublesome urchin to bed. - -The ladies were all assembled, and Miss Wildenheim thought it necessary -to apologise for their absence; and Selina, immediately walking up to -her aunt, excused herself, and wondered she had left her so long, for -the advanced state of tea and coffee told her it was late. - -When Miss Wildenheim, in reply to some observation addressed to her by -Mrs. Temple, entered into general conversation, Selina was as much -surprised as delighted by the graceful ease of her manner; and, in the -simplicity of her ideas, wondered how she could be so enlivening, and at -the same time so elegant. "It is not odd," thought she, "that Lady -Eltondale is elegant, for she is so quiet, she has plenty of time to do -every thing in the most beautiful manner; but, though she is very -elegant, she is not at all entertaining, while Miss Wildenheim is -both." - -Though Adelaide's character was ever the same, the style of her -conversation varied with every different person she conversed with. She -was generally _animated_, though seldom gay; and the liveliness of her -discourse was owing to her possessing not only an uncommonly clear -perception of the ideas of others, but also an equally clear arrangement -of her own, which gave her conversation a lucidity, that elicited the -thinking powers of her auditors; so that if she was not absolutely witty -herself, she was often at least "the cause of wit in others." She was -habitually cheerful, and generally self-possessed, except when her -feelings were accidentally excited, and they lay too deep to be called -forth in the common intercourse of society. In a word, her vivacity -proceeded less from the buoyancy of animal spirits, as passing as youth -itself, than from the satisfaction of a soul at peace with itself, and -of a mind amused by a constant flow of intellect. - -The entrance of the gentlemen transferred Miss Cecilia Webberly, and of -course her guests, from the drawing-room to the music saloon. Here again -her fine voice, like her fine person, was spoiled by affectation, and by -an attempt at displaying a taste, of which nature had denied her mind -any just perceptions. She had acquired from her master a would-be -expression, which consisted of a regular alternation of piano and forte, -as completely distinct as the black and white squares of a chess board, -with corresponding movements of her eyes and shoulders; the _tout -ensemble_ seeming to the hearer like a succession of unprepared screams, -neither leaving him the peace of a monotonous repose, nor affording him -the charm of variety. "By heavens, I would as soon be shut up in a room -with a trumpeter; she has voice enough to blow a man's brains out!" said -young Mr. Thornbull to Mr. Temple, while his ears yet tingled with -Cecilia's last shout. "I am sure Miss Wildenheim sings in a very -different manner." "I am not sure," replied his reverend auditor, -smiling, "that she sings at all. If she does, no doubt her judgment is -as correct in music as in every thing else;--however, let us see:"--and -walking up to Mrs. Sullivan, they begged of her to procure them a -specimen of Miss Wildenheim's musical abilities. Adelaide complied with -a look and a curtsy, that bespoke the pardon of her imperfections, and -which, strange to say, procured a temporary absolution for her charms, -even from those to whom they were most obnoxious. - -The young man was too much engaged in watching the playful variety of -her countenance when she sung (for she never looked half so charming as -when singing), to criticise her performance, but took for granted it -was divine, and so must - - "Those who were there, and those who were not." - -For though it is easy to exhibit deformity, it is impossible to describe -the nicely adjusted balance of opposite beauties, which constitutes -perfection: more especially in an art, that is often most felt when -least understood, and whose evanescent charms are passing for ever away, -whilst the mind is yet revelling in a consciousness of their existence! - -When the usual routine of complimenting had been gone through by the -rest of the company, and Adelaide was disengaged, Mr. Temple, after -praising her performance, said, "Notwithstanding your delightful -singing, I must say, I think the best days of music are past." The -lovely songstress, casting her eyes on Selina and thereby applying her -words to the beautiful girl's bewitching figure, replied, "I partly -agree with you, my dear sir.--'When music, heavenly maid, was young,' -perhaps her wild graces were more captivating than her mature -elegance."--"Your simile is just, and well applied. Music certainly now -feels her decay, and seeks to hide her faded charms by profuse -ornament." - -Mr. Temple not unfrequently talked _by inch of candle_, and would have -gone on, perhaps, for an hour, had not his wife, tapping him on the -shoulder, told him it was time to return home: and, as is usually the -case in parties in the country, the announcement of one carriage was the -signal for the abrupt departure of the whole company; and though Mrs. -Sullivan roared out in an audible voice, "Why, Cilly, you haven't a gone -half through the hairs you practised this morning! Where's your bravo -hair? and your polacker?" before the anxious mother had recapitulated -half the catalogue, she found, equally to her surprise and dismay, that -all her guests had disappeared, nearly as suddenly as Tam O'Shanter's -companions, before he had finished his commendatory exclamations: - - "In an instant all was dark, - -And, - - "Out the hellish legion sallied." - - - - -CHAPTER XII. - - Pure was her bosom, as the silver lake, - Ere rising winds the ruffled waters shake; - When the bright pageants of the morning sky - Across the expansive mirror lightly fly, - By vernal gales in quick succession driv'n, - While the clear glass reflects the smile of Heav'n. - - HAYLEY. - - -"What a delightful girl Miss Wildenheim is!" exclaimed Selina Seymour, -as she sat at work in Mrs. Galton's dressing-room the day after she had -dined at Webberly House.--"I am sure we shall become intimate friends; I -never saw any body I admired half so much." Mrs. Galton coincided in -Selina's praise of her new favourite; for though she was not equally -prone to form "intimate friendships" at first sight, her penetration -had led her to conceive nearly as favourable an opinion of Miss -Wildenheim as Selina had expressed. Indeed, Mrs. Galton was particularly -desirous of improving her acquaintance with Mrs. Sullivan's interesting -ward; for though she was, in general, extremely suspicious of the -friendships girls so frequently contract and break with equal -precipitation, she was extremely anxious that Selina should meet with a -suitable companion of her own sex; and the refined elegance of Miss -Wildenheim's manners, the calmness of her deportment, and the good sense -which all her observations evinced, led Mrs. Galton to hope, that from -her society her beloved niece might derive as much advantage as -satisfaction. But at the same time, she recollected, that a degree of -mystery seemed to hang over Adelaide's situation; and, therefore, while -she gave a willing assent to Selina's encomiums, she cautiously withheld -her sanction to a sudden intimacy, until a longer acquaintance confirmed -or destroyed her present prepossession in Miss Wildenheim's favour. - -Selina had never yet had any female associate, except Mrs. Galton; for -though Sir Henry's considerate attention to "poor Mrs. Martin," and her -inseparable companion Lucy, occasioned their being frequent visitors at -the Hall, yet they were so different in character, pursuits, and -situation from Miss Seymour, that no degree of intimacy could ever take -place between them. Selina had been so much disgusted by the young -ladies at Webberly House, on their first introduction, that she had -shrunk from all subsequent familiarity with them, nor did her aunt, in -this, endeavour to conquer her prejudices. - -Mrs. Galton was aware, that such was the susceptibility of Selina's -heart, and the candour of her disposition, that if once she felt a -preference, her whole soul would be engrossed by the object of her -attachment, and that the strength of her regard could probably be more -easily anticipated than its duration: she was therefore particularly -cautious in permitting Selina to have any intercourse with those of -whose merits she did not feel well assured; believing that much of her -own future character, and consequent happiness, would depend on that of -her first guides and associates on her entrance into life. Hitherto, her -only companions and her only confidants had been Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Augustus Mordaunt. In them all her innocent affections were centred. -To them her whole mind was displayed; and so guiltless was she of even a -thought she could blush to own, that she scarcely imagined her -ingenuousness was a merit. Nor had the want of other companions in any -degree lessened the animation of her character; perhaps, on the -contrary, the very antidotes, to which Mrs. Galton had recourse to avoid -a premature gravity, had rather tended to increase that vivacity, which -bordered on levity, and was her most dangerous characteristic. Whenever -the lessons of her childhood had been concluded, she had always been -permitted, and even encouraged, to join in many of those games and -exercises, that are usually appropriated to the amusement of the other -sex. Often has she quitted an abstruse book, or a beautiful drawing, to -trundle her hoop, or run races with her playfellow Augustus. And when -other girls have trembled under the rod of the dancing master, she has -been gaining health and activity together, by vaulting over gates, that -more refined young ladies would, perhaps, have dreaded to climb. It is -true, that as she advanced towards womanhood, she was taught to attend -rather more to the decorums of life; and, instead of being permitted to -bound through the woods like the fawns she dislodged, or even (shocking -to relate) walk hand in hand with the old steward over half the park, -before girls of fashion would have broken their first slumbers; she now -changed her amusements, and accompanied Mrs. Galton in her charitable -errands to the poor, or, attended by Augustus and her groom, rode -through the delightful lanes in the neighbourhood. However, since his -departure from the Hall, her rides were confined within the park walls, -and scarcely a day passed, when the recollection of their rambles, in -which she so much delighted, did not serve to renew the expression of -her regrets at his absence. But even that circumstance failed to depress -her spirits. Perhaps, amongst all created beings, she at that moment was -almost the happiest. She knew no world beyond the little circle round -her own home, and in that circle she loved and was beloved. Every eye -beamed on hers with satisfaction, and every heart returned her affection -with redoubled fondness. She dreamed not of insincerity, and she knew -not what was grief, except indeed when she enjoyed the luxury of -sharing or alleviating that of others; which her frequent visits to the -neighbouring cottages sometimes presented to her view: and never did she -look so lovely as when she bent over the bed of sickness, or rocked the -cradle of infant suffering, while her eyes swam in tears, or sparkled -with the joy of successful benevolence. - - Beauty, and grace, and innocence in her - In heavenly union shone: one who had held - The faith of elder Greece would sure have thought - She was some glorious nymph of seed divine, - Oread or Dryad, of Diana's train - The youngest and the loveliest--yea, she seem'd - Angel or soul beatified, from realms - Of bliss, on errand of parental love, - To earth re-sent; if tears and trembling limbs - With such celestial nature might consist. - -Though Sir Henry Seymour was extremely hospitable, yet so retired was -the neighbourhood of Deane Hall, that the ladies at Webberly House and -the Parsonage were the only ones that Mrs. Galton visited, except Mrs. -Martin and Mrs. Lucas. But as autumn approached, the visits of the two -latter to the Hall became more frequent; for Sir Henry was fond of what -he called a social rubber of whist; and as his constant tormentor the -gout disabled him from using any exercise, beyond what his Bath chair -procured for him, his chief amusement was in the society of his country -friends, who were most happy to assemble round the good Baronet's fire -side, when a blazing faggot corrected the influence of a keen air, and -gave them a foretaste of the comforts of winter, before they were yet -introduced to any of its horrors. - -Of these quiet parties Selina was merely a spectator: as, after she had -answered all Mrs. Martin's questions, with the same kindness they were -asked; provided Lucy with the daily newspaper, and the last new -magazine; placed her father's chair and arranged his foot-stool, (for -he thought no one could settle them as comfortably as his Selina); all -her duties of the evening were at an end. She could then amuse herself -unnoticed, with her pencil or her tambour frame, or have recourse to her -harpsichord: where, unambitious of praise, and unstimulated by vanity, -she would, for hours, "warble her wood notes wild." - -Sometimes, indeed, Mr. and Mrs. Temple would join the party; and though -without even the acquisition of their society Selina was always -cheerful, yet when she enjoyed the rational conversation of the one, and -the lively good-nature of the other, she felt additional pleasure: for -both these excellent people looked on Selina almost as a child of their -own. Mr. Temple had watched with delight the gradual development of an -understanding, from whose matured powers he fondly anticipated every -good; though his anxious penetration led him sometimes to shudder for -her future character and fate, as he watched the susceptibility of her -heart, - - "Which like the needle true, - Turn'd at the touch of joy or woe, - But turning--trembled too." - -His amiable consort, however, notwithstanding all her deference to his -opinion, would scarcely acknowledge that the ray of celestial light, -which played round the opening blossom and gave it added brilliancy, -might, by prematurely expanding its charms, doom it to untimely decay. -And, sometimes, when the venerable pastor, with parental solicitude, -almost regretted that volatility, which to indifferent spectators but -gave a charm the more, Mrs. Temple, with that fearful prescience which -but belongs to a female heart, would stop the intended reproof, and say, -"Ah! James, do not check her innocent mirth; the day may come, when we -would give the world to see her smile." Meantime the lovely object of -their care would often, when at night she laid her guiltless head on her -pillow, as yet unwatered by a single tear, add to her pious thanksgiving -a wish that all the world was as happy, as she gratefully acknowledged -she was herself. - -Little did this innocent child of nature imagine, that fate had already -marked the hour, when she was to bid farewell to the calm scenes of her -present happiness. Sir Henry never spoke, and could scarcely bear to -think, of the engagement between her and Mr. Elton, to which he had so -precipitately given his consent: and Mrs. Galton was equally averse to -mentioning the subject: of course, therefore, Selina remained totally -unconscious of it, and her time passed in the happy alternation of -leisure and employment, unmarked by accident, and unimpaired by sorrow. -Even the visit of Lord and Lady Eltondale was already almost forgotten -by her, or only occasionally occurred to her memory as a dream, whilst -even the fascination she had wondered at and admired by degrees faded -from her recollection. - -One fine autumnal day, in the beginning of October, she had just -returned from one of her favourite rambles in the park, when she -abruptly entered the library, to show to Sir Henry an exhausted leveret, -that she had discovered panting in a thicket, and that she had brought -home in her arms: as she held it she partially covered it by her frock, -which she had caught up to keep it warm; without any recollection of the -consequent exposure of her beautiful ancle, which this derangement of -her drapery had occasioned. Her color was heightened by exercise, and -the wind had dishevelled her luxuriant brown hair, that strayed in -ringlets on her beaming cheek, whilst her straw hat, almost untied, had -slipped off her head, and hung behind, in contrast to the remaining -locks that a comb loosely fastened. Perhaps a painter or a sculptor -would have chosen that moment, to perpetuate the beautiful object, that, -as Selina opened the door, thus suddenly presented itself to the -delighted gaze of two gentlemen, who were then visiting Sir Henry: in -one Selina immediately recognised Mr. Webberly, and to the other she was -introduced as his friend, Mr. Sedley. At first Selina coloured, as she -momentarily recollected her dishabille, if such it might be called; but -in an instant, recovering herself, she apologized to her father for her -intrusion, and calmly obeyed his directions to seat herself beside him, -whilst she dismissed her trembling _protegee_ to be nursed below stairs. -Was it innate good sense, or was it incipient vanity, that saved this -young recluse from the torments of _mauvaise honte_, which so many -votaries of fashion feel or feign? Her colour was as variable as the -tints of a summer sky; but though it was often heightened, and -sometimes changed by quick susceptibility affecting it, it seldom -suffered from that illegitimate timidity, that owes its birth to an -inordinate anxiety to please. The language of compliment was foreign to -her ear, and she had yet to learn that finished coquetry, that wraps -itself in the veil of modesty, and flies to be pursued. - -Mr. Webberly stated, the motive of his visit was not only to deliver an -invitation from his mother to a ball she purposed giving in a few weeks, -but also to add his earnest persuasions, that Sir Henry, Mrs. Galton, -and Miss Seymour would accept it. On this occasion the unpolished Selina -broke through all the rules of etiquette; and, totally unmindful of the -presence of strangers, at the mention of a ball jumped up, clapped her -hands, and springing almost as high as another Parisot, exclaimed, as -she threw her arms round Sir Henry's neck, "Pray dear, dear Papa, let me -go, I've heard so much of balls!" It may be supposed, the gentlemen -strenuously seconded her solicitations: their united entreaties having -obtained Sir Henry's consent, they at length withdrew, whilst Selina -reiterated her thanks and her joy with equal earnestness and _naivete_. - -"Well, Sedley, what do you think of Miss Seymour?" exclaimed Webberly, -as they rode leisurely home. "By Heavens! she is quite beautiful," -returned his friend.--"She has the finest eyes and teeth I ever -beheld."--"And fine oaks too, or she'd never do for me," rejoined her -calculating admirer. A silence of some minutes ensued, which was at last -broken by Sedley's observing, that "he had never seen such a profusion -of silky hair." "For my part," resumed Webberly, "I like black hair much -better: Miss Wildenheim is a thousand times handsomer than Miss -Seymour!" - -Mr. Sedley neither contradicted nor assented to this observation, but -with apparent _nonchalance_ turned the subject to that of shooting and -hunting; which promised amusements had been his inducement for visiting -Webberly House. The conversation was not again resumed, and they -returned scarcely in time to dress for dinner, which the anxious Mrs. -Sullivan declared would be quite "ruinated," assuring them, "the cook -was always arranged and discordant by them there long preambulations -a-horseback they were so fond of." - - - - -CHAPTER XIII. - - "All is not empty whose low sound - Reverbs no hollowness." - - KING LEAR. - - -The excuse, which Mordaunt had made for his abrupt departure from Deane -Hall, was not, in truth, totally devoid of foundation: for he had really -received an invitation to join a party of college friends, on a tour to -the Lakes; though such a cause would not alone have been sufficient to -tear him from a scene, in which all his hopes and wishes were centred. -Notwithstanding his being an enthusiastic admirer of the beauties of -nature, and moreover a proficient in drawing, all the charms of the wild -country he then visited were insufficient long to rivet his attention; -and with an agitated mind and aching heart, he returned early in -September to Oxford, of which he meant to take his final leave at the -end of the following term. No profession had yet been determined on for -him, for his uncle, Lord Osselstone, whose title he was one day to -inherit, had never, in the least degree, interfered on the subject of -his education; and the habit of procrastination, which was one of the -principal failings of Sir Henry Seymour's character, had hitherto -prevented his making the important choice. Thus the period of Mr. -Mordaunt's minority had expired, before his guardian could be prevailed -on to come to any final determination; and Augustus now deferred his own -decision till the period, which would speedily arrive, of his quitting -the University of Oxford. - -The indolence of disposition, which had rendered Sir Henry Seymour's -judgment inert, had not extended its torpid influence to his feelings; -and a considerable degree of resentment was produced in his mind by the -indifference, indeed total alienation of all regard, which seemed to -mark Lord Osselstone's conduct to his nephew. Once, and once only, -before his going to Oxford, had Augustus met his uncle. For, when Mr. -Temple was deputed by Sir Henry, to conduct Mordaunt on his first -entering college, they had, on their way, passed through London, for the -express purpose of paying their respects to his Lordship. But his -reception of them had been so cold, so ostentatiously polite, that -Mordaunt felt by no means anxious to improve the acquaintance: and yet -it might have been supposed, that opportunity of cultivating the -friendship of Lord Osselstone would have been rather sought for than -declined by his nephew. For all the Earl's estates, which were -considerable, were in his own power; and it was the general opinion of -those who professed to know him best, that he intended to make a Mr. -Davis his heir, who was a distant relation, and had been for many years -as unremitting in his attentions to Lord Osselstone, as Mordaunt had -been the reverse. Not that Augustus was unaware of the consequence such -a disposition of this property might prove to him; for all he inherited -from his father was a few thousand pounds, the little that remained of a -younger brother's portion, after a life spent and finally sacrificed to -the excess of dissipation. But perhaps this conviction on both sides -served to make the barrier between them stronger. Lord Osselstone seemed -prepared to think, that any attention his nephew could pay him must -proceed from interested motives; and Mordaunt was fearful of showing -even the little natural affection, that remained in his breast towards -him, lest it might be construed into dissimulation. - -One of Lord Osselstone's estates was situated within a few miles of -Oxford, where he generally spent a few months every summer;--for he was -an upright and considerate landlord, and usually made it a point to -visit all his estates in the course of the year, for the purpose of -inquiring into the actual state of his tenantry--not that he was ever -known to lower a rent or remit a debt: no entreaty, no representation, -could ever persuade him either to break an agreement himself, or to -suffer it to be broken by another. And if ever he found his rights -invaded, or even disputed, there was no extremity or expense he declined -in the defence or prosecution of them. He had often heard, unmoved, a -tale that might have pierced a heart of stone; and seen, with relentless -eyes, the poor man's "one ewe lamb" sold to pay the arrears of rent. But -it not unfrequently happened, that the iron-hearted creditor was himself -the purchaser of the stock at a price much beyond its value; and the -tenant, if deserving, would probably find his Lord's steward inclined, -the next year, to let him have his seed-wheat, not gratis, but nearly -so. - -One peculiarity in the Earl's character was an extraordinary disposition -to disbelieve even the most natural expressions of gratitude, and to -doubt any testimony whatever of affection to himself. No way was so sure -of losing any claim on his favour, as to make the least allusion to his -former kindness; and one of the few domestics, that had at any time -remained long in his service, was an old grey-headed valet, who had -attended him faithfully from his youth; and had scarcely ever been known -to agree with him in opinion, or to hesitate in expressing, in the -strongest terms, his disapprobation. Yet even Lord Chesterfield could -not better understand the perfection of politeness than did Lord -Osselstone, or make it more his constant practice in his intercourse -with the world in general. However his real sentiments might differ -from those of his associates, he always took care to soften down so well -the sharp angles of dissent, that no cutting point was left to wound the -feelings of others; while his own remained impervious to every eye. All -acknowledged he was a just man, and every body _felt_ he was a proud -one; but, however dignified his manners were to his equals, to his -inferiors his pride was silvered over with an affability, that, whilst -it made it still more conspicuous, served almost to purchase its -forgiveness. - -To those who reflected on the various qualities of his mind, the picture -it presented seemed to be composed of a variety and contrast of colours -rarely to be met with, but all so highly varnished, that their very -brightness confounded. It seemed a mass of contradiction, by some -extraneous power compressed into an indefinable whole. His virtues and -his vices trod so closely on each other, that it was difficult to draw -the line of separation between them, and both appeared to owe their -origin either to the temporary error, or general superiority of his -judgment; all his actions seemed to proceed only from his head--his -heart was never called into play. It was difficult to decide whether the -finer feelings were really extinct in his breast; or whether, dreading -the power passion might usurp, he never for one moment permitted it to -assume the reins. In his general establishment he was magnificent;--in -the detail of its arrangements almost parsimonious. His charity was -ostentatious rather than benign; for, though his name graced every list -of public contribution, he never came forward in his own person as the -poor man's benefactor. None who experienced the urbanity of Lord -Osselstone's manners could believe him to be his own individual enemy; -and yet no person could repose in the calm confidence, that Lord -Osselstone was his friend. It was evident, that, had he not been a -courtier, he would have been a misanthropist. - -In conversation he was generally reserved; but, if circumstances called -upon him for exertion, his abilities seemed to rise with the occasion, -and his variety of information, his elegance of language, and even the -occasional playfulness of his imagination, made him one of the most -agreeable of companions. In all Lord Osselstone did, in all Lord -Osselstone said, in all he looked, there might be discovered an -intensity of thought; which, far from being confined to the surface, -seemed to increase in profundity the deeper it was examined. His -character, like his manner, was not to be deciphered by vulgar eyes. He -was generally serious--never dull; and at times his wit was even -sportive. Yet Lord Osselstone, when most gay, could scarcely be deemed -cheerful. At the moments of his greatest exhilaration, when an admiring -audience hung upon his words, or a more favoured few caught the sparks -of animation from the meteor that flashed before them, deriving all -their temporary brilliancy from the electric fire of his talents; even -at those moments, Lord Osselstone seemed scarcely happy;--the brightness -of the emanation was for them;--the dark body remained his own; and few -had skill or inclination to penetrate the dense medium that seemed still -to surround and obscure his soul. - -The first year that Mordaunt had been at college, Lord Osselstone had -made no advance towards cultivating the acquaintance that had so -inauspiciously commenced; for, except a very slight salutation in an -accidental meeting in the street, Augustus had received no mark whatever -even of recognizance. And perhaps this inattention was rendered still -more mortifying, as whenever Lord Osselstone was in the neighbourhood of -Oxford, he generally received a great deal of company at his house; and -several of the young men there, whose connections were amongst his -Lordship's associates in London, procured introductions to him, and -frequently partook of the elegant hospitality, that always graced his -table. Nay, many members of the very college Augustus was in, and some -of his own particular friends, received constant invitations to -Osselstone Park, from which he alone seemed to be invidiously excluded. -On Mordaunt's return to college the following year, he had been much -surprised by receiving, in the course of the last week of a term, a -formal but polite card of invitation to dinner, to which he sent a still -more formal apology, being most happy to have it in his power to allege -his intended return to Deane Hall as his excuse; and accordingly he left -Oxford the very day, that had been named by his uncle for receiving him. -Not, however, that he returned immediately to the Hall. Augustus, though -abhorring the excesses into which so many of his contemporaries -thoughtlessly plunged, was still not averse to taste slightly the cup of -pleasure, if placed within his reach; and, therefore, usually adopted -the geography most in fashion at Oxford, by which it is ascertained to a -demonstration, that London is the direct road from thence to every other -place in England. He had not then been taught, that the deprivation of -Selina Seymour's society for a little fortnight was an irreparable loss; -and the theatres and the delights of London were sufficiently new to -him, to beguile that, and even a longer time. It was just that season of -the year when a London winter begins to subside, not into a healthy -spring, but into an unwelcome summer, and when the dying embers of -gaiety are only kept alive by a few forced sparks of unwearied -dissipation. But to Augustus, who had not glared in the full flame, even -these had charms; and he frequented, with unsatiated pleasure, all the -places of public amusement then open. - -One night at the opera, whither he had repaired with some of his college -friends in a state of exhilaration, that, though it fell far short of -intoxication, was equally different from his usual tone of spirits, -while he was standing in the outer room laughing rather vociferously at -some ridiculous observation of his companions, his eye suddenly rested -on the face of Lord Osselstone, who, with an unmoved countenance and -steady gaze, had been scrutinizing the groupe with minute attention, -while they were totally unconscious of his proximity. Augustus's colour -rose; and a confused idea that he was the peculiar object of his uncle's -observation crossing his mind, he rather increased than restrained the -vivacity of his manner. "Lord Osselstone's carriage stops the way," was -repeated from stage to stage of the echoing stair-case; and, while the -Earl passed close to Mordaunt as he proceeded to obey the clamorous -summons, he stopped deliberately, and observing that "Mr. Mordaunt's -visit to Sir Henry Seymour had been a much shorter one than usual," made -him a low bow, and pursued his way without waiting for a reply; which, -in Mordaunt's then state of mind, would probably not have been an -amicable one, indignant as he felt at Lord Osselstone's conveying his -only acknowledgement of him in the form of an implied reproof. Here -then, once more, ended all intercourse between uncle and nephew; for, -when Augustus again returned to college, the invitation had not been -renewed; and though in the last examination he had received three -several prizes, and with them the compliments of all his friends, Lord -Osselstone had witnessed his triumph in silence, though it happened he -was in Oxford, nay, even in the school, that very day. - -On Mordaunt's arrival at Oxford, at the conclusion of his late northern -tour, his thoughts were so completely preoccupied, that he did not even -take the trouble of inquiring whether the Earl was then in the -neighbourhood. But as he was one evening sauntering along a retired road -on the banks of the river, attending more to the painful reflections of -his own mind than to a book which he mechanically held in his hand, he -was suddenly roused from his meditations by the sound of a carriage -coming furiously behind him; and, turning round, perceived a gentleman -alone in a curricle, the horses of which were approaching at their -utmost speed, and evidently ungovernable. The furious animals were -making directly towards the river, and, if their course was not impeded, -immediate destruction inevitably awaited their unfortunate driver. This -reflection, and his consequent determination, was but a momentary effort -of Augustus's mind. Throwing away his book, he sprang into the middle of -the road; and, though the gentleman loudly exclaimed, "Take care of -yourself--I cannot manage them," he deliberately kept his stand, and, -at the moment the horses reached the spot, dexterously succeeded in -grasping the reins, and stopping the carriage. The suddenness of the -jolt, however, unfortunately broke the axle-tree, and threw the -gentleman at a little distance on the road. A deep groan instantaneously -followed his fall; and Augustus felt a painful conviction, that though -his presence of mind had certainly saved the stranger's life at the -imminent risk of his own, yet the very act had been the cause of much -apparent suffering to him. He hesitated what to do:--the horses, still -more frightened by the noise made by the breaking of the carriage, were -almost furious; and it was as much as he could do to retain his hold, -while the poor suffering man lay helplessly on the road. At length two -grooms appeared, rapidly pursuing each other, with marks of the utmost -consternation in their countenances; and while one jumped off his horse -to assist his master, the other relieved Augustus from his troublesome -charge. The Osselstone liveries proclaimed the stranger's name, as -Augustus had not yet seen his face, and the discovery but increased his -distress:--"Good God, my uncle! Are you much hurt, dear sir?" exclaimed -he, in a tone of commiseration, almost of affection. At the sound of his -voice the Earl languidly turned his head as his servant supported him; -and, stretching out one hand, grasped that of Augustus, expressing -tacitly, but not ineloquently, his gratitude to his preserver. Augustus -flew to the side of the river, and bringing some water in his hat, -sprinkled it over his face, which in a few moments so revived him, that -he was able to articulate thanks, which Augustus, with looks of kindest -anxiety, interrupted, with inquiries as to the injury he had evidently -received in his fall. He soon found that one arm was broken, and Lord -Osselstone otherwise so much hurt, that it was difficult to move him -from the position in which he lay. Without, therefore, an instant's -deliberation, and scarcely explaining his design, he sprang on one of -the groom's horses, and was in a few moments out of sight. Indeed, so -rapid were his movements, that before it could be conjectured that he -had even reached Oxford, he was seen returning in a hired chaise and -four, accompanied by one of the first surgeons of that town, bringing -with him every thing necessary for the accommodation of his uncle. - -Before they attempted to remove Lord Osselstone, the fractured bone was -set; and the attendants then carefully assisting him into the carriage, -the surgeon took his place at one side of him, while Mordaunt, -uninvited, supported him on the other; and then desiring the drivers to -proceed carefully to Osselstone Park, left the grooms to take charge of -the broken equipage. - -Though Augustus had never been before within the gates of this -residence of his ancestors, its magnificent scenery had not the power to -withdraw his attention, for one moment, from its suffering master. In -addition to the natural benevolence of his heart, which would have led -him to pity any fellow-creature in a similar situation, from a -refinement of feeling, he experienced an additional though certainly an -unnecessary pang, from having been in any degree accessary to the -present pain; and his judicious and unremitting care resembled that of a -son to a beloved father. He watched by his uncle's bed all night, and -could scarcely be prevailed upon to leave it to take any nourishment, -till the surgeon, on the third day, pronounced the Earl out of danger. - -Meantime Lord Osselstone, from whose lips no complaint ever escaped, -however painful the operations he underwent, observed every change of -his nephew's countenance with a scrutinizing attention; and when in a -few days he was able to sit up, and enter into discourse, the modest -good sense of Augustus's remarks, animated as they sometimes were by -occasional bursts of a genius not quite dissimilar to his own, seemed -not entirely to escape his Lordship's observation. As soon, however, as -the Earl was able to leave his room, Augustus took his leave, alleging -as his excuse for not accepting Lord Osselstone's polite invitation to -protract his stay, that his services could be no longer useful; which -was indeed his only motive for so soon separating from his uncle, of -whom he now thought with far different feelings than he had done -formerly--so natural is it to the human mind, to imbibe a partiality for -those we have had it in our power to benefit. - -These feelings were, however, soon damped by the receipt of the -following note, accompanied by a beautiful edition of Horace, and some -other of the classics:-- - -"Lord Osselstone presents his compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and has the -honour of sending him a few books, of which he requests his acceptance, -in return for his late obliging attentions." - -"My attentions are not to be purchased," exclaimed Augustus, as he, -perhaps too indignantly, tore the note. "Nor," added he, with a sigh, -"are my affections likely to be gained by my noble uncle." Then hastily -writing the following answer, he returned with it the books by the -servant who brought them:-- - -"Mr. Mordaunt presents his compliments to Lord Osselstone, and begs to -assure him, that any attentions he had it in his power to show his -Lordship were at the moment sufficiently repaid by the belief, that he -in any degree contributed to the comfort of his uncle." - -The first time the Earl was able to venture out in his carriage, he -called at Mordaunt's apartments. But as he did not then happen to be at -home, they did not meet previous to his Lordship's leaving the -country--a circumstance which Augustus by no means regretted. - - - - -CHAPTER XIV. - - This is my lady's holyday, - So pray let us be merry. - - FOUR AND TWENTY FIDDLERS ALL IN A ROW. - - -Whilst Mordaunt was thus occupied at Oxford, Mrs. Sullivan had been -indulging in a variety of speculations, the object of which were, to -endeavour to secure to her beloved son the rich and beautiful heiress of -Deane Hall. In order to afford him a favourable opportunity of paying -his addresses to Miss Seymour, the anxious mother resolved to give the -ball, for which he had personally taken the invitation; and as soon as -Sir Henry had returned the desired answer, the preparations for the -entertainment were without delay commenced. It was agreed _nem. con._ -that a _crowded_ entertainment was more fashionable than a select one; -and therefore, that every person by any excuse pronounced _visitable_, -within a circuit of twenty miles, was to be pressed into the service. -Mr. Webberly, and the gentlemen who were staying with him, proceeded to -York, to enlist as many beaux as they possibly could; whilst Mrs. -Sullivan wrote to London, to engage temporary rooms, transparencies, -coloured lamps, upholsterers, musicians, and confectioners. - -For a fortnight before the important day, all was confusion at Webberly -House. The usual furniture was put to flight;--bed-rooms were converted -into tasteful card-rooms, and store-closets into beautiful boudoirs; -whilst all the various operations were accompanied by an unceasing noise -of hammering, scouring, scolding, and arguing. - -Miss Webberly and her sister kept themselves aloof from the scene of -action, preferring playing billiards, or riding with Mr. Sedley and the -other gentlemen, to giving their mother the smallest assistance, who -repented of her undertaking ten times a day. But Adelaide was not so -selfish; and the moment she perceived Mrs. Sullivan's perplexity, she -left her usual occupations to offer her assistance. "Well, well," -thought Mrs. Sullivan, "I wish Meely and Cilly were as discreet as this -poor child. But it isn't their faults, pretty dears. I never used them -to no thrift; and, I dare say, her nose has been well kept to the -grinding-stone, as the like of her ought. My daughters, God bless them, -have got a rare spirit of their own!" (Would to Heaven it were a rare -spirit!) - -Miss Webberly thinking that chalking the floor of the dancing-room would -afford a good opportunity for displaying her knowledge of the fine arts, -at first joined Adelaide in the task; but quickly discovering that -kneeling on bare boards was more fatiguing than classical, left her at -the end of a quarter of an hour, to finish it alone, with a request not -to be sparing in the introduction of the Webberly arms. No mention was -made of the Sullivan honours; for, though that family traced its -pedigree _beyond the flood_, it had never been heard of in London, and, -therefore, was of no value. - -At nine o'clock on the appointed evening Mrs. Sullivan entered the -reception room; and seeing Adelaide already there, said, "That's right, -Miss Wildenheim, you be's always ready. I never can get them there girls -of mine to dishevel themselves in time. Will you be so kind as to help -me to put out the lights in them there chandlers? They can stay unlit a -bit, for none of the gentlemen ban't dressed yet, and we can light 'em -again when the folk come to the door, you know--I loves to practise -genteel economy." Adelaide executed her commission; and her companion -then proceeded to examine her attire with the most minute attention; -and, as her eye was attracted by the beautiful ornaments, which confined -and were intermixed with her luxuriant hair, she exclaimed, "La! what -fine pearls you have got on--your _mother's_ I suppose, Miss." "Yes, -madam," replied Adelaide, mournfully, "she had a great quantity of -pearls, which were new set for my use," "Wery like, Miss, wery like," -retorted the scornful lady; and, turning disdainfully from her, bustled -off to another part of the room, muttering, "Oh the vickedness of this -vorld!" - -Adelaide was dressed in that last stage of _real mourning_, which, from -its chaste contrast of colour, is perhaps the most elegant attire a -beautiful female can wear, as it seems to throw a veil on the -loveliness, which, in truth, it embellishes. Her mental, as well as -personal charms, were softened by the same garb of sorrow; and perhaps -their beauty, - - "Thus mellow'd to that tender light - Which Heav'n to gaudy day denies," - -was more winning than when they shone in their original brightness. She -was roused from a train of sorrowful reflections, which the mention of -her mother had occasioned in her mind, by a sound of carriages, and by -Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "As sure as the devil's in Lunnon, here they -be; Miss Wildenheim, do light that there candle brass, whilst I turn the -cock of this here lamp;" and the task was but just accomplished, when a -large party entered the room. - -The _coup d'oeil_ which Webberly House now presented was really -beautiful; for from London every thing in the way of decoration, even -taste, may be procured. The vestibule and apartments opening into it -were ornamented with wreaths of flowers, laurels, and coloured lamps, -and with beautifully designed and well executed transparencies. The -windows were left open, and displayed the _Chinese_ bridge splendidly -illuminated, beaming like an arch of light in the surrounding darkness. -The carved work of the porch was completely interlaced with wreaths of -colored lamps; and not less splendid were the grotto and hermitage, -which at a small distance from the house were fitted up to resemble the -rooms of rival restaurateurs. At their entrance Cecilia had placed her -own maid and footman, to distribute refreshments; and she had been -busily employed for some days, in teaching them as much French as their -capacity and her knowledge would permit them to acquire, for which the -slang of the one, and the Cockney dialect of the other, admirably -qualified them. A temporary canvass passage led to the station of these -pseudo-Parisians, which soon became the favourite lounge of the -evening, as the constant mistakes they made in the names of all the -refreshments they presented excited so much laughter, that every set of -visitors was sure to recommend another, to enjoy the bodily and mental -entertainment provided for them. - -When the company first assembled, a brilliant display of fire works was -let off on the lawn, and just as the last rocket was ascending, Mrs. -Martin and her niece entered the ball room. They had met with sundry -difficulties, as to conveyances, which had delayed their arrival so -long. - -Unfortunately for them, the company had, at that instant, nothing more -amusing to do, than seeking for subjects of ridicule; and in poor Lucy -Martin's dress they found an ample field. Her _ci-devant_ blue spencer -had been transformed into a fashionable body for a new pink petticoat, -under the superintendence of Miss Slater, who had informed her, that -"whole gowns were quite out, as all the ladies in London now wore -dolphin dresses," of which no two parts were of the same colour. Nearly -all the finery of Mr. Slater's shop had been deposited on her person; -and it would have been impossible for the greatest connoisseur in -tinting to have decided which was the prevailing colour in her dress: -but as she and her aunt were made happy, by the idea of her being "quite -smart," her appearing to the rest of the company in a most ludicrous -point of view would have been of no consequence, had not the unsuitable -extravagance deprived them of many almost necessary comforts for a long -time afterwards, for which the display of this evening but poorly -compensated. - -Before the unfeeling crowd had more than half finished their -commentaries on the curious specimen of taste the unconscious girl -exhibited, their attention was diverted by the arrival of Sir Henry -Seymour, who with all the formality of the _vieille cour_ entered the -room, with a _chapeau de bras_ under one arm, and Mrs. Galton leaning on -the other. At her side walked Selina in unadorned loveliness, her eyes -sparkling with delight at all the wonders that were presented to her -view, and totally unsuspicious that she was herself the goddess of the -fairy scene of pleasure. All eyes were fixed on her beaming countenance -radiant in smiles; and even envy, for the moment, pardoned such -unpresuming charms. Mr. Webberly had waited to open the ball with -Selina, and immediately led her to the head of the room, where, scarcely -conscious of the pre-eminence, her attention was so completely engrossed -by all the beauty and variety of the decorations, that she neither -listened to nor understood the fulsome compliments he momentarily -addressed to her. Though little skilled in the fashionable art of -dancing, the natural grace and vivacity of all her movements, and the -uncommon loveliness of her person, more than compensated for this -deficiency; and when she happened to make any mistake in the figures she -was unaccustomed to, she laughed so innocently and so heartily at her -own blunders, and in so doing displayed such dazzling teeth and -evanescent dimples, that one more practised in the arts of coquetry -would purposely have made the same errors, thus to have atoned them. - -From the moment Miss Seymour had entered the room, Mr. Sedley had -watched her every motion; and, as he happened to stand behind Webberly -in the dance, he could not help exclaiming, "By Jove, Jack, if you get -that girl you'll be a lucky dog." Webberly cast a glance on his lovely -partner, in which real exultation was ridiculously blended with affected -contempt; and shrugging his shoulders, replied, "She is half wild now, -we must give her a little fashion when she comes amongst us." Sedley -turned on his heel, and joined a groupe of young men, who were loudly -expatiating on the charms he affected to despise. Sedley also joined in -her praise; for as yet, though his warm admiration was excited, his -heart was not sufficiently interested to create a wariness in the -expression of its feelings; and as the whole party professed their -anxiety to be introduced to her, he laughingly boasted of his prior -claims, and hastened to secure her hand for the two following dances. -And now, according to a writer of the days of Queen Bess, "Some ambled, -and some skipped, and some minced it withal, and some were like the -bounding doe, and some like the majestic lion." - -Adelaide alone refused every solicitation to join in the festivity; and -when Mrs. Temple urged her to accept of some of the numerous partners -who contended for her fair hand, she replied, with a mournful -expression, "Dear Mrs. Temple do not ask me; surely this dress was -never meant for _dancing_;" so saying, she cast down her eyes to conceal -their watery visitors. Sedley, who had overheard her observation, took -this opportunity of examining her perfect features. He thought he had -never seen her look so lovely as at that moment, for - - "Upon her eye-lids many graces sat, - Under the shadow of her even brows;" - -and mentally exclaimed, "The braid of dark hair that borders that fair -forehead, 'so calm, so pure, yet eloquent,' is indeed beautiful in -contrast! Of all dresses certainly that becomes her most, it so -harmonizes with the style of her countenance; - - "One shade the more, one ray the less, - Had half impair'd the nameless grace, - That waves in every raven tress, - Or softly lightens o'er her face." - -Sedley was proceeding to compare in thought the merits of blondine and -brunette complexions, eyes of bewitching animation or touching softness, -hair of glossy black or silken brown, and in short the various charms, -which united to form the perfect models of the opposite styles of beauty -which Selina and Adelaide presented, when he was diverted from this -agreeable occupation by Mrs. Sullivan screaming in his ear, "Law! Mr. -Sedley, I vish I vas O'fat (probably _au fait_) of what you're in such a -brown study for; there's my daughter, Cilly, keeping herself _enrage_ -all this time to dance with you." Of course he could not refuse this -summons, and immediately led her to join the dancers, scarcely -regretting that the set was nearly finished. - -When Cecilia passed by, overloaded with finery, and encumbered with -ornament, Mrs. Temple exclaimed, "Good heavens! how that handsome girl -has contrived to disfigure herself! It is no wonder her mother -complained of her being so long dressing: I hope, my dear Miss -Wildenheim, you will never give into such follies." Adelaide smilingly -replied, "I cannot invert the first axiom of mechanics, and say of the -labours of the toilet, _that we gain in power what we lose in time_." -"Never, my dear girl, as long as you live, mention the word _mechanics_ -again, on pain of being pronounced a learned lady; which crime, in this -country, is punished by tortures far more severe than the _peine forte -et dure_ of the old French law. I assure you, in England, the reputation -of _femme savante_ is scarcely less odious than that of _femme galante_. -A fool with youth and beauty maybe quite _recherchee_, but no mental or -bodily perfection can atone for the blemish of _learning_ in a woman!" -Mrs. Temple's attention was now attracted by seeing Mrs. Sullivan doing -the honours to a _soi-disant_ beau, who scarcely heard what she said, -being intent on copying the air of real fashion so striking in Mr. -Sedley. "This here's the courting room, Sir--That there's the -refrigerating house for drinking o-shot--And that there's my daughter -Meely, and that there other one's my Cilly--we calls one Grace and -Dignity and the other Little Elegance--I'm sure you must allow we've -given them wery opprobrious names.--Look'ee here, Sir, Meely did all -this here topography herself[11], entirely from her own deceptions; I -assure you, Sir, she's pro-digiars clever." Mrs. Temple, finding Mrs. -Sullivan's discourse utterly subversive of all decorum of countenance, -left the dangerous neighbourhood, and took Adelaide to walk about the -room, for the double purpose of composing her own features, and -informing her young friend of the names and characters of such of the -guests as she was unacquainted with. "Who is that lovely innocent girl, -sitting near the transparency of Mirth and her crew, with her head on -one side, and her eyes cast down with so much modesty?" "I dare say, -Miss Wildenheim, she is at this moment, with affected _naivete_, saying -something to the gentleman next her, which _he_ finds unanswerable. She -is a most incorrigible little flirt; and as she is no fool, her -conversation is in my mind quite reprehensible. She was the daughter of -a poor baronet of this county, and to counterbalance her want of -fortune, was brought up in the most homely manner, being, for example, -accustomed to iron her own clothes and go to market. Against the consent -of her friends, she married a _petit-maitre_ parson, with little except -a handsome person and agreeable manners to recommend him, and nothing -but a curacy to support him and his beautiful young wife. They now live -with his mother, who takes care of their children, the father being too -constantly occupied in fishing, hunting, and snoring, the mother in -dressing, dancing, singing, and flirting, to find time for the discharge -of their duty to their offspring. Delicate as she looks, she will go -through any fatigue to attend a ball or party: I suppose you will -scarcely believe, that she has walked eight miles this morning, carrying -her own parcel, to be here to-night." Before Adelaide could offer any -comment on this portrait, Mrs. Temple's attention was attracted by -another acquaintance: "Why, bless me, (said she) there is old Mr. -Marshall: what can have brought him here all the way from Kingston, to -night? except, perhaps, to have the pleasure of seeing his daughters -admired: and it would delight any father's heart to look at that -beautiful creature in blue, now showing the very perfection of a lady's -dancing. That little laughing girl standing beside her is her sister, -who is one of the pleasantest creatures I ever knew."--"Oh!" said -Adelaide, "I believe she is the Miss Marshall I met lately at -Huntingfield, who gave vent to as many ideas in half an hour, as would -serve an economist in speech for a week; I could not help applying to -her Mrs. Sullivan's adage, that _stores breed waste_." - -[Footnote 11: Pointing to the chalking on the floor.] - -"And now, my dear Miss Wildenheim," resumed Mrs. Temple, as, weary of -their promenade, they seated themselves, "if you are curious to inform -yourself as to the beaux of this assembly, you have only to keep your -eyes steadily fixed in the direction of that large mirror, and as they -pass point them out to me; for I will venture to say there is hardly a -young man in the room, who will not, in the course of the evening, stop -opposite to it, and settle his cravat. Look there now, already! observe -that youth adjusting his dress----I hope you saw the shake he gave his -head when he had done, as if to ascertain whether he had any brains in -it or not; much in the style of a thrifty housewife, who uses this -method with her eggs, when she wishes to discover if any spark of -animation lurks within. If he had applied to me," continued Mrs. Temple, -"I could have saved him the trouble he has just put himself to, and -would have solved the doubts the vacant countenance he saw in the glass -excited, by answering in the negative without hesitation. This -gentleman, at present, resides a few miles from hence, for the purpose -of canvassing the town of----, in hopes to represent it in the next -parliament. His travelling equipage is not exactly suited to the -character of a British senator. In addition to the usual establishment -of blinds, his carriage is fitted up on the outside with shades to save -his complexion, and in the barouche seat are two monkeys trained to act -as footmen. It is the received etiquette for every new candidate to make -his _debut_ as _patriot_; he therefore, of course, talks loudly of -'Parliamentary reform:' perhaps he may have some ambitious views for the -ape tribe; indeed I have heard it whispered, that one or two have been -detected in both honourable houses before now." - -Adelaide was much entertained by Mrs. Temple's volubility, but said she -was inclined to differ from her friend as to the conclusion to be drawn -from this singular _cortege_. "You know, my dear Mrs. Temple, to have -'grace enough to play the fool, craves wit,' _sense_ is quite another -affair; but I think it is only those that have at least some talent, who -venture to take out this sort of temporary act of lunacy against -themselves, well knowing they can give convincing proof of sanity when -necessary. I have formed this conclusion from observing, that the -English alone ever make these eccentric exhibitions; you will readily -allow, that if any nation equals, none exceeds them in solid abilities. -If the young gentleman in question is under twenty-five, I would risk -something in favour of the contents of his head, on the strength of the -two monkeys. What a pity Dr. Gall is not here to decide for us, by means -of his soul-revealing touch; our craniologists, you know, tell us, they -have wit, memory, sense, and judgment at their fingers' ends: it is to -be hoped they have them elsewhere also." "What you say of Mr. B----," -replied Mrs. Temple, "amazes me: I own, from you, who are one of the -most rational of human beings in your own department, I expected no -toleration of folly." "Oh, I think the case is far different in the -conduct of women," said Adelaide: "our minds have not the strong -re-active power those of men possess; they, in the regions of folly not -unfrequently 'fall so hard, they bound and rise again,' but we are not -sufficiently firm to possess such elasticity." "I believe you are right, -my dear girl: would you like to visit the other apartments? I have not -seen them yet." Miss Wildenheim consented with alacrity, and they -accordingly proceeded towards the vestibule, where numerous groupes were -promenading, as the dancing was for a time discontinued. - -Adelaide, whilst amusing herself with Mrs. Temple's account of the -company, by degrees herself became an object of general admiration. -Although there were some women present of greater personal beauty than -Miss Wildenheim, yet in her "_La grace, plus belle encore que la -beaute_[12]," won the eye from the contemplation of more perfect -loveliness. "Who is she?" was repeated from mouth to mouth, as she -crossed the vestibule; and when nobody could answer the question, it was -asked with increased earnestness. All agreed she was foreign, and that -there was something not English in her countenance, her manner of -wearing her dress, but above all in her walk. As an epidemical mania -for every thing continental once more reigns in England, the idea that -Adelaide was a foreigner, above all things, stamped her the belle of the -night; she was followed from room to room, and wherever she turned -innumerable eye-glasses were levelled at her. The attention she excited -at last becoming perceptible even to herself, with a look of anxious -inquiry she said to Mrs. Temple, "Is there any thing remarkable in my -appearance, that those people stare so?" "Yes, my dear, something very -remarkable." "Then pray, pray tell me what it is." "Your ignorance of it -is one of your greatest charms, and I am not envious enough to wish to -deprive you of any of them." This reply covered Adelaide with blushes, -and adorned her with a hue, which was the only beauty her fine -countenance did not usually possess. For sorrow had breathed witheringly -on the roses, that once had bloomed on her soft cheek.--Will the voice -of joy ever recal them from their exile? - -[Footnote 12: Grace more lovely than beauty.] - -The Webberly family, finding Adelaide the admiration of the company, now -came up to her, not to show _her_ kindness, but to show _their guests_ -she belonged to them; and their ostentatious civility provoked a smile -of contempt from Mrs. Temple, who had been indignant at their previous -neglect. Miss Wildenheim was soon surrounded by a crowd of beaux and -belles, who addressed her in good, bad, or indifferent French, Italian, -German, or Spanish--some from the polite wish of showing proper -attention to a stranger, others from a natural curiosity as to subjects -of foreign interest. But a large number, from the pure love of display, -gave utterance to as many scraps of any foreign language as their memory -furnished them with from books of dialogues or idioms; and, as soon as -these were exhausted, found some urgent reason for retreating to the -very opposite part of the room, taking care to keep at an awful -distance from her for the rest of the night. Many a poor girl was -brought forward by her mother, _bon gre, mal gre_, to display her -philological acquirements. Adelaide happened to overhear part of a -dialogue, preparatory to an exhibition of this sort. "Italian, mama! -Indeed, indeed, I can't: besides it is quite unnecessary, for Mrs. -Temple says she speaks English fluently." "But you know, love," replied -the matron, "it is such good breeding to address strangers in their own -language." "Yes, _dear_ mama, it is indeed; she is a German, and, I dare -say, doesn't understand Italian." "That doesn't signify, come and speak -to her directly, Miss." "Pray, pray, let it be in French then," said the -girl, half crying; "I have only learned Italian three months, and it's -ten to one if I happen to know what she says to me." "Why, you know, -Maria, when I brought Flo--Floril--(you could help me to the name if -you chose)--but, in short, that travelling Italian you had your flowers -of, to talk to you, he said he took you for a native; but you may speak -Italian first, and French afterwards, and that will be a double -practice, my dear." There was no reprieve;--and a very nice girl, -colouring crimson deep from shame and anger, stammered out a sentence of -wretched Italian, whilst the mother stood by with an air of triumph, to -see her orders obeyed, and observe who was listening. Adelaide, pitying -the poor girl's confusion, replied in French, apparently for her own -ease, and addressed to her a few sentences, which afforded an -opportunity of throwing in that everlasting self-congratulating "_oui, -oui_," which is the young linguist's best ally, even more useful than -Madame de Genlis' "_Manuel du Voyageur_," which, by the bye, an adept in -short hand might have taken down that night. The young lady and her -mother soon left Adelaide, both highly delighted; and, however -unwilling the former had been to make the experiment mama had enjoined, -she certainly thought much more highly of her own attainments after this -happy result. Adelaide was then introduced to a gentleman who spoke -French with as much fluency as herself, and they soon got into that -style of conversation, to which the term _spirituelle_ is so justly -applied, where appropriate diction and elegant idea lend charms to each -other: in the language to which she had from infancy been accustomed, -she expressed herself with peculiar felicity, and seemed to take the -same sort of pleasure in doing so one feels in meeting a long absent -friend. Mrs. Temple was now a silent and wondering spectator, vainly -endeavouring to find out how such a girl as Miss Wildenheim could have -become an inmate of Mrs. Sullivan's family; and remarked that her manner -and acquirements always rose to the level of the scene which called them -forth. At that instant she acquitted herself with as much grace of all -those dues of society, which the passing moment demanded, as she, with -cheerful sweetness, contributed to the amusement of her friends in the -quiet family circle at the parsonage. Mrs. Temple was half angry at the -ease of her manner in such a situation; but when she again looked at -Adelaide, observed her varying blushes, vainly watched for any symptom -of coquetry or attempt at display; and at last caught an imploring -glance, which seemed to say, like Sterne's starling, "I can't get -out--pray relieve me," she felt the injustice of her incipient censures. -She was for an instant prevented from obeying the summons, by an old -general officer asking her, "If that young lady was any relation of the -Baron Wildenheim, who so much distinguished himself at the battle of -Hohenlinden, and so many other desperate encounters of the same -campaign?" "Possibly his daughter," replied Mrs. Temple; "but pray -don't direct any question of that nature to her; for whenever such -subjects are alluded to, she seems deeply affected." When Mrs. Temple -again took Adelaide's arm, she found Mr. Webberly importuning her to -dance. Mrs. Sullivan had made him promise that morning not to ask -Adelaide to dance, for fear of making Miss Seymour jealous! But he could -no longer deny himself the pleasure, for which he had most looked -forward to this evening; and, in spite of his mother's frowns and signs, -(seldom indeed much attended to at Webberly House) he solicited Adelaide -with much earnestness, to dance a set with him, which he offered to -procure express before supper. But as she steadily refused, he, to -solace himself, prevailed on a city cousin, (whose wealth procured her -admittance to her aunt's house) and his sister Cecilia, to exhibit -themselves as waltzers. Cecilia's partner was the _soi-disant_ beau, who -had been so indefatigable in his polygraphie of ton; and the travesty -of Lady Eltondale and Sedley was inimitably ludicrous to those who had a -key to the libel. The company had long been tired of quizzing poor -innocent Lucy Martin; equally fatigued with the amusements provided for -them; were almost weary of admiring and comparing Selina and Adelaide, -most of the ladies by this time having discovered, that though the -latter had a certain "_je ne sais quoi_" about her that was taking, her -hair was too black, and her complexion too pale, for beauty; and that -the loveliness of the former defied criticism--an unwilling confession, -which rendered their first triumph nugatory; so that the waltzers -afforded a very seasonable diversion. Nothing could be fancied more -laughable than the undextrous twirling of the quartet; and few things -are more worthy, in every respect, to be the subject of that spirit of -ridicule which so unfortunately pervades every society, than this -anti-Anglican dance. Mrs. Temple whispered to Adelaide, - - "So ill the motion with the music suits; - "Thus Orpheus play'd, and like them danc'd the brutes." - -How could Mrs. Temple be so ill bred as to whisper?--The whole thing is -'_mauvais ton_' no doubt some decorous belle now exclaims. Gentle -reader, if thou hast never sacrificed thy friend or thy love of the -_exact_ truth to a joke, thou hast a right to vent thine indignation -against this breach of _etiquette_. When thine ire is exhausted, proceed -to read, and thou wilt find that the cause of thine indignation is at an -end.--Supper was at length announced; the company were conducted into -rooms laid out in the same style of ornamental profusion as those they -had already visited. After supper, dancing was resumed with increased -ardour, and continued to an early hour. When the company separated, -they exchanged the glare of candles for the light of the sun; and the -sound of the harp, tabret, and all manner of musical instruments, for -the song of birds and the whistling of the husbandman. - - - - -CHAPTER XV. - - Stranger to civil and religious rage, - The good man walk'd innoxious through his age. - No courts he saw.-- - - POPE. - - -Few people were ever endowed with a greater capacity of receiving -pleasureable emotions than Selina Seymour, and the whole tenor of her -joyful life had hitherto tended to increase this inestimable gift of -nature. She had been as happy at Mrs. Sullivan's ball, as it was -possible for any innocent being, without a care for the present or a -regret for the past; and the pleasure of her own mind was reflected back -to her tenfold in the approving smiles of her father and aunt. Her -delight in the gay scene was unalloyed by envy or competition. She had -never been taught to estimate her _happiness_ by her height in the scale -of admiration; for her fond relatives, thinking her always charming, and -ever considering her felicity more than the gratification of their own -pride, had not tortured her by preparations for exhibition; and, as long -as she danced with pleasure to herself, they cared not _how_. The happy -girl so keenly enjoyed the brilliant scene, was so grateful for the -marked attention she received, that she had not time to stop to consider -whether she was _admired_ or not; and, perhaps, if this query had even -occurred to her mind, the answer to it might have been a matter of -indifference--sufficient was it to her felicity to know she was -_beloved_. - -But all Selina's delight would have been turned to pain the more -exquisite, could one fold of the veil of futurity have been raised to -show her the near approach of misery. On that night she first saw -pleasure decked in her festal robe, her brow crowned with flowers, her -countenance radiant with smiles, presenting her enchantments with one -hand--but saw not the other beckoning to the hovering forms of disease -and death, to array her in the garb of wo:--a task they too quickly -performed; for alas! this scene of gaiety was but the antechamber of -grief. - -Selina rose next day, refreshed with a few hours sound sleep; and, -animated with more than her general vivacity, was skipping down stairs -with her usual velocity, when she was stopped by Mrs. Galton; and, -terrified at the expression of her countenance, "Good God, aunt Mary!" -exclaimed she, "what is the matter you look so pale--are you ill?" "No, -my dear, no; but I am sorry to say your father is very unwell. Don't be -so much alarmed, my dear child--he is better now. Where are you going?" -continued she, holding Selina fast. "To see my dear papa." "You must -not, Selina, Mr. Lucas is with him, endeavouring to compose him to -sleep.--Come to the library, my love, and let us have breakfast." They -proceeded quietly and sorrowfully; and Selina, on entering it, perceived -her aunt was in the dress of the night before. "Why, my dear aunt, you -have never changed your dress. Oh, that vile ball! my dear dear father -has got cold. I wish we had never gone;" and here, quite overcome by the -acuteness of her feelings, she burst into a paroxysm of tears. Mrs. -Galton was not sorry to see her give way to her grief; but when she -became a little composed, addressed her with much solemnity of manner, -saying, "Selina, my dear Selina, command yourself! I require you to -exert all your fortitude; you must not, in a scene like this, render -yourself worse than useless. Do not selfishly give yourself up to your -own feelings. Remember, my child, you may be of much comfort to your -father." Selina answered but by a motion of the hand, and, retiring for -a short time to a solitary apartment, threw herself on her knees, and, -by a fervent supplication for support from Heaven, at last composed -herself so far as to return to her aunt with a calm countenance, though -still unable to speak. One expressive look told Mrs. Galton she was -aware of her father's danger, and was prepared to make every proper -exertion. Sir Henry had at Webberly House most imprudently accompanied -his darling Selina in one of her visits to the hermitage; and, in -consequence of the draughts of air and damps to which he had thereby -exposed himself, was, on his return to the Hall, seized with the gout in -his stomach in a most alarming manner. Mr. Lucas had been immediately -sent for, and, pronouncing him in imminent danger, had requested that -better advice might be procured without delay. At length the violence of -the attack seemed to give way to the remedies administered; and Mr. -Lucas was, as Mrs. Galton said, endeavouring to procure sleep for his -patient, when she heard Selina's bell; and, taking a favourable -opportunity of leaving the sick room, was proceeding to break the -intelligence to her, when they met on the stairs. The ladies continued -at the breakfast in perfect silence, Mrs. Galton not even addressing -Selina by a look, as she well knew that a mere trifle would destroy the -composure she was endeavouring to acquire. When they left the breakfast -table, Mrs. Galton took Selina up stairs, to assist her in changing her -dress, as she feared to leave her alone, and wished to employ her in -those little offices of attentive kindness, which, by their very -minuteness, disturb the mind from meditating on any new-born grief, -though they only irritate the feelings, when sorrow has arrived at -maturity. Mrs. Galton's watchful eye soon discovered Dr. Norton's -carriage at the lower end of the avenue; and that Selina might be out -of the way on his entrance, sent her to walk in the garden, promising to -call her the moment she could be admitted to see her father. When Dr. -Norton arrived, he immediately repaired to Sir Henry's apartment; and, -on hearing it, gave a sad confirmation of Mr. Lucas's opinion, -expressing his fears, that though his patient was tolerably easy at that -moment, violent attacks of the complaint might be expected; and if -_they_ should not prove fatal, the weakness consequent on them most -probably would. Mrs. Galton entreated he would remain at Deane Hall till -Sir Henry's fate was decided, which request he, without hesitation, -complied with. - -Had Dr. Norton conveyed his intelligence to Selina herself, it could -scarcely have afflicted her more deeply than it did Mrs. Galton. Her -regard for Sir Henry was great, and not less lively was her gratitude -for the constant kindness he had for a long course of years shown her; -so that had not another being on earth been interested in his life, she -would, in her own feelings, have found sufficient cause for sorrow. But -when she anticipated Selina's grief, should the fears of the physician -be realized, her own misery was tenfold aggravated by her commiseration -for the beloved child of her heart--the dearest solace of her existence! - -These reflections even increased the usual fondness of Mrs. Galton's -manner to Selina, when, on her return from the garden, she answered the -anxious child's inquiries for her father. She had a hard task to -fulfil--fearful of telling her too much or too little. To avoid any -direct reply, she informed her she might now go to Sir Henry's room, and -Selina, without a moment's delay, was at his bed-side. The poor old man, -anxious, if possible, to postpone the misery of his child, assured her -he was now easy, and desired her to tell him all she thought of the -night before. The innocent girl, on hearing this request, flattered -herself with all the delusion of hope, that her aunt's fears had -exaggerated the danger; and, elated by the idea that her father's -complaint had subsided, talked with much of her usual vivacity, which -increased as she perceived her lively ingenuous remarks cheered the sick -man's face with many smiles.--Little was she aware, they were the last -her own would ever brighten on beholding. - -An express, without delay, was dispatched to Mordaunt, requesting his -immediate presence at Deane Hall. When Selina heard of her father's -anxiety for his arrival, her spirits again sunk, and she reflected in an -agony of sorrow, that "Yesterday she could not have supposed it possible -the idea of seeing Augustus could have been a severe affliction to her." -The night of that sad day Selina requested she might pass in attendance -on her father. Her aunt, fearful of what the morrow might bring forth, -gratified her desire. Dreadful were the reflections that night gave -rise to, as she contrasted the awful stillness of Sir Henry's chamber -with the noisy gaiety of the one, in which she had spent the night -before. - -Two or three days of dreadful suspense thus passed over Selina's head: -whenever she was permitted she was at her father's bed-side, passing in -an instant from the utmost alarm to hope. But though she saw despair -expressed in every face, her mind still rejected it. She could not bring -herself to believe her beloved father was indeed to die! - -Those who most fervently love most ardently hope, and building their -faith on the most trifling circumstances, cling to it with a force none -less deeply interested can imagine. It is well they do. Their fond hopes -make them use exertions, and bestow comforts, they would be otherwise -incapable of. And thus affection is enabled to cheer the bed of death to -the last moment. - -And as for the survivors! no anticipation can prepare them for the -overwhelming despair of the moment in which they lose what they most -prize on earth! - -Grief, rising supreme in this her hour of triumph, will have her -dominion uncontrolled, and defies alike the past and the future,--even -religion must be aided by time to subdue her giant force. - -On the evening of the third day of Sir Henry's illness Augustus Mordaunt -arrived at Deane Hall; the domestics flocked around him, each conveying -to his agonized ear more dismal tidings,--he spent a dreadful half hour -alone in the library, without seeing either Selina or Mrs. Galton, as -Mr. Temple was at that time administering the sacred rites of the church -to Sir Henry, whilst they joined in prayer in the antechamber. When Sir -Henry had finished his devotions, he asked for Selina, and his voice -brought her in a moment to his bed-side; where, kneeling down, in a half -suffocated voice, she implored his blessing, which never father gave -more fervently, nor amiable child received more piously. - -"Selina! you have always been a good child, and obeyed me; when I am -gone, mind what Mrs. Galton says to you. If I had followed her advice, I -should have been better now." The baronet spoke with much difficulty, -and, exhausted with the effort, closed his eyes in a temporary lethargy. -Selina answered not, but with streaming eyes kissed his hand in token of -obedience. At last, raising his head from his pillow, "Where is -Augustus? he is a long time coming."--at that instant footsteps were -heard slowly and softly traversing the anteroom. Selina opening the door -admitted Augustus: she would have retired, but her father signed her -approach; and recovering his strength a little, faltered out, "Happy to -see you, my dear boy--I have been a father to you, Augustus, be a -brother to this poor girl." - -Augustus poured forth his feelings with more fervency than prudence, -and was stopped in the expression of them by Selina, who perceived her -father was quite exhausted: he once more opened his eyes, saying, "I die -content;" he struggled for utterance, but his words were unintelligible, -and he could only articulate, "Go away,--Send Mrs. Galton." Augustus -flew to bring her, whilst Selina hung in distraction over her dying -parent: as they entered the room, her exclamation of "Oh! my father, my -dear father!" gave them warning, that all was over; and when they -approached the bed, parent and child were lying side by side, the one -apparently as lifeless as the other. - -Augustus, in his first distraction, thought he had lost Selina as well -as his beloved and revered friend, but being recalled to his senses by -Mrs. Galton, assisted her in removing Selina to another room. At length -their exertions revived Selina to a dreadful consciousness of her -misfortune--how agonizing was that moment, when, in her frantic grief, -she upbraided their kind care, and wished they had left her to die by -her father's side! "I have no parent now." "Dearest child of my heart, -have I not ever been a mother to you, and will you refuse to be still my -daughter when I stand so much in need of consolation?" Selina threw -herself into her aunt's arms, and gave vent, in tears, to the sorrow of -her bursting heart; at length she cried herself to sleep, like a child, -and her aunt remained at her side all night, ready to soften the horrors -of her waking moments. - -Selina, next day, being comparatively calm, was wisely left in perfect -solitude to disburthen her heart: her grief was not insulted by -officious condolence, too often resembling reproof rather than comfort. -The aspect of grief is obnoxious to the comparatively happy, and they -often use but unskilful endeavours to banish her from their sight, more -for their own ease, than for the relief of the unfortunate beings who -are bound down to the earth by her oppressive power. Those who have felt -it, will with caution obtrude themselves on her sacred privacy, and will -know when to be mute in the presence of the mourner. - -But where shall the reign of selfishness end?--Her votaries intermeddle -with sorrows they cannot cure, and absent themselves from scenes where -they might bestow comfort: they are to be found in the chamber of the -mourner, but fly from the bed of death, which their presence might -cheer, leaving an expiring relative to look in vain for a loved face, on -which to rest the agonized eye. The friends of the dying do not fulfil -their duty, if they desert the expiring sufferer whilst a spark of life -remains. For who can say the moment when sense _begins_ to cease? Though -the eye is closed, and the tongue mute, the grateful heart may yet be -thankfully alive to the kind voice of affectionate care, or the last -silent pressure of unutterable love! - -Scenes of pain may be appalling to the delicate female. But should a -wife, mother, daughter, or sister, shrink from any task, which may be -useful to the object in which her _duty_ and her love are centred? This -is the courage, this the fortitude, it becomes woman to exert! - - - - -CHAPTER XVI. - - Hark! at that death-betok'ning knell - Of yonder doleful passing bell. - - GILBERT COWPER. - - -Immediately after Sir Henry Seymour's death Mordaunt wrote to inform Mr. -Seymour of the event, who was the nearest male relative to Sir Henry -then alive, but who had not lived on terms of any intimacy with the -Baronet, having chiefly resided on his own estate in Cumberland. He, -however, lost no time in repairing to the Hall, less out of respect to -the memory of his relation, than in hopes of benefiting by his decease. -The day after his arrival was appointed for opening the will, but in it -he was completely disappointed; it had evidently been written but a few -days before Sir Henry died; and, except small legacies to his servants, -no bequest was made in it to any person but Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and -Selina. To the first, Sir Henry gave a thousand pounds as a slight -testimony of his friendship and esteem; to Augustus he left a small -estate in Cumberland, and to Selina all his other property of every -description, appointing Lady Eltondale sole guardian of her person; -Mordaunt and Mr. Temple trustees to her estates till she married or came -of age. The interest of a large sum in the funds was appropriated to her -support till either of these events occurred; a considerable portion of -which was to be paid to Lady Eltondale for her maintenance, as it was -Sir Henry's wish that she should reside with her. - -Mr. Seymour endeavoured to conceal his own disappointment by paying a -variety of compliments to Selina and Augustus, whom he chose to class -together, in a manner which, had either of them been sufficiently -disengaged to observe it, would have been not a little embarrassing to -both: fortunately, however, they were each too much occupied by their -own feelings to attend to him; and, as his only motive for visiting -Deane Hall was now at an end, he was glad to escape from the house of -mourning, with as little delay as possible. - -Sir Henry's generosity, which was totally unexpected by Augustus, served -but to imbitter his regrets for the loss of his benefactor. In him he -had lost his earliest friend; for his uncle he considered as an entire -stranger, and of his parents he retained no recollection. Whatever had -been the errors of Sir Henry's judgment, his benevolence had never -failed towards Mordaunt; and, while his many virtues had always ensured -respect, his kindness had sunk deep in the grateful heart of Augustus, -as, in their intercourse, essential obligation had never been cancelled -by casual caprice, or rendered irksome by ungracious austerity of -manner. He however carefully suppressed his own feelings, in order the -better to administer consolation to those of Selina; and while Mrs. -Galton and Mr. Temple, with affection almost paternal, used every -argument which religion and reason could suggest, to reconcile her as -much as possible to her loss; Augustus endeavoured by the tenderest care -and unremitting attention to divert her thoughts from her recent -calamity, and thereby gradually soften the poignancy of her sorrow. -Selina had, till the moment when she was deprived of her father, been -totally unacquainted with grief; for when her mother died, she was too -young to be sensible of her loss; and Mrs. Galton's almost maternal -kindness had filled the void of her infant heart, while she was yet -scarcely conscious of its existence. At first she could hardly be -persuaded that Sir Henry really breathed no more; so sudden, and to her -so unexpected, was his dissolution. But, after she had in some degree -relieved her heart, by giving way to the first outrageous burst of -sorrow, on being convinced he was indeed no longer in existence, she -became almost stupified by the overpowering weight of her misfortune. -Sometimes she would rouse herself from her torpor, by questioning -herself, was what had passed but a dream, or an agonizing reality? Was -it possible she should never more hear his beloved voice, or see the -smile of parental fondness play round the cold lips, that were now -closed for ever? Was she never again to feel the delight of cheering a -parent's couch of sickness by the playful sallies of her imagination, or -soothing the acuteness of pain by those considerate attentions affection -only teaches us to pay. Alas! from whom could she now expect to hear the -joyful sound of welcome, with which her return was always greeted, -however short her absence might have been? or from whom could she now -hope to meet the approving glance, that more than rewarded the merit it -applauded; or experience that partiality, that accorded a ready -extenuation of the errors it could not overlook? Whilst these -reflections crowded on her mind, she felt as if the spring of all her -actions was broken, and in the despondency of the moment, thought she -would willingly have exchanged half the remaining years of her life to -recal a few short moments of her past existence. - -From these afflicting ideas she was however roused by receiving a letter -from Lady Eltondale. It was couched in terms that were intended as kind, -though the selfish feelings that dictated them were easily discernible. -The viscountess drew the consolation she offered to the mourner, not -from the source of religion, or that of friendship, but from the cold -unfeeling calculations of interest. She congratulated Selina on her -immense fortune, and on her speedy prospect of being emancipated from -the cloistered seclusion in which she had hitherto lived; and then, -assuming the tone of guardian, left Selina no pretext for refusing her -"orders" immediately to come to reside under her roof, though the -_orders_ were couched in the most polite terms of invitation. She -concluded by asking Selina, whether Mrs. Galton meant to continue at the -Hall, which was immediately understood by both as an intimation that she -was not expected to accompany Selina; but the interdiction was rendered -still more explicit by a postscript, that conveyed her Ladyship's -compliments to Mrs. Galton, and her hopes, at a future time, to prevail -on her to visit Eltondale. - -Selina was indignant at this marked exclusion of her beloved aunt; and -Mrs. Galton found some difficulty in prevailing on her to return even a -polite answer to the Viscountess; but being persuaded from the tenor of -her Ladyship's letter that excuses would be of no avail, she, at last, -persuaded Miss Seymour to name that day fortnight for leaving the Hall, -in hopes, her promptitude in obeying the summons, would, in some degree, -conceal the mortification it had occasioned. Mrs. Galton also wrote to -say, that she herself would accompany Miss Seymour to Eltondale, as she -could, on no account, think of resigning her charge, till she delivered -her in safety to her new guardian; adding, that Mr. Mordaunt had -promised to escort Mrs. Galton from thence to Bath, whither she purposed -proceeding immediately. When Selina saw these letters absolutely -dispatched, and found the time was decidedly fixed for her parting from -the beloved scenes of her infancy, she gave way to an extravagance of -grief, that resisted all Mrs. Galton's reasoning, and even Mordaunt's -anxious entreaties, that she would not thus endanger her health. While -Selina thus resigned herself to an excess of feeling, which was one of -the most conspicuous traits of her character; and indulged, -uncontrolled, a sorrow that was too poignant to be permanent, Mrs. -Galton was struggling against hers with that firmness, by which she was -equally distinguished. She not only did not obtrude her misery on -others, but her calmness, her mildness, her fortitude, proved she really -practised her own precepts of resignation. However, her mental was -superior to her bodily strength: and when she found she was suddenly to -be separated, probably for life, from the child of her fondest -affection; and recollected the pains, it was more than probable, her new -guardian would take to eradicate from the too pliant mind of her young -pupil, not only all the precepts she had so carefully instilled, but -even all remembrance of the instructress; her spirits drooped under the -painful anticipation: and her increased paleness, and declining -appetite, betrayed the approach of disease, to which, notwithstanding, -she was yet unwilling to yield. It was not, however, to be warded off, -and, before the day appointed for Selina's departure, Mrs. Galton was -confined to her bed in an alarming fever: for several days she continued -in imminent danger, but at length the complaint took a favourable turn, -and she was yet spared to the prayers of her anxious attendants. It was -by no means an unfortunate circumstance for Selina, that Mrs. Galton's -illness occurred, to divert her thoughts from the melancholy subject on -which alone she had hitherto permitted them to dwell. By feeling she had -yet much to lose, she imperceptibly became reconciled to the loss she -had already sustained. And when Mrs. Galton was able to sit up in her -dressing room, she, in some degree, resumed her natural character, once -more contributing to the comfort of those she loved. - -In this delightful task Mordaunt participated: when Mrs. Galton was -able, he would sit for hours reading out to her and Selina, while the -grateful smile that lightened the expressive countenance of the latter -sufficiently rewarded his toil. Sometimes, when Mrs. Galton reclined on -the couch, he would draw his chair closer to Selina's work-table, and -continue their conversation in that low tone, which belongs only to -confidence or feeling, which, therefore he doubly prized; but, though he -thus momentarily drank deeper of the draughts of love, no word escaped -his lips to betray the secret struggles of his soul. It is true, that -profiting by the name of brother, which their long intimacy, in some -degree, entitled him to use, he hesitated not to pay her every attention -the most assiduous lover could devise. But yet he scrupulously respected -the engagement her father had made, and studiously endeavoured to -conceal, even from its object, the passion that prayed upon his soul. -Nor was Selina insensible to his kindness; on the contrary, she felt it -with her characteristic gratitude, and expressed her feelings with her -usual ingenuousness; and such were the charms of Mordaunt's society, -notwithstanding the sincerity and depth of her affliction for her -father's death, the hours thus passed in the reciprocal interchange of -kindness from those most loved were amongst the happiest of her life: -and when, at length, Dr. Norton pronounced his patient sufficiently -recovered to travel, the regrets at leaving the Hall were, probably, not -a little increased on the minds both of Selina and Augustus, by the idea -that such hours might possibly never again recur. - -At last the day came, when Selina was to bid adieu to the only scene, -with which happiness was as yet associated in her mind. It was a cold -stormy morning in December. A mizzling rain darkened the atmosphere, and -the leafless trees presented a scene of external desolation, that in -some degree corresponded with the mental gloom of the travellers. The -sun was scarcely risen, and the domestics, that flitted about in the -bleak twilight, all eager to offer some last attention to their beloved -young mistress and her respected aunt, seemed by their mourning habits, -and sorrowful countenances, to sympathize in their grief; whilst the -mournful present was contrasted in every mind with the recollection of -those joyous days of benevolent hospitality, that season of the year had -formerly presented. Mrs. Galton, suppressing her own feelings, to soothe -those of others, stopped to take a friendly leave of all, while poor -Selina, overcome by their well meant commiseration, rushed past them, -and threw herself into a corner of the carriage in an agony of grief. - -When they reached the outer gate of the park, they found a few of her -father's favourite tenants, and some of the cottagers on whom Selina had -formerly bestowed her bounty, assembled to offer their last token of -respect and hearty wishes for her future happiness; but few of the -number could articulate their simple, though honest, salutations. -Unbidden tears trickled down their furrowed cheeks, as they thus parted -with the last of their revered master's family. The old men stood in -silence with their bare heads exposed to "the pelting of the pitiless -storm," while their hearts gave the blessing their lips refused to -utter. And the mothers held up their shivering infants to kiss their -little hands as the carriage passed, in hopes their infantine gestures -would explain the feelings they only could express by tears. - -When they arrived opposite to the parsonage, they found its kind -inhabitants equally anxious to bestow the parting benediction. Nor were -their greetings as they drove through the village less numerous or -sincere: most of the windows were crowded; and the few tradesmen Deane -boasted were waiting at their doors, to make their passing bow, whilst -poor Mrs. Martin and Lucy continued waving their handkerchiefs over the -white pales, till the carriage was out of sight. - - - - -CHAPTER XVII. - - Alquanto malagevole ed aspretta, - Per mezzo im bosco presero la via, - Che, oltra che sassosa fosse e stretta, - Quasi su dritta alla collina gia. - Ma poiche furo ascesi in su la belta - Usciro in spaziosa pratiera-- - Dover il piu bel Palazzo e'l piu giocondo, - Vider che mai fosse vecluto al mondo[13]. - - ORLANDO FURIOSO. - -[Footnote 13: No doubt most of my readers will prefer their own -translations of my mottoes to any I could offer them; but for those who -choose to avoid this trouble, I add my imitations, which claim no other -merit than that of giving a general idea of the spirit of the original -passage. - - They through the wood their path descried, - Which climb'd the shaggy mountain's side; - Dark, narrow was the winding way, - O'er many a piercing stone it lay. - But when they left the forest's shade, - A spacious platform stood display'd, - On which a palace rose in sight, - The smiling scene of gay delight. -] - - -In proportion as Mrs. Galton and Augustus approached Eltondale, their -regrets increased from their anticipation of so soon parting with -Selina; whilst, on the contrary, her spirits seemed to rise with the -varying scene. Almost every object was new to her, and, as such, was a -fresh source of enjoyment. It would be impossible to describe Selina's -astonishment when she entered Leeds. She had never before been in any -large town; for though York was within thirty miles of the Hall, it had -been, in point of intercourse, as much beyond Sir Henry's circle as -London itself. The throng of people, the constant bustle of passengers, -the gaiety of the shops, and above all the comfort, and even elegance of -the hotel where they slept--were all to her subjects of agreeable -surprise. Even the rapid motion of the carriage whirled on by the post -horses, whose pace was so different from the sober gait of poor Sir -Henry's antiquated steeds, animated and delighted her. And will the -confession be forgiven?--such was her ignorance, or perhaps her -frivolity, that she not only felt, but was vulgar enough to acknowledge -a childish pleasure in the races the postillions frequently entered into -with the stage coaches. Augustus was enchanted with the _naivete_ of her -observations, and gazed with delight on her sparkling eyes and changing -colour, which needed no interpreter to express her varying emotions. But -Mrs. Galton sighed to think how that pliability of disposition, that -now rendered her so bewitching to others, might hereafter become -dangerous to herself. Lady Eltondale, finding Mrs. Galton and Mordaunt -were determined to accompany Selina to the end of her journey, had -written a polite invitation to them to remain at her house some days; -but they had both resolved not to avail themselves of this tardy -civility, even for one night; however, unforeseen delays having -occurred, they did not reach Eltondale till past nine o'clock in the -evening. It was a dark stormy night; the wind, which blew in tremendous -gusts, had extinguished the lamps of the carriage, and they with -difficulty found their way through a thick wood, that climbed the side -of a hill on which the house was situated; but when they emerged from -this Cimmerian darkness, the superb mansion broke upon their view in an -unbroken blaze of light. The exterior rivalled the elegance of an -Italian villa from the lightness of its porticoes, the regularity of -its colonnades, and the symmetry of its whole proportion. Nor was the -interior less elegant. Almost before the carriage reached the steps of -the porch, the ready doors flew open, and a crowd of servants welcomed -their approach: and such was the brilliancy of the scene into which they -were thus suddenly introduced, that it was some minutes before the -travellers could face the dazzling glare of this sudden day. When, -however, they were enabled to look round, the _coup d'oeil_ called -forth involuntary admiration. Three halls, _en suite_, lay open before -them, all illuminated, particularly the centre one, which contained a -light stone stair-case, that wound round a dome to the top of the house, -only interrupted by galleries that corresponded to the different floors. -Out of the hall in which they stood, a conservatory stretched its length -of luxuriant sweetness. The roses, that were trained over its trellised -arches, were in full blow, and formed a beautiful contrast to the -icicles that hung on the outside of the windows, whilst the blooming -garden itself was equally contrasted by the winter clothing of the -adjoining halls. In them large blazing fires gave both light and heat; -whilst thick Turkey carpets, bearskin rugs, and cloth curtains to every -door, bid defiance to the inclemency of the severest season. - -Before Selina had time to express half her rapture and surprise, the -Alcina of this enchanted palace approached to welcome them. And such was -the elegance, the fascination of Lady Eltondale's address, particularly -to Mrs. Galton and Augustus, that they for a moment almost doubted -whether they had indeed rightly understood her prohibitory letter. Lord -Eltondale had not yet left the dinner table; but the moment he heard of -the arrival of his guests, he bustled out, napkin in hand, to bellow -forth his boisterous welcome: "Gad, I'm glad to see ye all. How do? how -do? Why, Mrs. Galton, you're thinner than ever; but this is capital -fattening ground. Selina, my girl, what have you done with the rosy -cheeks you had last summer? Come, child, don't cry; you know you could -not expect Sir Henry to live for ever--and you've plenty of cash, eh?" -Lady Eltondale, perceiving her Lord's condolences by no means assuaged -Selina's tears, took hold of her hand and that of Mrs. Galton, and with -a kindness much more effectual, though perhaps not more sincere, led -them away from her unconscious Lord, who, without waiting for reply or -excuse, seized Mordaunt by the arm, and dragged him into the eating -parlour, as he said, "to drink the ladies' health in a bottle of the -best Burgundy he ever tasted." - -The drawing-room, to which Lady Eltondale introduced her guests, was -perfectly consistent with its beautiful entrance, for here, - - "If a poet - Shone in description, he might show it,-- - Palladian walls--Venetian doors-- - Grotesco roofs--" - -in short, all that taste and extravagance could procure to combine -comfort and elegance. - -Before Lady Eltondale drew aside the curtain that screened the door of -the anteroom, a few chords on the harp were distinguished--and on -entering the apartment they perceived two ladies. One was an old woman, -dressed in mourning, with a large black bonnet, which almost entirely -concealed her face, whom Lady Eltondale introduced as Lady Hammersley. -She looked up, for a moment, from a book she appeared to be perusing -intently, and after saluting the strangers with an obsequious -inclination of the head, resumed her studies in silence. The other -lady, who was reclining against the harp, was dressed in the extreme of -French fashion. Her face, though not youthful, appeared, at that -distance, handsome, from the judicious arrangement of white and red, -with which it was covered. But a closer inspection proved the only -charms it could really boast were a pair of large black eyes, that could -assume any requisite expression, and a set of teeth, which, whether -natural or artificial, were certainly beautiful. Her dark hair was -crowned with a wreath of roses _en corbeille_, the colour of her cheeks; -and her tall slim figure was covered, not concealed, by a loose muslin -robe _a la Diane_. - -At first the Viscountess took no notice of the fair minstrel; but having -placed Mrs. Galton close to the fire in a Roman chair, and ordered -coffee, and an opera basket for her feet, she drew Selina's arm through -her own, and, approaching the stranger, addressed her, saying, "At -last, Mademoiselle Omphalie, here is my niece: have I said too much of -her?" "_Ah! mon Dieu, qu'elle est belle!_" returned the complaisant -foreigner. "_Ma foi, elle est fail a peindre._[14] _Ma chere_ young -ladi, ve must be ver good friends: I am positive I shall dote a you." So -saying, she held out her hand to Selina, who returned the proffered -courtesy with a glow of gratitude for the unexpected kindness. But the -Viscountess did not give her niece time to profit much by the stranger's -civility. She just happened to recollect, that Selina's furs were -unnecessary in her ladyship's drawing-room, and proposed to the -travellers to have them introduced to their apartments, which they -gladly acceded to. But here a new fashion struck their wondering eyes. -The Viscountess desired her footmen to send "Argant" to show the rooms. -Mrs. Galton and Selina ignorantly imagined they were to be consigned to -the care of a house-maid. What then was their dismay, when a Swiss groom -of the chambers made his appearance, with their wax tapers, and escorted -them, not only to their rooms, which adjoined each other, but familiarly -entered the apartments with them; and having deliberately lighted the -candles on their respective toilets, with a thousand shrugs and grimaces -asked, "_Si mesdames lui permettront l'honneur d'oter leurs -pelisses[15]?_" When he had at last retired, Mrs. Galton could no longer -suppress her feelings; the tears trickled down her cheeks as she clasped -Selina to her bosom, with a fearful anticipation of the trials and -temptations, a scene so new and so bewitching was likely to offer to a -girl so totally inexperienced. But unwilling, unnecessarily, to damp -the dear girl's spirits, which were already fluttering between joy and -sorrow, she attributed her depression solely to the idea of so soon -parting with her, as she had fixed to leave Eltondale with Augustus very -early the following morning. When the two ladies returned to the drawing -room, they found the gentlemen had joined the party. Besides Lord -Eltondale and Mordaunt, the circle was enlarged by Sir Robert -Hammersley, an old fat Scotch admiral, and his son, who had thrown -himself, at full length, on a sofa, listening to an Italian _arietta_, -that Mademoiselle Omphalie was warbling forth in "liquid sweetness long -drawn out," whilst he occasionally interrupted her finest cadences with -an audible yawn, or an almost unintelligible "_brava_." Lady Eltondale, -Lady Hammersley, and Mrs. Galton formed a group together, and entered -into general conversation, while Sir Robert and his host were warmly -engaged in continuing a political dispute. Selina remained attentively -listening to the delightful harmony of Mademoiselle Omphalie's melodious -voice, till at length her eye meeting that of Mordaunt, which rested -solely on hers, her expressive countenance told him in a moment all her -admiration and delight. He softly approached her, and, leaning over her -chair, said, in a low tone, "All these new pleasures will soon make you -forget----I mean you will scarcely have time to think of Yorkshire." She -turned her beautiful face towards him, with an expression of melancholy -and surprise, but meeting his speaking glance, she hastily withdrew her -eyes, and coloured, with an ill defined feeling of painful pleasure: -some flowers, that she had inconsiderately taken from a china vase, that -stood on a table near her, suffered from her agitation, as she -unconsciously scattered some of the myrtle leaves on the floor. -Augustus picked up one of the fallen branches, and, looking at Selina, -"_Je ne change qu'en mourant_," said he, with an emphasis that seemed to -apply the motto in more ways than to the leaf he held. Selina's -confusion increased, and a tear stood on her long eye-lashes, but before -she could articulate the half formed sentence that trembled on her lip, -Lady Eltondale advanced to the table, and abruptly asked her to give her -opinion of some drawings that were scattered about it; and so completely -did she monopolize her for the remainder of the evening, that she had -not again an opportunity of speaking to Augustus. When, however, the -company were separating for the night, he advanced to ask if she had any -further commands for him; but, with a trepidation she did not wait to -analyse, she postponed her adieus, entreating him not to say farewell -then, as she meant certainly to be up long before Mrs. Galton and he -would leave Eltondale in the morning. - -[Footnote 14: "Ah! how beautiful she is!" "She is divinely formed."] - -[Footnote 15: "If the ladies would allow him to take off their -pelisses."] - -END OF VOL. I. - - * * * * * - -Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey. - - * * * * * - -[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes -left as printed.] - - * * * * * - -Books published by Baldwin, Cradock, and Joy. - -WORKS RECENTLY PUBLISHED. - - -ROSABELLA, or A MOTHER'S MARRIAGE. In 5 vols. By the Author of "Romance -of the Pyrenees;" "Santo Sebastiano, or the Young Protector;" "Adelaide, -or the Countercharm;" and "Forest of Montalbano." - -HARRINGTON, a Tale; and Ormond, a Tale. By MARIA EDGEWORTH; Author of -"Tales of Fashionable Life," &c. &c. 3 vols. - -PATRONAGE. By the same Author. Third Edition. - -COMIC DRAMAS. By the same Author. 1 vol. - -SARSFIELD, or the Wanderings of Youth; an Irish Tale. By JOHN GAMBLE, -Esq. Strabane. 3 vols. - -HOWARD. By the same Author. 2 vols. - -WARWICK CASTLE, an Historical Novel. 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