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-The Project Gutenberg eBook of Manners, Vol 2 of 3, by Madame Panache
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-Title: Manners, Vol 2 of 3
-
-Author: Madame Panache
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-Release Date: July 7, 2012 [eBook #40159]
-[Most recently updated: January 27, 2021]
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-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: UTF-8
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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40159 ***
 
                       MANNERS:
 
@@ -4978,358 +4952,4 @@ Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.
 [Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes
 left as printed.]
 
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+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 40159 ***
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Manners, Vol 2 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 2 of 3
-       A Novel
-
-Author: Frances Brooke
-
-Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40159]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 2 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. II.
-
-    LONDON:
-    PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY,
-    PATERNOSTER ROW.
-
-    1817.
-
-
-
-
-MANNERS.
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-    Yo sè, Olalla, que me adoras,
-    Puesta que no me lo has dicho,
-    Ni aún con los ojos siguiera,
-    Mudas lenguas de amorios[1].
-
-    CERVANTES SAAVEDRA.
-
-[Footnote 1:
-
-    I know, Olalla, that thou lov'st me,
-    Though words have ne'er thy flame confess'd;
-    Nor even have those guarded eyes,
-    Mute tell-tales of love's embassies,
-    Betray'd the secret of thy breast,--
-    Yet still, Olalla, still thou lov'st me.
-]
-
-
-It was long before Selina's agitated spirits could be composed; and when
-at length she sunk to rest, she was haunted by confused dreams of mixed
-joy and sorrow, in which Mordaunt's figure was always prominent. At
-last, however, towards morning she fell into a quiet sleep, from which
-she did not awake till several hours after Mrs. Galton and Augustus had
-left Eltondale.
-
-Selina had given her maid so many charges to call her in time to take
-leave of them, that she had firmly relied on her doing so, little
-imagining that Mrs. Galton had previously determined to spare her the
-pain of parting. She had left a note for her, in which she reiterated
-her farewell, and her request to hear frequently from Selina; but the
-kindness of its expressions, if possible, aggravated the poor girl's
-sorrow and disappointment. As usual, she gave way unrestrainedly to her
-feelings, and wept aloud, really unconscious that while her tears flowed
-ostensibly for Mrs. Galton alone, her regrets arose not a little from
-the absence of Augustus. But, though Selina deceived herself in the
-belief, that she only bewailed this her first separation from her
-beloved aunt, she was most sincere in the grief she professed to feel on
-her account; for hypocrisy was a stranger to her guileless heart, yet
-uninitiated in the mysteries of that world, in which the timid and
-unpractised first learn to conceal the sentiments they actually feel,
-and conclude by displaying those that are but assumed. On the contrary,
-her genuine feelings were neither blunted by familiarity with sorrow,
-nor exhausted by the premature cultivation of sickly sensibility; and,
-though a more sobered reason might have wished the expression of them to
-be occasionally restrained, yet even a Stoic might have confessed, that
-the perfection of her judgment would have been dearly purchased by any
-alteration in the susceptibility of her heart.
-
-Her melancholy toilet was scarcely finished, before she was summoned to
-Lady Eltondale's dressing-room. Her Ladyship advanced to the door to
-meet her with unusual cordiality of manner; but she scarcely beheld her
-wan countenance, when, starting back, she exclaimed with surprise, "Good
-heavens, child! what can be the matter? Oh! I had really forgotten Mrs.
-Galton's departure. Why, Selina, you could not have disfigured yourself
-more, if she was gone to heaven instead of to Bath. Here, La Fayette, do
-bring some cold cream to Miss Seymour, and a little _eau de Cologne_.
-However, my dear girl, I cannot regret that you have so totally
-disguised yourself to-day, as we shall have a pleasant _tête à tête_.
-You shall breakfast up stairs with me this morning, for you are really
-at present not presentable."
-
-Lady Eltondale's kind consideration for Selina individually, and
-apparent indifference to the cause of her sorrow, was, perhaps, more
-effectual in its temporary suppression, than the most sympathetic
-condolences would have been; and, before Mons. Argant made his
-appearance with the apparatus for breakfast, Selina had sufficiently
-recollected herself, to request Lady Eltondale not to derange her plans
-on her account, but to remember her other guests.
-
-"My dear little rustic," answered her Ladyship, laughing, "your odd
-notions really remind me of the last century. Nobody plays the part of
-hostess now; and as to guests--none could be admitted into a fashionable
-house, that do not know how to make themselves perfectly at home in it.
-I declare you are so simple, you would hardly have understood the merit
-of Mr. Frederick Bijou appearing last spring at a party his wife gave to
-the Prince, with a round hat under his arm, to show he was the only
-stranger in the room. Why now every inn in a country village is fitted
-up with all the conveniences of a private house; and the best praise you
-can give to a family mansion is to compare it to an hotel." The
-Viscountess was excessively entertained at the artless surprise
-expressed by her auditor; and concluded some similar observations by
-saying, she knew Selina would be so astray in the scene into which she
-had been thus suddenly dropt, that she was very glad nobody would be
-with them till after Christmas. "Then," said Selina, "I suppose Lady
-Hammersley is gone." "Oh! dear no--but she is nobody. Sir Robert is a
-relation of my Lord's; and I am obliged to go through the martyrdom of
-hearing his barbarous phraseology for at least a month every year, and I
-am afraid ten days of the penance are yet to come. Lady Hammersley never
-visits London; and, indeed, I believe the good woman thinks herself
-almost contaminated by even venturing as far as this within the
-Charybdean pool.--But, poor soul! she need not be afraid. If fashion was
-absolutely epidemical, she would never suffer from the contagion. She
-and the Admiral spend nine months of every year at Bath; he, drinking
-the water and reading the newspapers, and she, playing cards and writing
-essays. However, you may turn even her to account; for in one half hour
-you will learn more what vice is, from her long-syllabled declamations
-against it, than your poor innocent head would dream of in a
-twelvemonth."
-
-"And which of the parents does the son resemble?" asked Selina,
-laughing. "Why, it is difficult to divine what nature intended him to
-be. One may parody Cowper, and say, 'God made them, but he has made
-himself;' and what the composition will turn out, I know not. He wishes
-to be a man of the world, and affects the reputation of vice, without
-having the courage to be wicked. I verily believe he is often at church
-of a Sunday evening, when he pretends to be at the gaming-table.
-However, you need not be inquisitive about him, for he will never
-condescend to notice you, till he ascertains whether you are the
-fashion or not. He does not want money, and he does want _ton_; and you
-know, according to the new system of craniology, men ought to choose
-their wives by the inverse ratio of their own deficiences. But you don't
-inquire about Mademoiselle Omphalie, whom I thought you meant last night
-to swear an everlasting friendship with. I asked her here solely for
-your sake."
-
-Selina coloured, and expressed her thanks with her usual warmth and
-_empressement_.
-
-"But I do not intend Mademoiselle Omphalie to be Miss Seymour's bosom
-friend. She is a public singer, my dear, and as such her reputation is
-perfect;--her private character is, I believe, much less immaculate; but
-with that, you know, we have nothing to do. The world now adopts the
-precept, 'Judge not that ye be not judged;' and, if people are wise
-enough not to hold the lantern to their own vices, they need not be
-troubled with any Diogenes. As to Mademoiselle Omphalie, she is just now
-on the tottering point of respectability, which, of course, makes her
-doubly decorous in her general behaviour; and, as I do not think her
-reputation can survive another winter, I was extremely anxious to seize
-this opportunity of giving you the advantage of her talents and
-instruction in music. But, Selina, don't let her instruct you in
-anything else, for she would infallibly make you a prude or a coquette,
-and I scarcely know which I hate most."
-
-It is impossible to express Selina's astonishment at Lady Eltondale's
-conversation. When they had last met, she had been both delighted and
-surprised at the ease and elegance of her manners; but as she had only
-seen her in the company of Mrs. Galton, she was totally unconscious of
-the degree of levity to which that ease of manner could degenerate,
-either from accident or design. Lady Eltondale now entertained her
-wondering guest with a style of conversation to which she was totally
-unused. It is true, her expressions, like her conduct, were so guarded
-that no weak point was left open to censure; but she seemed so little to
-respect the barriers between vice and virtue, that they appeared to be
-considered by her as by no means insurmountable;--and Selina, finding
-those principles of rigid propriety now ridiculed, which she had
-hitherto been taught only to venerate, wondered for a moment whether the
-error lay in her Ladyship's frivolity or her own ignorance.
-
-Meantime the Viscountess was not unobservant of her niece. She perceived
-that her changing countenance portrayed every varying emotion, almost
-before she was herself conscious of its influence. Sometimes the
-expression of her dark brow led her to fear, that Selina was capable of
-making deep reflections, though she willingly believed her deficient in
-resolution. At other times the arch smile, that played round her dimpled
-mouth, showed she was by no means insensible to the charms of raillery
-and satire, whilst the half-formed reply seemed to insinuate, that she
-could emulate the bewitching, though dangerous, talent she admired. But
-above all, Lady Eltondale failed not to remark the evanescent nature of
-all Selina's feelings, which almost seemed to exhaust themselves in the
-first stage of their existence. Hers was indeed "the tear forgot as soon
-as shed;" and, as she accompanied Lady Eltondale through the various
-apartments of her splendid house, and innocently expressed her delight
-and wonder at all she saw, her experienced and artful guide smiled at
-the rapid transitions of her thoughts, and anticipated a speedy conquest
-over a mind, which appeared already weakened by inherent volatility.
-
-When Selina joined the party at dinner-time, Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and
-the Hall, seemed already to be forgotten by her. It was true the roses
-in her cheek yet drooped from the effect of the morning shower; but her
-lovely countenance had reassumed that expression of content and pleasure
-which was most natural to it.--But,
-
-    How like this spring of love resembleth
-      The uncertain glories of an April day,
-    Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
-      And by and by a cloud takes all away.
-
-Unfortunately at dinner Lord Eltondale addressed to her one of his
-inconsiderate compliments, in which he alluded, with more kindness than
-delicacy, to her recent misfortune. The unexpected mention of her father
-overcame her spirits; and, as usual, without reference to the
-spectators, she gave way to the feelings of the moment, and burst into
-tears. Mr. Hammersley, laying down his knife and fork, turned to stare
-at the mourner with an expression of countenance, that seemed to say,
-it was long since he had witnessed the natural emotions of a susceptible
-heart. Lady Eltondale withdrew the attention of Mademoiselle Omphalie by
-making some opportune inquiry. But Sir Robert's observation of Selina
-was not to be evaded. After looking at her steadfastly for some minutes,
-he exclaimed, "Come, come, my girl, cheer up;--swab the spray off your
-bowsprit, and never let the toppinglifts of your heart go down. If your
-father has got into port before you, if you keep a steady course and a
-true reckoning, you'll be sure of having a good birth alongside of him
-in a tide or two. Here, toss off this bumper, and haul in your jib
-sheet."
-
-Selina could not help smiling at the manner in which the kind-hearted
-old man offered his consolation. But Lady Hammersley, who had hitherto
-remained in silence, now remarked in an emphatic tone, that "It was a
-work of supererogation to endeavour to suppress the tear of filial
-regret. A few weeks' association with the votaries of fashion would
-effectually eradicate the meritorious sentiments, and teach hypocritical
-sensibility to fictitious griefs to be ostentatiously substituted for
-genuine susceptibility."
-
-From that day, during the remainder of his stay at Eltondale, Sir Robert
-Hammersley seemed to interest himself particularly about Selina. And
-though his Lady seldom condescended to address herself to her, yet even
-the cynical turn of her conversation implied approbation of Miss
-Seymour's present character by the very anticipations of its speedy
-alteration, which she daily repeated. Mr. Hammersley, as Lady Eltondale
-had prophesied, scarcely noticed the untutored girl, and seldom joined
-the morning party, except when Mademoiselle Omphalie was employed in
-communicating her enchanting talents to Selina, whose rapid progress
-astonished even Lady Eltondale. She already perfectly understood the
-science of music; and her naturally fine voice was peculiarly adapted
-to exemplify Mademoiselle Omphalie's excellent instructions. Even before
-many weeks had passed, Selina could not only join her in some beautiful
-Italian duets, but also accompany herself very tolerably on the harp,
-which soon became her favourite instrument.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-     Le faux bien qu'elle prêche est plus dangereux que le mal même, en
-     ce qu'il séduit par une apparence de raison, en ce qu'il fait
-     préférer l'usage et les maximes du monde, à l'exacte probité, en ce
-     qu'il fait consister la sagesse dans un certain milieu entre le
-     vice et la vertu[2].
-
-     JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU, A M. D'ALEMBERT.
-
-[Footnote 2: The false propriety which she preaches is more dangerous
-than vice itself, inasmuch as it seduces by an appearance of
-reason--inasmuch as it recommends the usages and the maxims of the world
-in preference to strict integrity--inasmuch as it makes wisdom appear to
-be a certain medium between vice and virtue.]
-
-Selina was not less attentive to Lady Eltondale's various lessons on
-propriety and elegance, than she had been to the instructions of
-Mademoiselle Omphalie. And though Lady Hammersley's satirical
-predictions were not yet fulfilled, as to any alteration that had taken
-place in her mind; yet it was evident, before she had been many weeks at
-Eltondale, that her general deportment was considerably changed since
-she had been under the superintendence of the Viscountess. Perhaps no
-woman ever more thoroughly understood the rules of politeness than did
-Lady Eltondale; and though a pupil formed entirely in her school would
-scarcely have failed to acquire, ultimately, that freezing apathy which
-was one of her own most distinguishing characteristics, yet the
-refinement of her manners was by no means an unfortunate counterpoise to
-the natural vivacity of Selina's. If it could have been possible to
-unite the polished exterior of the one with the unsophisticated mind of
-the other, it would have formed as perfect a whole, as if the rich and
-exuberant fancy of a Titian had been harmonized by the chastely correct
-judgment of a Michael Angelo.
-
-Lady Eltondale had been right in believing, that Mr. Hammersley would
-not venture to admire the superior charms of Miss Seymour, till they had
-become current by receiving the die of fashion; and, as he found but
-little pleasure in the comparatively quiet society at Eltondale, he
-pleaded an indispensable engagement, and set off for town a few days
-after Selina's arrival. Nor did Sir Robert and Lady Hammersley protract
-their stay much longer. Early in January they returned to Bath, and
-their places at Eltondale were almost immediately filled by other
-visitors; for Lady Eltondale could never bear to be alone; and though on
-account of her brother's recent death she forbore giving any very public
-entertainments, or receiving the most dissipated of her acquaintances,
-yet a constant succession of parties filled up to her, in some degree,
-the charm of a winter's seclusion; and the gay and fashionable manners
-of several of her guests served to introduce Selina to those frivolous
-amusements, which are generally the outposts to more reprehensible
-pursuits.
-
-Selina's deep mourning had at first served as an excuse for her
-declining to partake of the gayer engagements the neighbourhood of
-Eltondale occasionally afforded. For, notwithstanding the avidity with
-which she entered into the pleasures by which she was surrounded, she
-was still sufficiently unlearned in the ways of the world to believe,
-that, at least where the memory of a parent was concerned, it was not
-altogether decorous
-
-    "To bear about the mockery of woe
-    "To midnight dances and the publick show;"
-
-and having at first received Mrs. Galton's approbation of her
-forbearance, she resisted in that one instance all Lady Eltondale's
-arguments and entreaties.--Happy would it have been for her, if she
-could always have resorted to the counsel of such a friend as Mrs.
-Galton. Lady Eltondale felt mortified by the unexpected resistance to
-her wishes, in a point she deemed so trifling; but, however, she
-compromised the matter with Selina, by prevailing upon her to change her
-sable dress at the end of three months, and to give up her mourning
-entirely at the end of six, which term would arrive before their going
-to London. She at the same time secretly resolved to interrupt, as much
-as possible, Selina's correspondence with Mrs. Galton, foreseeing it
-might, in other instances, equally frustrate her intentions and
-designs:--not that she could exactly define, even to herself, why she
-was so solicitous not only to supplant Mrs. Galton in Miss Seymour's
-affection, but also to change even the very character of her niece. She
-looked upon the engagement between her and Mr. Elton almost as
-irrevocable; and it was indeed a matter of comparative indifference to
-her, what was the true character of the woman she was so anxious to make
-his wife. But the real motive of the Viscountess' conduct, of which she
-herself was scarcely conscious, was a jealousy of Mrs. Galton's
-influence over Selina's mind, and an envious hatred produced by the
-consciousness of her own inferiority to her rival in her niece's
-affection; and she was perfectly aware that she could by no means so
-essentially mortify the woman she hated, or lessen the influence she so
-much dreaded, as by undermining the principles and changing the
-character Mrs. Galton had taken so much pains and pride in forming.
-
-One morning Lady Eltondale entered the breakfast-room before Selina had
-returned from her usual early ramble; and as she carelessly tossed over
-the letters, which were left on the table to be claimed by their owners,
-her eye rested on one directed to Miss Seymour, in a hand-writing with
-which she was unacquainted. She had understood from Selina, that she had
-no correspondent but Mrs. Galton; and her curiosity was not a little
-roused by perceiving the seal bore the impression of the well-known
-Mordaunt arms. While she still held the letter in her hand, Selina
-entered the room;--the Viscountess feeling a momentary embarrassment in
-being detected so closely examining a letter directed to another,
-hastily concealed it, resolving to replace it next day. But in error,
-_ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte_. No person that voluntarily
-treads on the threshold of vice, can be certain that they will always
-have it in their power to retrace their steps. Lady Eltondale would
-probably have shuddered at the idea of deliberately intercepting a
-letter, and still more of clandestinely perusing it; yet having thus
-unpremeditatedly possessed herself of the one in question, she could not
-resist the further temptation of satisfying herself as to the nature of
-its contents, and accordingly opened it as soon as she found herself
-alone. It proved to be, as she suspected, a letter from Augustus. In
-truth, the expression of Selina's countenance, the last evening they had
-spent together, had never faded from his "mind's eye." With all the
-tenacity of a lover's memory, he called to remembrance every look, every
-word that seemed to flatter his fond wishes; and then, with all the
-subtlety of a lover's rhetoric, he persuaded himself that no duty he
-owed to the memory of Sir Henry forbad his endeavouring at least to
-retain whatever share of Selina's good opinion he already possessed;
-though he was still determined so far to respect the expressed wish of
-the Baronet, as not to precipitate a declaration of his own attachment,
-till Selina had an opportunity of fully understanding her own heart, and
-making her selection between him and Mr. Elton. Thus compromising
-between his passion and his principles, he addressed Selina in the
-character of trustee to her estate, and profiting by the excuse which
-that situation afforded him, conjured Selina to point out in what way he
-could be of most use; expressing his anxiety to be of service to her, in
-the warmest terms that passion under the mask of friendship could
-suggest.
-
-Had this letter then reached Selina, it would have spared her many hours
-of future sorrow. But Lady Eltondale determined it should not do so. Her
-penetration too soon discovered its real import;--she perceived
-
-    "Love's secret flame
-    Lurk'd under friendship's sacred name:"
-
-and, with her usual sophistry, persuading herself that the end
-sanctified the means, she congratulated herself on the steps she had
-taken, and believed her laudable anxiety for the welfare of her step-son
-justified her treacherous conduct to her orphan niece. She was not long
-in deciding on the best measures to prevent a continuation of a
-correspondence so dangerous to her favourite scheme; and enclosing the
-letter back to Mordaunt, wrote the following note in the envelope:
-
-     "LADY ELTONDALE presents her compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and her
-     best thanks for his polite offers of service, which, however, she
-     begs to decline as Mr. Elton is expected to return to England
-     immediately, who will of course superintend himself the management
-     of all Miss Seymour's estates. Lady Eltondale returns Mr.
-     Mordaunt's letter, as perhaps he may, at a future time, wish to
-     refer to it on the subject of Wilson's farm, upon which Miss
-     Seymour, in her present delicate situation, feels no wish either to
-     correspond or decide."
-
-It would be impossible to describe the mortification and disappointment
-this laconic epistle occasioned Augustus. He felt justly indignant at
-the manner in which his proffered kindness had been rejected; and
-considered the insult in no slight degree aggravated by the circumstance
-of Selina permitting a third person to convey her own unfeeling reply.
-In one moment the bright vision of hope and joy, that had flitted before
-him, dissolved in air; and, from the delighted contemplation of all her
-charms, he sunk in an instant into the opposite extreme, and equally
-exaggerated all her failings. He recalled to mind Mr. Temple's
-observations, which now seemed absolutely prophetic; and, passing
-rapidly from one passion to another, upbraided her not only with the
-foibles she really possessed, but even with those errors that were as
-yet but anticipated. By degrees, however, the storm subsided. He so
-often repeated to himself that she was now perfectly indifferent to him,
-that he flattered himself it was really the case; and he determined
-thenceforward only to consider her as the wife of Mr. Elton, believing
-that appellation would act as a talisman, to prevent a return of a
-passion he had now persuaded himself was perfectly hopeless.
-
-While Augustus, in his retirement at Oxford, was thus endeavouring to
-extinguish feelings that were only a source of regret; and while Mrs.
-Galton was consoling herself as much as possible for her separation from
-her beloved child, by renewing old friendships, and forming new
-acquaintances at Bath, Selina was, by degrees, becoming more
-familiarized with the levity, duplicity, and frivolity, which were daily
-exemplified in the manners of Lady Eltondale and her different visitors.
-At length the time approached for their removal to London: an early day
-in April was fixed for their journey, which Selina anticipated with all
-the delight of a young vivacious girl, that at last found herself on the
-confines of a new world of pleasure, the enjoyments of which were yet
-untasted, and its sorrows unsuspected.
-
-When the moment of their departure actually came, she gave way to
-unmixed feelings of joy. She laughed, sung, and frolicked round the
-room like a sportive child, and yet she could scarcely define her own
-emotions. She was hardly conscious that her pleasure, in a great degree,
-arose from the silently cherished hope of seeing Augustus. She had felt
-surprised, and even hurt, at his not having, as she supposed, made any
-inquiry after her, during her four months' stay at Eltondale. But she
-had always felt an unaccountable unwillingness to mention his name to
-Lady Eltondale; nor did she even to herself confess how much the
-expectation of seeing him once more contributed to the pleasure she
-anticipated from her visit to London.
-
-The future was now opened to her view like an extended horizon, shining
-in all the luxury of light, which, while the intervening masses of the
-ground lay concealed, depicted no object in its natural colours, but
-touching here and there some prominent beauty with its most resplendent
-rays, confounded all the rest in one undistinguishable mass of
-brilliancy. As they were stepping into the carriage, a letter from Mr.
-Elton was delivered to Lord Eltondale. Little did Selina imagine she had
-any reason to be interested in the packet his Lordship so anxiously
-perused; and even had she been aware of the mention made in it of
-herself, it would scarcely have had power to withdraw her thoughts from
-the nearer, and therefore with her more powerful attraction.
-
-     TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE.
-
-     Paris, April 3.
-
-     I beg you will, my dear father, accept my best thanks for your last
-     kind letter, though I must remark, that your affectionate
-     solicitude for my happiness makes you over anxious to promote it. I
-     confess I was more surprised than pleased to find, that, without in
-     the least consulting my inclinations, you had entered into an
-     engagement to contract Miss Seymour to me! Pardon me, my Lord; but
-     had you and Sir Henry Seymour been employed in assisting each other
-     to match your carriage horses instead of your children, less
-     ceremony could scarcely have been used. You dilate much on Miss
-     Seymour's beauty and fortune:--I am no cynic; yet, strange to say,
-     the one is nearly as indifferent to me as the other. However if I
-     find, on becoming acquainted with the _character_ of the young lady
-     in question, I can esteem and love her, I shall not object to her
-     beauty or her riches, but shall duly appreciate the honour she
-     would confer on me in making me her husband. But till I can judge
-     for myself, I feel I have a right to demand, that neither you nor
-     _Lady Eltondale_ will do aught to compromise my honour in this
-     affair. In a word, these are not times to risk the well-being of
-     one so young and lovely, by a match of mere convenience: unless I
-     can feel for the "_innocent charming_" Selina, Lady Eltondale so
-     eloquently describes, all the attachment she merits, I will never
-     have the cruelty to unite myself to her. Her orphan state
-     sanctifies her in my eyes. Had she a father or brother to watch
-     over her welfare, I might, perhaps, be less scrupulous; for, as it
-     regards myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whom I
-     marry now--my hopes are frustrated, my spirits depressed, and I
-     feel it a mere mockery to mention happiness and marriage together.
-     Perhaps some ten years hence, when "I have forgot myself to stone,"
-     I may sacrifice the remnant of my joyless existence to family
-     interests.
-
-     "As all my prospects of felicity in private life are blasted, I
-     turn with more avidity to that course of public usefulness, which
-     alone can now afford me satisfaction. Every thing has been
-     sacrificed to it.
-
-     "I wish to obtain your consent to my remaining some time longer in
-     this capital, to continue a course of inquiry I have entered into
-     on points of great political importance, and to profit by the
-     acquaintance of some public characters, who may aid me in my
-     pursuits. I am grieved at what you tell me about the mortgage on
-     Eltondale. Would my joining you in a bond be of any use?--If so,
-     command me."
-
-As the rest of Mr. Elton's letter was on law business, it could be of no
-interest except to the person to whom it was addressed.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-    Quid Romæ faciam? Mentiri nescio[3].
-
-    JUVENAL.
-
-    I am as true as Truth's simplicity,
-    And simpler than the infancy of Truth.
-
-    SHAKESPEARE.
-
-[Footnote 3: What should I do at Rome, unknowing how to feign?]
-
-
-Selina's impatience to reach the end of her journey made her consider it
-tedious in its progress, notwithstanding the velocity with which Lady
-Eltondale always travelled; who was too much a woman of fashion not to
-increase as much as possible her own consequence along the king's
-highway, by the trifling exertion of keeping the poor goaded animals
-which had the honor of drawing her vehicle at their utmost speed,
-thereby endangering the lives of such of his majesty's peaceful subjects
-as happened to approach them. As to Lord Eltondale, he seldom found
-leisure to reflect on the consequence attending any direction her
-Ladyship pleased to give; and even had he reflected, he would scarcely
-have ventured to dissent, so confirmed was his habit of passive
-acquiescence. Indeed, poor man, he was in a situation something similar
-to the coronet on his own equipage,--an external appendage to Lady
-Eltondale, which, while hurried along under the direction of her
-caprice, gave her a dignity in the eyes of the many, who merely look on
-the outside of every thing, but, in reality, totally disregarded by all
-those who were admitted into the interior.
-
-At last, from a little eminence on the road, the first view of London
-broke on Selina's delighted eye. And yet such had been the exaggerated
-picture of this queen of cities, which her vivid imagination had drawn,
-that the _coup d'oeil_ almost disappointed her. It is true, a long
-line of smoke darkened the whole horizon, yet she could scarcely
-believe, the towers she saw so pre-eminent in the distance were really
-the St. Paul's, and Westminster Abbey, she had so long wished to see.
-Judgment must be corrected by experience, before it can form a true
-scale for grandeur either moral or physical. However, as by degrees
-Selina discovered the immensity of the parts, she formed some idea of
-the comparative magnitude of the whole; and as she approached the
-metropolis, the throng of passengers of every rank, the crowd of
-carriages of all descriptions, the protracted suburbs, and the bustling
-scene altogether, nearly overcame her agitated spirits; and, at last,
-when the carriage was suddenly stopped, and for some minutes detained in
-Bond Street by the concourse of people, her heart became oppressed with
-contending feelings. She experienced that worst pang of solitude--a
-consciousness of being alone in a crowd; and, leaning back in the
-carriage, she burst into tears. This was, however, but a momentary
-depression; her elastic spirits soon recovered their spring; and when
-the barouche stopped in Portman Square, she bounded out of it, and gaily
-followed Lady Eltondale into her new abode.
-
-For a moment she paused to look round the splendid drawing rooms, as if
-to ascertain that the scene was real, and no fleeting vision of her
-fancy. Then darting forward, she roamed from room to room, admiring
-every thing, examining nothing: the china, the mirrors, the statues, the
-lamps, the chandeliers, all in turn caught her attention, and all were
-in turn abandoned;
-
-    "Gold, silver, iv'ry, vases sculptur'd high,
-    Paint, marbles, gems, and robes of Persian dye."
-
-At last she noticed the balcony, that "rifled all the breathing
-spring," and flew to the open French window, expressing aloud all her
-admiration.
-
-"All that does vastly well, my dear Selina, now we are _tête a tête_,"
-quietly said the Viscountess, who, in the mean time, had been looking
-over the cards that nearly covered one of her tables. "But, pray child,
-don't be too _naïve_. You must learn to suppress your feelings; indeed,
-my dear, you must. If you choose to adopt the _ton_ of natural manners,
-do so, _cela vous sied bien_; but make the proper distinction between
-simplicity and ignorance. I will never act the _chaperone_ to _La
-contadina in corte_." Then perceiving her rebuke had, at the moment, all
-the effect she desired, she took Selina's arm, and familiarly leaning on
-it, "Come, my love," added she, "let me introduce you to your own
-apartments: I feel you are so much my child, I quite forget to play the
-Lady Macbeth, and kindly bid you welcome." Lady Eltondale knew so well
-how to soften the asperity of reproof, without weakening its effect,
-that, perhaps, there were no moments in which her fascinating powers
-were more displayed, than when she finely touched a string a less
-skilful hand would jar: and, having once hinted to Selina that
-possibility of her unrestrained emotions being construed into the
-affectation of _naïveté_; she knew the diffidence that suggestion would
-occasion, would have the effect of making her still more pliable to her
-well versed instructress in the arts of fashion.
-
-Selina's toilet was soon made, and she repaired to the drawing room,
-long before her aunt was dressed. Here she prepared to renew, at
-leisure, her entertaining examination; and, for this purpose, leaned on
-a marble table, to admire the perfection of _bijouterie_, as it was
-fully exemplified in a French clock that it supported. She had not long
-remained thus employed, when she was disturbed by a voice close behind
-her ear, exclaiming, "Beautiful! enchanting! divine, upon my soul!" and
-turning round, she perceived a gentleman, who, in the mean time, had
-been as attentively, and, to all appearance, not less delightedly
-examining her. She colored, but made him a slight curtsy, to which he
-returned a bow, as obsequious as he could accomplish without withdrawing
-his eyes from her countenance; whilst his own was intended to express
-the most reverential admiration: but so little obedient were his
-features to his feelings, that their expression bordered on the
-ludicrous, and thereby served as an antidote to his ardent, and almost
-impertinent gaze. The ceremonious salute was prolonged by both, to
-enable each to assume a proper, though different, control over their
-features: but Selina, finding her risible muscles moved almost beyond
-the power of restraint, turned towards a chair, which her spell-struck
-admirer presented to her in silence, and with protracted admiration.
-
-The figure that thus offered incense at her shrine was one, that would
-more properly have served as a prototype to a Silenus than a Cupid. He
-was habited in the very extreme of fashion, apparently unconscious that
-his ill-proportioned limbs, and corpulent form, "made by nature's
-journeymen," were but ill adapted to the exhibition of a tailor's art.
-His head, which was immense, rose out of a filleting of neckcloth, that
-seemed to impede his respiration; at least such might be inferred from
-the deepened color of his swoln cheeks. In one hand he held a newspaper,
-and in the other a glass, which he always applied to his eye when he
-meant to recognize an acquaintance, always saving and reserving to
-himself the privilege of "_cutting_" an old friend on the plea of
-short-sightedness.
-
-He had neither the graces of youth, nor the respectability of age; and
-yet, merely because he had become, nobody knew how or why, the _ton_, he
-was a welcome inmate of every fashionable mansion. His recommendations,
-such as they were, consisted in a capability of relating a good story in
-the best possible manner, and of submitting patiently to a hoax from his
-superiors, always knowing how and when to return the compliment with
-interest: besides,
-
-    "Our courtier walks from dish to dish,
-    Tastes, for his friend, of fowl and fish,
-    Tells all their names, lays down the law,
-    _Que çà est bon! Ah! goûtez ça._"
-
-He was, in truth, a living _Almanac des Gourmands_, and could withal
-play well, and bet high at every game. Being a professed old bachelor,
-he took the liberty of paying to ladies such undressed compliments, as,
-however acceptable they may be from some, it is not the etiquette to
-listen to from all. And perhaps from this assumed license, which he owed
-chiefly to his own ugliness, did he derive that privilege of which he
-was most vain, an undisputed right to decide on all claims to female
-beauty.
-
-Such was the character and appearance of Sir James Fenton, whom Lady
-Eltondale, on entering, formally introduced to Selina: adding, in a
-manner half ironical and half serious, "This is my niece, Miss Seymour,
-for whom I bespeak your patronage, Sir James; I expect you will make her
-your first toast all this next month." Sir James acceded to her
-Ladyship's request with all possible seriousness; and leaning over the
-chair of the Viscountess, while he continued his scrutiny of Selina,
-lavished on her beauty the most rapturous praise in an audible voice,
-and, in a tone of criticism, concluding, as he conducted Lady Eltondale
-to the dinner room,--
-
-    Let her be seen; could she that wish obtain,
-    All other wishes her own power would gain.
-
-Selina scarcely knew whether to be most offended at Sir James's
-effrontery, or entertained by his originality. She had not an
-opportunity to decide on this important question afterwards, as he did
-not make his re-appearance in the drawing room.
-
-Lord Eltondale had accidentally met him in Bond Street, as he strolled
-down towards the Royal Institution; and Sir James had accepted his
-casual invitation to dinner, for the sole purpose of seeing "the
-beautiful heiress;" and being able to anticipate the judgment the
-connoisseurs were to pass on her title to admiration. For Lady Eltondale
-had not been idle during her stay in the country: she was well aware,
-that there was no way by which a woman could better secure the
-admiration of any one man, than by convincing him she had obtained that
-of the rest of the world; and having gained "the beautiful heiress" for
-Frederick Elton, she wished to enhance the gift in his eyes, by
-increasing her value in those of others.
-
-She knew that Selina's beauty was above praise, and that, even had she
-been less lovely, an _heiress_ was always transformed into a goddess, in
-the pages of a newspaper. She therefore had written, previous to their
-arrival in town, to about twenty of her confidential friends, making
-very slight mention of Selina's person, but giving a most minute detail
-of her property; and thus prepared the paragraph in the Morning Post,
-which next day met Selina's eyes, describing herself as
-
-                      "A creature,
-    Would she begin a sect, might quench the zeal
-    Of all professors else, make proselytes
-    of whom she bid but follow."
-
-Lady Eltondale was excessively entertained at the surprise and confusion
-of Selina, at reading this unexpected compliment to her own charms, the
-real existence of which she was totally unconscious of. As the time had
-arrived when Selina had promised to lay aside her mourning, they
-determined to commence the pleasing toil of shopping that very day, and
-accordingly visited in turn all the jewellers, milliners, mantua-makers,
-corset-makers, and shoemakers, and all the _et cetera_, that disputed
-the palm of fashionable praise. While Lady Eltondale gratified at once
-her love of extravagance and exquisite taste, as she directed that of
-her lovely charge, at the same time she indulged Selina's very natural
-curiosity, by taking her through the different parts of the metropolis;
-for the wary Viscountess was anxious that Selina should not be produced
-to the world's eye, while she was herself too new to its wonders; well
-knowing that all her care and all her instructions, would scarcely
-suffice to check the first warm effusions of an unpractised heart.
-
-Some days passed in this manner; and at last the decorations of Selina's
-lovely person being decided on, the embellishment of her mind was next
-to be attended to, at least so Lady Eltondale termed the cultivation of
-her _talents_; for with her _mind_ she, in truth, little interfered,
-however much she wished to direct the expression of her feelings. To
-perfect her in all the accomplishments of the day, the first masters
-were engaged to attend her. Selina, in her usual lively manner, wrote to
-Mrs. Galton an entertaining description of her various avocations,
-alleging that she was already introduced "to the whole _dramatis
-personæ_ of the _Bourgeois Gentilhomme_," consisting of "_un maitre de
-musique_, _un maitre à danser_, _un maitre tailleur_, _plusieurs
-laquais_" and that she hoped "_les hommes du bel air_ would soon make
-the _entrée du ballet_."
-
-A beautiful boudoir was resigned to Selina by the Viscountess for her
-morning room, as it by no means was a part of her Ladyship's plan, that
-Selina should be _à porté_ to the train of idle visitors that formed her
-usual levee. She knew the world well enough to be aware, that even
-beauty might grow familiar, and "pall on the eye;" and the more Miss
-Seymour was found difficult of access, the more would her society be
-sought. Therefore in acceding to Selina's entreaty to be allowed to pass
-her morning, as usual, in employment, while apparently only yielding to
-her wishes, she in truth pursued her own. Selina, with gratitude and
-delight, took possession of her little Paradise, for so she deemed it;
-into it she speedily removed her books, her drawing materials, and her
-magnificent new harp, which had been one of her first purchases, and
-there did she devote many hours to practising the lessons she daily
-received; particularly attending to the improvement of her naturally
-fine voice, which she could already accompany tolerably well on her new
-instrument; and often did she find her toil amply recompensed by a
-silent reflection of "how delighted Augustus and aunt Mary would be to
-hear me now!"
-
-Nearly a fortnight had elapsed since their arrival in town, and Lady
-Eltondale became tired of remaining so long in private; for though she
-had, in truth, been out every evening, she had not yet gone to any large
-assembly, not wishing to appear in public without Selina, and choosing
-that her _début_ should take place at her own house. She therefore sent
-out her cards for "a small party, with music;" and in the selection she
-made of her intended guests, took care that nearly all the leaders of
-_ton_, of both sexes, should be invited, whose fiat could at once
-impress the stamp of fashion on her _protégée_, for of their award she
-felt well assured, as her own silence on her beauty indicated. In the
-mean time she was most assiduous in preparing Selina for the exhibition.
-An easy but beautiful duet was practised and repractised with
-Mademoiselle Omphalie, who declared her full approbation of her quick
-adaptation of her style. Another was "_got up_," in which Selina was to
-accompany Madame ---- on the piano forte, with just as many full chords
-on the harp as would show her beautiful figure to advantage, and impress
-the company with an idea of her manifold accomplishments; and a popular
-air, with brilliant variations, was selected for her performance on the
-piano forte, which was, in truth, the only part of the _scene_ in which
-poor Selina felt the least assurance of success. At last the evening
-arrived, and Selina attended her aunt to the drawing room in a tumult of
-contending feelings: she stood on the threshold of pleasure--hope
-danced in her eyes, whilst the blush of timidity flushed her cheek. The
-magnificence of the apartments, the splendor of the lights, the perfume
-of the flowers, at once dazzled and delighted her. All the rooms were
-opened, and all shone in one blaze of borrowed day except the favourite
-boudoir: it too was open, and in it still sweeter flowers charmed the
-sense. But its simple, though beautiful, decorations, were more obscured
-than shown by the pale light of lamps, which shed almost a moonlight
-around, as they darted their tempered rays through vases of transparent
-alabaster. It seemed like the retreat of luxurious elegance receding
-from the world's glare; and Selina herself appeared like the goddess of
-this blest abode. Her dress had been entirely superintended by the
-Viscountess, as Selina neither understood nor valued the arts of the
-toilet; but her well versed aunt, knowing that the reputation of
-Selina's immense fortune was already sufficiently extended, had
-determined to consider nothing in this her first appearance, but how
-best to heighten her natural loveliness. The style of her dress was of
-the chastest simplicity. Her luxuriant hair, "when unadorned adorned the
-most," shone in no borrowed ornament, but every tress was arranged by
-the nicest hand of art, "then best exercised when least displayed." No
-jewels shed round her their meretricious glare; her gown of pure white
-seemed as spotless as the robe of innocence--but its beauty was not the
-effect of chance: no fold was unimpressed with the finest touch
-experienced taste could bestow; and, as Lady Eltondale turned her eyes
-on the beautiful girl, thus moulded, to all the external perfection she
-could have desired, she smiled at the anticipation of the triumphs that
-awaited her.
-
-The frequent knocks, and rapidly repeated succession of names,
-announced to Selina that the Ides of March were come. Lady Eltondale
-took her station in the most conspicuous part of the rooms, for the
-purpose of receiving her guests; and never was the fascinating elegance
-of her manners more conspicuously displayed than on such occasions. At
-first she kept Selina leaning on her arm, for the purpose of showing her
-blushing charms to all, and of actually introducing her to a favored
-few. But the rooms rapidly filling, and the music being commenced, Lady
-Eltondale left Miss Seymour under the peculiar protection of the old
-Dutchess of Saltoun, whose countenance showed how truly she was
-delighted with her young acquaintance. But Lady Eltondale, in
-withdrawing from Selina, did not cease to observe all her motions. Nor
-was she a little gratified at the universal murmur of applause her
-appearance excited, thus bursting into view in all the heightened effect
-of unexpected beauty. All the fashionable beaux in the room crowded
-round the new star, expressing, in all the variety of tones and
-gestures, their admiration of her loveliness: at last, their profuse
-compliments confusing, rather than gratifying Selina, she looked
-anxiously round for her aunt, and perceived her standing in earnest
-conversation with two gentlemen, in one of whom, with equal surprise and
-pleasure, she recognised Augustus, and the other she rightly conjectured
-to be Lord Osselstone.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-    Quando muovo le luci a mirar voi,
-    La forma che nel cor m'impressa Amore,
-    Io mi sento agghiacciar dentro e di fuore,
-    Al primo lampeggiar de' raggi moi.
-    A le nobil maniere affiso poi,
-    A le rare virtuti, al gran valore,
-    Ragionarmi pian piano, odo nel core[4].
-
-    ARIOSTO.
-
-[Footnote 4:
-
-    When tremblingly I raise my eyes
-    To view that form, which in my breast
-    The hand of Love has deep impressed,
-    My shiv'ring frame, in sudden trance,
-    Congeals beneath thy lightning glance;
-    But soon my heart, in broken sighs,
-    Renews the tale it told before,
-    And, counting all thy beauties o'er,
-    Dwells on thy talents, virtues rare,
-    Thy mind so pure, thy form so fair,
-    Till even hope amid the whispers dies.
-
-N. B. Freezing beneath a _lightning_ glance, in the original--a fair
-example of Italian concetti.]
-
-
-To account for the unexpected appearance of Lord Osselstone and
-Mordaunt together at Lady Eltondale's party, it will be necessary
-briefly to mention, that, soon after Augustus had left Mrs. Galton at
-Bath, the Earl had arrived there, and accidentally renewed their
-acquaintance. The frequent opportunity of intercourse, which all such
-places afford, having produced a degree of unexpected association
-between her and the Earl, it was not unnatural, that the nephew of the
-one and the favourite of the other should frequently become the subject
-of their discourse; and Mrs. Galton delighted in expatiating on the fine
-character of her dear Augustus, with whom she kept up a constant and
-confidential correspondence.
-
-There were few characters so much respected by Lord Osselstone as that
-of Mrs. Galton. Candour and simplicity were the qualities of all others,
-which, by not calling forth from him the defensive armour of distrust
-and penetration, left his heart more open to the impressions of real
-worth. The Earl knew that on common subjects Mrs. Galton could have no
-interest in appearing to him other than she really was; and on the
-subject of Augustus in particular, though he sometimes mentally accused
-her of exaggeration, he was perfectly convinced she was uniformly
-sincere. She once, in her zealous friendship, communicated to his
-Lordship a part of Augustus' correspondence with herself; and to this
-transcript of his mind, which was incontestably written without design
-of being read by a third person, did Lord Osselstone give more credit
-than to her partial representation of the original.
-
-The consequence of these communications became afterwards apparent.
-Lord Osselstone soon removed to London; and one day meeting Augustus in
-the street, he accosted him with so much of the _suaviter in modo_, that
-his at first unbending pride was finally subdued. For never yet had Lord
-Osselstone encountered a rock which he could not dissolve, though by
-more dulcet means than those attributed to the Carthaginian hero; and
-the Alpine snow, which had hitherto enveloped both uncle and nephew,
-being once thawed, a frequency of intercourse, as unsought as unexpected
-on the part of Mordaunt, had taken place between them: not that they
-were yet intimate, or appeared likely to become so. A certain magic
-circle seemed to surround Lord Osselstone; and though the politeness and
-condescension of his manners attracted others to its very verge, there
-was still a secondary, though invisible repulsive power, that forbade
-approach beyond its well defined limits.
-
-Augustus now received frequent invitations to Osselstone House, both
-for large dinner parties, and for the still more flattering distinction
-of a _tête à tête_; but though he daily met with considerate and even
-kind attentions from the Earl, he could not help still feeling he was
-more his _patron_ than his _friend_. Lord Osselstone frequently
-concluded a _tête à tête_ dinner, in which he had exerted every charm of
-conversation for the entertainment of his guest, at the same time
-eliciting all the varied powers of understanding that guest possessed,
-by proposing that he should accompany him to those higher circles of
-fashion, which the Earl still occasionally frequented; and in those
-crowded assemblies where there is so often "company without society, and
-dissipation without pleasure," the heir to Lord Osselstone's earldom was
-always welcome, even where the untitled Augustus Mordaunt would scarcely
-have been noticed.
-
-It may be supposed that Augustus received, with no little trepidation,
-the card his uncle presented him with for Lady Eltondale's assembly. For
-a moment he hesitated whether or not to accept it; but the thought of
-being once more in the same room with Selina soon over-balanced his
-wounded feelings. As he followed his uncle up the sumptuous stair-case
-in Portman-square, while his heart fluttered between pleasure and
-despondency, his mind had wandered back to the scenes of Deane Hall, and
-"days long since gone by." By a natural illusion Selina's figure had
-always floated before his fancy, as he had last seen it clothed in the
-sable garb of woe, with the tear of regret resting on her pallid cheek.
-How different was the blooming form that now presented itself, as at the
-moment of his entering the room his eye intuitively singled her out from
-the crowd that surrounded her. She stood like the queen of beauty
-receiving the homage of all around, her eyes sparkling with animation,
-her whole figure beaming in joy. "Good God, how lovely!" he
-involuntarily exclaimed. But as his protracted gaze discovered the
-alterations her manners and appearance had undergone in the few months
-she had been under the tuition of Lady Eltondale, a cold chill ran
-through his veins, as he recollected the possibility that her mind might
-be equally changed; and renewing his scrutinizing glance, he shuddered
-at the external improvement that had first extorted his admiration, and
-sighed to think of the lovely artless girl, who would once have flown to
-meet him with all the innocence of undisguised delight.
-
-But though Augustus had thus instantly recognized Selina, though his
-eyes had followed her every step, and watched her every motion, she had
-not then discovered him. The moment she did perceive him, her first
-impulse was to move towards the spot on which he stood. But she had
-scarcely taken a few steps, when she as involuntarily stopped. She
-became embarrassed, and had she been more experienced in the waywardness
-of the human heart, she would better have known why, with conscious
-timidity, she hesitated to approach him she was most delighted to
-behold. Augustus watched her approach, and had advanced a few steps to
-meet it, but misconstruing her delay, he turned away with a movement of
-pique and ill defined jealousy, entering into apparently interesting
-conversation with a very pretty girl who stood near him. At the moment
-when Selina came near enough to overhear what he was saying, he was
-busily employed in making gallant apologies to his new friend for not
-having called upon her, though he acknowledged he had been six weeks in
-town.
-
-However he could not long keep his resolution, and he again turned to
-speak to his "heart's best love;" but a pang had shot through Selina's
-soul, as she had learned from his own lips that he had been so long in
-town, and recollected that he had never called in Portman-square. She
-therefore returned his address with a cold politeness, far, far
-different from what her manner to him once had been; and advanced to
-meet Lady Eltondale, who at that moment was bringing up Lord Osselstone
-to introduce to her. His Lordship, at the request of the Viscountess,
-led Selina towards the music-room, where the rest of the musical
-performers were waiting to accompany her in her formidable undertaking.
-The harp was to be her first exhibition, and the poor girl, intimidated
-by the presence of so numerous an audience, and agitated by her
-rencontre with Mordaunt, could scarcely bring her trembling fingers to
-touch the strings with any degree of tolerable accuracy. But Lord
-Osselstone stood beside her, and the calm and dignified support with
-which he endeavoured to encourage her, assisted her in regaining some
-degree of composure. As she advanced in her performance, her eye caught
-the impassioned glance of Mordaunt, and her anxiety to exhibit to him
-her newly acquired accomplishment lent her an unexpected force, which
-enabled her to go through the fiery trial beyond her most sanguine
-expectation. Her playing was of course applauded many degrees beyond its
-real merit; but she quickly retreated from the flattery that at that
-moment was indifferent to her. Her eyes instinctively sought Mordaunt's
-with an anxious, timid, almost beseeching look. His rested on her
-beautiful countenance with an expression no less unequivocal, and for
-once they read aright each other's soul; and many months, nay years
-passed away, before that mutual glance was obliterated from the mind of
-either. Several minutes elapsed before Augustus could make his way up to
-Selina, so closely was she surrounded by the unregarded throng; but when
-he did reach her, one short sentence expressed his delighted surprise
-at her new acquirement. "Do you think dear aunt Mary will be pleased
-too?" whispered Selina. Before he could give any answer to this simple
-query, gratifying as it doubly was by the sympathy it accidentally
-expressed to his feelings at the moment, Lady Eltondale approached, and
-applauded, in the strongest terms, her niece's performance. "Have you
-also learned to sing, Selina?" said Augustus, as he turned over the
-loose music that lay on the piano forte. Lady Eltondale hastily replied,
-with a slight emphasis, "Miss Seymour practises Italian music
-constantly:--Frederick will find, on his return, good singing is not
-confined to Italy." A cold weight fell on Augustus's heart;--the visions
-of happiness, that an instant before had fleeted over his mind, vanished
-like a charm. He gave a deep sigh, and, seemingly without design, turned
-towards Selina a duet that caught his eye. It was Mozart's arrangement
-of Metastasio's beautiful words:--
-
-    "Ah! perdona al primo affetto,
-    Questo accento sconsigliato
-    Colpa fu d'un labbro usato
-    A cosi chiamarti ognor."
-
-Selina read the couplet, and casting her eyes over the following verse,
-coloured deeply at the application she involuntarily made of it. Lady
-Eltondale, who in the mean time had narrowly watched her changing
-countenance, roused her from her reverie by introducing to her at that
-moment Lord George Meredith, who was one of the young men who had been
-loudest in Miss Seymour's praise. His compliments were now however
-disregarded, as Selina looked anxiously round for Mordaunt--but he had
-disappeared. She fancied he had retired to one of the adjoining rooms,
-and made many excuses not only to her companions, but even to herself,
-for restlessly sauntering through them all. Sometimes she recollected
-she had left her fan behind; another time she persuaded herself Lady
-Eltondale wanted her;--but still the object she really sought was not to
-be found. By degrees she became painfully convinced he was actually
-gone. "It is very odd he should go away so abruptly," thought she; "I
-had a thousand things to say to him about aunt Mary." And then a
-confused idea occurring, that the pretty flirting girl, she had seen him
-talking to, had said something about going to a ball after Lady
-Eltondale's party, she mechanically retraced her steps, and finding she
-too had departed, a sickening depression came over her, and she retired
-to the boudoir to recover herself. But she was not long permitted to
-rest in peace:--Sir James Fenton, who, led by Lady Eltondale, entered
-the room laughing with all the exaggerated action that became his
-character, though not his figure, exclaimed, "Where is the Syren? Where
-is the goddess of the night?" Then on perceiving Selina, he resigned the
-arm of the Viscountess with a low bow, and singing with ludicrous tone
-and gesture, "_Dove sei amato bene_," advanced to Miss Seymour, who,
-half dragged, half led, was re-conducted to the music-room.
-
-But the feeling which had supported her in her last effort was now no
-more. The duet, of which Mademoiselle Omphalie had loudly boasted, was
-to commence, and Selina exerted herself to the utmost in its execution;
-but her voice faltered, and before she got half way through it, she
-burst into tears. Her distress, which was thus evidently unfeigned, now
-made her nearly as many friends as her charms had before procured her
-admirers; while Lady Eltondale easily persuaded every body except
-herself, that it could only arise from timidity, and therefore forbore
-to join the general request that the effort might be renewed; while Sir
-James exclaimed, in all the hyperbole of compliment,
-
-    "Sweet harmonist, and beautiful as sweet,
-    And young as beautiful, and soft as young!"
-
-Meantime Lord. Osselstone had advanced towards Selina, and there was
-always something so dignified in his appearance, that those who did not
-know him involuntarily made way for him; and all those who were
-acquainted with him did so mechanically. He at first addressed the
-trembling girl in the language of compliment, but finding her real
-agitation was not to be soothed by the sovereign balm of flattery, he
-gradually turned the conversation on Mrs. Galton. Her eyes then beamed
-with gratitude for his praise, which she believed could not then be
-insincere; and in her tell-tale countenance and artless expressions, he
-read a heart not yet practised in the world's wiles. The company began
-to separate before their conversation ended; and as Selina, on her
-wakeful pillow, recalled to her mind this evening of promised pleasure,
-she sighed to think, that those few calm moments she had passed with
-Lord Osselstone were the only ones, on which she could reflect with any
-tranquillity.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-    What whispers must the beauty hear!
-    What hourly nonsense haunts her ear!
-    Where'er her eyes dispense their charms,
-    Impertinence around her swarms.
-
-    GAY.
-
-
-The next morning Selina arose unrefreshed. She could not in any way
-reconcile to her satisfaction the expression of Mordaunt's countenance,
-when her eyes met his, and his apparently evident design of shunning her
-society. "It is so odd," thought she, "he should never have called to
-see me. He must have known by the newspapers that we were come to town;
-and then he hardly spoke three words to me all last night, yet his looks
-were kinder than ever. Well, I think he'll certainly call to-day." As
-she thus concluded her soliloquy, she turned once more to her
-looking-glass, and, as she revised her dress, an involuntary smile
-played on her lip, as she felt convinced that the negligence of her
-morning costume was not less becoming than her evening attire had been.
-Often, as the hours rolled heavily on, did she saunter to the window,
-and gaze up and down the square, in hopes of descrying Augustus; and
-often, notwithstanding her mortification, did she smile at her own
-ridiculous mistakes, as she still fancied every distant passenger must
-be he, whether tall or short, thick or thin, old or young, ugly or
-handsome. At last, in despair, she retired to her boudoir, and resumed
-her drawing; while Lady Eltondale, who was by no means unmindful of her
-evident restlessness, made no remark upon the subject. At last a loud
-knock proclaimed the arrival of visitors. Selina started from her seat,
-and as instantaneously resumed it. In a moment a footman appeared, with
-"My Lady's compliments, and begs to see you in the drawing-room,
-ma'am." Selina's heart beat at the unusual summons, while her trembling
-limbs scarcely supported her as she prepared to obey it. Great then was
-her disappointment on entering the room, to be overwhelmed at once with
-the united compliments of the whole Webberly family. She had scarcely
-presence of mind sufficient to reply to their various civilities; but
-fortunately their own anxiety to assume the feelings they deemed
-appropriate to the occasion, left them no time to investigate those that
-actually agitated her.
-
-Lady Eltondale soon relieved her from her embarrassment. "Selina, Mrs.
-Sullivan has been good enough to call for the purpose of taking you to
-see the exhibition at Somerset House: I know you will be delighted to
-attend her." Selina turned full round to her aunt with a look of
-astonishment. She could not believe, that Lady Eltondale had consented
-to let her go into public with the very people, whom, of all others,
-she had most frequently ridiculed, against whose society she had most
-frequently inveighed. Lady Eltondale met her wondering gaze with an
-unmoved countenance; and ringing the bell, "Go, my love," said she, "and
-equip yourself as quickly as possible: I will desire John to send Watson
-to you, that no time may be lost; and I will either send my carriage, or
-call for you myself, to save Mrs. Sullivan the trouble of bringing you
-home." Selina perceived, that excuse or reply would be of no avail; and,
-before her surprise was abated, she found herself unwillingly seated as
-a fifth in Mrs. Sullivan's ostentatious equipage.
-
-Little could the artless girl divine the real motive for the
-Viscountess' singular deviation from her professed rule of allowing
-Selina no other Chaperone than herself. In truth Mordaunt had called in
-Portman-square more than once, and had never been admitted; a
-circumstance which he had hitherto wished to attribute either to the
-mistake of the porter, or to the design of the aunt.
-
-But Selina's manner and looks had been so contradictory, and her whole
-conduct had, in his opinion, so nearly approached to caprice, that he
-determined to ascertain whether it were possible she could indeed be
-accessary to his exclusion. He therefore took the opportunity, while
-Selina was moving towards the music-room, to ask Lady Eltondale's
-decided leave to wait on her the next day. The Viscountess, nicely
-discriminating between Lord Osselstone's nephew and Sir Henry Seymour's
-_élève_, most graciously granted the permission he solicited;
-determining at the same to pretend, when he called, that Selina had gone
-out, even had a less favourable opportunity occurred of ensuring her
-actually having done so. While, then, poor Selina was taken away so much
-against her own inclination, Mordaunt approached Portman-square. At one
-moment he recalled to his mind, with gratitude and delight, Selina's
-mute but eloquent application for his approval of her talents: at the
-next, his heart sunk as he recollected the possibility, that those
-talents were thus sedulously cultivated for another. "But," thought he,
-"I am determined to ascertain her real sentiments; perhaps Lady
-Eltondale obliged her to send me that cruel message; perhaps her heart
-is yet unchanged; or," continued he, his passion rising at the
-recollection of the fatal letter, "perhaps she is only influenced by
-that despicable vanity of her sex, which makes them seek the applause of
-all, while they return the love of none. But why torture myself thus?
-her own conduct will best explain itself." Then, commanding all his
-fortitude to bear the trial, with as much composure as he could assume,
-he entered Lady Eltondale's drawing-room. She received him with that
-grace by which she was so peculiarly distinguished, and with an air of
-unembarrassed kindness, that might have deluded one more experienced. To
-his inquiries for Selina she replied, with an air of perfect candour,
-"She is gone to take a drive with Mrs. Sullivan; I postponed mine," she
-continued, with a gracious smile, "as you had promised to call on _us_;
-but, you know, Selina is very young, and London sights are quite new to
-her. We must all make allowances for the heedlessness of youth," added
-she, in a tone of compassion. "When I answered Frederick's question,
-whether her character was as perfect as he remembered her person
-promised to be, I reminded him that 'most women have no characters at
-all;' and prepared, him for her volatility, which is indeed her
-principal, if not her only fault. She too is prepared for----" Mordaunt
-could not bear to hear the sentence finished. "Is not that my uncle's
-curricle?" said he, starting up, and going to the window. His fair
-hostess used no further effort to prolong his visit; and as soon as
-politeness permitted, he took his leave, with feelings which, if Lady
-Eltondale could have understood, even she perhaps would have pitied.
-
-Meantime Selina proceeded towards Somerset House. It was a delightful
-day; and the rapid motion of the carriage, the gaiety of the streets,
-and even a faint hope that she might, perhaps, meet Mordaunt in her
-drive, all contributed to raise her spirits. At last, as the carriage
-experienced a momentary stop in Bond-street, Selina heard her own name
-pronounced by a voice not unfamiliar to her ear, and hastily turning to
-the speaker, she recognized Mr. Sedley. To inquire where she resided,
-where she was going, and whether he might join the party, was the
-occupation of a moment. It was settled, that he and Webberly should walk
-to Somerset House, as, exclaimed the latter half aloud, "Egad, it is
-too bad to be boxed up here with my mother and sisters, even for the
-sake of the heiress." "Vell," said his mother, as she expanded her ample
-petticoats over the small space she had hitherto permitted him to
-occupy, "I'm sure that's a good riddance of bad rubbish at all events;
-not but Jack's a good-natured feller as ever lived, though he has sadly
-muffled me, to be sure." They reached Somerset House before Mrs.
-Sullivan had fully arranged her draperies, and before Selina had time to
-express half her regrets at hearing Miss Wildenheim had been left in the
-country, but not before the gentlemen arrived to hand them out of their
-carriage. Here Selina's attention was delightedly engaged in examining
-the various specimens of her favourite art, with which she was
-surrounded. Nor could the outrageous compliments of Webberly, the
-vociferous vulgarity of his mother and sisters, or the easy vivacious
-gallantry of Sedley, divert her from her admiration of them, till Lady
-Eltondale called to take her home. As the aunt and niece returned,
-neither of them articulated the name of him, who principally occupied
-the thoughts of both. But no sooner did they reach Portman-square, than
-Selina, running hastily up stairs, tossed over the numberless cards that
-had been left in her absence by the different beaux who had been there
-the night before, and a sigh escaped her as she became unwillingly
-convinced, that Mordaunt's only was not to be found.
-
-Lord Eltondale seldom joined the circle in which alone his Viscountess
-condescended to move; and, except in very large assemblies, either at
-home or abroad, they were seldom seen together.
-
-The same undistinguishing kindness still marked his manner to Selina,
-which she had experienced on her first reception at Eltondale; and he
-continued to think of her as a pretty, lively, good-humoured girl, but
-he had neither time nor talent to ascertain whether she was a _happy_
-one; indeed he never thought about her, except when she was present; and
-thus the occasional depression of her spirits, which was so new in the
-history of Selina's life, passed unnoticed both by the Viscount and his
-Lady, from the total want of reflection in the character of the one, and
-the refinement of duplicity in the other.
-
-On the evening of the day in which Selina visited Somerset House, she
-accompanied Lady Eltondale to the Opera. She had never yet been in any
-theatre. What then were her sensations, when, on the door of her aunt's
-box being opened, she beheld, at one _coup d'oeil_, the assembled
-magnificence of the stage, presented in the last act of a beautiful
-ballet, and that of the audience, which seemed ranged round more to
-increase than to enjoy the splendor of the spectacle? To those who have
-beheld such a scene, with as little experience, and as much capability
-of enjoyment as Selina possessed, no description of its effects would be
-necessary; and to those who have not, no words could give an adequate
-idea of her delight. Lady Eltondale's box was soon filled with
-gentlemen, but nothing had, at first, the power of diverting Selina's
-attention from the stage, whilst the _naïveté_ of her remarks, and the
-varying expression of her countenance, gave her every moment new charms.
-Amongst the rest Sir James Fenton and Lord George Meredith were most
-obsequious in their attentions, and loudest in their encomiums. She had
-just turned her head, to listen to a curious account the latter was
-giving of his having been once introduced to Mrs. Sullivan and her
-daughters, and was laughing heartily at his ridiculous imitation of
-their manners, when her eye caught that of Mordaunt, who was standing in
-the pit at no great distance. But his fine countenance no longer bore
-that expression, which she had so fondly treasured in her memory. He
-stood gazing at her, with a cold, almost contemptuous steadiness: no
-beam of tenderness softened the brilliancy of his penetrating eye, that
-seemed to dart into her very soul. She coloured, and returned his half
-salute with one still more expressive of indignant pride; and, with
-increased vivacity, renewed her conversation with Lord George Meredith.
-Mordaunt did not visit their box the whole evening, though Lord
-Osselstone staid in it for some time, occasionally smiling, and
-sometimes even calling forth Selina's observations on the scene, to her
-so replete with novelty and attraction: while once or twice following
-the direction of her unconscious glance, his eyes were directed to an
-opposite box, where Augustus seemed to be evidently renewing his devoirs
-to the pretty Miss Webster, to whom, as Selina thought, he had been so
-unnecessarily civil at Lady Eltondale's assembly.
-
-At last, as the closing scene was almost finished, and the Viscountess
-was preparing to leave her box, escorted by Sir James Fenton, the door
-was suddenly opened by Sedley, who came to attend Selina to her
-carriage; she gave a smothered sigh as she thought "Augustus would once
-have done the same," but accepted the proffered civility, after having
-introduced him to Lady Eltondale; who was already well acquainted with
-him by name, as Frederick Elton's friend and correspondent, and
-therefore she thought him a most desirable attendant on Selina. Thus
-escorted, they hastened to their carriage, and drove without delay to
-join another crowd, at the Duchess of Saltoun's ball. And here Selina
-was, as usual, admired, followed, and flattered. Lord George Meredith
-and Sedley had both engaged her, before they left the Opera, to dance;
-and as it was one of her favorite amusements, she quickly entered into
-all the gaiety that surrounded her, with that vivacity which is so
-natural to youth, and so peculiarly belonging to her character.
-Mordaunt, for the moment, was forgotten; or if his image intruded on her
-mind, it rose as a dark cloud, that threw a gloomy shade on her present
-pleasure, and served but to make her turn to the joys of dissipation
-with increased avidity, as an antidote to its saddening influence. Is it
-to be wondered at, that a girl so totally inexperienced as Selina was,
-should yield a little to the many temptations that now surrounded her?
-Without any calm, steady friend, whose sobered reflection would have
-served as a counterpoise to her natural volatility, she found herself
-suddenly transported from the deepest shade of retirement to the
-brightest blaze of fashion.
-
-Her youth, her beauty, her fortune, all conspired to place her in the
-foremost rank of praise.--All the young men professing themselves her
-admirers, all the women her friends.--Could she for a moment doubt
-their sincerity being equal to her own? And could it be supposed, that,
-believing their truth, she should be wholly insensible to such
-unexpected adulation?
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-    Songez bien que l'amour sait feindre,
-    Redoutez un sage berger,
-    On n'est que plus près du danger,
-    Quand on croit n'avoir rien à craindre[5].
-
-[Footnote 5:
-
-    Remember still love can dissemble,
-    And even with the wisest tremble;
-    For when we think there's nought to fear,
-    Often danger's lurking near.
-]
-
-
-Balls, parties, operas, followed each other in rapid succession; and as
-rapidly did Selina rise to the very zenith of fashion. She became at
-once the _ton_, and, being so, whatever she said, whatever she did, was
-of course immediately pronounced "wisest, discreetest, best." She had
-many followers, but Lord George Meredith was the only gentleman, who
-had yet openly professed himself to be her suitor. It was, however, far
-from Lady Eltondale's intention, that Selina should make any choice for
-herself; or rather, she determined so to bend her ductile mind, that by
-degrees that choice, which was in reality Lady Eltondale's, should seem
-to be her own. She therefore carefully observed the manner of all the
-young men, who were most sedulous in paying attention to Selina;
-believing that she was fully capable of discriminating, whether their
-intentions went beyond the amusement of the passing moment, and equally
-certain of frustrating any plan that militated against her own. The more
-Selina became _the fashion_, the more steady became Lady Eltondale's
-determination to marry her to Frederick Elton; and with that
-infatuation, which is a natural consequence of self-love, the deeper she
-became engaged in the prosecution of her scheme, the more she felt
-herself interested in its ultimate success. Lord George Meredith soon
-rendered himself an object of her jealousy; and she therefore took an
-early opportunity of casually informing Selina, through an apparently
-accidental conversation with Sir James Fenton, of his Lordship's
-unconquerable passion for gaming, and concluded by turning abruptly to
-Selina, remarking, "that, no doubt, the fine oaks of Deane Hall would
-serve to repair some of his losses; and, as he regularly made love to
-every heiress that _came out_, perhaps Selina might, if she chose,
-procure for herself the hitherto rejected title in reversion of
-Marchioness Starmont." Lady Eltondale's sarcasm was not without its due
-effect: by degrees Selina's behaviour to Lord George sunk into a cold,
-though polite reserve; and his Lordship, understanding the change in the
-manner both of aunt and niece, gradually withdrew his attentions. The
-conduct of Mr. Sedley was much more equivocal, and almost baffled the
-penetration of the Viscountess. It always happened his engagements and
-theirs were the same, and wherever they went he became one of their
-immediate party; but his manner was so perfectly careless, that the
-rencontre seemed purely accidental. He admired Selina's beauty avowedly,
-but with apparently equal _nonchalance_, sometimes complimented Lady
-Eltondale on the elegance of Miss Seymour's dress, and much oftener
-finding fault with Selina herself, if any particular ornament or colour
-in it happened not to suit his fancy. To the Viscountess herself his
-manner was in the highest degree attentive, and even insinuating; and
-had the world in which they moved had time to attend to his conduct in
-particular, it would probably have decided, that he was much more
-assiduous in recommending himself to the aunt than to the niece. He
-would often place himself, for a whole evening, behind Lady Eltondale's
-chair, when the vivacity and singularity of his conversation,
-compounded, as it was, of sense and levity, would withdraw nearly all
-her attention from the rest of the company, while at the same time
-Selina would appear almost unregarded by him. It also often happened, if
-they were at a ball together, he would ask Selina to dance, "provided
-she had not any other partner;" or tell her to "say at least she was
-engaged to him, if any asked her she did not wish to dance with;" and
-such was the pleasure Selina always experienced from his natural
-vivacious manners, that it seldom happened that the engagement was not
-fulfilled. And yet it seemed almost a matter of indifference to him,
-whether it was so or not; he often appeared fully as anxious to procure
-other pleasant partners for her, as to be the chosen one himself. One
-evening, Selina supposed she had engaged herself to him, and waited in
-anxious, though vain, expectation of his coming to claim her hand; and
-when, as his apology for not doing so, he told her laughingly, that he
-had totally forgotten their engagement, she was almost tempted to be
-affronted. But he so good naturedly called the next morning, to bring
-her the music of the last new ballet, and appeared so unconscious of
-having merited her displeasure, that it quickly vanished, and their
-friendship seemed more firmly established than ever.
-
-Certain it is, that Selina felt more at ease with Sedley, than with any
-other of the beaux who now constantly attended in her train. Sometimes
-the compliments of her professed admirers were too exaggerated for even
-her vanity to believe. But, with him, she felt she could at all times
-talk and laugh unrestrainedly; he seemed to have no pretensions, and
-therefore she did not think it necessary to be on her guard against
-either wounding or encouraging them. If the inconsiderateness of her
-buoyant spirits, or her inexperience of the rules of etiquette, led her
-into any trifling dilemma, she was always certain of his good humoured
-and effectual assistance in relieving her from her embarrassment;
-whilst, on the other hand, he had imperceptibly assumed the privilege,
-which she had as unconsciously yielded to him, of reproving her for any
-trifling sin, either of omission or commission, against the laws of
-fashion. She therefore reposed a certain confidence in Sedley, that led
-her to have a different feeling for him, from that she experienced for
-the other individuals by whom she was surrounded. For her natural
-timidity led her almost always to yield her opinion, without contention,
-to that of any other person, whose knowledge or abilities she supposed
-superior to her own. She even felt relieved, by believing she could in
-safety repose on the wisdom of another; for she had never yet been
-placed in a situation, in which she was necessitated to act for herself.
-Her ideas of the perfection of her father and Mrs. Galton had been
-such, that she not only never had disputed their authority, but had so
-entirely relied on their judgment, that her own had never been called
-into action. With her recollections of them Augustus Mordaunt had
-hitherto been united: the first affections of her heart had turned
-towards him, as to the playfellow, the companion, the brother of her
-earliest infancy; and had he too been her guide on her first entrance
-into life, she would probably have been induced to bestow on him a still
-dearer title. But Sir Henry's death, and Lady Eltondale's subsequent
-artifices, had totally separated poor Selina from all these her earliest
-friends. The misunderstanding, which had at first arisen partly from
-accident, between her and Mordaunt, was afterwards carefully increased
-by the crafty Viscountess; and her two unsuspecting victims, by their
-mutual errors, facilitated the success of her machinations. Both,
-conscious of the integrity of their own feelings, avoided rather than
-sought an explanation, which both considered due to their own individual
-pride. By both the perceptible alteration of each other's manner was
-attributed to the change that had taken place in their relative
-situation; and, above all, as the interruption of their intimacy had
-occurred by imperceptible degrees, no opening was left for
-reconciliation by the pretext of decided grievance. Whenever they met,
-which was now but seldom, a mutual indifference seemed to have succeeded
-to that regard, which had once been so prized by both. As yet however
-the indifference was but assumed.--Mordaunt felt, that it would be long
-before reason could extinguish his love for her, who was the world's
-idol as well as his--but every sentiment of wounded affection and
-indignant pride led him to conceal the passion he could not cure--The
-more he became conscious of the necessity of self-control, the more did
-he close up the real feelings of his heart in an impenetrable armour of
-cold and studied reserve. On the other hand, Selina's feelings had taken
-a far different coloring. His having, on their first meeting in town,
-apparently repulsed her advances to a renewal of their former intimacy,
-had given her the severest pang of mortification she had ever
-experienced; but vanity soon came to her assistance, and when she found
-that he alone appeared insensible to those charms which were so prized
-by others, she began, not unnaturally, to attribute his apparent
-unkindness to an insensibility she was undecided whether to resent or
-despise. Whenever, therefore, by accident they happened to be in the
-same society, she rather assumed than corrected the appearance of
-flirtation and coquetry, which was dissimilar to the artless _naïveté_
-of her earlier days, and was least suited to the unbending frigidity of
-his present deportment. With these sentiments it is not then to be
-wondered at, that their mutual society should become a source of pain,
-rather than of pleasure, to both; and Lady Eltondale, watching with
-secret satisfaction the widening breach, made it still more irreparable,
-by ostentatiously appearing to court that intercourse, which both now
-evidently wished to shun.
-
-At the same time Sedley, apparently without design, seemed to rise in
-Selina's estimation, in the proportion as Augustus fell, and gradually
-began to insinuate himself into her regard. In Sedley's society Selina
-felt perfectly unrestrained. With him her manners were always natural:
-she felt assured, that he was, as he professed to be, sincerely her
-friend; and she rested with satisfaction on the belief, that he aspired
-to no higher distinction. Even the vigilance of Lady Eltondale was for
-once baffled. Mr. Sedley's situation in life was exactly in that mean,
-which least attracted her notice: his paternal estate was sufficient, as
-she believed, to render even Selina's fortune of no vital importance to
-him; and judging of Selina by herself, she believed it almost
-impossible, that a girl so universally admired, as she undoubtedly was,
-would be content to remain a commoner all her life. Besides, she knew
-Sedley was Frederick's most intimate friend, and therefore she did not
-hesitate to make him the confidant of her views regarding Miss Seymour;
-believing that by doing so she might safely encourage his attendance on
-her niece, and at the same time make that attendance an additional
-defence against the designs of others. But the Viscountess had now to
-learn, that duplicity on one side engenders artifice on the other:
-Sedley was even more in her son-in-law's confidence, than in her own;
-and, while she with wily care cautioned him against allowing Selina to
-suspect her plan, she convinced him, that, in seeking the gratification
-of his own passion, there was no risk of thwarting the affections either
-of his friend, or _the heiress_ allotted to him. It was true, from a
-passage in Frederick's last letter, he was led to believe, that it was
-his intention to pay his addresses to Miss Seymour on his return to
-England, and he therefore cautiously suspended his own operations. "At
-present, (thought he) the girl certainly prefers me to every other man;
-for now she has quite forgot that perpendicular statue Mordaunt, and it
-will be difficult enough for him to revive any regard she might once
-have had for such a philosophical personage as he is, whilst both Lady
-Eltondale and I keep guard over her. Then if she has sense and
-steadiness enough to refuse Elton, when he proposes for her estate, for
-I'll take care she understands he does not care a farthing for herself;
-why then, notwithstanding my pretty Columbina, I will, without any
-remorse of conscience, marry her myself, if it was for nothing but to
-rescue her from that devilish calculator of compound interest, that
-noble aunt of hers--But if that same crafty duenna, that female
-Machiavel succeeds, which, after all, is by no means improbable,
-considering her wickedness and Selina's innocence; why then let them all
-take the consequence. Frederick will get the old oaks--she'll get his
-old title, and I, or any other man, may get her love that pleases." So
-reasoned Sedley--and thus did this modern Pylades acquit himself of the
-charge of any breach of friendship, as he thus deliberately prepared to
-rival his own Orestes.
-
-Far different, and much less successful, were the means adopted by
-Webberly for carrying his designs into execution. He had become
-painfully convinced, that the paths of fashionable extravagance were not
-to be trodden with impunity; and as his credit decreased with his banker
-his attentions to Miss Seymour were redoubled. Whenever she appeared in
-public, as at the theatres, or in the Park, he was her constant
-attendant; "and, like the shadow, proved the substance true," as far at
-least as related to her fortune. But notwithstanding his assiduity, he
-found it almost impossible to procure access to those more distinguished
-parties Lady Eltondale and Sedley frequented; and, being as much
-enlightened by his self-interest as the Viscountess was deceived by
-hers, he determined to keep a watchful eye over his _ci-devant_ friend,
-and heartily repented having ever introduced him at Deane Hall.
-
-While these two competitors were thus, in different ways, striving for
-the golden prize, Selina was not less an object of regard to Lord
-Osselstone.--He, as might naturally be expected, was usually to be met
-in the same circle in which Lady Eltondale moved: but it was more
-difficult to account for the perceptible attention he constantly paid to
-Selina. At first he seemed more than usually pleased with the
-artlessness and vivacity of her manner; and the recollection of the
-kindness of his behaviour to her at the moment of her distress, at Lady
-Eltondale's first party, made her show a sort of confidence in her
-manners and address towards him, that, had she been more experienced in
-the ways of the world, his very superiority might perhaps have
-prevented. But with Lord Osselstone the idea of Mordaunt was inseparably
-connected; and as the recollection of the one became painful, the
-pleasure she had derived from the society of the other decreased. She
-became gradually suspicious of his character, as a greater familiarity
-with it convinced her it was not easily to be understood; and she was
-sometimes tempted to wish, either that she was less an object of his
-Lordship's observation, or that the veil could be entirely withdrawn,
-which seemed so constantly to shroud all his feelings from her view.
-
-At last the day of Selina's presentation at Court arrived. Never had she
-looked so lovely--never was she so much admired.--Her heart beat high
-with exultation, and her eyes sparkled with redoubled animation, as she
-heard her own praise from every lip. When the drawing-room was over, and
-she found herself seated in the carriage with Lady Eltondale, she could
-not, in the vanity of the moment, repress a wish that Mrs. Galton had
-seen how much she was admired: adding, while a smile of conscious beauty
-played on her ruby lip, "I think if Mr. Mordaunt had been at Court
-to-day, even he might have condescended to have acknowledged his country
-friend." It was the first time Selina had voluntarily named him for many
-months, and the Viscountess hailed the auspicious omen. She knew that
-not to breathe a name on which our thoughts most dwell, is even a more
-dangerous symptom, than when it is the sole subject of our conversation.
-The spell with Selina now seemed broken; and Lady Eltondale profited by
-the opportunity afforded, continuing the conversation in a careless
-manner, in hopes of accustoming Selina to the deliberate discussion of
-his negligence towards her. "If (thought she) I can habituate her to
-talk about him, and to talk calmly, the day is my own:
-
-    Lorsqu'on se fâche, on peut aimer encore;
-    Lorsqu'on raisonne, on n'aime plus."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-    "The town, the court, is beauty's proper sphere:
-    That is our Heaven, and we are angels there."
-
-
-     MISS SEYMOUR TO MRS. GALTON.
-
-     London, May 25,----
-
-     My dear, dear Aunt,
-
-     Your last letter has made me very unhappy. Is it possible that you
-     can really believe I have forgotten you?--I acknowledge that I have
-     been very very remiss about writing; but indeed my heart has always
-     been right towards you, though perhaps my conduct has not been so;
-     however, I acknowledge my fault in this instance, though Lady
-     Eltondale told me the other day, when I regretted not having
-     answered either of your two last letters, that nobody but me kept
-     a debtor and creditor account of correspondence; and that she was
-     sure you could not really be uneasy about me, as you could never
-     look at a newspaper without seeing my name in it, and of course
-     knowing I was both "alive and merry." And, indeed, I often wonder
-     how people have time to think and write so much about such a
-     foolish girl as I am.--Do you know, the milliners have called a new
-     cap, and a little satin hat, by my name?--Could you have believed,
-     that your poor Selina would ever have been godmother to such
-     bantlings? _Mais le vrai n'est pas toujours vraisemblable_; and I
-     verily am installed, without any probation, into all the dignities
-     of the _ton_. Mr. Sedley always tells me, I must be more than ever
-     attentive to my manners; as, if I was to walk like the
-     "Anthropophagi, whose heads do grow beneath their shoulders," I
-     should make it the fashion, and every other girl would do the
-     same. I do acknowledge, dear dear aunt, that I am quite delighted
-     with London. It far, far exceeds my expectation: indeed all the
-     descriptions of it I used to hear from Miss Cecilia Webberly are so
-     different from what I found the reality to be, that I wonder where
-     she can have met the originals of her extraordinary caricatures.
-     And as for Vauxhall and Astley's, that Miss Martin used to talk so
-     much about, I should hardly believe there were such places in
-     existence, if it was not for the advertisements I sometimes see in
-     the newspapers. Poor Lucy! I wonder what she is doing now at Deane,
-     vegetating in the country, as Lady Eltondale calls it, like a red
-     cabbage, all through the winter. Do you know, aunt, I never like to
-     think of the poor old Hall: I was so very happy there--so
-     cheerful--so contented--you all then loved me so dearly, I had not
-     a wish ungratified: now, in town, I am much more gay, but yet I
-     seldom go into a crowded room, without a kind of feverish anxiety
-     about a something, I know not what; and I seldom return home, at
-     night, without a languor on my spirits I never experienced in
-     former times;--but all that will soon wear away.--I am much fonder
-     now of going to parties than I was at first; for though I always
-     liked balls and the Opera, I did not much admire routs, but now I
-     think them very pleasant, for I generally meet Mr. Sedley, and he
-     is always entertaining, and always kind to me: and, after all, I am
-     determined to like the life I lead. For of what avail would it be
-     to me to regret those quiet peaceful days, which can now never
-     return? and if they did, they would probably appear insipid, after
-     the greater pleasures I have now been accustomed to: so whenever my
-     thoughts happen to turn to the poor dear old Hall, I jump up and
-     immediately seek out Lady Eltondale; and there is something so
-     calm, so elegant, and at the same time so freezing about her, that
-     no person could feel what she calls romance in her presence. Her
-     manners are like the snow on the Alps, they smooth down all the
-     surface, and give a dazzling brilliancy to the whole appearance;
-     but they are cold, almost to petrefaction, and I believe, after
-     all, cover only a heart of stone. Do you know, I have found out
-     lately I could never love Lady Eltondale. I have the greatest
-     reliance on her judgment, and I am sure there is nothing she could
-     _advise_ me to do (for she never _desires_ me to do any thing) that
-     I would not do; but if I was to live with her to all eternity, I
-     should never call her aunt, as I do you; or feel for her, in any
-     degree, as I feel for you. I believe the difference is this--I
-     would go any distance to be with you, or to prove how much I loved
-     you; but if you and Lady Eltondale were to give me contrary
-     directions, (don't be angry,) I should regret that I could not
-     fulfil yours, but I should feel with her there was no alternative.
-     We don't see as much of the Webberly family, at least of the
-     ladies, as I expected; for though they call very often, they are
-     not on Lady Eltondale's "at home" list; and, except one day that I
-     went with them to Somerset House, and last Sunday in Kensington
-     Gardens, I have scarcely met them any where since we came to town.
-     The last time, however, that I saw them, Mrs. Sullivan was all
-     bustle and importance, for she has received an invitation from one
-     of Mr. Sullivan's relations, to go and visit him in Ireland; and
-     she talks so much of his "_intense_ fortune, and great old castle,"
-     which Lady Eltondale, by the bye, says, is only a _château en
-     Espagne_. But poor Mrs. Sullivan declares, "her Carline shall be an
-     air-ass after all, as she is sure Mr. Sullivan is so proud of his
-     geology, that he will take care to leave every thing after him to
-     his progenitors; and it is but fair he should give it to her
-     daughter, as all old retailed estates ought to ascend to the hairs
-     male." I sincerely hope, that dear charming Miss Wildenheim will
-     not be dragged after them into one of those horrid Irish bogs: what
-     a pity it is she should, in any way, be united to such a barbarous
-     family; theirs is certainly the connection of _la belle et la
-     bête_. But I had almost forgot to tell you, that Mrs. Sullivan and
-     her son and heir intend to do me the honour of adding me to their
-     establishment also. I wish I could describe Mr. Sedley's manner and
-     words, as he entertained Lady Eltondale and me last night at the
-     Opera, with an account of Mr. Webberly having invited him to
-     dinner, for the express purpose, he says, of informing him of his
-     intention to propose for me, in form, very shortly; and that Mr.
-     Webberly told Mr. Sedley this, lest he should have any intention of
-     doing so himself. I don't know whether the idea of Mr. Webberly's
-     own design, or his ridiculous suspicions of Mr. Sedley's, amused
-     Lady Eltondale or him most: however they both agreed, that it was
-     quite impossible I should ever marry a commoner. I wish you knew
-     Mr. Sedley well, as I am sure you would like him, and be convinced
-     that your prejudice last autumn, and your idea that he was
-     unprincipled, would soon vanish. He is uncommonly good natured, and
-     always tells me all my faults, and I am not the least afraid of him
-     as I am of Lady Eltondale; indeed he is the only person in town I
-     have real pleasure in conversing with. When I talk to any body
-     else, I am always afraid of their misconstruing either my vivacity
-     or my gravity. But Mr. Sedley's conversation is always adapted to
-     the turn of the moment. If I am gay, he does not accuse me of
-     levity; and if I am inclined to talk rationally, he does not call
-     it pedantry. Would you believe it, the other night, when I know Mr.
-     Webberly thought he was making love to me, we were literally
-     talking of Montesquieu's _Esprit des Loix_, which you may remember
-     was one of the last books we read together--I mean with Mr. Temple.
-     Lady Eltondale is to give a great ball next week; I believe soon
-     after that we shall leave town. Lord Osselstone, whom I meet
-     constantly----Lady Eltondale has this moment called me into the
-     drawing-room--I must go.--Good bye, dear dear aunt.
-
-     Yours most affectionately,
-
-     SELINA SEYMOUR.
-
-The pretext the Viscountess made use of for interrupting Miss Seymour
-was, that she might comply with Mr. Sedley's request of showing him her
-drawings, as to see _them_ was ostensibly the purpose for which he had
-called that morning; though in truth a day seldom passed, in which he
-did not find some good reason for visiting Portman square. Selina made
-no hesitation in producing them; for, though she was not quite exempt
-from the foible of personal vanity, yet she was entirely free from that
-despicable affectation, which assumes the appearance of modesty, when
-the reality is most wanting. Her drawings were, in truth, beautiful, and
-much superior to the common school girl exhibitions of would-be artists.
-But her knowledge was even superior to her execution; and she so
-correctly appreciated the merits of her paintings, that she received
-both the encomiums and the criticisms they produced with equal candour.
-While her miniatures and her portfolio were lying on Lady Eltondale's
-table, Lord Osselstone was announced. At first he expressed the surprise
-he felt, at thus unexpectedly discovering Selina's talent, and then
-complimented her on her excellence with his usual politeness. But
-believing Sedley's gallantry was more agreeable than his own, he
-gradually withdrew with Lady Eltondale to another part of the room.
-Their attention was, however, soon attracted by a _brouillerie_ that
-had arisen between Sedley and Selina. It appeared, that he had possessed
-himself of a drawing out of her portfolio, which he seemed determined to
-retain; alleging it was a subject that particularly suited his taste;
-while she was still more anxious to regain the stolen treasure. In the
-struggle that ensued, the drawing fell to the ground; and Lord
-Osselstone, stooping to pick it up, discovered it to be a beautiful
-portrait of a pointer. The dog, at full length, was inimitably drawn;
-and over the different parts of the paper the same head was sketched in
-pencil, in a variety of different attitudes; and in one corner was
-written also in pencil these lines of Metastasio's Partenza:--
-
-    Soffri che in traccia almen
-    Di mia perduta pace,
-    Venga il penner sequace
-    Su l'orme del tuo piè.
-    Sempre nel tuo cammino,
-    Sempre m'avrai vicino[6].
-
-[Footnote 6:
-
-     At least allow that in the track,
-    Once mark'd by joys now fled,
-    My wandering thoughts may trace the path
-    Which thy dear footsteps tread:
-    For once where'er those footsteps stray'd,
-    Still, still beside thee I delay'd.
-]
-
-"I have seen the original of that admirable portrait," said Lord
-Osselstone, in a tone of inquiry, as he politely returned the drawing to
-its mistress; while at the same time his dark penetrating eye rested
-full upon hers. She looked down instantly, and blushing deeply, replied,
-"Perhaps your Lordship may have seen the dog: I meant it for Carlo. I
-only drew it from recollection:--it's a mere daub of no value now;" and
-so saying, she tore the drawing into a thousand pieces. Mr. Sedley
-uttered a volume of apologies and regrets; and Lady Eltondale, half
-laughingly half sarcastically, remonstrated at her not having sooner
-been informed of Miss Seymour's talent for taking dogs' portraits;
-alleging that she would now make Mignon sit for his picture. Then seeing
-that Selina's embarrassment was increased, and Lord Osselstone's
-observation of it not withdrawn, she proposed adjourning to Selina's
-boudoir, to see some of her other miniatures that adorned it. Here her
-various occupations, her books, her harp, her work-box, all of which had
-evidently been lately used, served by Lady Eltondale's address as fresh
-subjects of conversation; and the current of Selina's thoughts being as
-rapidly turned, she soon resumed her natural gaiety; and perhaps Lord
-Osselstone's regret was scarcely less manifested than Sedley's, when the
-arrival of Lady Eltondale's carriage put an end to their visit.
-
-The Viscountess made no further mention of Carlo's portrait, and both
-the original and the picture seemed to have entirely vanished from
-Selina's recollection, till a few days afterwards she discovered on her
-writing table in the boudoir an exact representation of Carlo himself in
-a _garde de feuille_. The dog was in bronze, on a marble pedestal, and
-on his collar were engraved the words, "_Je la garderai pour mon
-maitre._" Selina was not less delighted than surprised at this
-unexpected present; and immediately ran to thank Lady Eltondale for it,
-conceiving her to have been the donor. But she denied any knowledge of
-it, and they both concluded the gallantry must have been Sedley's.
-Accordingly the next time they met him, Selina made her acknowledgements
-for the gift. At first he expressed, in the most natural manner, his
-surprise at her address, and affected total ignorance of the occasion of
-her gratitude. But notwithstanding his laughable confusion and affected
-unconcern, both the Viscountess and her niece attributed the present to
-him;--a circumstance that gave room for reflection to both their minds,
-though the feelings it occasioned in each were far different.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-    The enchantress summons to a splendid hall:
-    ---- ---- In gay festoons around
-    Bloom'd many a wreath with rose and myrtle crown'd.
-    --The nymphs, who late encompassing their queen
-    Round her bright throne, like hov'ring clouds were seen,
-    Now range themselves to wind the magic dance;
-    The magic dance of pow'r, the dead to raise,
-    Or draw embodied spirits down to gaze;
-    Now pair by pair, now groupe by groupe unite,
-    The loveliest forms in thousand folded light.
-
-    SOTHEBY'S OBERON.
-
-
-Before the day arrived which had been fixed for Lady Eltondale's ball,
-to which Selina alluded in her letter to Mrs. Galton, a note from Lord
-Osselstone was received by the Viscountess, desiring her commands to
-Vienna, and informing her, that he and his nephew purposed immediately
-commencing a tour to the continent they had long meditated.
-
-Selina felt almost relieved by the certainty of Mordaunt's absence, for
-she still felt a degree of painful embarrassment in his presence, though
-she had taught herself no longer to expect any attention, and scarcely
-even recognizance from him in public. Nor was she much more at ease in
-the society of Lord Osselstone. Whenever he was near her, whatever might
-be his apparent occupation, she still felt an indescribable
-consciousness, that she was the object of his peculiar attention.
-Sometimes a sort of reflected sensation in her own eye led her to
-believe, that his was fixed upon her; though often, when this feeling
-made her look round to meet his glance, she would perceive it was
-directed elsewhere. At other times, if engaged in conversation, when she
-had no idea whatever of his proximity, she would discover, by some
-casual observation, that he had heard all she had said; and his
-Lordship would then continue the discourse, be it what it might, in the
-strain best adapted to the moment; for Lord Osselstone particularly
-excelled in the talent of conversation:--he could--
-
-    "Choose a firm cloud before it fall, and in it
-    Catch, ere she change, the Cynthia of the minute."
-
-Whether the subject was lively or sententious, gay or serious, his
-abilities seemed equally applicable to all. At times his wisdom would
-call forth Selina's powers of reasoning; at others he would encourage
-the playfulness of her wit, till it "touch'd the brink of all we hate."
-But beyond that verge no temporary exhilaration of spirits ever betrayed
-the chasteness, the delicacy of Selina's judgment. And yet,
-notwithstanding the urbanity and politeness of Lord Osselstone's manners
-to Selina, she never felt herself perfectly at ease with him. She could
-not be secure of what his real sentiments were, therefore, by a natural
-consequence, she was diffident in the expression of her own. She once
-described her feelings in regard to the Earl, by saying to Lady
-Eltondale, in her usual playful manner, "When I talk to Lord Osselstone,
-I always feel as if my mind was on stilts; and, though he seems only to
-follow my lead in conversation, I get almost out of breath, lest I
-should not keep up to my traces; but when I talk to Mr. Sedley, his chat
-runs on with mine in its own natural way, sometimes scarcely creeping
-along, and at others setting off in a full gallop: a Frenchwoman would
-say, "_Je débite avec l'un et cause avec l'autre._""
-
-By this fortunate continental tour Selina was relieved from the dread of
-encountering, on the festive night, the only two people whose presence
-ever damped the amusement she derived from those scenes of gaiety in
-which she now shone so conspicuous; and, with unmixed delight, did she
-anticipate the fête, which, in her opinion, would eclipse all that ever
-had preceded it. The munificent allowance which, by her father's will,
-was made to the Viscountess for Selina's residence with her, was by no
-means an unacceptable addition to Lord Eltondale's income; for though he
-"never had time" to look into his own affairs, and was little aware of
-the real extent of their derangement, yet the constant remonstrances of
-his steward convinced him most unwillingly, that they were in a very
-embarassed state. It was not, however, Lady Eltondale's intention, that
-the sums received for the maintenance of her niece should be
-appropriated to the discharge of any of her husband's debts;--she
-claimed them as her own, and expended them in increased extravagance and
-dissipation. So sensible was she of the advantages she derived from
-Selina's remaining with her, that, though anxious for the match
-ultimately being made between Miss Seymour and Mr. Elton, she was by no
-means anxious, that their union should take place before the expiration
-of her minority, at which period she knew that her niece would of course
-form an establishment of her own.
-
-The ball, which was now announced by the Viscountess, was ostensibly
-given for Selina; and all that taste could design, or expense procure,
-was put in requisition for the magnificent display. Selina, who had
-never by deprivation been taught the real value of riches, was delighted
-at the splendid preparations, and became a docile pupil in the arts of
-profusion under the admirable tuition of her aunt. Lady Eltondale was
-the character above all others most dangerous for the guidance or
-imitation of youth. Her faults were so varnished by the specious
-elegance and charms of her manners, that even the experience of age
-hesitated to bestow on them the stigma of vice, while the most
-thoughtless could not fail to discover, that she neither revered nor
-understood the fixed immutable rules of virtue. It is true the breath of
-scandal had never sullied the gloss of her fair fame; but for this,
-perhaps, she was more indebted to the frigidity of her heart, than to
-the rectitude of her principles; and that total annihilation of all
-feeling, which she recommended both by precept and example, was more
-likely to eradicate the better sentiments of benevolence and generosity,
-than to serve as an effectual preventive against the temptations of
-passion.
-
-Lady Eltondale was scarcely less anxious than was Selina, that her
-entertainment should stand foremost in the annals of fashionable
-dissipation; for many little springs of self-interest were now set in
-motion in the calculating head of the Viscountess. She was arrived at
-that age, not only of her natural life, but of her existence in the
-world of fashion, when she felt it not undesirable to procure some
-auxiliaries, to support her on that pinnacle she had for many years
-occupied. She could not forget, that before her marriage she had been
-followed and flattered as a beauty, nor that, when she assumed her
-present title, she had been still more courted as a leader of ton; but
-she now felt conscious, that both those enviable distinctions were
-beginning to fade, and she was therefore not unwilling to profit by the
-various advantages she derived from the society of her niece, whose more
-novel attractions drew renewed crowds to her assemblies, and fresh
-visitors to her door. Nor did any personal jealousy interfere with the
-more substantial pleasures she enjoyed by being _chaperone_ to Miss
-Seymour. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that their beauty was so
-dissimilar, that their individual admirers would always be distinct; nor
-did she believe that any person, who was capable of duly appreciating
-the high polish of her more matured grace, would be diverted from their
-admiration by the unstudied, though exuberant charms of a girl of
-seventeen. It was therefore with more satisfaction than envy, that Lady
-Eltondale contemplated the unparalleled success of Selina's toilet on
-the night so eagerly anticipated by both, as she appeared--
-
-          "In brilliancy of art array'd,
-    Jewels and pearls in many a curious braid,
-    Show that the unnotic'd di'mond's sunlike rays
-    Fail to eclipse the self-resplendent blaze,
-    Which round the unrivall'd charms of native beauty play'd."
-
-"Vhy, Miss Seymour, I never seed nothing like that ere sprig in my
-life," said Mrs. Sullivan, bustling through the crowd up to Selina, who
-had just finished the first dance with the young Duke of Saltoun. "All
-the vay as you vent up and down the middle, it nodded about and sparkled
-so--you looks for all the 'versal vorld like the queen of dimonds." "Or
-rather the queen of hearts," said young Webberly, with a low bow and a
-deep sigh; while Selina, meeting Sedley's glance, could scarcely receive
-his compliments with a becoming composure of countenance. "Or if," said
-Sedley, advancing, "you want a simile, Webberly, suppose you call Miss
-Seymour the planet Venus, shining at night with unrivalled
-splendour;--that will do, you know, ma'am, both for the sprig and the
-lady," continued he, turning with a ludicrous reverence to Mrs.
-Sullivan. "Vhy as for the matter of that there, Mr. Sedley," replied the
-indignant matron, "my Jack could raise a smile himself in no time,
-without no promoting of any one's else's whatsomdever. He's not such a
-ninny-headed feller neither as you seem to take him for, Mr. Sedley. He
-can see as far into a millstone as e'er a one, Mr. Sedley; and, as far
-as his mother tongue goes, he can talk orthography with you or any one
-else." "No doubt, my dear ma'am," returned he, with immoveable gravity,
-"and nothing can surpass his mother's tongue;--
-
-                       "'In her
-    There is a prone and speechless dialect
-    Such as moves men: beside she hath a prosp'rous art,
-    When she will play with reason and discourse.'"
-
-"Aye, aye, Mr. Sedley, you may go on as you please; preside in your own
-vay, but remember I knows what's what. I can tell Miss Seymour here,
-impudence is a bad prostitute for honesty." Though Selina could not
-quite understand the full import of Mrs. Sullivan's observations, which
-she endeavoured to render still more significant by shrugs and gestures;
-yet by the heightened colour of the lady's complexion, and a transient
-gravity that passed over the countenances of both gentlemen, she plainly
-discovered the conversation had taken a turn unpleasant to all parties;
-therefore, with that true politeness which arises from natural
-benevolence, she endeavoured to soothe the irrascible feelings of each,
-by diverting their thoughts into another channel. To Mrs. Sullivan she
-paid an elegant, and not very exaggerated compliment on Cecilia's
-particularly good looks. To Mr. Webberly's request that she would dance
-with him, she acceded with an alacrity, that seemed to verify her
-expression of regret that her other engagements obliged her to postpone
-hers with him for some dances; and by sending Sedley on an embassy to
-Lady Eltondale, she prevented a renewal of the skirmish between him and
-the offended mother, which the equivocal expression of his countenance
-led her to believe was not an impossible event. "Lawk, mama!" exclaimed
-Miss Webberly, in an elevated tone, as soon as he had left the groupe,
-"I wonder you can condescend to notice him so;--you're always fighting
-him now." "Vhy I know, Meely, I oughtn't to demon myself to such a
-feller; but I can't bear, not I, to see him ballooning (lampooning) poor
-Jack there, while every feature in his physiology shows that he's
-mocking him up all the time:--I can't bear no such hypercritics, not I."
-Cecilia now warmly undertook his defence, which she entered upon with
-still more zeal as the subject of her mother's philippic had made an
-_amende honorable_ to her at least, by engaging her for the same set
-that her brother was to dance with Miss Seymour, who in the mean time
-having succeeded in parting the combatants, had gone to resume her
-station amongst the dancers.
-
-The time at last arrived for the fulfilment of Selina's engagement with
-Webberly, and they stood up together. At first the youth was so busily
-engaged in settling his cravat, putting on and taking off his glove, and
-eyeing askance his neighbour the Duke of Saltoun, all of whose motions
-he endeavoured to imitate, that he had no time to attend to his fair
-partner. At last he recollected his duty, and hastily stepping across
-the dance, prepared to give utterance to a tender speech he had composed
-in the morning. But as he stooped forward to pour the soft accents in
-his fair one's ear, having, like the simple partridge, safely deposited
-his head, he became careless of the rest of his person; and
-unfortunately his noble prototype the Duke, at the same moment exerting
-himself vigorously in a Highland fling, came unexpectedly in contact
-with the dying swain, and threw him sprawling into the arms of his
-mistress, before either were prepared for so novel a situation. The
-salute was as little agreeable to poor Selina as it was unexpected, and
-she hastily disengaged herself from Webberly before he had succeeded in
-recovering his balance, or the Duke had uttered more than half his
-apologies. At last the youth accomplished regaining that erect posture,
-which is man's first characteristic, and returned in silence to his
-place opposite Selina, where he occupied himself, indefatigably in
-pulling down his coat behind, pushing up his hair before, and looking
-sternly round, in the vain hope of suppressing the titter that buzzed on
-all sides of him. Thus without his renewing the attack, did they reach
-in silence the top of the dance, and before the effect of his disaster
-was obliterated from his mind or his countenance, their turn came to
-begin. He now determined, by increased exertions, to make amends for his
-unfortunate commencement, and by dint of manual labour to eclipse even
-the Duke of Saltoun in agility. His figure was athletic, and his limbs
-were ponderous; but art, in nature's despight, had made him at least an
-active dancer. And now he cut, and he leapt, and he sprang into the air,
-till the perspiration burst from his forehead. If by chance he got
-foremost down the middle, he dragged Selina's fragile form after him,
-_vi et armis_, the whole length of the set; but this inconvenience she
-did not often encounter, for he generally spent so much longer time than
-necessary in his coupees, and his settings, and his pirouettes, that he
-was forced to sail down the middle after his partner, like another
-Johnny Gilpin, while with terror in their countenances all beholders
-cleared the course before him. It was impossible for Selina long to
-endure the danger and fatigue of such a partner; and before they had
-half measured the length of the set, (except by the flying visits before
-mentioned) she proposed retiring to the bottom. But that situation was
-not more propitious to our hero than the top had been; long before he
-became stationary his breath was exhausted, and that gradual extension
-of the lungs, which he intended to be the
-
-    "Softest note of whisper'd anguish,
-    "Harmony's refined part,"
-
-became an audible and protracted groan, whilst his eyes, starting from
-their sockets from the violence of his exertions, were any thing but the
-messengers of passion. "Good God! Miss Seymour, what is the name of your
-partner?" exclaimed Sir James Fenton, as he calmly surveyed the gasping
-hero through his spy-glass:--"Mr. Weatherly do you call him? Poor young
-man! he must dance for the good of his health! Tam O' Shanter himself
-never saw such 'louping and flinging' as he has exhibited to-night--pray
-introduce me to him." Then without waiting for the solicited
-presentation, he advanced to the new Vestris, and, with all possible
-gravity, began to compliment him on "his astonishing performance." Each
-compliment called forth a fresh specimen from the flattered beau, as he
-was turned, or otherwise joined in the dance, to the infinite amusement
-of the surrounding crowd; and what between the necessary application of
-his pocket handkerchief, the exhibition of his extraordinary talent,
-and the proper returns of bows and smiles to every address of the
-malicious Sir James Fenton, he had no time left for courtship.
-
-Supper was at length announced, and Sedley, who with his partner had
-been standing near Selina, offered her his arm, alleging, that Mr.
-Webberly was too busy just then to attend to her: "Yes, (replied Selina
-laughingly, passing her arm through his) my Achilles seems only
-vulnerable in the heel to-night." But Cecilia not choosing to lose any
-share of Sedley's attention, roared out, "Why, brother! brother John,
-what are you capering there for, like a great jack-ass, as you are, and
-leaving Miss Seymour to take care of herself?" The hint was not lost
-upon him--he made one _entrechat_ which cleared the intimidated throng,
-and brought him to Selina's side, then seizing her hand, he led her
-triumphantly off before she had time to remonstrate, or he to recover
-sufficient breath to apologize for his previous inattention. However he
-fully determined to make up for his lost opportunity at the supper
-table; and therefore, fearful of interruption, was by no means desirous
-to find room for his mother and sister, who with Sedley and Cecilia
-joined them. But Miss Seymour's politeness to her guests counteracted
-his design; and while he was fortifying himself with a copious draught
-of _champagne_, as a necessary preliminary to the declaration he
-purposed making, Mrs. Sullivan was endeavouring to insinuate herself
-into the little space which her daughters had reserved for her, with
-more attention to their own comfort, than to their parent's
-circumference. At last, however, she became seated, and, with maternal
-solicitude, immediately turned her anxious eye on her beloved son's
-countenance. But great was her dismay, and rapid was her utterance, as
-the following eloquent address burst forth in a sharp _contralto_ key,
-"Vhy, Jack! Lord deliver me, Jack! you be all of a lather! And your
-nose, child, as smutty as a sweep's, from one end to t'other; why what,
-in the name of mercy, have you been about? Oh! vhy your hands be puxzy,
-I suppose, and so they have taken all the japanning off Miss Seymour's
-fan here, I suppose."--"Mother can't ye mind your own business, and
-leave mine alone," roared the dutiful son, in a voice of thunder, at the
-same time profiting by the hint he condemned, and again wiping his
-face.--"Vhy I only tell you for own good, Jacky; but you are grown so
-copious of late, there's no wenturing to speak a vord, and my advice
-never makes no oppression on you, else I'd discommend your buttoning
-your waistcoat; and if you impress that ere wiolent perspiration you're
-in, I shall have you laid up in a titmouse fever, that's all Jack.--I
-know it ba'nt the fashion to mind any thing a parent says, now-a-days;
-but if I vasn't your own mother that bared ye, you'd attend to me, fast
-enough; though, (continued she, turning to Selina,) Miss Seymour, a vife
-is another guess matter to a young man; and Jack would make a wery good
-husband, I'm certain, if you'd but fancy him, though he's not quite so
-diligent to me as he might be."
-
-Meantime, poor Jack, his faculties almost benumbed with his mother's
-rhetoric, and his own previous exhaustion, had allowed her to proceed
-without interruption, while he busied himself in buttoning the
-unfortunate waistcoat, that had called forth her animadversions. But his
-evil stars still pursued him: in his agitation he also buttoned up the
-greater part of the very pocket handkerchief which had before been in
-such constant requisition; one unlucky corner alone escaped; and, as he
-stood up to help himself to a fresh bottle of _champagne_ that was at
-some distance, this singular appendage struck his anxious parent with
-fresh dismay. Her exclamations, at his extraordinary appearance, were
-too much for the risible muscles of the rest of the company. A universal
-shout of laughter burst from the whole table. In vain did Mrs. Sullivan
-roar out, "Button it up, Jack! button it up!" In vain did Jack cast the
-most indignant glances, not only upon her, but upon the whole company.
-The laugh was not to be repressed; and, starting up, with a tremendous
-oath, the unfortunate Webberly rushed out of the room.
-
-It may be supposed, Selina did not much regret his absence; and in the
-following dance, Sedley's inimitable caricature of the whole family
-amply compensated to her for the trifling mortification their vulgarity
-had occasioned. To use the language of the Morning Post, "The dancing
-was continued till a late hour, when the company departed, highly
-gratified by the splendor of the entertainment, the elegance of the
-hostess, and the unrivalled charms of her accomplished niece."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-     Here's another letter to her: she bears the purse too, she is a
-     region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheater to them
-     both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be my East and
-     West Indies.
-
-     MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
-
-
-As fate had hitherto been so unpropitious to young Webberly, and his
-anxious mama, in their personal interviews with Miss Seymour, they
-decided, at their next _tête à tête_, which was generally of a much more
-friendly nature than their public communications, that he should not any
-longer delay making his proposal in form, which Mrs. Sullivan could not
-believe she would hesitate in accepting; for, like the monkey in the
-fable, she thought nothing equalled her own progeny. On this occasion
-at least, her son implicitly followed her directions; he was aware that
-his finances were so reduced, he should never be able to stand another
-London campaign, without some new resource, and the gaming table had
-lately not been as productive a one as he usually found it. With the
-assistance of his sisters, he therefore composed a letter full of darts,
-and wounds, and happiness, and agitation, and gratitude, and eternity;
-and "used the arts that lovers use;" in hopes, by the superabundance of
-his professions, to compensate for his real indifference. For, in truth,
-he cared only for Selina's fortune, as he actually loved Miss
-Wildenheim, as much as it was in nature for so selfish a being to love
-any body. And though he was equally as incapable of justly appreciating
-her character as of understanding Selina's, yet her talents were so
-veiled by the calm dignity of the manners, that he felt less intimidated
-by them than by the brilliant vivacity of Selina's. But, in
-anticipating the possibility of becoming Miss Seymour's husband, he
-fully, in imagination, indemnified himself for the temporary
-mortifications her undoubted superiority now occasioned him, by the
-magnanimous resolution of treating her, when she became his wife, with
-all possible contempt; believing, as many husbands do in similar
-situations, that an ostentatious display of authority will persuade
-others, that the dependent is really the inferior being, like the boy on
-the ladder, who tramples on that which alone supports him.
-
-Selina and Lady Eltondale were together, when the Viscountess was
-presented with an enormous packet, sealed with a coat of arms as ample
-in its expansion as it was modern in its date; "Good Heavens!" exclaimed
-her Ladyship, holding up the cover, "arms! and the man; here, Selina,
-the envelope only is for me: your _nouveau riche_ admirer requests I
-will present to you this inimitable manuscript." Selina hastily ran
-over the composition, which had cost some hours to indite; and then, no
-longer able to keep her countenance, burst into a hearty fit of
-laughter, while her cheeks mantled with blushes, "Well, at last, Lady
-Eltondale, here is the promised proposal: I had no idea what a real love
-letter was--pray read it." "No my dear; excuse me, my dear: all such
-tender professions are similar, they '_consistent à dire aux femmes avec
-un esprit léger et une ame de glace, tout ce qu'on ne croit pas, et tout
-ce qu'on voudrait leur faire croire_[7].' I am much more curious to know
-what your answer will be."--"A refusal undoubtedly," replied Miss
-Seymour; "but I must request of you, Lady Eltondale, to convey it for
-me." "You know, Selina, you are your own mistress; it is unnecessary
-for me to offer any advice." Selina felt the rebuke; but before she
-could make any apology, her aunt continued, "In this instance I think
-you right: title, my dear, is the only thing to marry for; it is
-terrible to be obliged to purchase one's place in society; and even the
-richest commoners are only valued in proportion to their expenditure;
-whereas a nobleman maybe as poor and as shabby as he pleases, his wife
-must always have precedence." "But surely, Lady Eltondale, you would not
-have me marry for precedence." "It is what ninety-nine girls out of a
-hundred marry for," resumed the Viscountess, with perfect _sang froid_;
-"and as I do not see much difference in your character from that of the
-rest of your sex, I conclude what makes others happy would satisfy you."
-"I think," replied Selina, hesitatingly, "I should never be happy,
-unless I married a man whom I loved and esteemed, and who, I was very
-sure, loved me." "Ha! ha! ha! very sentimental, indeed! Child, that
-would do admirably for a novel, but in real life, take my word, such
-nice distinctions are but little attended to: fine feeling is an
-essence, that soon evaporates when exposed to common air; it is
-generally adviseable to have something substantial at bottom, to fill up
-the phial when the effervescence subsides." "But, is it possible, Lady
-Eltondale, that you would have me marry a man I could not love or
-esteem, or who did not love me?" inquired Selina, in a tone of gravity
-more approaching to censure, than her noble aunt had ever before heard
-her use. "Pian! piano! carissima! half your proposition is defensible;
-and to that half I willingly accede. When a woman marries, the only
-thing necessary for her to be assured of, is her own heart, or rather
-her own mind. Every man, when he asks your hand, will certainly profess
-to love you; time and experiment can only prove his sincerity, or his
-steadiness;--but you, with all Mrs. Galton's philosophy in your head,
-must acknowledge, that all a woman's comfort in life depends on her not
-knowing the pangs of repentance." "Assuredly." "Well then, a woman who
-marries for love, generally sacrifices nine tenths of her life to a
-passion, that can, at best, last but a few months; and spends her
-remaining years in regretting her 'fond dream:' but she who calculates
-well before she marries, and weighs calmly the _pour_ and _contre_ of
-the lot she chooses for life, can, at all events, never repent the
-choice, which she made deliberately. But, however, why should we cavil
-about words, when there is not a chance of our ever dissenting in
-action?" Then reaching out her beautiful hand to Selina, with a
-bewitching smile, "Come, my love," added she, "tell me what I am to say
-for you to your _inamorato_." And then, by Selina's dictation, she
-returned a polite, but positive refusal to the obsequious Webberly.
-
-[Footnote 7: Proceeding from a frivolous head and a cold heart, their
-object is to express to women all that men do not feel, and all they
-wish to persuade them they do.]
-
-The time now approached for Lord and Lady Eltondale's leaving London, if
-so might be called that removal of their physical bodies to another
-scene of action, where their habits, their pursuits, and their
-associates remained the same. The Viscountess had not yet completed the
-annual circle of dissipation, and it was therefore determined, that
-while Lord Eltondale returned home alone, her Ladyship and Selina
-should, by a visit to Cheltenham, protract for a still longer time their
-return to the comparative retirement of Eltondale. Of course the due
-preparation for this new scene of gaiety served as an excuse for renewed
-visits to the whole circle of shops. In one of these expeditions Lady
-Eltondale had left Selina at Mrs.----'s, in Bond Street, while she paid
-a visit in the neighbourhood; and Selina was just in the act of trying
-on a bonnet, that the officious milliner declared was supremely
-becoming, when her ears were suddenly assailed by the loudest tone of
-Mrs. Sullivan's discordant voice, "Yes, it be wastly becoming, to be
-sure; but, for my part, I thinks a little servility and policy, much
-more becoming to a young lady, be she never so much of an airy-ass. Aye,
-Aye, Miss Seymour, you may stare and gobble; but it's to you, and of
-you, I'm a speaking." "Of me, ma'am?" returned the half frightened
-girl. "Yes, Miss, of you, with all your looks of modesty and
-ingeniousness;--but in my day, whenever a young lady got a love letter
-from a young man, she never lost no time in supplying to him; and, for
-my part, I think a purling answer to a civil question would never do
-nobody no harm, if it was the queen herself, in all her state of
-health." "If you allude to a letter from Mr. Webberly"--"To be sure I
-do," interrupted the zealous parent, "what else should I delude to? And
-if you did receive Jack's pistol, Miss Seymour, why didn't ye condescend
-to answer his operation yourself?" "I thought, my dear madam, Lady
-Eltondale could express my regrets much better than I could." "Aye! Aye!
-Lady Eltondale, that's it--I'll tell ye vat, Miss Seymour--that 'ere
-Lady Eltondale vill make a cat's paw of you, if ye don't mind. As to my
-Jacky, he doesn't care for your refusal a brass farthing--but ye may go
-farther, and fare worse--he's healthy and wealthy, as the saying is; and
-he's not a man for a girl to throw over her shoulder--ye mayn't meet
-such a carowzel as his, every day in the veek.--But now I'll tell ye
-vat, once for all--ye see me and mine be a-going to Ireland; and it may
-so be, that ve may never see each other no more.--Now, ye see, I always
-respected your old father, and so out of compliment to him, I'll just
-give you a piece of my mind; and that is, that that Lady Eltondale,
-with all her valk-softly airs, has some kind of a sign upon you, depend
-upon it, or she'd never take all the trouble she does about ye, for it's
-not in her nature to do it for mere affection to you or your father
-either; and that 'ere sheep-faced Mr. Sedley, with all his aperient
-indifference, and no shambles (_nonchalance_), as they call it; he's
-playing the puck with you too, I can see that, fast enough; and so, now,
-as I have given you varning, and wented my mind a little, I'll just
-shake hands with you, for old acquaintance sake." The reconciliation was
-scarcely effected, before Lady Eltondale returned for Selina, who most
-joyfully escaped from her _soi-disant_ friend. She casually mentioned
-the rencontre to the Viscountess, but did not mention the hints she had
-received; thus showing to her instructress her first essay in the
-practice of her own lessons in the art of dissimulation. By nature
-Selina's disposition was candid, even to a fault. For she was not only
-willing to confide all her actions, all her thoughts, to those she
-loved; but so necessary did she feel it to her happiness to be able to
-repose all her feelings, and even the responsibility of her conduct, on
-the bosom of another, that she would have preferred having an
-indifferent friend to being deprived of a confidant. But her intercourse
-with Lady Eltondale had already, in some degree, seared her best
-feelings. She had already, even then, acquired that general anxiety to
-please, which appertains more to vanity than to benevolence, and which
-never fails, in time, to wither the finer sensibilities of the soul. The
-natural superiority of her talents enabled her, to discover the true
-character of those she associated with. But even her penetration was
-dangerous to her purity. She saw hypocrisy was the means, and
-self-interest the end, pursued by all: even the stronger passions were
-brought under their control: and in being convinced, that in the crowd
-that surrounded her there was no individual she could love, she
-experienced a chasm in her heart, which left it more open to the
-reception of those petrifying principles, that Lady Eltondale so
-sedulously inculcated. At this moment, in Selina's history, she stood on
-that narrow line, which separates vice and virtue. Her avidity of
-praise, by teaching her how best to improve and exercise her talents,
-had as yet but increased her charms; and her distrust of others first
-taught her to exercise her own judgment. Circumstances were still to
-decide, whether her strengthening reason would serve to control the
-affections of her heart, or whether the school of stoicism, in which she
-was now entered, would entirely eradicate its better feelings: whether
-her natural volatility was to be corrected by reflection, or matured
-into coquetry by artifice: in short, whether the dormant seeds of a
-rational education would finally spring up in the very hotbed of
-fashion, which called forth the premature weeds of folly and
-extravagance; or whether the intoxicating incense of flattery, aided
-both by the precept and example of the designing Viscountess, would
-destroy them in the bud, and offer up one more heartless victim as a
-sacrifice to that world, which but repays with present scorn and future
-repentance the devotion of its wretched votaries.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-     There is a joy in grief, when peace dwells in the breast of the
-     sad, but sorrow wastes the mournful, and their days are few! They
-     fall away like the flower on which the Sun looks in his strength,
-     after the mildew has passed over it, and its head is heavy with the
-     drops of night.
-
-     CROMA.
-
-
-Whilst Selina thus brilliantly moved in the gayest scenes of fashionable
-splendor, Adelaide Wildenheim, unknown, unnoticed, was endeavouring, in
-the calm retirement of the country, to acquire fortitude to support a
-weight of misfortune, by which a less firm mind would have been crushed,
-and which, from time and space, seemed but to gain increased momentum.
-
-In the beginning of winter, each day to her had passed by but as the sad
-shade of its miserable anniversary; for, at that period, she had not
-even the consolation of seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Temple, and the
-inhabitants of Webberly House becoming hourly more repugnant to her
-feelings, she was insensibly falling a prey to that habitual depression
-of spirits, which is equally fatal to the mind and body of those who
-indulge in it; and which is indeed commonly but a refined name for
-discontent, or ill temper. Some trifling circumstances roused her to a
-sense of the state of her mind, and she immediately determined to
-struggle against it; resolving, as the best preliminary, to look her
-situation steadily in the face, and ascertain whether it was in her
-power to remedy it; well knowing, that if once convinced it was
-unavoidable, she should acquire strength to bear it, not only with
-resignation but cheerfulness. Though she but too acutely felt, that in
-losing a beloved parent, she had lost all that had formerly constituted
-the happiness of her existence; yet, in her rigid self-examination, she
-confessed she harboured more of repining sorrow at being deprived of
-this blessing, than of gratitude to Heaven for having so long enjoyed
-it; and acknowledged it was unworthy of a religious or a rational being,
-to convert the felicity of one period of life into a curse for the
-remainder by vain comparison. Turning therefore from the past, she
-accused herself of being too fastidious in her sentiments towards the
-companions of her present lot; and, with laudable self-delusion,
-endeavoured to think her dislike of Mrs. Sullivan and the Miss Webberlys
-unreasonable; and that from the affection of the charming little
-Caroline she derived a pleasure more than equivalent to the annoyances
-occasioned by her mother and sisters. But here the mother and sisters
-very naturally brought the brother to her mind, and with him a long
-train of reflections, which ended in her adopting the wise but simple
-plan, of laying her situation open to Mr. and Mrs. Temple, in order to
-consult them, as to the propriety of her quitting Webberly House at the
-expiration of her minority.
-
-Young Webberly's attentions to Miss Wildenheim had, previous to his last
-visit to town, been unremitting; and no less marked was his mother's
-disapprobation of them, arising partly from interested motives, partly
-from the idea of Adelaide being the natural sister of Caroline; which
-made Mrs. Sullivan regard the prospect of her marrying her son with a
-sentiment little short of abhorrence. But these objections had but
-little weight with Mr. Webberly, who, when Selina was not present to
-awaken his vanity or his cupidity, found no counterpoise to his
-conceited passion, which was more piqued than restrained by the
-dignified simplicity of Miss Wildenheim's manners; and had she given him
-any encouragement, no remonstrance from his mother would have prevented
-his making the most explicit declaration of his attachment; for it was
-the practice of this amiable family, to set their mother at defiance,
-whenever she, in the slightest degree, interfered with their wishes.
-Adelaide's pride and sense of propriety equally prompted her desire to
-relieve Mrs. Sullivan from the presence of a person, who was evidently a
-cause of quarrel between her and her son; and therefore, when the
-Webberly family proposed visiting London, in the beginning of March, she
-wrote the subjoined letter to Mrs. Temple:--
-
-     MISS WILDENHEIM TO MRS. TEMPLE.
-
-     My dear Mrs. Temple,
-
-     The kindness you and Mr. Temple have honoured me with encourages
-     me, to apply to you for advice in a most embarrassing situation. I
-     am sure your usual humanity will prompt you, to grant it to one
-     who has, at present, no friend to resort to for counsel but
-     yourself. If you will permit me, I will call upon you, and lay open
-     to your view my situation and my wishes. But as it is not justice
-     to a friend in asking advice to give but a half confidence, before
-     you hear my plans, I ought to make you acquainted with all the
-     circumstances regarding myself, that it is in my power to confide.
-     Though all matters of business are best discussed _vivâ voce_, yet
-     there are things it would be impossible to speak, and are
-     sufficiently painful to write: such a distressing task it is the
-     object of this letter to fulfil. My history is but short, and
-     simple--all my happiness was centred in a beloved father; all my
-     misery caused by his loss. Oh! Mrs. Temple, what grief can be
-     compared to that desolation a daughter feels, when she is deprived
-     of the parent, whom it has been the study of her whole life to
-     please; when she first finds she has no filial duty to perform, no
-     approving smile to look for!
-
-     My father was not only the tenderest parent, but my sole
-     instructor, and, in his fond love, condescended to be even my
-     companion and friend. His image is the first object memory recurs
-     to in my infant years; and I now feel, that to be enabled to
-     practise his own lessons of resignation and fortitude, I must
-     banish that image from my mind. The aid I might derive from
-     employment is denied me; for every pursuit is inseparably
-     associated with scenes I ought not now to think of. 'When I look up
-     to Heaven thou art there; when I behold the earth, thou art there
-     also!' My mother having died at Hamburgh the day I was born, this
-     beloved father was the only parent I ever knew. He, though a German
-     Baron, was both by birth and education English, being the son of a
-     British peer. But some unfortunate circumstances, with which I am
-     unacquainted, gave him an unconquerable aversion to his native
-     country; and having, by the maternal line, inherited large
-     possessions in Westphalia, he very early in life repaired to the
-     continent, where he continued to reside, principally at Vienna,
-     till I had attained my nineteenth year. About sixteen months ago,
-     to my inexpressible astonishment, he adopted the sudden resolution
-     of visiting England. His health, which had always in my
-     recollection been delicate, had about that period rapidly declined,
-     and I have the grief of thinking, that the journey to England
-     shortened his life. The misery of this thought is still further
-     aggravated by knowing, that he came to this country solely to
-     accomplish my introduction to his family, with whom he had never
-     maintained any intercourse or correspondence since the period of my
-     birth. How little during the progress of our journey did I suspect
-     its fatal termination! The usual tenderness and indulgence of my
-     father's manner was, if possible, increased, and visions of the
-     brightest joy occupied my mind. Our journey through France was the
-     most delightful one we had ever undertaken. My father concealed the
-     anguish of his own mind, and to divert my attention from observing
-     it, spared neither pains nor expense to gratify every capricious
-     fancy I formed. We remained a month at Paris waiting for letters
-     from England, which were to direct our future proceedings, and
-     during that time passed so rapidly from one public place to
-     another, that we never had a moment's private conversation. At last
-     my dear father received letters to inform him, that the late Mr.
-     Sullivan, who had been his old friend and fellow-soldier, and whom
-     I had known very well in my childish days at Vienna, waited at
-     Dover to welcome us to England. This communication, the precursor
-     of all my sorrow, was read by me with the most extravagant joy.
-     When we landed at Dover, we also met Mr. Austin, my father's
-     former law agent, and one of his sincerest friends. For two days I
-     scarcely saw my father, as he was in constant consultation with the
-     gentlemen I have mentioned. On the morning of the third, I was
-     informed he had decided on resigning me to their care; that Mr.
-     Sullivan would immediately introduce me to my relations, as Baron
-     Wildenheim himself was under the unavoidable necessity of returning
-     to France without delay. You may imagine my despair on receiving
-     this fatal sentence:--the scenes that ensued are too dreadful for
-     me to touch on. My beloved father's life fell a sacrifice to the
-     agitation of his feelings. Oh, that I had died too! Pity me, dear
-     Mrs. Temple, and excuse my writing any more. Nothing now remains,
-     that I cannot tell you when we meet.
-
-     Ever sincerely and gratefully yours,
-         ADELAIDE WILDENHEIM.
-
-The day after Mrs. Temple received the above letter, she called on Miss
-Wildenheim, and invited her to remain at the Parsonage, if she had any
-dislike to accompany Mrs. Sullivan to London; saying, in conclusion,
-"Mr. Temple told me the other day you looked so ill, he was afraid you
-would suffer from the journey; and desired I would make my best speech
-to induce you to stay with us. Indeed it would be an act of charity, for
-we have had so great a loss in the dear family at Deane Hall! If you
-will afford us the gratification of your society, we can at leisure
-discuss the subjects you wish to consult us upon, and you shall have my
-opinion; and, what is of much more value, Mr. Temple's, to the best of
-our judgment. You know not how sincerely we commiserate your
-misfortunes, nor what an interest we feel in your welfare." Adelaide
-gratefully accepted her friend's invitation, assuring her she felt
-convinced, that spending a little time at the Rectory would more
-effectually mitigate her grief, than any other probable occurrence.
-Mrs. Temple immediately applied for Mrs. Sullivan's permission, who gave
-it with a joy that defied concealment, as by this means what she
-supposed the only obstacle to her son's union with Miss Seymour would be
-removed; for whenever Adelaide was present, his interest and inclination
-were at constant variance.
-
-One fine evening in March, the Webberly family commenced their journey
-to London, and stopping as they drove past the Parsonage, left Miss
-Wildenheim to the care of its friendly owners. Mrs. Temple and her
-children were setting out on their evening walk, and Adelaide, begging
-she might not disappoint the little folks, joined them in their ramble
-with the utmost delight. It would be difficult to say, whether the
-mother or children were most pleased to see her--the latter joyfully
-recollected her skill in story-telling and singing; and Mrs. Temple,
-feeling most sensibly the want of her accustomed intercourse at Deane
-Hall, would have welcomed a much less agreeable guest, and therefore
-received her young friend with even greater pleasure than usual. The
-whole party walked long enough in a brisk blowing wind, to make them
-relish, on their return, a blazing fire, and a tea-table rather more
-substantially provided, than is commonly to be seen in more modish
-families.
-
-When the children went to bed, Mr. Temple, saying he had letters to
-write for the next morning's post, retired to his study, in order to
-give Adelaide an opportunity of opening her heart to his wife. "Come, my
-dear Adele," said Mrs. Temple, "neither you nor I shall be comfortable,
-till we have had this conversation, that I see hangs so heavily on your
-mind. Tell me what it is that distresses you, my love, and, if possible,
-we will find a remedy for it."
-
-Adelaide, with as much composure as she could command, informed Mrs.
-Temple, that during the short period Mr. Sullivan survived her father,
-though he treated her with great kindness, yet he had taken no steps to
-fulfil the promise he had given of introducing her to her family.
-Immediately on his death, Mr. Austin came to Webberly House, and
-expressing his regrets that circumstances rendered it impossible for him
-to receive her into his own family, as he was on the point of taking an
-invalide daughter to the Madeiras, advised her nominating Mrs. Sullivan
-her guardian in conjunction with himself. Adelaide, abhorring all
-clandestine proceedings, earnestly solicited Mr. Austin's permission, to
-inform Mrs. Sullivan for what purpose she was placed under her late
-husband's protection. To this he consented only in part, refusing his
-sanction to this lady's being acquainted with the name of Miss
-Wildenheim's noble relations; charging her, on the contrary, to conceal
-it carefully from all the world till she came of age, as he feared her
-claims would meet with decided opposition from part of her family, and
-little support from any; and informing her, that a premature disclosure
-might ruin her future prospects; and that law proceedings would be more
-costly, and less efficacious, while she was a minor, than when she could
-act directly for herself. In pursuance, therefore, of this advice,
-Adelaide, with the reservation of this one point, told Mrs. Sullivan all
-the particulars she knew of herself and her father; and in so doing,
-went through a series of interrogations of the most distressing nature,
-as Mrs. Sullivan, having little delicacy of feeling herself, was really
-almost unconscious of the wounds she inflicted on that of others. After
-deliberating a few days, she, as has been before mentioned, consented to
-accept the proposed guardianship; and Mr. Austin immediately proceeding
-to the Madeiras, his ward was therefore temporarily deprived of his
-protection or advice. After relating these particulars, Adelaide
-endeavoured to explain to Mrs. Temple her reasons for wishing to leave
-Webberly House; and in executing this unpleasant task, was much
-embarrassed between the necessity of doing herself justice, by showing
-she was not actuated by any unreasonable whims or caprices, and her
-respect for the laws of hospitality, which made her regard as sacred the
-transactions of any family she domesticated with. But, indeed, she
-seldom _thought_, and never _said_, the worst the actions of those she
-associated with would warrant. However, Mrs. Temple was one of those who
-could understand _à demi-mot_, without waiting for a harassing detail
-sufficient to satisfy a court of law, and often listened to rather from
-a love of _slander_ than of _justice_. "I am well aware," continued
-Adelaide, "that the reception I shall meet with from my relations very
-much depends on the respectability of the manner, in which I first
-present myself to their notice. The moment I am of age, Mrs. Sullivan
-may, and probably will, withdraw her protection from me; for she has
-lately hinted once or twice, that she much regretted having ever granted
-it. I therefore think the most advisable course for me to pursue is, to
-write her a polite letter, conveying my thanks for the asylum she has
-hitherto granted me, but expressing my doubts of its being agreeable to
-her longer to continue it: requesting, if my surmises are well founded,
-that she will have the goodness to seek an eligible home for me; or,"
-continued she, looking mournfully at Mrs. Temple, "permit me to apply to
-my _only_ friend to aid me in the search: but that, if on mature
-deliberation she can satisfy her mind, that she really does _wish_ my
-continuing to reside with her, I shall prefer doing so to domesticating
-myself in another family, till I can ascertain whether my own will
-receive me; but that, when this point is once decided, either for or
-against me, I do not mean to trespass further on her hospitality. And
-now, my dear Mrs. Temple, this is the subject, on which I am so anxious
-to obtain your opinion and that of Mr. Temple. I know not what apology
-to make for having so long trespassed on your patience by this tedious
-recital." Mrs. Temple begged to consult her husband, before she
-expressed her own ideas, as she feared to trust to her unassisted
-judgment on a point of so much importance. But before she left the room,
-she took up a volume of Patronage, and laughingly pointed out to
-Adelaide's notice the following passage:--"You will never be a
-heroine--What a stupid uninteresting heroine you will make! You will
-never get into any _entanglements_, never have any adventures; or, if
-kind fate should, propitious to my prayer, bring you into some charming
-difficulties, even then we could not tremble for you, or enjoy all the
-luxury of pity, because we should always know, that you would be so well
-able to extricate yourself,--so certain to conquer, or,--not die--but
-endure."
-
-Mrs. Temple, in the first spontaneous benevolence of her heart, had
-nearly been tempted to offer Adelaide an asylum at the Rectory, till her
-future line of life should be finally decided; but quickly recollecting
-what was due to Mr. Temple, repaired to his study, more for the purpose
-of suggesting it to him, than for that of stating her young friend's
-queries; which dispatching in as few words as possible, without further
-preparation, she proposed her own plan in the most abrupt manner
-possible; and as quickly read in his countenance his marked
-disapprobation of her inconsiderate project. "My dear Charlotte," said
-he, after a short pause, "the goodness of your heart makes you always so
-zealous to promote the happiness of others, that you quite forget your
-own. But, my love, you must respect the sanctuary of your domestic
-peace; it, like the Paradise of our first parents, admits of no
-intruder. I am inclined to believe Miss Wildenheim to be a most
-estimable young woman. The prudence and uprightness of her present
-proposition strengthens my former good opinion of her. As long as these
-impressions remain, I shall be happy to receive her occasionally as a
-visitor, and will most willingly do any thing to promote her welfare,
-short of domesticating her in this house. But, setting yourself out of
-the question, my dear Charlotte, do you think you would act justly
-towards your daughters (recollect Anna is now eleven years old), by
-introducing into the very bosom of your family a girl we have so
-superficial a knowledge of; and whose situation is so doubtful and
-extraordinary, and who may after all be but a foreign adventurer?" As
-Mr. Temple said this, his features wore an expression of unusual
-gravity. "Oh, James!" exclaimed his wife, "don't let your prudence make
-you unjust: go to her, and if you will impartially look on her ingenuous
-countenance, and observe her simple manners, you will never pronounce
-her a foreign adventurer. Besides, after knowing Mr. Austin so many
-years, can you suppose him capable of being an accomplice in a fraud?"
-"You are right, my dear Charlotte: I was most unjust," replied Mr.
-Temple, his brow relaxing from the austerity that had overcast it a
-moment before. "And I," said she, extending her hand with a smile of
-conciliating sweetness, "was equally imprudent." In this confession she
-was perfectly sincere; she hardly wished to dissuade her husband from
-his sage resolution; for he had convinced her judgment, though perhaps
-her feelings were yet unsubdued.
-
-It may here be remarked, that there is something in the ties of
-relationship, which acts as a sort of necessity, and makes us excuse the
-faults, which a domestic scene displays in the most perfect characters.
-But it is far otherwise in friendship; and those who there court too
-great intimacy, resemble the man in the fable of the golden eggs, and
-often destroy in a day riches, that, by wise forbearance, might have
-lasted their lives.
-
-Mr. Temple, on going up stairs to Adelaide, told her, that the line of
-conduct she had marked out for herself was the most proper she could
-adopt, giving it his unqualified approbation. He then proceeded to give
-her much sage advice, adding to it the most comforting assurances of
-support and protection. Adelaide poured forth her gratitude and her
-pleasure, with all the ardency of feelings long suppressed. Her spirits
-rose in proportion to their previous depression. She once more had the
-happiness of hearing a reverend voice address her in tones of
-approbation for her virtues, and of consolation for her distresses.
-Perhaps the evening of this anxious day was one of the happiest of her
-life.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI.
-
-    Helas! ou donc chercher ou trouver le bonheur?
-    En tout lieu, en tout temps, dans toute la nature,
-    Nulle part tout entier, partout avec mesure,
-    Et partout passager, hors dans son seul Auteur.
-    Il est semblable au feu dont la douce chaleur,
-    Dans chaque autre élément en secret s' insinue,
-    Descend dans les rochers, s' éleve dans la nue,
-    Va rougir le corail dans le sable des mers,
-    Et vit dans les glaçons qu'ont durcis les hivers.[8]
-
-    VOLTAIRE.
-
-[Footnote 8:
-
-    Alas! then where should happiness be sought?
-    In Nature's self.--Cast but thine eyes around,
-    In every place, in every age, 'tis found;
-    No where entire, but always in degree,
-    And fleeting still, except, Oh God! with thee,
-    (Thou its great Author.) Like thy fire, its heat
-    In every other element we meet;
-    Deep in the bosom of the harden'd stone,
-    As in the clouds its vital power we own;
-    In ocean's caves, in coral beds it glows,
-    And lives beneath the glacier's endless snows.
-
-As the reader may find it not uninteresting to compare the ideas of such
-great writers as Pope and Voltaire on the same subject, the opening
-verses of the fourth epistle of the Essay on Man are here subjoined,
-though perhaps an apology is due for transcribing lines impressed on
-every English memory.
-
-    Oh Happiness! our being's end and aim!
-    Good, Pleasure, Ease, Content! whate'er thy name:
-    That something still, which prompts th' eternal sigh
-    For which we bear to live, or dare to die;
-    Which still so near us, yet beyond us lies,
-    O'erlook'd, seen double by the fool and wise.
-    Plant of celestial seed! if dropp'd below,
-    Say, in what mortal soil thou deign'st to grow;
-    Fair op'ning to some court's propitious shine,
-    Or deep with diamonds in the flaming mine?
-    Twin'd with the wreaths Parnassian laurels yield,
-    Or reap'd in iron harvests of the field?
-    Where grows? where grows it not? If vain our toil,
-    We ought to blame the culture, not the soil:
-    Fix'd to no spot is happiness sincere,
-    'Tis no where to be found, or ev'ry where;
-    'Tis never to be bought, but always free,
-    And, fled from monarchs, St. John! dwells with thee.
-]
-
-
-Whilst Adelaide remained at the Parsonage, she had the advantages of
-becoming acquainted with a scene of domestic life of the most admirable
-nature; and she did not fail, with her usual good sense, to derive many
-useful lessons from her intercourse with Mrs. Temple. From her example
-as much was proved to her mind by reason, as had been demonstrated _ab
-absurdo_ by the Webberly family; and as, during Baron Wildenheim's life,
-she had never been domesticated with females of her own rank, the faults
-of the one, and the merits of the other, appeared to her view with all
-the force of novelty. Mrs. Temple in herself, her children, and her
-establishment, displayed a model of amiable and judicious conduct; as a
-wife and mother, she was beyond praise, and nothing could exceed the
-comfort and respectability of her well regulated family; for being a
-woman of good understanding, she did not carry _management_ to an
-extreme, that is destructive of the comfort it is meant to promote; nor
-was she possessed by the would-be thrifty housewife's expensive and
-troublesome mania for pickling and preserving, but in all things
-observed that happy medium, which good sense alone knows how to keep.
-Mr. Temple had in his youth lived much in the world, there associating
-principally with literary and scientific men; with several of such as
-still survived he maintained a constant correspondence, and, by
-occasional visits to London and Oxford, where his affairs sometimes
-called him, he renewed his acquaintance with men of his own stamp. He
-also kept himself up to the changes and occurrences of the times, by
-taking in at the Parsonage the daily papers, reviews, and the best of
-the new publications of every description. Two or three times a year
-some members of his or Mrs. Temple's family visited the Rectory; and
-they preserved such habits of friendly intercourse with their rich and
-poor neighbours, that they seldom found that want of society, which is
-so universally deplored.
-
-It would be curious to make those, who are constantly lamenting the want
-of good society, point out where _it is to be found_.--Dissipation, say
-they, has banished it from great capitals and watering-places. What in
-country towns is called society, consists of a repetition of card
-parties, differing from each other in no one respect, except as to the
-rooms they are held in; where, besides "old men and women," are to be
-found _girls_ of all ages, doing their best to amuse themselves, without
-the smallest assistance being afforded them by the hostess; with here
-and there an old married clergyman, an attorney's or apothecary's
-apprentice, "thinly scatter'd to make up a show," and remind the ladies
-that "beaux are not to be had." In the country, unless people have
-fortune, which enables them to bring their company, like other luxuries,
-from a distance, society consists of a few dinner parties in summer,
-where a tedious repast is quickly followed by tea and coffee, which
-serve as a signal for every body to go away, that they may, before
-darkness comes on, walk or drive home in safety over bad roads; and the
-master and mistress, as soon as their guests have departed, congratulate
-each other that "every thing went off so well." Nor is it the least of
-their joy, that their company have gone off too!
-
-To all this it may be answered, that our mothers and grandmothers tell
-us society was very gay in their young days. The truth is, people were
-not then so fastidious, and were content to be amused in any way they
-could. There is now a twilight of refinement spread over the middle
-classes, just sufficient to show them disagreeables they had never
-before suspected, but not bright enough to teach them the best way of
-avoiding them. Formerly people could be amused with an ill sung song, or
-an awkward dance. But now every girl must sing bravuras and dance like
-Angelina. The young men, having reached a still higher pitch of
-refinement, neither sing nor dance at all.
-
-The same fastidiousness reigns throughout. Every body's dress must be of
-the newest fashion; and a whole family is put to inconvenience for a
-week, to give their company an attempt at French cookery. In short, if
-people cannot be entertained "in a good style," they are resolved not to
-be entertained at all. Pleasant society, like happiness, if proper means
-are taken to cultivate it, is, with very few exceptions, to be found
-every where or no where. The misfortune is, people repulse it, unless it
-comes arrayed in the very garb they wish it to wear. How few have the
-wisdom to act on that sage maxim, "When we have not what we like, we
-must like what we have!" This was always Mr. and Mrs. Temple's practice;
-and, though they enjoyed to the utmost the intellectual pleasures
-afforded by the society of Miss Wildenheim, they found in the kindness
-and simplicity of Mrs. Martin's sentiments pleasure of another kind, and
-to a well judging mind one not less delightful. With this good lady and
-her _coterie_ they occasionally varied their winter evenings, by playing
-a friendly game of cards; and Lucy was not unfrequently the companion of
-Mrs. Temple's summer walks.
-
-Mr. Temple was extremely anxious, to make Adelaide's present visit to
-the Parsonage of lasting benefit to her peace of mind. When she had been
-there the year before, her grief was too recent to render any allusion
-to the subject of it advisable; and at Webberly House it was treated
-with so little delicacy, that her pride, as well as her tenderness of
-feeling for her father's memory, made her most carefully confine it to
-her own bosom. With the bitterest anguish at heart she outwardly carried
-the appearance of quiet contentment. Had she continued thus
-circumstanced much longer, she would either have sunk into an early
-grave, or have acquired an unbending sternness of character, that would
-have crushed all the finer feelings of her soul, and have made her as
-impervious to joy as to sorrow. Though she spared no pains, to promote
-the welfare of others by every means in her power, and, whenever duty
-commanded, hesitated not for an instant, to perform any sacrifice it
-might require; yet, perhaps it had been the fault of her education, to
-lead her to rely too much on her own mind to secure her happiness; and
-it was the misfortune of her nature to have feelings of such intensity,
-that she feared to trust them to exercise even their just power. This
-peculiar turn of character, thus moulded by circumstances, did not
-escape Mr. and Mrs. Temple's observation, and they anxiously endeavoured
-to rouse her from this state of mental torpor. Until the letter she had
-addressed to the latter, she had never ventured to express the sorrow,
-that corroded her heart, to any human being; but having once voluntarily
-touched on it, Mrs. Temple designedly led her to speak of it, and while
-she probed the wound, prepared the lenient balm that in time would heal
-it. The peculiar tenderness of soul, that Adelaide possessed from
-nature, had been most wisely balanced by the firmness of mind she had
-derived from education; only the most unpropitious circumstances could
-have endangered either degenerating to an extreme. To insult she was
-impervious, but the voice of kindness was to her like the soft breath of
-spring, which
-
-    "Melts the icy chains that twine
-    Around entranced nature's form."
-
-Relaxing into all the softness of her sex and age, her tears flowed
-without restraint, as she poured her sorrows into Mrs. Temple's friendly
-bosom; and, from the well merited praise and judicious counsel she
-received in return, derived a supporting power, that raised her to a new
-existence. From consolation Mrs. Temple proceeded to admonition,
-forcibly representing to Adelaide how culpable she would be, if she
-continued to nourish in secret a grief, that would render of no avail
-the capability of usefulness she possessed in mind and fortune, and by
-this wilful waste of happiness, not only for herself but others,
-counteract the intention of her being; finally pointing out to her,
-that, though she had lost the object of her first duties, the world yet
-presented a wide field, in which she was bound to exert herself to
-supply their place by others, even should she never find any of equal
-interest or importance.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII.
-
-    O! Primavera, gioventu del' anno,
-    Bella madre di fiori,
-    D'herbe novelle, e di novelli amori,
-    Tu torni ben ma teco
-    Non tornano i sereni
-    E fortunati di de le mie gioje.
-    Tu torni ben, tu torni
-    Ma teco altro non torna
-    Che del perduto mio caro tesoro,
-    La rimembranza misera e dolente.[9]
-
-    IL PASTOR FIDO.
-
-[Footnote 9:
-
-    Delightful spring! youth of the year,
-    Thou blooming mother of the opening flowers,
-    The fresh'ning verdure, and the new-born loves--
-    Thou now returnest! But no second spring
-    Will e'er return of those serene delights,
-    That bless'd my fleeting hours of happiness--
-    Thou now return'st! But with thee nought returns
-    To my sad thoughts but renovated sorrow,
-    And bitter mem'ry of departed joys.
-]
-
-
-The Parsonage garden was now blooming in all the beauty of summer, and
-the hedges had exchanged the fragrance of the violet for that of the
-flaunting woodbine. Instead of a brisk walk of a bracing March evening,
-its happy inmates enjoyed a sauntering ramble by the light of the newly
-risen stars, over rich meadows, or through wooded glades and cheerful
-valleys.
-
-Mrs. Temple and Adelaide were one evening returning from such a walk:
-every thing was at rest in the surrounding scene; the very flowers of
-day had closed their corollas, and ceased to give forth their perfumes;
-but the air was fragrant with the night-blowing orchis, and the new-mown
-grass; and sometimes it brought to their ear the melody of the
-nightingale, the hooting of the owl, or the hum of the night crow.
-
-Such a scene is more favourable to meditation than discourse; and, when
-speech is found, it more resembles thinking aloud than conversation. The
-two friends had continued long in silence, when Mrs. Temple said, "I am
-never so pious as in such a scene as this; my heart overflows with
-gratitude to the Author of the spontaneous happiness, that, unsought,
-seems to pour in on the mind." "Certainly the devotion of the heart is
-most pure in such a temple," replied Adelaide; "I wonder the worship of
-the air was not in ancient times more general. It appears to my mind the
-best emblem of the deity, that man by reason alone can form;--it is
-every where present, every where invisible; in it 'we live and move, and
-have our being.' We confess its awful might in the storm, and feel its
-beneficent power every moment of our lives." These and similar
-reflections cheated the friends of their time till they reached the
-Parsonage, where a light in the drawing-room informed them Mr. Temple
-had returned from his ride. As they entered the room, he gave Adelaide
-the long expected letter from Mrs. Sullivan; she hesitated for an
-instant to open it, with that undefined dread we always feel on
-receiving any communication from a person, whose good will we are
-doubtful of possessing. However, on reading her letter, she was not a
-little relieved to find it written in a style of unusual civility; but
-was surprised beyond measure to find it request, or rather _desire_, her
-to meet Mrs. Sullivan at Shrewsbury, from whence she intended proceeding
-to Ireland, declining all discussion as to matters of business, till
-their return to Webberly House. In her first surprise, she did not
-perceive the short period of Mrs. Sullivan's intended absence from her
-accustomed residence; but a confused picture of being taken to another
-kingdom, and separated from the only people from whom she had any chance
-of receiving kindness or protection, mixed with painful recollections
-of her last journey, rose to her mind. Her first thought was not to go;
-but she as quickly remembered, that Mrs. Sullivan's authority, as her
-guardian, was indisputable; also that she ought no longer to trespass on
-the hospitality of her kind hosts. The agitation of her countenance did
-not escape Mrs. Temple's observation, but she forbore to notice it; and
-Adelaide, commanding herself sufficiently to bid good night, retired to
-her room.
-
-When she read Mrs. Sullivan's letter more attentively a second time, she
-smiled at the phantom she had raised to terrify herself; for she found
-her guardian proposed returning home rather before she should be of age,
-and that of course the dilemma, she had fancied would arise from her
-being in Ireland without any positive claim on Mrs. Sullivan's
-protection, would not occur.
-
-Being convinced she could not avoid going to Ireland, her next
-endeavour was to persuade herself the journey would not be unpleasant;
-for it was always her custom to look for the best side of every thing
-and every body: she therefore soon discovered, that becoming acquainted
-with a country and a people she knew as little of as the Iroquois
-tribes, would afford her more amusement, than spending another summer at
-Webberly House. The civility of Mrs. Sullivan's letter was so striking,
-that Adelaide began to think she had been too harsh in her judgment of
-her character, and determined that her expedition should commence with a
-voyage of discovery, to ascertain the unknown perfections of the mother
-and daughters. A strong intellect may command the feelings, but the body
-is not so obedient as the mind. Adelaide found, though she could compose
-her thoughts to rest, she could not quiet her nerves to sleep, and
-therefore got up with the sun; and taking a book to fix her ideas,
-remained out of doors till Mrs. Temple's early breakfast hour.
-
-At breakfast she read to her friends the subjoined letter from Mrs.
-Sullivan. Notwithstanding all her distress of mind, it was with the
-utmost difficulty she could command her countenance while she did so.
-She omitted some passages, and slightly altered the wording of others;
-but though her eyes during this time were perseveringly cast down, their
-comical expression was not thus concealed; for the light that streamed
-from beneath their half-closed lids was reflected on her cheek, and
-brightened her whole countenance, displaying as unequivocally what
-passed in her mind, as if she had directed to her auditors the most
-meaning glances of arch drollery. She was too generous to wish to expose
-Mrs. Sullivan's extreme ignorance to her friends, as it was exemplified
-in this ill spelled, ill written scrawl. But she had yet another
-secondary motive, which prompted her to screen it from their eyes; and
-this trifling circumstance may perhaps explain her character more
-effectually, than one of greater importance, in which nine rational
-people out of ten would act alike.
-
-She had but little vanity, yet from nature and education was proud in
-the extreme. This ambiguous quality, partaking of vice and virtue, which
-is "both perhaps or neither," was interwoven in the very texture of her
-mind, was blended with many of her virtues and most of her errors, and
-prompted her always to shield as much as possible from ridicule any
-person she was even slightly connected with. Mrs. Temple was nearly as
-much amused by the grave dignity of her countenance, when she looked up
-after reading her letter, which seemed to say, "You ought not to laugh,"
-as she had been by its droll expression a few moments before.
-
-     MRS. SULLIVAN TO MISS WILDENHEIM.
-
-     London, June 1st.----
-
-     My dear Miss Wildenheim,
-
-     I've received your letter, and am glad to hear your well: so is
-     Meelly and Cilly. I be sometimes troubled with the vind; but
-     howsomedever I gets my health middling. This comes to say we be all
-     a-going to Ireland with all speed; and I must _retreat_ and
-     _insist_ that you come two; and we can taulk all about what you
-     wrot me in March when we returns from them there outlandish parts.
-     But I'm in great hops Jack will mary his cozen Hannah Leatherly
-     after all, which I just menshion, as young girls be very apt to
-     think ever a man that looks after 'em be in love with 'em. But says
-     I to my eye, Addle Wildenheim has two much spirit of her own to
-     covet her neighbour's goods. So, my dear, if you'll meat us at
-     Shrovesbirry, I'll be excedin glad to be your shoprun; and we mean
-     to reeturn to Webberly House afore the time comes of your mynoritie
-     been over; so till then I wont here taulk of your chousing no other
-     garden.
-
-     We be a goin to see Mr. Sullivan and his sister, for he thinks he's
-     a going to put on his wooden great coat, so he's anxshious to see
-     my little Carline, for it's quite natral he shoud desire to see his
-     nearest akin; and so we shoud a gone six weeks ago, only for
-     certain good raisins that made us wish to stay over Lady
-     Ashbrooke's bawll, which was three nights ago. But no good come off
-     it, after all. Some folks are so fine and so sassy, they'd turn up
-     their noses at their own bread and butter. But every dog has his
-     day, and Carline may be as grate a airass as no other guess parson.
-     So now I conclude with complements to Mr. and Mrs. Temple. I'll
-     send John Arding to retort you from Webberly House to Shrovesbirry,
-     and so you may expect him in less than a weak. You must come in
-     the post-shay; and you'd better bring your made Lamotte with you,
-     but you must send her back from Shrovesbirry (mind I'm at no costs
-     for her jurney); for I can't take but one made to attend both you
-     and I. Seeing she can taulk no English, she'd be of small sarvice
-     to I. I've got a stout girl to do our turn. You must pay half the
-     wagers and travailing expences, and I'll charge you naught for her
-     wittals; for d'ye mind me, Mr. Sullivan will see to that, which
-     will be all the better for you: a penny saved is a penny got, as my
-     poor father tot me betimes. I'll send Mrs. Harris home to Webberly,
-     (so she'll keep kumpany with Lamotte); for she'll be wanted to do
-     the sweetmeats and pikchols this summer; and I wish, my dear, you'd
-     wright word to John Gardiner, to sell all the fruit at Deane which
-     isn't vaunted for persarvin; and I expect a good account when I go
-     home. So hopping to met you at Shrovesbirry without fail,
-
-       I remane your affectionate friend,
-          HANNAH SULLIVAN.
-
-     P.S.--I'm sure you'd be very sory to take Lamotte to Ireland,
-     you've tot her such bad kustoms, becase she's lived with you since
-     you was a year old. She'd be 'mazed attendin I. You no I be's a
-     bustling body, and a trifle hasty; but I'm nothing the worse for
-     having a good spirit of my own.
-
-Adelaide's delicacy prevented her from allowing her friends to suppose
-she had any dislike to accompanying Mrs. Sullivan to Ireland, well
-knowing that if they were aware of it, they would apply to her guardian
-for permission to protract her stay at the Parsonage; and she succeeded
-in impressing them with an idea, that the project was far from
-unpleasant to her. This matter being discussed, they gave her a pressing
-invitation to spend the following winter with them, during which time
-Mr. Temple promised, if she gave him authority so to do, to use his best
-endeavours either to procure her reception by her family, or an eligible
-abode, wherever she might wish to fix her residence; also authorizing
-her, should she find herself in any dilemma previous to her return, to
-apply to him for whatever assistance she might require. The worthy
-rector soon interrupted Adelaide's warm acknowledgements for his present
-and past kindness, by saying, "I hope this delightful scheme, to which
-Mrs. Temple and I look forward with so much pleasure, will not be
-prevented by your being run away with by some fine fellow at the other
-side of the channel. Joking apart," said he seriously, "there is an
-English gentleman, who is as much in love as his nature will suffer him
-to be, to whom I hope no consideration will ever tempt you to unite
-yourself." Adelaide blushed and blushed, till the tears stood in her
-eyes. Mr. Temple looked at her with astonishment; "Is it possible!"
-thought he: "You may think me impertinent, Miss Wildenheim, but I know
-you never contemn the advice of experience and friendship. It would be
-heart-rending to see you so thrown away;--such a total dissimilarity of
-character can never produce happiness. You are beings of a different
-sphere. The moment in which you marry Mr. Webberly, you sign the misery
-of your whole life." The expression of her countenance was now quite
-changed, and the few calm words she spoke, convinced her reverend
-adviser she _then_ felt convinced she could never marry Mr. Webberly.
-But he had, in the course of his life, seen so many strange matches
-made, that the word "amazement" in matrimony had to him lost its
-meaning; particularly as he had so often known it commence without
-"dearly beloved" on the part of either of the persons concerned; and
-still having some little distrust of the future, he would sincerely have
-rejoiced to hear, that Mr. Webberly had done Miss Leatherly the honour
-of making her his wife. When Adelaide retired after breakfast, Mr.
-Temple questioned his wife as to the possibility of her having become
-attached to Augustus Mordaunt, whom she had frequently met at the
-Rectory. "What vain creatures you men are!" said she: "A girl can't
-spend a sleepless night, and be a little agitated by an unexpected
-change in her plans, but you must suppose her colour comes and goes in
-the intermittent fits of a love fever." "You may quiz, Charlotte, but I
-assure you, when Miss Wildenheim used to meet Augustus here, her eyes
-told more than her tongue." "Then believe me, they told intolerable
-stories! No young woman of good sense, or good conduct, will ever love a
-man, who does not show her the most unequivocal preference. After all,
-what is called love has its residence more in the brain than the heart.
-Believe me, Adelaide is no such fool; she has strength of mind to
-conquer even a reciprocal attachment, if necessary. She has a great deal
-of feeling, with an equal portion of reason and reflection; but I think
-her _imagination_ is rather in the minority, at least it takes its rise
-from her feelings, not her feelings from it." "Well, Charlotte, you may
-think an attachment a very silly thing now; but, you know, you were in
-love once yourself." "Never with you, I assure you: you know, my dear,
-that was impossible, for you were old enough to have passed for my
-father when we married. I had always too much respect for your
-reverence. Yet I don't think I have made the worse wife, because I never
-mistook you for a Strephon, but saw from the first you were a good,
-plain, steady country parson." "And but for this good, plain, steady
-country parson, Charlotte," said he, "you would never have been the
-estimable woman you now are. But to return to Miss Wildenheim: what is
-it that distresses her? You are clear there is nobody in England she is
-sorry to leave behind." "Pardon me; I think she is very sorry to leave
-us." "That I take for granted; but on the whole she seems pleased with
-her expedition. Perhaps she is unprepared to meet so unexpected a demand
-on her purse; and Mrs. Sullivan's elegant epistle does not say a word on
-the subject of money:--she should have had more consideration! I will
-make an estimate of what the journey to Shrewsbury will cost her--will
-you give it to her, and say I shall be happy to advance what money she
-may require." "That I will," replied Mrs. Temple; "Poor thing! I'm sure
-she would die before she would ask Mrs. Sullivan--at least _I_ should,
-without doubt." When Mr. Temple made out his memorandum, and his wife
-giving it to Adelaide repeated his offer, she was so touched by this
-new instance of her friend's kindness, that she could not for a short
-time reply to Mrs. Temple; but pressing her hand with the earnestness of
-gratitude, remained silent for an instant, and then, both by word and
-look, expressed her grateful sense of all the benefits they had bestowed
-on her. "In the present instance, however," said she, "I need not
-trespass on Mr. Temple's goodness; I assure you I am quite rich,
-sufficiently so to make this unexpected journey no inconvenience."
-"Nobody is rich now-a-days," said Mrs. Temple; "in such an extravagant
-family how have you managed, my dear Adele, to get into such a good
-condition of purse?" "When I was first at Webberly House, I was too
-unhappy to have any fancies to indulge; and as soon as by your
-benevolent care I recovered from my primary state of stupefaction, I
-became so terrified at my unprotected situation, that I determined to
-provide for any emergency that might occur, by limiting my expenditure
-as much as possible. Impressed with these fears, I _dared_ not give
-myself habits of extravagance. I assure you I have been economical
-almost to parsimony." "Your poor pensioners do not say so," rejoined
-Mrs. Temple, in a tone of affectionate approbation.--"I do not think it
-permissible, my dear Mrs. Temple, to provide for future wants by the
-neglect of present duties. I look upon charity in proportion to our
-means, as a necessity as indispensable to our condition as daily food
-and raiment; a due portion of whatever fund procures the one, ought
-surely to provide for the other." "You are a singular girl," said Mrs.
-Temple; "I will apply to you Goldsmith's epitaph on Dr. Bernard:--
-
-    "If you have any faults, you have left us in doubt,
-    At least in six weeks I could not find them out."
-
-The few days Adelaide had to spend at the Parsonage flew most rapidly
-away. She saw the dreaded morning arrive, in which she was to commence
-her journey, with a heavy heart, and perhaps those she was to leave
-behind were yet more sorrowful than herself. In the separation of
-friends, those who depart are never half so much to be pitied as those
-who remain. Change of scene, motion, and fatigue, insensibly divert the
-former; but the latter have nothing new to fill up the uncomfortable
-void they feel. It is long before the eye ceases to look for the beloved
-face it has been used to gaze on, or the ear unconsciously to expect the
-well-known voice or step. The children had bid farewell to Adelaide the
-night before, not without many pressing entreaties for her speedy
-return; but the father and mother got up at a very early hour, to take
-leave of her on the morning of her departure. At the sight of Mrs.
-Temple she could no longer control her feelings, but threw herself in
-an agony of sorrow into her arms, saying, it was her fate always to be
-torn from what was dear to her in life, and that she should know nothing
-like happiness till she saw her again. Mr. Temple, seeing her make a
-great effort to restrain her tears, said, "Do not, my dear young friend,
-suppress the expression of your sorrow; here are those who respect your
-tears--they are most natural to your age and sex. You have too much the
-habit of suppressing your own feelings, to avoid distressing those of
-others. We shall all meet happily again in a few months, and then your
-connection with that unamiable family will cease. You are too deserving
-of happiness not to meet with it;--indeed you will find it in your own
-mind, when you recover from the first shock of the heavy affliction it
-has pleased Providence to assign you. You may, if it is any consolation,
-take with you an old man's blessing; whose utmost wish would be
-gratified in having a daughter to resemble you." Mrs. Temple, who had
-been nearly as much comforted by his commendation as Adelaide, now said,
-"Rouse yourself, my dear girl, and look at all those impertinent
-Webberlys, as much as to say, 'I hold ye in sovereign, contempt.' I wish
-you were not content, with _feeling_ your own superiority, but would
-occasionally assert it. I should like to see them smarting under the
-power of ridicule certain arch smiles have told me you possess--indeed,
-indeed, my dear, you are righteous over much: do oblige me, and be a
-little spiteful."
-
-By the time breakfast was over, Adelaide's spirits were comforted by Mr.
-Temple, and rallied by his wife. Though she could not trust herself to
-say, "Good bye," she stept into the carriage with tolerable composure;
-but when she lost sight of them and their cheerful abode, she
-experienced an acuteness of sorrow she some time before had thought she
-was as incapable of ever feeling again, as an equal degree of joy.
-
-When the carriage drove away, Mr. Temple made a speedy retreat into his
-study; and the traces of tears were still visible on his wife's face,
-when they met at dinner.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII.
-
-    One only passion unreveal'd
-    With maiden pride the maid conceal'd;
-    Yet not less purely felt the flame--
-    Oh! need I then that passion name?
-
-    SCOTT.
-
-
-Civil people always meet with civility, and Adelaide accomplished her
-journey without meeting either accident or insult. When the carriage
-stopped at the Talbot Inn in Shrewsbury, she was received at the door by
-Mr. Webberly, who had evidently been watching her arrival. On her asking
-for his mother and sisters, he pointed to a window, where she saw Mrs.
-Sullivan attired in a sky-blue habit of cassimir, with a white beaver
-hat and feathers. Cecilia, in a modish pelisse, looking at that
-distance very handsome; and Miss Webberly, in the opposite window,
-_intently_ reading. Mrs. Sullivan met Adelaide half way down stairs,
-apparently glad to see her. The young ladies greeted her with a slight
-bow, just muttering a scarcely audible "How d'ye do:"--one turning to
-stare out of the window, the other affecting to bestow all her attention
-on her book. Little Caroline, exclaiming "Oh, tie my frock quick, quick!
-there's my dear Adele come: I hear mama talking to her,"--burst from an
-inner apartment, heedless of the remonstrances of her maid, and jumping
-up with one spring, twisted her ivory arms about her neck; and as
-Adelaide fondly pressed the lovely child to her heart, her countenance
-expressed those feelings--
-
-    "Which are to mortals given,
-    With less of earth in them than Heav'n:"
-
-For affliction had indeed "touched her looks with something that was
-scarce earthly," and, when brightened by any emotion near akin to joy,
-smiles such as might have beamed in the face of a seraph illuminated
-hers. Mrs. Sullivan, in a tone of sorrowful admiration, whispered to
-Cecilia, "Jack can't choose but fancy her; she's beautifuller than ever:
-I han't seen her like since we parted." "Law, mama!" replied Cecilia
-with unmixed vexation, "I believe you've taken leave of your senses,
-since you used to say she was a sallow poking thing. You forget what
-beautiful girls the Miss Nathans, and the Miss Bakers, and all the
-Lunnon ladies are." Here, with affected indifference and real
-mortification, she stopped to examine the subject of their discourse
-through her glass. As she continued to gaze, her soft cheek became
-crimsoned with anger, and her beautiful eye, which seemed formed to
-convey the tender feelings of the gentlest female heart, scowled with
-the dark expression of envy. Adelaide, turning her eyes on her face,
-met that glance, and sighing to see the youthful bloom of this fair
-creature deformed by malevolent emotions, felt for her the pity of a
-superior nature, that from its own beatitude beholds the fretful
-passions of a being incessantly employed in weaving the web of its own
-misery, and mourns that it may not save the wretched victim from its
-self-destroying arts.
-
-When Adelaide sat down, Mr. Webberly, leaning over the arm of the sofa,
-began a complimentary conversation, which she soon terminated on the
-excuse of retiring to make some slight alteration in her travelling
-dress before the time of dinner. In the course of this evening, Mrs.
-Sullivan and her son overloaded Miss Wildenheim with officious
-civilities; and the young ladies paid her many ironical compliments
-intended as insults; but she _would_ not show, by word or look, that she
-understood them otherwise than according to the literal sense, and
-amused herself a little maliciously (forgive her, for she was but human)
-by observing their disappointment at finding their best efforts at
-mortifying her fail of success. But at night, her feelings were those of
-bitter anguish, as she involuntarily compared this day with the last she
-had spent at the Parsonage of Deane, in the enlightened society of her
-kind friends. "But I shall meet them again ere long, and shall enjoy
-their society doubly from the comparison of my present associates. I am
-resolved to think the time till we meet as little disagreeable as
-possible." Her thoughts then reverted to the scenes of her early life,
-on which they could now rest with mournful complacency; and, as she
-recalled to memory the precepts of her beloved father, with a pardonable
-superstition, she fondly flattered herself that he yet spoke to her
-heart. The treasured admonitions of this revered parent at once
-fortified her mind and soothed her feelings; on them she continued to
-ponder till sleep deprived her of recollection and his image at the same
-moment. Her heart was cheered by a sentiment of filial piety, similar to
-that so beautifully expressed by Scott's Ellen:
-
-    My soul, though feminine and weak,
-    Can image his; even as the lake,
-    Itself disturb'd by slightest stroke,
-    Reflects the invulnerable rock.
-
-Notwithstanding Adelaide's best endeavours to persuade herself the
-Webberlys _en masse_ were a pleasant family, and not less amiable than
-agreeable, she now found them more intolerable than ever.
-
-Mr. Webberly's attentions were as incessant as disgusting, and to her
-astonishment his mother no longer gave them overt opposition. His
-sisters, on the contrary, were more than ever devoured by "proud spleen
-and burning envy;" but they excited in her mind only the most profound
-compassion. Pity is said to be near akin to love; it is sometimes
-however very closely allied to that mournful pardon we grant to a
-character, whose irremediable defects excite our unqualified hopeless
-disapprobation.
-
-As for Mrs. Sullivan, Adelaide felt grieved she could not like her, for
-she at least had the feelings of a mother; and where is the character so
-degraded, that these will not give a claim to our love, to our
-veneration? When she saw this poor woman, full of love and pride in her
-elder children, pour forth her fondness on them, and saw the ungrateful
-objects of her tenderness insultingly disdain it, because it did not
-appear in the language and gestures of what they supposed to be fashion,
-she redoubled her attentions, and her sweetly soothing manners,
-sometimes chased the starting tears from the offended mother's eye,
-sometimes made them flow from the bitterness of the comparison they
-caused her to make. But when, softened by compassion, Adelaide was
-reproaching herself for her want of liking to a woman, who, though a
-mistaken, was an affectionate mother, some trait of ostentatious
-arrogant despotism to those not united by ties of relationship sent her
-benevolent feelings, with accelerated motion, back to the source of
-kindness from whence they had begun to flow. Vulgarity alone was no
-crime in her mind; she considered it merely as an accident to which
-certain conditions are liable, and, therefore, when it was an
-accompaniment of worth, she did not _dare_ to feel it a fit subject of
-contempt. She was too noble in soul, too pious in heart, to presume on
-her accidental advantages of education, to despise "the pure in spirit,"
-who are, however lowly in earthly station, glorious in the approving
-smile of Heaven.
-
-But as Mrs. Sullivan was on one point alone entitled to respect, and
-even there imperfectly, (for, owing to the mercenary artifices of her
-elder daughters, she was nearly indifferent to Caroline,) Adelaide had
-now a hard task to perform--namely, to fortify herself once more with
-indifference to all her associates. Her feelings had been awakened from
-their temporary torpor by her visit to the Temples, and she now felt it
-most painful to lower them to the icy temperature they had attained in
-the soul-benumbing atmosphere of Webberly House. "However, (thought
-she,) I must only play the dormouse, and, like it, having gone through a
-few months' torpidity, I shall then wake to an existence of positive
-enjoyment."
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, during Miss Wildenheim's absence, had become conscious of
-the value of her decorum of manner; for besides the attention it
-prompted this young lady to pay her, as due to the person under whose
-roof she resided, it acted as a restraint on the rudeness of her
-daughters, who, when unshackled by the presence of an example of
-propriety in their domestic scene, opposed their mother in every trifle
-with the most perverse obstinacy. Mr. Webberly, as soon as he had been
-refused by Selina, told his mother, in the first effusions of his
-wounded pride, he was determined to marry Miss Wildenheim directly. "He
-was rich enough to please himself after all; he was sure she was a far
-personabler woman than Miss Seymour, though Miss did think no small beer
-of herself." As he could not have Selina, his mother now wished him to
-marry his cousin Miss Leatherly, who was nearly as rich, though she had
-not the advantages of connection, that had won her pride to prefer Miss
-Seymour. She had long delayed her answer to Adelaide's letter,
-determining she should seek another home; but her son declared if she
-did not bring her to Ireland, he would not go either, but would remain
-in whatever place she resided till she was of age, and then it would
-not be in his mother's power to prevent their marriage. Mrs. Sullivan,
-alarmed at this menace, determined no longer to use open opposition, but
-to trust to chance and the possibility of Miss Wildenheim's own pride
-assisting her to defeat his wishes; therefore offered to compromise the
-matter, by saying she would bring Miss Wildenheim with her to Ireland,
-on condition he did not actually propose for her till the period fixed
-for their return to England, promising she would do nothing to prevent
-his paying her what attentions he pleased; but, at the same time giving
-him to understand, the match would never receive her approbation,
-reminding him that a ten thousand pound fortune with a wife was nothing!
-and that he had little now left but what she pleased to give him. Mr.
-Webberly had found out from Selina's conduct, it was possible he might
-be refused; therefore, yielding in part to his mother's wishes,
-acknowledging, on second thoughts, a little delay would be no bad
-thing, as it might enable him to conquer his mistress's resentment for
-his having transferred his attention elsewhere, which he elegantly
-expressed, by saying "In the first brush of the thing she may cuff off
-her nose to punish her face."
-
-Our travellers proceeded on their journey with the most dissimilar
-feelings possible. Mrs. Sullivan enjoying the idea of the fortune this
-expedition would secure to Caroline--the Miss Webberlys, in sullen
-discontent, were forming schemes to make their mother return as soon as
-possible to the neighbourhood of London, supposing the society of
-Ballinamoyle must be still more insipid than that in the vicinity of
-Webberly House--their brother engaged in promoting the success of his
-passion for Adelaide, she not less so in keeping him at a distance, and
-in the endeavour to divert her thoughts from her companions to the
-country they passed through--Caroline alone, with unfeigned pleasure,
-was enjoying the change of scene, and coaxing her "Dear, precious
-Adele," who returned the sweet child's caresses with equal affection.
-The weather was intolerably hot; the Miss Webberlys would not consent to
-have their pelisses faded by opening the barouche--"You know, mama, we
-can't get any thing from London for a long time, and you would not have
-_us_ dress in the Irish fashions:" so the four ladies and Caroline were
-nearly suffocated with heat; little relief was obtained from letting
-down the front windows, for Mr. Webberly and a footman in the driving
-seat intercepted the air. Mr. Webberly had placed himself there, that he
-might from time to time cast sweet looks at Adelaide. She sat with her
-back to him that she might not see them; but this was of little avail,
-for he tapped her every five minutes on the shoulder, on pretence of
-pointing out some remarkable object to her notice, therefore she
-willingly accepted Mrs. Sullivan's offer of making room for her on the
-other seat. Oh! how she envied the abigails, as they drove past in the
-post chaise! she could not enjoy the pleasure of walking up the hills
-with Caroline, as in that case, Mr. Webberly was at her side in an
-instant, ready primed with the compliments he had composed on the
-barouche seat. But notwithstanding all this, she was enchanted with the
-picturesque scenery of North Wales: the Vale of Langollen, Capel
-Kerrick, and Lake Oggen, called forth her rapturous praise, in the
-expression of which she was sometimes joined by her companions, though
-they were little capable of feeling the pleasure she experienced.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's parsimony always showing itself in trifles, she
-quarrelled with all the drivers, ostlers, chamber maids, and waiters, as
-she came along, by offering them less than people who travelled with the
-same _cortège_ usually did. The Welsh are a remarkably sturdy people;
-and if, on entering Wales, you offend the man who drives you the first
-stage, the bad effects of his irascible feelings follow your carriage
-wheels to the last. What must it be when each equestrian is individually
-enraged at you!
-
-The carriage windows were no sooner drawn up, to put an end to the
-clamour occasioned by such squabbles on the outside, than the usual
-contentions were renewed within, which seldom ceased till the time for
-wrangling with the ostlers arrived again, for which a scold to the last
-turnpike keeper, for the badness of the roads, in proportion to the high
-tolls, served as a prelude. However, they at last reached Holyhead: as
-Adelaide skipped into the inn, overjoyed to be comparatively at liberty,
-she exclaimed, in thought, "Thank goodness, so much of my Purgatory is
-over! Why Webberly House was Heaven to this! However we shall travel
-only a small portion of the time I am to spend in penance for my
-sins.--They will all be sea-sick to-morrow, and then I shall have a few
-hours' peace."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV.
-
-    Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float
-    Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck
-    With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets,
-    That no rude savour maritime invade
-    The nose of nice nobility.
-
-    COWPER.
-
-
-On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which
-our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
-
-The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely
-drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices
-of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and
-boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded
-about the inn door. Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs
-screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all
-the murmuring crowd:--"Meely! Cilly! do bestir yourselves; we're too
-late by a mile! here's the wery last boat imparting." The tardy-gaited
-damsels made their appearance just as one of the boatmen informed their
-mother, the captain had sent to say, he would not wait another minute;
-and they reached the side of the ship exactly at the moment he prepared
-to put his threat in execution. Poor Mrs. Sullivan had seldom seen, and
-had never been on the sea before, therefore it is not surprising that
-she was much terrified at finding herself in a small boat, on this, to
-her, unusual element; however, after many exclamations of terror, she
-congratulated herself, and all the party, on being safe on board: she
-might now have said with Foote,
-
-    "When first I went on board, Good Lord! what a racket,
-    Such babbling and squalling fore and aft through the packet;
-    The passengers bawling, the sailors yo-ho-ing,
-    The ship along dashing, the wind aloft blowing;
-    Some sick, and some swearing, some singing, some shrieking,
-    Sails hoisting, blocks rattling, the yards and booms creaking!"
-
-It was that season of the year in which such of the Irish bipeds as are
-birds of passage, pay a summer's visit to their native shores: the
-packet was crowded to excess; and not only every birth was taken, but
-the cabin floors were spread with mattresses for the supernumeraries.
-Mrs. Sullivan had secured the _state_ cabin, where people pay an
-additional price, for the honour and glory of encountering imminent
-danger of suffocation, in a commodious apartment, six feet broad by
-eight feet long, containing four beds, two above and two below; and in
-this receptacle of pride, many a repentant victim of human vanity has
-sent forth pious aspirations after "_a new birth_." Mrs. Sullivan, on
-going below, found that, besides the beds in the state cabin, only two
-others could be procured for Caroline and the maids; she however settled
-the matter, much to her satisfaction, by saying, "Willis must sit up all
-night." But Adelaide seeing the poor woman's face changing colour, with
-a compassion that never rose for an _inferior_ in Mrs. Sullivan's
-breast, said, "If you will allow me, I will make up a bed for myself in
-the floor of your cabin, with the night sacks and dressing boxes; and
-then Willis can have my birth; she looks very sick, poor thing, perhaps
-you will give her leave to go to bed now." "I have no dejection to your
-doing what you likes with your own birth, Miss Vildenheim; but if Villis
-goes to bed, what can I do to undress?"--"Oh! I will be your waiting
-woman with pleasure." So saying, Adelaide seized the golden opportunity
-before the permission could be recalled, and persuaded the fainting
-Willis to occupy her bed.
-
-When they returned to the deck all was comparatively quiet; the ladies
-were seated, and the gentlemen walking about in parties, examining the
-various groups of females which presented themselves to their view. Next
-to Adelaide was seated a very elegant woman, whom she heard addressed by
-the name of St. Orme, and whose husband was walking arm in arm with a
-remarkably handsome man, who united in his deportment the mien of a
-soldier, with the air of a man who had lived much in the world. His back
-was to Adelaide when he first attracted her notice, but when he came
-close to her, she started up, and met the hand he extended to her, with
-reciprocal cordiality, and their mutual astonishment, making them for an
-instant regardless of the presence of so numerous an audience, they
-addressed each other in the language they had long been accustomed to
-converse in, and, after a few hasty sentences of German, Adelaide,
-blushing to her fingers' ends, on perceiving she had attracted the
-attention of every person present, introduced the handsome stranger to
-Mrs. Sullivan as Colonel Desmond, and he was not a little surprised to
-find in her the widow of his most particular friend. This ceremony being
-over, Colonel Desmond again addressed Adelaide: "Good Heavens! Miss
-Wildenheim, who could have thought of seeing you _here_! how time does
-run on! I hope you don't forget what I remember with so much pleasure,
-that our acquaintance commenced before you were six years old; and that
-you used to seat yourself on my knee, with as little ceremony as that
-beautiful child is preparing to do on yours." Adelaide's dialogue with
-her new found friend was suddenly interrupted by Mrs. Sullivan becoming
-so qualmish, that a speedy retreat to her own cabin was judged
-advisable, and Colonel Desmond, after assisting the ladies to go down
-stairs, returned to the deck, his fair acquaintance remaining below to
-give her promised aid to her _chaperone_.
-
-Though Colonel Desmond was then in his forty-fifth year, his florid
-complexion, brilliant eye, and martial air, made him appear nearly ten
-years younger; nor were the few unwelcome gray hairs, that attempted to
-tell tales of other times, in contradiction to their darker companions,
-in sufficient number to counteract the appearance of youth, that the
-finest set of teeth in the world gave to his face. His forehead, eyes,
-and brows, seemed the seat of sense and manly daring, but all the kindly
-affections of human nature dwelt about his mouth. Adelaide had early
-applied to him the motto of the Chevalier Bayard--_L'homme sans peur et
-sans reproche_: and in the days of youthful enthusiasm, he had, in her
-scale of admiration, ranked next to her father--nor was he unworthy of
-her regard.
-
-This gallant soldier was the second son of a country gentleman, whose
-family had lived from generation to generation in habits of friendship
-with that of the late Mr. Sullivan, who was also a younger son. These
-young men were companions, school-fellows, and friends, and on the death
-of their fathers, found themselves but scantily provided for. Edward
-Desmond, being intended for the church, had gone through some part of
-his collegiate course in the university of Dublin; but on the death of
-his father, agreeing with his young friend, that "it was much better to
-be a soldier than a damned quiz of a parson" resolved to exchange the
-cassock for the sword. Being a protestant, Edward did not labour under
-the same disabilities as his friend, but he would not separate their
-fortunes, and determined to share the same fate, and follow the same
-standard; accordingly they left their homes, in order, as they expressed
-it, in the words of a favourite song, to "go round the world for sport."
-
-They entered the Austrian armies, and the first five years of their
-career served under the command of Baron Wildenheim, during which time
-he proved himself their patron and friend; gratitude on their side, and
-regard on his, preserved the intimacy thus formed, by correspondence and
-personal communication, long after they had ceased to be brother
-soldiers. Colonel Desmond remained in Germany, several years subsequent
-to Mr. Sullivan's return to England, so that he was much better known to
-Adelaide than the latter gentleman; and till she recollected he was
-unmarried, she had often wondered her father had not left her to his
-guardianship, in preference to a person who was to her a comparative
-stranger. Though Desmond and Sullivan had commenced their career of
-life together, they did not long continue on an equality as to
-character. The superior education Edward had received, in order to
-qualify him for the profession he was originally designed to embrace,
-showed its beneficial effects in far different pursuits; for whilst
-Maurice Sullivan plunged into every species of dissipation, his
-companion, incited by the expostulations and example of Baron
-Wildenheim, occupied himself in the acquirement of the knowledge most
-necessary to his profession, occasionally varying his studies by the
-pleasures arising from the cultivation of literature and the fine arts.
-But, however advantageous Colonel Desmond's intercourse with Baron
-Wildenheim had been to the formation of his character, it had latterly
-been dangerous to the peace of his mind. He had so long regarded the
-daughter of his friend with almost parental affection, that he was not
-exactly aware of the moment, when his feelings towards her became those
-of a lover; but when awakened to a sense of the real nature of his
-sentiments, his hours of solitude were tinctured with regret, as he
-bitterly lamented that hitherto disregarded want of fortune, which
-forbade his seeking the hand of the lovely girl. Neither Adelaide, nor
-the Baron, was ever conscious of this attachment; she only felt for him
-as a sort of second father, in whose approbation she delighted, and by
-whose admonition she profited; honour and generosity withheld his using
-any endeavours to win further on her regard; and feeling that
-self-control would not much longer be possible, he left Vienna,
-apparently induced only by the desire to revisit his native country.
-Time and absence had deadened, but not changed his feelings: with such
-sentiments, it may therefore be supposed, what happiness this unexpected
-meeting gave to both. The Miss Webberlys had come down below with their
-mother and Adelaide, so that the latter was obliged to stay in the
-suffocating cabin, where she remained in durance vile above an hour;
-from time to time she heard Caroline's little merry voice on deck, and
-longed to be there also; at last, when the little girl retired to bed,
-she gave Adelaide Mrs. St. Orme's compliments, to know if she would like
-to come on deck, adding, that she and Colonel Desmond were waiting in
-the outer cabin to take her up. With the utmost delight she profited by
-this good natured attention. When they ascended, she found all the
-passengers disposed of for the night, except Mr. and Mrs. St. Orme and
-Colonel Desmond.
-
-Miss Wildenheim's present _chaperone_ was a very elegant pleasing Irish
-woman, who added to the ease of well bred manners that sort of
-kindliness, which appears in those of her countrywomen in general. She
-was of good family, and was so well assured of her own place in society,
-that she never took the least trouble to impress any body else with an
-idea of her consequence; but her unaffected simplicity of dress,
-manner, and deportment, were the best credentials she could present to
-those accustomed to move in the same rank of life with herself. Adelaide
-and she understood each other at once: before their acquaintance had
-lasted half an hour, a casual observer would have supposed they had long
-been known to each other.
-
-It was a most delightful night, the ship was smoothly cutting her rapid
-way before a fair, wind, and as it passed, the rippling waters sparkled
-with the beams of the moon. Colonel Desmond, leaning carelessly over the
-side of the vessel, half sung, half hummed, this verse, translated from
-an ancient Irish song:--
-
-    The moon calmly sleeps on the ocean,
-      And tinges each white bosom'd sail;
-    The bark, scarcely conscious of motion,
-      Glides slowly before the soft gale.
-
-    How vain are the charms they discover,
-      My heart from its sorrows to draw!
-    Whilst memory carries me over
-      To _Ma cailin beog chruite nambo_.
-
-Adelaide thought the sound of his well remembered voice "pleasant and
-mournful to the soul, like the memory of joys that are past;" and it was
-insensibly leading her into a train of ideas, which she was not sorry to
-have interrupted by general conversation. How much did she enjoy the
-delightful freshness of the night, and the enlivening sallies of her
-animated companions; they were, however, at length terminated by Mr. St.
-Orme complaining of the increasing chilliness of the air, and proposing
-that she and her fair companion should take refuge from it in the body
-of her barouche, which was on deck. There they passed the remainder of
-the night most comfortably; and, when the sun rose, Miss Wildenheim was
-very sorry to hear they were entering the bay of Dublin, as she
-recollected her landing would put an end to the temporary release the
-packet had afforded her from the annoyances of the Webberly family.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV.
-
-    To sail in unknown seas,
-    To land in countries hitherto unseen,
-    To breathe a fresh invigorating air:
-    ----All this, I am convinced,
-    Will renovate me a second time,
-    To be what once I was.
-
-    LLOYD'S MYRHA.
-
-
-Before any of the other passengers came on deck, Mrs. St. Orme and
-Adelaide contrived to make their morning toilet quite _comme il faut_,
-and when it was finished, and their dressing-boxes were repacked, they
-drew up the blinds of the carriage, and beheld a most beautiful scene.
-
-The sun was shining in all his brightness, and seemed to exult on
-beholding the fair isle, that, cheered by his smiles, was venturing to
-raise her lovely face from beneath its misty veil, no longer fearful of
-beholding the dark visage of Night, who, sullenly retreating from his
-glorious foe, had turned his louring brow on other daughters of the sea.
-The hill of Howth rose proudly from the bosom of the deep; and whilst
-its rocky sides, from age to age, beheld unmoved the fury of the
-sounding surge, the pointed summits of the distant Wicklow mountains
-courted the beams of morn and the dews of evening, ere they descended to
-visit the plains beneath. The bold promontory of Bray rushed to meet the
-foaming waves; and by its side the beautiful bay of Killina retreated
-from their half spent rage; whilst in the distant sky a darkened line of
-smoke pointed out the site of the fine city of Dublin. "Dear Ireland!"
-exclaimed Mrs. St. Orme, whilst the tear of feeling and the smile of joy
-struggled for mastery in her beaming eyes--"Oh! only those who have
-pined for their native land beneath a stranger sky, whose eye has been
-long unblessed by her loved face, whose ear has vainly paused to hear
-once again her kindly, though unpolished accents; who have held her--
-
-          'dear by every tie
-    Which binds us to our infancy,
-    By weeping Mem'ry's fondest claims,
-    By nature's holiest highest names;'
-
-can feel their souls moved to sympathy at the sight of her children's
-emotions, when they at last behold her cherished soil." Poor Adelaide!
-she felt the current of life retire from her chilled heart, as it was
-oppressed by the sad thought, that no revered parent or beloved sister
-would receive her in the arms of affectionate love, when she landed on
-the smiling shore, that spread before her sight. She gazed on the
-countless dwellings, that met her view, with a bitterness of sorrow that
-was faithfully depicted in her speaking countenance. In every mourner
-Mrs. St. Orme saw a friend; and understanding the nature of her
-companion's affliction, from a conversation she had the evening before
-with Colonel Desmond, she pressed her hand, saying in the kindest tones
-of benevolence, "You will find friends every where; in that hospitable
-land there are many warm hearts, to whom you will quickly be dear." The
-expression of Adelaide's gratitude, though mute, was eloquent, and she
-soon recovered herself sufficiently to answer, with apparent ease, the
-various inquiries put to her by Mr. St. Orme and Colonel Desmond, who
-now appeared to offer their services.
-
-About nine o'clock all was again commotion in the ship; many a strange
-figure might have been seen in the cabins below. Here Mr. Webberly,
-doffing his white cotton nightcap, and reeling on the floor, was cut
-short in the ecstasy of a yawn, and of an outstretched arm, and
-balancing opposite leg, by a return of the sickness, which had kept him
-below stairs all night, to Adelaide's great joy. There a fop was calmly
-settling his hat, so as to display the glossy curls, that were to appear
-below its edge, to the utmost advantage. Behind that white dimity
-curtain a lady is viewing herself in a pocket glass, and laments her
-bilious complexion; but quickly comforts herself with the reflection,
-that she can wear a veil, and in a day or two she shall be ten times
-fairer than ever. One gentleman is damning the steward for suffering his
-sea store to be demolished, who appeases him by saying he will give him
-another hamper to ransack. There is the wag of a mail coach, continuing
-his jokes with a fat cook, whose tongue has seldom ceased since they
-left London, in the endeavour to persuade every one she met that she was
-a lady of great consequence, and who literally talked all night, to the
-edification of the people in the cabin with her. An odd looking man is
-running about with a box of artificial flowers, tormenting every body,
-by asking if the custom-house officers will seize them; and to every
-reply rejoining, "I'll just give them a trifle, just a trifle. Do you
-think they'll search my night sack?" Lastly, the English Abigails loudly
-declare they shall die; and the Irish that they _will_ die, whilst in
-the intervals of sickness they endeavour to quiet a set of squalling
-children.
-
-When these motley groupes assembled on deck, it was agreed by most it
-would be much better to take boats to Dunleary, than to wait for the
-returning tide to land at the Pigeon House, which is the regular station
-appointed for the packets.
-
-Adelaide now offered her arm to Mrs. Sullivan, who had just ascended the
-cabin stairs in a rueful condition. Her face was indeed the emblem of
-"green and yellow melancholy." Somebody had done her the favour to sit
-upon her hat, and had bent its white plume in every direction; her
-habit was crumpled up in a thousand folds, and the queen of Otaheite
-herself could not have boasted of more feathers than adorned it in
-detached spots. Mr. Webberly, who accompanied his mother and sisters
-upon deck, as he looked at Adelaide's lovely face, blooming with the
-freshness of the sea air, said to himself, "Well, Miss Wildenheim must
-have his Majesty's patent in her pocket to be so beautiful, when all the
-other women look so bad. Sister Cilly is as ugly as old Mother Shipton
-this morning; and as for Meely, she's enough to frighten the crows. I
-wonder what business that Colonel Desmond has to talk to Miss Wildenheim
-so--he's too civil by half; I've a month's mind to tell him so; and how
-she does smile and show her white teeth at him. I see nothing so
-diverting about him, not I."
-
-"Jack!" said his mother, interrupting his reverie, "Miss Wildenheim has
-dissuaded me to go in that 'ere boat;--do get our band-boxes put in it.
-They say we mustn't take none of our trunks, neither one of the
-carriages. I suspect me they're playing tricks upon travellers; and if
-so be, I'll take the law of them as sure as my name's Hannah Silliwan.
-The ship may sail away with all our things afore ever we can send the
-constables after it.--They say the Irish are a sad set of rogues. I vish
-I vas safe back in Lunnon again."
-
-The party were soon summoned to the boat, and quickly reached the pier
-of Dunleary in safety. This place is merely a fishing village, chiefly
-inhabited by those amphibious animals called bathing women, whose
-appearance renders their sex nearly as dubious as their occupation makes
-it difficult to decide whether they mostly inhabit the land or the
-water. A crowd of these strange looking creatures assembled about the
-newly arrived ladies. Adelaide involuntarily shrunk from one of them,
-whose complexion was at least three shades darker than fashionable
-mahogany, who had but one furious black eye, and was of a stature that
-promised the power of carrying into execution the evil designs, which
-seemed painted in that eye. This woman's voice, when she spoke, was
-nearly as appalling as her aspect when silent; but yet she was perfectly
-harmless, and had never been known to injure any human being.--"Clear
-the way there, Moll Kelly! Don't you see you're putting the ladies all
-through other? Can't ye lend a hand to the spalpeen while you're doing
-nothing? Or do the t'other thing, and take yourself aff clane and
-clever?" said a good-natured looking man, who formed one of the crowd of
-idlers, who stood wrapped up in great coats (a hot day in June), with
-their backs propped against the pier, or the walls of the houses
-opposite to it. "It's myself that would be sore and sorry not to be
-agreeable to them. I just stepped down to take a peep at their sweet
-faces, God bless them!" said she. Adelaide, shocked at the repugnance
-her countenance had involuntarily expressed to this unoffending mortal;
-made the _amende honorable_ by slipping into her hand, as she passed
-close by, a piece of silver, accompanied by a smile of conciliation.
-"Och, its yourself that's the real quality;--and did ye look on the like
-of me, jewel?--I'm entirely obliged to your ladyship." A number of men
-now came up, saying, "I'll whip your honour up to Dublin in a crack."
-"Plase your honour, mine's the best going gingle on all the Black Rock
-road." "Arrah, hould your palaver, Barny," said a third; "didn't my
-Padderene mare beat the Bang-up coach to tatters the day Mr. Shorly
-broke his arm; when the gingle, for no rason in life, upset? The Lord
-spare him to his childer, poor gintleman." Colonel Desmond now came
-forward to explain what this might mean--namely, that there was no
-other conveyance to Dublin except the carriages he pointed out, which
-were sufficiently expeditious, and perfectly safe, if their drivers
-would not insist on running races with the stage coaches. Accordingly
-the party were stowed into these gingles, which more nearly resemble
-sociables in miniature than any other vehicle; but their backs, instead
-of being solid wood, are railed. They are totally uncushioned, and are
-drawn by one stout, though ill-conditioned horse. They soon struck into
-a very fine road, sufficiently broad to lead to a city twice the size of
-Dublin, on which numberless cars, carts, and carriages, of all
-descriptions, passed each other, without the smallest inconvenience,
-except from clouds of white dust, peculiarly distressing from the nature
-of the soil. The views on all sides were exquisite, combining the
-various beauties of marine and mountain scenery, ornamented with
-abundance of wood and an appearance of high cultivation. The peculiarly
-vivid green of the grass justified to our travellers the appellation of
-"the emerald isle," which Ireland has long possessed. They saw at a
-distance many beautiful seats; but were not a little diverted by the
-names of the diminutive villas which rose close to the road. Three
-houses, built in a row, had in large letters on their walls, _Anne's
-Hill_, Many _Vale_, and Ballynacleigh. A house was perched on a little
-mount, glorying in three lilacs and a laburnum; on its gate was engraved
-_Val ombrosa_. Another, with half an acre of ground and a single row of
-trees before the door, was called Wood Park: and they observed more than
-one Frescati and Marino. The proprietor of one of these abodes did not
-consider his house sufficiently near the road, though within a stone's
-throw, therefore had erected a brick and mortar building, the size and
-shape of a sentry box, resting on the wall which divided his domain from
-the road, so as to overhang it; and at the moment the gingles drove
-past, he was enjoying the delights of this "_happy rural seat of various
-view_" reading the newspapers in the moments he could spare from
-watching the company who drove by. Our travellers were much pleased with
-the regular and beautiful appearance of Dublin, as this entrance into it
-is not defaced by any mean hovels, the abode of squalid poverty, which
-are the too frequent preludes of many a magnificent capital. Entering at
-once into Bagot-street, which is handsome and well built, they drove
-through several fine streets and squares, caught a glimpse of some
-elegant public buildings, such as the college, the _ci-devant_
-parliament-house, and the rotunda, and at last stopped at Layton's
-hotel, in Sackville-street, which is inferior to few in London.
-
-And oh! the luxury of comfortable quiet rooms and beds, after being
-condemned to the turmoil of a Holyhead packet, and exposed to the
-dislocating powers of a Black Rock gingle! Our travellers retired at an
-early hour, to profit by these lately unknown comforts; and here,
-wishing them sound sleep and pleasant dreams, we bid them "good night."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI.
-
-    Ah! si mon coeur osoit encore se renflammer!
-    Ne sentirai-je plus de charme qui m'arrête?
-        Ai-je passé le temps d'aimer?
-
-    LA FONTAINE.
-
-
-When the ladies entered their breakfasting room the morning after their
-arrival in Dublin, they found it fragrant with the most delightful
-flowers; and the tables presented specimens of the finest fruits this
-city could boast of. Adelaide quickly recognized Colonel Desmond's
-habitual attention to the fair sex; whilst Mrs. Sullivan exclaimed, "A
-fine bill I'll varrant me for all these here kick-shaws:--I'll ring for
-the waiter to take them away." Her hand was on the bell, when Cecilia
-stopped her, by declaring she could eat nothing but fruit. "Who would
-have dreamt of seeing hot-house fruit in _Ireland_! Those flowers will
-keep me from fainting this hot day; don't send them away, mama:--unless
-I have every agreement you can procure me, I shan't be able to exist in
-the odious country you have dragged me over to." By this time Adelaide
-descried a note directed to herself on the breakfast table; the stalk of
-a _rose unique_ was slipped into it, and on the outside was written in
-pencil, "Herself a fairer flower." She smiled at the gallant colonel's
-compliment, and found her note contained a polite _congé_ from Mrs. St.
-Orme, who much regretted being obliged to leave Dublin at too early an
-hour to bid her adieu in person; but expressed a flattering wish, that
-an opportunity might occur for cultivating their further acquaintance.
-Adelaide, throwing down her note on the table as soon as she had read
-it, turned to examine the beautiful bouquets that adorned the flower
-stands; and every individual of the Webberly family took the
-opportunity of making themselves _au fait_ of its contents. Had they
-been caught in the fact, they would hardly have felt ashamed, for any
-thing short of a _letter_, their code of the laws of honour permitted
-them to peruse. "A _letter_ they would not read for the world"--when any
-body was looking at them!
-
-Breakfast was scarcely finished when Mrs. Sullivan's servant entered the
-room, to know if she was at home to Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan? An
-answer being given in the affirmative, they quickly made their
-appearance. Mr. Donolan was nephew by marriage to Colonel Desmond's
-elder brother; but though this connection made them sometimes associate
-together, they were as completely dissimilar in mind as they were in
-person. Mr. Donolan was, as Cecilia called him, "a very pretty man." His
-hand rivalled her own in whiteness; his hair was not less carefully cut,
-combed, and curled in the most becoming manner; and the fair Cecilia
-might have worn his delicate pink waistcoat and worked shirt collar, as
-elegant and suitable accompaniments to her riding-habit, without the
-most scrutinizing eye discovering they had ever formed a part of male
-attire. This Hibernian Jessamy was the only child of a wealthy Catholic
-merchant of Dublin: the youth being too precious to be exposed to the
-hardships of a school, was nurtured at home by an obsequious tutor and a
-doting mother, in the most inordinate vanity. That vivacity of mind,
-with which nature usually endows his countrymen, fell to his lot also;
-and had it been properly directed, might have procured him well-earned
-fame; but unfortunately it only served as an impetus to his self-love,
-in a never-ceasing career of egotism, which made him prefer the casual
-"_succès de société_," to the lasting benefit to be derived from
-solitary study. The reward of scholarship was of too tedious attainment
-for this impatient genius, who, without ceremony, dubbed himself a
-"_dilettante_," a title universally conceded to him by his Irish
-acquaintance, who took the liberty of quizzing him most unmercifully.
-Young Donolan did not fail to take advantage of the opportunity the
-general peace afforded for visiting the continent; he had there acquired
-a knowledge of the fine arts, which was just sufficient to enable him to
-interlard his conversation with those technical terms of
-connoisseurship, which, as "The Diversions of Purley" observe, commonly
-serve but as a veil to cover the ignorance of those who use them, and to
-privilege him to treat with sovereign contempt all the 'Aborigines of
-West Barbary,' as he most patriotically termed such of his countrymen
-and women, as had not redeemed the original sin of their birth, by at
-least a six week's visit to England or France. Mr. Donolan's manners
-corresponded to the double refined tone of his mind, (we are bound to
-apologize to him for using this term, as it betrays his father's
-_ci-devant_ trade of sugar-baking): he stood on the threshold of
-fashion, and finding he could never be admitted into the sanctuary of
-the _bona dea_, was content to copy from a distance those more
-conspicuous embellishments of the object of his adoration, which, being
-singled from the finer web on which they are originally engrafted by the
-mystery of art, become deformities when deprived of their connecting,
-though almost invisible thread; and, thus detached, start forward in
-unmeaning caricature. But so little was he conscious of his _outré_
-travesty "_du bel air_," that in the plenitude of his folly he had
-applied to himself Frederic the Great's description of the Prince de
-Salm: "Il est pétri de grâces; tous ses gestes sont d'une élégance
-recherchée; ses moindres paroles, des énigmes. Il discute et approfondit
-les bagatelles avec une dextérité infinie, et posséde la caste de
-l'empire du tendre, mieux que tous les Scuderi de l'univers[10]."
-
-[Footnote 10: He is saturated with graces! His every gesture is of
-refined elegance; his every word an enigma. He investigates and
-discusses trifles with infinite dexterity, and is more completely master
-of the etiquette of gallantry than all the Scuderies of the universe.]
-
-Mr. Donolan owed his introduction to our travellers to having
-accidentally met Colonel Desmond that morning at the Commercial
-Buildings in Dame-street; an elegant establishment, something of the
-nature of the Adelphi in London; and the place in the Irish capital
-where the wanderer is most likely to meet his acquaintances. In answer
-to some of Colonel Desmond's interrogatories, Mr. Donolan mentioned
-having just received a pressing invitation to visit Bogberry Hall, but
-that he was afraid it would not be in his power to visit Connaught this
-summer. "Certainly a journey there is a much more serious undertaking,
-than crossing the Alps was before we were indebted to Buonaparte for the
-Simplon road," replied Colonel Desmond laughing; "but you must some time
-or other be doomed to remain in this limbo for a short time. You had
-better encounter its apathetic powers now;--I am going to escort Mr.
-O'Sullivan's English connections to Ballinamoyle: perhaps they may
-enable you to support your penance with tolerable ease." "_Ah ma foi!
-maintenant c'est toute autre chose_, as the French say," replied Mr.
-Donolan: "I think I will visit my aunt. And you know," continued he,
-bowing to the exact angle which the upper part of the body of the most
-fashionable Parisian dancing-master forms with his lower, "more than one
-specimen of an accomplished gentleman will be necessary to convince the
-strangers, who have done our country the honour of visiting it, that
-there are some Irish not deserving the appellation of Goths and
-Vandals." "Really, my good fellow, you do me too much honour," replied
-Colonel Desmond; "only your modesty could induce you to place me on a
-par with yourself." "_Point de tout, mon cher, point de tout!_ You, like
-me, have had the advantage of travelling; nobody could suspect either of
-_us_ of being Irish." Provoked by this last observation, Colonel
-Desmond, as they left the coffee-house, hummed the air of the song which
-begins thus:--
-
-    "When Jacky Bull sets out for France,
-      The gosling you discover;
-    When taught to ride, to fence, to dance,
-      The finish'd goose comes over,
-    With his tierce and his quarte ça, ça,
-    And his cotillon so smart, O la!
-    He charms each female heart, ha! ha!
-      When Jacky returns from Dover."
-
-Perhaps the satirical expression of his countenance had not entirely
-passed away, when he introduced Mr. Felix Donolan to the ladies of the
-Webberly party, as an "amateur and connoisseur of the fine arts, and an
-adept in chemistry, mineralogy, botany, and craniology." Colonel Desmond
-begged to know how he might be of use to the travellers, either as
-regarded their stay in Dublin, or their journey to Ballinamoyle,
-reminding Mrs. Sullivan of the permission she had granted him the day
-before, to escort her thither, and requesting her leave to constitute
-Mr. Donolan another knight-errant in the service of the fair itinerants.
-
-Mr. Donolan's vanity acted in two ways regarding his country: it
-prompted him to use every _secret_ endeavour to make it appear in the
-best point of view to strangers, whilst it led him to assert his own
-superior refinement by pretending to despise it. He recollected that
-Irish posting was famous and infamous, but that an English tourist of
-much celebrity had spoken in high terms of the packet-boats on the
-canals which lead to the interior; he therefore strongly advised Mrs.
-Sullivan to proceed as far as she could by this mode of conveyance.
-Colonel Desmond said in reply, "I don't think, Felix, that method of
-travelling has any thing to recommend it, except its extreme cheapness."
-The two words, _extreme cheapness_, conveyed an argument to Mrs.
-Sullivan's ear, that was not to be refuted by the powers of the most
-able logician; therefore it was agreed, that the next day but one they
-should proceed in the manner Mr. Donolan advised. It was also settled,
-that the mean time should be spent in seeing as much of Dublin as they
-could; and Colonel Desmond left them to procure the Provost's permission
-to show them the college of Dublin to the best advantage, by introducing
-them to such parts of the library, &c., as he only can admit strangers
-to see. The _dilettante_ was highly delighted with the party. Mrs.
-Sullivan's cockney dialect he designated as "Anglicisms," and therefore
-much to be preferred to the most classical English, that could be
-conveyed to his ear, degraded by that peculiar accent of his country
-called the _brogue_. He was completely at a loss, whether most to admire
-Miss Cecilia Webberly's London airs, or Miss Wildenheim's foreign
-graces; and on leaving the room, said to himself, with the most affected
-tone and gesture imaginable,
-
-    "How happy could I be with either,
-    Were t'other dear charmer away!"
-
-Colonel Desmond, on his return, found the ladies and Mr. Webberly
-prepared to attend him to the college, where they proceeded on foot.
-This building stands in front of a small park, called the college
-gardens, appropriated to the students, who are in number about five
-hundred. The college presents a handsome front, of the Corinthian order,
-constructed with Portland stone, forming the base of a place of
-triangular form, named College Green, which, besides the edifice which
-designates it, boasts of the late beautiful Parliament House, that still
-continues to adorn the land it once benefited: _Stat magni nominis
-umbra_. The interior of Trinity College corresponds with its external
-elegance. The travellers visited the museum, the library, the chapel,
-the hall for examinations, and the provost's fine house and gardens. In
-the library they saw, with the compassion her name always excites, the
-hand-writing of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots, in a Sallust she
-gave her sons and read, with unmixed horror, a letter of her great
-grandson, James the second, commanding the cruelties of the siege of
-Londonderry. Colonel Desmond did not fail to point out the exquisite
-botanical drawings of the celebrated Anna Maria Schurman, and Quin's
-bequest, which, besides many other bibliothecal rarities, is supposed to
-contain the finest copy of Virgil extant. As the party passed through
-the college yard, they were much surprised at the extreme youth of some
-of the students, who seemed scarcely old enough to have reached the
-higher forms of a grammar school; and Colonel Desmond told them the
-remarkable fact, that a few years ago, two boys entered the college on
-the same day, one from the north of Ireland, of thirteen, the other from
-the south, of eleven years of age. The former had been, long before this
-period, fitted to enter on his academical course; but his father not
-being sufficiently rich to send him, he was, for a considerable time,
-usher at a grammar school, till a subscription was raised by the
-publication of his juvenile poems, which enabled him to enter Trinity
-college. After leaving the college, our party proceeded down Dame
-Street, so called from the monastery of St. Mary les Dames, founded in
-the year 1146, by Dermot M'Murrough, king of Leinster, which stood on
-this spot. Dame Street is the Bond Street of Dublin; and here, at
-least, that want of crowds and equipages, so melancholy in many parts of
-that city, more especially at this season of the year, is not
-perceptible. The multitude of beggars has long formed a prominent
-feature in the aspect of the Irish capital; and from their mouths the
-traveller generally receives his first impression of the energy of
-language possessed by the lower Irish. No unaccustomed ear can listen
-without emotion to the awful words in which they clothe their
-benedictions. Were they of as moving power in Heaven, as on earth, they
-would be cheaply purchased by the alms of the passing stranger. Our
-party met with many such petitioners, whose prayers were proffered in
-words too solemn to be here transcribed. A woman, who called herself
-"The gentle Eliza," was recorded never to have asked in vain; she seemed
-once to have filled a higher station, for her figure was elegant, and
-her voice soft and musical, though a dejection, verging on madness, was
-depicted in her countenance. She appealed first to the heart, and if
-there she knocked in vain, she successfully addressed the vanity of her
-hearers, in a strain of varied flattery. Her life was irreproachable,
-and her history unknown.
-
-Adelaide's attention was soon however diverted from this interesting
-object, by another of a very different description. A squalid looking
-woman, in the garments of extreme poverty, was leading her child by the
-hand, whose spotless skin, as white as snow, and its clean neat clothes,
-formed a surprising contrast to the mother's tattered filthy
-habiliments, Some hasty passenger knocked the poor infant
-down.--Adelaide raised it up, and as she beheld the countenance of a
-cherub, exclaimed, "What a beautiful creature!" The starving mother's
-mouth had opened to demand her charity, but her maternal pride made her
-forget her misery. "Troth, she is a beautiful cratur; she's the joy of
-my heart, and the light of my eyes; many's the long mile I've carried
-her, and thought it no toil; she makes me kindly welcome wherever I go;
-it was the Lord God sent her to me, an angel of comfort in my trouble:
-and may you never know trouble, dear; but my blessing, and the Lord's,
-be about you, when you get up, and when you lie down, and in your dying
-hour[11]." Adelaide felt her heart thrill within her, at this
-unpurchased benediction; she had scarcely given her all the silver in
-her purse, and less than she wished to bestow, when Colonel Desmond's
-sleeve was twitched by a venerable looking old gentleman, who begged to
-speak a word to him.--His countenance was uncommonly fine; he had
-
-          "The eye which tells
-    How much of mind within it dwells;"
-
-his reverend temples were adorned with the most beautiful flowing silver
-locks; his language and manners spoke the gentleman and the scholar;
-his threadbare coat alone told that he too was a mendicant! Colonel
-Desmond satisfied his usual demand of "Will you lend me a guinea?"
-without looking up to behold the blush that crimsoned his aged cheek;
-and with no other commentary than a deep sigh, rejoined his party.
-
-[Footnote 11: _Verbatim._]
-
-This unfortunate man was of a respectable English family: in his youth
-he had embraced the clerical profession, and was one of the most
-eloquent preachers of his day; persuasion hung upon his lips; but, as
-has been said of individuals of his sacred order, he served only as a
-finger-post, to point out to others the path he did not tread himself.
-His talents and his interest procured him considerable church preferment
-in Ireland, which his extravagance and bad conduct ere long deprived him
-of. After spending some years in a prison, he repaired to the Irish
-capital, to live from day to day by any expedient that might occur.
-Here he partly supported himself, by being what is called in Ireland a
-"buckle-beggar," that is, a clergyman who solemnizes irregular
-marriages; partly by begging, under the pretence of borrowing, from any
-acquaintance he might happen to meet. He was now old and infirm, and
-would, five days out of six, have wanted a dinner, but that one of his
-former friends, who had, in better days, partaken of the charms of his
-wit at his hospitable board, most humanely requested him, in his decay
-of fortune and intellect, to share, at his table, a meal he could not
-otherwise have procured.
-
-When the ladies were tired of their promenade, they returned towards
-their hotel. As Mr. Donolan took care of both the Miss Webberlys,
-Colonel Desmond could not do less than offer his arm to Mrs. Sullivan,
-Adelaide therefore was obliged to prefer the disagreeable necessity of
-accepting Mr. Webberly's, to the more flattering prudery of declining
-it: thus honoured, he walked along in triumph, looking from side to
-side, to see who admired his lovely charge, and anticipating the moment
-when she would be wholly and solely his. The _dilettante_, as they
-passed under the admired portico of the House of Commons, took the
-delightful opportunity of expatiating on the "_cyma recta_," and "_cyma
-reversa_," in an architectural combat with Miss Webberly, in which she
-met his triglyphs and metopes, with toruses, astragals, and plinths;
-whilst Cecilia much enjoyed their loud talking, as it attracted the eyes
-of numerous gentlemen to herself, who seldom failed to pass some audible
-encomium on her beauty as they walked by. Mrs. Sullivan, mentally
-lamenting the expenditure she had, in the course of their walk, made in
-_charity_, feelingly inquired of Colonel Desmond, if there were no
-asylums allotted to the poor in Dublin? "I believe, my dear madam,"
-replied he, "no city, of the same size and wealth, is better provided
-with charitable establishments; but our poor have an unconquerable
-aversion to avail themselves of the relief thus afforded. As I went
-towards the Commercial Buildings this morning, I met a remarkably fine
-young man, who demanded alms; I remonstrated with him, and told him,
-what I supposed him ignorant of, that employment for every artisan in
-want was supplied at the House of Industry; he indignantly
-replied,--'It's myself that knows that right well! is it a dacent
-cratur, like me, you'd send to the House of Industry? Civil words eat no
-bread; and if you keep your charity, don't demane me by making a pauper
-of me!'"--Thus conversing, they reached the hotel.
-
-Adelaide was not a little pleased to see Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan
-join their circle at dinner. In the evening they were entertained with a
-variety of itinerant musicians, whom the former collected from all
-quarters of the town for their amusement.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's stay in Dublin was too short to admit of her party
-visiting more of its public buildings; but the following day they
-repaired to the fine botanical gardens in its neighbourhood; and ended
-their morning excursion by driving through the Phoenix Park.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVII.
-
-        Pray now, the news?
-    You've made fair work, I fear me: pray, your news?
-
-    CORIOLANUS.
-
-
-Mrs. Sullivan had agreed to leave Dublin in that packet boat which
-proceeds westward, at nine o'clock in the morning, and which would take
-her party to the Canal Inn to sleep, the same night: they were to spend
-the second at some convenient resting place on the borders of Connaught,
-and early on the morning of the third day expected to reach
-Ballinamoyle.
-
-Adelaide had employed herself the evening previous to their departure,
-in writing Mrs. Temple an account of all she had seen worthy of remark
-in the Irish capital, not forgetting to make honourable mention of her
-friend Colonel Desmond. This letter was written in much better spirits
-than the one she had sent from Shrewsbury by Lamotte; and when it
-reached Mrs. Temple, she was as much gratified by observing this
-circumstance, as by the tone of affectionate gratitude towards herself
-and her husband, which pervaded it throughout.
-
-At half past nine o'clock the bustle of leaving Dublin had completely
-subsided, and the party assembled on the deck of the packet boat had
-full leisure to view each other, and the surrounding country. As they
-passed slowly along, one fine seat after another presented itself to
-their eyes. The country being, hereabouts, principally laid out in
-parks, lawns, and plantations; that want of wood is not felt for the
-first twenty miles from Dublin, in this direction, which renders a large
-proportion of Ireland so desolate to an eye accustomed to woodland
-scenery. The boat was towed along by two stout horses; but the poor
-animals were scarcely equal to the laborious task assigned them, and
-went sideling along in a manner most painful to a humane eye to see.
-They were driven by giddy boys, and some faint hearts on board quaked
-lest any accident should occur from their carelessness. Passing the
-locks is by no means a pleasant operation: you are shut up for a few
-minutes between massive stonewalls, with a watery abyss beneath, which
-seems to threaten to swallow you up; and one or other of your fellow
-passengers is sure to take that opportunity of informing you, that a
-packet boat was once upset passing a lock, that every soul on board
-perished, by a variety of deaths, more or less horrible, according to
-the vivacity of the imagination which the relater may happen to possess.
-The bell which announces the arrival of the packet boat at the places
-appointed for changing horses, assembles every individual within reach
-of its sound, who can accomplish reaching the spot ere its departure.
-Men, women, and children, of all descriptions, throng to gaze at the
-passengers, and inquire the news from Dublin. Here are to be seen the
-landlord, the physician, and the curate of the district, debating the
-politics of the day. Some passenger gives them the newspapers, or reads
-an extract from a pamphlet just come out, or relates rumours in direct
-contradiction to those they heard the day before, which however reign
-with unquestioned credit, till the next diurnal importation of lies
-reaches them, which banish, in turn, their ephemeral predecessors, and
-are themselves dispossessed of their authority by as short-lived
-usurpers.
-
-Colonel Desmond, as our party passed along, pointed out every thing
-worthy of notice. He was an excellent _cicerone_, and there were few
-questions asked he could not satisfactorily answer. Mrs. Sullivan was
-much delighted with the good natured attention he paid her, partly from
-his natural urbanity, partly from his regard for Adelaide, and for his
-deceased friend, whose widow and child he could not see without wishing
-to serve them.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, looking on him quite as a friend, made him the confidant
-of her suspicions regarding Miss Wildenheim's birth, which she had
-resolved to keep secret in Ireland, lest they should tempt her
-brother-in-law to bequeath any part of his fortune from Caroline. In
-answer to a long string of interrogatories, respecting her late
-husband's life abroad, Colonel Desmond laughingly replied, "I really
-can't affirm that poor Maurice was always immaculate, but he certainly
-was guiltless of the sin of giving birth to this angelic girl. And I
-must, as a friend, inform you, that his brother would more easily pardon
-his presenting to him a dozen such claimants to multiply his name, than
-you for taking a single letter from it: if you don't call your daughter
-Miss O--Sullivan, she will never possess an acre of the Ballinamoyle
-estate, which, I assure you, is well worth having, though it should
-entail the ugliest name in the world." Mrs. Sullivan thanked him; and,
-profiting by the hint, there was such a practising of the most pathetic
-of interjections that day, that a stranger might have supposed, some
-half dozen of the party were in the last agonies; or that they were a
-set of strolling comedians, rehearsing for a tragedy, whereas they were
-only getting up the farce, which was to be played at Ballinamoyle.
-
-The Miss Webberlys were as much pleased with Mr. Donolan as their mother
-was with Colonel Desmond. He was the first gentleman they had ever
-associated with, in Adelaide's company, who did not prefer her to them.
-The _dilettante_, a few degrees higher than Mr. Webberly in the scale of
-intellect, appreciated Miss Wildenheim's merits sufficiently to dread
-the use she might make of her talents; he felt her superiority, though
-he did not confess, even to himself, that he did so: it is true, she
-listened to him, when he spoke, with extreme politeness, but her replies
-betrayed no sister vanity, that encouraged him to display his own.
-Besides, she was better acquainted with the continent than himself,
-therefore he could not hope to astonish her by his relations of the
-wonders of foreign parts. He therefore transferred all his attentions to
-the Miss Webberlys, paying them the most exaggerated compliments, which
-they received as unblushingly as he bestowed. When he, for instance,
-called the one Venus and the other Minerva, Amelia said in reply, "Now,
-if Juno had but black hair, Miss Wildenheim there (pointing to Adelaide)
-would do for her; and then we'd be the three Graces!!!" Colonel Desmond
-having sufficiently paid his devoirs to Mrs. Sullivan, left her in
-earnest conversation with a woman, not more elegant in appearance than
-herself, who was entertaining her with an enumeration of the titled
-guests she received at her house, whilst at every high sounding name
-Mrs. Sullivan's reverence, and her companion's consequence, visibly
-increased. Adelaide's friend, happy to be thus released, seated himself
-beside her, and entered into conversation immediately. Mr. Webberly, who
-had exhausted all the tender speeches he had conned for that morning,
-was standing near her in total silence:
-
-    "His eye, in a fine stupor caught,
-    Implied a plenteous lack of thought;
-    And not one line his whole face seen in,
-    That could be justly charg'd with meaning."
-
-Notwithstanding he was so much displeased at Colonel Desmond's thus
-engrossing the object of his _speechless_ passion, that, unable to bear
-the odious sight of his rival, he repaired to another part of the boat,
-to listen to some young Irishmen, who were canvassing the conduct of
-ministry with more warmth than wisdom. Colonel Desmond and Adelaide
-rapidly passed from one subject to another: in the course of their
-conversation he abruptly asked her what she thought of young Donolan?
-She blushed deeply, and he saw her meek brow bend to chide the arch
-smile that seemed to bid her lips pronounce words partaking of its own
-nature.--"Come, come," said he, as she hesitated to reply, "out with it
-Adel--Miss Wildenheim I mean: you were not always so prudent, but used
-to trust the friend of your infancy with the first thoughts that rose in
-your mind, without considering and reconsidering them; I am afraid your
-residence in England has made you very reserved." "Indeed you mistake
-me, Colonel Desmond," she replied: "the fact is, I am almost as much
-ashamed to acknowledge any inclination to satire to myself as to you. If
-I were once to give way to that propensity, I have so many provocatives
-to indulge it in my present companions, I should never afterwards get
-rid of the habit; and no heart or understanding can long withstand the
-destroying powers of a love of ridicule. If you would permit me to
-parody Shakspeare, I would say that the spirit of personal satire 'Is
-indeed twice curs'd:' it often abashes the modesty of worth, and
-paralyses the energy of genius; but oh! how surely does it, with tenfold
-sterility, blast every generous feeling in the mind it inhabits--first
-destroying integrity, for no retailer of bon-mots and ludicrous
-narrations will long respect the rigid exactitude of truth; then the
-feelings of benevolence fall its sacrifice; and finally, it perverts the
-understanding, which, having exercised itself more willingly in
-detecting absurdity than in discovering truth, soon becomes incapable of
-relishing any serious reflection; and thus this fatal talent, like the
-flame which dazzles our eyes by its vivid lustre, ends by consuming the
-substance from which it derived its brilliancy."
-
-"And pray, may I ask," said Colonel Desmond, with an arch, incredulous
-smile, "how happens it that your present theory and former practice
-differ so widely? You surely never could have suffered in your own
-person from the effects of satire; no understanding could be so inept,
-no heart so cold, as to aim at _you_ the shafts of ridicule; to what
-cause am I indebted for this eloquent tirade?" "I have indeed," replied
-Adelaide, blushing no less at his encomiums than at the confession she
-was about to make, "suffered severely from the effects of satire: those
-'Best can paint them who shall feel them most.' You may remember, that
-very early in life I was suffered to be present at those assemblies of
-literary characters, who used to meet in my happy home at Vienna." Here
-she sighed, and paused for an instant, then repressing the starting
-tear, continued, "Incapable of appreciating their merit, or
-understanding their conversation, I was fully alive to the
-peculiarities of their manners, so different from the model of refined
-elegance I had daily before my eyes. Somehow the frank _étourderie_ of
-my remarks amused; and the smiling pardon, that was granted to the folly
-of a mere child, I mistook for an applause bestowed on wit. My first
-sallies proceeded from the gaiety of a guileless heart, accustomed to
-express every idea as it rose to the most indulgent parent and partial
-friend; but, as I grew older, a _besoin de briller_ seized me, and I was
-on the point of becoming one of that despicable class, who, while they
-importune the goodness of Heaven for their daily bread, apply no less
-earnestly to the weaknesses of their best friends for their daily
-sarcasm, and rejoice more on finding one foible than ninety-nine good
-qualities; when my enlightened monitor awakened me to a sense of my
-danger. And now may I pronounce you _au fait_ of the cause to which you
-are indebted for my 'eloquent tirade' against satire?"
-
-"If you don't convince," said Colonel Desmond, "you at least persuade:
-but, you know, there is no general rule without exception; so do be
-ill-natured for once, and let me know what you were thinking of Felix,
-when I detected those tell-tale smiles." "Well then," said she, "since I
-must satisfy you, I will at least only be satirical at second-hand, and
-answer you in the words of Mondon,
-
-    Adolescent qui s'érige en barbon,
-    Jeune écolier qui vous parle en Caton,
-    Est en mon sens un animal bernable:
-    Et j'aime mieux l'air fou, que l'air capable;
-    Il est trop fat.[12]"
-
-[Footnote 12:
-
-    ----I despise
-    A beardless censor, that with Cato's frown,
-    Assumes the pedant in a scholar's gown:
-    Mere vacant folly, void of all pretence,
-    Is sure less hateful than affected sense;
-    He is too vain.
-]
-
-"_A propos des fous_," replied Colonel Desmond, taking advantage of that
-language in which so much can be conveyed to the mind without shocking
-the ear, "_ce Monsieur la_," looking towards Mr. Webberly, "_est
-amoureux--cela ce peut bien; mais Mademoiselle est elle amoureuse?_"
-"_Ah! Dieu l'en garde!_"[13] exclaimed Adelaide, with unfeigned horror,
-involuntarily raising her hands, lowering her brows, and throwing back
-her head. "_Tant mieux!_ then I will act the part of Wall in this new
-tragi-comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe; Pyramus shall truly say, '_O! wicked
-wall, through whom I see no bliss_,' and will perhaps find our
-entertainment '_Very tragical mirth_.'" Colonel Desmond faithfully kept
-the promise thus conveyed; and, when present, completely shielded
-Adelaide from Mr. Webberly's conceited love, and thus saved her the
-trouble of standing on the defensive herself. And though the captivating
-youth would willingly have sent his rival, like the pious Æneas, to
-visit his father in the realms below; yet such was the unwilling respect
-that rival's manners extorted, that he never presumed openly to manifest
-his real sentiments. All this time Caroline had been sitting at
-Adelaide's feet on one of the small packages, dressing and undressing a
-huge wax doll, which was her usual travelling companion, and
-occasionally reading to it the "Memoirs of Dick the Pony," which her
-indulgent friend had bought for her in Dublin. Colonel Desmond was
-delightedly listening to her gay laugh, and watching her infantine
-merriment, when her mother called her over, in order to display her
-beauty to the obsequious acquaintance she was so much pleased with, who
-had been profuse in Caroline's praise. As the little girl skipped
-along, with the favourite doll closely pressed to her innocent heart by
-one hand, and the open book in the other, her eyes dancing with delight
-at the thoughts of Dick's adventures, he said to Miss Wildenheim, "I am
-surprised to see how little Mrs. Sullivan notices that charming child;
-every body but you seems to treat her with absolute unkindness." "I
-assure you," replied she, "you do Mrs. Sullivan great injustice; she
-does not behave _unkindly_ to Caroline, though certainly she is not too
-prodigal of her caresses to the dear infant. I have heard this
-indifference is not uncommon towards the offspring of second marriages.
-I really believe some people's affections are of the oyster kind,
-sticking through life to the spot they were first deposited on, without
-ever having exercised the smallest volition in the affair." "I beg,"
-said he, laughing, "that when you undertake to give my character in
-short hand, you will recollect that 'No heart or understanding can long
-withstand the destroying powers of a love of ridicule.'" "Thank you for
-the memento," she replied, with one of her sweetest smiles; "the habit I
-deprecate gains strength but too quickly."
-
-[Footnote 13: "A propos to fools; that gentleman is in love--that is not
-very surprising; but is the fair lady equally enamoured?"
-
-"Oh! Heaven forbid!"]
-
-Colonel Desmond now pointed out to Adelaide's notice the hill of Allen,
-from whence the bog so called takes its appellation. The English name of
-"Isle of Allen" is only a corruption of the Irish _Hy alain_, that is,
-the district of the great plain country. This bog contains three hundred
-thousand acres, extending through parts of the King's and Queen's
-counties, and those of Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Roscommon, Galway, and
-Tipperary. The hill of Allen, according to the traditions of the
-country, is the scene of action of Ossian's poem of Temora. On the south
-declivity of the hill is said to be the cave where Oscar's body was laid
-immediately after his death, over which his faithful dog Bran watched,
-as so beautifully described by the poet. A few feet from the front of
-the cave is a well, sacred to his manes, which is still much frequented
-by pilgrims: on the same declivity is the tomb of the hero, marked by
-one gray stone: through the valley below runs the rivulet, near which
-the battle was fought in which he lost his life; and to the west of the
-cave is seen the extensive plain of Molena, in the King's county, from
-which rises the ancient Cromla, now called Croan Hill. Colonel Desmond
-produced a beautiful edition of Ossian he had bought for his niece Miss
-Desmond, and reading parts of Temora, pointed out these coincidencies to
-Adelaide; who, when he had done, begged to look at the volume, and
-happening to turn to the episode of Oithona, read the following passage
-with no common interest: "_Why camest thou over the dark blue waves to
-Nuath's mournful daughter? Why did I not pass away in secret, like the
-flower of the rock, that lifts its fair head unseen, and strews its
-withered leaves on the blast?_" As he marked the altered hue and
-mournful expression of her angelic countenance, he accused himself of
-cruel thoughtlessness in having raised painful associations in her mind;
-now recollecting, that though Baron Wildenheim never spoke the language,
-yet he was well acquainted with English literature, and that Ossian was
-his favourite poet, whose sombre images peculiarly accorded with the
-dark melancholy that seemed to overshadow his soul. "Happy the man,"
-thought Desmond, as he gazed on Adelaide, "who shall dry the tears I see
-from time to time rise in those beautiful eyes! How different is she now
-from what she was at Vienna! Then her brilliant charms dazzled the eye
-and the mind; but though her youthful bloom and her playful vivacity
-seem to have been laid in her father's grave, yet she is more lovely
-than ever: she is, as Ossian says in the poem she has now turned to,
-'Like a spirit of Heaven half-folded in the skirt of a cloud.'"
-
-A summons to dinner now assembled together below all the front cabin
-passengers, and there was collected together such a groupe as none of
-the young ladies had ever before seen, but which is to be met with at
-any stage-coach dinner. Mrs. Sullivan and her new friend laboured to
-outvie each other in airs of consequence, whilst some would-be beaux put
-their gallantry on active service, to be overpoweringly civil to the
-ladies in general, and to Cecilia Webberly and Miss Wildenheim in
-particular. One little smirking man was peculiarly sweet upon Adelaide,
-watching each word she spoke, and helping her to every thing she even
-looked near. When she first applied to Colonel Desmond, who sat next
-her, for the salt cellar, her inamorato seized the only one within
-reach, and presenting it to her, said with a facetious grin, as he
-leaned across Desmond with his chin projecting six inches out of his
-well-tied cravat, "Excuse me for not helping you to it, Miss; it's the
-only service you could require I would not with all the pleasure in life
-perform, but should be loath for us to quarrel; they say salt is very
-unlucky in parting friends." At the moment in which she bowed her thanks
-to this dapper wight, a very tall man stood up to help himself to
-something at the extreme end of the table from that where he was placed:
-somehow his foot slipped, he reeled a few paces back, and, in his
-retreat, effectually stopped Mrs. Sullivan's mouth with his elbow, who
-had just opened it to its utmost extension, in the endeavour to raise
-her dignity to a par with that of her companion, who the instant before
-asserted "She had every thing in the highest style at her house, and
-hoped to have the pleasure of seeing her there soon;" her auditor, in
-emulation, was just proceeding to vaunt the glories of Webberly House,
-when the thread of her discourse was broken off in the unexpected manner
-just mentioned.
-
-The moment the cloth was removed, the ladies made their escape from the
-cabin, Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "My ocular faculties can't stand the
-smell of the hung beef, and the cabbage, and the mutton, and the
-blacking, not to disparage the gentlemen's boots; and except that fat
-lady in the yellow poplin pelisse and blue satin bonnet, they are all
-such low-lived people as I never see'd before in my born days." Her
-"ocular faculties," (by which we rather suppose she meant the "olfactory
-nerves," which Miss Webberly had remarked to the _dilettante_ at dinner
-"were much offended by the hydrogen and ammonia emitted from the
-viands," in order to tally with his scientific recommendation of
-"carbonic acid gas, in the shape of bottled porter,") were, however, not
-much better off above than below. The smoke of the fire by which the
-dinner had been dressed filled all the deck; the servants were at their
-meal in the second cabin, from whence proceeded another edition of the
-beef and cabbage, et cetera, with the addition of the fumes of tobacco
-and whisky punch. Adelaide's admirer presently appeared on deck, bearing
-a great jug in one hand and a glass in the other: he addressed her
-saying, "I have brought you some real ladies' punch, sweet to your
-heart's content, and strong enough by Jasus to make any man in the
-packet drunk, if he would only take enough of it." In vain Adelaide
-declined the cup her Ganymede presented. "Don't be dashed," reiterated
-he; "it won't do you a ha'porth of harm: a good beginning makes a good
-ending. If you'll only set the example, I'll be bound to say all the
-ladies will keep you in countenance. It's the true Inisowen, I'll take
-my Davy it is?" "The true Inisowen" is a sort of smoked whisky, whose
-smell is the most horridly sickening thing that can be fancied to those
-unaccustomed to it. Adelaide found it quite overcoming, but luckily
-espying Colonel Desmond ascending the ladder signed to him to come to
-her relief, and when he obeyed, said, "Will you have the goodness to
-assure this polite gentleman, I am no lover of ladies' punch?" so
-saying, she removed to another part of the deck, to escape the odour of
-the "true Inisowen." The disappointed youth retreated on Colonel
-Desmond's remonstrance, saying, "No offence I hope, sir, to you nor the
-lady neither:" and, as he went down below, muttered, "With all her
-delicate airs, by my conscience if she was behind the cabin door she'd
-take a _good_ swig of it."
-
-The travellers had now fairly entered on the dreary bog of Allen. No
-human form or habitation met their sight. Its only vegetable productions
-were a little heath, sedgy grass, or bog myrtle, which were crossed here
-and there by a half-starved cow or sheep; but they sometimes proceeded
-miles without even seeing one of these, to remind them that the world
-contained other living beings besides those in the boat. The road seemed
-to shake as the horses passed over this
-
-    "Boggy Syrtis, neither sea
-    Nor good dry land;"
-
-and they almost feared that the breaking of the thin stratum of earth,
-that seemed to separate the waters above from the waters below, might
-precipitate them
-
-          "Into this wild abyss,
-    The womb of nature, and perhaps her grave,
-    Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
-    But all these in their pregnant causes mix'd
-    Confusedly----"
-
-Their passage through this dismal region seemed intolerably slow, as no
-object marked their progress, but one unbroken sea of black lifeless
-matter encompassed them on every side, from which the eye perceived no
-escape. When the sun set, the heavens, like the earth, seemed dark and
-uninhabited; no cloud travelled over its gloomy face, but one even fall
-of misling rain made the aspect of the ethereal regions as unvaried as
-that of the land they overhung. The passengers long looked in vain to
-leave this abode of desolation,--
-
-    "Where wilds, immeasurably spread,
-    Seem length'ning as you go."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVIII.
-
-    Lights! more lights! more lights!
-
-    TIMON OF ATHENS.
-
-
-These words were a joyful sound to our travellers, as with delighted
-steps they once more trod on terra firma, on their way to the door of
-the Canal Inn, where stood a slatternly dressed woman, shading a
-miserable candle with her hand (in default of a lantern.) It was pitch
-dark, more from the cloudiness of the night than the lateness of the
-hour: and a considerable time elapsed before the vociferous demand for
-lights was answered. In the mean time a universal uproar arose between
-the passengers, the people belonging to the boat and the inn, and those
-assembled to be listeners, for they could not be called spectators in
-the total darkness. Portmanteaux, trunks, bags, bundles, and bandboxes,
-were missent and scuffled for without end. At last "Order, Heaven's
-first law," and the prime cheerer Light, "of all material beings first
-and best," made their appearance together, and the Webberly party
-entered this cold comfortless inn. It had been built by an English
-speculator, who ruined himself in the project, and remains very nearly
-as he left it, the walls unpapered, the floors uncarpeted; the only
-change it has undergone since he was its proprietor being the breaking
-of the bell-wires and the spoiling of the locks. Two or three women
-serve in the double capacity of chambermaids and waiters. Each room
-shows that it once had a bell; but you are soon fatally convinced, that,
-to procure any thing you want, you must trust to vocal exertions alone.
-To the never-ceasing cry of "Waiter! Chambermaid!" the answer is
-something similar to the following, which assailed our travellers' ears
-soon after their entrance:--"Arrah an't I go--ing? sure I'm going! Sweet
-Jasus presarve me! I can't answer all the quality at oncest. Molly here,
-and Molly there, and Molly every where; my brain's moidered, so it is.
-Och! Mollying on ye, an't I going?" Mrs. Sullivan's servant, provoked at
-this harangue, thundered out, "You're always go--in;--I don't want you
-to go; can't you _come_ for once and be damned to you?"
-
-At last, after considerable delay, Molly procured our chilled party a
-turf fire and tea; but the water it was made with was so smoked, they
-could hardly taste it, and their patience underwent a second trial,
-waiting for a fresh supply. As Molly left the room, after bringing them
-this second edition, she muttered to herself, "A pretty lady that, with
-the brown peepers, and soft spoken too; if it wasn't for her, the devil
-a foot I'd go near one of them to-night. By the holy sticks, my
-mistress must get another maid. I can't be at every one's becks and
-commands; and then it's the worst word in their cheek after all."
-
-Our weary party retired to their rooms as soon as they could accomplish
-having their apartments prepared, and had just fallen into a sound sleep
-when they were roused by a violent ringing of an immense bell. "Oh Lord
-have mercy on me!" shuddered out Mrs. Sullivan: "I thought we should
-have foundered in that 'ere melancholic bog, but now we're a going to
-perish by fire." A general rencontre in night-caps and dressing-gowns
-took place in the lobby. Again Molly's shrill voice was heard screaming
-out, "What a botheration you all keep! be aff to your beds wid ye.
-Might'n ye be after knowing it was only the up country boat coming in?"
-Molly's advice was immediately followed; but it was long before the
-house was quieted from the disturbance occasioned by the fresh arrival.
-Two hours after another boat came in with equal commotion, and the inn
-was but a short time silent from this new disturbance, when the warning
-bell rung for the packet to proceed, in which the Webberly family had
-come from Dublin. Many a female started up on hearing Boots enter her
-room by mistake, for that of some male passenger he had promised to
-call; and he as quickly retreated over the frail barricade of boxes and
-chairs she had placed against the door, to supply the place of key or
-bolt. To sleep was now impossible, therefore all our party got up:
-though Mrs. Sullivan the evening before had declared, she wouldn't go in
-a canal boat again not for St. Peter nor St. Paul. The Irish are perhaps
-the most noisy people in the world; the din of tongues on such occasions
-as the present, can better be fancied than described--every man
-committing his own business to the charge of some other person, and
-turning his particular attention to directing that of his neighbour.
-
-The gentlemen, on looking out of the windows, saw many a comical figure
-issue from the house, some in Welsh wigs, some in red night-caps. Mrs.
-Sullivan's friend, of the blue satin hat and yellow poplin pelisse, now
-showed her jolly face, decked with numerous papillotes from beneath a
-fur cap, and her expansive shoulders wrapped in a scarlet cloak, her
-finery in her hand, as she had but a few miles to go ere she reached
-home.
-
-Molly returned to her general good humour this morning, having few
-guests to attend to besides Mrs. Sullivan's family; and, to make up for
-her ill temper the night before, was particularly attentive, providing
-them with unsmoked water for their tea, and with bread, butter, eggs,
-and cream, of the best quality. They did not fail to profit by her
-care; and having made an excellent repast, prepared to recommence their
-journey. Mrs. O'Sullivan, as she now called herself, offered Colonel
-Desmond and Mr. Donolan seats in her carriages, which had arrived that
-morning from Dublin, from whence they had been sent two days before.
-These two gentleman accepting this accommodation, Caroline was consigned
-to the care of the maids, to make room for the dilettante in the
-barouche, Colonel Desmond taking the place of the servant on the driving
-seat.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan vainly attempted to practise towards the lower Irish the
-"genteel economy" she had so successfully carried into effect in Wales.
-The dexterous Hibernians, either by flattering or wounding her pride,
-contrived to draw forth, _bon gré mal gré_, the money out of her
-pockets. As she was walking out of the Canal Inn, Molly ran after her,
-saying, "May I make bould to spake a word to your Ladyship?" At the
-word _Ladyship_, Mrs. Sullivan turned round. "You've made a small
-mistake, madam; it was tree tirteens (three shillings) you intended to
-bestow me, and its tree testers (three sixpences) I've got." "No mistake
-at all, my good girl." "Och! put your hand in your purse, and you'll see
-I'm right. Grand quality like you always gives me tree tirteens: my Lady
-Glenora always bestows it me every time she comes forenenst me." "Are
-you sure that's true?" "Arrah where did you ever hear that Molly
-Cavanagh tould a lie? May the breakfast I'm after eating be my poison,
-and the devil blow me, if it isn't as right as my leg." Mrs. Sullivan,
-that she might exceed Lady Glenora, gave her three and sixpence. Molly
-now tapped Adelaide on the shoulder, and presented her with a beautiful
-nosegay she had pulled from the inn gardens; but when she saw her
-proceeding to open her purse, laying her hand on her arm, she stopped
-her, saying with a half reproachful look of sorrow, "Is it _you_ that's
-going to affront poor Molly? You're under no compliment to me at all.
-You gave me entirely too much before. I'll warrant me you're a grand
-lady when you're at home. You're as beautiful and as sweet as the posy
-yourself; and may your pretty brown eyes never look but on a friend, I
-pray God!" Adelaide, with one of her most charming smiles, and in the
-sweetest tone of her dulcet voice, thanked Molly for her good will; and
-as she stepped into the carriage thought to herself, "How my heart would
-ache, to see the kindness of these warm-hearted people treated with the
-scorn I fear is too often the only return it meets!" Colonel Desmond,
-directing the drivers to take that road which would most quickly lead
-them out of the bog of Allen, in a short time they got into a rich and
-beautiful country, and their ears were gratified by hearing the carriage
-wheels rattle against good hard stones. They had not long proceeded on
-this road, when their progress was impeded by a barricade of cars drawn
-across it, and a number of men immediately surrounded the carriages.
-Mrs. Sullivan, terrified to death, said in a very low voice, "They're
-going to rob and murder us;--what horrid looking creturs they be!" "They
-can have no such intention in broad day-light, my dear madam," whispered
-Adelaide. "Do look at them again; I assure you they seem perfectly good
-natured." One of the men, hat in hand, now stepped before the rest,
-saying, "Mending roads is dry work, your honours, this hot day; be
-pleased to give the poor boys something to drink." Shillings and
-sixpences were thrown to them in profusion. "Success to your cattle and
-carriage! Long life and a happy death to your honours!" resounded from
-all sides; and when the cars were removed, the hurraing setting the
-horses off in a full gallop, it was some time before the drivers could
-restrain them to a proper pace. About half an hour after this adventure,
-a stout but strange looking man, without stockings or shoes, though
-otherwise well clad, darted out of a house at the side of the road, and,
-without uttering a single syllable, ran beside the carriage for some
-miles. Mrs. Sullivan was again alarmed, supposing him to be the scout of
-robbers she expected to see start up from behind every stone or turf
-fence. Her fears were quieted by being told he was what in Ireland
-called "an innocent;" that is, a _knave_ too idle to labour, who
-lives--not by his wits--but by pretending he has none. The profession of
-_idiotism_ is one that always secures its followers a good maintenance
-in this country, and is considered by no means disreputable. Some one of
-this brotherhood frequents almost every high road, keeping up in this
-manner with the mail coaches and other carriages, till his strength,
-which appears miraculous, is exhausted, or till his extended hat has
-received money sufficient to satisfy him.
-
-All the rest of the day the cavalcade proceeded most prosperously,
-through a rich and populous country, seeing ugly or pretty towns, and
-stopping at good or bad inns. At one of their earliest stages, Mrs.
-Sullivan was much provoked to recognize in the landlady her packet-boat
-friend, who asked her, with a self-conceited simper, if she had said a
-word too much for her house. In the course of the evening they entered
-Connaught, when the scenery gradually became more wild and romantic,
-with bold masses of rock, and beautiful sheets of water, called in the
-country loughs.
-
-Mr. Donolan did not fail to profit by the opportunity, which being shut
-up in the carriage with Cecilia Webberly afforded him, of making the
-most sentimental love to her that was possible; though he was far from
-sure he should find it expedient to proceed further than fine speeches,
-for he felt nothing bordering on attachment to her. Perhaps his heart
-was enveloped in too many silken folds of vanity and self-love, for the
-charms of any woman to touch it with real affection; but a confused idea
-floated in his mind, that, by marrying her, he might be enabled to
-reside in England sooner than he otherwise could accomplish. Of her
-large fortune he was perfectly assured; he thought her very handsome,
-supposed her equally fashionable, and therefore determined, in the first
-instance, to endeavour to gain her affections, leaving his own decisions
-to futurity. She, on her part, thinking a lover might prove a very
-agreeable resource against the _ennui_ she anticipated at Ballinamoyle,
-encouraged his attentions _pro tempore_, resolving, should they ever
-meet in England, to "cut him:--he knew nobody in London, therefore could
-be a man of no fashion." Thus this heartless pair mutually imposed on
-each other, whilst they plumed themselves on being the sole deceiver.
-Miss Webberly, on the contrary, began seriously to think "he would make
-a charming husband--so scientific! so agreeable!" Cecilia, suspecting
-her incipient partiality, for the sake of what she called fun, flirted
-incessantly with the _dilettante_, and retailed to Amelia all his florid
-compliments, which conduct made her sister still more envious of her
-beauty than ordinary.
-
-Mr. Webberly and his companion in the barouche seat had but little
-conversation, though their thoughts were principally occupied by the
-same object. The taciturnity of the former, however, was enlivened by
-the idea of his fellow-traveller being thus effectually separated from
-Adelaide, during the greater part of their remaining journey. At the end
-of every stage there was a race between them, to hand Miss Wildenheim
-out of the carriage, where she generally sat bodkin between Mrs.
-Sullivan and Amelia, in order to avoid receiving that sign manual of Mr.
-Webberly's attention he had so graciously bestowed in Wales, and which
-was as little approved by his mother as coveted by herself. Colonel
-Desmond, being much more active and adroit than his youthful but
-unwieldy competitor, almost always gained the fair hand they contended
-for, at the same time giving his lovely mistress many an arch look and
-gesture of affected pity for his rival's disappointment. Sometimes they
-pulled open both the carriage doors at the same instant; in that case
-Mrs. O'Sullivan or her daughter pushed herself forward, so as to prevent
-her exit at the side on which their precious relative stood; and
-Adelaide's countenance then involuntarily betrayed how much she was
-amused at the unnecessary trouble they put themselves to.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan being rather fatigued with her journey, was much
-rejoiced, when about seven in the evening she was informed they were
-entering the village of Ballycoolen, which was to be their resting place
-for the night. This miserable place consists of but one long straggling
-street, with houses built of all shapes and in all directions, forming,
-with each other, every possible angle, except a right angle, a straight
-line seeming to have formed no part of the builder's intentions.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan's servant had been sent on before, to prepare their
-accommodation: he was standing at the door of a wretched tenement; and
-though by no means a very tall man, his hat touched the upper window,
-for the house was so built that you descended a few steps to enter it.
-The still despair of an English face was expressed in his, as with the
-utmost quietness he said to his mistress, "It is impossible, ma'am, you
-can put up here; you never saw such a slovenly place in your life." "I
-am sorry to say," replied Colonel Desmond, in answer to her
-interrogatories, "there is no better between this and Ballinamoyle: you
-may remember, I told you, the canal would take you out of the direction
-of the high road, and that you would be very miserably accommodated; you
-will now have to put up with a carman's inn."
-
-There was no option; therefore the ladies entered through a kitchen,
-which also served as bar and larder. A set of carmen were sitting
-drinking whisky punch and smoking tobacco (the same pipe passed from one
-mouth to another in turn); they very civilly rose, and went out, till
-the newly arrived and unusual guests should make their arrangements. The
-ladies were shown into a parlour, where a pretty looking, but bare
-legged and bare footed girl, was turning up a press bed, that had
-remained untouched since the last occupier had slept in it. They agreed
-to walk out till this place should be swept, and get "a wipe," as the
-maid called dusting it, previously pushing up the window sash with some
-difficulty, as the paint stuck together, from the length of time it had
-been unopened. To the inquiry for beds, she answered, "Troth, we've four
-brave good beds; and ye'z can have dry lodging at Susy Gologhan's, or
-Gracy Fagan's, over the way, there beyant, for the sarvant maids and the
-boys." Mrs. Sullivan declined ascending to the second story, when she
-saw the house had no regular stairs, but that merely a sort of ladder,
-without any thing to serve as bannister, led to the loft above. The Miss
-Webberlys declaring once going up would be enough for them, requested
-Adelaide to reconnoitre the premises. "You know, Miss Wildenheim," said
-Amelia, "you're used to travelling in outlandish places; and an't afraid
-of nothing.--I think I'll sit up all night, rather than mount the
-ladder, and walk along that unrailed passage." Adelaide, quickly
-ascending the redoubtable ladder, opened a door the maid pointed to,
-which led into a small close room, with two beds.--It was lighted by
-three little panes of glass fastened in the wall, but looking up, she
-saw a large door with one hinge broken, laid against an aperture in the
-roof, which she determined to turn to account, and begged it might be
-set open to admit fresh air into the apartment. "Have you not another
-room?" said she. "Aye, sure, and that we have, dear," replied the maid,
-leading her along the passage. They went into a second, rather closer
-and smaller than the first, with no friendly hole in the roof, to admit
-the breath of heaven to visit it. Adelaide, looking on the bedstead,
-perceived the bed clothes move, and, out of a mass of black hair, saw
-two dark eyes shoot fire at her. "Pray, what's that?" said she, catching
-hold of her attendant's arm. "Och! it's only the poor soldier, Miss,
-just come back to his people, from the big battles over seas; but he'll
-give his bed to you, with all the pleasure in life, if you fancy it,
-Miss."--"Not on any account," quietly replied Adelaide, as she quickly
-retreated to the passage--"I should be very sorry to disturb him. Mrs.
-O'Sullivan will sleep below stairs; and we young ladies can occupy the
-double-bedded room: will you have the goodness to show me your sheets?"
-These she was surprised to find not only white, but fine, forgetting
-that linen was the staple manufacture of the country, though but lately
-introduced into this district.
-
-This affair being settled, she joined the party in a walk; and, on their
-return, they found their little parlour laid out tolerably comfortably
-for tea; the kitchen, through which they had to pass, was swept clean;
-all traces of the carmen, their punch, and tobacco, had disappeared; and
-they might, by diverting themselves with the oddity of their situation,
-have found amusement for the evening, had not the Webberly family,
-encouraged by the _dilettante_, made, every five minutes, some
-acrimonious speech against the country and its inhabitants, which
-rendered themselves inclined to find every thing even more uncomfortable
-than it really was. Adelaide was pained by the rudeness of this conduct
-to Colonel Desmond, who, however, treated it as it deserved, and
-quizzing them all from right to left, his raillery soon silenced Felix
-and Amelia, who had sense enough to understand his ridicule. Tea was
-scarcely over, when the most extraordinary uproar was heard. Every man,
-woman, and child in the village seemed to have assembled about the
-house, all talking in the most vehement manner!
-
-The gentlemen, much alarmed, went out to inquire "what was the matter?"
-and beheld two men, sawing across the wood-work of the upper part of the
-gateway belonging to the inn yard, which was too low to admit Mrs.
-O'Sullivan's carriages. As usual, when any thing is done out of doors in
-Ireland, every person within _ken_ had repaired to the scene of action.
-Two out of three were giving contradictory directions, whilst the
-operators were swearing tremendously at the crowd, bidding them "go
-along about their business." "Hard for us to do that same!" answered
-one, in the name of the rest, "when sarra hand's turn of business we're
-got to our kin or kin kind, till shearing time comes, barring sitting in
-the chimney corner doing nothing." Messieurs Webberly and Donolan took
-this inauspicious moment to rate at the men who were sawing the gateway,
-expressing, in no very gentle terms, their dissatisfaction with the inn,
-and all its appurtenances. The men suspended their operations; and one
-of them, crossing his arms, his head on one side, and his chin stuck out
-with a gesture of contempt, said, in a drawling tone, as he looked down
-on them, from the top of the gateway, "Och! then, and it's grander
-quality than ever ye were have been here, and never gave me no bother at
-all at all! Upon my sowl, myself is cruel misgiving ye are but half
-sirs, both of ye'z. It's long before you'd see the Curnel, that's the
-real sort, (long life to his honour,) take on him so! If ye don't like
-the place, in the name of the Lord, make aff wid ye'z: if ye can't be
-agreeable, by the powers, we'd rather have your room nor your
-company."--"But where would ye see the likes of the Curnel any how?"
-rejoined a female orator of the assembly. "Sarra man, within twenty
-miles of himself, that's the fellow of his brother, for standing a poor
-man's friend on a pinch! It's the family that have been good to me and
-mine, these hundred year before I was born, and will be after I'm dead,
-if I've any luck."
-
-The greater part of these harangues was unintelligible to Mr. Webberly,
-but the _dilettante_ understanding the dialect of the country, though
-he often pretended he did not, as in the present instance, took his
-companion's arm, and, without proffering another syllable, walked into
-the house.
-
-In nothing do the lower Irish show their quickness of apprehension more
-decidedly, than in distinguishing, as it were at a glance, what they
-call "the real quality," that is, those who inherit a certain station in
-society, from "_les nouveaux riches_." Their exact discrimination on
-this subject is quite astonishing. Mrs. O'Sullivan could not perhaps
-have visited ten cottages in Ireland, whose inmates would not, in a few
-minutes, have discovered she was a low bred woman, who attempted to give
-herself airs of consequence. During her stay in this country, this
-foible was every where perceived, and profited by. The adroit flattery
-she received, on this favourite point, perhaps drew more money from her
-than she had ever before, in a given space of time, spent gratuitously,
-either from motives of charity or of generosity. The cunning arts, that
-opened her purse, were, undoubtedly, highly reprehensible in a moral
-point of view. But why should we expect more upright disinterestedness
-from the ignorant and necessitous class of mankind, than we hourly meet
-with from the _independent_ members of the upper ranks of society, who
-will delude a king or an emperor, with as little compunction as the poor
-Irish cottager cheated Mrs. O'Sullivan? In the latter instance, however,
-the mischief began and ended with the parties concerned; whilst in the
-former, generations yet unborn may mourn the evils resulting from base
-adulation.
-
-As all the party assembled in the inn parlour were, with the exception
-of Adelaide and the merry little Caroline, out of temper, they, by a
-sort of tacit agreement, separated at an early hour. The parlour was
-then converted into a sleeping room, for Mrs. O'Sullivan and Caroline,
-a bed being constructed for the latter with the carriage cushions, and a
-contribution of pillows. When the Miss Webberlys ascended the ladder
-leading to their apartment, the maid of the house went before, and the
-mistress behind, to help them up; the former holding a candle, stuck
-into a hole scooped out of a large potato, all the candlesticks the inn
-was possessed of, three in number, being appropriated to the use of the
-ladies. Adelaide had reserved the worst looking bed to herself, and was
-scarcely deposited in it, when down she sunk, and a more romantic
-imagination might have supposed some such adventure was going to occur,
-as was said frequently to have happened in a remote _auberge_ in the
-Black Forest, where travellers were drawn down through trap doors, and
-murdered. But she was only alarmed by the dread of the less heroic death
-of being knocked on the head by the bed posts. Springing up with the
-utmost expedition, she found, to her great delight, that the bedstead
-was perfectly secure; but, proceeding in her search as to the cause of
-her recent disaster, discovered that the sacking, which ought to have
-been laced to support the bed, had been deprived of its cord, in order
-to apply it to some other use. It never was, and most likely, never will
-be replaced; but the bed, being dexterously poised on the edge of the
-boards which connect the posts, will give the same surprise to every one
-who sleeps in it, for many a year to come. After no little laughter,
-Adelaide went into bed again, just as it was; and the inn being
-perfectly quiet, all its visitants slept till a late hour the following
-morning. After breakfast they recommenced their journey; and as they
-repaired to the carriages, their attention was attracted, by hearing the
-woman who had been so warm in praise of the Desmond family the evening
-before, say to her friend (carrying a basket of gingerbread on her
-arm), with the utmost seriousness of countenance and vehemence of
-gesticulation, "The low-lived blackguard! to even such a thing at me!
-All my people that went before me, and all that came after me, were
-gintlemin and gintle la--dies. See dat now, Susy dear!" Our party were
-not a little entertained at the figure and gesture of this extraordinary
-sprig of gentility, and continued to look after her as long as the
-carriages were in sight.
-
-In the course of the morning they reached Tuberdonny, which was within a
-few miles drive of Ballinamoyle, but here only one pair of horses could
-be procured; they therefore had the pleasant prospect of spending
-another night as agreeably as the last, as no more horses were expected
-there till the following day. For some hours they found amusement in
-viewing the antiquities of Kilmacduagh, close by, consisting of seven
-antique churches; an abbey, with very curious workmanship on its walls;
-and the most remarkable round tower in Ireland, constructed with immense
-stones, which rises to the height of one hundred and twelve feet, and,
-strange to say, leans seventeen feet out of the perpendicular, which is
-four more than the celebrated leaning tower at Pisa.
-
-As the travellers returned towards the place where the carriages had
-been put up, they saw five horses, mounted by twice as many men and
-boys, galloping furiously down the street; and, at the sight of the
-servants in livery, the riders set up such a hurraing as was quite
-deafening. Jumping quickly off, two or three of them came up with "Long
-life to your honours! Myself's right glad to see your honours!" "Why,
-what the devil do you know about our honours?" said Colonel Desmond,
-laughing. "Didn't I hear at Kurinshagud, that your honour passed through
-Ballycoolen, in two carriages? and haven't I been hunting ye all round
-the country this blessed morning, thinking you might want cattle? It's I
-that will drive you to the world's end in a crack!" The horses were soon
-harnessed, and Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan, after handing the ladies
-into the carriage, made their parting bows, and pursued their way to
-Bogberry Hall.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan did not reach Ballinamoyle till half past twelve at
-night; for the horses, being not much the better for the morning's
-chase, proceeded but slowly up a mountainous road. From the lateness of
-the hour, she did not, on that night, see Mr. O'Sullivan; who, finding
-himself indisposed in the evening, had unwillingly retired to bed,
-delegating the task of receiving his guests to his cousin, an ancient
-virgin, who presided over his _ménage_, and who gave the travellers, if
-not a courtly, at least a cordial reception; and, after doing the
-honours of an excellent supper, conducted them to their sleeping rooms,
-which they most gladly occupied, and enjoyed all the luxury of the
-sensation of comfort, as they compared them to those they had the night
-before inhabited, in the miserable cabaret at Ballycoolen.
-
-
-END OF VOL. II.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes
-left as printed.]
-
-
-
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-<div style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold;'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Manners, Vol 2 of 3, by Madame Panache</div>
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-<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 #40159]<br />
-[Most recently updated: January 27, 2021]</div>
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 </pre>
 
@@ -5284,446 +5266,6 @@ very surprising; but is the fair lady equally enamoured?"
 <p class="center">[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes
 left as printed.]</p>
 
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Manners, Vol 2 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 2 of 3
-       A Novel
-
-Author: Frances Brooke
-
-Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40159]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 2 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. II.
-
-    LONDON:
-    PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY,
-    PATERNOSTER ROW.
-
-    1817.
-
-
-
-
-MANNERS.
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-    Yo se, Olalla, que me adoras,
-    Puesta que no me lo has dicho,
-    Ni aun con los ojos siguiera,
-    Mudas lenguas de amorios[1].
-
-    CERVANTES SAAVEDRA.
-
-[Footnote 1:
-
-    I know, Olalla, that thou lov'st me,
-    Though words have ne'er thy flame confess'd;
-    Nor even have those guarded eyes,
-    Mute tell-tales of love's embassies,
-    Betray'd the secret of thy breast,--
-    Yet still, Olalla, still thou lov'st me.
-]
-
-
-It was long before Selina's agitated spirits could be composed; and when
-at length she sunk to rest, she was haunted by confused dreams of mixed
-joy and sorrow, in which Mordaunt's figure was always prominent. At
-last, however, towards morning she fell into a quiet sleep, from which
-she did not awake till several hours after Mrs. Galton and Augustus had
-left Eltondale.
-
-Selina had given her maid so many charges to call her in time to take
-leave of them, that she had firmly relied on her doing so, little
-imagining that Mrs. Galton had previously determined to spare her the
-pain of parting. She had left a note for her, in which she reiterated
-her farewell, and her request to hear frequently from Selina; but the
-kindness of its expressions, if possible, aggravated the poor girl's
-sorrow and disappointment. As usual, she gave way unrestrainedly to her
-feelings, and wept aloud, really unconscious that while her tears flowed
-ostensibly for Mrs. Galton alone, her regrets arose not a little from
-the absence of Augustus. But, though Selina deceived herself in the
-belief, that she only bewailed this her first separation from her
-beloved aunt, she was most sincere in the grief she professed to feel on
-her account; for hypocrisy was a stranger to her guileless heart, yet
-uninitiated in the mysteries of that world, in which the timid and
-unpractised first learn to conceal the sentiments they actually feel,
-and conclude by displaying those that are but assumed. On the contrary,
-her genuine feelings were neither blunted by familiarity with sorrow,
-nor exhausted by the premature cultivation of sickly sensibility; and,
-though a more sobered reason might have wished the expression of them to
-be occasionally restrained, yet even a Stoic might have confessed, that
-the perfection of her judgment would have been dearly purchased by any
-alteration in the susceptibility of her heart.
-
-Her melancholy toilet was scarcely finished, before she was summoned to
-Lady Eltondale's dressing-room. Her Ladyship advanced to the door to
-meet her with unusual cordiality of manner; but she scarcely beheld her
-wan countenance, when, starting back, she exclaimed with surprise, "Good
-heavens, child! what can be the matter? Oh! I had really forgotten Mrs.
-Galton's departure. Why, Selina, you could not have disfigured yourself
-more, if she was gone to heaven instead of to Bath. Here, La Fayette, do
-bring some cold cream to Miss Seymour, and a little _eau de Cologne_.
-However, my dear girl, I cannot regret that you have so totally
-disguised yourself to-day, as we shall have a pleasant _tete a tete_.
-You shall breakfast up stairs with me this morning, for you are really
-at present not presentable."
-
-Lady Eltondale's kind consideration for Selina individually, and
-apparent indifference to the cause of her sorrow, was, perhaps, more
-effectual in its temporary suppression, than the most sympathetic
-condolences would have been; and, before Mons. Argant made his
-appearance with the apparatus for breakfast, Selina had sufficiently
-recollected herself, to request Lady Eltondale not to derange her plans
-on her account, but to remember her other guests.
-
-"My dear little rustic," answered her Ladyship, laughing, "your odd
-notions really remind me of the last century. Nobody plays the part of
-hostess now; and as to guests--none could be admitted into a fashionable
-house, that do not know how to make themselves perfectly at home in it.
-I declare you are so simple, you would hardly have understood the merit
-of Mr. Frederick Bijou appearing last spring at a party his wife gave to
-the Prince, with a round hat under his arm, to show he was the only
-stranger in the room. Why now every inn in a country village is fitted
-up with all the conveniences of a private house; and the best praise you
-can give to a family mansion is to compare it to an hotel." The
-Viscountess was excessively entertained at the artless surprise
-expressed by her auditor; and concluded some similar observations by
-saying, she knew Selina would be so astray in the scene into which she
-had been thus suddenly dropt, that she was very glad nobody would be
-with them till after Christmas. "Then," said Selina, "I suppose Lady
-Hammersley is gone." "Oh! dear no--but she is nobody. Sir Robert is a
-relation of my Lord's; and I am obliged to go through the martyrdom of
-hearing his barbarous phraseology for at least a month every year, and I
-am afraid ten days of the penance are yet to come. Lady Hammersley never
-visits London; and, indeed, I believe the good woman thinks herself
-almost contaminated by even venturing as far as this within the
-Charybdean pool.--But, poor soul! she need not be afraid. If fashion was
-absolutely epidemical, she would never suffer from the contagion. She
-and the Admiral spend nine months of every year at Bath; he, drinking
-the water and reading the newspapers, and she, playing cards and writing
-essays. However, you may turn even her to account; for in one half hour
-you will learn more what vice is, from her long-syllabled declamations
-against it, than your poor innocent head would dream of in a
-twelvemonth."
-
-"And which of the parents does the son resemble?" asked Selina,
-laughing. "Why, it is difficult to divine what nature intended him to
-be. One may parody Cowper, and say, 'God made them, but he has made
-himself;' and what the composition will turn out, I know not. He wishes
-to be a man of the world, and affects the reputation of vice, without
-having the courage to be wicked. I verily believe he is often at church
-of a Sunday evening, when he pretends to be at the gaming-table.
-However, you need not be inquisitive about him, for he will never
-condescend to notice you, till he ascertains whether you are the
-fashion or not. He does not want money, and he does want _ton_; and you
-know, according to the new system of craniology, men ought to choose
-their wives by the inverse ratio of their own deficiences. But you don't
-inquire about Mademoiselle Omphalie, whom I thought you meant last night
-to swear an everlasting friendship with. I asked her here solely for
-your sake."
-
-Selina coloured, and expressed her thanks with her usual warmth and
-_empressement_.
-
-"But I do not intend Mademoiselle Omphalie to be Miss Seymour's bosom
-friend. She is a public singer, my dear, and as such her reputation is
-perfect;--her private character is, I believe, much less immaculate; but
-with that, you know, we have nothing to do. The world now adopts the
-precept, 'Judge not that ye be not judged;' and, if people are wise
-enough not to hold the lantern to their own vices, they need not be
-troubled with any Diogenes. As to Mademoiselle Omphalie, she is just now
-on the tottering point of respectability, which, of course, makes her
-doubly decorous in her general behaviour; and, as I do not think her
-reputation can survive another winter, I was extremely anxious to seize
-this opportunity of giving you the advantage of her talents and
-instruction in music. But, Selina, don't let her instruct you in
-anything else, for she would infallibly make you a prude or a coquette,
-and I scarcely know which I hate most."
-
-It is impossible to express Selina's astonishment at Lady Eltondale's
-conversation. When they had last met, she had been both delighted and
-surprised at the ease and elegance of her manners; but as she had only
-seen her in the company of Mrs. Galton, she was totally unconscious of
-the degree of levity to which that ease of manner could degenerate,
-either from accident or design. Lady Eltondale now entertained her
-wondering guest with a style of conversation to which she was totally
-unused. It is true, her expressions, like her conduct, were so guarded
-that no weak point was left open to censure; but she seemed so little to
-respect the barriers between vice and virtue, that they appeared to be
-considered by her as by no means insurmountable;--and Selina, finding
-those principles of rigid propriety now ridiculed, which she had
-hitherto been taught only to venerate, wondered for a moment whether the
-error lay in her Ladyship's frivolity or her own ignorance.
-
-Meantime the Viscountess was not unobservant of her niece. She perceived
-that her changing countenance portrayed every varying emotion, almost
-before she was herself conscious of its influence. Sometimes the
-expression of her dark brow led her to fear, that Selina was capable of
-making deep reflections, though she willingly believed her deficient in
-resolution. At other times the arch smile, that played round her dimpled
-mouth, showed she was by no means insensible to the charms of raillery
-and satire, whilst the half-formed reply seemed to insinuate, that she
-could emulate the bewitching, though dangerous, talent she admired. But
-above all, Lady Eltondale failed not to remark the evanescent nature of
-all Selina's feelings, which almost seemed to exhaust themselves in the
-first stage of their existence. Hers was indeed "the tear forgot as soon
-as shed;" and, as she accompanied Lady Eltondale through the various
-apartments of her splendid house, and innocently expressed her delight
-and wonder at all she saw, her experienced and artful guide smiled at
-the rapid transitions of her thoughts, and anticipated a speedy conquest
-over a mind, which appeared already weakened by inherent volatility.
-
-When Selina joined the party at dinner-time, Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and
-the Hall, seemed already to be forgotten by her. It was true the roses
-in her cheek yet drooped from the effect of the morning shower; but her
-lovely countenance had reassumed that expression of content and pleasure
-which was most natural to it.--But,
-
-    How like this spring of love resembleth
-      The uncertain glories of an April day,
-    Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
-      And by and by a cloud takes all away.
-
-Unfortunately at dinner Lord Eltondale addressed to her one of his
-inconsiderate compliments, in which he alluded, with more kindness than
-delicacy, to her recent misfortune. The unexpected mention of her father
-overcame her spirits; and, as usual, without reference to the
-spectators, she gave way to the feelings of the moment, and burst into
-tears. Mr. Hammersley, laying down his knife and fork, turned to stare
-at the mourner with an expression of countenance, that seemed to say,
-it was long since he had witnessed the natural emotions of a susceptible
-heart. Lady Eltondale withdrew the attention of Mademoiselle Omphalie by
-making some opportune inquiry. But Sir Robert's observation of Selina
-was not to be evaded. After looking at her steadfastly for some minutes,
-he exclaimed, "Come, come, my girl, cheer up;--swab the spray off your
-bowsprit, and never let the toppinglifts of your heart go down. If your
-father has got into port before you, if you keep a steady course and a
-true reckoning, you'll be sure of having a good birth alongside of him
-in a tide or two. Here, toss off this bumper, and haul in your jib
-sheet."
-
-Selina could not help smiling at the manner in which the kind-hearted
-old man offered his consolation. But Lady Hammersley, who had hitherto
-remained in silence, now remarked in an emphatic tone, that "It was a
-work of supererogation to endeavour to suppress the tear of filial
-regret. A few weeks' association with the votaries of fashion would
-effectually eradicate the meritorious sentiments, and teach hypocritical
-sensibility to fictitious griefs to be ostentatiously substituted for
-genuine susceptibility."
-
-From that day, during the remainder of his stay at Eltondale, Sir Robert
-Hammersley seemed to interest himself particularly about Selina. And
-though his Lady seldom condescended to address herself to her, yet even
-the cynical turn of her conversation implied approbation of Miss
-Seymour's present character by the very anticipations of its speedy
-alteration, which she daily repeated. Mr. Hammersley, as Lady Eltondale
-had prophesied, scarcely noticed the untutored girl, and seldom joined
-the morning party, except when Mademoiselle Omphalie was employed in
-communicating her enchanting talents to Selina, whose rapid progress
-astonished even Lady Eltondale. She already perfectly understood the
-science of music; and her naturally fine voice was peculiarly adapted
-to exemplify Mademoiselle Omphalie's excellent instructions. Even before
-many weeks had passed, Selina could not only join her in some beautiful
-Italian duets, but also accompany herself very tolerably on the harp,
-which soon became her favourite instrument.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-     Le faux bien qu'elle preche est plus dangereux que le mal meme, en
-     ce qu'il seduit par une apparence de raison, en ce qu'il fait
-     preferer l'usage et les maximes du monde, a l'exacte probite, en ce
-     qu'il fait consister la sagesse dans un certain milieu entre le
-     vice et la vertu[2].
-
-     JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU, A M. D'ALEMBERT.
-
-[Footnote 2: The false propriety which she preaches is more dangerous
-than vice itself, inasmuch as it seduces by an appearance of
-reason--inasmuch as it recommends the usages and the maxims of the world
-in preference to strict integrity--inasmuch as it makes wisdom appear to
-be a certain medium between vice and virtue.]
-
-Selina was not less attentive to Lady Eltondale's various lessons on
-propriety and elegance, than she had been to the instructions of
-Mademoiselle Omphalie. And though Lady Hammersley's satirical
-predictions were not yet fulfilled, as to any alteration that had taken
-place in her mind; yet it was evident, before she had been many weeks at
-Eltondale, that her general deportment was considerably changed since
-she had been under the superintendence of the Viscountess. Perhaps no
-woman ever more thoroughly understood the rules of politeness than did
-Lady Eltondale; and though a pupil formed entirely in her school would
-scarcely have failed to acquire, ultimately, that freezing apathy which
-was one of her own most distinguishing characteristics, yet the
-refinement of her manners was by no means an unfortunate counterpoise to
-the natural vivacity of Selina's. If it could have been possible to
-unite the polished exterior of the one with the unsophisticated mind of
-the other, it would have formed as perfect a whole, as if the rich and
-exuberant fancy of a Titian had been harmonized by the chastely correct
-judgment of a Michael Angelo.
-
-Lady Eltondale had been right in believing, that Mr. Hammersley would
-not venture to admire the superior charms of Miss Seymour, till they had
-become current by receiving the die of fashion; and, as he found but
-little pleasure in the comparatively quiet society at Eltondale, he
-pleaded an indispensable engagement, and set off for town a few days
-after Selina's arrival. Nor did Sir Robert and Lady Hammersley protract
-their stay much longer. Early in January they returned to Bath, and
-their places at Eltondale were almost immediately filled by other
-visitors; for Lady Eltondale could never bear to be alone; and though on
-account of her brother's recent death she forbore giving any very public
-entertainments, or receiving the most dissipated of her acquaintances,
-yet a constant succession of parties filled up to her, in some degree,
-the charm of a winter's seclusion; and the gay and fashionable manners
-of several of her guests served to introduce Selina to those frivolous
-amusements, which are generally the outposts to more reprehensible
-pursuits.
-
-Selina's deep mourning had at first served as an excuse for her
-declining to partake of the gayer engagements the neighbourhood of
-Eltondale occasionally afforded. For, notwithstanding the avidity with
-which she entered into the pleasures by which she was surrounded, she
-was still sufficiently unlearned in the ways of the world to believe,
-that, at least where the memory of a parent was concerned, it was not
-altogether decorous
-
-    "To bear about the mockery of woe
-    "To midnight dances and the publick show;"
-
-and having at first received Mrs. Galton's approbation of her
-forbearance, she resisted in that one instance all Lady Eltondale's
-arguments and entreaties.--Happy would it have been for her, if she
-could always have resorted to the counsel of such a friend as Mrs.
-Galton. Lady Eltondale felt mortified by the unexpected resistance to
-her wishes, in a point she deemed so trifling; but, however, she
-compromised the matter with Selina, by prevailing upon her to change her
-sable dress at the end of three months, and to give up her mourning
-entirely at the end of six, which term would arrive before their going
-to London. She at the same time secretly resolved to interrupt, as much
-as possible, Selina's correspondence with Mrs. Galton, foreseeing it
-might, in other instances, equally frustrate her intentions and
-designs:--not that she could exactly define, even to herself, why she
-was so solicitous not only to supplant Mrs. Galton in Miss Seymour's
-affection, but also to change even the very character of her niece. She
-looked upon the engagement between her and Mr. Elton almost as
-irrevocable; and it was indeed a matter of comparative indifference to
-her, what was the true character of the woman she was so anxious to make
-his wife. But the real motive of the Viscountess' conduct, of which she
-herself was scarcely conscious, was a jealousy of Mrs. Galton's
-influence over Selina's mind, and an envious hatred produced by the
-consciousness of her own inferiority to her rival in her niece's
-affection; and she was perfectly aware that she could by no means so
-essentially mortify the woman she hated, or lessen the influence she so
-much dreaded, as by undermining the principles and changing the
-character Mrs. Galton had taken so much pains and pride in forming.
-
-One morning Lady Eltondale entered the breakfast-room before Selina had
-returned from her usual early ramble; and as she carelessly tossed over
-the letters, which were left on the table to be claimed by their owners,
-her eye rested on one directed to Miss Seymour, in a hand-writing with
-which she was unacquainted. She had understood from Selina, that she had
-no correspondent but Mrs. Galton; and her curiosity was not a little
-roused by perceiving the seal bore the impression of the well-known
-Mordaunt arms. While she still held the letter in her hand, Selina
-entered the room;--the Viscountess feeling a momentary embarrassment in
-being detected so closely examining a letter directed to another,
-hastily concealed it, resolving to replace it next day. But in error,
-_ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute_. No person that voluntarily
-treads on the threshold of vice, can be certain that they will always
-have it in their power to retrace their steps. Lady Eltondale would
-probably have shuddered at the idea of deliberately intercepting a
-letter, and still more of clandestinely perusing it; yet having thus
-unpremeditatedly possessed herself of the one in question, she could not
-resist the further temptation of satisfying herself as to the nature of
-its contents, and accordingly opened it as soon as she found herself
-alone. It proved to be, as she suspected, a letter from Augustus. In
-truth, the expression of Selina's countenance, the last evening they had
-spent together, had never faded from his "mind's eye." With all the
-tenacity of a lover's memory, he called to remembrance every look, every
-word that seemed to flatter his fond wishes; and then, with all the
-subtlety of a lover's rhetoric, he persuaded himself that no duty he
-owed to the memory of Sir Henry forbad his endeavouring at least to
-retain whatever share of Selina's good opinion he already possessed;
-though he was still determined so far to respect the expressed wish of
-the Baronet, as not to precipitate a declaration of his own attachment,
-till Selina had an opportunity of fully understanding her own heart, and
-making her selection between him and Mr. Elton. Thus compromising
-between his passion and his principles, he addressed Selina in the
-character of trustee to her estate, and profiting by the excuse which
-that situation afforded him, conjured Selina to point out in what way he
-could be of most use; expressing his anxiety to be of service to her, in
-the warmest terms that passion under the mask of friendship could
-suggest.
-
-Had this letter then reached Selina, it would have spared her many hours
-of future sorrow. But Lady Eltondale determined it should not do so. Her
-penetration too soon discovered its real import;--she perceived
-
-    "Love's secret flame
-    Lurk'd under friendship's sacred name:"
-
-and, with her usual sophistry, persuading herself that the end
-sanctified the means, she congratulated herself on the steps she had
-taken, and believed her laudable anxiety for the welfare of her step-son
-justified her treacherous conduct to her orphan niece. She was not long
-in deciding on the best measures to prevent a continuation of a
-correspondence so dangerous to her favourite scheme; and enclosing the
-letter back to Mordaunt, wrote the following note in the envelope:
-
-     "LADY ELTONDALE presents her compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and her
-     best thanks for his polite offers of service, which, however, she
-     begs to decline as Mr. Elton is expected to return to England
-     immediately, who will of course superintend himself the management
-     of all Miss Seymour's estates. Lady Eltondale returns Mr.
-     Mordaunt's letter, as perhaps he may, at a future time, wish to
-     refer to it on the subject of Wilson's farm, upon which Miss
-     Seymour, in her present delicate situation, feels no wish either to
-     correspond or decide."
-
-It would be impossible to describe the mortification and disappointment
-this laconic epistle occasioned Augustus. He felt justly indignant at
-the manner in which his proffered kindness had been rejected; and
-considered the insult in no slight degree aggravated by the circumstance
-of Selina permitting a third person to convey her own unfeeling reply.
-In one moment the bright vision of hope and joy, that had flitted before
-him, dissolved in air; and, from the delighted contemplation of all her
-charms, he sunk in an instant into the opposite extreme, and equally
-exaggerated all her failings. He recalled to mind Mr. Temple's
-observations, which now seemed absolutely prophetic; and, passing
-rapidly from one passion to another, upbraided her not only with the
-foibles she really possessed, but even with those errors that were as
-yet but anticipated. By degrees, however, the storm subsided. He so
-often repeated to himself that she was now perfectly indifferent to him,
-that he flattered himself it was really the case; and he determined
-thenceforward only to consider her as the wife of Mr. Elton, believing
-that appellation would act as a talisman, to prevent a return of a
-passion he had now persuaded himself was perfectly hopeless.
-
-While Augustus, in his retirement at Oxford, was thus endeavouring to
-extinguish feelings that were only a source of regret; and while Mrs.
-Galton was consoling herself as much as possible for her separation from
-her beloved child, by renewing old friendships, and forming new
-acquaintances at Bath, Selina was, by degrees, becoming more
-familiarized with the levity, duplicity, and frivolity, which were daily
-exemplified in the manners of Lady Eltondale and her different visitors.
-At length the time approached for their removal to London: an early day
-in April was fixed for their journey, which Selina anticipated with all
-the delight of a young vivacious girl, that at last found herself on the
-confines of a new world of pleasure, the enjoyments of which were yet
-untasted, and its sorrows unsuspected.
-
-When the moment of their departure actually came, she gave way to
-unmixed feelings of joy. She laughed, sung, and frolicked round the
-room like a sportive child, and yet she could scarcely define her own
-emotions. She was hardly conscious that her pleasure, in a great degree,
-arose from the silently cherished hope of seeing Augustus. She had felt
-surprised, and even hurt, at his not having, as she supposed, made any
-inquiry after her, during her four months' stay at Eltondale. But she
-had always felt an unaccountable unwillingness to mention his name to
-Lady Eltondale; nor did she even to herself confess how much the
-expectation of seeing him once more contributed to the pleasure she
-anticipated from her visit to London.
-
-The future was now opened to her view like an extended horizon, shining
-in all the luxury of light, which, while the intervening masses of the
-ground lay concealed, depicted no object in its natural colours, but
-touching here and there some prominent beauty with its most resplendent
-rays, confounded all the rest in one undistinguishable mass of
-brilliancy. As they were stepping into the carriage, a letter from Mr.
-Elton was delivered to Lord Eltondale. Little did Selina imagine she had
-any reason to be interested in the packet his Lordship so anxiously
-perused; and even had she been aware of the mention made in it of
-herself, it would scarcely have had power to withdraw her thoughts from
-the nearer, and therefore with her more powerful attraction.
-
-     TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE.
-
-     Paris, April 3.
-
-     I beg you will, my dear father, accept my best thanks for your last
-     kind letter, though I must remark, that your affectionate
-     solicitude for my happiness makes you over anxious to promote it. I
-     confess I was more surprised than pleased to find, that, without in
-     the least consulting my inclinations, you had entered into an
-     engagement to contract Miss Seymour to me! Pardon me, my Lord; but
-     had you and Sir Henry Seymour been employed in assisting each other
-     to match your carriage horses instead of your children, less
-     ceremony could scarcely have been used. You dilate much on Miss
-     Seymour's beauty and fortune:--I am no cynic; yet, strange to say,
-     the one is nearly as indifferent to me as the other. However if I
-     find, on becoming acquainted with the _character_ of the young lady
-     in question, I can esteem and love her, I shall not object to her
-     beauty or her riches, but shall duly appreciate the honour she
-     would confer on me in making me her husband. But till I can judge
-     for myself, I feel I have a right to demand, that neither you nor
-     _Lady Eltondale_ will do aught to compromise my honour in this
-     affair. In a word, these are not times to risk the well-being of
-     one so young and lovely, by a match of mere convenience: unless I
-     can feel for the "_innocent charming_" Selina, Lady Eltondale so
-     eloquently describes, all the attachment she merits, I will never
-     have the cruelty to unite myself to her. Her orphan state
-     sanctifies her in my eyes. Had she a father or brother to watch
-     over her welfare, I might, perhaps, be less scrupulous; for, as it
-     regards myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whom I
-     marry now--my hopes are frustrated, my spirits depressed, and I
-     feel it a mere mockery to mention happiness and marriage together.
-     Perhaps some ten years hence, when "I have forgot myself to stone,"
-     I may sacrifice the remnant of my joyless existence to family
-     interests.
-
-     "As all my prospects of felicity in private life are blasted, I
-     turn with more avidity to that course of public usefulness, which
-     alone can now afford me satisfaction. Every thing has been
-     sacrificed to it.
-
-     "I wish to obtain your consent to my remaining some time longer in
-     this capital, to continue a course of inquiry I have entered into
-     on points of great political importance, and to profit by the
-     acquaintance of some public characters, who may aid me in my
-     pursuits. I am grieved at what you tell me about the mortgage on
-     Eltondale. Would my joining you in a bond be of any use?--If so,
-     command me."
-
-As the rest of Mr. Elton's letter was on law business, it could be of no
-interest except to the person to whom it was addressed.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-    Quid Romae faciam? Mentiri nescio[3].
-
-    JUVENAL.
-
-    I am as true as Truth's simplicity,
-    And simpler than the infancy of Truth.
-
-    SHAKESPEARE.
-
-[Footnote 3: What should I do at Rome, unknowing how to feign?]
-
-
-Selina's impatience to reach the end of her journey made her consider it
-tedious in its progress, notwithstanding the velocity with which Lady
-Eltondale always travelled; who was too much a woman of fashion not to
-increase as much as possible her own consequence along the king's
-highway, by the trifling exertion of keeping the poor goaded animals
-which had the honor of drawing her vehicle at their utmost speed,
-thereby endangering the lives of such of his majesty's peaceful subjects
-as happened to approach them. As to Lord Eltondale, he seldom found
-leisure to reflect on the consequence attending any direction her
-Ladyship pleased to give; and even had he reflected, he would scarcely
-have ventured to dissent, so confirmed was his habit of passive
-acquiescence. Indeed, poor man, he was in a situation something similar
-to the coronet on his own equipage,--an external appendage to Lady
-Eltondale, which, while hurried along under the direction of her
-caprice, gave her a dignity in the eyes of the many, who merely look on
-the outside of every thing, but, in reality, totally disregarded by all
-those who were admitted into the interior.
-
-At last, from a little eminence on the road, the first view of London
-broke on Selina's delighted eye. And yet such had been the exaggerated
-picture of this queen of cities, which her vivid imagination had drawn,
-that the _coup d'oeil_ almost disappointed her. It is true, a long
-line of smoke darkened the whole horizon, yet she could scarcely
-believe, the towers she saw so pre-eminent in the distance were really
-the St. Paul's, and Westminster Abbey, she had so long wished to see.
-Judgment must be corrected by experience, before it can form a true
-scale for grandeur either moral or physical. However, as by degrees
-Selina discovered the immensity of the parts, she formed some idea of
-the comparative magnitude of the whole; and as she approached the
-metropolis, the throng of passengers of every rank, the crowd of
-carriages of all descriptions, the protracted suburbs, and the bustling
-scene altogether, nearly overcame her agitated spirits; and, at last,
-when the carriage was suddenly stopped, and for some minutes detained in
-Bond Street by the concourse of people, her heart became oppressed with
-contending feelings. She experienced that worst pang of solitude--a
-consciousness of being alone in a crowd; and, leaning back in the
-carriage, she burst into tears. This was, however, but a momentary
-depression; her elastic spirits soon recovered their spring; and when
-the barouche stopped in Portman Square, she bounded out of it, and gaily
-followed Lady Eltondale into her new abode.
-
-For a moment she paused to look round the splendid drawing rooms, as if
-to ascertain that the scene was real, and no fleeting vision of her
-fancy. Then darting forward, she roamed from room to room, admiring
-every thing, examining nothing: the china, the mirrors, the statues, the
-lamps, the chandeliers, all in turn caught her attention, and all were
-in turn abandoned;
-
-    "Gold, silver, iv'ry, vases sculptur'd high,
-    Paint, marbles, gems, and robes of Persian dye."
-
-At last she noticed the balcony, that "rifled all the breathing
-spring," and flew to the open French window, expressing aloud all her
-admiration.
-
-"All that does vastly well, my dear Selina, now we are _tete a tete_,"
-quietly said the Viscountess, who, in the mean time, had been looking
-over the cards that nearly covered one of her tables. "But, pray child,
-don't be too _naive_. You must learn to suppress your feelings; indeed,
-my dear, you must. If you choose to adopt the _ton_ of natural manners,
-do so, _cela vous sied bien_; but make the proper distinction between
-simplicity and ignorance. I will never act the _chaperone_ to _La
-contadina in corte_." Then perceiving her rebuke had, at the moment, all
-the effect she desired, she took Selina's arm, and familiarly leaning on
-it, "Come, my love," added she, "let me introduce you to your own
-apartments: I feel you are so much my child, I quite forget to play the
-Lady Macbeth, and kindly bid you welcome." Lady Eltondale knew so well
-how to soften the asperity of reproof, without weakening its effect,
-that, perhaps, there were no moments in which her fascinating powers
-were more displayed, than when she finely touched a string a less
-skilful hand would jar: and, having once hinted to Selina that
-possibility of her unrestrained emotions being construed into the
-affectation of _naivete_; she knew the diffidence that suggestion would
-occasion, would have the effect of making her still more pliable to her
-well versed instructress in the arts of fashion.
-
-Selina's toilet was soon made, and she repaired to the drawing room,
-long before her aunt was dressed. Here she prepared to renew, at
-leisure, her entertaining examination; and, for this purpose, leaned on
-a marble table, to admire the perfection of _bijouterie_, as it was
-fully exemplified in a French clock that it supported. She had not long
-remained thus employed, when she was disturbed by a voice close behind
-her ear, exclaiming, "Beautiful! enchanting! divine, upon my soul!" and
-turning round, she perceived a gentleman, who, in the mean time, had
-been as attentively, and, to all appearance, not less delightedly
-examining her. She colored, but made him a slight curtsy, to which he
-returned a bow, as obsequious as he could accomplish without withdrawing
-his eyes from her countenance; whilst his own was intended to express
-the most reverential admiration: but so little obedient were his
-features to his feelings, that their expression bordered on the
-ludicrous, and thereby served as an antidote to his ardent, and almost
-impertinent gaze. The ceremonious salute was prolonged by both, to
-enable each to assume a proper, though different, control over their
-features: but Selina, finding her risible muscles moved almost beyond
-the power of restraint, turned towards a chair, which her spell-struck
-admirer presented to her in silence, and with protracted admiration.
-
-The figure that thus offered incense at her shrine was one, that would
-more properly have served as a prototype to a Silenus than a Cupid. He
-was habited in the very extreme of fashion, apparently unconscious that
-his ill-proportioned limbs, and corpulent form, "made by nature's
-journeymen," were but ill adapted to the exhibition of a tailor's art.
-His head, which was immense, rose out of a filleting of neckcloth, that
-seemed to impede his respiration; at least such might be inferred from
-the deepened color of his swoln cheeks. In one hand he held a newspaper,
-and in the other a glass, which he always applied to his eye when he
-meant to recognize an acquaintance, always saving and reserving to
-himself the privilege of "_cutting_" an old friend on the plea of
-short-sightedness.
-
-He had neither the graces of youth, nor the respectability of age; and
-yet, merely because he had become, nobody knew how or why, the _ton_, he
-was a welcome inmate of every fashionable mansion. His recommendations,
-such as they were, consisted in a capability of relating a good story in
-the best possible manner, and of submitting patiently to a hoax from his
-superiors, always knowing how and when to return the compliment with
-interest: besides,
-
-    "Our courtier walks from dish to dish,
-    Tastes, for his friend, of fowl and fish,
-    Tells all their names, lays down the law,
-    _Que ca est bon! Ah! goutez ca._"
-
-He was, in truth, a living _Almanac des Gourmands_, and could withal
-play well, and bet high at every game. Being a professed old bachelor,
-he took the liberty of paying to ladies such undressed compliments, as,
-however acceptable they may be from some, it is not the etiquette to
-listen to from all. And perhaps from this assumed license, which he owed
-chiefly to his own ugliness, did he derive that privilege of which he
-was most vain, an undisputed right to decide on all claims to female
-beauty.
-
-Such was the character and appearance of Sir James Fenton, whom Lady
-Eltondale, on entering, formally introduced to Selina: adding, in a
-manner half ironical and half serious, "This is my niece, Miss Seymour,
-for whom I bespeak your patronage, Sir James; I expect you will make her
-your first toast all this next month." Sir James acceded to her
-Ladyship's request with all possible seriousness; and leaning over the
-chair of the Viscountess, while he continued his scrutiny of Selina,
-lavished on her beauty the most rapturous praise in an audible voice,
-and, in a tone of criticism, concluding, as he conducted Lady Eltondale
-to the dinner room,--
-
-    Let her be seen; could she that wish obtain,
-    All other wishes her own power would gain.
-
-Selina scarcely knew whether to be most offended at Sir James's
-effrontery, or entertained by his originality. She had not an
-opportunity to decide on this important question afterwards, as he did
-not make his re-appearance in the drawing room.
-
-Lord Eltondale had accidentally met him in Bond Street, as he strolled
-down towards the Royal Institution; and Sir James had accepted his
-casual invitation to dinner, for the sole purpose of seeing "the
-beautiful heiress;" and being able to anticipate the judgment the
-connoisseurs were to pass on her title to admiration. For Lady Eltondale
-had not been idle during her stay in the country: she was well aware,
-that there was no way by which a woman could better secure the
-admiration of any one man, than by convincing him she had obtained that
-of the rest of the world; and having gained "the beautiful heiress" for
-Frederick Elton, she wished to enhance the gift in his eyes, by
-increasing her value in those of others.
-
-She knew that Selina's beauty was above praise, and that, even had she
-been less lovely, an _heiress_ was always transformed into a goddess, in
-the pages of a newspaper. She therefore had written, previous to their
-arrival in town, to about twenty of her confidential friends, making
-very slight mention of Selina's person, but giving a most minute detail
-of her property; and thus prepared the paragraph in the Morning Post,
-which next day met Selina's eyes, describing herself as
-
-                      "A creature,
-    Would she begin a sect, might quench the zeal
-    Of all professors else, make proselytes
-    of whom she bid but follow."
-
-Lady Eltondale was excessively entertained at the surprise and confusion
-of Selina, at reading this unexpected compliment to her own charms, the
-real existence of which she was totally unconscious of. As the time had
-arrived when Selina had promised to lay aside her mourning, they
-determined to commence the pleasing toil of shopping that very day, and
-accordingly visited in turn all the jewellers, milliners, mantua-makers,
-corset-makers, and shoemakers, and all the _et cetera_, that disputed
-the palm of fashionable praise. While Lady Eltondale gratified at once
-her love of extravagance and exquisite taste, as she directed that of
-her lovely charge, at the same time she indulged Selina's very natural
-curiosity, by taking her through the different parts of the metropolis;
-for the wary Viscountess was anxious that Selina should not be produced
-to the world's eye, while she was herself too new to its wonders; well
-knowing that all her care and all her instructions, would scarcely
-suffice to check the first warm effusions of an unpractised heart.
-
-Some days passed in this manner; and at last the decorations of Selina's
-lovely person being decided on, the embellishment of her mind was next
-to be attended to, at least so Lady Eltondale termed the cultivation of
-her _talents_; for with her _mind_ she, in truth, little interfered,
-however much she wished to direct the expression of her feelings. To
-perfect her in all the accomplishments of the day, the first masters
-were engaged to attend her. Selina, in her usual lively manner, wrote to
-Mrs. Galton an entertaining description of her various avocations,
-alleging that she was already introduced "to the whole _dramatis
-personae_ of the _Bourgeois Gentilhomme_," consisting of "_un maitre de
-musique_, _un maitre a danser_, _un maitre tailleur_, _plusieurs
-laquais_" and that she hoped "_les hommes du bel air_ would soon make
-the _entree du ballet_."
-
-A beautiful boudoir was resigned to Selina by the Viscountess for her
-morning room, as it by no means was a part of her Ladyship's plan, that
-Selina should be _a porte_ to the train of idle visitors that formed her
-usual levee. She knew the world well enough to be aware, that even
-beauty might grow familiar, and "pall on the eye;" and the more Miss
-Seymour was found difficult of access, the more would her society be
-sought. Therefore in acceding to Selina's entreaty to be allowed to pass
-her morning, as usual, in employment, while apparently only yielding to
-her wishes, she in truth pursued her own. Selina, with gratitude and
-delight, took possession of her little Paradise, for so she deemed it;
-into it she speedily removed her books, her drawing materials, and her
-magnificent new harp, which had been one of her first purchases, and
-there did she devote many hours to practising the lessons she daily
-received; particularly attending to the improvement of her naturally
-fine voice, which she could already accompany tolerably well on her new
-instrument; and often did she find her toil amply recompensed by a
-silent reflection of "how delighted Augustus and aunt Mary would be to
-hear me now!"
-
-Nearly a fortnight had elapsed since their arrival in town, and Lady
-Eltondale became tired of remaining so long in private; for though she
-had, in truth, been out every evening, she had not yet gone to any large
-assembly, not wishing to appear in public without Selina, and choosing
-that her _debut_ should take place at her own house. She therefore sent
-out her cards for "a small party, with music;" and in the selection she
-made of her intended guests, took care that nearly all the leaders of
-_ton_, of both sexes, should be invited, whose fiat could at once
-impress the stamp of fashion on her _protegee_, for of their award she
-felt well assured, as her own silence on her beauty indicated. In the
-mean time she was most assiduous in preparing Selina for the exhibition.
-An easy but beautiful duet was practised and repractised with
-Mademoiselle Omphalie, who declared her full approbation of her quick
-adaptation of her style. Another was "_got up_," in which Selina was to
-accompany Madame ---- on the piano forte, with just as many full chords
-on the harp as would show her beautiful figure to advantage, and impress
-the company with an idea of her manifold accomplishments; and a popular
-air, with brilliant variations, was selected for her performance on the
-piano forte, which was, in truth, the only part of the _scene_ in which
-poor Selina felt the least assurance of success. At last the evening
-arrived, and Selina attended her aunt to the drawing room in a tumult of
-contending feelings: she stood on the threshold of pleasure--hope
-danced in her eyes, whilst the blush of timidity flushed her cheek. The
-magnificence of the apartments, the splendor of the lights, the perfume
-of the flowers, at once dazzled and delighted her. All the rooms were
-opened, and all shone in one blaze of borrowed day except the favourite
-boudoir: it too was open, and in it still sweeter flowers charmed the
-sense. But its simple, though beautiful, decorations, were more obscured
-than shown by the pale light of lamps, which shed almost a moonlight
-around, as they darted their tempered rays through vases of transparent
-alabaster. It seemed like the retreat of luxurious elegance receding
-from the world's glare; and Selina herself appeared like the goddess of
-this blest abode. Her dress had been entirely superintended by the
-Viscountess, as Selina neither understood nor valued the arts of the
-toilet; but her well versed aunt, knowing that the reputation of
-Selina's immense fortune was already sufficiently extended, had
-determined to consider nothing in this her first appearance, but how
-best to heighten her natural loveliness. The style of her dress was of
-the chastest simplicity. Her luxuriant hair, "when unadorned adorned the
-most," shone in no borrowed ornament, but every tress was arranged by
-the nicest hand of art, "then best exercised when least displayed." No
-jewels shed round her their meretricious glare; her gown of pure white
-seemed as spotless as the robe of innocence--but its beauty was not the
-effect of chance: no fold was unimpressed with the finest touch
-experienced taste could bestow; and, as Lady Eltondale turned her eyes
-on the beautiful girl, thus moulded, to all the external perfection she
-could have desired, she smiled at the anticipation of the triumphs that
-awaited her.
-
-The frequent knocks, and rapidly repeated succession of names,
-announced to Selina that the Ides of March were come. Lady Eltondale
-took her station in the most conspicuous part of the rooms, for the
-purpose of receiving her guests; and never was the fascinating elegance
-of her manners more conspicuously displayed than on such occasions. At
-first she kept Selina leaning on her arm, for the purpose of showing her
-blushing charms to all, and of actually introducing her to a favored
-few. But the rooms rapidly filling, and the music being commenced, Lady
-Eltondale left Miss Seymour under the peculiar protection of the old
-Dutchess of Saltoun, whose countenance showed how truly she was
-delighted with her young acquaintance. But Lady Eltondale, in
-withdrawing from Selina, did not cease to observe all her motions. Nor
-was she a little gratified at the universal murmur of applause her
-appearance excited, thus bursting into view in all the heightened effect
-of unexpected beauty. All the fashionable beaux in the room crowded
-round the new star, expressing, in all the variety of tones and
-gestures, their admiration of her loveliness: at last, their profuse
-compliments confusing, rather than gratifying Selina, she looked
-anxiously round for her aunt, and perceived her standing in earnest
-conversation with two gentlemen, in one of whom, with equal surprise and
-pleasure, she recognised Augustus, and the other she rightly conjectured
-to be Lord Osselstone.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-    Quando muovo le luci a mirar voi,
-    La forma che nel cor m'impressa Amore,
-    Io mi sento agghiacciar dentro e di fuore,
-    Al primo lampeggiar de' raggi moi.
-    A le nobil maniere affiso poi,
-    A le rare virtuti, al gran valore,
-    Ragionarmi pian piano, odo nel core[4].
-
-    ARIOSTO.
-
-[Footnote 4:
-
-    When tremblingly I raise my eyes
-    To view that form, which in my breast
-    The hand of Love has deep impressed,
-    My shiv'ring frame, in sudden trance,
-    Congeals beneath thy lightning glance;
-    But soon my heart, in broken sighs,
-    Renews the tale it told before,
-    And, counting all thy beauties o'er,
-    Dwells on thy talents, virtues rare,
-    Thy mind so pure, thy form so fair,
-    Till even hope amid the whispers dies.
-
-N. B. Freezing beneath a _lightning_ glance, in the original--a fair
-example of Italian concetti.]
-
-
-To account for the unexpected appearance of Lord Osselstone and
-Mordaunt together at Lady Eltondale's party, it will be necessary
-briefly to mention, that, soon after Augustus had left Mrs. Galton at
-Bath, the Earl had arrived there, and accidentally renewed their
-acquaintance. The frequent opportunity of intercourse, which all such
-places afford, having produced a degree of unexpected association
-between her and the Earl, it was not unnatural, that the nephew of the
-one and the favourite of the other should frequently become the subject
-of their discourse; and Mrs. Galton delighted in expatiating on the fine
-character of her dear Augustus, with whom she kept up a constant and
-confidential correspondence.
-
-There were few characters so much respected by Lord Osselstone as that
-of Mrs. Galton. Candour and simplicity were the qualities of all others,
-which, by not calling forth from him the defensive armour of distrust
-and penetration, left his heart more open to the impressions of real
-worth. The Earl knew that on common subjects Mrs. Galton could have no
-interest in appearing to him other than she really was; and on the
-subject of Augustus in particular, though he sometimes mentally accused
-her of exaggeration, he was perfectly convinced she was uniformly
-sincere. She once, in her zealous friendship, communicated to his
-Lordship a part of Augustus' correspondence with herself; and to this
-transcript of his mind, which was incontestably written without design
-of being read by a third person, did Lord Osselstone give more credit
-than to her partial representation of the original.
-
-The consequence of these communications became afterwards apparent.
-Lord Osselstone soon removed to London; and one day meeting Augustus in
-the street, he accosted him with so much of the _suaviter in modo_, that
-his at first unbending pride was finally subdued. For never yet had Lord
-Osselstone encountered a rock which he could not dissolve, though by
-more dulcet means than those attributed to the Carthaginian hero; and
-the Alpine snow, which had hitherto enveloped both uncle and nephew,
-being once thawed, a frequency of intercourse, as unsought as unexpected
-on the part of Mordaunt, had taken place between them: not that they
-were yet intimate, or appeared likely to become so. A certain magic
-circle seemed to surround Lord Osselstone; and though the politeness and
-condescension of his manners attracted others to its very verge, there
-was still a secondary, though invisible repulsive power, that forbade
-approach beyond its well defined limits.
-
-Augustus now received frequent invitations to Osselstone House, both
-for large dinner parties, and for the still more flattering distinction
-of a _tete a tete_; but though he daily met with considerate and even
-kind attentions from the Earl, he could not help still feeling he was
-more his _patron_ than his _friend_. Lord Osselstone frequently
-concluded a _tete a tete_ dinner, in which he had exerted every charm of
-conversation for the entertainment of his guest, at the same time
-eliciting all the varied powers of understanding that guest possessed,
-by proposing that he should accompany him to those higher circles of
-fashion, which the Earl still occasionally frequented; and in those
-crowded assemblies where there is so often "company without society, and
-dissipation without pleasure," the heir to Lord Osselstone's earldom was
-always welcome, even where the untitled Augustus Mordaunt would scarcely
-have been noticed.
-
-It may be supposed that Augustus received, with no little trepidation,
-the card his uncle presented him with for Lady Eltondale's assembly. For
-a moment he hesitated whether or not to accept it; but the thought of
-being once more in the same room with Selina soon over-balanced his
-wounded feelings. As he followed his uncle up the sumptuous stair-case
-in Portman-square, while his heart fluttered between pleasure and
-despondency, his mind had wandered back to the scenes of Deane Hall, and
-"days long since gone by." By a natural illusion Selina's figure had
-always floated before his fancy, as he had last seen it clothed in the
-sable garb of woe, with the tear of regret resting on her pallid cheek.
-How different was the blooming form that now presented itself, as at the
-moment of his entering the room his eye intuitively singled her out from
-the crowd that surrounded her. She stood like the queen of beauty
-receiving the homage of all around, her eyes sparkling with animation,
-her whole figure beaming in joy. "Good God, how lovely!" he
-involuntarily exclaimed. But as his protracted gaze discovered the
-alterations her manners and appearance had undergone in the few months
-she had been under the tuition of Lady Eltondale, a cold chill ran
-through his veins, as he recollected the possibility that her mind might
-be equally changed; and renewing his scrutinizing glance, he shuddered
-at the external improvement that had first extorted his admiration, and
-sighed to think of the lovely artless girl, who would once have flown to
-meet him with all the innocence of undisguised delight.
-
-But though Augustus had thus instantly recognized Selina, though his
-eyes had followed her every step, and watched her every motion, she had
-not then discovered him. The moment she did perceive him, her first
-impulse was to move towards the spot on which he stood. But she had
-scarcely taken a few steps, when she as involuntarily stopped. She
-became embarrassed, and had she been more experienced in the waywardness
-of the human heart, she would better have known why, with conscious
-timidity, she hesitated to approach him she was most delighted to
-behold. Augustus watched her approach, and had advanced a few steps to
-meet it, but misconstruing her delay, he turned away with a movement of
-pique and ill defined jealousy, entering into apparently interesting
-conversation with a very pretty girl who stood near him. At the moment
-when Selina came near enough to overhear what he was saying, he was
-busily employed in making gallant apologies to his new friend for not
-having called upon her, though he acknowledged he had been six weeks in
-town.
-
-However he could not long keep his resolution, and he again turned to
-speak to his "heart's best love;" but a pang had shot through Selina's
-soul, as she had learned from his own lips that he had been so long in
-town, and recollected that he had never called in Portman-square. She
-therefore returned his address with a cold politeness, far, far
-different from what her manner to him once had been; and advanced to
-meet Lady Eltondale, who at that moment was bringing up Lord Osselstone
-to introduce to her. His Lordship, at the request of the Viscountess,
-led Selina towards the music-room, where the rest of the musical
-performers were waiting to accompany her in her formidable undertaking.
-The harp was to be her first exhibition, and the poor girl, intimidated
-by the presence of so numerous an audience, and agitated by her
-rencontre with Mordaunt, could scarcely bring her trembling fingers to
-touch the strings with any degree of tolerable accuracy. But Lord
-Osselstone stood beside her, and the calm and dignified support with
-which he endeavoured to encourage her, assisted her in regaining some
-degree of composure. As she advanced in her performance, her eye caught
-the impassioned glance of Mordaunt, and her anxiety to exhibit to him
-her newly acquired accomplishment lent her an unexpected force, which
-enabled her to go through the fiery trial beyond her most sanguine
-expectation. Her playing was of course applauded many degrees beyond its
-real merit; but she quickly retreated from the flattery that at that
-moment was indifferent to her. Her eyes instinctively sought Mordaunt's
-with an anxious, timid, almost beseeching look. His rested on her
-beautiful countenance with an expression no less unequivocal, and for
-once they read aright each other's soul; and many months, nay years
-passed away, before that mutual glance was obliterated from the mind of
-either. Several minutes elapsed before Augustus could make his way up to
-Selina, so closely was she surrounded by the unregarded throng; but when
-he did reach her, one short sentence expressed his delighted surprise
-at her new acquirement. "Do you think dear aunt Mary will be pleased
-too?" whispered Selina. Before he could give any answer to this simple
-query, gratifying as it doubly was by the sympathy it accidentally
-expressed to his feelings at the moment, Lady Eltondale approached, and
-applauded, in the strongest terms, her niece's performance. "Have you
-also learned to sing, Selina?" said Augustus, as he turned over the
-loose music that lay on the piano forte. Lady Eltondale hastily replied,
-with a slight emphasis, "Miss Seymour practises Italian music
-constantly:--Frederick will find, on his return, good singing is not
-confined to Italy." A cold weight fell on Augustus's heart;--the visions
-of happiness, that an instant before had fleeted over his mind, vanished
-like a charm. He gave a deep sigh, and, seemingly without design, turned
-towards Selina a duet that caught his eye. It was Mozart's arrangement
-of Metastasio's beautiful words:--
-
-    "Ah! perdona al primo affetto,
-    Questo accento sconsigliato
-    Colpa fu d'un labbro usato
-    A cosi chiamarti ognor."
-
-Selina read the couplet, and casting her eyes over the following verse,
-coloured deeply at the application she involuntarily made of it. Lady
-Eltondale, who in the mean time had narrowly watched her changing
-countenance, roused her from her reverie by introducing to her at that
-moment Lord George Meredith, who was one of the young men who had been
-loudest in Miss Seymour's praise. His compliments were now however
-disregarded, as Selina looked anxiously round for Mordaunt--but he had
-disappeared. She fancied he had retired to one of the adjoining rooms,
-and made many excuses not only to her companions, but even to herself,
-for restlessly sauntering through them all. Sometimes she recollected
-she had left her fan behind; another time she persuaded herself Lady
-Eltondale wanted her;--but still the object she really sought was not to
-be found. By degrees she became painfully convinced he was actually
-gone. "It is very odd he should go away so abruptly," thought she; "I
-had a thousand things to say to him about aunt Mary." And then a
-confused idea occurring, that the pretty flirting girl, she had seen him
-talking to, had said something about going to a ball after Lady
-Eltondale's party, she mechanically retraced her steps, and finding she
-too had departed, a sickening depression came over her, and she retired
-to the boudoir to recover herself. But she was not long permitted to
-rest in peace:--Sir James Fenton, who, led by Lady Eltondale, entered
-the room laughing with all the exaggerated action that became his
-character, though not his figure, exclaimed, "Where is the Syren? Where
-is the goddess of the night?" Then on perceiving Selina, he resigned the
-arm of the Viscountess with a low bow, and singing with ludicrous tone
-and gesture, "_Dove sei amato bene_," advanced to Miss Seymour, who,
-half dragged, half led, was re-conducted to the music-room.
-
-But the feeling which had supported her in her last effort was now no
-more. The duet, of which Mademoiselle Omphalie had loudly boasted, was
-to commence, and Selina exerted herself to the utmost in its execution;
-but her voice faltered, and before she got half way through it, she
-burst into tears. Her distress, which was thus evidently unfeigned, now
-made her nearly as many friends as her charms had before procured her
-admirers; while Lady Eltondale easily persuaded every body except
-herself, that it could only arise from timidity, and therefore forbore
-to join the general request that the effort might be renewed; while Sir
-James exclaimed, in all the hyperbole of compliment,
-
-    "Sweet harmonist, and beautiful as sweet,
-    And young as beautiful, and soft as young!"
-
-Meantime Lord. Osselstone had advanced towards Selina, and there was
-always something so dignified in his appearance, that those who did not
-know him involuntarily made way for him; and all those who were
-acquainted with him did so mechanically. He at first addressed the
-trembling girl in the language of compliment, but finding her real
-agitation was not to be soothed by the sovereign balm of flattery, he
-gradually turned the conversation on Mrs. Galton. Her eyes then beamed
-with gratitude for his praise, which she believed could not then be
-insincere; and in her tell-tale countenance and artless expressions, he
-read a heart not yet practised in the world's wiles. The company began
-to separate before their conversation ended; and as Selina, on her
-wakeful pillow, recalled to her mind this evening of promised pleasure,
-she sighed to think, that those few calm moments she had passed with
-Lord Osselstone were the only ones, on which she could reflect with any
-tranquillity.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-    What whispers must the beauty hear!
-    What hourly nonsense haunts her ear!
-    Where'er her eyes dispense their charms,
-    Impertinence around her swarms.
-
-    GAY.
-
-
-The next morning Selina arose unrefreshed. She could not in any way
-reconcile to her satisfaction the expression of Mordaunt's countenance,
-when her eyes met his, and his apparently evident design of shunning her
-society. "It is so odd," thought she, "he should never have called to
-see me. He must have known by the newspapers that we were come to town;
-and then he hardly spoke three words to me all last night, yet his looks
-were kinder than ever. Well, I think he'll certainly call to-day." As
-she thus concluded her soliloquy, she turned once more to her
-looking-glass, and, as she revised her dress, an involuntary smile
-played on her lip, as she felt convinced that the negligence of her
-morning costume was not less becoming than her evening attire had been.
-Often, as the hours rolled heavily on, did she saunter to the window,
-and gaze up and down the square, in hopes of descrying Augustus; and
-often, notwithstanding her mortification, did she smile at her own
-ridiculous mistakes, as she still fancied every distant passenger must
-be he, whether tall or short, thick or thin, old or young, ugly or
-handsome. At last, in despair, she retired to her boudoir, and resumed
-her drawing; while Lady Eltondale, who was by no means unmindful of her
-evident restlessness, made no remark upon the subject. At last a loud
-knock proclaimed the arrival of visitors. Selina started from her seat,
-and as instantaneously resumed it. In a moment a footman appeared, with
-"My Lady's compliments, and begs to see you in the drawing-room,
-ma'am." Selina's heart beat at the unusual summons, while her trembling
-limbs scarcely supported her as she prepared to obey it. Great then was
-her disappointment on entering the room, to be overwhelmed at once with
-the united compliments of the whole Webberly family. She had scarcely
-presence of mind sufficient to reply to their various civilities; but
-fortunately their own anxiety to assume the feelings they deemed
-appropriate to the occasion, left them no time to investigate those that
-actually agitated her.
-
-Lady Eltondale soon relieved her from her embarrassment. "Selina, Mrs.
-Sullivan has been good enough to call for the purpose of taking you to
-see the exhibition at Somerset House: I know you will be delighted to
-attend her." Selina turned full round to her aunt with a look of
-astonishment. She could not believe, that Lady Eltondale had consented
-to let her go into public with the very people, whom, of all others,
-she had most frequently ridiculed, against whose society she had most
-frequently inveighed. Lady Eltondale met her wondering gaze with an
-unmoved countenance; and ringing the bell, "Go, my love," said she, "and
-equip yourself as quickly as possible: I will desire John to send Watson
-to you, that no time may be lost; and I will either send my carriage, or
-call for you myself, to save Mrs. Sullivan the trouble of bringing you
-home." Selina perceived, that excuse or reply would be of no avail; and,
-before her surprise was abated, she found herself unwillingly seated as
-a fifth in Mrs. Sullivan's ostentatious equipage.
-
-Little could the artless girl divine the real motive for the
-Viscountess' singular deviation from her professed rule of allowing
-Selina no other Chaperone than herself. In truth Mordaunt had called in
-Portman-square more than once, and had never been admitted; a
-circumstance which he had hitherto wished to attribute either to the
-mistake of the porter, or to the design of the aunt.
-
-But Selina's manner and looks had been so contradictory, and her whole
-conduct had, in his opinion, so nearly approached to caprice, that he
-determined to ascertain whether it were possible she could indeed be
-accessary to his exclusion. He therefore took the opportunity, while
-Selina was moving towards the music-room, to ask Lady Eltondale's
-decided leave to wait on her the next day. The Viscountess, nicely
-discriminating between Lord Osselstone's nephew and Sir Henry Seymour's
-_eleve_, most graciously granted the permission he solicited;
-determining at the same to pretend, when he called, that Selina had gone
-out, even had a less favourable opportunity occurred of ensuring her
-actually having done so. While, then, poor Selina was taken away so much
-against her own inclination, Mordaunt approached Portman-square. At one
-moment he recalled to his mind, with gratitude and delight, Selina's
-mute but eloquent application for his approval of her talents: at the
-next, his heart sunk as he recollected the possibility, that those
-talents were thus sedulously cultivated for another. "But," thought he,
-"I am determined to ascertain her real sentiments; perhaps Lady
-Eltondale obliged her to send me that cruel message; perhaps her heart
-is yet unchanged; or," continued he, his passion rising at the
-recollection of the fatal letter, "perhaps she is only influenced by
-that despicable vanity of her sex, which makes them seek the applause of
-all, while they return the love of none. But why torture myself thus?
-her own conduct will best explain itself." Then, commanding all his
-fortitude to bear the trial, with as much composure as he could assume,
-he entered Lady Eltondale's drawing-room. She received him with that
-grace by which she was so peculiarly distinguished, and with an air of
-unembarrassed kindness, that might have deluded one more experienced. To
-his inquiries for Selina she replied, with an air of perfect candour,
-"She is gone to take a drive with Mrs. Sullivan; I postponed mine," she
-continued, with a gracious smile, "as you had promised to call on _us_;
-but, you know, Selina is very young, and London sights are quite new to
-her. We must all make allowances for the heedlessness of youth," added
-she, in a tone of compassion. "When I answered Frederick's question,
-whether her character was as perfect as he remembered her person
-promised to be, I reminded him that 'most women have no characters at
-all;' and prepared, him for her volatility, which is indeed her
-principal, if not her only fault. She too is prepared for----" Mordaunt
-could not bear to hear the sentence finished. "Is not that my uncle's
-curricle?" said he, starting up, and going to the window. His fair
-hostess used no further effort to prolong his visit; and as soon as
-politeness permitted, he took his leave, with feelings which, if Lady
-Eltondale could have understood, even she perhaps would have pitied.
-
-Meantime Selina proceeded towards Somerset House. It was a delightful
-day; and the rapid motion of the carriage, the gaiety of the streets,
-and even a faint hope that she might, perhaps, meet Mordaunt in her
-drive, all contributed to raise her spirits. At last, as the carriage
-experienced a momentary stop in Bond-street, Selina heard her own name
-pronounced by a voice not unfamiliar to her ear, and hastily turning to
-the speaker, she recognized Mr. Sedley. To inquire where she resided,
-where she was going, and whether he might join the party, was the
-occupation of a moment. It was settled, that he and Webberly should walk
-to Somerset House, as, exclaimed the latter half aloud, "Egad, it is
-too bad to be boxed up here with my mother and sisters, even for the
-sake of the heiress." "Vell," said his mother, as she expanded her ample
-petticoats over the small space she had hitherto permitted him to
-occupy, "I'm sure that's a good riddance of bad rubbish at all events;
-not but Jack's a good-natured feller as ever lived, though he has sadly
-muffled me, to be sure." They reached Somerset House before Mrs.
-Sullivan had fully arranged her draperies, and before Selina had time to
-express half her regrets at hearing Miss Wildenheim had been left in the
-country, but not before the gentlemen arrived to hand them out of their
-carriage. Here Selina's attention was delightedly engaged in examining
-the various specimens of her favourite art, with which she was
-surrounded. Nor could the outrageous compliments of Webberly, the
-vociferous vulgarity of his mother and sisters, or the easy vivacious
-gallantry of Sedley, divert her from her admiration of them, till Lady
-Eltondale called to take her home. As the aunt and niece returned,
-neither of them articulated the name of him, who principally occupied
-the thoughts of both. But no sooner did they reach Portman-square, than
-Selina, running hastily up stairs, tossed over the numberless cards that
-had been left in her absence by the different beaux who had been there
-the night before, and a sigh escaped her as she became unwillingly
-convinced, that Mordaunt's only was not to be found.
-
-Lord Eltondale seldom joined the circle in which alone his Viscountess
-condescended to move; and, except in very large assemblies, either at
-home or abroad, they were seldom seen together.
-
-The same undistinguishing kindness still marked his manner to Selina,
-which she had experienced on her first reception at Eltondale; and he
-continued to think of her as a pretty, lively, good-humoured girl, but
-he had neither time nor talent to ascertain whether she was a _happy_
-one; indeed he never thought about her, except when she was present; and
-thus the occasional depression of her spirits, which was so new in the
-history of Selina's life, passed unnoticed both by the Viscount and his
-Lady, from the total want of reflection in the character of the one, and
-the refinement of duplicity in the other.
-
-On the evening of the day in which Selina visited Somerset House, she
-accompanied Lady Eltondale to the Opera. She had never yet been in any
-theatre. What then were her sensations, when, on the door of her aunt's
-box being opened, she beheld, at one _coup d'oeil_, the assembled
-magnificence of the stage, presented in the last act of a beautiful
-ballet, and that of the audience, which seemed ranged round more to
-increase than to enjoy the splendor of the spectacle? To those who have
-beheld such a scene, with as little experience, and as much capability
-of enjoyment as Selina possessed, no description of its effects would be
-necessary; and to those who have not, no words could give an adequate
-idea of her delight. Lady Eltondale's box was soon filled with
-gentlemen, but nothing had, at first, the power of diverting Selina's
-attention from the stage, whilst the _naivete_ of her remarks, and the
-varying expression of her countenance, gave her every moment new charms.
-Amongst the rest Sir James Fenton and Lord George Meredith were most
-obsequious in their attentions, and loudest in their encomiums. She had
-just turned her head, to listen to a curious account the latter was
-giving of his having been once introduced to Mrs. Sullivan and her
-daughters, and was laughing heartily at his ridiculous imitation of
-their manners, when her eye caught that of Mordaunt, who was standing in
-the pit at no great distance. But his fine countenance no longer bore
-that expression, which she had so fondly treasured in her memory. He
-stood gazing at her, with a cold, almost contemptuous steadiness: no
-beam of tenderness softened the brilliancy of his penetrating eye, that
-seemed to dart into her very soul. She coloured, and returned his half
-salute with one still more expressive of indignant pride; and, with
-increased vivacity, renewed her conversation with Lord George Meredith.
-Mordaunt did not visit their box the whole evening, though Lord
-Osselstone staid in it for some time, occasionally smiling, and
-sometimes even calling forth Selina's observations on the scene, to her
-so replete with novelty and attraction: while once or twice following
-the direction of her unconscious glance, his eyes were directed to an
-opposite box, where Augustus seemed to be evidently renewing his devoirs
-to the pretty Miss Webster, to whom, as Selina thought, he had been so
-unnecessarily civil at Lady Eltondale's assembly.
-
-At last, as the closing scene was almost finished, and the Viscountess
-was preparing to leave her box, escorted by Sir James Fenton, the door
-was suddenly opened by Sedley, who came to attend Selina to her
-carriage; she gave a smothered sigh as she thought "Augustus would once
-have done the same," but accepted the proffered civility, after having
-introduced him to Lady Eltondale; who was already well acquainted with
-him by name, as Frederick Elton's friend and correspondent, and
-therefore she thought him a most desirable attendant on Selina. Thus
-escorted, they hastened to their carriage, and drove without delay to
-join another crowd, at the Duchess of Saltoun's ball. And here Selina
-was, as usual, admired, followed, and flattered. Lord George Meredith
-and Sedley had both engaged her, before they left the Opera, to dance;
-and as it was one of her favorite amusements, she quickly entered into
-all the gaiety that surrounded her, with that vivacity which is so
-natural to youth, and so peculiarly belonging to her character.
-Mordaunt, for the moment, was forgotten; or if his image intruded on her
-mind, it rose as a dark cloud, that threw a gloomy shade on her present
-pleasure, and served but to make her turn to the joys of dissipation
-with increased avidity, as an antidote to its saddening influence. Is it
-to be wondered at, that a girl so totally inexperienced as Selina was,
-should yield a little to the many temptations that now surrounded her?
-Without any calm, steady friend, whose sobered reflection would have
-served as a counterpoise to her natural volatility, she found herself
-suddenly transported from the deepest shade of retirement to the
-brightest blaze of fashion.
-
-Her youth, her beauty, her fortune, all conspired to place her in the
-foremost rank of praise.--All the young men professing themselves her
-admirers, all the women her friends.--Could she for a moment doubt
-their sincerity being equal to her own? And could it be supposed, that,
-believing their truth, she should be wholly insensible to such
-unexpected adulation?
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-    Songez bien que l'amour sait feindre,
-    Redoutez un sage berger,
-    On n'est que plus pres du danger,
-    Quand on croit n'avoir rien a craindre[5].
-
-[Footnote 5:
-
-    Remember still love can dissemble,
-    And even with the wisest tremble;
-    For when we think there's nought to fear,
-    Often danger's lurking near.
-]
-
-
-Balls, parties, operas, followed each other in rapid succession; and as
-rapidly did Selina rise to the very zenith of fashion. She became at
-once the _ton_, and, being so, whatever she said, whatever she did, was
-of course immediately pronounced "wisest, discreetest, best." She had
-many followers, but Lord George Meredith was the only gentleman, who
-had yet openly professed himself to be her suitor. It was, however, far
-from Lady Eltondale's intention, that Selina should make any choice for
-herself; or rather, she determined so to bend her ductile mind, that by
-degrees that choice, which was in reality Lady Eltondale's, should seem
-to be her own. She therefore carefully observed the manner of all the
-young men, who were most sedulous in paying attention to Selina;
-believing that she was fully capable of discriminating, whether their
-intentions went beyond the amusement of the passing moment, and equally
-certain of frustrating any plan that militated against her own. The more
-Selina became _the fashion_, the more steady became Lady Eltondale's
-determination to marry her to Frederick Elton; and with that
-infatuation, which is a natural consequence of self-love, the deeper she
-became engaged in the prosecution of her scheme, the more she felt
-herself interested in its ultimate success. Lord George Meredith soon
-rendered himself an object of her jealousy; and she therefore took an
-early opportunity of casually informing Selina, through an apparently
-accidental conversation with Sir James Fenton, of his Lordship's
-unconquerable passion for gaming, and concluded by turning abruptly to
-Selina, remarking, "that, no doubt, the fine oaks of Deane Hall would
-serve to repair some of his losses; and, as he regularly made love to
-every heiress that _came out_, perhaps Selina might, if she chose,
-procure for herself the hitherto rejected title in reversion of
-Marchioness Starmont." Lady Eltondale's sarcasm was not without its due
-effect: by degrees Selina's behaviour to Lord George sunk into a cold,
-though polite reserve; and his Lordship, understanding the change in the
-manner both of aunt and niece, gradually withdrew his attentions. The
-conduct of Mr. Sedley was much more equivocal, and almost baffled the
-penetration of the Viscountess. It always happened his engagements and
-theirs were the same, and wherever they went he became one of their
-immediate party; but his manner was so perfectly careless, that the
-rencontre seemed purely accidental. He admired Selina's beauty avowedly,
-but with apparently equal _nonchalance_, sometimes complimented Lady
-Eltondale on the elegance of Miss Seymour's dress, and much oftener
-finding fault with Selina herself, if any particular ornament or colour
-in it happened not to suit his fancy. To the Viscountess herself his
-manner was in the highest degree attentive, and even insinuating; and
-had the world in which they moved had time to attend to his conduct in
-particular, it would probably have decided, that he was much more
-assiduous in recommending himself to the aunt than to the niece. He
-would often place himself, for a whole evening, behind Lady Eltondale's
-chair, when the vivacity and singularity of his conversation,
-compounded, as it was, of sense and levity, would withdraw nearly all
-her attention from the rest of the company, while at the same time
-Selina would appear almost unregarded by him. It also often happened, if
-they were at a ball together, he would ask Selina to dance, "provided
-she had not any other partner;" or tell her to "say at least she was
-engaged to him, if any asked her she did not wish to dance with;" and
-such was the pleasure Selina always experienced from his natural
-vivacious manners, that it seldom happened that the engagement was not
-fulfilled. And yet it seemed almost a matter of indifference to him,
-whether it was so or not; he often appeared fully as anxious to procure
-other pleasant partners for her, as to be the chosen one himself. One
-evening, Selina supposed she had engaged herself to him, and waited in
-anxious, though vain, expectation of his coming to claim her hand; and
-when, as his apology for not doing so, he told her laughingly, that he
-had totally forgotten their engagement, she was almost tempted to be
-affronted. But he so good naturedly called the next morning, to bring
-her the music of the last new ballet, and appeared so unconscious of
-having merited her displeasure, that it quickly vanished, and their
-friendship seemed more firmly established than ever.
-
-Certain it is, that Selina felt more at ease with Sedley, than with any
-other of the beaux who now constantly attended in her train. Sometimes
-the compliments of her professed admirers were too exaggerated for even
-her vanity to believe. But, with him, she felt she could at all times
-talk and laugh unrestrainedly; he seemed to have no pretensions, and
-therefore she did not think it necessary to be on her guard against
-either wounding or encouraging them. If the inconsiderateness of her
-buoyant spirits, or her inexperience of the rules of etiquette, led her
-into any trifling dilemma, she was always certain of his good humoured
-and effectual assistance in relieving her from her embarrassment;
-whilst, on the other hand, he had imperceptibly assumed the privilege,
-which she had as unconsciously yielded to him, of reproving her for any
-trifling sin, either of omission or commission, against the laws of
-fashion. She therefore reposed a certain confidence in Sedley, that led
-her to have a different feeling for him, from that she experienced for
-the other individuals by whom she was surrounded. For her natural
-timidity led her almost always to yield her opinion, without contention,
-to that of any other person, whose knowledge or abilities she supposed
-superior to her own. She even felt relieved, by believing she could in
-safety repose on the wisdom of another; for she had never yet been
-placed in a situation, in which she was necessitated to act for herself.
-Her ideas of the perfection of her father and Mrs. Galton had been
-such, that she not only never had disputed their authority, but had so
-entirely relied on their judgment, that her own had never been called
-into action. With her recollections of them Augustus Mordaunt had
-hitherto been united: the first affections of her heart had turned
-towards him, as to the playfellow, the companion, the brother of her
-earliest infancy; and had he too been her guide on her first entrance
-into life, she would probably have been induced to bestow on him a still
-dearer title. But Sir Henry's death, and Lady Eltondale's subsequent
-artifices, had totally separated poor Selina from all these her earliest
-friends. The misunderstanding, which had at first arisen partly from
-accident, between her and Mordaunt, was afterwards carefully increased
-by the crafty Viscountess; and her two unsuspecting victims, by their
-mutual errors, facilitated the success of her machinations. Both,
-conscious of the integrity of their own feelings, avoided rather than
-sought an explanation, which both considered due to their own individual
-pride. By both the perceptible alteration of each other's manner was
-attributed to the change that had taken place in their relative
-situation; and, above all, as the interruption of their intimacy had
-occurred by imperceptible degrees, no opening was left for
-reconciliation by the pretext of decided grievance. Whenever they met,
-which was now but seldom, a mutual indifference seemed to have succeeded
-to that regard, which had once been so prized by both. As yet however
-the indifference was but assumed.--Mordaunt felt, that it would be long
-before reason could extinguish his love for her, who was the world's
-idol as well as his--but every sentiment of wounded affection and
-indignant pride led him to conceal the passion he could not cure--The
-more he became conscious of the necessity of self-control, the more did
-he close up the real feelings of his heart in an impenetrable armour of
-cold and studied reserve. On the other hand, Selina's feelings had taken
-a far different coloring. His having, on their first meeting in town,
-apparently repulsed her advances to a renewal of their former intimacy,
-had given her the severest pang of mortification she had ever
-experienced; but vanity soon came to her assistance, and when she found
-that he alone appeared insensible to those charms which were so prized
-by others, she began, not unnaturally, to attribute his apparent
-unkindness to an insensibility she was undecided whether to resent or
-despise. Whenever, therefore, by accident they happened to be in the
-same society, she rather assumed than corrected the appearance of
-flirtation and coquetry, which was dissimilar to the artless _naivete_
-of her earlier days, and was least suited to the unbending frigidity of
-his present deportment. With these sentiments it is not then to be
-wondered at, that their mutual society should become a source of pain,
-rather than of pleasure, to both; and Lady Eltondale, watching with
-secret satisfaction the widening breach, made it still more irreparable,
-by ostentatiously appearing to court that intercourse, which both now
-evidently wished to shun.
-
-At the same time Sedley, apparently without design, seemed to rise in
-Selina's estimation, in the proportion as Augustus fell, and gradually
-began to insinuate himself into her regard. In Sedley's society Selina
-felt perfectly unrestrained. With him her manners were always natural:
-she felt assured, that he was, as he professed to be, sincerely her
-friend; and she rested with satisfaction on the belief, that he aspired
-to no higher distinction. Even the vigilance of Lady Eltondale was for
-once baffled. Mr. Sedley's situation in life was exactly in that mean,
-which least attracted her notice: his paternal estate was sufficient, as
-she believed, to render even Selina's fortune of no vital importance to
-him; and judging of Selina by herself, she believed it almost
-impossible, that a girl so universally admired, as she undoubtedly was,
-would be content to remain a commoner all her life. Besides, she knew
-Sedley was Frederick's most intimate friend, and therefore she did not
-hesitate to make him the confidant of her views regarding Miss Seymour;
-believing that by doing so she might safely encourage his attendance on
-her niece, and at the same time make that attendance an additional
-defence against the designs of others. But the Viscountess had now to
-learn, that duplicity on one side engenders artifice on the other:
-Sedley was even more in her son-in-law's confidence, than in her own;
-and, while she with wily care cautioned him against allowing Selina to
-suspect her plan, she convinced him, that, in seeking the gratification
-of his own passion, there was no risk of thwarting the affections either
-of his friend, or _the heiress_ allotted to him. It was true, from a
-passage in Frederick's last letter, he was led to believe, that it was
-his intention to pay his addresses to Miss Seymour on his return to
-England, and he therefore cautiously suspended his own operations. "At
-present, (thought he) the girl certainly prefers me to every other man;
-for now she has quite forgot that perpendicular statue Mordaunt, and it
-will be difficult enough for him to revive any regard she might once
-have had for such a philosophical personage as he is, whilst both Lady
-Eltondale and I keep guard over her. Then if she has sense and
-steadiness enough to refuse Elton, when he proposes for her estate, for
-I'll take care she understands he does not care a farthing for herself;
-why then, notwithstanding my pretty Columbina, I will, without any
-remorse of conscience, marry her myself, if it was for nothing but to
-rescue her from that devilish calculator of compound interest, that
-noble aunt of hers--But if that same crafty duenna, that female
-Machiavel succeeds, which, after all, is by no means improbable,
-considering her wickedness and Selina's innocence; why then let them all
-take the consequence. Frederick will get the old oaks--she'll get his
-old title, and I, or any other man, may get her love that pleases." So
-reasoned Sedley--and thus did this modern Pylades acquit himself of the
-charge of any breach of friendship, as he thus deliberately prepared to
-rival his own Orestes.
-
-Far different, and much less successful, were the means adopted by
-Webberly for carrying his designs into execution. He had become
-painfully convinced, that the paths of fashionable extravagance were not
-to be trodden with impunity; and as his credit decreased with his banker
-his attentions to Miss Seymour were redoubled. Whenever she appeared in
-public, as at the theatres, or in the Park, he was her constant
-attendant; "and, like the shadow, proved the substance true," as far at
-least as related to her fortune. But notwithstanding his assiduity, he
-found it almost impossible to procure access to those more distinguished
-parties Lady Eltondale and Sedley frequented; and, being as much
-enlightened by his self-interest as the Viscountess was deceived by
-hers, he determined to keep a watchful eye over his _ci-devant_ friend,
-and heartily repented having ever introduced him at Deane Hall.
-
-While these two competitors were thus, in different ways, striving for
-the golden prize, Selina was not less an object of regard to Lord
-Osselstone.--He, as might naturally be expected, was usually to be met
-in the same circle in which Lady Eltondale moved: but it was more
-difficult to account for the perceptible attention he constantly paid to
-Selina. At first he seemed more than usually pleased with the
-artlessness and vivacity of her manner; and the recollection of the
-kindness of his behaviour to her at the moment of her distress, at Lady
-Eltondale's first party, made her show a sort of confidence in her
-manners and address towards him, that, had she been more experienced in
-the ways of the world, his very superiority might perhaps have
-prevented. But with Lord Osselstone the idea of Mordaunt was inseparably
-connected; and as the recollection of the one became painful, the
-pleasure she had derived from the society of the other decreased. She
-became gradually suspicious of his character, as a greater familiarity
-with it convinced her it was not easily to be understood; and she was
-sometimes tempted to wish, either that she was less an object of his
-Lordship's observation, or that the veil could be entirely withdrawn,
-which seemed so constantly to shroud all his feelings from her view.
-
-At last the day of Selina's presentation at Court arrived. Never had she
-looked so lovely--never was she so much admired.--Her heart beat high
-with exultation, and her eyes sparkled with redoubled animation, as she
-heard her own praise from every lip. When the drawing-room was over, and
-she found herself seated in the carriage with Lady Eltondale, she could
-not, in the vanity of the moment, repress a wish that Mrs. Galton had
-seen how much she was admired: adding, while a smile of conscious beauty
-played on her ruby lip, "I think if Mr. Mordaunt had been at Court
-to-day, even he might have condescended to have acknowledged his country
-friend." It was the first time Selina had voluntarily named him for many
-months, and the Viscountess hailed the auspicious omen. She knew that
-not to breathe a name on which our thoughts most dwell, is even a more
-dangerous symptom, than when it is the sole subject of our conversation.
-The spell with Selina now seemed broken; and Lady Eltondale profited by
-the opportunity afforded, continuing the conversation in a careless
-manner, in hopes of accustoming Selina to the deliberate discussion of
-his negligence towards her. "If (thought she) I can habituate her to
-talk about him, and to talk calmly, the day is my own:
-
-    Lorsqu'on se fache, on peut aimer encore;
-    Lorsqu'on raisonne, on n'aime plus."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-    "The town, the court, is beauty's proper sphere:
-    That is our Heaven, and we are angels there."
-
-
-     MISS SEYMOUR TO MRS. GALTON.
-
-     London, May 25,----
-
-     My dear, dear Aunt,
-
-     Your last letter has made me very unhappy. Is it possible that you
-     can really believe I have forgotten you?--I acknowledge that I have
-     been very very remiss about writing; but indeed my heart has always
-     been right towards you, though perhaps my conduct has not been so;
-     however, I acknowledge my fault in this instance, though Lady
-     Eltondale told me the other day, when I regretted not having
-     answered either of your two last letters, that nobody but me kept
-     a debtor and creditor account of correspondence; and that she was
-     sure you could not really be uneasy about me, as you could never
-     look at a newspaper without seeing my name in it, and of course
-     knowing I was both "alive and merry." And, indeed, I often wonder
-     how people have time to think and write so much about such a
-     foolish girl as I am.--Do you know, the milliners have called a new
-     cap, and a little satin hat, by my name?--Could you have believed,
-     that your poor Selina would ever have been godmother to such
-     bantlings? _Mais le vrai n'est pas toujours vraisemblable_; and I
-     verily am installed, without any probation, into all the dignities
-     of the _ton_. Mr. Sedley always tells me, I must be more than ever
-     attentive to my manners; as, if I was to walk like the
-     "Anthropophagi, whose heads do grow beneath their shoulders," I
-     should make it the fashion, and every other girl would do the
-     same. I do acknowledge, dear dear aunt, that I am quite delighted
-     with London. It far, far exceeds my expectation: indeed all the
-     descriptions of it I used to hear from Miss Cecilia Webberly are so
-     different from what I found the reality to be, that I wonder where
-     she can have met the originals of her extraordinary caricatures.
-     And as for Vauxhall and Astley's, that Miss Martin used to talk so
-     much about, I should hardly believe there were such places in
-     existence, if it was not for the advertisements I sometimes see in
-     the newspapers. Poor Lucy! I wonder what she is doing now at Deane,
-     vegetating in the country, as Lady Eltondale calls it, like a red
-     cabbage, all through the winter. Do you know, aunt, I never like to
-     think of the poor old Hall: I was so very happy there--so
-     cheerful--so contented--you all then loved me so dearly, I had not
-     a wish ungratified: now, in town, I am much more gay, but yet I
-     seldom go into a crowded room, without a kind of feverish anxiety
-     about a something, I know not what; and I seldom return home, at
-     night, without a languor on my spirits I never experienced in
-     former times;--but all that will soon wear away.--I am much fonder
-     now of going to parties than I was at first; for though I always
-     liked balls and the Opera, I did not much admire routs, but now I
-     think them very pleasant, for I generally meet Mr. Sedley, and he
-     is always entertaining, and always kind to me: and, after all, I am
-     determined to like the life I lead. For of what avail would it be
-     to me to regret those quiet peaceful days, which can now never
-     return? and if they did, they would probably appear insipid, after
-     the greater pleasures I have now been accustomed to: so whenever my
-     thoughts happen to turn to the poor dear old Hall, I jump up and
-     immediately seek out Lady Eltondale; and there is something so
-     calm, so elegant, and at the same time so freezing about her, that
-     no person could feel what she calls romance in her presence. Her
-     manners are like the snow on the Alps, they smooth down all the
-     surface, and give a dazzling brilliancy to the whole appearance;
-     but they are cold, almost to petrefaction, and I believe, after
-     all, cover only a heart of stone. Do you know, I have found out
-     lately I could never love Lady Eltondale. I have the greatest
-     reliance on her judgment, and I am sure there is nothing she could
-     _advise_ me to do (for she never _desires_ me to do any thing) that
-     I would not do; but if I was to live with her to all eternity, I
-     should never call her aunt, as I do you; or feel for her, in any
-     degree, as I feel for you. I believe the difference is this--I
-     would go any distance to be with you, or to prove how much I loved
-     you; but if you and Lady Eltondale were to give me contrary
-     directions, (don't be angry,) I should regret that I could not
-     fulfil yours, but I should feel with her there was no alternative.
-     We don't see as much of the Webberly family, at least of the
-     ladies, as I expected; for though they call very often, they are
-     not on Lady Eltondale's "at home" list; and, except one day that I
-     went with them to Somerset House, and last Sunday in Kensington
-     Gardens, I have scarcely met them any where since we came to town.
-     The last time, however, that I saw them, Mrs. Sullivan was all
-     bustle and importance, for she has received an invitation from one
-     of Mr. Sullivan's relations, to go and visit him in Ireland; and
-     she talks so much of his "_intense_ fortune, and great old castle,"
-     which Lady Eltondale, by the bye, says, is only a _chateau en
-     Espagne_. But poor Mrs. Sullivan declares, "her Carline shall be an
-     air-ass after all, as she is sure Mr. Sullivan is so proud of his
-     geology, that he will take care to leave every thing after him to
-     his progenitors; and it is but fair he should give it to her
-     daughter, as all old retailed estates ought to ascend to the hairs
-     male." I sincerely hope, that dear charming Miss Wildenheim will
-     not be dragged after them into one of those horrid Irish bogs: what
-     a pity it is she should, in any way, be united to such a barbarous
-     family; theirs is certainly the connection of _la belle et la
-     bete_. But I had almost forgot to tell you, that Mrs. Sullivan and
-     her son and heir intend to do me the honour of adding me to their
-     establishment also. I wish I could describe Mr. Sedley's manner and
-     words, as he entertained Lady Eltondale and me last night at the
-     Opera, with an account of Mr. Webberly having invited him to
-     dinner, for the express purpose, he says, of informing him of his
-     intention to propose for me, in form, very shortly; and that Mr.
-     Webberly told Mr. Sedley this, lest he should have any intention of
-     doing so himself. I don't know whether the idea of Mr. Webberly's
-     own design, or his ridiculous suspicions of Mr. Sedley's, amused
-     Lady Eltondale or him most: however they both agreed, that it was
-     quite impossible I should ever marry a commoner. I wish you knew
-     Mr. Sedley well, as I am sure you would like him, and be convinced
-     that your prejudice last autumn, and your idea that he was
-     unprincipled, would soon vanish. He is uncommonly good natured, and
-     always tells me all my faults, and I am not the least afraid of him
-     as I am of Lady Eltondale; indeed he is the only person in town I
-     have real pleasure in conversing with. When I talk to any body
-     else, I am always afraid of their misconstruing either my vivacity
-     or my gravity. But Mr. Sedley's conversation is always adapted to
-     the turn of the moment. If I am gay, he does not accuse me of
-     levity; and if I am inclined to talk rationally, he does not call
-     it pedantry. Would you believe it, the other night, when I know Mr.
-     Webberly thought he was making love to me, we were literally
-     talking of Montesquieu's _Esprit des Loix_, which you may remember
-     was one of the last books we read together--I mean with Mr. Temple.
-     Lady Eltondale is to give a great ball next week; I believe soon
-     after that we shall leave town. Lord Osselstone, whom I meet
-     constantly----Lady Eltondale has this moment called me into the
-     drawing-room--I must go.--Good bye, dear dear aunt.
-
-     Yours most affectionately,
-
-     SELINA SEYMOUR.
-
-The pretext the Viscountess made use of for interrupting Miss Seymour
-was, that she might comply with Mr. Sedley's request of showing him her
-drawings, as to see _them_ was ostensibly the purpose for which he had
-called that morning; though in truth a day seldom passed, in which he
-did not find some good reason for visiting Portman square. Selina made
-no hesitation in producing them; for, though she was not quite exempt
-from the foible of personal vanity, yet she was entirely free from that
-despicable affectation, which assumes the appearance of modesty, when
-the reality is most wanting. Her drawings were, in truth, beautiful, and
-much superior to the common school girl exhibitions of would-be artists.
-But her knowledge was even superior to her execution; and she so
-correctly appreciated the merits of her paintings, that she received
-both the encomiums and the criticisms they produced with equal candour.
-While her miniatures and her portfolio were lying on Lady Eltondale's
-table, Lord Osselstone was announced. At first he expressed the surprise
-he felt, at thus unexpectedly discovering Selina's talent, and then
-complimented her on her excellence with his usual politeness. But
-believing Sedley's gallantry was more agreeable than his own, he
-gradually withdrew with Lady Eltondale to another part of the room.
-Their attention was, however, soon attracted by a _brouillerie_ that
-had arisen between Sedley and Selina. It appeared, that he had possessed
-himself of a drawing out of her portfolio, which he seemed determined to
-retain; alleging it was a subject that particularly suited his taste;
-while she was still more anxious to regain the stolen treasure. In the
-struggle that ensued, the drawing fell to the ground; and Lord
-Osselstone, stooping to pick it up, discovered it to be a beautiful
-portrait of a pointer. The dog, at full length, was inimitably drawn;
-and over the different parts of the paper the same head was sketched in
-pencil, in a variety of different attitudes; and in one corner was
-written also in pencil these lines of Metastasio's Partenza:--
-
-    Soffri che in traccia almen
-    Di mia perduta pace,
-    Venga il penner sequace
-    Su l'orme del tuo pie.
-    Sempre nel tuo cammino,
-    Sempre m'avrai vicino[6].
-
-[Footnote 6:
-
-     At least allow that in the track,
-    Once mark'd by joys now fled,
-    My wandering thoughts may trace the path
-    Which thy dear footsteps tread:
-    For once where'er those footsteps stray'd,
-    Still, still beside thee I delay'd.
-]
-
-"I have seen the original of that admirable portrait," said Lord
-Osselstone, in a tone of inquiry, as he politely returned the drawing to
-its mistress; while at the same time his dark penetrating eye rested
-full upon hers. She looked down instantly, and blushing deeply, replied,
-"Perhaps your Lordship may have seen the dog: I meant it for Carlo. I
-only drew it from recollection:--it's a mere daub of no value now;" and
-so saying, she tore the drawing into a thousand pieces. Mr. Sedley
-uttered a volume of apologies and regrets; and Lady Eltondale, half
-laughingly half sarcastically, remonstrated at her not having sooner
-been informed of Miss Seymour's talent for taking dogs' portraits;
-alleging that she would now make Mignon sit for his picture. Then seeing
-that Selina's embarrassment was increased, and Lord Osselstone's
-observation of it not withdrawn, she proposed adjourning to Selina's
-boudoir, to see some of her other miniatures that adorned it. Here her
-various occupations, her books, her harp, her work-box, all of which had
-evidently been lately used, served by Lady Eltondale's address as fresh
-subjects of conversation; and the current of Selina's thoughts being as
-rapidly turned, she soon resumed her natural gaiety; and perhaps Lord
-Osselstone's regret was scarcely less manifested than Sedley's, when the
-arrival of Lady Eltondale's carriage put an end to their visit.
-
-The Viscountess made no further mention of Carlo's portrait, and both
-the original and the picture seemed to have entirely vanished from
-Selina's recollection, till a few days afterwards she discovered on her
-writing table in the boudoir an exact representation of Carlo himself in
-a _garde de feuille_. The dog was in bronze, on a marble pedestal, and
-on his collar were engraved the words, "_Je la garderai pour mon
-maitre._" Selina was not less delighted than surprised at this
-unexpected present; and immediately ran to thank Lady Eltondale for it,
-conceiving her to have been the donor. But she denied any knowledge of
-it, and they both concluded the gallantry must have been Sedley's.
-Accordingly the next time they met him, Selina made her acknowledgements
-for the gift. At first he expressed, in the most natural manner, his
-surprise at her address, and affected total ignorance of the occasion of
-her gratitude. But notwithstanding his laughable confusion and affected
-unconcern, both the Viscountess and her niece attributed the present to
-him;--a circumstance that gave room for reflection to both their minds,
-though the feelings it occasioned in each were far different.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-    The enchantress summons to a splendid hall:
-    ---- ---- In gay festoons around
-    Bloom'd many a wreath with rose and myrtle crown'd.
-    --The nymphs, who late encompassing their queen
-    Round her bright throne, like hov'ring clouds were seen,
-    Now range themselves to wind the magic dance;
-    The magic dance of pow'r, the dead to raise,
-    Or draw embodied spirits down to gaze;
-    Now pair by pair, now groupe by groupe unite,
-    The loveliest forms in thousand folded light.
-
-    SOTHEBY'S OBERON.
-
-
-Before the day arrived which had been fixed for Lady Eltondale's ball,
-to which Selina alluded in her letter to Mrs. Galton, a note from Lord
-Osselstone was received by the Viscountess, desiring her commands to
-Vienna, and informing her, that he and his nephew purposed immediately
-commencing a tour to the continent they had long meditated.
-
-Selina felt almost relieved by the certainty of Mordaunt's absence, for
-she still felt a degree of painful embarrassment in his presence, though
-she had taught herself no longer to expect any attention, and scarcely
-even recognizance from him in public. Nor was she much more at ease in
-the society of Lord Osselstone. Whenever he was near her, whatever might
-be his apparent occupation, she still felt an indescribable
-consciousness, that she was the object of his peculiar attention.
-Sometimes a sort of reflected sensation in her own eye led her to
-believe, that his was fixed upon her; though often, when this feeling
-made her look round to meet his glance, she would perceive it was
-directed elsewhere. At other times, if engaged in conversation, when she
-had no idea whatever of his proximity, she would discover, by some
-casual observation, that he had heard all she had said; and his
-Lordship would then continue the discourse, be it what it might, in the
-strain best adapted to the moment; for Lord Osselstone particularly
-excelled in the talent of conversation:--he could--
-
-    "Choose a firm cloud before it fall, and in it
-    Catch, ere she change, the Cynthia of the minute."
-
-Whether the subject was lively or sententious, gay or serious, his
-abilities seemed equally applicable to all. At times his wisdom would
-call forth Selina's powers of reasoning; at others he would encourage
-the playfulness of her wit, till it "touch'd the brink of all we hate."
-But beyond that verge no temporary exhilaration of spirits ever betrayed
-the chasteness, the delicacy of Selina's judgment. And yet,
-notwithstanding the urbanity and politeness of Lord Osselstone's manners
-to Selina, she never felt herself perfectly at ease with him. She could
-not be secure of what his real sentiments were, therefore, by a natural
-consequence, she was diffident in the expression of her own. She once
-described her feelings in regard to the Earl, by saying to Lady
-Eltondale, in her usual playful manner, "When I talk to Lord Osselstone,
-I always feel as if my mind was on stilts; and, though he seems only to
-follow my lead in conversation, I get almost out of breath, lest I
-should not keep up to my traces; but when I talk to Mr. Sedley, his chat
-runs on with mine in its own natural way, sometimes scarcely creeping
-along, and at others setting off in a full gallop: a Frenchwoman would
-say, "_Je debite avec l'un et cause avec l'autre._""
-
-By this fortunate continental tour Selina was relieved from the dread of
-encountering, on the festive night, the only two people whose presence
-ever damped the amusement she derived from those scenes of gaiety in
-which she now shone so conspicuous; and, with unmixed delight, did she
-anticipate the fete, which, in her opinion, would eclipse all that ever
-had preceded it. The munificent allowance which, by her father's will,
-was made to the Viscountess for Selina's residence with her, was by no
-means an unacceptable addition to Lord Eltondale's income; for though he
-"never had time" to look into his own affairs, and was little aware of
-the real extent of their derangement, yet the constant remonstrances of
-his steward convinced him most unwillingly, that they were in a very
-embarassed state. It was not, however, Lady Eltondale's intention, that
-the sums received for the maintenance of her niece should be
-appropriated to the discharge of any of her husband's debts;--she
-claimed them as her own, and expended them in increased extravagance and
-dissipation. So sensible was she of the advantages she derived from
-Selina's remaining with her, that, though anxious for the match
-ultimately being made between Miss Seymour and Mr. Elton, she was by no
-means anxious, that their union should take place before the expiration
-of her minority, at which period she knew that her niece would of course
-form an establishment of her own.
-
-The ball, which was now announced by the Viscountess, was ostensibly
-given for Selina; and all that taste could design, or expense procure,
-was put in requisition for the magnificent display. Selina, who had
-never by deprivation been taught the real value of riches, was delighted
-at the splendid preparations, and became a docile pupil in the arts of
-profusion under the admirable tuition of her aunt. Lady Eltondale was
-the character above all others most dangerous for the guidance or
-imitation of youth. Her faults were so varnished by the specious
-elegance and charms of her manners, that even the experience of age
-hesitated to bestow on them the stigma of vice, while the most
-thoughtless could not fail to discover, that she neither revered nor
-understood the fixed immutable rules of virtue. It is true the breath of
-scandal had never sullied the gloss of her fair fame; but for this,
-perhaps, she was more indebted to the frigidity of her heart, than to
-the rectitude of her principles; and that total annihilation of all
-feeling, which she recommended both by precept and example, was more
-likely to eradicate the better sentiments of benevolence and generosity,
-than to serve as an effectual preventive against the temptations of
-passion.
-
-Lady Eltondale was scarcely less anxious than was Selina, that her
-entertainment should stand foremost in the annals of fashionable
-dissipation; for many little springs of self-interest were now set in
-motion in the calculating head of the Viscountess. She was arrived at
-that age, not only of her natural life, but of her existence in the
-world of fashion, when she felt it not undesirable to procure some
-auxiliaries, to support her on that pinnacle she had for many years
-occupied. She could not forget, that before her marriage she had been
-followed and flattered as a beauty, nor that, when she assumed her
-present title, she had been still more courted as a leader of ton; but
-she now felt conscious, that both those enviable distinctions were
-beginning to fade, and she was therefore not unwilling to profit by the
-various advantages she derived from the society of her niece, whose more
-novel attractions drew renewed crowds to her assemblies, and fresh
-visitors to her door. Nor did any personal jealousy interfere with the
-more substantial pleasures she enjoyed by being _chaperone_ to Miss
-Seymour. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that their beauty was so
-dissimilar, that their individual admirers would always be distinct; nor
-did she believe that any person, who was capable of duly appreciating
-the high polish of her more matured grace, would be diverted from their
-admiration by the unstudied, though exuberant charms of a girl of
-seventeen. It was therefore with more satisfaction than envy, that Lady
-Eltondale contemplated the unparalleled success of Selina's toilet on
-the night so eagerly anticipated by both, as she appeared--
-
-          "In brilliancy of art array'd,
-    Jewels and pearls in many a curious braid,
-    Show that the unnotic'd di'mond's sunlike rays
-    Fail to eclipse the self-resplendent blaze,
-    Which round the unrivall'd charms of native beauty play'd."
-
-"Vhy, Miss Seymour, I never seed nothing like that ere sprig in my
-life," said Mrs. Sullivan, bustling through the crowd up to Selina, who
-had just finished the first dance with the young Duke of Saltoun. "All
-the vay as you vent up and down the middle, it nodded about and sparkled
-so--you looks for all the 'versal vorld like the queen of dimonds." "Or
-rather the queen of hearts," said young Webberly, with a low bow and a
-deep sigh; while Selina, meeting Sedley's glance, could scarcely receive
-his compliments with a becoming composure of countenance. "Or if," said
-Sedley, advancing, "you want a simile, Webberly, suppose you call Miss
-Seymour the planet Venus, shining at night with unrivalled
-splendour;--that will do, you know, ma'am, both for the sprig and the
-lady," continued he, turning with a ludicrous reverence to Mrs.
-Sullivan. "Vhy as for the matter of that there, Mr. Sedley," replied the
-indignant matron, "my Jack could raise a smile himself in no time,
-without no promoting of any one's else's whatsomdever. He's not such a
-ninny-headed feller neither as you seem to take him for, Mr. Sedley. He
-can see as far into a millstone as e'er a one, Mr. Sedley; and, as far
-as his mother tongue goes, he can talk orthography with you or any one
-else." "No doubt, my dear ma'am," returned he, with immoveable gravity,
-"and nothing can surpass his mother's tongue;--
-
-                       "'In her
-    There is a prone and speechless dialect
-    Such as moves men: beside she hath a prosp'rous art,
-    When she will play with reason and discourse.'"
-
-"Aye, aye, Mr. Sedley, you may go on as you please; preside in your own
-vay, but remember I knows what's what. I can tell Miss Seymour here,
-impudence is a bad prostitute for honesty." Though Selina could not
-quite understand the full import of Mrs. Sullivan's observations, which
-she endeavoured to render still more significant by shrugs and gestures;
-yet by the heightened colour of the lady's complexion, and a transient
-gravity that passed over the countenances of both gentlemen, she plainly
-discovered the conversation had taken a turn unpleasant to all parties;
-therefore, with that true politeness which arises from natural
-benevolence, she endeavoured to soothe the irrascible feelings of each,
-by diverting their thoughts into another channel. To Mrs. Sullivan she
-paid an elegant, and not very exaggerated compliment on Cecilia's
-particularly good looks. To Mr. Webberly's request that she would dance
-with him, she acceded with an alacrity, that seemed to verify her
-expression of regret that her other engagements obliged her to postpone
-hers with him for some dances; and by sending Sedley on an embassy to
-Lady Eltondale, she prevented a renewal of the skirmish between him and
-the offended mother, which the equivocal expression of his countenance
-led her to believe was not an impossible event. "Lawk, mama!" exclaimed
-Miss Webberly, in an elevated tone, as soon as he had left the groupe,
-"I wonder you can condescend to notice him so;--you're always fighting
-him now." "Vhy I know, Meely, I oughtn't to demon myself to such a
-feller; but I can't bear, not I, to see him ballooning (lampooning) poor
-Jack there, while every feature in his physiology shows that he's
-mocking him up all the time:--I can't bear no such hypercritics, not I."
-Cecilia now warmly undertook his defence, which she entered upon with
-still more zeal as the subject of her mother's philippic had made an
-_amende honorable_ to her at least, by engaging her for the same set
-that her brother was to dance with Miss Seymour, who in the mean time
-having succeeded in parting the combatants, had gone to resume her
-station amongst the dancers.
-
-The time at last arrived for the fulfilment of Selina's engagement with
-Webberly, and they stood up together. At first the youth was so busily
-engaged in settling his cravat, putting on and taking off his glove, and
-eyeing askance his neighbour the Duke of Saltoun, all of whose motions
-he endeavoured to imitate, that he had no time to attend to his fair
-partner. At last he recollected his duty, and hastily stepping across
-the dance, prepared to give utterance to a tender speech he had composed
-in the morning. But as he stooped forward to pour the soft accents in
-his fair one's ear, having, like the simple partridge, safely deposited
-his head, he became careless of the rest of his person; and
-unfortunately his noble prototype the Duke, at the same moment exerting
-himself vigorously in a Highland fling, came unexpectedly in contact
-with the dying swain, and threw him sprawling into the arms of his
-mistress, before either were prepared for so novel a situation. The
-salute was as little agreeable to poor Selina as it was unexpected, and
-she hastily disengaged herself from Webberly before he had succeeded in
-recovering his balance, or the Duke had uttered more than half his
-apologies. At last the youth accomplished regaining that erect posture,
-which is man's first characteristic, and returned in silence to his
-place opposite Selina, where he occupied himself, indefatigably in
-pulling down his coat behind, pushing up his hair before, and looking
-sternly round, in the vain hope of suppressing the titter that buzzed on
-all sides of him. Thus without his renewing the attack, did they reach
-in silence the top of the dance, and before the effect of his disaster
-was obliterated from his mind or his countenance, their turn came to
-begin. He now determined, by increased exertions, to make amends for his
-unfortunate commencement, and by dint of manual labour to eclipse even
-the Duke of Saltoun in agility. His figure was athletic, and his limbs
-were ponderous; but art, in nature's despight, had made him at least an
-active dancer. And now he cut, and he leapt, and he sprang into the air,
-till the perspiration burst from his forehead. If by chance he got
-foremost down the middle, he dragged Selina's fragile form after him,
-_vi et armis_, the whole length of the set; but this inconvenience she
-did not often encounter, for he generally spent so much longer time than
-necessary in his coupees, and his settings, and his pirouettes, that he
-was forced to sail down the middle after his partner, like another
-Johnny Gilpin, while with terror in their countenances all beholders
-cleared the course before him. It was impossible for Selina long to
-endure the danger and fatigue of such a partner; and before they had
-half measured the length of the set, (except by the flying visits before
-mentioned) she proposed retiring to the bottom. But that situation was
-not more propitious to our hero than the top had been; long before he
-became stationary his breath was exhausted, and that gradual extension
-of the lungs, which he intended to be the
-
-    "Softest note of whisper'd anguish,
-    "Harmony's refined part,"
-
-became an audible and protracted groan, whilst his eyes, starting from
-their sockets from the violence of his exertions, were any thing but the
-messengers of passion. "Good God! Miss Seymour, what is the name of your
-partner?" exclaimed Sir James Fenton, as he calmly surveyed the gasping
-hero through his spy-glass:--"Mr. Weatherly do you call him? Poor young
-man! he must dance for the good of his health! Tam O' Shanter himself
-never saw such 'louping and flinging' as he has exhibited to-night--pray
-introduce me to him." Then without waiting for the solicited
-presentation, he advanced to the new Vestris, and, with all possible
-gravity, began to compliment him on "his astonishing performance." Each
-compliment called forth a fresh specimen from the flattered beau, as he
-was turned, or otherwise joined in the dance, to the infinite amusement
-of the surrounding crowd; and what between the necessary application of
-his pocket handkerchief, the exhibition of his extraordinary talent,
-and the proper returns of bows and smiles to every address of the
-malicious Sir James Fenton, he had no time left for courtship.
-
-Supper was at length announced, and Sedley, who with his partner had
-been standing near Selina, offered her his arm, alleging, that Mr.
-Webberly was too busy just then to attend to her: "Yes, (replied Selina
-laughingly, passing her arm through his) my Achilles seems only
-vulnerable in the heel to-night." But Cecilia not choosing to lose any
-share of Sedley's attention, roared out, "Why, brother! brother John,
-what are you capering there for, like a great jack-ass, as you are, and
-leaving Miss Seymour to take care of herself?" The hint was not lost
-upon him--he made one _entrechat_ which cleared the intimidated throng,
-and brought him to Selina's side, then seizing her hand, he led her
-triumphantly off before she had time to remonstrate, or he to recover
-sufficient breath to apologize for his previous inattention. However he
-fully determined to make up for his lost opportunity at the supper
-table; and therefore, fearful of interruption, was by no means desirous
-to find room for his mother and sister, who with Sedley and Cecilia
-joined them. But Miss Seymour's politeness to her guests counteracted
-his design; and while he was fortifying himself with a copious draught
-of _champagne_, as a necessary preliminary to the declaration he
-purposed making, Mrs. Sullivan was endeavouring to insinuate herself
-into the little space which her daughters had reserved for her, with
-more attention to their own comfort, than to their parent's
-circumference. At last, however, she became seated, and, with maternal
-solicitude, immediately turned her anxious eye on her beloved son's
-countenance. But great was her dismay, and rapid was her utterance, as
-the following eloquent address burst forth in a sharp _contralto_ key,
-"Vhy, Jack! Lord deliver me, Jack! you be all of a lather! And your
-nose, child, as smutty as a sweep's, from one end to t'other; why what,
-in the name of mercy, have you been about? Oh! vhy your hands be puxzy,
-I suppose, and so they have taken all the japanning off Miss Seymour's
-fan here, I suppose."--"Mother can't ye mind your own business, and
-leave mine alone," roared the dutiful son, in a voice of thunder, at the
-same time profiting by the hint he condemned, and again wiping his
-face.--"Vhy I only tell you for own good, Jacky; but you are grown so
-copious of late, there's no wenturing to speak a vord, and my advice
-never makes no oppression on you, else I'd discommend your buttoning
-your waistcoat; and if you impress that ere wiolent perspiration you're
-in, I shall have you laid up in a titmouse fever, that's all Jack.--I
-know it ba'nt the fashion to mind any thing a parent says, now-a-days;
-but if I vasn't your own mother that bared ye, you'd attend to me, fast
-enough; though, (continued she, turning to Selina,) Miss Seymour, a vife
-is another guess matter to a young man; and Jack would make a wery good
-husband, I'm certain, if you'd but fancy him, though he's not quite so
-diligent to me as he might be."
-
-Meantime, poor Jack, his faculties almost benumbed with his mother's
-rhetoric, and his own previous exhaustion, had allowed her to proceed
-without interruption, while he busied himself in buttoning the
-unfortunate waistcoat, that had called forth her animadversions. But his
-evil stars still pursued him: in his agitation he also buttoned up the
-greater part of the very pocket handkerchief which had before been in
-such constant requisition; one unlucky corner alone escaped; and, as he
-stood up to help himself to a fresh bottle of _champagne_ that was at
-some distance, this singular appendage struck his anxious parent with
-fresh dismay. Her exclamations, at his extraordinary appearance, were
-too much for the risible muscles of the rest of the company. A universal
-shout of laughter burst from the whole table. In vain did Mrs. Sullivan
-roar out, "Button it up, Jack! button it up!" In vain did Jack cast the
-most indignant glances, not only upon her, but upon the whole company.
-The laugh was not to be repressed; and, starting up, with a tremendous
-oath, the unfortunate Webberly rushed out of the room.
-
-It may be supposed, Selina did not much regret his absence; and in the
-following dance, Sedley's inimitable caricature of the whole family
-amply compensated to her for the trifling mortification their vulgarity
-had occasioned. To use the language of the Morning Post, "The dancing
-was continued till a late hour, when the company departed, highly
-gratified by the splendor of the entertainment, the elegance of the
-hostess, and the unrivalled charms of her accomplished niece."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-     Here's another letter to her: she bears the purse too, she is a
-     region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheater to them
-     both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be my East and
-     West Indies.
-
-     MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
-
-
-As fate had hitherto been so unpropitious to young Webberly, and his
-anxious mama, in their personal interviews with Miss Seymour, they
-decided, at their next _tete a tete_, which was generally of a much more
-friendly nature than their public communications, that he should not any
-longer delay making his proposal in form, which Mrs. Sullivan could not
-believe she would hesitate in accepting; for, like the monkey in the
-fable, she thought nothing equalled her own progeny. On this occasion
-at least, her son implicitly followed her directions; he was aware that
-his finances were so reduced, he should never be able to stand another
-London campaign, without some new resource, and the gaming table had
-lately not been as productive a one as he usually found it. With the
-assistance of his sisters, he therefore composed a letter full of darts,
-and wounds, and happiness, and agitation, and gratitude, and eternity;
-and "used the arts that lovers use;" in hopes, by the superabundance of
-his professions, to compensate for his real indifference. For, in truth,
-he cared only for Selina's fortune, as he actually loved Miss
-Wildenheim, as much as it was in nature for so selfish a being to love
-any body. And though he was equally as incapable of justly appreciating
-her character as of understanding Selina's, yet her talents were so
-veiled by the calm dignity of the manners, that he felt less intimidated
-by them than by the brilliant vivacity of Selina's. But, in
-anticipating the possibility of becoming Miss Seymour's husband, he
-fully, in imagination, indemnified himself for the temporary
-mortifications her undoubted superiority now occasioned him, by the
-magnanimous resolution of treating her, when she became his wife, with
-all possible contempt; believing, as many husbands do in similar
-situations, that an ostentatious display of authority will persuade
-others, that the dependent is really the inferior being, like the boy on
-the ladder, who tramples on that which alone supports him.
-
-Selina and Lady Eltondale were together, when the Viscountess was
-presented with an enormous packet, sealed with a coat of arms as ample
-in its expansion as it was modern in its date; "Good Heavens!" exclaimed
-her Ladyship, holding up the cover, "arms! and the man; here, Selina,
-the envelope only is for me: your _nouveau riche_ admirer requests I
-will present to you this inimitable manuscript." Selina hastily ran
-over the composition, which had cost some hours to indite; and then, no
-longer able to keep her countenance, burst into a hearty fit of
-laughter, while her cheeks mantled with blushes, "Well, at last, Lady
-Eltondale, here is the promised proposal: I had no idea what a real love
-letter was--pray read it." "No my dear; excuse me, my dear: all such
-tender professions are similar, they '_consistent a dire aux femmes avec
-un esprit leger et une ame de glace, tout ce qu'on ne croit pas, et tout
-ce qu'on voudrait leur faire croire_[7].' I am much more curious to know
-what your answer will be."--"A refusal undoubtedly," replied Miss
-Seymour; "but I must request of you, Lady Eltondale, to convey it for
-me." "You know, Selina, you are your own mistress; it is unnecessary
-for me to offer any advice." Selina felt the rebuke; but before she
-could make any apology, her aunt continued, "In this instance I think
-you right: title, my dear, is the only thing to marry for; it is
-terrible to be obliged to purchase one's place in society; and even the
-richest commoners are only valued in proportion to their expenditure;
-whereas a nobleman maybe as poor and as shabby as he pleases, his wife
-must always have precedence." "But surely, Lady Eltondale, you would not
-have me marry for precedence." "It is what ninety-nine girls out of a
-hundred marry for," resumed the Viscountess, with perfect _sang froid_;
-"and as I do not see much difference in your character from that of the
-rest of your sex, I conclude what makes others happy would satisfy you."
-"I think," replied Selina, hesitatingly, "I should never be happy,
-unless I married a man whom I loved and esteemed, and who, I was very
-sure, loved me." "Ha! ha! ha! very sentimental, indeed! Child, that
-would do admirably for a novel, but in real life, take my word, such
-nice distinctions are but little attended to: fine feeling is an
-essence, that soon evaporates when exposed to common air; it is
-generally adviseable to have something substantial at bottom, to fill up
-the phial when the effervescence subsides." "But, is it possible, Lady
-Eltondale, that you would have me marry a man I could not love or
-esteem, or who did not love me?" inquired Selina, in a tone of gravity
-more approaching to censure, than her noble aunt had ever before heard
-her use. "Pian! piano! carissima! half your proposition is defensible;
-and to that half I willingly accede. When a woman marries, the only
-thing necessary for her to be assured of, is her own heart, or rather
-her own mind. Every man, when he asks your hand, will certainly profess
-to love you; time and experiment can only prove his sincerity, or his
-steadiness;--but you, with all Mrs. Galton's philosophy in your head,
-must acknowledge, that all a woman's comfort in life depends on her not
-knowing the pangs of repentance." "Assuredly." "Well then, a woman who
-marries for love, generally sacrifices nine tenths of her life to a
-passion, that can, at best, last but a few months; and spends her
-remaining years in regretting her 'fond dream:' but she who calculates
-well before she marries, and weighs calmly the _pour_ and _contre_ of
-the lot she chooses for life, can, at all events, never repent the
-choice, which she made deliberately. But, however, why should we cavil
-about words, when there is not a chance of our ever dissenting in
-action?" Then reaching out her beautiful hand to Selina, with a
-bewitching smile, "Come, my love," added she, "tell me what I am to say
-for you to your _inamorato_." And then, by Selina's dictation, she
-returned a polite, but positive refusal to the obsequious Webberly.
-
-[Footnote 7: Proceeding from a frivolous head and a cold heart, their
-object is to express to women all that men do not feel, and all they
-wish to persuade them they do.]
-
-The time now approached for Lord and Lady Eltondale's leaving London, if
-so might be called that removal of their physical bodies to another
-scene of action, where their habits, their pursuits, and their
-associates remained the same. The Viscountess had not yet completed the
-annual circle of dissipation, and it was therefore determined, that
-while Lord Eltondale returned home alone, her Ladyship and Selina
-should, by a visit to Cheltenham, protract for a still longer time their
-return to the comparative retirement of Eltondale. Of course the due
-preparation for this new scene of gaiety served as an excuse for renewed
-visits to the whole circle of shops. In one of these expeditions Lady
-Eltondale had left Selina at Mrs.----'s, in Bond Street, while she paid
-a visit in the neighbourhood; and Selina was just in the act of trying
-on a bonnet, that the officious milliner declared was supremely
-becoming, when her ears were suddenly assailed by the loudest tone of
-Mrs. Sullivan's discordant voice, "Yes, it be wastly becoming, to be
-sure; but, for my part, I thinks a little servility and policy, much
-more becoming to a young lady, be she never so much of an airy-ass. Aye,
-Aye, Miss Seymour, you may stare and gobble; but it's to you, and of
-you, I'm a speaking." "Of me, ma'am?" returned the half frightened
-girl. "Yes, Miss, of you, with all your looks of modesty and
-ingeniousness;--but in my day, whenever a young lady got a love letter
-from a young man, she never lost no time in supplying to him; and, for
-my part, I think a purling answer to a civil question would never do
-nobody no harm, if it was the queen herself, in all her state of
-health." "If you allude to a letter from Mr. Webberly"--"To be sure I
-do," interrupted the zealous parent, "what else should I delude to? And
-if you did receive Jack's pistol, Miss Seymour, why didn't ye condescend
-to answer his operation yourself?" "I thought, my dear madam, Lady
-Eltondale could express my regrets much better than I could." "Aye! Aye!
-Lady Eltondale, that's it--I'll tell ye vat, Miss Seymour--that 'ere
-Lady Eltondale vill make a cat's paw of you, if ye don't mind. As to my
-Jacky, he doesn't care for your refusal a brass farthing--but ye may go
-farther, and fare worse--he's healthy and wealthy, as the saying is; and
-he's not a man for a girl to throw over her shoulder--ye mayn't meet
-such a carowzel as his, every day in the veek.--But now I'll tell ye
-vat, once for all--ye see me and mine be a-going to Ireland; and it may
-so be, that ve may never see each other no more.--Now, ye see, I always
-respected your old father, and so out of compliment to him, I'll just
-give you a piece of my mind; and that is, that that Lady Eltondale,
-with all her valk-softly airs, has some kind of a sign upon you, depend
-upon it, or she'd never take all the trouble she does about ye, for it's
-not in her nature to do it for mere affection to you or your father
-either; and that 'ere sheep-faced Mr. Sedley, with all his aperient
-indifference, and no shambles (_nonchalance_), as they call it; he's
-playing the puck with you too, I can see that, fast enough; and so, now,
-as I have given you varning, and wented my mind a little, I'll just
-shake hands with you, for old acquaintance sake." The reconciliation was
-scarcely effected, before Lady Eltondale returned for Selina, who most
-joyfully escaped from her _soi-disant_ friend. She casually mentioned
-the rencontre to the Viscountess, but did not mention the hints she had
-received; thus showing to her instructress her first essay in the
-practice of her own lessons in the art of dissimulation. By nature
-Selina's disposition was candid, even to a fault. For she was not only
-willing to confide all her actions, all her thoughts, to those she
-loved; but so necessary did she feel it to her happiness to be able to
-repose all her feelings, and even the responsibility of her conduct, on
-the bosom of another, that she would have preferred having an
-indifferent friend to being deprived of a confidant. But her intercourse
-with Lady Eltondale had already, in some degree, seared her best
-feelings. She had already, even then, acquired that general anxiety to
-please, which appertains more to vanity than to benevolence, and which
-never fails, in time, to wither the finer sensibilities of the soul. The
-natural superiority of her talents enabled her, to discover the true
-character of those she associated with. But even her penetration was
-dangerous to her purity. She saw hypocrisy was the means, and
-self-interest the end, pursued by all: even the stronger passions were
-brought under their control: and in being convinced, that in the crowd
-that surrounded her there was no individual she could love, she
-experienced a chasm in her heart, which left it more open to the
-reception of those petrifying principles, that Lady Eltondale so
-sedulously inculcated. At this moment, in Selina's history, she stood on
-that narrow line, which separates vice and virtue. Her avidity of
-praise, by teaching her how best to improve and exercise her talents,
-had as yet but increased her charms; and her distrust of others first
-taught her to exercise her own judgment. Circumstances were still to
-decide, whether her strengthening reason would serve to control the
-affections of her heart, or whether the school of stoicism, in which she
-was now entered, would entirely eradicate its better feelings: whether
-her natural volatility was to be corrected by reflection, or matured
-into coquetry by artifice: in short, whether the dormant seeds of a
-rational education would finally spring up in the very hotbed of
-fashion, which called forth the premature weeds of folly and
-extravagance; or whether the intoxicating incense of flattery, aided
-both by the precept and example of the designing Viscountess, would
-destroy them in the bud, and offer up one more heartless victim as a
-sacrifice to that world, which but repays with present scorn and future
-repentance the devotion of its wretched votaries.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-     There is a joy in grief, when peace dwells in the breast of the
-     sad, but sorrow wastes the mournful, and their days are few! They
-     fall away like the flower on which the Sun looks in his strength,
-     after the mildew has passed over it, and its head is heavy with the
-     drops of night.
-
-     CROMA.
-
-
-Whilst Selina thus brilliantly moved in the gayest scenes of fashionable
-splendor, Adelaide Wildenheim, unknown, unnoticed, was endeavouring, in
-the calm retirement of the country, to acquire fortitude to support a
-weight of misfortune, by which a less firm mind would have been crushed,
-and which, from time and space, seemed but to gain increased momentum.
-
-In the beginning of winter, each day to her had passed by but as the sad
-shade of its miserable anniversary; for, at that period, she had not
-even the consolation of seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Temple, and the
-inhabitants of Webberly House becoming hourly more repugnant to her
-feelings, she was insensibly falling a prey to that habitual depression
-of spirits, which is equally fatal to the mind and body of those who
-indulge in it; and which is indeed commonly but a refined name for
-discontent, or ill temper. Some trifling circumstances roused her to a
-sense of the state of her mind, and she immediately determined to
-struggle against it; resolving, as the best preliminary, to look her
-situation steadily in the face, and ascertain whether it was in her
-power to remedy it; well knowing, that if once convinced it was
-unavoidable, she should acquire strength to bear it, not only with
-resignation but cheerfulness. Though she but too acutely felt, that in
-losing a beloved parent, she had lost all that had formerly constituted
-the happiness of her existence; yet, in her rigid self-examination, she
-confessed she harboured more of repining sorrow at being deprived of
-this blessing, than of gratitude to Heaven for having so long enjoyed
-it; and acknowledged it was unworthy of a religious or a rational being,
-to convert the felicity of one period of life into a curse for the
-remainder by vain comparison. Turning therefore from the past, she
-accused herself of being too fastidious in her sentiments towards the
-companions of her present lot; and, with laudable self-delusion,
-endeavoured to think her dislike of Mrs. Sullivan and the Miss Webberlys
-unreasonable; and that from the affection of the charming little
-Caroline she derived a pleasure more than equivalent to the annoyances
-occasioned by her mother and sisters. But here the mother and sisters
-very naturally brought the brother to her mind, and with him a long
-train of reflections, which ended in her adopting the wise but simple
-plan, of laying her situation open to Mr. and Mrs. Temple, in order to
-consult them, as to the propriety of her quitting Webberly House at the
-expiration of her minority.
-
-Young Webberly's attentions to Miss Wildenheim had, previous to his last
-visit to town, been unremitting; and no less marked was his mother's
-disapprobation of them, arising partly from interested motives, partly
-from the idea of Adelaide being the natural sister of Caroline; which
-made Mrs. Sullivan regard the prospect of her marrying her son with a
-sentiment little short of abhorrence. But these objections had but
-little weight with Mr. Webberly, who, when Selina was not present to
-awaken his vanity or his cupidity, found no counterpoise to his
-conceited passion, which was more piqued than restrained by the
-dignified simplicity of Miss Wildenheim's manners; and had she given him
-any encouragement, no remonstrance from his mother would have prevented
-his making the most explicit declaration of his attachment; for it was
-the practice of this amiable family, to set their mother at defiance,
-whenever she, in the slightest degree, interfered with their wishes.
-Adelaide's pride and sense of propriety equally prompted her desire to
-relieve Mrs. Sullivan from the presence of a person, who was evidently a
-cause of quarrel between her and her son; and therefore, when the
-Webberly family proposed visiting London, in the beginning of March, she
-wrote the subjoined letter to Mrs. Temple:--
-
-     MISS WILDENHEIM TO MRS. TEMPLE.
-
-     My dear Mrs. Temple,
-
-     The kindness you and Mr. Temple have honoured me with encourages
-     me, to apply to you for advice in a most embarrassing situation. I
-     am sure your usual humanity will prompt you, to grant it to one
-     who has, at present, no friend to resort to for counsel but
-     yourself. If you will permit me, I will call upon you, and lay open
-     to your view my situation and my wishes. But as it is not justice
-     to a friend in asking advice to give but a half confidence, before
-     you hear my plans, I ought to make you acquainted with all the
-     circumstances regarding myself, that it is in my power to confide.
-     Though all matters of business are best discussed _viva voce_, yet
-     there are things it would be impossible to speak, and are
-     sufficiently painful to write: such a distressing task it is the
-     object of this letter to fulfil. My history is but short, and
-     simple--all my happiness was centred in a beloved father; all my
-     misery caused by his loss. Oh! Mrs. Temple, what grief can be
-     compared to that desolation a daughter feels, when she is deprived
-     of the parent, whom it has been the study of her whole life to
-     please; when she first finds she has no filial duty to perform, no
-     approving smile to look for!
-
-     My father was not only the tenderest parent, but my sole
-     instructor, and, in his fond love, condescended to be even my
-     companion and friend. His image is the first object memory recurs
-     to in my infant years; and I now feel, that to be enabled to
-     practise his own lessons of resignation and fortitude, I must
-     banish that image from my mind. The aid I might derive from
-     employment is denied me; for every pursuit is inseparably
-     associated with scenes I ought not now to think of. 'When I look up
-     to Heaven thou art there; when I behold the earth, thou art there
-     also!' My mother having died at Hamburgh the day I was born, this
-     beloved father was the only parent I ever knew. He, though a German
-     Baron, was both by birth and education English, being the son of a
-     British peer. But some unfortunate circumstances, with which I am
-     unacquainted, gave him an unconquerable aversion to his native
-     country; and having, by the maternal line, inherited large
-     possessions in Westphalia, he very early in life repaired to the
-     continent, where he continued to reside, principally at Vienna,
-     till I had attained my nineteenth year. About sixteen months ago,
-     to my inexpressible astonishment, he adopted the sudden resolution
-     of visiting England. His health, which had always in my
-     recollection been delicate, had about that period rapidly declined,
-     and I have the grief of thinking, that the journey to England
-     shortened his life. The misery of this thought is still further
-     aggravated by knowing, that he came to this country solely to
-     accomplish my introduction to his family, with whom he had never
-     maintained any intercourse or correspondence since the period of my
-     birth. How little during the progress of our journey did I suspect
-     its fatal termination! The usual tenderness and indulgence of my
-     father's manner was, if possible, increased, and visions of the
-     brightest joy occupied my mind. Our journey through France was the
-     most delightful one we had ever undertaken. My father concealed the
-     anguish of his own mind, and to divert my attention from observing
-     it, spared neither pains nor expense to gratify every capricious
-     fancy I formed. We remained a month at Paris waiting for letters
-     from England, which were to direct our future proceedings, and
-     during that time passed so rapidly from one public place to
-     another, that we never had a moment's private conversation. At last
-     my dear father received letters to inform him, that the late Mr.
-     Sullivan, who had been his old friend and fellow-soldier, and whom
-     I had known very well in my childish days at Vienna, waited at
-     Dover to welcome us to England. This communication, the precursor
-     of all my sorrow, was read by me with the most extravagant joy.
-     When we landed at Dover, we also met Mr. Austin, my father's
-     former law agent, and one of his sincerest friends. For two days I
-     scarcely saw my father, as he was in constant consultation with the
-     gentlemen I have mentioned. On the morning of the third, I was
-     informed he had decided on resigning me to their care; that Mr.
-     Sullivan would immediately introduce me to my relations, as Baron
-     Wildenheim himself was under the unavoidable necessity of returning
-     to France without delay. You may imagine my despair on receiving
-     this fatal sentence:--the scenes that ensued are too dreadful for
-     me to touch on. My beloved father's life fell a sacrifice to the
-     agitation of his feelings. Oh, that I had died too! Pity me, dear
-     Mrs. Temple, and excuse my writing any more. Nothing now remains,
-     that I cannot tell you when we meet.
-
-     Ever sincerely and gratefully yours,
-         ADELAIDE WILDENHEIM.
-
-The day after Mrs. Temple received the above letter, she called on Miss
-Wildenheim, and invited her to remain at the Parsonage, if she had any
-dislike to accompany Mrs. Sullivan to London; saying, in conclusion,
-"Mr. Temple told me the other day you looked so ill, he was afraid you
-would suffer from the journey; and desired I would make my best speech
-to induce you to stay with us. Indeed it would be an act of charity, for
-we have had so great a loss in the dear family at Deane Hall! If you
-will afford us the gratification of your society, we can at leisure
-discuss the subjects you wish to consult us upon, and you shall have my
-opinion; and, what is of much more value, Mr. Temple's, to the best of
-our judgment. You know not how sincerely we commiserate your
-misfortunes, nor what an interest we feel in your welfare." Adelaide
-gratefully accepted her friend's invitation, assuring her she felt
-convinced, that spending a little time at the Rectory would more
-effectually mitigate her grief, than any other probable occurrence.
-Mrs. Temple immediately applied for Mrs. Sullivan's permission, who gave
-it with a joy that defied concealment, as by this means what she
-supposed the only obstacle to her son's union with Miss Seymour would be
-removed; for whenever Adelaide was present, his interest and inclination
-were at constant variance.
-
-One fine evening in March, the Webberly family commenced their journey
-to London, and stopping as they drove past the Parsonage, left Miss
-Wildenheim to the care of its friendly owners. Mrs. Temple and her
-children were setting out on their evening walk, and Adelaide, begging
-she might not disappoint the little folks, joined them in their ramble
-with the utmost delight. It would be difficult to say, whether the
-mother or children were most pleased to see her--the latter joyfully
-recollected her skill in story-telling and singing; and Mrs. Temple,
-feeling most sensibly the want of her accustomed intercourse at Deane
-Hall, would have welcomed a much less agreeable guest, and therefore
-received her young friend with even greater pleasure than usual. The
-whole party walked long enough in a brisk blowing wind, to make them
-relish, on their return, a blazing fire, and a tea-table rather more
-substantially provided, than is commonly to be seen in more modish
-families.
-
-When the children went to bed, Mr. Temple, saying he had letters to
-write for the next morning's post, retired to his study, in order to
-give Adelaide an opportunity of opening her heart to his wife. "Come, my
-dear Adele," said Mrs. Temple, "neither you nor I shall be comfortable,
-till we have had this conversation, that I see hangs so heavily on your
-mind. Tell me what it is that distresses you, my love, and, if possible,
-we will find a remedy for it."
-
-Adelaide, with as much composure as she could command, informed Mrs.
-Temple, that during the short period Mr. Sullivan survived her father,
-though he treated her with great kindness, yet he had taken no steps to
-fulfil the promise he had given of introducing her to her family.
-Immediately on his death, Mr. Austin came to Webberly House, and
-expressing his regrets that circumstances rendered it impossible for him
-to receive her into his own family, as he was on the point of taking an
-invalide daughter to the Madeiras, advised her nominating Mrs. Sullivan
-her guardian in conjunction with himself. Adelaide, abhorring all
-clandestine proceedings, earnestly solicited Mr. Austin's permission, to
-inform Mrs. Sullivan for what purpose she was placed under her late
-husband's protection. To this he consented only in part, refusing his
-sanction to this lady's being acquainted with the name of Miss
-Wildenheim's noble relations; charging her, on the contrary, to conceal
-it carefully from all the world till she came of age, as he feared her
-claims would meet with decided opposition from part of her family, and
-little support from any; and informing her, that a premature disclosure
-might ruin her future prospects; and that law proceedings would be more
-costly, and less efficacious, while she was a minor, than when she could
-act directly for herself. In pursuance, therefore, of this advice,
-Adelaide, with the reservation of this one point, told Mrs. Sullivan all
-the particulars she knew of herself and her father; and in so doing,
-went through a series of interrogations of the most distressing nature,
-as Mrs. Sullivan, having little delicacy of feeling herself, was really
-almost unconscious of the wounds she inflicted on that of others. After
-deliberating a few days, she, as has been before mentioned, consented to
-accept the proposed guardianship; and Mr. Austin immediately proceeding
-to the Madeiras, his ward was therefore temporarily deprived of his
-protection or advice. After relating these particulars, Adelaide
-endeavoured to explain to Mrs. Temple her reasons for wishing to leave
-Webberly House; and in executing this unpleasant task, was much
-embarrassed between the necessity of doing herself justice, by showing
-she was not actuated by any unreasonable whims or caprices, and her
-respect for the laws of hospitality, which made her regard as sacred the
-transactions of any family she domesticated with. But, indeed, she
-seldom _thought_, and never _said_, the worst the actions of those she
-associated with would warrant. However, Mrs. Temple was one of those who
-could understand _a demi-mot_, without waiting for a harassing detail
-sufficient to satisfy a court of law, and often listened to rather from
-a love of _slander_ than of _justice_. "I am well aware," continued
-Adelaide, "that the reception I shall meet with from my relations very
-much depends on the respectability of the manner, in which I first
-present myself to their notice. The moment I am of age, Mrs. Sullivan
-may, and probably will, withdraw her protection from me; for she has
-lately hinted once or twice, that she much regretted having ever granted
-it. I therefore think the most advisable course for me to pursue is, to
-write her a polite letter, conveying my thanks for the asylum she has
-hitherto granted me, but expressing my doubts of its being agreeable to
-her longer to continue it: requesting, if my surmises are well founded,
-that she will have the goodness to seek an eligible home for me; or,"
-continued she, looking mournfully at Mrs. Temple, "permit me to apply to
-my _only_ friend to aid me in the search: but that, if on mature
-deliberation she can satisfy her mind, that she really does _wish_ my
-continuing to reside with her, I shall prefer doing so to domesticating
-myself in another family, till I can ascertain whether my own will
-receive me; but that, when this point is once decided, either for or
-against me, I do not mean to trespass further on her hospitality. And
-now, my dear Mrs. Temple, this is the subject, on which I am so anxious
-to obtain your opinion and that of Mr. Temple. I know not what apology
-to make for having so long trespassed on your patience by this tedious
-recital." Mrs. Temple begged to consult her husband, before she
-expressed her own ideas, as she feared to trust to her unassisted
-judgment on a point of so much importance. But before she left the room,
-she took up a volume of Patronage, and laughingly pointed out to
-Adelaide's notice the following passage:--"You will never be a
-heroine--What a stupid uninteresting heroine you will make! You will
-never get into any _entanglements_, never have any adventures; or, if
-kind fate should, propitious to my prayer, bring you into some charming
-difficulties, even then we could not tremble for you, or enjoy all the
-luxury of pity, because we should always know, that you would be so well
-able to extricate yourself,--so certain to conquer, or,--not die--but
-endure."
-
-Mrs. Temple, in the first spontaneous benevolence of her heart, had
-nearly been tempted to offer Adelaide an asylum at the Rectory, till her
-future line of life should be finally decided; but quickly recollecting
-what was due to Mr. Temple, repaired to his study, more for the purpose
-of suggesting it to him, than for that of stating her young friend's
-queries; which dispatching in as few words as possible, without further
-preparation, she proposed her own plan in the most abrupt manner
-possible; and as quickly read in his countenance his marked
-disapprobation of her inconsiderate project. "My dear Charlotte," said
-he, after a short pause, "the goodness of your heart makes you always so
-zealous to promote the happiness of others, that you quite forget your
-own. But, my love, you must respect the sanctuary of your domestic
-peace; it, like the Paradise of our first parents, admits of no
-intruder. I am inclined to believe Miss Wildenheim to be a most
-estimable young woman. The prudence and uprightness of her present
-proposition strengthens my former good opinion of her. As long as these
-impressions remain, I shall be happy to receive her occasionally as a
-visitor, and will most willingly do any thing to promote her welfare,
-short of domesticating her in this house. But, setting yourself out of
-the question, my dear Charlotte, do you think you would act justly
-towards your daughters (recollect Anna is now eleven years old), by
-introducing into the very bosom of your family a girl we have so
-superficial a knowledge of; and whose situation is so doubtful and
-extraordinary, and who may after all be but a foreign adventurer?" As
-Mr. Temple said this, his features wore an expression of unusual
-gravity. "Oh, James!" exclaimed his wife, "don't let your prudence make
-you unjust: go to her, and if you will impartially look on her ingenuous
-countenance, and observe her simple manners, you will never pronounce
-her a foreign adventurer. Besides, after knowing Mr. Austin so many
-years, can you suppose him capable of being an accomplice in a fraud?"
-"You are right, my dear Charlotte: I was most unjust," replied Mr.
-Temple, his brow relaxing from the austerity that had overcast it a
-moment before. "And I," said she, extending her hand with a smile of
-conciliating sweetness, "was equally imprudent." In this confession she
-was perfectly sincere; she hardly wished to dissuade her husband from
-his sage resolution; for he had convinced her judgment, though perhaps
-her feelings were yet unsubdued.
-
-It may here be remarked, that there is something in the ties of
-relationship, which acts as a sort of necessity, and makes us excuse the
-faults, which a domestic scene displays in the most perfect characters.
-But it is far otherwise in friendship; and those who there court too
-great intimacy, resemble the man in the fable of the golden eggs, and
-often destroy in a day riches, that, by wise forbearance, might have
-lasted their lives.
-
-Mr. Temple, on going up stairs to Adelaide, told her, that the line of
-conduct she had marked out for herself was the most proper she could
-adopt, giving it his unqualified approbation. He then proceeded to give
-her much sage advice, adding to it the most comforting assurances of
-support and protection. Adelaide poured forth her gratitude and her
-pleasure, with all the ardency of feelings long suppressed. Her spirits
-rose in proportion to their previous depression. She once more had the
-happiness of hearing a reverend voice address her in tones of
-approbation for her virtues, and of consolation for her distresses.
-Perhaps the evening of this anxious day was one of the happiest of her
-life.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI.
-
-    Helas! ou donc chercher ou trouver le bonheur?
-    En tout lieu, en tout temps, dans toute la nature,
-    Nulle part tout entier, partout avec mesure,
-    Et partout passager, hors dans son seul Auteur.
-    Il est semblable au feu dont la douce chaleur,
-    Dans chaque autre element en secret s' insinue,
-    Descend dans les rochers, s' eleve dans la nue,
-    Va rougir le corail dans le sable des mers,
-    Et vit dans les glacons qu'ont durcis les hivers.[8]
-
-    VOLTAIRE.
-
-[Footnote 8:
-
-    Alas! then where should happiness be sought?
-    In Nature's self.--Cast but thine eyes around,
-    In every place, in every age, 'tis found;
-    No where entire, but always in degree,
-    And fleeting still, except, Oh God! with thee,
-    (Thou its great Author.) Like thy fire, its heat
-    In every other element we meet;
-    Deep in the bosom of the harden'd stone,
-    As in the clouds its vital power we own;
-    In ocean's caves, in coral beds it glows,
-    And lives beneath the glacier's endless snows.
-
-As the reader may find it not uninteresting to compare the ideas of such
-great writers as Pope and Voltaire on the same subject, the opening
-verses of the fourth epistle of the Essay on Man are here subjoined,
-though perhaps an apology is due for transcribing lines impressed on
-every English memory.
-
-    Oh Happiness! our being's end and aim!
-    Good, Pleasure, Ease, Content! whate'er thy name:
-    That something still, which prompts th' eternal sigh
-    For which we bear to live, or dare to die;
-    Which still so near us, yet beyond us lies,
-    O'erlook'd, seen double by the fool and wise.
-    Plant of celestial seed! if dropp'd below,
-    Say, in what mortal soil thou deign'st to grow;
-    Fair op'ning to some court's propitious shine,
-    Or deep with diamonds in the flaming mine?
-    Twin'd with the wreaths Parnassian laurels yield,
-    Or reap'd in iron harvests of the field?
-    Where grows? where grows it not? If vain our toil,
-    We ought to blame the culture, not the soil:
-    Fix'd to no spot is happiness sincere,
-    'Tis no where to be found, or ev'ry where;
-    'Tis never to be bought, but always free,
-    And, fled from monarchs, St. John! dwells with thee.
-]
-
-
-Whilst Adelaide remained at the Parsonage, she had the advantages of
-becoming acquainted with a scene of domestic life of the most admirable
-nature; and she did not fail, with her usual good sense, to derive many
-useful lessons from her intercourse with Mrs. Temple. From her example
-as much was proved to her mind by reason, as had been demonstrated _ab
-absurdo_ by the Webberly family; and as, during Baron Wildenheim's life,
-she had never been domesticated with females of her own rank, the faults
-of the one, and the merits of the other, appeared to her view with all
-the force of novelty. Mrs. Temple in herself, her children, and her
-establishment, displayed a model of amiable and judicious conduct; as a
-wife and mother, she was beyond praise, and nothing could exceed the
-comfort and respectability of her well regulated family; for being a
-woman of good understanding, she did not carry _management_ to an
-extreme, that is destructive of the comfort it is meant to promote; nor
-was she possessed by the would-be thrifty housewife's expensive and
-troublesome mania for pickling and preserving, but in all things
-observed that happy medium, which good sense alone knows how to keep.
-Mr. Temple had in his youth lived much in the world, there associating
-principally with literary and scientific men; with several of such as
-still survived he maintained a constant correspondence, and, by
-occasional visits to London and Oxford, where his affairs sometimes
-called him, he renewed his acquaintance with men of his own stamp. He
-also kept himself up to the changes and occurrences of the times, by
-taking in at the Parsonage the daily papers, reviews, and the best of
-the new publications of every description. Two or three times a year
-some members of his or Mrs. Temple's family visited the Rectory; and
-they preserved such habits of friendly intercourse with their rich and
-poor neighbours, that they seldom found that want of society, which is
-so universally deplored.
-
-It would be curious to make those, who are constantly lamenting the want
-of good society, point out where _it is to be found_.--Dissipation, say
-they, has banished it from great capitals and watering-places. What in
-country towns is called society, consists of a repetition of card
-parties, differing from each other in no one respect, except as to the
-rooms they are held in; where, besides "old men and women," are to be
-found _girls_ of all ages, doing their best to amuse themselves, without
-the smallest assistance being afforded them by the hostess; with here
-and there an old married clergyman, an attorney's or apothecary's
-apprentice, "thinly scatter'd to make up a show," and remind the ladies
-that "beaux are not to be had." In the country, unless people have
-fortune, which enables them to bring their company, like other luxuries,
-from a distance, society consists of a few dinner parties in summer,
-where a tedious repast is quickly followed by tea and coffee, which
-serve as a signal for every body to go away, that they may, before
-darkness comes on, walk or drive home in safety over bad roads; and the
-master and mistress, as soon as their guests have departed, congratulate
-each other that "every thing went off so well." Nor is it the least of
-their joy, that their company have gone off too!
-
-To all this it may be answered, that our mothers and grandmothers tell
-us society was very gay in their young days. The truth is, people were
-not then so fastidious, and were content to be amused in any way they
-could. There is now a twilight of refinement spread over the middle
-classes, just sufficient to show them disagreeables they had never
-before suspected, but not bright enough to teach them the best way of
-avoiding them. Formerly people could be amused with an ill sung song, or
-an awkward dance. But now every girl must sing bravuras and dance like
-Angelina. The young men, having reached a still higher pitch of
-refinement, neither sing nor dance at all.
-
-The same fastidiousness reigns throughout. Every body's dress must be of
-the newest fashion; and a whole family is put to inconvenience for a
-week, to give their company an attempt at French cookery. In short, if
-people cannot be entertained "in a good style," they are resolved not to
-be entertained at all. Pleasant society, like happiness, if proper means
-are taken to cultivate it, is, with very few exceptions, to be found
-every where or no where. The misfortune is, people repulse it, unless it
-comes arrayed in the very garb they wish it to wear. How few have the
-wisdom to act on that sage maxim, "When we have not what we like, we
-must like what we have!" This was always Mr. and Mrs. Temple's practice;
-and, though they enjoyed to the utmost the intellectual pleasures
-afforded by the society of Miss Wildenheim, they found in the kindness
-and simplicity of Mrs. Martin's sentiments pleasure of another kind, and
-to a well judging mind one not less delightful. With this good lady and
-her _coterie_ they occasionally varied their winter evenings, by playing
-a friendly game of cards; and Lucy was not unfrequently the companion of
-Mrs. Temple's summer walks.
-
-Mr. Temple was extremely anxious, to make Adelaide's present visit to
-the Parsonage of lasting benefit to her peace of mind. When she had been
-there the year before, her grief was too recent to render any allusion
-to the subject of it advisable; and at Webberly House it was treated
-with so little delicacy, that her pride, as well as her tenderness of
-feeling for her father's memory, made her most carefully confine it to
-her own bosom. With the bitterest anguish at heart she outwardly carried
-the appearance of quiet contentment. Had she continued thus
-circumstanced much longer, she would either have sunk into an early
-grave, or have acquired an unbending sternness of character, that would
-have crushed all the finer feelings of her soul, and have made her as
-impervious to joy as to sorrow. Though she spared no pains, to promote
-the welfare of others by every means in her power, and, whenever duty
-commanded, hesitated not for an instant, to perform any sacrifice it
-might require; yet, perhaps it had been the fault of her education, to
-lead her to rely too much on her own mind to secure her happiness; and
-it was the misfortune of her nature to have feelings of such intensity,
-that she feared to trust them to exercise even their just power. This
-peculiar turn of character, thus moulded by circumstances, did not
-escape Mr. and Mrs. Temple's observation, and they anxiously endeavoured
-to rouse her from this state of mental torpor. Until the letter she had
-addressed to the latter, she had never ventured to express the sorrow,
-that corroded her heart, to any human being; but having once voluntarily
-touched on it, Mrs. Temple designedly led her to speak of it, and while
-she probed the wound, prepared the lenient balm that in time would heal
-it. The peculiar tenderness of soul, that Adelaide possessed from
-nature, had been most wisely balanced by the firmness of mind she had
-derived from education; only the most unpropitious circumstances could
-have endangered either degenerating to an extreme. To insult she was
-impervious, but the voice of kindness was to her like the soft breath of
-spring, which
-
-    "Melts the icy chains that twine
-    Around entranced nature's form."
-
-Relaxing into all the softness of her sex and age, her tears flowed
-without restraint, as she poured her sorrows into Mrs. Temple's friendly
-bosom; and, from the well merited praise and judicious counsel she
-received in return, derived a supporting power, that raised her to a new
-existence. From consolation Mrs. Temple proceeded to admonition,
-forcibly representing to Adelaide how culpable she would be, if she
-continued to nourish in secret a grief, that would render of no avail
-the capability of usefulness she possessed in mind and fortune, and by
-this wilful waste of happiness, not only for herself but others,
-counteract the intention of her being; finally pointing out to her,
-that, though she had lost the object of her first duties, the world yet
-presented a wide field, in which she was bound to exert herself to
-supply their place by others, even should she never find any of equal
-interest or importance.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII.
-
-    O! Primavera, gioventu del' anno,
-    Bella madre di fiori,
-    D'herbe novelle, e di novelli amori,
-    Tu torni ben ma teco
-    Non tornano i sereni
-    E fortunati di de le mie gioje.
-    Tu torni ben, tu torni
-    Ma teco altro non torna
-    Che del perduto mio caro tesoro,
-    La rimembranza misera e dolente.[9]
-
-    IL PASTOR FIDO.
-
-[Footnote 9:
-
-    Delightful spring! youth of the year,
-    Thou blooming mother of the opening flowers,
-    The fresh'ning verdure, and the new-born loves--
-    Thou now returnest! But no second spring
-    Will e'er return of those serene delights,
-    That bless'd my fleeting hours of happiness--
-    Thou now return'st! But with thee nought returns
-    To my sad thoughts but renovated sorrow,
-    And bitter mem'ry of departed joys.
-]
-
-
-The Parsonage garden was now blooming in all the beauty of summer, and
-the hedges had exchanged the fragrance of the violet for that of the
-flaunting woodbine. Instead of a brisk walk of a bracing March evening,
-its happy inmates enjoyed a sauntering ramble by the light of the newly
-risen stars, over rich meadows, or through wooded glades and cheerful
-valleys.
-
-Mrs. Temple and Adelaide were one evening returning from such a walk:
-every thing was at rest in the surrounding scene; the very flowers of
-day had closed their corollas, and ceased to give forth their perfumes;
-but the air was fragrant with the night-blowing orchis, and the new-mown
-grass; and sometimes it brought to their ear the melody of the
-nightingale, the hooting of the owl, or the hum of the night crow.
-
-Such a scene is more favourable to meditation than discourse; and, when
-speech is found, it more resembles thinking aloud than conversation. The
-two friends had continued long in silence, when Mrs. Temple said, "I am
-never so pious as in such a scene as this; my heart overflows with
-gratitude to the Author of the spontaneous happiness, that, unsought,
-seems to pour in on the mind." "Certainly the devotion of the heart is
-most pure in such a temple," replied Adelaide; "I wonder the worship of
-the air was not in ancient times more general. It appears to my mind the
-best emblem of the deity, that man by reason alone can form;--it is
-every where present, every where invisible; in it 'we live and move, and
-have our being.' We confess its awful might in the storm, and feel its
-beneficent power every moment of our lives." These and similar
-reflections cheated the friends of their time till they reached the
-Parsonage, where a light in the drawing-room informed them Mr. Temple
-had returned from his ride. As they entered the room, he gave Adelaide
-the long expected letter from Mrs. Sullivan; she hesitated for an
-instant to open it, with that undefined dread we always feel on
-receiving any communication from a person, whose good will we are
-doubtful of possessing. However, on reading her letter, she was not a
-little relieved to find it written in a style of unusual civility; but
-was surprised beyond measure to find it request, or rather _desire_, her
-to meet Mrs. Sullivan at Shrewsbury, from whence she intended proceeding
-to Ireland, declining all discussion as to matters of business, till
-their return to Webberly House. In her first surprise, she did not
-perceive the short period of Mrs. Sullivan's intended absence from her
-accustomed residence; but a confused picture of being taken to another
-kingdom, and separated from the only people from whom she had any chance
-of receiving kindness or protection, mixed with painful recollections
-of her last journey, rose to her mind. Her first thought was not to go;
-but she as quickly remembered, that Mrs. Sullivan's authority, as her
-guardian, was indisputable; also that she ought no longer to trespass on
-the hospitality of her kind hosts. The agitation of her countenance did
-not escape Mrs. Temple's observation, but she forbore to notice it; and
-Adelaide, commanding herself sufficiently to bid good night, retired to
-her room.
-
-When she read Mrs. Sullivan's letter more attentively a second time, she
-smiled at the phantom she had raised to terrify herself; for she found
-her guardian proposed returning home rather before she should be of age,
-and that of course the dilemma, she had fancied would arise from her
-being in Ireland without any positive claim on Mrs. Sullivan's
-protection, would not occur.
-
-Being convinced she could not avoid going to Ireland, her next
-endeavour was to persuade herself the journey would not be unpleasant;
-for it was always her custom to look for the best side of every thing
-and every body: she therefore soon discovered, that becoming acquainted
-with a country and a people she knew as little of as the Iroquois
-tribes, would afford her more amusement, than spending another summer at
-Webberly House. The civility of Mrs. Sullivan's letter was so striking,
-that Adelaide began to think she had been too harsh in her judgment of
-her character, and determined that her expedition should commence with a
-voyage of discovery, to ascertain the unknown perfections of the mother
-and daughters. A strong intellect may command the feelings, but the body
-is not so obedient as the mind. Adelaide found, though she could compose
-her thoughts to rest, she could not quiet her nerves to sleep, and
-therefore got up with the sun; and taking a book to fix her ideas,
-remained out of doors till Mrs. Temple's early breakfast hour.
-
-At breakfast she read to her friends the subjoined letter from Mrs.
-Sullivan. Notwithstanding all her distress of mind, it was with the
-utmost difficulty she could command her countenance while she did so.
-She omitted some passages, and slightly altered the wording of others;
-but though her eyes during this time were perseveringly cast down, their
-comical expression was not thus concealed; for the light that streamed
-from beneath their half-closed lids was reflected on her cheek, and
-brightened her whole countenance, displaying as unequivocally what
-passed in her mind, as if she had directed to her auditors the most
-meaning glances of arch drollery. She was too generous to wish to expose
-Mrs. Sullivan's extreme ignorance to her friends, as it was exemplified
-in this ill spelled, ill written scrawl. But she had yet another
-secondary motive, which prompted her to screen it from their eyes; and
-this trifling circumstance may perhaps explain her character more
-effectually, than one of greater importance, in which nine rational
-people out of ten would act alike.
-
-She had but little vanity, yet from nature and education was proud in
-the extreme. This ambiguous quality, partaking of vice and virtue, which
-is "both perhaps or neither," was interwoven in the very texture of her
-mind, was blended with many of her virtues and most of her errors, and
-prompted her always to shield as much as possible from ridicule any
-person she was even slightly connected with. Mrs. Temple was nearly as
-much amused by the grave dignity of her countenance, when she looked up
-after reading her letter, which seemed to say, "You ought not to laugh,"
-as she had been by its droll expression a few moments before.
-
-     MRS. SULLIVAN TO MISS WILDENHEIM.
-
-     London, June 1st.----
-
-     My dear Miss Wildenheim,
-
-     I've received your letter, and am glad to hear your well: so is
-     Meelly and Cilly. I be sometimes troubled with the vind; but
-     howsomedever I gets my health middling. This comes to say we be all
-     a-going to Ireland with all speed; and I must _retreat_ and
-     _insist_ that you come two; and we can taulk all about what you
-     wrot me in March when we returns from them there outlandish parts.
-     But I'm in great hops Jack will mary his cozen Hannah Leatherly
-     after all, which I just menshion, as young girls be very apt to
-     think ever a man that looks after 'em be in love with 'em. But says
-     I to my eye, Addle Wildenheim has two much spirit of her own to
-     covet her neighbour's goods. So, my dear, if you'll meat us at
-     Shrovesbirry, I'll be excedin glad to be your shoprun; and we mean
-     to reeturn to Webberly House afore the time comes of your mynoritie
-     been over; so till then I wont here taulk of your chousing no other
-     garden.
-
-     We be a goin to see Mr. Sullivan and his sister, for he thinks he's
-     a going to put on his wooden great coat, so he's anxshious to see
-     my little Carline, for it's quite natral he shoud desire to see his
-     nearest akin; and so we shoud a gone six weeks ago, only for
-     certain good raisins that made us wish to stay over Lady
-     Ashbrooke's bawll, which was three nights ago. But no good come off
-     it, after all. Some folks are so fine and so sassy, they'd turn up
-     their noses at their own bread and butter. But every dog has his
-     day, and Carline may be as grate a airass as no other guess parson.
-     So now I conclude with complements to Mr. and Mrs. Temple. I'll
-     send John Arding to retort you from Webberly House to Shrovesbirry,
-     and so you may expect him in less than a weak. You must come in
-     the post-shay; and you'd better bring your made Lamotte with you,
-     but you must send her back from Shrovesbirry (mind I'm at no costs
-     for her jurney); for I can't take but one made to attend both you
-     and I. Seeing she can taulk no English, she'd be of small sarvice
-     to I. I've got a stout girl to do our turn. You must pay half the
-     wagers and travailing expences, and I'll charge you naught for her
-     wittals; for d'ye mind me, Mr. Sullivan will see to that, which
-     will be all the better for you: a penny saved is a penny got, as my
-     poor father tot me betimes. I'll send Mrs. Harris home to Webberly,
-     (so she'll keep kumpany with Lamotte); for she'll be wanted to do
-     the sweetmeats and pikchols this summer; and I wish, my dear, you'd
-     wright word to John Gardiner, to sell all the fruit at Deane which
-     isn't vaunted for persarvin; and I expect a good account when I go
-     home. So hopping to met you at Shrovesbirry without fail,
-
-       I remane your affectionate friend,
-          HANNAH SULLIVAN.
-
-     P.S.--I'm sure you'd be very sory to take Lamotte to Ireland,
-     you've tot her such bad kustoms, becase she's lived with you since
-     you was a year old. She'd be 'mazed attendin I. You no I be's a
-     bustling body, and a trifle hasty; but I'm nothing the worse for
-     having a good spirit of my own.
-
-Adelaide's delicacy prevented her from allowing her friends to suppose
-she had any dislike to accompanying Mrs. Sullivan to Ireland, well
-knowing that if they were aware of it, they would apply to her guardian
-for permission to protract her stay at the Parsonage; and she succeeded
-in impressing them with an idea, that the project was far from
-unpleasant to her. This matter being discussed, they gave her a pressing
-invitation to spend the following winter with them, during which time
-Mr. Temple promised, if she gave him authority so to do, to use his best
-endeavours either to procure her reception by her family, or an eligible
-abode, wherever she might wish to fix her residence; also authorizing
-her, should she find herself in any dilemma previous to her return, to
-apply to him for whatever assistance she might require. The worthy
-rector soon interrupted Adelaide's warm acknowledgements for his present
-and past kindness, by saying, "I hope this delightful scheme, to which
-Mrs. Temple and I look forward with so much pleasure, will not be
-prevented by your being run away with by some fine fellow at the other
-side of the channel. Joking apart," said he seriously, "there is an
-English gentleman, who is as much in love as his nature will suffer him
-to be, to whom I hope no consideration will ever tempt you to unite
-yourself." Adelaide blushed and blushed, till the tears stood in her
-eyes. Mr. Temple looked at her with astonishment; "Is it possible!"
-thought he: "You may think me impertinent, Miss Wildenheim, but I know
-you never contemn the advice of experience and friendship. It would be
-heart-rending to see you so thrown away;--such a total dissimilarity of
-character can never produce happiness. You are beings of a different
-sphere. The moment in which you marry Mr. Webberly, you sign the misery
-of your whole life." The expression of her countenance was now quite
-changed, and the few calm words she spoke, convinced her reverend
-adviser she _then_ felt convinced she could never marry Mr. Webberly.
-But he had, in the course of his life, seen so many strange matches
-made, that the word "amazement" in matrimony had to him lost its
-meaning; particularly as he had so often known it commence without
-"dearly beloved" on the part of either of the persons concerned; and
-still having some little distrust of the future, he would sincerely have
-rejoiced to hear, that Mr. Webberly had done Miss Leatherly the honour
-of making her his wife. When Adelaide retired after breakfast, Mr.
-Temple questioned his wife as to the possibility of her having become
-attached to Augustus Mordaunt, whom she had frequently met at the
-Rectory. "What vain creatures you men are!" said she: "A girl can't
-spend a sleepless night, and be a little agitated by an unexpected
-change in her plans, but you must suppose her colour comes and goes in
-the intermittent fits of a love fever." "You may quiz, Charlotte, but I
-assure you, when Miss Wildenheim used to meet Augustus here, her eyes
-told more than her tongue." "Then believe me, they told intolerable
-stories! No young woman of good sense, or good conduct, will ever love a
-man, who does not show her the most unequivocal preference. After all,
-what is called love has its residence more in the brain than the heart.
-Believe me, Adelaide is no such fool; she has strength of mind to
-conquer even a reciprocal attachment, if necessary. She has a great deal
-of feeling, with an equal portion of reason and reflection; but I think
-her _imagination_ is rather in the minority, at least it takes its rise
-from her feelings, not her feelings from it." "Well, Charlotte, you may
-think an attachment a very silly thing now; but, you know, you were in
-love once yourself." "Never with you, I assure you: you know, my dear,
-that was impossible, for you were old enough to have passed for my
-father when we married. I had always too much respect for your
-reverence. Yet I don't think I have made the worse wife, because I never
-mistook you for a Strephon, but saw from the first you were a good,
-plain, steady country parson." "And but for this good, plain, steady
-country parson, Charlotte," said he, "you would never have been the
-estimable woman you now are. But to return to Miss Wildenheim: what is
-it that distresses her? You are clear there is nobody in England she is
-sorry to leave behind." "Pardon me; I think she is very sorry to leave
-us." "That I take for granted; but on the whole she seems pleased with
-her expedition. Perhaps she is unprepared to meet so unexpected a demand
-on her purse; and Mrs. Sullivan's elegant epistle does not say a word on
-the subject of money:--she should have had more consideration! I will
-make an estimate of what the journey to Shrewsbury will cost her--will
-you give it to her, and say I shall be happy to advance what money she
-may require." "That I will," replied Mrs. Temple; "Poor thing! I'm sure
-she would die before she would ask Mrs. Sullivan--at least _I_ should,
-without doubt." When Mr. Temple made out his memorandum, and his wife
-giving it to Adelaide repeated his offer, she was so touched by this
-new instance of her friend's kindness, that she could not for a short
-time reply to Mrs. Temple; but pressing her hand with the earnestness of
-gratitude, remained silent for an instant, and then, both by word and
-look, expressed her grateful sense of all the benefits they had bestowed
-on her. "In the present instance, however," said she, "I need not
-trespass on Mr. Temple's goodness; I assure you I am quite rich,
-sufficiently so to make this unexpected journey no inconvenience."
-"Nobody is rich now-a-days," said Mrs. Temple; "in such an extravagant
-family how have you managed, my dear Adele, to get into such a good
-condition of purse?" "When I was first at Webberly House, I was too
-unhappy to have any fancies to indulge; and as soon as by your
-benevolent care I recovered from my primary state of stupefaction, I
-became so terrified at my unprotected situation, that I determined to
-provide for any emergency that might occur, by limiting my expenditure
-as much as possible. Impressed with these fears, I _dared_ not give
-myself habits of extravagance. I assure you I have been economical
-almost to parsimony." "Your poor pensioners do not say so," rejoined
-Mrs. Temple, in a tone of affectionate approbation.--"I do not think it
-permissible, my dear Mrs. Temple, to provide for future wants by the
-neglect of present duties. I look upon charity in proportion to our
-means, as a necessity as indispensable to our condition as daily food
-and raiment; a due portion of whatever fund procures the one, ought
-surely to provide for the other." "You are a singular girl," said Mrs.
-Temple; "I will apply to you Goldsmith's epitaph on Dr. Bernard:--
-
-    "If you have any faults, you have left us in doubt,
-    At least in six weeks I could not find them out."
-
-The few days Adelaide had to spend at the Parsonage flew most rapidly
-away. She saw the dreaded morning arrive, in which she was to commence
-her journey, with a heavy heart, and perhaps those she was to leave
-behind were yet more sorrowful than herself. In the separation of
-friends, those who depart are never half so much to be pitied as those
-who remain. Change of scene, motion, and fatigue, insensibly divert the
-former; but the latter have nothing new to fill up the uncomfortable
-void they feel. It is long before the eye ceases to look for the beloved
-face it has been used to gaze on, or the ear unconsciously to expect the
-well-known voice or step. The children had bid farewell to Adelaide the
-night before, not without many pressing entreaties for her speedy
-return; but the father and mother got up at a very early hour, to take
-leave of her on the morning of her departure. At the sight of Mrs.
-Temple she could no longer control her feelings, but threw herself in
-an agony of sorrow into her arms, saying, it was her fate always to be
-torn from what was dear to her in life, and that she should know nothing
-like happiness till she saw her again. Mr. Temple, seeing her make a
-great effort to restrain her tears, said, "Do not, my dear young friend,
-suppress the expression of your sorrow; here are those who respect your
-tears--they are most natural to your age and sex. You have too much the
-habit of suppressing your own feelings, to avoid distressing those of
-others. We shall all meet happily again in a few months, and then your
-connection with that unamiable family will cease. You are too deserving
-of happiness not to meet with it;--indeed you will find it in your own
-mind, when you recover from the first shock of the heavy affliction it
-has pleased Providence to assign you. You may, if it is any consolation,
-take with you an old man's blessing; whose utmost wish would be
-gratified in having a daughter to resemble you." Mrs. Temple, who had
-been nearly as much comforted by his commendation as Adelaide, now said,
-"Rouse yourself, my dear girl, and look at all those impertinent
-Webberlys, as much as to say, 'I hold ye in sovereign, contempt.' I wish
-you were not content, with _feeling_ your own superiority, but would
-occasionally assert it. I should like to see them smarting under the
-power of ridicule certain arch smiles have told me you possess--indeed,
-indeed, my dear, you are righteous over much: do oblige me, and be a
-little spiteful."
-
-By the time breakfast was over, Adelaide's spirits were comforted by Mr.
-Temple, and rallied by his wife. Though she could not trust herself to
-say, "Good bye," she stept into the carriage with tolerable composure;
-but when she lost sight of them and their cheerful abode, she
-experienced an acuteness of sorrow she some time before had thought she
-was as incapable of ever feeling again, as an equal degree of joy.
-
-When the carriage drove away, Mr. Temple made a speedy retreat into his
-study; and the traces of tears were still visible on his wife's face,
-when they met at dinner.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII.
-
-    One only passion unreveal'd
-    With maiden pride the maid conceal'd;
-    Yet not less purely felt the flame--
-    Oh! need I then that passion name?
-
-    SCOTT.
-
-
-Civil people always meet with civility, and Adelaide accomplished her
-journey without meeting either accident or insult. When the carriage
-stopped at the Talbot Inn in Shrewsbury, she was received at the door by
-Mr. Webberly, who had evidently been watching her arrival. On her asking
-for his mother and sisters, he pointed to a window, where she saw Mrs.
-Sullivan attired in a sky-blue habit of cassimir, with a white beaver
-hat and feathers. Cecilia, in a modish pelisse, looking at that
-distance very handsome; and Miss Webberly, in the opposite window,
-_intently_ reading. Mrs. Sullivan met Adelaide half way down stairs,
-apparently glad to see her. The young ladies greeted her with a slight
-bow, just muttering a scarcely audible "How d'ye do:"--one turning to
-stare out of the window, the other affecting to bestow all her attention
-on her book. Little Caroline, exclaiming "Oh, tie my frock quick, quick!
-there's my dear Adele come: I hear mama talking to her,"--burst from an
-inner apartment, heedless of the remonstrances of her maid, and jumping
-up with one spring, twisted her ivory arms about her neck; and as
-Adelaide fondly pressed the lovely child to her heart, her countenance
-expressed those feelings--
-
-    "Which are to mortals given,
-    With less of earth in them than Heav'n:"
-
-For affliction had indeed "touched her looks with something that was
-scarce earthly," and, when brightened by any emotion near akin to joy,
-smiles such as might have beamed in the face of a seraph illuminated
-hers. Mrs. Sullivan, in a tone of sorrowful admiration, whispered to
-Cecilia, "Jack can't choose but fancy her; she's beautifuller than ever:
-I han't seen her like since we parted." "Law, mama!" replied Cecilia
-with unmixed vexation, "I believe you've taken leave of your senses,
-since you used to say she was a sallow poking thing. You forget what
-beautiful girls the Miss Nathans, and the Miss Bakers, and all the
-Lunnon ladies are." Here, with affected indifference and real
-mortification, she stopped to examine the subject of their discourse
-through her glass. As she continued to gaze, her soft cheek became
-crimsoned with anger, and her beautiful eye, which seemed formed to
-convey the tender feelings of the gentlest female heart, scowled with
-the dark expression of envy. Adelaide, turning her eyes on her face,
-met that glance, and sighing to see the youthful bloom of this fair
-creature deformed by malevolent emotions, felt for her the pity of a
-superior nature, that from its own beatitude beholds the fretful
-passions of a being incessantly employed in weaving the web of its own
-misery, and mourns that it may not save the wretched victim from its
-self-destroying arts.
-
-When Adelaide sat down, Mr. Webberly, leaning over the arm of the sofa,
-began a complimentary conversation, which she soon terminated on the
-excuse of retiring to make some slight alteration in her travelling
-dress before the time of dinner. In the course of this evening, Mrs.
-Sullivan and her son overloaded Miss Wildenheim with officious
-civilities; and the young ladies paid her many ironical compliments
-intended as insults; but she _would_ not show, by word or look, that she
-understood them otherwise than according to the literal sense, and
-amused herself a little maliciously (forgive her, for she was but human)
-by observing their disappointment at finding their best efforts at
-mortifying her fail of success. But at night, her feelings were those of
-bitter anguish, as she involuntarily compared this day with the last she
-had spent at the Parsonage of Deane, in the enlightened society of her
-kind friends. "But I shall meet them again ere long, and shall enjoy
-their society doubly from the comparison of my present associates. I am
-resolved to think the time till we meet as little disagreeable as
-possible." Her thoughts then reverted to the scenes of her early life,
-on which they could now rest with mournful complacency; and, as she
-recalled to memory the precepts of her beloved father, with a pardonable
-superstition, she fondly flattered herself that he yet spoke to her
-heart. The treasured admonitions of this revered parent at once
-fortified her mind and soothed her feelings; on them she continued to
-ponder till sleep deprived her of recollection and his image at the same
-moment. Her heart was cheered by a sentiment of filial piety, similar to
-that so beautifully expressed by Scott's Ellen:
-
-    My soul, though feminine and weak,
-    Can image his; even as the lake,
-    Itself disturb'd by slightest stroke,
-    Reflects the invulnerable rock.
-
-Notwithstanding Adelaide's best endeavours to persuade herself the
-Webberlys _en masse_ were a pleasant family, and not less amiable than
-agreeable, she now found them more intolerable than ever.
-
-Mr. Webberly's attentions were as incessant as disgusting, and to her
-astonishment his mother no longer gave them overt opposition. His
-sisters, on the contrary, were more than ever devoured by "proud spleen
-and burning envy;" but they excited in her mind only the most profound
-compassion. Pity is said to be near akin to love; it is sometimes
-however very closely allied to that mournful pardon we grant to a
-character, whose irremediable defects excite our unqualified hopeless
-disapprobation.
-
-As for Mrs. Sullivan, Adelaide felt grieved she could not like her, for
-she at least had the feelings of a mother; and where is the character so
-degraded, that these will not give a claim to our love, to our
-veneration? When she saw this poor woman, full of love and pride in her
-elder children, pour forth her fondness on them, and saw the ungrateful
-objects of her tenderness insultingly disdain it, because it did not
-appear in the language and gestures of what they supposed to be fashion,
-she redoubled her attentions, and her sweetly soothing manners,
-sometimes chased the starting tears from the offended mother's eye,
-sometimes made them flow from the bitterness of the comparison they
-caused her to make. But when, softened by compassion, Adelaide was
-reproaching herself for her want of liking to a woman, who, though a
-mistaken, was an affectionate mother, some trait of ostentatious
-arrogant despotism to those not united by ties of relationship sent her
-benevolent feelings, with accelerated motion, back to the source of
-kindness from whence they had begun to flow. Vulgarity alone was no
-crime in her mind; she considered it merely as an accident to which
-certain conditions are liable, and, therefore, when it was an
-accompaniment of worth, she did not _dare_ to feel it a fit subject of
-contempt. She was too noble in soul, too pious in heart, to presume on
-her accidental advantages of education, to despise "the pure in spirit,"
-who are, however lowly in earthly station, glorious in the approving
-smile of Heaven.
-
-But as Mrs. Sullivan was on one point alone entitled to respect, and
-even there imperfectly, (for, owing to the mercenary artifices of her
-elder daughters, she was nearly indifferent to Caroline,) Adelaide had
-now a hard task to perform--namely, to fortify herself once more with
-indifference to all her associates. Her feelings had been awakened from
-their temporary torpor by her visit to the Temples, and she now felt it
-most painful to lower them to the icy temperature they had attained in
-the soul-benumbing atmosphere of Webberly House. "However, (thought
-she,) I must only play the dormouse, and, like it, having gone through a
-few months' torpidity, I shall then wake to an existence of positive
-enjoyment."
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, during Miss Wildenheim's absence, had become conscious of
-the value of her decorum of manner; for besides the attention it
-prompted this young lady to pay her, as due to the person under whose
-roof she resided, it acted as a restraint on the rudeness of her
-daughters, who, when unshackled by the presence of an example of
-propriety in their domestic scene, opposed their mother in every trifle
-with the most perverse obstinacy. Mr. Webberly, as soon as he had been
-refused by Selina, told his mother, in the first effusions of his
-wounded pride, he was determined to marry Miss Wildenheim directly. "He
-was rich enough to please himself after all; he was sure she was a far
-personabler woman than Miss Seymour, though Miss did think no small beer
-of herself." As he could not have Selina, his mother now wished him to
-marry his cousin Miss Leatherly, who was nearly as rich, though she had
-not the advantages of connection, that had won her pride to prefer Miss
-Seymour. She had long delayed her answer to Adelaide's letter,
-determining she should seek another home; but her son declared if she
-did not bring her to Ireland, he would not go either, but would remain
-in whatever place she resided till she was of age, and then it would
-not be in his mother's power to prevent their marriage. Mrs. Sullivan,
-alarmed at this menace, determined no longer to use open opposition, but
-to trust to chance and the possibility of Miss Wildenheim's own pride
-assisting her to defeat his wishes; therefore offered to compromise the
-matter, by saying she would bring Miss Wildenheim with her to Ireland,
-on condition he did not actually propose for her till the period fixed
-for their return to England, promising she would do nothing to prevent
-his paying her what attentions he pleased; but, at the same time giving
-him to understand, the match would never receive her approbation,
-reminding him that a ten thousand pound fortune with a wife was nothing!
-and that he had little now left but what she pleased to give him. Mr.
-Webberly had found out from Selina's conduct, it was possible he might
-be refused; therefore, yielding in part to his mother's wishes,
-acknowledging, on second thoughts, a little delay would be no bad
-thing, as it might enable him to conquer his mistress's resentment for
-his having transferred his attention elsewhere, which he elegantly
-expressed, by saying "In the first brush of the thing she may cuff off
-her nose to punish her face."
-
-Our travellers proceeded on their journey with the most dissimilar
-feelings possible. Mrs. Sullivan enjoying the idea of the fortune this
-expedition would secure to Caroline--the Miss Webberlys, in sullen
-discontent, were forming schemes to make their mother return as soon as
-possible to the neighbourhood of London, supposing the society of
-Ballinamoyle must be still more insipid than that in the vicinity of
-Webberly House--their brother engaged in promoting the success of his
-passion for Adelaide, she not less so in keeping him at a distance, and
-in the endeavour to divert her thoughts from her companions to the
-country they passed through--Caroline alone, with unfeigned pleasure,
-was enjoying the change of scene, and coaxing her "Dear, precious
-Adele," who returned the sweet child's caresses with equal affection.
-The weather was intolerably hot; the Miss Webberlys would not consent to
-have their pelisses faded by opening the barouche--"You know, mama, we
-can't get any thing from London for a long time, and you would not have
-_us_ dress in the Irish fashions:" so the four ladies and Caroline were
-nearly suffocated with heat; little relief was obtained from letting
-down the front windows, for Mr. Webberly and a footman in the driving
-seat intercepted the air. Mr. Webberly had placed himself there, that he
-might from time to time cast sweet looks at Adelaide. She sat with her
-back to him that she might not see them; but this was of little avail,
-for he tapped her every five minutes on the shoulder, on pretence of
-pointing out some remarkable object to her notice, therefore she
-willingly accepted Mrs. Sullivan's offer of making room for her on the
-other seat. Oh! how she envied the abigails, as they drove past in the
-post chaise! she could not enjoy the pleasure of walking up the hills
-with Caroline, as in that case, Mr. Webberly was at her side in an
-instant, ready primed with the compliments he had composed on the
-barouche seat. But notwithstanding all this, she was enchanted with the
-picturesque scenery of North Wales: the Vale of Langollen, Capel
-Kerrick, and Lake Oggen, called forth her rapturous praise, in the
-expression of which she was sometimes joined by her companions, though
-they were little capable of feeling the pleasure she experienced.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's parsimony always showing itself in trifles, she
-quarrelled with all the drivers, ostlers, chamber maids, and waiters, as
-she came along, by offering them less than people who travelled with the
-same _cortege_ usually did. The Welsh are a remarkably sturdy people;
-and if, on entering Wales, you offend the man who drives you the first
-stage, the bad effects of his irascible feelings follow your carriage
-wheels to the last. What must it be when each equestrian is individually
-enraged at you!
-
-The carriage windows were no sooner drawn up, to put an end to the
-clamour occasioned by such squabbles on the outside, than the usual
-contentions were renewed within, which seldom ceased till the time for
-wrangling with the ostlers arrived again, for which a scold to the last
-turnpike keeper, for the badness of the roads, in proportion to the high
-tolls, served as a prelude. However, they at last reached Holyhead: as
-Adelaide skipped into the inn, overjoyed to be comparatively at liberty,
-she exclaimed, in thought, "Thank goodness, so much of my Purgatory is
-over! Why Webberly House was Heaven to this! However we shall travel
-only a small portion of the time I am to spend in penance for my
-sins.--They will all be sea-sick to-morrow, and then I shall have a few
-hours' peace."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV.
-
-    Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float
-    Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck
-    With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets,
-    That no rude savour maritime invade
-    The nose of nice nobility.
-
-    COWPER.
-
-
-On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which
-our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
-
-The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely
-drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices
-of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and
-boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded
-about the inn door. Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs
-screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all
-the murmuring crowd:--"Meely! Cilly! do bestir yourselves; we're too
-late by a mile! here's the wery last boat imparting." The tardy-gaited
-damsels made their appearance just as one of the boatmen informed their
-mother, the captain had sent to say, he would not wait another minute;
-and they reached the side of the ship exactly at the moment he prepared
-to put his threat in execution. Poor Mrs. Sullivan had seldom seen, and
-had never been on the sea before, therefore it is not surprising that
-she was much terrified at finding herself in a small boat, on this, to
-her, unusual element; however, after many exclamations of terror, she
-congratulated herself, and all the party, on being safe on board: she
-might now have said with Foote,
-
-    "When first I went on board, Good Lord! what a racket,
-    Such babbling and squalling fore and aft through the packet;
-    The passengers bawling, the sailors yo-ho-ing,
-    The ship along dashing, the wind aloft blowing;
-    Some sick, and some swearing, some singing, some shrieking,
-    Sails hoisting, blocks rattling, the yards and booms creaking!"
-
-It was that season of the year in which such of the Irish bipeds as are
-birds of passage, pay a summer's visit to their native shores: the
-packet was crowded to excess; and not only every birth was taken, but
-the cabin floors were spread with mattresses for the supernumeraries.
-Mrs. Sullivan had secured the _state_ cabin, where people pay an
-additional price, for the honour and glory of encountering imminent
-danger of suffocation, in a commodious apartment, six feet broad by
-eight feet long, containing four beds, two above and two below; and in
-this receptacle of pride, many a repentant victim of human vanity has
-sent forth pious aspirations after "_a new birth_." Mrs. Sullivan, on
-going below, found that, besides the beds in the state cabin, only two
-others could be procured for Caroline and the maids; she however settled
-the matter, much to her satisfaction, by saying, "Willis must sit up all
-night." But Adelaide seeing the poor woman's face changing colour, with
-a compassion that never rose for an _inferior_ in Mrs. Sullivan's
-breast, said, "If you will allow me, I will make up a bed for myself in
-the floor of your cabin, with the night sacks and dressing boxes; and
-then Willis can have my birth; she looks very sick, poor thing, perhaps
-you will give her leave to go to bed now." "I have no dejection to your
-doing what you likes with your own birth, Miss Vildenheim; but if Villis
-goes to bed, what can I do to undress?"--"Oh! I will be your waiting
-woman with pleasure." So saying, Adelaide seized the golden opportunity
-before the permission could be recalled, and persuaded the fainting
-Willis to occupy her bed.
-
-When they returned to the deck all was comparatively quiet; the ladies
-were seated, and the gentlemen walking about in parties, examining the
-various groups of females which presented themselves to their view. Next
-to Adelaide was seated a very elegant woman, whom she heard addressed by
-the name of St. Orme, and whose husband was walking arm in arm with a
-remarkably handsome man, who united in his deportment the mien of a
-soldier, with the air of a man who had lived much in the world. His back
-was to Adelaide when he first attracted her notice, but when he came
-close to her, she started up, and met the hand he extended to her, with
-reciprocal cordiality, and their mutual astonishment, making them for an
-instant regardless of the presence of so numerous an audience, they
-addressed each other in the language they had long been accustomed to
-converse in, and, after a few hasty sentences of German, Adelaide,
-blushing to her fingers' ends, on perceiving she had attracted the
-attention of every person present, introduced the handsome stranger to
-Mrs. Sullivan as Colonel Desmond, and he was not a little surprised to
-find in her the widow of his most particular friend. This ceremony being
-over, Colonel Desmond again addressed Adelaide: "Good Heavens! Miss
-Wildenheim, who could have thought of seeing you _here_! how time does
-run on! I hope you don't forget what I remember with so much pleasure,
-that our acquaintance commenced before you were six years old; and that
-you used to seat yourself on my knee, with as little ceremony as that
-beautiful child is preparing to do on yours." Adelaide's dialogue with
-her new found friend was suddenly interrupted by Mrs. Sullivan becoming
-so qualmish, that a speedy retreat to her own cabin was judged
-advisable, and Colonel Desmond, after assisting the ladies to go down
-stairs, returned to the deck, his fair acquaintance remaining below to
-give her promised aid to her _chaperone_.
-
-Though Colonel Desmond was then in his forty-fifth year, his florid
-complexion, brilliant eye, and martial air, made him appear nearly ten
-years younger; nor were the few unwelcome gray hairs, that attempted to
-tell tales of other times, in contradiction to their darker companions,
-in sufficient number to counteract the appearance of youth, that the
-finest set of teeth in the world gave to his face. His forehead, eyes,
-and brows, seemed the seat of sense and manly daring, but all the kindly
-affections of human nature dwelt about his mouth. Adelaide had early
-applied to him the motto of the Chevalier Bayard--_L'homme sans peur et
-sans reproche_: and in the days of youthful enthusiasm, he had, in her
-scale of admiration, ranked next to her father--nor was he unworthy of
-her regard.
-
-This gallant soldier was the second son of a country gentleman, whose
-family had lived from generation to generation in habits of friendship
-with that of the late Mr. Sullivan, who was also a younger son. These
-young men were companions, school-fellows, and friends, and on the death
-of their fathers, found themselves but scantily provided for. Edward
-Desmond, being intended for the church, had gone through some part of
-his collegiate course in the university of Dublin; but on the death of
-his father, agreeing with his young friend, that "it was much better to
-be a soldier than a damned quiz of a parson" resolved to exchange the
-cassock for the sword. Being a protestant, Edward did not labour under
-the same disabilities as his friend, but he would not separate their
-fortunes, and determined to share the same fate, and follow the same
-standard; accordingly they left their homes, in order, as they expressed
-it, in the words of a favourite song, to "go round the world for sport."
-
-They entered the Austrian armies, and the first five years of their
-career served under the command of Baron Wildenheim, during which time
-he proved himself their patron and friend; gratitude on their side, and
-regard on his, preserved the intimacy thus formed, by correspondence and
-personal communication, long after they had ceased to be brother
-soldiers. Colonel Desmond remained in Germany, several years subsequent
-to Mr. Sullivan's return to England, so that he was much better known to
-Adelaide than the latter gentleman; and till she recollected he was
-unmarried, she had often wondered her father had not left her to his
-guardianship, in preference to a person who was to her a comparative
-stranger. Though Desmond and Sullivan had commenced their career of
-life together, they did not long continue on an equality as to
-character. The superior education Edward had received, in order to
-qualify him for the profession he was originally designed to embrace,
-showed its beneficial effects in far different pursuits; for whilst
-Maurice Sullivan plunged into every species of dissipation, his
-companion, incited by the expostulations and example of Baron
-Wildenheim, occupied himself in the acquirement of the knowledge most
-necessary to his profession, occasionally varying his studies by the
-pleasures arising from the cultivation of literature and the fine arts.
-But, however advantageous Colonel Desmond's intercourse with Baron
-Wildenheim had been to the formation of his character, it had latterly
-been dangerous to the peace of his mind. He had so long regarded the
-daughter of his friend with almost parental affection, that he was not
-exactly aware of the moment, when his feelings towards her became those
-of a lover; but when awakened to a sense of the real nature of his
-sentiments, his hours of solitude were tinctured with regret, as he
-bitterly lamented that hitherto disregarded want of fortune, which
-forbade his seeking the hand of the lovely girl. Neither Adelaide, nor
-the Baron, was ever conscious of this attachment; she only felt for him
-as a sort of second father, in whose approbation she delighted, and by
-whose admonition she profited; honour and generosity withheld his using
-any endeavours to win further on her regard; and feeling that
-self-control would not much longer be possible, he left Vienna,
-apparently induced only by the desire to revisit his native country.
-Time and absence had deadened, but not changed his feelings: with such
-sentiments, it may therefore be supposed, what happiness this unexpected
-meeting gave to both. The Miss Webberlys had come down below with their
-mother and Adelaide, so that the latter was obliged to stay in the
-suffocating cabin, where she remained in durance vile above an hour;
-from time to time she heard Caroline's little merry voice on deck, and
-longed to be there also; at last, when the little girl retired to bed,
-she gave Adelaide Mrs. St. Orme's compliments, to know if she would like
-to come on deck, adding, that she and Colonel Desmond were waiting in
-the outer cabin to take her up. With the utmost delight she profited by
-this good natured attention. When they ascended, she found all the
-passengers disposed of for the night, except Mr. and Mrs. St. Orme and
-Colonel Desmond.
-
-Miss Wildenheim's present _chaperone_ was a very elegant pleasing Irish
-woman, who added to the ease of well bred manners that sort of
-kindliness, which appears in those of her countrywomen in general. She
-was of good family, and was so well assured of her own place in society,
-that she never took the least trouble to impress any body else with an
-idea of her consequence; but her unaffected simplicity of dress,
-manner, and deportment, were the best credentials she could present to
-those accustomed to move in the same rank of life with herself. Adelaide
-and she understood each other at once: before their acquaintance had
-lasted half an hour, a casual observer would have supposed they had long
-been known to each other.
-
-It was a most delightful night, the ship was smoothly cutting her rapid
-way before a fair, wind, and as it passed, the rippling waters sparkled
-with the beams of the moon. Colonel Desmond, leaning carelessly over the
-side of the vessel, half sung, half hummed, this verse, translated from
-an ancient Irish song:--
-
-    The moon calmly sleeps on the ocean,
-      And tinges each white bosom'd sail;
-    The bark, scarcely conscious of motion,
-      Glides slowly before the soft gale.
-
-    How vain are the charms they discover,
-      My heart from its sorrows to draw!
-    Whilst memory carries me over
-      To _Ma cailin beog chruite nambo_.
-
-Adelaide thought the sound of his well remembered voice "pleasant and
-mournful to the soul, like the memory of joys that are past;" and it was
-insensibly leading her into a train of ideas, which she was not sorry to
-have interrupted by general conversation. How much did she enjoy the
-delightful freshness of the night, and the enlivening sallies of her
-animated companions; they were, however, at length terminated by Mr. St.
-Orme complaining of the increasing chilliness of the air, and proposing
-that she and her fair companion should take refuge from it in the body
-of her barouche, which was on deck. There they passed the remainder of
-the night most comfortably; and, when the sun rose, Miss Wildenheim was
-very sorry to hear they were entering the bay of Dublin, as she
-recollected her landing would put an end to the temporary release the
-packet had afforded her from the annoyances of the Webberly family.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV.
-
-    To sail in unknown seas,
-    To land in countries hitherto unseen,
-    To breathe a fresh invigorating air:
-    ----All this, I am convinced,
-    Will renovate me a second time,
-    To be what once I was.
-
-    LLOYD'S MYRHA.
-
-
-Before any of the other passengers came on deck, Mrs. St. Orme and
-Adelaide contrived to make their morning toilet quite _comme il faut_,
-and when it was finished, and their dressing-boxes were repacked, they
-drew up the blinds of the carriage, and beheld a most beautiful scene.
-
-The sun was shining in all his brightness, and seemed to exult on
-beholding the fair isle, that, cheered by his smiles, was venturing to
-raise her lovely face from beneath its misty veil, no longer fearful of
-beholding the dark visage of Night, who, sullenly retreating from his
-glorious foe, had turned his louring brow on other daughters of the sea.
-The hill of Howth rose proudly from the bosom of the deep; and whilst
-its rocky sides, from age to age, beheld unmoved the fury of the
-sounding surge, the pointed summits of the distant Wicklow mountains
-courted the beams of morn and the dews of evening, ere they descended to
-visit the plains beneath. The bold promontory of Bray rushed to meet the
-foaming waves; and by its side the beautiful bay of Killina retreated
-from their half spent rage; whilst in the distant sky a darkened line of
-smoke pointed out the site of the fine city of Dublin. "Dear Ireland!"
-exclaimed Mrs. St. Orme, whilst the tear of feeling and the smile of joy
-struggled for mastery in her beaming eyes--"Oh! only those who have
-pined for their native land beneath a stranger sky, whose eye has been
-long unblessed by her loved face, whose ear has vainly paused to hear
-once again her kindly, though unpolished accents; who have held her--
-
-          'dear by every tie
-    Which binds us to our infancy,
-    By weeping Mem'ry's fondest claims,
-    By nature's holiest highest names;'
-
-can feel their souls moved to sympathy at the sight of her children's
-emotions, when they at last behold her cherished soil." Poor Adelaide!
-she felt the current of life retire from her chilled heart, as it was
-oppressed by the sad thought, that no revered parent or beloved sister
-would receive her in the arms of affectionate love, when she landed on
-the smiling shore, that spread before her sight. She gazed on the
-countless dwellings, that met her view, with a bitterness of sorrow that
-was faithfully depicted in her speaking countenance. In every mourner
-Mrs. St. Orme saw a friend; and understanding the nature of her
-companion's affliction, from a conversation she had the evening before
-with Colonel Desmond, she pressed her hand, saying in the kindest tones
-of benevolence, "You will find friends every where; in that hospitable
-land there are many warm hearts, to whom you will quickly be dear." The
-expression of Adelaide's gratitude, though mute, was eloquent, and she
-soon recovered herself sufficiently to answer, with apparent ease, the
-various inquiries put to her by Mr. St. Orme and Colonel Desmond, who
-now appeared to offer their services.
-
-About nine o'clock all was again commotion in the ship; many a strange
-figure might have been seen in the cabins below. Here Mr. Webberly,
-doffing his white cotton nightcap, and reeling on the floor, was cut
-short in the ecstasy of a yawn, and of an outstretched arm, and
-balancing opposite leg, by a return of the sickness, which had kept him
-below stairs all night, to Adelaide's great joy. There a fop was calmly
-settling his hat, so as to display the glossy curls, that were to appear
-below its edge, to the utmost advantage. Behind that white dimity
-curtain a lady is viewing herself in a pocket glass, and laments her
-bilious complexion; but quickly comforts herself with the reflection,
-that she can wear a veil, and in a day or two she shall be ten times
-fairer than ever. One gentleman is damning the steward for suffering his
-sea store to be demolished, who appeases him by saying he will give him
-another hamper to ransack. There is the wag of a mail coach, continuing
-his jokes with a fat cook, whose tongue has seldom ceased since they
-left London, in the endeavour to persuade every one she met that she was
-a lady of great consequence, and who literally talked all night, to the
-edification of the people in the cabin with her. An odd looking man is
-running about with a box of artificial flowers, tormenting every body,
-by asking if the custom-house officers will seize them; and to every
-reply rejoining, "I'll just give them a trifle, just a trifle. Do you
-think they'll search my night sack?" Lastly, the English Abigails loudly
-declare they shall die; and the Irish that they _will_ die, whilst in
-the intervals of sickness they endeavour to quiet a set of squalling
-children.
-
-When these motley groupes assembled on deck, it was agreed by most it
-would be much better to take boats to Dunleary, than to wait for the
-returning tide to land at the Pigeon House, which is the regular station
-appointed for the packets.
-
-Adelaide now offered her arm to Mrs. Sullivan, who had just ascended the
-cabin stairs in a rueful condition. Her face was indeed the emblem of
-"green and yellow melancholy." Somebody had done her the favour to sit
-upon her hat, and had bent its white plume in every direction; her
-habit was crumpled up in a thousand folds, and the queen of Otaheite
-herself could not have boasted of more feathers than adorned it in
-detached spots. Mr. Webberly, who accompanied his mother and sisters
-upon deck, as he looked at Adelaide's lovely face, blooming with the
-freshness of the sea air, said to himself, "Well, Miss Wildenheim must
-have his Majesty's patent in her pocket to be so beautiful, when all the
-other women look so bad. Sister Cilly is as ugly as old Mother Shipton
-this morning; and as for Meely, she's enough to frighten the crows. I
-wonder what business that Colonel Desmond has to talk to Miss Wildenheim
-so--he's too civil by half; I've a month's mind to tell him so; and how
-she does smile and show her white teeth at him. I see nothing so
-diverting about him, not I."
-
-"Jack!" said his mother, interrupting his reverie, "Miss Wildenheim has
-dissuaded me to go in that 'ere boat;--do get our band-boxes put in it.
-They say we mustn't take none of our trunks, neither one of the
-carriages. I suspect me they're playing tricks upon travellers; and if
-so be, I'll take the law of them as sure as my name's Hannah Silliwan.
-The ship may sail away with all our things afore ever we can send the
-constables after it.--They say the Irish are a sad set of rogues. I vish
-I vas safe back in Lunnon again."
-
-The party were soon summoned to the boat, and quickly reached the pier
-of Dunleary in safety. This place is merely a fishing village, chiefly
-inhabited by those amphibious animals called bathing women, whose
-appearance renders their sex nearly as dubious as their occupation makes
-it difficult to decide whether they mostly inhabit the land or the
-water. A crowd of these strange looking creatures assembled about the
-newly arrived ladies. Adelaide involuntarily shrunk from one of them,
-whose complexion was at least three shades darker than fashionable
-mahogany, who had but one furious black eye, and was of a stature that
-promised the power of carrying into execution the evil designs, which
-seemed painted in that eye. This woman's voice, when she spoke, was
-nearly as appalling as her aspect when silent; but yet she was perfectly
-harmless, and had never been known to injure any human being.--"Clear
-the way there, Moll Kelly! Don't you see you're putting the ladies all
-through other? Can't ye lend a hand to the spalpeen while you're doing
-nothing? Or do the t'other thing, and take yourself aff clane and
-clever?" said a good-natured looking man, who formed one of the crowd of
-idlers, who stood wrapped up in great coats (a hot day in June), with
-their backs propped against the pier, or the walls of the houses
-opposite to it. "It's myself that would be sore and sorry not to be
-agreeable to them. I just stepped down to take a peep at their sweet
-faces, God bless them!" said she. Adelaide, shocked at the repugnance
-her countenance had involuntarily expressed to this unoffending mortal;
-made the _amende honorable_ by slipping into her hand, as she passed
-close by, a piece of silver, accompanied by a smile of conciliation.
-"Och, its yourself that's the real quality;--and did ye look on the like
-of me, jewel?--I'm entirely obliged to your ladyship." A number of men
-now came up, saying, "I'll whip your honour up to Dublin in a crack."
-"Plase your honour, mine's the best going gingle on all the Black Rock
-road." "Arrah, hould your palaver, Barny," said a third; "didn't my
-Padderene mare beat the Bang-up coach to tatters the day Mr. Shorly
-broke his arm; when the gingle, for no rason in life, upset? The Lord
-spare him to his childer, poor gintleman." Colonel Desmond now came
-forward to explain what this might mean--namely, that there was no
-other conveyance to Dublin except the carriages he pointed out, which
-were sufficiently expeditious, and perfectly safe, if their drivers
-would not insist on running races with the stage coaches. Accordingly
-the party were stowed into these gingles, which more nearly resemble
-sociables in miniature than any other vehicle; but their backs, instead
-of being solid wood, are railed. They are totally uncushioned, and are
-drawn by one stout, though ill-conditioned horse. They soon struck into
-a very fine road, sufficiently broad to lead to a city twice the size of
-Dublin, on which numberless cars, carts, and carriages, of all
-descriptions, passed each other, without the smallest inconvenience,
-except from clouds of white dust, peculiarly distressing from the nature
-of the soil. The views on all sides were exquisite, combining the
-various beauties of marine and mountain scenery, ornamented with
-abundance of wood and an appearance of high cultivation. The peculiarly
-vivid green of the grass justified to our travellers the appellation of
-"the emerald isle," which Ireland has long possessed. They saw at a
-distance many beautiful seats; but were not a little diverted by the
-names of the diminutive villas which rose close to the road. Three
-houses, built in a row, had in large letters on their walls, _Anne's
-Hill_, Many _Vale_, and Ballynacleigh. A house was perched on a little
-mount, glorying in three lilacs and a laburnum; on its gate was engraved
-_Val ombrosa_. Another, with half an acre of ground and a single row of
-trees before the door, was called Wood Park: and they observed more than
-one Frescati and Marino. The proprietor of one of these abodes did not
-consider his house sufficiently near the road, though within a stone's
-throw, therefore had erected a brick and mortar building, the size and
-shape of a sentry box, resting on the wall which divided his domain from
-the road, so as to overhang it; and at the moment the gingles drove
-past, he was enjoying the delights of this "_happy rural seat of various
-view_" reading the newspapers in the moments he could spare from
-watching the company who drove by. Our travellers were much pleased with
-the regular and beautiful appearance of Dublin, as this entrance into it
-is not defaced by any mean hovels, the abode of squalid poverty, which
-are the too frequent preludes of many a magnificent capital. Entering at
-once into Bagot-street, which is handsome and well built, they drove
-through several fine streets and squares, caught a glimpse of some
-elegant public buildings, such as the college, the _ci-devant_
-parliament-house, and the rotunda, and at last stopped at Layton's
-hotel, in Sackville-street, which is inferior to few in London.
-
-And oh! the luxury of comfortable quiet rooms and beds, after being
-condemned to the turmoil of a Holyhead packet, and exposed to the
-dislocating powers of a Black Rock gingle! Our travellers retired at an
-early hour, to profit by these lately unknown comforts; and here,
-wishing them sound sleep and pleasant dreams, we bid them "good night."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI.
-
-    Ah! si mon coeur osoit encore se renflammer!
-    Ne sentirai-je plus de charme qui m'arrete?
-        Ai-je passe le temps d'aimer?
-
-    LA FONTAINE.
-
-
-When the ladies entered their breakfasting room the morning after their
-arrival in Dublin, they found it fragrant with the most delightful
-flowers; and the tables presented specimens of the finest fruits this
-city could boast of. Adelaide quickly recognized Colonel Desmond's
-habitual attention to the fair sex; whilst Mrs. Sullivan exclaimed, "A
-fine bill I'll varrant me for all these here kick-shaws:--I'll ring for
-the waiter to take them away." Her hand was on the bell, when Cecilia
-stopped her, by declaring she could eat nothing but fruit. "Who would
-have dreamt of seeing hot-house fruit in _Ireland_! Those flowers will
-keep me from fainting this hot day; don't send them away, mama:--unless
-I have every agreement you can procure me, I shan't be able to exist in
-the odious country you have dragged me over to." By this time Adelaide
-descried a note directed to herself on the breakfast table; the stalk of
-a _rose unique_ was slipped into it, and on the outside was written in
-pencil, "Herself a fairer flower." She smiled at the gallant colonel's
-compliment, and found her note contained a polite _conge_ from Mrs. St.
-Orme, who much regretted being obliged to leave Dublin at too early an
-hour to bid her adieu in person; but expressed a flattering wish, that
-an opportunity might occur for cultivating their further acquaintance.
-Adelaide, throwing down her note on the table as soon as she had read
-it, turned to examine the beautiful bouquets that adorned the flower
-stands; and every individual of the Webberly family took the
-opportunity of making themselves _au fait_ of its contents. Had they
-been caught in the fact, they would hardly have felt ashamed, for any
-thing short of a _letter_, their code of the laws of honour permitted
-them to peruse. "A _letter_ they would not read for the world"--when any
-body was looking at them!
-
-Breakfast was scarcely finished when Mrs. Sullivan's servant entered the
-room, to know if she was at home to Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan? An
-answer being given in the affirmative, they quickly made their
-appearance. Mr. Donolan was nephew by marriage to Colonel Desmond's
-elder brother; but though this connection made them sometimes associate
-together, they were as completely dissimilar in mind as they were in
-person. Mr. Donolan was, as Cecilia called him, "a very pretty man." His
-hand rivalled her own in whiteness; his hair was not less carefully cut,
-combed, and curled in the most becoming manner; and the fair Cecilia
-might have worn his delicate pink waistcoat and worked shirt collar, as
-elegant and suitable accompaniments to her riding-habit, without the
-most scrutinizing eye discovering they had ever formed a part of male
-attire. This Hibernian Jessamy was the only child of a wealthy Catholic
-merchant of Dublin: the youth being too precious to be exposed to the
-hardships of a school, was nurtured at home by an obsequious tutor and a
-doting mother, in the most inordinate vanity. That vivacity of mind,
-with which nature usually endows his countrymen, fell to his lot also;
-and had it been properly directed, might have procured him well-earned
-fame; but unfortunately it only served as an impetus to his self-love,
-in a never-ceasing career of egotism, which made him prefer the casual
-"_succes de societe_," to the lasting benefit to be derived from
-solitary study. The reward of scholarship was of too tedious attainment
-for this impatient genius, who, without ceremony, dubbed himself a
-"_dilettante_," a title universally conceded to him by his Irish
-acquaintance, who took the liberty of quizzing him most unmercifully.
-Young Donolan did not fail to take advantage of the opportunity the
-general peace afforded for visiting the continent; he had there acquired
-a knowledge of the fine arts, which was just sufficient to enable him to
-interlard his conversation with those technical terms of
-connoisseurship, which, as "The Diversions of Purley" observe, commonly
-serve but as a veil to cover the ignorance of those who use them, and to
-privilege him to treat with sovereign contempt all the 'Aborigines of
-West Barbary,' as he most patriotically termed such of his countrymen
-and women, as had not redeemed the original sin of their birth, by at
-least a six week's visit to England or France. Mr. Donolan's manners
-corresponded to the double refined tone of his mind, (we are bound to
-apologize to him for using this term, as it betrays his father's
-_ci-devant_ trade of sugar-baking): he stood on the threshold of
-fashion, and finding he could never be admitted into the sanctuary of
-the _bona dea_, was content to copy from a distance those more
-conspicuous embellishments of the object of his adoration, which, being
-singled from the finer web on which they are originally engrafted by the
-mystery of art, become deformities when deprived of their connecting,
-though almost invisible thread; and, thus detached, start forward in
-unmeaning caricature. But so little was he conscious of his _outre_
-travesty "_du bel air_," that in the plenitude of his folly he had
-applied to himself Frederic the Great's description of the Prince de
-Salm: "Il est petri de graces; tous ses gestes sont d'une elegance
-recherchee; ses moindres paroles, des enigmes. Il discute et approfondit
-les bagatelles avec une dexterite infinie, et possede la caste de
-l'empire du tendre, mieux que tous les Scuderi de l'univers[10]."
-
-[Footnote 10: He is saturated with graces! His every gesture is of
-refined elegance; his every word an enigma. He investigates and
-discusses trifles with infinite dexterity, and is more completely master
-of the etiquette of gallantry than all the Scuderies of the universe.]
-
-Mr. Donolan owed his introduction to our travellers to having
-accidentally met Colonel Desmond that morning at the Commercial
-Buildings in Dame-street; an elegant establishment, something of the
-nature of the Adelphi in London; and the place in the Irish capital
-where the wanderer is most likely to meet his acquaintances. In answer
-to some of Colonel Desmond's interrogatories, Mr. Donolan mentioned
-having just received a pressing invitation to visit Bogberry Hall, but
-that he was afraid it would not be in his power to visit Connaught this
-summer. "Certainly a journey there is a much more serious undertaking,
-than crossing the Alps was before we were indebted to Buonaparte for the
-Simplon road," replied Colonel Desmond laughing; "but you must some time
-or other be doomed to remain in this limbo for a short time. You had
-better encounter its apathetic powers now;--I am going to escort Mr.
-O'Sullivan's English connections to Ballinamoyle: perhaps they may
-enable you to support your penance with tolerable ease." "_Ah ma foi!
-maintenant c'est toute autre chose_, as the French say," replied Mr.
-Donolan: "I think I will visit my aunt. And you know," continued he,
-bowing to the exact angle which the upper part of the body of the most
-fashionable Parisian dancing-master forms with his lower, "more than one
-specimen of an accomplished gentleman will be necessary to convince the
-strangers, who have done our country the honour of visiting it, that
-there are some Irish not deserving the appellation of Goths and
-Vandals." "Really, my good fellow, you do me too much honour," replied
-Colonel Desmond; "only your modesty could induce you to place me on a
-par with yourself." "_Point de tout, mon cher, point de tout!_ You, like
-me, have had the advantage of travelling; nobody could suspect either of
-_us_ of being Irish." Provoked by this last observation, Colonel
-Desmond, as they left the coffee-house, hummed the air of the song which
-begins thus:--
-
-    "When Jacky Bull sets out for France,
-      The gosling you discover;
-    When taught to ride, to fence, to dance,
-      The finish'd goose comes over,
-    With his tierce and his quarte ca, ca,
-    And his cotillon so smart, O la!
-    He charms each female heart, ha! ha!
-      When Jacky returns from Dover."
-
-Perhaps the satirical expression of his countenance had not entirely
-passed away, when he introduced Mr. Felix Donolan to the ladies of the
-Webberly party, as an "amateur and connoisseur of the fine arts, and an
-adept in chemistry, mineralogy, botany, and craniology." Colonel Desmond
-begged to know how he might be of use to the travellers, either as
-regarded their stay in Dublin, or their journey to Ballinamoyle,
-reminding Mrs. Sullivan of the permission she had granted him the day
-before, to escort her thither, and requesting her leave to constitute
-Mr. Donolan another knight-errant in the service of the fair itinerants.
-
-Mr. Donolan's vanity acted in two ways regarding his country: it
-prompted him to use every _secret_ endeavour to make it appear in the
-best point of view to strangers, whilst it led him to assert his own
-superior refinement by pretending to despise it. He recollected that
-Irish posting was famous and infamous, but that an English tourist of
-much celebrity had spoken in high terms of the packet-boats on the
-canals which lead to the interior; he therefore strongly advised Mrs.
-Sullivan to proceed as far as she could by this mode of conveyance.
-Colonel Desmond said in reply, "I don't think, Felix, that method of
-travelling has any thing to recommend it, except its extreme cheapness."
-The two words, _extreme cheapness_, conveyed an argument to Mrs.
-Sullivan's ear, that was not to be refuted by the powers of the most
-able logician; therefore it was agreed, that the next day but one they
-should proceed in the manner Mr. Donolan advised. It was also settled,
-that the mean time should be spent in seeing as much of Dublin as they
-could; and Colonel Desmond left them to procure the Provost's permission
-to show them the college of Dublin to the best advantage, by introducing
-them to such parts of the library, &c., as he only can admit strangers
-to see. The _dilettante_ was highly delighted with the party. Mrs.
-Sullivan's cockney dialect he designated as "Anglicisms," and therefore
-much to be preferred to the most classical English, that could be
-conveyed to his ear, degraded by that peculiar accent of his country
-called the _brogue_. He was completely at a loss, whether most to admire
-Miss Cecilia Webberly's London airs, or Miss Wildenheim's foreign
-graces; and on leaving the room, said to himself, with the most affected
-tone and gesture imaginable,
-
-    "How happy could I be with either,
-    Were t'other dear charmer away!"
-
-Colonel Desmond, on his return, found the ladies and Mr. Webberly
-prepared to attend him to the college, where they proceeded on foot.
-This building stands in front of a small park, called the college
-gardens, appropriated to the students, who are in number about five
-hundred. The college presents a handsome front, of the Corinthian order,
-constructed with Portland stone, forming the base of a place of
-triangular form, named College Green, which, besides the edifice which
-designates it, boasts of the late beautiful Parliament House, that still
-continues to adorn the land it once benefited: _Stat magni nominis
-umbra_. The interior of Trinity College corresponds with its external
-elegance. The travellers visited the museum, the library, the chapel,
-the hall for examinations, and the provost's fine house and gardens. In
-the library they saw, with the compassion her name always excites, the
-hand-writing of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots, in a Sallust she
-gave her sons and read, with unmixed horror, a letter of her great
-grandson, James the second, commanding the cruelties of the siege of
-Londonderry. Colonel Desmond did not fail to point out the exquisite
-botanical drawings of the celebrated Anna Maria Schurman, and Quin's
-bequest, which, besides many other bibliothecal rarities, is supposed to
-contain the finest copy of Virgil extant. As the party passed through
-the college yard, they were much surprised at the extreme youth of some
-of the students, who seemed scarcely old enough to have reached the
-higher forms of a grammar school; and Colonel Desmond told them the
-remarkable fact, that a few years ago, two boys entered the college on
-the same day, one from the north of Ireland, of thirteen, the other from
-the south, of eleven years of age. The former had been, long before this
-period, fitted to enter on his academical course; but his father not
-being sufficiently rich to send him, he was, for a considerable time,
-usher at a grammar school, till a subscription was raised by the
-publication of his juvenile poems, which enabled him to enter Trinity
-college. After leaving the college, our party proceeded down Dame
-Street, so called from the monastery of St. Mary les Dames, founded in
-the year 1146, by Dermot M'Murrough, king of Leinster, which stood on
-this spot. Dame Street is the Bond Street of Dublin; and here, at
-least, that want of crowds and equipages, so melancholy in many parts of
-that city, more especially at this season of the year, is not
-perceptible. The multitude of beggars has long formed a prominent
-feature in the aspect of the Irish capital; and from their mouths the
-traveller generally receives his first impression of the energy of
-language possessed by the lower Irish. No unaccustomed ear can listen
-without emotion to the awful words in which they clothe their
-benedictions. Were they of as moving power in Heaven, as on earth, they
-would be cheaply purchased by the alms of the passing stranger. Our
-party met with many such petitioners, whose prayers were proffered in
-words too solemn to be here transcribed. A woman, who called herself
-"The gentle Eliza," was recorded never to have asked in vain; she seemed
-once to have filled a higher station, for her figure was elegant, and
-her voice soft and musical, though a dejection, verging on madness, was
-depicted in her countenance. She appealed first to the heart, and if
-there she knocked in vain, she successfully addressed the vanity of her
-hearers, in a strain of varied flattery. Her life was irreproachable,
-and her history unknown.
-
-Adelaide's attention was soon however diverted from this interesting
-object, by another of a very different description. A squalid looking
-woman, in the garments of extreme poverty, was leading her child by the
-hand, whose spotless skin, as white as snow, and its clean neat clothes,
-formed a surprising contrast to the mother's tattered filthy
-habiliments, Some hasty passenger knocked the poor infant
-down.--Adelaide raised it up, and as she beheld the countenance of a
-cherub, exclaimed, "What a beautiful creature!" The starving mother's
-mouth had opened to demand her charity, but her maternal pride made her
-forget her misery. "Troth, she is a beautiful cratur; she's the joy of
-my heart, and the light of my eyes; many's the long mile I've carried
-her, and thought it no toil; she makes me kindly welcome wherever I go;
-it was the Lord God sent her to me, an angel of comfort in my trouble:
-and may you never know trouble, dear; but my blessing, and the Lord's,
-be about you, when you get up, and when you lie down, and in your dying
-hour[11]." Adelaide felt her heart thrill within her, at this
-unpurchased benediction; she had scarcely given her all the silver in
-her purse, and less than she wished to bestow, when Colonel Desmond's
-sleeve was twitched by a venerable looking old gentleman, who begged to
-speak a word to him.--His countenance was uncommonly fine; he had
-
-          "The eye which tells
-    How much of mind within it dwells;"
-
-his reverend temples were adorned with the most beautiful flowing silver
-locks; his language and manners spoke the gentleman and the scholar;
-his threadbare coat alone told that he too was a mendicant! Colonel
-Desmond satisfied his usual demand of "Will you lend me a guinea?"
-without looking up to behold the blush that crimsoned his aged cheek;
-and with no other commentary than a deep sigh, rejoined his party.
-
-[Footnote 11: _Verbatim._]
-
-This unfortunate man was of a respectable English family: in his youth
-he had embraced the clerical profession, and was one of the most
-eloquent preachers of his day; persuasion hung upon his lips; but, as
-has been said of individuals of his sacred order, he served only as a
-finger-post, to point out to others the path he did not tread himself.
-His talents and his interest procured him considerable church preferment
-in Ireland, which his extravagance and bad conduct ere long deprived him
-of. After spending some years in a prison, he repaired to the Irish
-capital, to live from day to day by any expedient that might occur.
-Here he partly supported himself, by being what is called in Ireland a
-"buckle-beggar," that is, a clergyman who solemnizes irregular
-marriages; partly by begging, under the pretence of borrowing, from any
-acquaintance he might happen to meet. He was now old and infirm, and
-would, five days out of six, have wanted a dinner, but that one of his
-former friends, who had, in better days, partaken of the charms of his
-wit at his hospitable board, most humanely requested him, in his decay
-of fortune and intellect, to share, at his table, a meal he could not
-otherwise have procured.
-
-When the ladies were tired of their promenade, they returned towards
-their hotel. As Mr. Donolan took care of both the Miss Webberlys,
-Colonel Desmond could not do less than offer his arm to Mrs. Sullivan,
-Adelaide therefore was obliged to prefer the disagreeable necessity of
-accepting Mr. Webberly's, to the more flattering prudery of declining
-it: thus honoured, he walked along in triumph, looking from side to
-side, to see who admired his lovely charge, and anticipating the moment
-when she would be wholly and solely his. The _dilettante_, as they
-passed under the admired portico of the House of Commons, took the
-delightful opportunity of expatiating on the "_cyma recta_," and "_cyma
-reversa_," in an architectural combat with Miss Webberly, in which she
-met his triglyphs and metopes, with toruses, astragals, and plinths;
-whilst Cecilia much enjoyed their loud talking, as it attracted the eyes
-of numerous gentlemen to herself, who seldom failed to pass some audible
-encomium on her beauty as they walked by. Mrs. Sullivan, mentally
-lamenting the expenditure she had, in the course of their walk, made in
-_charity_, feelingly inquired of Colonel Desmond, if there were no
-asylums allotted to the poor in Dublin? "I believe, my dear madam,"
-replied he, "no city, of the same size and wealth, is better provided
-with charitable establishments; but our poor have an unconquerable
-aversion to avail themselves of the relief thus afforded. As I went
-towards the Commercial Buildings this morning, I met a remarkably fine
-young man, who demanded alms; I remonstrated with him, and told him,
-what I supposed him ignorant of, that employment for every artisan in
-want was supplied at the House of Industry; he indignantly
-replied,--'It's myself that knows that right well! is it a dacent
-cratur, like me, you'd send to the House of Industry? Civil words eat no
-bread; and if you keep your charity, don't demane me by making a pauper
-of me!'"--Thus conversing, they reached the hotel.
-
-Adelaide was not a little pleased to see Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan
-join their circle at dinner. In the evening they were entertained with a
-variety of itinerant musicians, whom the former collected from all
-quarters of the town for their amusement.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's stay in Dublin was too short to admit of her party
-visiting more of its public buildings; but the following day they
-repaired to the fine botanical gardens in its neighbourhood; and ended
-their morning excursion by driving through the Phoenix Park.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVII.
-
-        Pray now, the news?
-    You've made fair work, I fear me: pray, your news?
-
-    CORIOLANUS.
-
-
-Mrs. Sullivan had agreed to leave Dublin in that packet boat which
-proceeds westward, at nine o'clock in the morning, and which would take
-her party to the Canal Inn to sleep, the same night: they were to spend
-the second at some convenient resting place on the borders of Connaught,
-and early on the morning of the third day expected to reach
-Ballinamoyle.
-
-Adelaide had employed herself the evening previous to their departure,
-in writing Mrs. Temple an account of all she had seen worthy of remark
-in the Irish capital, not forgetting to make honourable mention of her
-friend Colonel Desmond. This letter was written in much better spirits
-than the one she had sent from Shrewsbury by Lamotte; and when it
-reached Mrs. Temple, she was as much gratified by observing this
-circumstance, as by the tone of affectionate gratitude towards herself
-and her husband, which pervaded it throughout.
-
-At half past nine o'clock the bustle of leaving Dublin had completely
-subsided, and the party assembled on the deck of the packet boat had
-full leisure to view each other, and the surrounding country. As they
-passed slowly along, one fine seat after another presented itself to
-their eyes. The country being, hereabouts, principally laid out in
-parks, lawns, and plantations; that want of wood is not felt for the
-first twenty miles from Dublin, in this direction, which renders a large
-proportion of Ireland so desolate to an eye accustomed to woodland
-scenery. The boat was towed along by two stout horses; but the poor
-animals were scarcely equal to the laborious task assigned them, and
-went sideling along in a manner most painful to a humane eye to see.
-They were driven by giddy boys, and some faint hearts on board quaked
-lest any accident should occur from their carelessness. Passing the
-locks is by no means a pleasant operation: you are shut up for a few
-minutes between massive stonewalls, with a watery abyss beneath, which
-seems to threaten to swallow you up; and one or other of your fellow
-passengers is sure to take that opportunity of informing you, that a
-packet boat was once upset passing a lock, that every soul on board
-perished, by a variety of deaths, more or less horrible, according to
-the vivacity of the imagination which the relater may happen to possess.
-The bell which announces the arrival of the packet boat at the places
-appointed for changing horses, assembles every individual within reach
-of its sound, who can accomplish reaching the spot ere its departure.
-Men, women, and children, of all descriptions, throng to gaze at the
-passengers, and inquire the news from Dublin. Here are to be seen the
-landlord, the physician, and the curate of the district, debating the
-politics of the day. Some passenger gives them the newspapers, or reads
-an extract from a pamphlet just come out, or relates rumours in direct
-contradiction to those they heard the day before, which however reign
-with unquestioned credit, till the next diurnal importation of lies
-reaches them, which banish, in turn, their ephemeral predecessors, and
-are themselves dispossessed of their authority by as short-lived
-usurpers.
-
-Colonel Desmond, as our party passed along, pointed out every thing
-worthy of notice. He was an excellent _cicerone_, and there were few
-questions asked he could not satisfactorily answer. Mrs. Sullivan was
-much delighted with the good natured attention he paid her, partly from
-his natural urbanity, partly from his regard for Adelaide, and for his
-deceased friend, whose widow and child he could not see without wishing
-to serve them.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, looking on him quite as a friend, made him the confidant
-of her suspicions regarding Miss Wildenheim's birth, which she had
-resolved to keep secret in Ireland, lest they should tempt her
-brother-in-law to bequeath any part of his fortune from Caroline. In
-answer to a long string of interrogatories, respecting her late
-husband's life abroad, Colonel Desmond laughingly replied, "I really
-can't affirm that poor Maurice was always immaculate, but he certainly
-was guiltless of the sin of giving birth to this angelic girl. And I
-must, as a friend, inform you, that his brother would more easily pardon
-his presenting to him a dozen such claimants to multiply his name, than
-you for taking a single letter from it: if you don't call your daughter
-Miss O--Sullivan, she will never possess an acre of the Ballinamoyle
-estate, which, I assure you, is well worth having, though it should
-entail the ugliest name in the world." Mrs. Sullivan thanked him; and,
-profiting by the hint, there was such a practising of the most pathetic
-of interjections that day, that a stranger might have supposed, some
-half dozen of the party were in the last agonies; or that they were a
-set of strolling comedians, rehearsing for a tragedy, whereas they were
-only getting up the farce, which was to be played at Ballinamoyle.
-
-The Miss Webberlys were as much pleased with Mr. Donolan as their mother
-was with Colonel Desmond. He was the first gentleman they had ever
-associated with, in Adelaide's company, who did not prefer her to them.
-The _dilettante_, a few degrees higher than Mr. Webberly in the scale of
-intellect, appreciated Miss Wildenheim's merits sufficiently to dread
-the use she might make of her talents; he felt her superiority, though
-he did not confess, even to himself, that he did so: it is true, she
-listened to him, when he spoke, with extreme politeness, but her replies
-betrayed no sister vanity, that encouraged him to display his own.
-Besides, she was better acquainted with the continent than himself,
-therefore he could not hope to astonish her by his relations of the
-wonders of foreign parts. He therefore transferred all his attentions to
-the Miss Webberlys, paying them the most exaggerated compliments, which
-they received as unblushingly as he bestowed. When he, for instance,
-called the one Venus and the other Minerva, Amelia said in reply, "Now,
-if Juno had but black hair, Miss Wildenheim there (pointing to Adelaide)
-would do for her; and then we'd be the three Graces!!!" Colonel Desmond
-having sufficiently paid his devoirs to Mrs. Sullivan, left her in
-earnest conversation with a woman, not more elegant in appearance than
-herself, who was entertaining her with an enumeration of the titled
-guests she received at her house, whilst at every high sounding name
-Mrs. Sullivan's reverence, and her companion's consequence, visibly
-increased. Adelaide's friend, happy to be thus released, seated himself
-beside her, and entered into conversation immediately. Mr. Webberly, who
-had exhausted all the tender speeches he had conned for that morning,
-was standing near her in total silence:
-
-    "His eye, in a fine stupor caught,
-    Implied a plenteous lack of thought;
-    And not one line his whole face seen in,
-    That could be justly charg'd with meaning."
-
-Notwithstanding he was so much displeased at Colonel Desmond's thus
-engrossing the object of his _speechless_ passion, that, unable to bear
-the odious sight of his rival, he repaired to another part of the boat,
-to listen to some young Irishmen, who were canvassing the conduct of
-ministry with more warmth than wisdom. Colonel Desmond and Adelaide
-rapidly passed from one subject to another: in the course of their
-conversation he abruptly asked her what she thought of young Donolan?
-She blushed deeply, and he saw her meek brow bend to chide the arch
-smile that seemed to bid her lips pronounce words partaking of its own
-nature.--"Come, come," said he, as she hesitated to reply, "out with it
-Adel--Miss Wildenheim I mean: you were not always so prudent, but used
-to trust the friend of your infancy with the first thoughts that rose in
-your mind, without considering and reconsidering them; I am afraid your
-residence in England has made you very reserved." "Indeed you mistake
-me, Colonel Desmond," she replied: "the fact is, I am almost as much
-ashamed to acknowledge any inclination to satire to myself as to you. If
-I were once to give way to that propensity, I have so many provocatives
-to indulge it in my present companions, I should never afterwards get
-rid of the habit; and no heart or understanding can long withstand the
-destroying powers of a love of ridicule. If you would permit me to
-parody Shakspeare, I would say that the spirit of personal satire 'Is
-indeed twice curs'd:' it often abashes the modesty of worth, and
-paralyses the energy of genius; but oh! how surely does it, with tenfold
-sterility, blast every generous feeling in the mind it inhabits--first
-destroying integrity, for no retailer of bon-mots and ludicrous
-narrations will long respect the rigid exactitude of truth; then the
-feelings of benevolence fall its sacrifice; and finally, it perverts the
-understanding, which, having exercised itself more willingly in
-detecting absurdity than in discovering truth, soon becomes incapable of
-relishing any serious reflection; and thus this fatal talent, like the
-flame which dazzles our eyes by its vivid lustre, ends by consuming the
-substance from which it derived its brilliancy."
-
-"And pray, may I ask," said Colonel Desmond, with an arch, incredulous
-smile, "how happens it that your present theory and former practice
-differ so widely? You surely never could have suffered in your own
-person from the effects of satire; no understanding could be so inept,
-no heart so cold, as to aim at _you_ the shafts of ridicule; to what
-cause am I indebted for this eloquent tirade?" "I have indeed," replied
-Adelaide, blushing no less at his encomiums than at the confession she
-was about to make, "suffered severely from the effects of satire: those
-'Best can paint them who shall feel them most.' You may remember, that
-very early in life I was suffered to be present at those assemblies of
-literary characters, who used to meet in my happy home at Vienna." Here
-she sighed, and paused for an instant, then repressing the starting
-tear, continued, "Incapable of appreciating their merit, or
-understanding their conversation, I was fully alive to the
-peculiarities of their manners, so different from the model of refined
-elegance I had daily before my eyes. Somehow the frank _etourderie_ of
-my remarks amused; and the smiling pardon, that was granted to the folly
-of a mere child, I mistook for an applause bestowed on wit. My first
-sallies proceeded from the gaiety of a guileless heart, accustomed to
-express every idea as it rose to the most indulgent parent and partial
-friend; but, as I grew older, a _besoin de briller_ seized me, and I was
-on the point of becoming one of that despicable class, who, while they
-importune the goodness of Heaven for their daily bread, apply no less
-earnestly to the weaknesses of their best friends for their daily
-sarcasm, and rejoice more on finding one foible than ninety-nine good
-qualities; when my enlightened monitor awakened me to a sense of my
-danger. And now may I pronounce you _au fait_ of the cause to which you
-are indebted for my 'eloquent tirade' against satire?"
-
-"If you don't convince," said Colonel Desmond, "you at least persuade:
-but, you know, there is no general rule without exception; so do be
-ill-natured for once, and let me know what you were thinking of Felix,
-when I detected those tell-tale smiles." "Well then," said she, "since I
-must satisfy you, I will at least only be satirical at second-hand, and
-answer you in the words of Mondon,
-
-    Adolescent qui s'erige en barbon,
-    Jeune ecolier qui vous parle en Caton,
-    Est en mon sens un animal bernable:
-    Et j'aime mieux l'air fou, que l'air capable;
-    Il est trop fat.[12]"
-
-[Footnote 12:
-
-    ----I despise
-    A beardless censor, that with Cato's frown,
-    Assumes the pedant in a scholar's gown:
-    Mere vacant folly, void of all pretence,
-    Is sure less hateful than affected sense;
-    He is too vain.
-]
-
-"_A propos des fous_," replied Colonel Desmond, taking advantage of that
-language in which so much can be conveyed to the mind without shocking
-the ear, "_ce Monsieur la_," looking towards Mr. Webberly, "_est
-amoureux--cela ce peut bien; mais Mademoiselle est elle amoureuse?_"
-"_Ah! Dieu l'en garde!_"[13] exclaimed Adelaide, with unfeigned horror,
-involuntarily raising her hands, lowering her brows, and throwing back
-her head. "_Tant mieux!_ then I will act the part of Wall in this new
-tragi-comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe; Pyramus shall truly say, '_O! wicked
-wall, through whom I see no bliss_,' and will perhaps find our
-entertainment '_Very tragical mirth_.'" Colonel Desmond faithfully kept
-the promise thus conveyed; and, when present, completely shielded
-Adelaide from Mr. Webberly's conceited love, and thus saved her the
-trouble of standing on the defensive herself. And though the captivating
-youth would willingly have sent his rival, like the pious AEneas, to
-visit his father in the realms below; yet such was the unwilling respect
-that rival's manners extorted, that he never presumed openly to manifest
-his real sentiments. All this time Caroline had been sitting at
-Adelaide's feet on one of the small packages, dressing and undressing a
-huge wax doll, which was her usual travelling companion, and
-occasionally reading to it the "Memoirs of Dick the Pony," which her
-indulgent friend had bought for her in Dublin. Colonel Desmond was
-delightedly listening to her gay laugh, and watching her infantine
-merriment, when her mother called her over, in order to display her
-beauty to the obsequious acquaintance she was so much pleased with, who
-had been profuse in Caroline's praise. As the little girl skipped
-along, with the favourite doll closely pressed to her innocent heart by
-one hand, and the open book in the other, her eyes dancing with delight
-at the thoughts of Dick's adventures, he said to Miss Wildenheim, "I am
-surprised to see how little Mrs. Sullivan notices that charming child;
-every body but you seems to treat her with absolute unkindness." "I
-assure you," replied she, "you do Mrs. Sullivan great injustice; she
-does not behave _unkindly_ to Caroline, though certainly she is not too
-prodigal of her caresses to the dear infant. I have heard this
-indifference is not uncommon towards the offspring of second marriages.
-I really believe some people's affections are of the oyster kind,
-sticking through life to the spot they were first deposited on, without
-ever having exercised the smallest volition in the affair." "I beg,"
-said he, laughing, "that when you undertake to give my character in
-short hand, you will recollect that 'No heart or understanding can long
-withstand the destroying powers of a love of ridicule.'" "Thank you for
-the memento," she replied, with one of her sweetest smiles; "the habit I
-deprecate gains strength but too quickly."
-
-[Footnote 13: "A propos to fools; that gentleman is in love--that is not
-very surprising; but is the fair lady equally enamoured?"
-
-"Oh! Heaven forbid!"]
-
-Colonel Desmond now pointed out to Adelaide's notice the hill of Allen,
-from whence the bog so called takes its appellation. The English name of
-"Isle of Allen" is only a corruption of the Irish _Hy alain_, that is,
-the district of the great plain country. This bog contains three hundred
-thousand acres, extending through parts of the King's and Queen's
-counties, and those of Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Roscommon, Galway, and
-Tipperary. The hill of Allen, according to the traditions of the
-country, is the scene of action of Ossian's poem of Temora. On the south
-declivity of the hill is said to be the cave where Oscar's body was laid
-immediately after his death, over which his faithful dog Bran watched,
-as so beautifully described by the poet. A few feet from the front of
-the cave is a well, sacred to his manes, which is still much frequented
-by pilgrims: on the same declivity is the tomb of the hero, marked by
-one gray stone: through the valley below runs the rivulet, near which
-the battle was fought in which he lost his life; and to the west of the
-cave is seen the extensive plain of Molena, in the King's county, from
-which rises the ancient Cromla, now called Croan Hill. Colonel Desmond
-produced a beautiful edition of Ossian he had bought for his niece Miss
-Desmond, and reading parts of Temora, pointed out these coincidencies to
-Adelaide; who, when he had done, begged to look at the volume, and
-happening to turn to the episode of Oithona, read the following passage
-with no common interest: "_Why camest thou over the dark blue waves to
-Nuath's mournful daughter? Why did I not pass away in secret, like the
-flower of the rock, that lifts its fair head unseen, and strews its
-withered leaves on the blast?_" As he marked the altered hue and
-mournful expression of her angelic countenance, he accused himself of
-cruel thoughtlessness in having raised painful associations in her mind;
-now recollecting, that though Baron Wildenheim never spoke the language,
-yet he was well acquainted with English literature, and that Ossian was
-his favourite poet, whose sombre images peculiarly accorded with the
-dark melancholy that seemed to overshadow his soul. "Happy the man,"
-thought Desmond, as he gazed on Adelaide, "who shall dry the tears I see
-from time to time rise in those beautiful eyes! How different is she now
-from what she was at Vienna! Then her brilliant charms dazzled the eye
-and the mind; but though her youthful bloom and her playful vivacity
-seem to have been laid in her father's grave, yet she is more lovely
-than ever: she is, as Ossian says in the poem she has now turned to,
-'Like a spirit of Heaven half-folded in the skirt of a cloud.'"
-
-A summons to dinner now assembled together below all the front cabin
-passengers, and there was collected together such a groupe as none of
-the young ladies had ever before seen, but which is to be met with at
-any stage-coach dinner. Mrs. Sullivan and her new friend laboured to
-outvie each other in airs of consequence, whilst some would-be beaux put
-their gallantry on active service, to be overpoweringly civil to the
-ladies in general, and to Cecilia Webberly and Miss Wildenheim in
-particular. One little smirking man was peculiarly sweet upon Adelaide,
-watching each word she spoke, and helping her to every thing she even
-looked near. When she first applied to Colonel Desmond, who sat next
-her, for the salt cellar, her inamorato seized the only one within
-reach, and presenting it to her, said with a facetious grin, as he
-leaned across Desmond with his chin projecting six inches out of his
-well-tied cravat, "Excuse me for not helping you to it, Miss; it's the
-only service you could require I would not with all the pleasure in life
-perform, but should be loath for us to quarrel; they say salt is very
-unlucky in parting friends." At the moment in which she bowed her thanks
-to this dapper wight, a very tall man stood up to help himself to
-something at the extreme end of the table from that where he was placed:
-somehow his foot slipped, he reeled a few paces back, and, in his
-retreat, effectually stopped Mrs. Sullivan's mouth with his elbow, who
-had just opened it to its utmost extension, in the endeavour to raise
-her dignity to a par with that of her companion, who the instant before
-asserted "She had every thing in the highest style at her house, and
-hoped to have the pleasure of seeing her there soon;" her auditor, in
-emulation, was just proceeding to vaunt the glories of Webberly House,
-when the thread of her discourse was broken off in the unexpected manner
-just mentioned.
-
-The moment the cloth was removed, the ladies made their escape from the
-cabin, Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "My ocular faculties can't stand the
-smell of the hung beef, and the cabbage, and the mutton, and the
-blacking, not to disparage the gentlemen's boots; and except that fat
-lady in the yellow poplin pelisse and blue satin bonnet, they are all
-such low-lived people as I never see'd before in my born days." Her
-"ocular faculties," (by which we rather suppose she meant the "olfactory
-nerves," which Miss Webberly had remarked to the _dilettante_ at dinner
-"were much offended by the hydrogen and ammonia emitted from the
-viands," in order to tally with his scientific recommendation of
-"carbonic acid gas, in the shape of bottled porter,") were, however, not
-much better off above than below. The smoke of the fire by which the
-dinner had been dressed filled all the deck; the servants were at their
-meal in the second cabin, from whence proceeded another edition of the
-beef and cabbage, et cetera, with the addition of the fumes of tobacco
-and whisky punch. Adelaide's admirer presently appeared on deck, bearing
-a great jug in one hand and a glass in the other: he addressed her
-saying, "I have brought you some real ladies' punch, sweet to your
-heart's content, and strong enough by Jasus to make any man in the
-packet drunk, if he would only take enough of it." In vain Adelaide
-declined the cup her Ganymede presented. "Don't be dashed," reiterated
-he; "it won't do you a ha'porth of harm: a good beginning makes a good
-ending. If you'll only set the example, I'll be bound to say all the
-ladies will keep you in countenance. It's the true Inisowen, I'll take
-my Davy it is?" "The true Inisowen" is a sort of smoked whisky, whose
-smell is the most horridly sickening thing that can be fancied to those
-unaccustomed to it. Adelaide found it quite overcoming, but luckily
-espying Colonel Desmond ascending the ladder signed to him to come to
-her relief, and when he obeyed, said, "Will you have the goodness to
-assure this polite gentleman, I am no lover of ladies' punch?" so
-saying, she removed to another part of the deck, to escape the odour of
-the "true Inisowen." The disappointed youth retreated on Colonel
-Desmond's remonstrance, saying, "No offence I hope, sir, to you nor the
-lady neither:" and, as he went down below, muttered, "With all her
-delicate airs, by my conscience if she was behind the cabin door she'd
-take a _good_ swig of it."
-
-The travellers had now fairly entered on the dreary bog of Allen. No
-human form or habitation met their sight. Its only vegetable productions
-were a little heath, sedgy grass, or bog myrtle, which were crossed here
-and there by a half-starved cow or sheep; but they sometimes proceeded
-miles without even seeing one of these, to remind them that the world
-contained other living beings besides those in the boat. The road seemed
-to shake as the horses passed over this
-
-    "Boggy Syrtis, neither sea
-    Nor good dry land;"
-
-and they almost feared that the breaking of the thin stratum of earth,
-that seemed to separate the waters above from the waters below, might
-precipitate them
-
-          "Into this wild abyss,
-    The womb of nature, and perhaps her grave,
-    Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
-    But all these in their pregnant causes mix'd
-    Confusedly----"
-
-Their passage through this dismal region seemed intolerably slow, as no
-object marked their progress, but one unbroken sea of black lifeless
-matter encompassed them on every side, from which the eye perceived no
-escape. When the sun set, the heavens, like the earth, seemed dark and
-uninhabited; no cloud travelled over its gloomy face, but one even fall
-of misling rain made the aspect of the ethereal regions as unvaried as
-that of the land they overhung. The passengers long looked in vain to
-leave this abode of desolation,--
-
-    "Where wilds, immeasurably spread,
-    Seem length'ning as you go."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVIII.
-
-    Lights! more lights! more lights!
-
-    TIMON OF ATHENS.
-
-
-These words were a joyful sound to our travellers, as with delighted
-steps they once more trod on terra firma, on their way to the door of
-the Canal Inn, where stood a slatternly dressed woman, shading a
-miserable candle with her hand (in default of a lantern.) It was pitch
-dark, more from the cloudiness of the night than the lateness of the
-hour: and a considerable time elapsed before the vociferous demand for
-lights was answered. In the mean time a universal uproar arose between
-the passengers, the people belonging to the boat and the inn, and those
-assembled to be listeners, for they could not be called spectators in
-the total darkness. Portmanteaux, trunks, bags, bundles, and bandboxes,
-were missent and scuffled for without end. At last "Order, Heaven's
-first law," and the prime cheerer Light, "of all material beings first
-and best," made their appearance together, and the Webberly party
-entered this cold comfortless inn. It had been built by an English
-speculator, who ruined himself in the project, and remains very nearly
-as he left it, the walls unpapered, the floors uncarpeted; the only
-change it has undergone since he was its proprietor being the breaking
-of the bell-wires and the spoiling of the locks. Two or three women
-serve in the double capacity of chambermaids and waiters. Each room
-shows that it once had a bell; but you are soon fatally convinced, that,
-to procure any thing you want, you must trust to vocal exertions alone.
-To the never-ceasing cry of "Waiter! Chambermaid!" the answer is
-something similar to the following, which assailed our travellers' ears
-soon after their entrance:--"Arrah an't I go--ing? sure I'm going! Sweet
-Jasus presarve me! I can't answer all the quality at oncest. Molly here,
-and Molly there, and Molly every where; my brain's moidered, so it is.
-Och! Mollying on ye, an't I going?" Mrs. Sullivan's servant, provoked at
-this harangue, thundered out, "You're always go--in;--I don't want you
-to go; can't you _come_ for once and be damned to you?"
-
-At last, after considerable delay, Molly procured our chilled party a
-turf fire and tea; but the water it was made with was so smoked, they
-could hardly taste it, and their patience underwent a second trial,
-waiting for a fresh supply. As Molly left the room, after bringing them
-this second edition, she muttered to herself, "A pretty lady that, with
-the brown peepers, and soft spoken too; if it wasn't for her, the devil
-a foot I'd go near one of them to-night. By the holy sticks, my
-mistress must get another maid. I can't be at every one's becks and
-commands; and then it's the worst word in their cheek after all."
-
-Our weary party retired to their rooms as soon as they could accomplish
-having their apartments prepared, and had just fallen into a sound sleep
-when they were roused by a violent ringing of an immense bell. "Oh Lord
-have mercy on me!" shuddered out Mrs. Sullivan: "I thought we should
-have foundered in that 'ere melancholic bog, but now we're a going to
-perish by fire." A general rencontre in night-caps and dressing-gowns
-took place in the lobby. Again Molly's shrill voice was heard screaming
-out, "What a botheration you all keep! be aff to your beds wid ye.
-Might'n ye be after knowing it was only the up country boat coming in?"
-Molly's advice was immediately followed; but it was long before the
-house was quieted from the disturbance occasioned by the fresh arrival.
-Two hours after another boat came in with equal commotion, and the inn
-was but a short time silent from this new disturbance, when the warning
-bell rung for the packet to proceed, in which the Webberly family had
-come from Dublin. Many a female started up on hearing Boots enter her
-room by mistake, for that of some male passenger he had promised to
-call; and he as quickly retreated over the frail barricade of boxes and
-chairs she had placed against the door, to supply the place of key or
-bolt. To sleep was now impossible, therefore all our party got up:
-though Mrs. Sullivan the evening before had declared, she wouldn't go in
-a canal boat again not for St. Peter nor St. Paul. The Irish are perhaps
-the most noisy people in the world; the din of tongues on such occasions
-as the present, can better be fancied than described--every man
-committing his own business to the charge of some other person, and
-turning his particular attention to directing that of his neighbour.
-
-The gentlemen, on looking out of the windows, saw many a comical figure
-issue from the house, some in Welsh wigs, some in red night-caps. Mrs.
-Sullivan's friend, of the blue satin hat and yellow poplin pelisse, now
-showed her jolly face, decked with numerous papillotes from beneath a
-fur cap, and her expansive shoulders wrapped in a scarlet cloak, her
-finery in her hand, as she had but a few miles to go ere she reached
-home.
-
-Molly returned to her general good humour this morning, having few
-guests to attend to besides Mrs. Sullivan's family; and, to make up for
-her ill temper the night before, was particularly attentive, providing
-them with unsmoked water for their tea, and with bread, butter, eggs,
-and cream, of the best quality. They did not fail to profit by her
-care; and having made an excellent repast, prepared to recommence their
-journey. Mrs. O'Sullivan, as she now called herself, offered Colonel
-Desmond and Mr. Donolan seats in her carriages, which had arrived that
-morning from Dublin, from whence they had been sent two days before.
-These two gentleman accepting this accommodation, Caroline was consigned
-to the care of the maids, to make room for the dilettante in the
-barouche, Colonel Desmond taking the place of the servant on the driving
-seat.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan vainly attempted to practise towards the lower Irish the
-"genteel economy" she had so successfully carried into effect in Wales.
-The dexterous Hibernians, either by flattering or wounding her pride,
-contrived to draw forth, _bon gre mal gre_, the money out of her
-pockets. As she was walking out of the Canal Inn, Molly ran after her,
-saying, "May I make bould to spake a word to your Ladyship?" At the
-word _Ladyship_, Mrs. Sullivan turned round. "You've made a small
-mistake, madam; it was tree tirteens (three shillings) you intended to
-bestow me, and its tree testers (three sixpences) I've got." "No mistake
-at all, my good girl." "Och! put your hand in your purse, and you'll see
-I'm right. Grand quality like you always gives me tree tirteens: my Lady
-Glenora always bestows it me every time she comes forenenst me." "Are
-you sure that's true?" "Arrah where did you ever hear that Molly
-Cavanagh tould a lie? May the breakfast I'm after eating be my poison,
-and the devil blow me, if it isn't as right as my leg." Mrs. Sullivan,
-that she might exceed Lady Glenora, gave her three and sixpence. Molly
-now tapped Adelaide on the shoulder, and presented her with a beautiful
-nosegay she had pulled from the inn gardens; but when she saw her
-proceeding to open her purse, laying her hand on her arm, she stopped
-her, saying with a half reproachful look of sorrow, "Is it _you_ that's
-going to affront poor Molly? You're under no compliment to me at all.
-You gave me entirely too much before. I'll warrant me you're a grand
-lady when you're at home. You're as beautiful and as sweet as the posy
-yourself; and may your pretty brown eyes never look but on a friend, I
-pray God!" Adelaide, with one of her most charming smiles, and in the
-sweetest tone of her dulcet voice, thanked Molly for her good will; and
-as she stepped into the carriage thought to herself, "How my heart would
-ache, to see the kindness of these warm-hearted people treated with the
-scorn I fear is too often the only return it meets!" Colonel Desmond,
-directing the drivers to take that road which would most quickly lead
-them out of the bog of Allen, in a short time they got into a rich and
-beautiful country, and their ears were gratified by hearing the carriage
-wheels rattle against good hard stones. They had not long proceeded on
-this road, when their progress was impeded by a barricade of cars drawn
-across it, and a number of men immediately surrounded the carriages.
-Mrs. Sullivan, terrified to death, said in a very low voice, "They're
-going to rob and murder us;--what horrid looking creturs they be!" "They
-can have no such intention in broad day-light, my dear madam," whispered
-Adelaide. "Do look at them again; I assure you they seem perfectly good
-natured." One of the men, hat in hand, now stepped before the rest,
-saying, "Mending roads is dry work, your honours, this hot day; be
-pleased to give the poor boys something to drink." Shillings and
-sixpences were thrown to them in profusion. "Success to your cattle and
-carriage! Long life and a happy death to your honours!" resounded from
-all sides; and when the cars were removed, the hurraing setting the
-horses off in a full gallop, it was some time before the drivers could
-restrain them to a proper pace. About half an hour after this adventure,
-a stout but strange looking man, without stockings or shoes, though
-otherwise well clad, darted out of a house at the side of the road, and,
-without uttering a single syllable, ran beside the carriage for some
-miles. Mrs. Sullivan was again alarmed, supposing him to be the scout of
-robbers she expected to see start up from behind every stone or turf
-fence. Her fears were quieted by being told he was what in Ireland
-called "an innocent;" that is, a _knave_ too idle to labour, who
-lives--not by his wits--but by pretending he has none. The profession of
-_idiotism_ is one that always secures its followers a good maintenance
-in this country, and is considered by no means disreputable. Some one of
-this brotherhood frequents almost every high road, keeping up in this
-manner with the mail coaches and other carriages, till his strength,
-which appears miraculous, is exhausted, or till his extended hat has
-received money sufficient to satisfy him.
-
-All the rest of the day the cavalcade proceeded most prosperously,
-through a rich and populous country, seeing ugly or pretty towns, and
-stopping at good or bad inns. At one of their earliest stages, Mrs.
-Sullivan was much provoked to recognize in the landlady her packet-boat
-friend, who asked her, with a self-conceited simper, if she had said a
-word too much for her house. In the course of the evening they entered
-Connaught, when the scenery gradually became more wild and romantic,
-with bold masses of rock, and beautiful sheets of water, called in the
-country loughs.
-
-Mr. Donolan did not fail to profit by the opportunity, which being shut
-up in the carriage with Cecilia Webberly afforded him, of making the
-most sentimental love to her that was possible; though he was far from
-sure he should find it expedient to proceed further than fine speeches,
-for he felt nothing bordering on attachment to her. Perhaps his heart
-was enveloped in too many silken folds of vanity and self-love, for the
-charms of any woman to touch it with real affection; but a confused idea
-floated in his mind, that, by marrying her, he might be enabled to
-reside in England sooner than he otherwise could accomplish. Of her
-large fortune he was perfectly assured; he thought her very handsome,
-supposed her equally fashionable, and therefore determined, in the first
-instance, to endeavour to gain her affections, leaving his own decisions
-to futurity. She, on her part, thinking a lover might prove a very
-agreeable resource against the _ennui_ she anticipated at Ballinamoyle,
-encouraged his attentions _pro tempore_, resolving, should they ever
-meet in England, to "cut him:--he knew nobody in London, therefore could
-be a man of no fashion." Thus this heartless pair mutually imposed on
-each other, whilst they plumed themselves on being the sole deceiver.
-Miss Webberly, on the contrary, began seriously to think "he would make
-a charming husband--so scientific! so agreeable!" Cecilia, suspecting
-her incipient partiality, for the sake of what she called fun, flirted
-incessantly with the _dilettante_, and retailed to Amelia all his florid
-compliments, which conduct made her sister still more envious of her
-beauty than ordinary.
-
-Mr. Webberly and his companion in the barouche seat had but little
-conversation, though their thoughts were principally occupied by the
-same object. The taciturnity of the former, however, was enlivened by
-the idea of his fellow-traveller being thus effectually separated from
-Adelaide, during the greater part of their remaining journey. At the end
-of every stage there was a race between them, to hand Miss Wildenheim
-out of the carriage, where she generally sat bodkin between Mrs.
-Sullivan and Amelia, in order to avoid receiving that sign manual of Mr.
-Webberly's attention he had so graciously bestowed in Wales, and which
-was as little approved by his mother as coveted by herself. Colonel
-Desmond, being much more active and adroit than his youthful but
-unwieldy competitor, almost always gained the fair hand they contended
-for, at the same time giving his lovely mistress many an arch look and
-gesture of affected pity for his rival's disappointment. Sometimes they
-pulled open both the carriage doors at the same instant; in that case
-Mrs. O'Sullivan or her daughter pushed herself forward, so as to prevent
-her exit at the side on which their precious relative stood; and
-Adelaide's countenance then involuntarily betrayed how much she was
-amused at the unnecessary trouble they put themselves to.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan being rather fatigued with her journey, was much
-rejoiced, when about seven in the evening she was informed they were
-entering the village of Ballycoolen, which was to be their resting place
-for the night. This miserable place consists of but one long straggling
-street, with houses built of all shapes and in all directions, forming,
-with each other, every possible angle, except a right angle, a straight
-line seeming to have formed no part of the builder's intentions.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan's servant had been sent on before, to prepare their
-accommodation: he was standing at the door of a wretched tenement; and
-though by no means a very tall man, his hat touched the upper window,
-for the house was so built that you descended a few steps to enter it.
-The still despair of an English face was expressed in his, as with the
-utmost quietness he said to his mistress, "It is impossible, ma'am, you
-can put up here; you never saw such a slovenly place in your life." "I
-am sorry to say," replied Colonel Desmond, in answer to her
-interrogatories, "there is no better between this and Ballinamoyle: you
-may remember, I told you, the canal would take you out of the direction
-of the high road, and that you would be very miserably accommodated; you
-will now have to put up with a carman's inn."
-
-There was no option; therefore the ladies entered through a kitchen,
-which also served as bar and larder. A set of carmen were sitting
-drinking whisky punch and smoking tobacco (the same pipe passed from one
-mouth to another in turn); they very civilly rose, and went out, till
-the newly arrived and unusual guests should make their arrangements. The
-ladies were shown into a parlour, where a pretty looking, but bare
-legged and bare footed girl, was turning up a press bed, that had
-remained untouched since the last occupier had slept in it. They agreed
-to walk out till this place should be swept, and get "a wipe," as the
-maid called dusting it, previously pushing up the window sash with some
-difficulty, as the paint stuck together, from the length of time it had
-been unopened. To the inquiry for beds, she answered, "Troth, we've four
-brave good beds; and ye'z can have dry lodging at Susy Gologhan's, or
-Gracy Fagan's, over the way, there beyant, for the sarvant maids and the
-boys." Mrs. Sullivan declined ascending to the second story, when she
-saw the house had no regular stairs, but that merely a sort of ladder,
-without any thing to serve as bannister, led to the loft above. The Miss
-Webberlys declaring once going up would be enough for them, requested
-Adelaide to reconnoitre the premises. "You know, Miss Wildenheim," said
-Amelia, "you're used to travelling in outlandish places; and an't afraid
-of nothing.--I think I'll sit up all night, rather than mount the
-ladder, and walk along that unrailed passage." Adelaide, quickly
-ascending the redoubtable ladder, opened a door the maid pointed to,
-which led into a small close room, with two beds.--It was lighted by
-three little panes of glass fastened in the wall, but looking up, she
-saw a large door with one hinge broken, laid against an aperture in the
-roof, which she determined to turn to account, and begged it might be
-set open to admit fresh air into the apartment. "Have you not another
-room?" said she. "Aye, sure, and that we have, dear," replied the maid,
-leading her along the passage. They went into a second, rather closer
-and smaller than the first, with no friendly hole in the roof, to admit
-the breath of heaven to visit it. Adelaide, looking on the bedstead,
-perceived the bed clothes move, and, out of a mass of black hair, saw
-two dark eyes shoot fire at her. "Pray, what's that?" said she, catching
-hold of her attendant's arm. "Och! it's only the poor soldier, Miss,
-just come back to his people, from the big battles over seas; but he'll
-give his bed to you, with all the pleasure in life, if you fancy it,
-Miss."--"Not on any account," quietly replied Adelaide, as she quickly
-retreated to the passage--"I should be very sorry to disturb him. Mrs.
-O'Sullivan will sleep below stairs; and we young ladies can occupy the
-double-bedded room: will you have the goodness to show me your sheets?"
-These she was surprised to find not only white, but fine, forgetting
-that linen was the staple manufacture of the country, though but lately
-introduced into this district.
-
-This affair being settled, she joined the party in a walk; and, on their
-return, they found their little parlour laid out tolerably comfortably
-for tea; the kitchen, through which they had to pass, was swept clean;
-all traces of the carmen, their punch, and tobacco, had disappeared; and
-they might, by diverting themselves with the oddity of their situation,
-have found amusement for the evening, had not the Webberly family,
-encouraged by the _dilettante_, made, every five minutes, some
-acrimonious speech against the country and its inhabitants, which
-rendered themselves inclined to find every thing even more uncomfortable
-than it really was. Adelaide was pained by the rudeness of this conduct
-to Colonel Desmond, who, however, treated it as it deserved, and
-quizzing them all from right to left, his raillery soon silenced Felix
-and Amelia, who had sense enough to understand his ridicule. Tea was
-scarcely over, when the most extraordinary uproar was heard. Every man,
-woman, and child in the village seemed to have assembled about the
-house, all talking in the most vehement manner!
-
-The gentlemen, much alarmed, went out to inquire "what was the matter?"
-and beheld two men, sawing across the wood-work of the upper part of the
-gateway belonging to the inn yard, which was too low to admit Mrs.
-O'Sullivan's carriages. As usual, when any thing is done out of doors in
-Ireland, every person within _ken_ had repaired to the scene of action.
-Two out of three were giving contradictory directions, whilst the
-operators were swearing tremendously at the crowd, bidding them "go
-along about their business." "Hard for us to do that same!" answered
-one, in the name of the rest, "when sarra hand's turn of business we're
-got to our kin or kin kind, till shearing time comes, barring sitting in
-the chimney corner doing nothing." Messieurs Webberly and Donolan took
-this inauspicious moment to rate at the men who were sawing the gateway,
-expressing, in no very gentle terms, their dissatisfaction with the inn,
-and all its appurtenances. The men suspended their operations; and one
-of them, crossing his arms, his head on one side, and his chin stuck out
-with a gesture of contempt, said, in a drawling tone, as he looked down
-on them, from the top of the gateway, "Och! then, and it's grander
-quality than ever ye were have been here, and never gave me no bother at
-all at all! Upon my sowl, myself is cruel misgiving ye are but half
-sirs, both of ye'z. It's long before you'd see the Curnel, that's the
-real sort, (long life to his honour,) take on him so! If ye don't like
-the place, in the name of the Lord, make aff wid ye'z: if ye can't be
-agreeable, by the powers, we'd rather have your room nor your
-company."--"But where would ye see the likes of the Curnel any how?"
-rejoined a female orator of the assembly. "Sarra man, within twenty
-miles of himself, that's the fellow of his brother, for standing a poor
-man's friend on a pinch! It's the family that have been good to me and
-mine, these hundred year before I was born, and will be after I'm dead,
-if I've any luck."
-
-The greater part of these harangues was unintelligible to Mr. Webberly,
-but the _dilettante_ understanding the dialect of the country, though
-he often pretended he did not, as in the present instance, took his
-companion's arm, and, without proffering another syllable, walked into
-the house.
-
-In nothing do the lower Irish show their quickness of apprehension more
-decidedly, than in distinguishing, as it were at a glance, what they
-call "the real quality," that is, those who inherit a certain station in
-society, from "_les nouveaux riches_." Their exact discrimination on
-this subject is quite astonishing. Mrs. O'Sullivan could not perhaps
-have visited ten cottages in Ireland, whose inmates would not, in a few
-minutes, have discovered she was a low bred woman, who attempted to give
-herself airs of consequence. During her stay in this country, this
-foible was every where perceived, and profited by. The adroit flattery
-she received, on this favourite point, perhaps drew more money from her
-than she had ever before, in a given space of time, spent gratuitously,
-either from motives of charity or of generosity. The cunning arts, that
-opened her purse, were, undoubtedly, highly reprehensible in a moral
-point of view. But why should we expect more upright disinterestedness
-from the ignorant and necessitous class of mankind, than we hourly meet
-with from the _independent_ members of the upper ranks of society, who
-will delude a king or an emperor, with as little compunction as the poor
-Irish cottager cheated Mrs. O'Sullivan? In the latter instance, however,
-the mischief began and ended with the parties concerned; whilst in the
-former, generations yet unborn may mourn the evils resulting from base
-adulation.
-
-As all the party assembled in the inn parlour were, with the exception
-of Adelaide and the merry little Caroline, out of temper, they, by a
-sort of tacit agreement, separated at an early hour. The parlour was
-then converted into a sleeping room, for Mrs. O'Sullivan and Caroline,
-a bed being constructed for the latter with the carriage cushions, and a
-contribution of pillows. When the Miss Webberlys ascended the ladder
-leading to their apartment, the maid of the house went before, and the
-mistress behind, to help them up; the former holding a candle, stuck
-into a hole scooped out of a large potato, all the candlesticks the inn
-was possessed of, three in number, being appropriated to the use of the
-ladies. Adelaide had reserved the worst looking bed to herself, and was
-scarcely deposited in it, when down she sunk, and a more romantic
-imagination might have supposed some such adventure was going to occur,
-as was said frequently to have happened in a remote _auberge_ in the
-Black Forest, where travellers were drawn down through trap doors, and
-murdered. But she was only alarmed by the dread of the less heroic death
-of being knocked on the head by the bed posts. Springing up with the
-utmost expedition, she found, to her great delight, that the bedstead
-was perfectly secure; but, proceeding in her search as to the cause of
-her recent disaster, discovered that the sacking, which ought to have
-been laced to support the bed, had been deprived of its cord, in order
-to apply it to some other use. It never was, and most likely, never will
-be replaced; but the bed, being dexterously poised on the edge of the
-boards which connect the posts, will give the same surprise to every one
-who sleeps in it, for many a year to come. After no little laughter,
-Adelaide went into bed again, just as it was; and the inn being
-perfectly quiet, all its visitants slept till a late hour the following
-morning. After breakfast they recommenced their journey; and as they
-repaired to the carriages, their attention was attracted, by hearing the
-woman who had been so warm in praise of the Desmond family the evening
-before, say to her friend (carrying a basket of gingerbread on her
-arm), with the utmost seriousness of countenance and vehemence of
-gesticulation, "The low-lived blackguard! to even such a thing at me!
-All my people that went before me, and all that came after me, were
-gintlemin and gintle la--dies. See dat now, Susy dear!" Our party were
-not a little entertained at the figure and gesture of this extraordinary
-sprig of gentility, and continued to look after her as long as the
-carriages were in sight.
-
-In the course of the morning they reached Tuberdonny, which was within a
-few miles drive of Ballinamoyle, but here only one pair of horses could
-be procured; they therefore had the pleasant prospect of spending
-another night as agreeably as the last, as no more horses were expected
-there till the following day. For some hours they found amusement in
-viewing the antiquities of Kilmacduagh, close by, consisting of seven
-antique churches; an abbey, with very curious workmanship on its walls;
-and the most remarkable round tower in Ireland, constructed with immense
-stones, which rises to the height of one hundred and twelve feet, and,
-strange to say, leans seventeen feet out of the perpendicular, which is
-four more than the celebrated leaning tower at Pisa.
-
-As the travellers returned towards the place where the carriages had
-been put up, they saw five horses, mounted by twice as many men and
-boys, galloping furiously down the street; and, at the sight of the
-servants in livery, the riders set up such a hurraing as was quite
-deafening. Jumping quickly off, two or three of them came up with "Long
-life to your honours! Myself's right glad to see your honours!" "Why,
-what the devil do you know about our honours?" said Colonel Desmond,
-laughing. "Didn't I hear at Kurinshagud, that your honour passed through
-Ballycoolen, in two carriages? and haven't I been hunting ye all round
-the country this blessed morning, thinking you might want cattle? It's I
-that will drive you to the world's end in a crack!" The horses were soon
-harnessed, and Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan, after handing the ladies
-into the carriage, made their parting bows, and pursued their way to
-Bogberry Hall.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan did not reach Ballinamoyle till half past twelve at
-night; for the horses, being not much the better for the morning's
-chase, proceeded but slowly up a mountainous road. From the lateness of
-the hour, she did not, on that night, see Mr. O'Sullivan; who, finding
-himself indisposed in the evening, had unwillingly retired to bed,
-delegating the task of receiving his guests to his cousin, an ancient
-virgin, who presided over his _menage_, and who gave the travellers, if
-not a courtly, at least a cordial reception; and, after doing the
-honours of an excellent supper, conducted them to their sleeping rooms,
-which they most gladly occupied, and enjoyed all the luxury of the
-sensation of comfort, as they compared them to those they had the night
-before inhabited, in the miserable cabaret at Ballycoolen.
-
-
-END OF VOL. II.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes
-left as printed.]
-
-
-
-
-
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diff --git a/40159.zip b/40159.zip
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Manners, Vol 2 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 2 of 3
-       A Novel
-
-Author: Frances Brooke
-
-Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40159]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 2 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. II.
-
-    LONDON:
-    PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY,
-    PATERNOSTER ROW.
-
-    1817.
-
-
-
-
-MANNERS.
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-    Yo sè, Olalla, que me adoras,
-    Puesta que no me lo has dicho,
-    Ni aún con los ojos siguiera,
-    Mudas lenguas de amorios[1].
-
-    CERVANTES SAAVEDRA.
-
-[Footnote 1:
-
-    I know, Olalla, that thou lov'st me,
-    Though words have ne'er thy flame confess'd;
-    Nor even have those guarded eyes,
-    Mute tell-tales of love's embassies,
-    Betray'd the secret of thy breast,--
-    Yet still, Olalla, still thou lov'st me.
-]
-
-
-It was long before Selina's agitated spirits could be composed; and when
-at length she sunk to rest, she was haunted by confused dreams of mixed
-joy and sorrow, in which Mordaunt's figure was always prominent. At
-last, however, towards morning she fell into a quiet sleep, from which
-she did not awake till several hours after Mrs. Galton and Augustus had
-left Eltondale.
-
-Selina had given her maid so many charges to call her in time to take
-leave of them, that she had firmly relied on her doing so, little
-imagining that Mrs. Galton had previously determined to spare her the
-pain of parting. She had left a note for her, in which she reiterated
-her farewell, and her request to hear frequently from Selina; but the
-kindness of its expressions, if possible, aggravated the poor girl's
-sorrow and disappointment. As usual, she gave way unrestrainedly to her
-feelings, and wept aloud, really unconscious that while her tears flowed
-ostensibly for Mrs. Galton alone, her regrets arose not a little from
-the absence of Augustus. But, though Selina deceived herself in the
-belief, that she only bewailed this her first separation from her
-beloved aunt, she was most sincere in the grief she professed to feel on
-her account; for hypocrisy was a stranger to her guileless heart, yet
-uninitiated in the mysteries of that world, in which the timid and
-unpractised first learn to conceal the sentiments they actually feel,
-and conclude by displaying those that are but assumed. On the contrary,
-her genuine feelings were neither blunted by familiarity with sorrow,
-nor exhausted by the premature cultivation of sickly sensibility; and,
-though a more sobered reason might have wished the expression of them to
-be occasionally restrained, yet even a Stoic might have confessed, that
-the perfection of her judgment would have been dearly purchased by any
-alteration in the susceptibility of her heart.
-
-Her melancholy toilet was scarcely finished, before she was summoned to
-Lady Eltondale's dressing-room. Her Ladyship advanced to the door to
-meet her with unusual cordiality of manner; but she scarcely beheld her
-wan countenance, when, starting back, she exclaimed with surprise, "Good
-heavens, child! what can be the matter? Oh! I had really forgotten Mrs.
-Galton's departure. Why, Selina, you could not have disfigured yourself
-more, if she was gone to heaven instead of to Bath. Here, La Fayette, do
-bring some cold cream to Miss Seymour, and a little _eau de Cologne_.
-However, my dear girl, I cannot regret that you have so totally
-disguised yourself to-day, as we shall have a pleasant _tête à tête_.
-You shall breakfast up stairs with me this morning, for you are really
-at present not presentable."
-
-Lady Eltondale's kind consideration for Selina individually, and
-apparent indifference to the cause of her sorrow, was, perhaps, more
-effectual in its temporary suppression, than the most sympathetic
-condolences would have been; and, before Mons. Argant made his
-appearance with the apparatus for breakfast, Selina had sufficiently
-recollected herself, to request Lady Eltondale not to derange her plans
-on her account, but to remember her other guests.
-
-"My dear little rustic," answered her Ladyship, laughing, "your odd
-notions really remind me of the last century. Nobody plays the part of
-hostess now; and as to guests--none could be admitted into a fashionable
-house, that do not know how to make themselves perfectly at home in it.
-I declare you are so simple, you would hardly have understood the merit
-of Mr. Frederick Bijou appearing last spring at a party his wife gave to
-the Prince, with a round hat under his arm, to show he was the only
-stranger in the room. Why now every inn in a country village is fitted
-up with all the conveniences of a private house; and the best praise you
-can give to a family mansion is to compare it to an hotel." The
-Viscountess was excessively entertained at the artless surprise
-expressed by her auditor; and concluded some similar observations by
-saying, she knew Selina would be so astray in the scene into which she
-had been thus suddenly dropt, that she was very glad nobody would be
-with them till after Christmas. "Then," said Selina, "I suppose Lady
-Hammersley is gone." "Oh! dear no--but she is nobody. Sir Robert is a
-relation of my Lord's; and I am obliged to go through the martyrdom of
-hearing his barbarous phraseology for at least a month every year, and I
-am afraid ten days of the penance are yet to come. Lady Hammersley never
-visits London; and, indeed, I believe the good woman thinks herself
-almost contaminated by even venturing as far as this within the
-Charybdean pool.--But, poor soul! she need not be afraid. If fashion was
-absolutely epidemical, she would never suffer from the contagion. She
-and the Admiral spend nine months of every year at Bath; he, drinking
-the water and reading the newspapers, and she, playing cards and writing
-essays. However, you may turn even her to account; for in one half hour
-you will learn more what vice is, from her long-syllabled declamations
-against it, than your poor innocent head would dream of in a
-twelvemonth."
-
-"And which of the parents does the son resemble?" asked Selina,
-laughing. "Why, it is difficult to divine what nature intended him to
-be. One may parody Cowper, and say, 'God made them, but he has made
-himself;' and what the composition will turn out, I know not. He wishes
-to be a man of the world, and affects the reputation of vice, without
-having the courage to be wicked. I verily believe he is often at church
-of a Sunday evening, when he pretends to be at the gaming-table.
-However, you need not be inquisitive about him, for he will never
-condescend to notice you, till he ascertains whether you are the
-fashion or not. He does not want money, and he does want _ton_; and you
-know, according to the new system of craniology, men ought to choose
-their wives by the inverse ratio of their own deficiences. But you don't
-inquire about Mademoiselle Omphalie, whom I thought you meant last night
-to swear an everlasting friendship with. I asked her here solely for
-your sake."
-
-Selina coloured, and expressed her thanks with her usual warmth and
-_empressement_.
-
-"But I do not intend Mademoiselle Omphalie to be Miss Seymour's bosom
-friend. She is a public singer, my dear, and as such her reputation is
-perfect;--her private character is, I believe, much less immaculate; but
-with that, you know, we have nothing to do. The world now adopts the
-precept, 'Judge not that ye be not judged;' and, if people are wise
-enough not to hold the lantern to their own vices, they need not be
-troubled with any Diogenes. As to Mademoiselle Omphalie, she is just now
-on the tottering point of respectability, which, of course, makes her
-doubly decorous in her general behaviour; and, as I do not think her
-reputation can survive another winter, I was extremely anxious to seize
-this opportunity of giving you the advantage of her talents and
-instruction in music. But, Selina, don't let her instruct you in
-anything else, for she would infallibly make you a prude or a coquette,
-and I scarcely know which I hate most."
-
-It is impossible to express Selina's astonishment at Lady Eltondale's
-conversation. When they had last met, she had been both delighted and
-surprised at the ease and elegance of her manners; but as she had only
-seen her in the company of Mrs. Galton, she was totally unconscious of
-the degree of levity to which that ease of manner could degenerate,
-either from accident or design. Lady Eltondale now entertained her
-wondering guest with a style of conversation to which she was totally
-unused. It is true, her expressions, like her conduct, were so guarded
-that no weak point was left open to censure; but she seemed so little to
-respect the barriers between vice and virtue, that they appeared to be
-considered by her as by no means insurmountable;--and Selina, finding
-those principles of rigid propriety now ridiculed, which she had
-hitherto been taught only to venerate, wondered for a moment whether the
-error lay in her Ladyship's frivolity or her own ignorance.
-
-Meantime the Viscountess was not unobservant of her niece. She perceived
-that her changing countenance portrayed every varying emotion, almost
-before she was herself conscious of its influence. Sometimes the
-expression of her dark brow led her to fear, that Selina was capable of
-making deep reflections, though she willingly believed her deficient in
-resolution. At other times the arch smile, that played round her dimpled
-mouth, showed she was by no means insensible to the charms of raillery
-and satire, whilst the half-formed reply seemed to insinuate, that she
-could emulate the bewitching, though dangerous, talent she admired. But
-above all, Lady Eltondale failed not to remark the evanescent nature of
-all Selina's feelings, which almost seemed to exhaust themselves in the
-first stage of their existence. Hers was indeed "the tear forgot as soon
-as shed;" and, as she accompanied Lady Eltondale through the various
-apartments of her splendid house, and innocently expressed her delight
-and wonder at all she saw, her experienced and artful guide smiled at
-the rapid transitions of her thoughts, and anticipated a speedy conquest
-over a mind, which appeared already weakened by inherent volatility.
-
-When Selina joined the party at dinner-time, Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and
-the Hall, seemed already to be forgotten by her. It was true the roses
-in her cheek yet drooped from the effect of the morning shower; but her
-lovely countenance had reassumed that expression of content and pleasure
-which was most natural to it.--But,
-
-    How like this spring of love resembleth
-      The uncertain glories of an April day,
-    Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
-      And by and by a cloud takes all away.
-
-Unfortunately at dinner Lord Eltondale addressed to her one of his
-inconsiderate compliments, in which he alluded, with more kindness than
-delicacy, to her recent misfortune. The unexpected mention of her father
-overcame her spirits; and, as usual, without reference to the
-spectators, she gave way to the feelings of the moment, and burst into
-tears. Mr. Hammersley, laying down his knife and fork, turned to stare
-at the mourner with an expression of countenance, that seemed to say,
-it was long since he had witnessed the natural emotions of a susceptible
-heart. Lady Eltondale withdrew the attention of Mademoiselle Omphalie by
-making some opportune inquiry. But Sir Robert's observation of Selina
-was not to be evaded. After looking at her steadfastly for some minutes,
-he exclaimed, "Come, come, my girl, cheer up;--swab the spray off your
-bowsprit, and never let the toppinglifts of your heart go down. If your
-father has got into port before you, if you keep a steady course and a
-true reckoning, you'll be sure of having a good birth alongside of him
-in a tide or two. Here, toss off this bumper, and haul in your jib
-sheet."
-
-Selina could not help smiling at the manner in which the kind-hearted
-old man offered his consolation. But Lady Hammersley, who had hitherto
-remained in silence, now remarked in an emphatic tone, that "It was a
-work of supererogation to endeavour to suppress the tear of filial
-regret. A few weeks' association with the votaries of fashion would
-effectually eradicate the meritorious sentiments, and teach hypocritical
-sensibility to fictitious griefs to be ostentatiously substituted for
-genuine susceptibility."
-
-From that day, during the remainder of his stay at Eltondale, Sir Robert
-Hammersley seemed to interest himself particularly about Selina. And
-though his Lady seldom condescended to address herself to her, yet even
-the cynical turn of her conversation implied approbation of Miss
-Seymour's present character by the very anticipations of its speedy
-alteration, which she daily repeated. Mr. Hammersley, as Lady Eltondale
-had prophesied, scarcely noticed the untutored girl, and seldom joined
-the morning party, except when Mademoiselle Omphalie was employed in
-communicating her enchanting talents to Selina, whose rapid progress
-astonished even Lady Eltondale. She already perfectly understood the
-science of music; and her naturally fine voice was peculiarly adapted
-to exemplify Mademoiselle Omphalie's excellent instructions. Even before
-many weeks had passed, Selina could not only join her in some beautiful
-Italian duets, but also accompany herself very tolerably on the harp,
-which soon became her favourite instrument.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-     Le faux bien qu'elle prêche est plus dangereux que le mal même, en
-     ce qu'il séduit par une apparence de raison, en ce qu'il fait
-     préférer l'usage et les maximes du monde, à l'exacte probité, en ce
-     qu'il fait consister la sagesse dans un certain milieu entre le
-     vice et la vertu[2].
-
-     JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU, A M. D'ALEMBERT.
-
-[Footnote 2: The false propriety which she preaches is more dangerous
-than vice itself, inasmuch as it seduces by an appearance of
-reason--inasmuch as it recommends the usages and the maxims of the world
-in preference to strict integrity--inasmuch as it makes wisdom appear to
-be a certain medium between vice and virtue.]
-
-Selina was not less attentive to Lady Eltondale's various lessons on
-propriety and elegance, than she had been to the instructions of
-Mademoiselle Omphalie. And though Lady Hammersley's satirical
-predictions were not yet fulfilled, as to any alteration that had taken
-place in her mind; yet it was evident, before she had been many weeks at
-Eltondale, that her general deportment was considerably changed since
-she had been under the superintendence of the Viscountess. Perhaps no
-woman ever more thoroughly understood the rules of politeness than did
-Lady Eltondale; and though a pupil formed entirely in her school would
-scarcely have failed to acquire, ultimately, that freezing apathy which
-was one of her own most distinguishing characteristics, yet the
-refinement of her manners was by no means an unfortunate counterpoise to
-the natural vivacity of Selina's. If it could have been possible to
-unite the polished exterior of the one with the unsophisticated mind of
-the other, it would have formed as perfect a whole, as if the rich and
-exuberant fancy of a Titian had been harmonized by the chastely correct
-judgment of a Michael Angelo.
-
-Lady Eltondale had been right in believing, that Mr. Hammersley would
-not venture to admire the superior charms of Miss Seymour, till they had
-become current by receiving the die of fashion; and, as he found but
-little pleasure in the comparatively quiet society at Eltondale, he
-pleaded an indispensable engagement, and set off for town a few days
-after Selina's arrival. Nor did Sir Robert and Lady Hammersley protract
-their stay much longer. Early in January they returned to Bath, and
-their places at Eltondale were almost immediately filled by other
-visitors; for Lady Eltondale could never bear to be alone; and though on
-account of her brother's recent death she forbore giving any very public
-entertainments, or receiving the most dissipated of her acquaintances,
-yet a constant succession of parties filled up to her, in some degree,
-the charm of a winter's seclusion; and the gay and fashionable manners
-of several of her guests served to introduce Selina to those frivolous
-amusements, which are generally the outposts to more reprehensible
-pursuits.
-
-Selina's deep mourning had at first served as an excuse for her
-declining to partake of the gayer engagements the neighbourhood of
-Eltondale occasionally afforded. For, notwithstanding the avidity with
-which she entered into the pleasures by which she was surrounded, she
-was still sufficiently unlearned in the ways of the world to believe,
-that, at least where the memory of a parent was concerned, it was not
-altogether decorous
-
-    "To bear about the mockery of woe
-    "To midnight dances and the publick show;"
-
-and having at first received Mrs. Galton's approbation of her
-forbearance, she resisted in that one instance all Lady Eltondale's
-arguments and entreaties.--Happy would it have been for her, if she
-could always have resorted to the counsel of such a friend as Mrs.
-Galton. Lady Eltondale felt mortified by the unexpected resistance to
-her wishes, in a point she deemed so trifling; but, however, she
-compromised the matter with Selina, by prevailing upon her to change her
-sable dress at the end of three months, and to give up her mourning
-entirely at the end of six, which term would arrive before their going
-to London. She at the same time secretly resolved to interrupt, as much
-as possible, Selina's correspondence with Mrs. Galton, foreseeing it
-might, in other instances, equally frustrate her intentions and
-designs:--not that she could exactly define, even to herself, why she
-was so solicitous not only to supplant Mrs. Galton in Miss Seymour's
-affection, but also to change even the very character of her niece. She
-looked upon the engagement between her and Mr. Elton almost as
-irrevocable; and it was indeed a matter of comparative indifference to
-her, what was the true character of the woman she was so anxious to make
-his wife. But the real motive of the Viscountess' conduct, of which she
-herself was scarcely conscious, was a jealousy of Mrs. Galton's
-influence over Selina's mind, and an envious hatred produced by the
-consciousness of her own inferiority to her rival in her niece's
-affection; and she was perfectly aware that she could by no means so
-essentially mortify the woman she hated, or lessen the influence she so
-much dreaded, as by undermining the principles and changing the
-character Mrs. Galton had taken so much pains and pride in forming.
-
-One morning Lady Eltondale entered the breakfast-room before Selina had
-returned from her usual early ramble; and as she carelessly tossed over
-the letters, which were left on the table to be claimed by their owners,
-her eye rested on one directed to Miss Seymour, in a hand-writing with
-which she was unacquainted. She had understood from Selina, that she had
-no correspondent but Mrs. Galton; and her curiosity was not a little
-roused by perceiving the seal bore the impression of the well-known
-Mordaunt arms. While she still held the letter in her hand, Selina
-entered the room;--the Viscountess feeling a momentary embarrassment in
-being detected so closely examining a letter directed to another,
-hastily concealed it, resolving to replace it next day. But in error,
-_ce n'est que le premier pas qui coûte_. No person that voluntarily
-treads on the threshold of vice, can be certain that they will always
-have it in their power to retrace their steps. Lady Eltondale would
-probably have shuddered at the idea of deliberately intercepting a
-letter, and still more of clandestinely perusing it; yet having thus
-unpremeditatedly possessed herself of the one in question, she could not
-resist the further temptation of satisfying herself as to the nature of
-its contents, and accordingly opened it as soon as she found herself
-alone. It proved to be, as she suspected, a letter from Augustus. In
-truth, the expression of Selina's countenance, the last evening they had
-spent together, had never faded from his "mind's eye." With all the
-tenacity of a lover's memory, he called to remembrance every look, every
-word that seemed to flatter his fond wishes; and then, with all the
-subtlety of a lover's rhetoric, he persuaded himself that no duty he
-owed to the memory of Sir Henry forbad his endeavouring at least to
-retain whatever share of Selina's good opinion he already possessed;
-though he was still determined so far to respect the expressed wish of
-the Baronet, as not to precipitate a declaration of his own attachment,
-till Selina had an opportunity of fully understanding her own heart, and
-making her selection between him and Mr. Elton. Thus compromising
-between his passion and his principles, he addressed Selina in the
-character of trustee to her estate, and profiting by the excuse which
-that situation afforded him, conjured Selina to point out in what way he
-could be of most use; expressing his anxiety to be of service to her, in
-the warmest terms that passion under the mask of friendship could
-suggest.
-
-Had this letter then reached Selina, it would have spared her many hours
-of future sorrow. But Lady Eltondale determined it should not do so. Her
-penetration too soon discovered its real import;--she perceived
-
-    "Love's secret flame
-    Lurk'd under friendship's sacred name:"
-
-and, with her usual sophistry, persuading herself that the end
-sanctified the means, she congratulated herself on the steps she had
-taken, and believed her laudable anxiety for the welfare of her step-son
-justified her treacherous conduct to her orphan niece. She was not long
-in deciding on the best measures to prevent a continuation of a
-correspondence so dangerous to her favourite scheme; and enclosing the
-letter back to Mordaunt, wrote the following note in the envelope:
-
-     "LADY ELTONDALE presents her compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and her
-     best thanks for his polite offers of service, which, however, she
-     begs to decline as Mr. Elton is expected to return to England
-     immediately, who will of course superintend himself the management
-     of all Miss Seymour's estates. Lady Eltondale returns Mr.
-     Mordaunt's letter, as perhaps he may, at a future time, wish to
-     refer to it on the subject of Wilson's farm, upon which Miss
-     Seymour, in her present delicate situation, feels no wish either to
-     correspond or decide."
-
-It would be impossible to describe the mortification and disappointment
-this laconic epistle occasioned Augustus. He felt justly indignant at
-the manner in which his proffered kindness had been rejected; and
-considered the insult in no slight degree aggravated by the circumstance
-of Selina permitting a third person to convey her own unfeeling reply.
-In one moment the bright vision of hope and joy, that had flitted before
-him, dissolved in air; and, from the delighted contemplation of all her
-charms, he sunk in an instant into the opposite extreme, and equally
-exaggerated all her failings. He recalled to mind Mr. Temple's
-observations, which now seemed absolutely prophetic; and, passing
-rapidly from one passion to another, upbraided her not only with the
-foibles she really possessed, but even with those errors that were as
-yet but anticipated. By degrees, however, the storm subsided. He so
-often repeated to himself that she was now perfectly indifferent to him,
-that he flattered himself it was really the case; and he determined
-thenceforward only to consider her as the wife of Mr. Elton, believing
-that appellation would act as a talisman, to prevent a return of a
-passion he had now persuaded himself was perfectly hopeless.
-
-While Augustus, in his retirement at Oxford, was thus endeavouring to
-extinguish feelings that were only a source of regret; and while Mrs.
-Galton was consoling herself as much as possible for her separation from
-her beloved child, by renewing old friendships, and forming new
-acquaintances at Bath, Selina was, by degrees, becoming more
-familiarized with the levity, duplicity, and frivolity, which were daily
-exemplified in the manners of Lady Eltondale and her different visitors.
-At length the time approached for their removal to London: an early day
-in April was fixed for their journey, which Selina anticipated with all
-the delight of a young vivacious girl, that at last found herself on the
-confines of a new world of pleasure, the enjoyments of which were yet
-untasted, and its sorrows unsuspected.
-
-When the moment of their departure actually came, she gave way to
-unmixed feelings of joy. She laughed, sung, and frolicked round the
-room like a sportive child, and yet she could scarcely define her own
-emotions. She was hardly conscious that her pleasure, in a great degree,
-arose from the silently cherished hope of seeing Augustus. She had felt
-surprised, and even hurt, at his not having, as she supposed, made any
-inquiry after her, during her four months' stay at Eltondale. But she
-had always felt an unaccountable unwillingness to mention his name to
-Lady Eltondale; nor did she even to herself confess how much the
-expectation of seeing him once more contributed to the pleasure she
-anticipated from her visit to London.
-
-The future was now opened to her view like an extended horizon, shining
-in all the luxury of light, which, while the intervening masses of the
-ground lay concealed, depicted no object in its natural colours, but
-touching here and there some prominent beauty with its most resplendent
-rays, confounded all the rest in one undistinguishable mass of
-brilliancy. As they were stepping into the carriage, a letter from Mr.
-Elton was delivered to Lord Eltondale. Little did Selina imagine she had
-any reason to be interested in the packet his Lordship so anxiously
-perused; and even had she been aware of the mention made in it of
-herself, it would scarcely have had power to withdraw her thoughts from
-the nearer, and therefore with her more powerful attraction.
-
-     TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE.
-
-     Paris, April 3.
-
-     I beg you will, my dear father, accept my best thanks for your last
-     kind letter, though I must remark, that your affectionate
-     solicitude for my happiness makes you over anxious to promote it. I
-     confess I was more surprised than pleased to find, that, without in
-     the least consulting my inclinations, you had entered into an
-     engagement to contract Miss Seymour to me! Pardon me, my Lord; but
-     had you and Sir Henry Seymour been employed in assisting each other
-     to match your carriage horses instead of your children, less
-     ceremony could scarcely have been used. You dilate much on Miss
-     Seymour's beauty and fortune:--I am no cynic; yet, strange to say,
-     the one is nearly as indifferent to me as the other. However if I
-     find, on becoming acquainted with the _character_ of the young lady
-     in question, I can esteem and love her, I shall not object to her
-     beauty or her riches, but shall duly appreciate the honour she
-     would confer on me in making me her husband. But till I can judge
-     for myself, I feel I have a right to demand, that neither you nor
-     _Lady Eltondale_ will do aught to compromise my honour in this
-     affair. In a word, these are not times to risk the well-being of
-     one so young and lovely, by a match of mere convenience: unless I
-     can feel for the "_innocent charming_" Selina, Lady Eltondale so
-     eloquently describes, all the attachment she merits, I will never
-     have the cruelty to unite myself to her. Her orphan state
-     sanctifies her in my eyes. Had she a father or brother to watch
-     over her welfare, I might, perhaps, be less scrupulous; for, as it
-     regards myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whom I
-     marry now--my hopes are frustrated, my spirits depressed, and I
-     feel it a mere mockery to mention happiness and marriage together.
-     Perhaps some ten years hence, when "I have forgot myself to stone,"
-     I may sacrifice the remnant of my joyless existence to family
-     interests.
-
-     "As all my prospects of felicity in private life are blasted, I
-     turn with more avidity to that course of public usefulness, which
-     alone can now afford me satisfaction. Every thing has been
-     sacrificed to it.
-
-     "I wish to obtain your consent to my remaining some time longer in
-     this capital, to continue a course of inquiry I have entered into
-     on points of great political importance, and to profit by the
-     acquaintance of some public characters, who may aid me in my
-     pursuits. I am grieved at what you tell me about the mortgage on
-     Eltondale. Would my joining you in a bond be of any use?--If so,
-     command me."
-
-As the rest of Mr. Elton's letter was on law business, it could be of no
-interest except to the person to whom it was addressed.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-    Quid Romæ faciam? Mentiri nescio[3].
-
-    JUVENAL.
-
-    I am as true as Truth's simplicity,
-    And simpler than the infancy of Truth.
-
-    SHAKESPEARE.
-
-[Footnote 3: What should I do at Rome, unknowing how to feign?]
-
-
-Selina's impatience to reach the end of her journey made her consider it
-tedious in its progress, notwithstanding the velocity with which Lady
-Eltondale always travelled; who was too much a woman of fashion not to
-increase as much as possible her own consequence along the king's
-highway, by the trifling exertion of keeping the poor goaded animals
-which had the honor of drawing her vehicle at their utmost speed,
-thereby endangering the lives of such of his majesty's peaceful subjects
-as happened to approach them. As to Lord Eltondale, he seldom found
-leisure to reflect on the consequence attending any direction her
-Ladyship pleased to give; and even had he reflected, he would scarcely
-have ventured to dissent, so confirmed was his habit of passive
-acquiescence. Indeed, poor man, he was in a situation something similar
-to the coronet on his own equipage,--an external appendage to Lady
-Eltondale, which, while hurried along under the direction of her
-caprice, gave her a dignity in the eyes of the many, who merely look on
-the outside of every thing, but, in reality, totally disregarded by all
-those who were admitted into the interior.
-
-At last, from a little eminence on the road, the first view of London
-broke on Selina's delighted eye. And yet such had been the exaggerated
-picture of this queen of cities, which her vivid imagination had drawn,
-that the _coup d'oeil_ almost disappointed her. It is true, a long
-line of smoke darkened the whole horizon, yet she could scarcely
-believe, the towers she saw so pre-eminent in the distance were really
-the St. Paul's, and Westminster Abbey, she had so long wished to see.
-Judgment must be corrected by experience, before it can form a true
-scale for grandeur either moral or physical. However, as by degrees
-Selina discovered the immensity of the parts, she formed some idea of
-the comparative magnitude of the whole; and as she approached the
-metropolis, the throng of passengers of every rank, the crowd of
-carriages of all descriptions, the protracted suburbs, and the bustling
-scene altogether, nearly overcame her agitated spirits; and, at last,
-when the carriage was suddenly stopped, and for some minutes detained in
-Bond Street by the concourse of people, her heart became oppressed with
-contending feelings. She experienced that worst pang of solitude--a
-consciousness of being alone in a crowd; and, leaning back in the
-carriage, she burst into tears. This was, however, but a momentary
-depression; her elastic spirits soon recovered their spring; and when
-the barouche stopped in Portman Square, she bounded out of it, and gaily
-followed Lady Eltondale into her new abode.
-
-For a moment she paused to look round the splendid drawing rooms, as if
-to ascertain that the scene was real, and no fleeting vision of her
-fancy. Then darting forward, she roamed from room to room, admiring
-every thing, examining nothing: the china, the mirrors, the statues, the
-lamps, the chandeliers, all in turn caught her attention, and all were
-in turn abandoned;
-
-    "Gold, silver, iv'ry, vases sculptur'd high,
-    Paint, marbles, gems, and robes of Persian dye."
-
-At last she noticed the balcony, that "rifled all the breathing
-spring," and flew to the open French window, expressing aloud all her
-admiration.
-
-"All that does vastly well, my dear Selina, now we are _tête a tête_,"
-quietly said the Viscountess, who, in the mean time, had been looking
-over the cards that nearly covered one of her tables. "But, pray child,
-don't be too _naïve_. You must learn to suppress your feelings; indeed,
-my dear, you must. If you choose to adopt the _ton_ of natural manners,
-do so, _cela vous sied bien_; but make the proper distinction between
-simplicity and ignorance. I will never act the _chaperone_ to _La
-contadina in corte_." Then perceiving her rebuke had, at the moment, all
-the effect she desired, she took Selina's arm, and familiarly leaning on
-it, "Come, my love," added she, "let me introduce you to your own
-apartments: I feel you are so much my child, I quite forget to play the
-Lady Macbeth, and kindly bid you welcome." Lady Eltondale knew so well
-how to soften the asperity of reproof, without weakening its effect,
-that, perhaps, there were no moments in which her fascinating powers
-were more displayed, than when she finely touched a string a less
-skilful hand would jar: and, having once hinted to Selina that
-possibility of her unrestrained emotions being construed into the
-affectation of _naïveté_; she knew the diffidence that suggestion would
-occasion, would have the effect of making her still more pliable to her
-well versed instructress in the arts of fashion.
-
-Selina's toilet was soon made, and she repaired to the drawing room,
-long before her aunt was dressed. Here she prepared to renew, at
-leisure, her entertaining examination; and, for this purpose, leaned on
-a marble table, to admire the perfection of _bijouterie_, as it was
-fully exemplified in a French clock that it supported. She had not long
-remained thus employed, when she was disturbed by a voice close behind
-her ear, exclaiming, "Beautiful! enchanting! divine, upon my soul!" and
-turning round, she perceived a gentleman, who, in the mean time, had
-been as attentively, and, to all appearance, not less delightedly
-examining her. She colored, but made him a slight curtsy, to which he
-returned a bow, as obsequious as he could accomplish without withdrawing
-his eyes from her countenance; whilst his own was intended to express
-the most reverential admiration: but so little obedient were his
-features to his feelings, that their expression bordered on the
-ludicrous, and thereby served as an antidote to his ardent, and almost
-impertinent gaze. The ceremonious salute was prolonged by both, to
-enable each to assume a proper, though different, control over their
-features: but Selina, finding her risible muscles moved almost beyond
-the power of restraint, turned towards a chair, which her spell-struck
-admirer presented to her in silence, and with protracted admiration.
-
-The figure that thus offered incense at her shrine was one, that would
-more properly have served as a prototype to a Silenus than a Cupid. He
-was habited in the very extreme of fashion, apparently unconscious that
-his ill-proportioned limbs, and corpulent form, "made by nature's
-journeymen," were but ill adapted to the exhibition of a tailor's art.
-His head, which was immense, rose out of a filleting of neckcloth, that
-seemed to impede his respiration; at least such might be inferred from
-the deepened color of his swoln cheeks. In one hand he held a newspaper,
-and in the other a glass, which he always applied to his eye when he
-meant to recognize an acquaintance, always saving and reserving to
-himself the privilege of "_cutting_" an old friend on the plea of
-short-sightedness.
-
-He had neither the graces of youth, nor the respectability of age; and
-yet, merely because he had become, nobody knew how or why, the _ton_, he
-was a welcome inmate of every fashionable mansion. His recommendations,
-such as they were, consisted in a capability of relating a good story in
-the best possible manner, and of submitting patiently to a hoax from his
-superiors, always knowing how and when to return the compliment with
-interest: besides,
-
-    "Our courtier walks from dish to dish,
-    Tastes, for his friend, of fowl and fish,
-    Tells all their names, lays down the law,
-    _Que çà est bon! Ah! goûtez ça._"
-
-He was, in truth, a living _Almanac des Gourmands_, and could withal
-play well, and bet high at every game. Being a professed old bachelor,
-he took the liberty of paying to ladies such undressed compliments, as,
-however acceptable they may be from some, it is not the etiquette to
-listen to from all. And perhaps from this assumed license, which he owed
-chiefly to his own ugliness, did he derive that privilege of which he
-was most vain, an undisputed right to decide on all claims to female
-beauty.
-
-Such was the character and appearance of Sir James Fenton, whom Lady
-Eltondale, on entering, formally introduced to Selina: adding, in a
-manner half ironical and half serious, "This is my niece, Miss Seymour,
-for whom I bespeak your patronage, Sir James; I expect you will make her
-your first toast all this next month." Sir James acceded to her
-Ladyship's request with all possible seriousness; and leaning over the
-chair of the Viscountess, while he continued his scrutiny of Selina,
-lavished on her beauty the most rapturous praise in an audible voice,
-and, in a tone of criticism, concluding, as he conducted Lady Eltondale
-to the dinner room,--
-
-    Let her be seen; could she that wish obtain,
-    All other wishes her own power would gain.
-
-Selina scarcely knew whether to be most offended at Sir James's
-effrontery, or entertained by his originality. She had not an
-opportunity to decide on this important question afterwards, as he did
-not make his re-appearance in the drawing room.
-
-Lord Eltondale had accidentally met him in Bond Street, as he strolled
-down towards the Royal Institution; and Sir James had accepted his
-casual invitation to dinner, for the sole purpose of seeing "the
-beautiful heiress;" and being able to anticipate the judgment the
-connoisseurs were to pass on her title to admiration. For Lady Eltondale
-had not been idle during her stay in the country: she was well aware,
-that there was no way by which a woman could better secure the
-admiration of any one man, than by convincing him she had obtained that
-of the rest of the world; and having gained "the beautiful heiress" for
-Frederick Elton, she wished to enhance the gift in his eyes, by
-increasing her value in those of others.
-
-She knew that Selina's beauty was above praise, and that, even had she
-been less lovely, an _heiress_ was always transformed into a goddess, in
-the pages of a newspaper. She therefore had written, previous to their
-arrival in town, to about twenty of her confidential friends, making
-very slight mention of Selina's person, but giving a most minute detail
-of her property; and thus prepared the paragraph in the Morning Post,
-which next day met Selina's eyes, describing herself as
-
-                      "A creature,
-    Would she begin a sect, might quench the zeal
-    Of all professors else, make proselytes
-    of whom she bid but follow."
-
-Lady Eltondale was excessively entertained at the surprise and confusion
-of Selina, at reading this unexpected compliment to her own charms, the
-real existence of which she was totally unconscious of. As the time had
-arrived when Selina had promised to lay aside her mourning, they
-determined to commence the pleasing toil of shopping that very day, and
-accordingly visited in turn all the jewellers, milliners, mantua-makers,
-corset-makers, and shoemakers, and all the _et cetera_, that disputed
-the palm of fashionable praise. While Lady Eltondale gratified at once
-her love of extravagance and exquisite taste, as she directed that of
-her lovely charge, at the same time she indulged Selina's very natural
-curiosity, by taking her through the different parts of the metropolis;
-for the wary Viscountess was anxious that Selina should not be produced
-to the world's eye, while she was herself too new to its wonders; well
-knowing that all her care and all her instructions, would scarcely
-suffice to check the first warm effusions of an unpractised heart.
-
-Some days passed in this manner; and at last the decorations of Selina's
-lovely person being decided on, the embellishment of her mind was next
-to be attended to, at least so Lady Eltondale termed the cultivation of
-her _talents_; for with her _mind_ she, in truth, little interfered,
-however much she wished to direct the expression of her feelings. To
-perfect her in all the accomplishments of the day, the first masters
-were engaged to attend her. Selina, in her usual lively manner, wrote to
-Mrs. Galton an entertaining description of her various avocations,
-alleging that she was already introduced "to the whole _dramatis
-personæ_ of the _Bourgeois Gentilhomme_," consisting of "_un maitre de
-musique_, _un maitre à danser_, _un maitre tailleur_, _plusieurs
-laquais_" and that she hoped "_les hommes du bel air_ would soon make
-the _entrée du ballet_."
-
-A beautiful boudoir was resigned to Selina by the Viscountess for her
-morning room, as it by no means was a part of her Ladyship's plan, that
-Selina should be _à porté_ to the train of idle visitors that formed her
-usual levee. She knew the world well enough to be aware, that even
-beauty might grow familiar, and "pall on the eye;" and the more Miss
-Seymour was found difficult of access, the more would her society be
-sought. Therefore in acceding to Selina's entreaty to be allowed to pass
-her morning, as usual, in employment, while apparently only yielding to
-her wishes, she in truth pursued her own. Selina, with gratitude and
-delight, took possession of her little Paradise, for so she deemed it;
-into it she speedily removed her books, her drawing materials, and her
-magnificent new harp, which had been one of her first purchases, and
-there did she devote many hours to practising the lessons she daily
-received; particularly attending to the improvement of her naturally
-fine voice, which she could already accompany tolerably well on her new
-instrument; and often did she find her toil amply recompensed by a
-silent reflection of "how delighted Augustus and aunt Mary would be to
-hear me now!"
-
-Nearly a fortnight had elapsed since their arrival in town, and Lady
-Eltondale became tired of remaining so long in private; for though she
-had, in truth, been out every evening, she had not yet gone to any large
-assembly, not wishing to appear in public without Selina, and choosing
-that her _début_ should take place at her own house. She therefore sent
-out her cards for "a small party, with music;" and in the selection she
-made of her intended guests, took care that nearly all the leaders of
-_ton_, of both sexes, should be invited, whose fiat could at once
-impress the stamp of fashion on her _protégée_, for of their award she
-felt well assured, as her own silence on her beauty indicated. In the
-mean time she was most assiduous in preparing Selina for the exhibition.
-An easy but beautiful duet was practised and repractised with
-Mademoiselle Omphalie, who declared her full approbation of her quick
-adaptation of her style. Another was "_got up_," in which Selina was to
-accompany Madame ---- on the piano forte, with just as many full chords
-on the harp as would show her beautiful figure to advantage, and impress
-the company with an idea of her manifold accomplishments; and a popular
-air, with brilliant variations, was selected for her performance on the
-piano forte, which was, in truth, the only part of the _scene_ in which
-poor Selina felt the least assurance of success. At last the evening
-arrived, and Selina attended her aunt to the drawing room in a tumult of
-contending feelings: she stood on the threshold of pleasure--hope
-danced in her eyes, whilst the blush of timidity flushed her cheek. The
-magnificence of the apartments, the splendor of the lights, the perfume
-of the flowers, at once dazzled and delighted her. All the rooms were
-opened, and all shone in one blaze of borrowed day except the favourite
-boudoir: it too was open, and in it still sweeter flowers charmed the
-sense. But its simple, though beautiful, decorations, were more obscured
-than shown by the pale light of lamps, which shed almost a moonlight
-around, as they darted their tempered rays through vases of transparent
-alabaster. It seemed like the retreat of luxurious elegance receding
-from the world's glare; and Selina herself appeared like the goddess of
-this blest abode. Her dress had been entirely superintended by the
-Viscountess, as Selina neither understood nor valued the arts of the
-toilet; but her well versed aunt, knowing that the reputation of
-Selina's immense fortune was already sufficiently extended, had
-determined to consider nothing in this her first appearance, but how
-best to heighten her natural loveliness. The style of her dress was of
-the chastest simplicity. Her luxuriant hair, "when unadorned adorned the
-most," shone in no borrowed ornament, but every tress was arranged by
-the nicest hand of art, "then best exercised when least displayed." No
-jewels shed round her their meretricious glare; her gown of pure white
-seemed as spotless as the robe of innocence--but its beauty was not the
-effect of chance: no fold was unimpressed with the finest touch
-experienced taste could bestow; and, as Lady Eltondale turned her eyes
-on the beautiful girl, thus moulded, to all the external perfection she
-could have desired, she smiled at the anticipation of the triumphs that
-awaited her.
-
-The frequent knocks, and rapidly repeated succession of names,
-announced to Selina that the Ides of March were come. Lady Eltondale
-took her station in the most conspicuous part of the rooms, for the
-purpose of receiving her guests; and never was the fascinating elegance
-of her manners more conspicuously displayed than on such occasions. At
-first she kept Selina leaning on her arm, for the purpose of showing her
-blushing charms to all, and of actually introducing her to a favored
-few. But the rooms rapidly filling, and the music being commenced, Lady
-Eltondale left Miss Seymour under the peculiar protection of the old
-Dutchess of Saltoun, whose countenance showed how truly she was
-delighted with her young acquaintance. But Lady Eltondale, in
-withdrawing from Selina, did not cease to observe all her motions. Nor
-was she a little gratified at the universal murmur of applause her
-appearance excited, thus bursting into view in all the heightened effect
-of unexpected beauty. All the fashionable beaux in the room crowded
-round the new star, expressing, in all the variety of tones and
-gestures, their admiration of her loveliness: at last, their profuse
-compliments confusing, rather than gratifying Selina, she looked
-anxiously round for her aunt, and perceived her standing in earnest
-conversation with two gentlemen, in one of whom, with equal surprise and
-pleasure, she recognised Augustus, and the other she rightly conjectured
-to be Lord Osselstone.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-    Quando muovo le luci a mirar voi,
-    La forma che nel cor m'impressa Amore,
-    Io mi sento agghiacciar dentro e di fuore,
-    Al primo lampeggiar de' raggi moi.
-    A le nobil maniere affiso poi,
-    A le rare virtuti, al gran valore,
-    Ragionarmi pian piano, odo nel core[4].
-
-    ARIOSTO.
-
-[Footnote 4:
-
-    When tremblingly I raise my eyes
-    To view that form, which in my breast
-    The hand of Love has deep impressed,
-    My shiv'ring frame, in sudden trance,
-    Congeals beneath thy lightning glance;
-    But soon my heart, in broken sighs,
-    Renews the tale it told before,
-    And, counting all thy beauties o'er,
-    Dwells on thy talents, virtues rare,
-    Thy mind so pure, thy form so fair,
-    Till even hope amid the whispers dies.
-
-N. B. Freezing beneath a _lightning_ glance, in the original--a fair
-example of Italian concetti.]
-
-
-To account for the unexpected appearance of Lord Osselstone and
-Mordaunt together at Lady Eltondale's party, it will be necessary
-briefly to mention, that, soon after Augustus had left Mrs. Galton at
-Bath, the Earl had arrived there, and accidentally renewed their
-acquaintance. The frequent opportunity of intercourse, which all such
-places afford, having produced a degree of unexpected association
-between her and the Earl, it was not unnatural, that the nephew of the
-one and the favourite of the other should frequently become the subject
-of their discourse; and Mrs. Galton delighted in expatiating on the fine
-character of her dear Augustus, with whom she kept up a constant and
-confidential correspondence.
-
-There were few characters so much respected by Lord Osselstone as that
-of Mrs. Galton. Candour and simplicity were the qualities of all others,
-which, by not calling forth from him the defensive armour of distrust
-and penetration, left his heart more open to the impressions of real
-worth. The Earl knew that on common subjects Mrs. Galton could have no
-interest in appearing to him other than she really was; and on the
-subject of Augustus in particular, though he sometimes mentally accused
-her of exaggeration, he was perfectly convinced she was uniformly
-sincere. She once, in her zealous friendship, communicated to his
-Lordship a part of Augustus' correspondence with herself; and to this
-transcript of his mind, which was incontestably written without design
-of being read by a third person, did Lord Osselstone give more credit
-than to her partial representation of the original.
-
-The consequence of these communications became afterwards apparent.
-Lord Osselstone soon removed to London; and one day meeting Augustus in
-the street, he accosted him with so much of the _suaviter in modo_, that
-his at first unbending pride was finally subdued. For never yet had Lord
-Osselstone encountered a rock which he could not dissolve, though by
-more dulcet means than those attributed to the Carthaginian hero; and
-the Alpine snow, which had hitherto enveloped both uncle and nephew,
-being once thawed, a frequency of intercourse, as unsought as unexpected
-on the part of Mordaunt, had taken place between them: not that they
-were yet intimate, or appeared likely to become so. A certain magic
-circle seemed to surround Lord Osselstone; and though the politeness and
-condescension of his manners attracted others to its very verge, there
-was still a secondary, though invisible repulsive power, that forbade
-approach beyond its well defined limits.
-
-Augustus now received frequent invitations to Osselstone House, both
-for large dinner parties, and for the still more flattering distinction
-of a _tête à tête_; but though he daily met with considerate and even
-kind attentions from the Earl, he could not help still feeling he was
-more his _patron_ than his _friend_. Lord Osselstone frequently
-concluded a _tête à tête_ dinner, in which he had exerted every charm of
-conversation for the entertainment of his guest, at the same time
-eliciting all the varied powers of understanding that guest possessed,
-by proposing that he should accompany him to those higher circles of
-fashion, which the Earl still occasionally frequented; and in those
-crowded assemblies where there is so often "company without society, and
-dissipation without pleasure," the heir to Lord Osselstone's earldom was
-always welcome, even where the untitled Augustus Mordaunt would scarcely
-have been noticed.
-
-It may be supposed that Augustus received, with no little trepidation,
-the card his uncle presented him with for Lady Eltondale's assembly. For
-a moment he hesitated whether or not to accept it; but the thought of
-being once more in the same room with Selina soon over-balanced his
-wounded feelings. As he followed his uncle up the sumptuous stair-case
-in Portman-square, while his heart fluttered between pleasure and
-despondency, his mind had wandered back to the scenes of Deane Hall, and
-"days long since gone by." By a natural illusion Selina's figure had
-always floated before his fancy, as he had last seen it clothed in the
-sable garb of woe, with the tear of regret resting on her pallid cheek.
-How different was the blooming form that now presented itself, as at the
-moment of his entering the room his eye intuitively singled her out from
-the crowd that surrounded her. She stood like the queen of beauty
-receiving the homage of all around, her eyes sparkling with animation,
-her whole figure beaming in joy. "Good God, how lovely!" he
-involuntarily exclaimed. But as his protracted gaze discovered the
-alterations her manners and appearance had undergone in the few months
-she had been under the tuition of Lady Eltondale, a cold chill ran
-through his veins, as he recollected the possibility that her mind might
-be equally changed; and renewing his scrutinizing glance, he shuddered
-at the external improvement that had first extorted his admiration, and
-sighed to think of the lovely artless girl, who would once have flown to
-meet him with all the innocence of undisguised delight.
-
-But though Augustus had thus instantly recognized Selina, though his
-eyes had followed her every step, and watched her every motion, she had
-not then discovered him. The moment she did perceive him, her first
-impulse was to move towards the spot on which he stood. But she had
-scarcely taken a few steps, when she as involuntarily stopped. She
-became embarrassed, and had she been more experienced in the waywardness
-of the human heart, she would better have known why, with conscious
-timidity, she hesitated to approach him she was most delighted to
-behold. Augustus watched her approach, and had advanced a few steps to
-meet it, but misconstruing her delay, he turned away with a movement of
-pique and ill defined jealousy, entering into apparently interesting
-conversation with a very pretty girl who stood near him. At the moment
-when Selina came near enough to overhear what he was saying, he was
-busily employed in making gallant apologies to his new friend for not
-having called upon her, though he acknowledged he had been six weeks in
-town.
-
-However he could not long keep his resolution, and he again turned to
-speak to his "heart's best love;" but a pang had shot through Selina's
-soul, as she had learned from his own lips that he had been so long in
-town, and recollected that he had never called in Portman-square. She
-therefore returned his address with a cold politeness, far, far
-different from what her manner to him once had been; and advanced to
-meet Lady Eltondale, who at that moment was bringing up Lord Osselstone
-to introduce to her. His Lordship, at the request of the Viscountess,
-led Selina towards the music-room, where the rest of the musical
-performers were waiting to accompany her in her formidable undertaking.
-The harp was to be her first exhibition, and the poor girl, intimidated
-by the presence of so numerous an audience, and agitated by her
-rencontre with Mordaunt, could scarcely bring her trembling fingers to
-touch the strings with any degree of tolerable accuracy. But Lord
-Osselstone stood beside her, and the calm and dignified support with
-which he endeavoured to encourage her, assisted her in regaining some
-degree of composure. As she advanced in her performance, her eye caught
-the impassioned glance of Mordaunt, and her anxiety to exhibit to him
-her newly acquired accomplishment lent her an unexpected force, which
-enabled her to go through the fiery trial beyond her most sanguine
-expectation. Her playing was of course applauded many degrees beyond its
-real merit; but she quickly retreated from the flattery that at that
-moment was indifferent to her. Her eyes instinctively sought Mordaunt's
-with an anxious, timid, almost beseeching look. His rested on her
-beautiful countenance with an expression no less unequivocal, and for
-once they read aright each other's soul; and many months, nay years
-passed away, before that mutual glance was obliterated from the mind of
-either. Several minutes elapsed before Augustus could make his way up to
-Selina, so closely was she surrounded by the unregarded throng; but when
-he did reach her, one short sentence expressed his delighted surprise
-at her new acquirement. "Do you think dear aunt Mary will be pleased
-too?" whispered Selina. Before he could give any answer to this simple
-query, gratifying as it doubly was by the sympathy it accidentally
-expressed to his feelings at the moment, Lady Eltondale approached, and
-applauded, in the strongest terms, her niece's performance. "Have you
-also learned to sing, Selina?" said Augustus, as he turned over the
-loose music that lay on the piano forte. Lady Eltondale hastily replied,
-with a slight emphasis, "Miss Seymour practises Italian music
-constantly:--Frederick will find, on his return, good singing is not
-confined to Italy." A cold weight fell on Augustus's heart;--the visions
-of happiness, that an instant before had fleeted over his mind, vanished
-like a charm. He gave a deep sigh, and, seemingly without design, turned
-towards Selina a duet that caught his eye. It was Mozart's arrangement
-of Metastasio's beautiful words:--
-
-    "Ah! perdona al primo affetto,
-    Questo accento sconsigliato
-    Colpa fu d'un labbro usato
-    A cosi chiamarti ognor."
-
-Selina read the couplet, and casting her eyes over the following verse,
-coloured deeply at the application she involuntarily made of it. Lady
-Eltondale, who in the mean time had narrowly watched her changing
-countenance, roused her from her reverie by introducing to her at that
-moment Lord George Meredith, who was one of the young men who had been
-loudest in Miss Seymour's praise. His compliments were now however
-disregarded, as Selina looked anxiously round for Mordaunt--but he had
-disappeared. She fancied he had retired to one of the adjoining rooms,
-and made many excuses not only to her companions, but even to herself,
-for restlessly sauntering through them all. Sometimes she recollected
-she had left her fan behind; another time she persuaded herself Lady
-Eltondale wanted her;--but still the object she really sought was not to
-be found. By degrees she became painfully convinced he was actually
-gone. "It is very odd he should go away so abruptly," thought she; "I
-had a thousand things to say to him about aunt Mary." And then a
-confused idea occurring, that the pretty flirting girl, she had seen him
-talking to, had said something about going to a ball after Lady
-Eltondale's party, she mechanically retraced her steps, and finding she
-too had departed, a sickening depression came over her, and she retired
-to the boudoir to recover herself. But she was not long permitted to
-rest in peace:--Sir James Fenton, who, led by Lady Eltondale, entered
-the room laughing with all the exaggerated action that became his
-character, though not his figure, exclaimed, "Where is the Syren? Where
-is the goddess of the night?" Then on perceiving Selina, he resigned the
-arm of the Viscountess with a low bow, and singing with ludicrous tone
-and gesture, "_Dove sei amato bene_," advanced to Miss Seymour, who,
-half dragged, half led, was re-conducted to the music-room.
-
-But the feeling which had supported her in her last effort was now no
-more. The duet, of which Mademoiselle Omphalie had loudly boasted, was
-to commence, and Selina exerted herself to the utmost in its execution;
-but her voice faltered, and before she got half way through it, she
-burst into tears. Her distress, which was thus evidently unfeigned, now
-made her nearly as many friends as her charms had before procured her
-admirers; while Lady Eltondale easily persuaded every body except
-herself, that it could only arise from timidity, and therefore forbore
-to join the general request that the effort might be renewed; while Sir
-James exclaimed, in all the hyperbole of compliment,
-
-    "Sweet harmonist, and beautiful as sweet,
-    And young as beautiful, and soft as young!"
-
-Meantime Lord. Osselstone had advanced towards Selina, and there was
-always something so dignified in his appearance, that those who did not
-know him involuntarily made way for him; and all those who were
-acquainted with him did so mechanically. He at first addressed the
-trembling girl in the language of compliment, but finding her real
-agitation was not to be soothed by the sovereign balm of flattery, he
-gradually turned the conversation on Mrs. Galton. Her eyes then beamed
-with gratitude for his praise, which she believed could not then be
-insincere; and in her tell-tale countenance and artless expressions, he
-read a heart not yet practised in the world's wiles. The company began
-to separate before their conversation ended; and as Selina, on her
-wakeful pillow, recalled to her mind this evening of promised pleasure,
-she sighed to think, that those few calm moments she had passed with
-Lord Osselstone were the only ones, on which she could reflect with any
-tranquillity.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-    What whispers must the beauty hear!
-    What hourly nonsense haunts her ear!
-    Where'er her eyes dispense their charms,
-    Impertinence around her swarms.
-
-    GAY.
-
-
-The next morning Selina arose unrefreshed. She could not in any way
-reconcile to her satisfaction the expression of Mordaunt's countenance,
-when her eyes met his, and his apparently evident design of shunning her
-society. "It is so odd," thought she, "he should never have called to
-see me. He must have known by the newspapers that we were come to town;
-and then he hardly spoke three words to me all last night, yet his looks
-were kinder than ever. Well, I think he'll certainly call to-day." As
-she thus concluded her soliloquy, she turned once more to her
-looking-glass, and, as she revised her dress, an involuntary smile
-played on her lip, as she felt convinced that the negligence of her
-morning costume was not less becoming than her evening attire had been.
-Often, as the hours rolled heavily on, did she saunter to the window,
-and gaze up and down the square, in hopes of descrying Augustus; and
-often, notwithstanding her mortification, did she smile at her own
-ridiculous mistakes, as she still fancied every distant passenger must
-be he, whether tall or short, thick or thin, old or young, ugly or
-handsome. At last, in despair, she retired to her boudoir, and resumed
-her drawing; while Lady Eltondale, who was by no means unmindful of her
-evident restlessness, made no remark upon the subject. At last a loud
-knock proclaimed the arrival of visitors. Selina started from her seat,
-and as instantaneously resumed it. In a moment a footman appeared, with
-"My Lady's compliments, and begs to see you in the drawing-room,
-ma'am." Selina's heart beat at the unusual summons, while her trembling
-limbs scarcely supported her as she prepared to obey it. Great then was
-her disappointment on entering the room, to be overwhelmed at once with
-the united compliments of the whole Webberly family. She had scarcely
-presence of mind sufficient to reply to their various civilities; but
-fortunately their own anxiety to assume the feelings they deemed
-appropriate to the occasion, left them no time to investigate those that
-actually agitated her.
-
-Lady Eltondale soon relieved her from her embarrassment. "Selina, Mrs.
-Sullivan has been good enough to call for the purpose of taking you to
-see the exhibition at Somerset House: I know you will be delighted to
-attend her." Selina turned full round to her aunt with a look of
-astonishment. She could not believe, that Lady Eltondale had consented
-to let her go into public with the very people, whom, of all others,
-she had most frequently ridiculed, against whose society she had most
-frequently inveighed. Lady Eltondale met her wondering gaze with an
-unmoved countenance; and ringing the bell, "Go, my love," said she, "and
-equip yourself as quickly as possible: I will desire John to send Watson
-to you, that no time may be lost; and I will either send my carriage, or
-call for you myself, to save Mrs. Sullivan the trouble of bringing you
-home." Selina perceived, that excuse or reply would be of no avail; and,
-before her surprise was abated, she found herself unwillingly seated as
-a fifth in Mrs. Sullivan's ostentatious equipage.
-
-Little could the artless girl divine the real motive for the
-Viscountess' singular deviation from her professed rule of allowing
-Selina no other Chaperone than herself. In truth Mordaunt had called in
-Portman-square more than once, and had never been admitted; a
-circumstance which he had hitherto wished to attribute either to the
-mistake of the porter, or to the design of the aunt.
-
-But Selina's manner and looks had been so contradictory, and her whole
-conduct had, in his opinion, so nearly approached to caprice, that he
-determined to ascertain whether it were possible she could indeed be
-accessary to his exclusion. He therefore took the opportunity, while
-Selina was moving towards the music-room, to ask Lady Eltondale's
-decided leave to wait on her the next day. The Viscountess, nicely
-discriminating between Lord Osselstone's nephew and Sir Henry Seymour's
-_élève_, most graciously granted the permission he solicited;
-determining at the same to pretend, when he called, that Selina had gone
-out, even had a less favourable opportunity occurred of ensuring her
-actually having done so. While, then, poor Selina was taken away so much
-against her own inclination, Mordaunt approached Portman-square. At one
-moment he recalled to his mind, with gratitude and delight, Selina's
-mute but eloquent application for his approval of her talents: at the
-next, his heart sunk as he recollected the possibility, that those
-talents were thus sedulously cultivated for another. "But," thought he,
-"I am determined to ascertain her real sentiments; perhaps Lady
-Eltondale obliged her to send me that cruel message; perhaps her heart
-is yet unchanged; or," continued he, his passion rising at the
-recollection of the fatal letter, "perhaps she is only influenced by
-that despicable vanity of her sex, which makes them seek the applause of
-all, while they return the love of none. But why torture myself thus?
-her own conduct will best explain itself." Then, commanding all his
-fortitude to bear the trial, with as much composure as he could assume,
-he entered Lady Eltondale's drawing-room. She received him with that
-grace by which she was so peculiarly distinguished, and with an air of
-unembarrassed kindness, that might have deluded one more experienced. To
-his inquiries for Selina she replied, with an air of perfect candour,
-"She is gone to take a drive with Mrs. Sullivan; I postponed mine," she
-continued, with a gracious smile, "as you had promised to call on _us_;
-but, you know, Selina is very young, and London sights are quite new to
-her. We must all make allowances for the heedlessness of youth," added
-she, in a tone of compassion. "When I answered Frederick's question,
-whether her character was as perfect as he remembered her person
-promised to be, I reminded him that 'most women have no characters at
-all;' and prepared, him for her volatility, which is indeed her
-principal, if not her only fault. She too is prepared for----" Mordaunt
-could not bear to hear the sentence finished. "Is not that my uncle's
-curricle?" said he, starting up, and going to the window. His fair
-hostess used no further effort to prolong his visit; and as soon as
-politeness permitted, he took his leave, with feelings which, if Lady
-Eltondale could have understood, even she perhaps would have pitied.
-
-Meantime Selina proceeded towards Somerset House. It was a delightful
-day; and the rapid motion of the carriage, the gaiety of the streets,
-and even a faint hope that she might, perhaps, meet Mordaunt in her
-drive, all contributed to raise her spirits. At last, as the carriage
-experienced a momentary stop in Bond-street, Selina heard her own name
-pronounced by a voice not unfamiliar to her ear, and hastily turning to
-the speaker, she recognized Mr. Sedley. To inquire where she resided,
-where she was going, and whether he might join the party, was the
-occupation of a moment. It was settled, that he and Webberly should walk
-to Somerset House, as, exclaimed the latter half aloud, "Egad, it is
-too bad to be boxed up here with my mother and sisters, even for the
-sake of the heiress." "Vell," said his mother, as she expanded her ample
-petticoats over the small space she had hitherto permitted him to
-occupy, "I'm sure that's a good riddance of bad rubbish at all events;
-not but Jack's a good-natured feller as ever lived, though he has sadly
-muffled me, to be sure." They reached Somerset House before Mrs.
-Sullivan had fully arranged her draperies, and before Selina had time to
-express half her regrets at hearing Miss Wildenheim had been left in the
-country, but not before the gentlemen arrived to hand them out of their
-carriage. Here Selina's attention was delightedly engaged in examining
-the various specimens of her favourite art, with which she was
-surrounded. Nor could the outrageous compliments of Webberly, the
-vociferous vulgarity of his mother and sisters, or the easy vivacious
-gallantry of Sedley, divert her from her admiration of them, till Lady
-Eltondale called to take her home. As the aunt and niece returned,
-neither of them articulated the name of him, who principally occupied
-the thoughts of both. But no sooner did they reach Portman-square, than
-Selina, running hastily up stairs, tossed over the numberless cards that
-had been left in her absence by the different beaux who had been there
-the night before, and a sigh escaped her as she became unwillingly
-convinced, that Mordaunt's only was not to be found.
-
-Lord Eltondale seldom joined the circle in which alone his Viscountess
-condescended to move; and, except in very large assemblies, either at
-home or abroad, they were seldom seen together.
-
-The same undistinguishing kindness still marked his manner to Selina,
-which she had experienced on her first reception at Eltondale; and he
-continued to think of her as a pretty, lively, good-humoured girl, but
-he had neither time nor talent to ascertain whether she was a _happy_
-one; indeed he never thought about her, except when she was present; and
-thus the occasional depression of her spirits, which was so new in the
-history of Selina's life, passed unnoticed both by the Viscount and his
-Lady, from the total want of reflection in the character of the one, and
-the refinement of duplicity in the other.
-
-On the evening of the day in which Selina visited Somerset House, she
-accompanied Lady Eltondale to the Opera. She had never yet been in any
-theatre. What then were her sensations, when, on the door of her aunt's
-box being opened, she beheld, at one _coup d'oeil_, the assembled
-magnificence of the stage, presented in the last act of a beautiful
-ballet, and that of the audience, which seemed ranged round more to
-increase than to enjoy the splendor of the spectacle? To those who have
-beheld such a scene, with as little experience, and as much capability
-of enjoyment as Selina possessed, no description of its effects would be
-necessary; and to those who have not, no words could give an adequate
-idea of her delight. Lady Eltondale's box was soon filled with
-gentlemen, but nothing had, at first, the power of diverting Selina's
-attention from the stage, whilst the _naïveté_ of her remarks, and the
-varying expression of her countenance, gave her every moment new charms.
-Amongst the rest Sir James Fenton and Lord George Meredith were most
-obsequious in their attentions, and loudest in their encomiums. She had
-just turned her head, to listen to a curious account the latter was
-giving of his having been once introduced to Mrs. Sullivan and her
-daughters, and was laughing heartily at his ridiculous imitation of
-their manners, when her eye caught that of Mordaunt, who was standing in
-the pit at no great distance. But his fine countenance no longer bore
-that expression, which she had so fondly treasured in her memory. He
-stood gazing at her, with a cold, almost contemptuous steadiness: no
-beam of tenderness softened the brilliancy of his penetrating eye, that
-seemed to dart into her very soul. She coloured, and returned his half
-salute with one still more expressive of indignant pride; and, with
-increased vivacity, renewed her conversation with Lord George Meredith.
-Mordaunt did not visit their box the whole evening, though Lord
-Osselstone staid in it for some time, occasionally smiling, and
-sometimes even calling forth Selina's observations on the scene, to her
-so replete with novelty and attraction: while once or twice following
-the direction of her unconscious glance, his eyes were directed to an
-opposite box, where Augustus seemed to be evidently renewing his devoirs
-to the pretty Miss Webster, to whom, as Selina thought, he had been so
-unnecessarily civil at Lady Eltondale's assembly.
-
-At last, as the closing scene was almost finished, and the Viscountess
-was preparing to leave her box, escorted by Sir James Fenton, the door
-was suddenly opened by Sedley, who came to attend Selina to her
-carriage; she gave a smothered sigh as she thought "Augustus would once
-have done the same," but accepted the proffered civility, after having
-introduced him to Lady Eltondale; who was already well acquainted with
-him by name, as Frederick Elton's friend and correspondent, and
-therefore she thought him a most desirable attendant on Selina. Thus
-escorted, they hastened to their carriage, and drove without delay to
-join another crowd, at the Duchess of Saltoun's ball. And here Selina
-was, as usual, admired, followed, and flattered. Lord George Meredith
-and Sedley had both engaged her, before they left the Opera, to dance;
-and as it was one of her favorite amusements, she quickly entered into
-all the gaiety that surrounded her, with that vivacity which is so
-natural to youth, and so peculiarly belonging to her character.
-Mordaunt, for the moment, was forgotten; or if his image intruded on her
-mind, it rose as a dark cloud, that threw a gloomy shade on her present
-pleasure, and served but to make her turn to the joys of dissipation
-with increased avidity, as an antidote to its saddening influence. Is it
-to be wondered at, that a girl so totally inexperienced as Selina was,
-should yield a little to the many temptations that now surrounded her?
-Without any calm, steady friend, whose sobered reflection would have
-served as a counterpoise to her natural volatility, she found herself
-suddenly transported from the deepest shade of retirement to the
-brightest blaze of fashion.
-
-Her youth, her beauty, her fortune, all conspired to place her in the
-foremost rank of praise.--All the young men professing themselves her
-admirers, all the women her friends.--Could she for a moment doubt
-their sincerity being equal to her own? And could it be supposed, that,
-believing their truth, she should be wholly insensible to such
-unexpected adulation?
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-    Songez bien que l'amour sait feindre,
-    Redoutez un sage berger,
-    On n'est que plus près du danger,
-    Quand on croit n'avoir rien à craindre[5].
-
-[Footnote 5:
-
-    Remember still love can dissemble,
-    And even with the wisest tremble;
-    For when we think there's nought to fear,
-    Often danger's lurking near.
-]
-
-
-Balls, parties, operas, followed each other in rapid succession; and as
-rapidly did Selina rise to the very zenith of fashion. She became at
-once the _ton_, and, being so, whatever she said, whatever she did, was
-of course immediately pronounced "wisest, discreetest, best." She had
-many followers, but Lord George Meredith was the only gentleman, who
-had yet openly professed himself to be her suitor. It was, however, far
-from Lady Eltondale's intention, that Selina should make any choice for
-herself; or rather, she determined so to bend her ductile mind, that by
-degrees that choice, which was in reality Lady Eltondale's, should seem
-to be her own. She therefore carefully observed the manner of all the
-young men, who were most sedulous in paying attention to Selina;
-believing that she was fully capable of discriminating, whether their
-intentions went beyond the amusement of the passing moment, and equally
-certain of frustrating any plan that militated against her own. The more
-Selina became _the fashion_, the more steady became Lady Eltondale's
-determination to marry her to Frederick Elton; and with that
-infatuation, which is a natural consequence of self-love, the deeper she
-became engaged in the prosecution of her scheme, the more she felt
-herself interested in its ultimate success. Lord George Meredith soon
-rendered himself an object of her jealousy; and she therefore took an
-early opportunity of casually informing Selina, through an apparently
-accidental conversation with Sir James Fenton, of his Lordship's
-unconquerable passion for gaming, and concluded by turning abruptly to
-Selina, remarking, "that, no doubt, the fine oaks of Deane Hall would
-serve to repair some of his losses; and, as he regularly made love to
-every heiress that _came out_, perhaps Selina might, if she chose,
-procure for herself the hitherto rejected title in reversion of
-Marchioness Starmont." Lady Eltondale's sarcasm was not without its due
-effect: by degrees Selina's behaviour to Lord George sunk into a cold,
-though polite reserve; and his Lordship, understanding the change in the
-manner both of aunt and niece, gradually withdrew his attentions. The
-conduct of Mr. Sedley was much more equivocal, and almost baffled the
-penetration of the Viscountess. It always happened his engagements and
-theirs were the same, and wherever they went he became one of their
-immediate party; but his manner was so perfectly careless, that the
-rencontre seemed purely accidental. He admired Selina's beauty avowedly,
-but with apparently equal _nonchalance_, sometimes complimented Lady
-Eltondale on the elegance of Miss Seymour's dress, and much oftener
-finding fault with Selina herself, if any particular ornament or colour
-in it happened not to suit his fancy. To the Viscountess herself his
-manner was in the highest degree attentive, and even insinuating; and
-had the world in which they moved had time to attend to his conduct in
-particular, it would probably have decided, that he was much more
-assiduous in recommending himself to the aunt than to the niece. He
-would often place himself, for a whole evening, behind Lady Eltondale's
-chair, when the vivacity and singularity of his conversation,
-compounded, as it was, of sense and levity, would withdraw nearly all
-her attention from the rest of the company, while at the same time
-Selina would appear almost unregarded by him. It also often happened, if
-they were at a ball together, he would ask Selina to dance, "provided
-she had not any other partner;" or tell her to "say at least she was
-engaged to him, if any asked her she did not wish to dance with;" and
-such was the pleasure Selina always experienced from his natural
-vivacious manners, that it seldom happened that the engagement was not
-fulfilled. And yet it seemed almost a matter of indifference to him,
-whether it was so or not; he often appeared fully as anxious to procure
-other pleasant partners for her, as to be the chosen one himself. One
-evening, Selina supposed she had engaged herself to him, and waited in
-anxious, though vain, expectation of his coming to claim her hand; and
-when, as his apology for not doing so, he told her laughingly, that he
-had totally forgotten their engagement, she was almost tempted to be
-affronted. But he so good naturedly called the next morning, to bring
-her the music of the last new ballet, and appeared so unconscious of
-having merited her displeasure, that it quickly vanished, and their
-friendship seemed more firmly established than ever.
-
-Certain it is, that Selina felt more at ease with Sedley, than with any
-other of the beaux who now constantly attended in her train. Sometimes
-the compliments of her professed admirers were too exaggerated for even
-her vanity to believe. But, with him, she felt she could at all times
-talk and laugh unrestrainedly; he seemed to have no pretensions, and
-therefore she did not think it necessary to be on her guard against
-either wounding or encouraging them. If the inconsiderateness of her
-buoyant spirits, or her inexperience of the rules of etiquette, led her
-into any trifling dilemma, she was always certain of his good humoured
-and effectual assistance in relieving her from her embarrassment;
-whilst, on the other hand, he had imperceptibly assumed the privilege,
-which she had as unconsciously yielded to him, of reproving her for any
-trifling sin, either of omission or commission, against the laws of
-fashion. She therefore reposed a certain confidence in Sedley, that led
-her to have a different feeling for him, from that she experienced for
-the other individuals by whom she was surrounded. For her natural
-timidity led her almost always to yield her opinion, without contention,
-to that of any other person, whose knowledge or abilities she supposed
-superior to her own. She even felt relieved, by believing she could in
-safety repose on the wisdom of another; for she had never yet been
-placed in a situation, in which she was necessitated to act for herself.
-Her ideas of the perfection of her father and Mrs. Galton had been
-such, that she not only never had disputed their authority, but had so
-entirely relied on their judgment, that her own had never been called
-into action. With her recollections of them Augustus Mordaunt had
-hitherto been united: the first affections of her heart had turned
-towards him, as to the playfellow, the companion, the brother of her
-earliest infancy; and had he too been her guide on her first entrance
-into life, she would probably have been induced to bestow on him a still
-dearer title. But Sir Henry's death, and Lady Eltondale's subsequent
-artifices, had totally separated poor Selina from all these her earliest
-friends. The misunderstanding, which had at first arisen partly from
-accident, between her and Mordaunt, was afterwards carefully increased
-by the crafty Viscountess; and her two unsuspecting victims, by their
-mutual errors, facilitated the success of her machinations. Both,
-conscious of the integrity of their own feelings, avoided rather than
-sought an explanation, which both considered due to their own individual
-pride. By both the perceptible alteration of each other's manner was
-attributed to the change that had taken place in their relative
-situation; and, above all, as the interruption of their intimacy had
-occurred by imperceptible degrees, no opening was left for
-reconciliation by the pretext of decided grievance. Whenever they met,
-which was now but seldom, a mutual indifference seemed to have succeeded
-to that regard, which had once been so prized by both. As yet however
-the indifference was but assumed.--Mordaunt felt, that it would be long
-before reason could extinguish his love for her, who was the world's
-idol as well as his--but every sentiment of wounded affection and
-indignant pride led him to conceal the passion he could not cure--The
-more he became conscious of the necessity of self-control, the more did
-he close up the real feelings of his heart in an impenetrable armour of
-cold and studied reserve. On the other hand, Selina's feelings had taken
-a far different coloring. His having, on their first meeting in town,
-apparently repulsed her advances to a renewal of their former intimacy,
-had given her the severest pang of mortification she had ever
-experienced; but vanity soon came to her assistance, and when she found
-that he alone appeared insensible to those charms which were so prized
-by others, she began, not unnaturally, to attribute his apparent
-unkindness to an insensibility she was undecided whether to resent or
-despise. Whenever, therefore, by accident they happened to be in the
-same society, she rather assumed than corrected the appearance of
-flirtation and coquetry, which was dissimilar to the artless _naïveté_
-of her earlier days, and was least suited to the unbending frigidity of
-his present deportment. With these sentiments it is not then to be
-wondered at, that their mutual society should become a source of pain,
-rather than of pleasure, to both; and Lady Eltondale, watching with
-secret satisfaction the widening breach, made it still more irreparable,
-by ostentatiously appearing to court that intercourse, which both now
-evidently wished to shun.
-
-At the same time Sedley, apparently without design, seemed to rise in
-Selina's estimation, in the proportion as Augustus fell, and gradually
-began to insinuate himself into her regard. In Sedley's society Selina
-felt perfectly unrestrained. With him her manners were always natural:
-she felt assured, that he was, as he professed to be, sincerely her
-friend; and she rested with satisfaction on the belief, that he aspired
-to no higher distinction. Even the vigilance of Lady Eltondale was for
-once baffled. Mr. Sedley's situation in life was exactly in that mean,
-which least attracted her notice: his paternal estate was sufficient, as
-she believed, to render even Selina's fortune of no vital importance to
-him; and judging of Selina by herself, she believed it almost
-impossible, that a girl so universally admired, as she undoubtedly was,
-would be content to remain a commoner all her life. Besides, she knew
-Sedley was Frederick's most intimate friend, and therefore she did not
-hesitate to make him the confidant of her views regarding Miss Seymour;
-believing that by doing so she might safely encourage his attendance on
-her niece, and at the same time make that attendance an additional
-defence against the designs of others. But the Viscountess had now to
-learn, that duplicity on one side engenders artifice on the other:
-Sedley was even more in her son-in-law's confidence, than in her own;
-and, while she with wily care cautioned him against allowing Selina to
-suspect her plan, she convinced him, that, in seeking the gratification
-of his own passion, there was no risk of thwarting the affections either
-of his friend, or _the heiress_ allotted to him. It was true, from a
-passage in Frederick's last letter, he was led to believe, that it was
-his intention to pay his addresses to Miss Seymour on his return to
-England, and he therefore cautiously suspended his own operations. "At
-present, (thought he) the girl certainly prefers me to every other man;
-for now she has quite forgot that perpendicular statue Mordaunt, and it
-will be difficult enough for him to revive any regard she might once
-have had for such a philosophical personage as he is, whilst both Lady
-Eltondale and I keep guard over her. Then if she has sense and
-steadiness enough to refuse Elton, when he proposes for her estate, for
-I'll take care she understands he does not care a farthing for herself;
-why then, notwithstanding my pretty Columbina, I will, without any
-remorse of conscience, marry her myself, if it was for nothing but to
-rescue her from that devilish calculator of compound interest, that
-noble aunt of hers--But if that same crafty duenna, that female
-Machiavel succeeds, which, after all, is by no means improbable,
-considering her wickedness and Selina's innocence; why then let them all
-take the consequence. Frederick will get the old oaks--she'll get his
-old title, and I, or any other man, may get her love that pleases." So
-reasoned Sedley--and thus did this modern Pylades acquit himself of the
-charge of any breach of friendship, as he thus deliberately prepared to
-rival his own Orestes.
-
-Far different, and much less successful, were the means adopted by
-Webberly for carrying his designs into execution. He had become
-painfully convinced, that the paths of fashionable extravagance were not
-to be trodden with impunity; and as his credit decreased with his banker
-his attentions to Miss Seymour were redoubled. Whenever she appeared in
-public, as at the theatres, or in the Park, he was her constant
-attendant; "and, like the shadow, proved the substance true," as far at
-least as related to her fortune. But notwithstanding his assiduity, he
-found it almost impossible to procure access to those more distinguished
-parties Lady Eltondale and Sedley frequented; and, being as much
-enlightened by his self-interest as the Viscountess was deceived by
-hers, he determined to keep a watchful eye over his _ci-devant_ friend,
-and heartily repented having ever introduced him at Deane Hall.
-
-While these two competitors were thus, in different ways, striving for
-the golden prize, Selina was not less an object of regard to Lord
-Osselstone.--He, as might naturally be expected, was usually to be met
-in the same circle in which Lady Eltondale moved: but it was more
-difficult to account for the perceptible attention he constantly paid to
-Selina. At first he seemed more than usually pleased with the
-artlessness and vivacity of her manner; and the recollection of the
-kindness of his behaviour to her at the moment of her distress, at Lady
-Eltondale's first party, made her show a sort of confidence in her
-manners and address towards him, that, had she been more experienced in
-the ways of the world, his very superiority might perhaps have
-prevented. But with Lord Osselstone the idea of Mordaunt was inseparably
-connected; and as the recollection of the one became painful, the
-pleasure she had derived from the society of the other decreased. She
-became gradually suspicious of his character, as a greater familiarity
-with it convinced her it was not easily to be understood; and she was
-sometimes tempted to wish, either that she was less an object of his
-Lordship's observation, or that the veil could be entirely withdrawn,
-which seemed so constantly to shroud all his feelings from her view.
-
-At last the day of Selina's presentation at Court arrived. Never had she
-looked so lovely--never was she so much admired.--Her heart beat high
-with exultation, and her eyes sparkled with redoubled animation, as she
-heard her own praise from every lip. When the drawing-room was over, and
-she found herself seated in the carriage with Lady Eltondale, she could
-not, in the vanity of the moment, repress a wish that Mrs. Galton had
-seen how much she was admired: adding, while a smile of conscious beauty
-played on her ruby lip, "I think if Mr. Mordaunt had been at Court
-to-day, even he might have condescended to have acknowledged his country
-friend." It was the first time Selina had voluntarily named him for many
-months, and the Viscountess hailed the auspicious omen. She knew that
-not to breathe a name on which our thoughts most dwell, is even a more
-dangerous symptom, than when it is the sole subject of our conversation.
-The spell with Selina now seemed broken; and Lady Eltondale profited by
-the opportunity afforded, continuing the conversation in a careless
-manner, in hopes of accustoming Selina to the deliberate discussion of
-his negligence towards her. "If (thought she) I can habituate her to
-talk about him, and to talk calmly, the day is my own:
-
-    Lorsqu'on se fâche, on peut aimer encore;
-    Lorsqu'on raisonne, on n'aime plus."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-    "The town, the court, is beauty's proper sphere:
-    That is our Heaven, and we are angels there."
-
-
-     MISS SEYMOUR TO MRS. GALTON.
-
-     London, May 25,----
-
-     My dear, dear Aunt,
-
-     Your last letter has made me very unhappy. Is it possible that you
-     can really believe I have forgotten you?--I acknowledge that I have
-     been very very remiss about writing; but indeed my heart has always
-     been right towards you, though perhaps my conduct has not been so;
-     however, I acknowledge my fault in this instance, though Lady
-     Eltondale told me the other day, when I regretted not having
-     answered either of your two last letters, that nobody but me kept
-     a debtor and creditor account of correspondence; and that she was
-     sure you could not really be uneasy about me, as you could never
-     look at a newspaper without seeing my name in it, and of course
-     knowing I was both "alive and merry." And, indeed, I often wonder
-     how people have time to think and write so much about such a
-     foolish girl as I am.--Do you know, the milliners have called a new
-     cap, and a little satin hat, by my name?--Could you have believed,
-     that your poor Selina would ever have been godmother to such
-     bantlings? _Mais le vrai n'est pas toujours vraisemblable_; and I
-     verily am installed, without any probation, into all the dignities
-     of the _ton_. Mr. Sedley always tells me, I must be more than ever
-     attentive to my manners; as, if I was to walk like the
-     "Anthropophagi, whose heads do grow beneath their shoulders," I
-     should make it the fashion, and every other girl would do the
-     same. I do acknowledge, dear dear aunt, that I am quite delighted
-     with London. It far, far exceeds my expectation: indeed all the
-     descriptions of it I used to hear from Miss Cecilia Webberly are so
-     different from what I found the reality to be, that I wonder where
-     she can have met the originals of her extraordinary caricatures.
-     And as for Vauxhall and Astley's, that Miss Martin used to talk so
-     much about, I should hardly believe there were such places in
-     existence, if it was not for the advertisements I sometimes see in
-     the newspapers. Poor Lucy! I wonder what she is doing now at Deane,
-     vegetating in the country, as Lady Eltondale calls it, like a red
-     cabbage, all through the winter. Do you know, aunt, I never like to
-     think of the poor old Hall: I was so very happy there--so
-     cheerful--so contented--you all then loved me so dearly, I had not
-     a wish ungratified: now, in town, I am much more gay, but yet I
-     seldom go into a crowded room, without a kind of feverish anxiety
-     about a something, I know not what; and I seldom return home, at
-     night, without a languor on my spirits I never experienced in
-     former times;--but all that will soon wear away.--I am much fonder
-     now of going to parties than I was at first; for though I always
-     liked balls and the Opera, I did not much admire routs, but now I
-     think them very pleasant, for I generally meet Mr. Sedley, and he
-     is always entertaining, and always kind to me: and, after all, I am
-     determined to like the life I lead. For of what avail would it be
-     to me to regret those quiet peaceful days, which can now never
-     return? and if they did, they would probably appear insipid, after
-     the greater pleasures I have now been accustomed to: so whenever my
-     thoughts happen to turn to the poor dear old Hall, I jump up and
-     immediately seek out Lady Eltondale; and there is something so
-     calm, so elegant, and at the same time so freezing about her, that
-     no person could feel what she calls romance in her presence. Her
-     manners are like the snow on the Alps, they smooth down all the
-     surface, and give a dazzling brilliancy to the whole appearance;
-     but they are cold, almost to petrefaction, and I believe, after
-     all, cover only a heart of stone. Do you know, I have found out
-     lately I could never love Lady Eltondale. I have the greatest
-     reliance on her judgment, and I am sure there is nothing she could
-     _advise_ me to do (for she never _desires_ me to do any thing) that
-     I would not do; but if I was to live with her to all eternity, I
-     should never call her aunt, as I do you; or feel for her, in any
-     degree, as I feel for you. I believe the difference is this--I
-     would go any distance to be with you, or to prove how much I loved
-     you; but if you and Lady Eltondale were to give me contrary
-     directions, (don't be angry,) I should regret that I could not
-     fulfil yours, but I should feel with her there was no alternative.
-     We don't see as much of the Webberly family, at least of the
-     ladies, as I expected; for though they call very often, they are
-     not on Lady Eltondale's "at home" list; and, except one day that I
-     went with them to Somerset House, and last Sunday in Kensington
-     Gardens, I have scarcely met them any where since we came to town.
-     The last time, however, that I saw them, Mrs. Sullivan was all
-     bustle and importance, for she has received an invitation from one
-     of Mr. Sullivan's relations, to go and visit him in Ireland; and
-     she talks so much of his "_intense_ fortune, and great old castle,"
-     which Lady Eltondale, by the bye, says, is only a _château en
-     Espagne_. But poor Mrs. Sullivan declares, "her Carline shall be an
-     air-ass after all, as she is sure Mr. Sullivan is so proud of his
-     geology, that he will take care to leave every thing after him to
-     his progenitors; and it is but fair he should give it to her
-     daughter, as all old retailed estates ought to ascend to the hairs
-     male." I sincerely hope, that dear charming Miss Wildenheim will
-     not be dragged after them into one of those horrid Irish bogs: what
-     a pity it is she should, in any way, be united to such a barbarous
-     family; theirs is certainly the connection of _la belle et la
-     bête_. But I had almost forgot to tell you, that Mrs. Sullivan and
-     her son and heir intend to do me the honour of adding me to their
-     establishment also. I wish I could describe Mr. Sedley's manner and
-     words, as he entertained Lady Eltondale and me last night at the
-     Opera, with an account of Mr. Webberly having invited him to
-     dinner, for the express purpose, he says, of informing him of his
-     intention to propose for me, in form, very shortly; and that Mr.
-     Webberly told Mr. Sedley this, lest he should have any intention of
-     doing so himself. I don't know whether the idea of Mr. Webberly's
-     own design, or his ridiculous suspicions of Mr. Sedley's, amused
-     Lady Eltondale or him most: however they both agreed, that it was
-     quite impossible I should ever marry a commoner. I wish you knew
-     Mr. Sedley well, as I am sure you would like him, and be convinced
-     that your prejudice last autumn, and your idea that he was
-     unprincipled, would soon vanish. He is uncommonly good natured, and
-     always tells me all my faults, and I am not the least afraid of him
-     as I am of Lady Eltondale; indeed he is the only person in town I
-     have real pleasure in conversing with. When I talk to any body
-     else, I am always afraid of their misconstruing either my vivacity
-     or my gravity. But Mr. Sedley's conversation is always adapted to
-     the turn of the moment. If I am gay, he does not accuse me of
-     levity; and if I am inclined to talk rationally, he does not call
-     it pedantry. Would you believe it, the other night, when I know Mr.
-     Webberly thought he was making love to me, we were literally
-     talking of Montesquieu's _Esprit des Loix_, which you may remember
-     was one of the last books we read together--I mean with Mr. Temple.
-     Lady Eltondale is to give a great ball next week; I believe soon
-     after that we shall leave town. Lord Osselstone, whom I meet
-     constantly----Lady Eltondale has this moment called me into the
-     drawing-room--I must go.--Good bye, dear dear aunt.
-
-     Yours most affectionately,
-
-     SELINA SEYMOUR.
-
-The pretext the Viscountess made use of for interrupting Miss Seymour
-was, that she might comply with Mr. Sedley's request of showing him her
-drawings, as to see _them_ was ostensibly the purpose for which he had
-called that morning; though in truth a day seldom passed, in which he
-did not find some good reason for visiting Portman square. Selina made
-no hesitation in producing them; for, though she was not quite exempt
-from the foible of personal vanity, yet she was entirely free from that
-despicable affectation, which assumes the appearance of modesty, when
-the reality is most wanting. Her drawings were, in truth, beautiful, and
-much superior to the common school girl exhibitions of would-be artists.
-But her knowledge was even superior to her execution; and she so
-correctly appreciated the merits of her paintings, that she received
-both the encomiums and the criticisms they produced with equal candour.
-While her miniatures and her portfolio were lying on Lady Eltondale's
-table, Lord Osselstone was announced. At first he expressed the surprise
-he felt, at thus unexpectedly discovering Selina's talent, and then
-complimented her on her excellence with his usual politeness. But
-believing Sedley's gallantry was more agreeable than his own, he
-gradually withdrew with Lady Eltondale to another part of the room.
-Their attention was, however, soon attracted by a _brouillerie_ that
-had arisen between Sedley and Selina. It appeared, that he had possessed
-himself of a drawing out of her portfolio, which he seemed determined to
-retain; alleging it was a subject that particularly suited his taste;
-while she was still more anxious to regain the stolen treasure. In the
-struggle that ensued, the drawing fell to the ground; and Lord
-Osselstone, stooping to pick it up, discovered it to be a beautiful
-portrait of a pointer. The dog, at full length, was inimitably drawn;
-and over the different parts of the paper the same head was sketched in
-pencil, in a variety of different attitudes; and in one corner was
-written also in pencil these lines of Metastasio's Partenza:--
-
-    Soffri che in traccia almen
-    Di mia perduta pace,
-    Venga il penner sequace
-    Su l'orme del tuo piè.
-    Sempre nel tuo cammino,
-    Sempre m'avrai vicino[6].
-
-[Footnote 6:
-
-     At least allow that in the track,
-    Once mark'd by joys now fled,
-    My wandering thoughts may trace the path
-    Which thy dear footsteps tread:
-    For once where'er those footsteps stray'd,
-    Still, still beside thee I delay'd.
-]
-
-"I have seen the original of that admirable portrait," said Lord
-Osselstone, in a tone of inquiry, as he politely returned the drawing to
-its mistress; while at the same time his dark penetrating eye rested
-full upon hers. She looked down instantly, and blushing deeply, replied,
-"Perhaps your Lordship may have seen the dog: I meant it for Carlo. I
-only drew it from recollection:--it's a mere daub of no value now;" and
-so saying, she tore the drawing into a thousand pieces. Mr. Sedley
-uttered a volume of apologies and regrets; and Lady Eltondale, half
-laughingly half sarcastically, remonstrated at her not having sooner
-been informed of Miss Seymour's talent for taking dogs' portraits;
-alleging that she would now make Mignon sit for his picture. Then seeing
-that Selina's embarrassment was increased, and Lord Osselstone's
-observation of it not withdrawn, she proposed adjourning to Selina's
-boudoir, to see some of her other miniatures that adorned it. Here her
-various occupations, her books, her harp, her work-box, all of which had
-evidently been lately used, served by Lady Eltondale's address as fresh
-subjects of conversation; and the current of Selina's thoughts being as
-rapidly turned, she soon resumed her natural gaiety; and perhaps Lord
-Osselstone's regret was scarcely less manifested than Sedley's, when the
-arrival of Lady Eltondale's carriage put an end to their visit.
-
-The Viscountess made no further mention of Carlo's portrait, and both
-the original and the picture seemed to have entirely vanished from
-Selina's recollection, till a few days afterwards she discovered on her
-writing table in the boudoir an exact representation of Carlo himself in
-a _garde de feuille_. The dog was in bronze, on a marble pedestal, and
-on his collar were engraved the words, "_Je la garderai pour mon
-maitre._" Selina was not less delighted than surprised at this
-unexpected present; and immediately ran to thank Lady Eltondale for it,
-conceiving her to have been the donor. But she denied any knowledge of
-it, and they both concluded the gallantry must have been Sedley's.
-Accordingly the next time they met him, Selina made her acknowledgements
-for the gift. At first he expressed, in the most natural manner, his
-surprise at her address, and affected total ignorance of the occasion of
-her gratitude. But notwithstanding his laughable confusion and affected
-unconcern, both the Viscountess and her niece attributed the present to
-him;--a circumstance that gave room for reflection to both their minds,
-though the feelings it occasioned in each were far different.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-    The enchantress summons to a splendid hall:
-    ---- ---- In gay festoons around
-    Bloom'd many a wreath with rose and myrtle crown'd.
-    --The nymphs, who late encompassing their queen
-    Round her bright throne, like hov'ring clouds were seen,
-    Now range themselves to wind the magic dance;
-    The magic dance of pow'r, the dead to raise,
-    Or draw embodied spirits down to gaze;
-    Now pair by pair, now groupe by groupe unite,
-    The loveliest forms in thousand folded light.
-
-    SOTHEBY'S OBERON.
-
-
-Before the day arrived which had been fixed for Lady Eltondale's ball,
-to which Selina alluded in her letter to Mrs. Galton, a note from Lord
-Osselstone was received by the Viscountess, desiring her commands to
-Vienna, and informing her, that he and his nephew purposed immediately
-commencing a tour to the continent they had long meditated.
-
-Selina felt almost relieved by the certainty of Mordaunt's absence, for
-she still felt a degree of painful embarrassment in his presence, though
-she had taught herself no longer to expect any attention, and scarcely
-even recognizance from him in public. Nor was she much more at ease in
-the society of Lord Osselstone. Whenever he was near her, whatever might
-be his apparent occupation, she still felt an indescribable
-consciousness, that she was the object of his peculiar attention.
-Sometimes a sort of reflected sensation in her own eye led her to
-believe, that his was fixed upon her; though often, when this feeling
-made her look round to meet his glance, she would perceive it was
-directed elsewhere. At other times, if engaged in conversation, when she
-had no idea whatever of his proximity, she would discover, by some
-casual observation, that he had heard all she had said; and his
-Lordship would then continue the discourse, be it what it might, in the
-strain best adapted to the moment; for Lord Osselstone particularly
-excelled in the talent of conversation:--he could--
-
-    "Choose a firm cloud before it fall, and in it
-    Catch, ere she change, the Cynthia of the minute."
-
-Whether the subject was lively or sententious, gay or serious, his
-abilities seemed equally applicable to all. At times his wisdom would
-call forth Selina's powers of reasoning; at others he would encourage
-the playfulness of her wit, till it "touch'd the brink of all we hate."
-But beyond that verge no temporary exhilaration of spirits ever betrayed
-the chasteness, the delicacy of Selina's judgment. And yet,
-notwithstanding the urbanity and politeness of Lord Osselstone's manners
-to Selina, she never felt herself perfectly at ease with him. She could
-not be secure of what his real sentiments were, therefore, by a natural
-consequence, she was diffident in the expression of her own. She once
-described her feelings in regard to the Earl, by saying to Lady
-Eltondale, in her usual playful manner, "When I talk to Lord Osselstone,
-I always feel as if my mind was on stilts; and, though he seems only to
-follow my lead in conversation, I get almost out of breath, lest I
-should not keep up to my traces; but when I talk to Mr. Sedley, his chat
-runs on with mine in its own natural way, sometimes scarcely creeping
-along, and at others setting off in a full gallop: a Frenchwoman would
-say, "_Je débite avec l'un et cause avec l'autre._""
-
-By this fortunate continental tour Selina was relieved from the dread of
-encountering, on the festive night, the only two people whose presence
-ever damped the amusement she derived from those scenes of gaiety in
-which she now shone so conspicuous; and, with unmixed delight, did she
-anticipate the fête, which, in her opinion, would eclipse all that ever
-had preceded it. The munificent allowance which, by her father's will,
-was made to the Viscountess for Selina's residence with her, was by no
-means an unacceptable addition to Lord Eltondale's income; for though he
-"never had time" to look into his own affairs, and was little aware of
-the real extent of their derangement, yet the constant remonstrances of
-his steward convinced him most unwillingly, that they were in a very
-embarassed state. It was not, however, Lady Eltondale's intention, that
-the sums received for the maintenance of her niece should be
-appropriated to the discharge of any of her husband's debts;--she
-claimed them as her own, and expended them in increased extravagance and
-dissipation. So sensible was she of the advantages she derived from
-Selina's remaining with her, that, though anxious for the match
-ultimately being made between Miss Seymour and Mr. Elton, she was by no
-means anxious, that their union should take place before the expiration
-of her minority, at which period she knew that her niece would of course
-form an establishment of her own.
-
-The ball, which was now announced by the Viscountess, was ostensibly
-given for Selina; and all that taste could design, or expense procure,
-was put in requisition for the magnificent display. Selina, who had
-never by deprivation been taught the real value of riches, was delighted
-at the splendid preparations, and became a docile pupil in the arts of
-profusion under the admirable tuition of her aunt. Lady Eltondale was
-the character above all others most dangerous for the guidance or
-imitation of youth. Her faults were so varnished by the specious
-elegance and charms of her manners, that even the experience of age
-hesitated to bestow on them the stigma of vice, while the most
-thoughtless could not fail to discover, that she neither revered nor
-understood the fixed immutable rules of virtue. It is true the breath of
-scandal had never sullied the gloss of her fair fame; but for this,
-perhaps, she was more indebted to the frigidity of her heart, than to
-the rectitude of her principles; and that total annihilation of all
-feeling, which she recommended both by precept and example, was more
-likely to eradicate the better sentiments of benevolence and generosity,
-than to serve as an effectual preventive against the temptations of
-passion.
-
-Lady Eltondale was scarcely less anxious than was Selina, that her
-entertainment should stand foremost in the annals of fashionable
-dissipation; for many little springs of self-interest were now set in
-motion in the calculating head of the Viscountess. She was arrived at
-that age, not only of her natural life, but of her existence in the
-world of fashion, when she felt it not undesirable to procure some
-auxiliaries, to support her on that pinnacle she had for many years
-occupied. She could not forget, that before her marriage she had been
-followed and flattered as a beauty, nor that, when she assumed her
-present title, she had been still more courted as a leader of ton; but
-she now felt conscious, that both those enviable distinctions were
-beginning to fade, and she was therefore not unwilling to profit by the
-various advantages she derived from the society of her niece, whose more
-novel attractions drew renewed crowds to her assemblies, and fresh
-visitors to her door. Nor did any personal jealousy interfere with the
-more substantial pleasures she enjoyed by being _chaperone_ to Miss
-Seymour. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that their beauty was so
-dissimilar, that their individual admirers would always be distinct; nor
-did she believe that any person, who was capable of duly appreciating
-the high polish of her more matured grace, would be diverted from their
-admiration by the unstudied, though exuberant charms of a girl of
-seventeen. It was therefore with more satisfaction than envy, that Lady
-Eltondale contemplated the unparalleled success of Selina's toilet on
-the night so eagerly anticipated by both, as she appeared--
-
-          "In brilliancy of art array'd,
-    Jewels and pearls in many a curious braid,
-    Show that the unnotic'd di'mond's sunlike rays
-    Fail to eclipse the self-resplendent blaze,
-    Which round the unrivall'd charms of native beauty play'd."
-
-"Vhy, Miss Seymour, I never seed nothing like that ere sprig in my
-life," said Mrs. Sullivan, bustling through the crowd up to Selina, who
-had just finished the first dance with the young Duke of Saltoun. "All
-the vay as you vent up and down the middle, it nodded about and sparkled
-so--you looks for all the 'versal vorld like the queen of dimonds." "Or
-rather the queen of hearts," said young Webberly, with a low bow and a
-deep sigh; while Selina, meeting Sedley's glance, could scarcely receive
-his compliments with a becoming composure of countenance. "Or if," said
-Sedley, advancing, "you want a simile, Webberly, suppose you call Miss
-Seymour the planet Venus, shining at night with unrivalled
-splendour;--that will do, you know, ma'am, both for the sprig and the
-lady," continued he, turning with a ludicrous reverence to Mrs.
-Sullivan. "Vhy as for the matter of that there, Mr. Sedley," replied the
-indignant matron, "my Jack could raise a smile himself in no time,
-without no promoting of any one's else's whatsomdever. He's not such a
-ninny-headed feller neither as you seem to take him for, Mr. Sedley. He
-can see as far into a millstone as e'er a one, Mr. Sedley; and, as far
-as his mother tongue goes, he can talk orthography with you or any one
-else." "No doubt, my dear ma'am," returned he, with immoveable gravity,
-"and nothing can surpass his mother's tongue;--
-
-                       "'In her
-    There is a prone and speechless dialect
-    Such as moves men: beside she hath a prosp'rous art,
-    When she will play with reason and discourse.'"
-
-"Aye, aye, Mr. Sedley, you may go on as you please; preside in your own
-vay, but remember I knows what's what. I can tell Miss Seymour here,
-impudence is a bad prostitute for honesty." Though Selina could not
-quite understand the full import of Mrs. Sullivan's observations, which
-she endeavoured to render still more significant by shrugs and gestures;
-yet by the heightened colour of the lady's complexion, and a transient
-gravity that passed over the countenances of both gentlemen, she plainly
-discovered the conversation had taken a turn unpleasant to all parties;
-therefore, with that true politeness which arises from natural
-benevolence, she endeavoured to soothe the irrascible feelings of each,
-by diverting their thoughts into another channel. To Mrs. Sullivan she
-paid an elegant, and not very exaggerated compliment on Cecilia's
-particularly good looks. To Mr. Webberly's request that she would dance
-with him, she acceded with an alacrity, that seemed to verify her
-expression of regret that her other engagements obliged her to postpone
-hers with him for some dances; and by sending Sedley on an embassy to
-Lady Eltondale, she prevented a renewal of the skirmish between him and
-the offended mother, which the equivocal expression of his countenance
-led her to believe was not an impossible event. "Lawk, mama!" exclaimed
-Miss Webberly, in an elevated tone, as soon as he had left the groupe,
-"I wonder you can condescend to notice him so;--you're always fighting
-him now." "Vhy I know, Meely, I oughtn't to demon myself to such a
-feller; but I can't bear, not I, to see him ballooning (lampooning) poor
-Jack there, while every feature in his physiology shows that he's
-mocking him up all the time:--I can't bear no such hypercritics, not I."
-Cecilia now warmly undertook his defence, which she entered upon with
-still more zeal as the subject of her mother's philippic had made an
-_amende honorable_ to her at least, by engaging her for the same set
-that her brother was to dance with Miss Seymour, who in the mean time
-having succeeded in parting the combatants, had gone to resume her
-station amongst the dancers.
-
-The time at last arrived for the fulfilment of Selina's engagement with
-Webberly, and they stood up together. At first the youth was so busily
-engaged in settling his cravat, putting on and taking off his glove, and
-eyeing askance his neighbour the Duke of Saltoun, all of whose motions
-he endeavoured to imitate, that he had no time to attend to his fair
-partner. At last he recollected his duty, and hastily stepping across
-the dance, prepared to give utterance to a tender speech he had composed
-in the morning. But as he stooped forward to pour the soft accents in
-his fair one's ear, having, like the simple partridge, safely deposited
-his head, he became careless of the rest of his person; and
-unfortunately his noble prototype the Duke, at the same moment exerting
-himself vigorously in a Highland fling, came unexpectedly in contact
-with the dying swain, and threw him sprawling into the arms of his
-mistress, before either were prepared for so novel a situation. The
-salute was as little agreeable to poor Selina as it was unexpected, and
-she hastily disengaged herself from Webberly before he had succeeded in
-recovering his balance, or the Duke had uttered more than half his
-apologies. At last the youth accomplished regaining that erect posture,
-which is man's first characteristic, and returned in silence to his
-place opposite Selina, where he occupied himself, indefatigably in
-pulling down his coat behind, pushing up his hair before, and looking
-sternly round, in the vain hope of suppressing the titter that buzzed on
-all sides of him. Thus without his renewing the attack, did they reach
-in silence the top of the dance, and before the effect of his disaster
-was obliterated from his mind or his countenance, their turn came to
-begin. He now determined, by increased exertions, to make amends for his
-unfortunate commencement, and by dint of manual labour to eclipse even
-the Duke of Saltoun in agility. His figure was athletic, and his limbs
-were ponderous; but art, in nature's despight, had made him at least an
-active dancer. And now he cut, and he leapt, and he sprang into the air,
-till the perspiration burst from his forehead. If by chance he got
-foremost down the middle, he dragged Selina's fragile form after him,
-_vi et armis_, the whole length of the set; but this inconvenience she
-did not often encounter, for he generally spent so much longer time than
-necessary in his coupees, and his settings, and his pirouettes, that he
-was forced to sail down the middle after his partner, like another
-Johnny Gilpin, while with terror in their countenances all beholders
-cleared the course before him. It was impossible for Selina long to
-endure the danger and fatigue of such a partner; and before they had
-half measured the length of the set, (except by the flying visits before
-mentioned) she proposed retiring to the bottom. But that situation was
-not more propitious to our hero than the top had been; long before he
-became stationary his breath was exhausted, and that gradual extension
-of the lungs, which he intended to be the
-
-    "Softest note of whisper'd anguish,
-    "Harmony's refined part,"
-
-became an audible and protracted groan, whilst his eyes, starting from
-their sockets from the violence of his exertions, were any thing but the
-messengers of passion. "Good God! Miss Seymour, what is the name of your
-partner?" exclaimed Sir James Fenton, as he calmly surveyed the gasping
-hero through his spy-glass:--"Mr. Weatherly do you call him? Poor young
-man! he must dance for the good of his health! Tam O' Shanter himself
-never saw such 'louping and flinging' as he has exhibited to-night--pray
-introduce me to him." Then without waiting for the solicited
-presentation, he advanced to the new Vestris, and, with all possible
-gravity, began to compliment him on "his astonishing performance." Each
-compliment called forth a fresh specimen from the flattered beau, as he
-was turned, or otherwise joined in the dance, to the infinite amusement
-of the surrounding crowd; and what between the necessary application of
-his pocket handkerchief, the exhibition of his extraordinary talent,
-and the proper returns of bows and smiles to every address of the
-malicious Sir James Fenton, he had no time left for courtship.
-
-Supper was at length announced, and Sedley, who with his partner had
-been standing near Selina, offered her his arm, alleging, that Mr.
-Webberly was too busy just then to attend to her: "Yes, (replied Selina
-laughingly, passing her arm through his) my Achilles seems only
-vulnerable in the heel to-night." But Cecilia not choosing to lose any
-share of Sedley's attention, roared out, "Why, brother! brother John,
-what are you capering there for, like a great jack-ass, as you are, and
-leaving Miss Seymour to take care of herself?" The hint was not lost
-upon him--he made one _entrechat_ which cleared the intimidated throng,
-and brought him to Selina's side, then seizing her hand, he led her
-triumphantly off before she had time to remonstrate, or he to recover
-sufficient breath to apologize for his previous inattention. However he
-fully determined to make up for his lost opportunity at the supper
-table; and therefore, fearful of interruption, was by no means desirous
-to find room for his mother and sister, who with Sedley and Cecilia
-joined them. But Miss Seymour's politeness to her guests counteracted
-his design; and while he was fortifying himself with a copious draught
-of _champagne_, as a necessary preliminary to the declaration he
-purposed making, Mrs. Sullivan was endeavouring to insinuate herself
-into the little space which her daughters had reserved for her, with
-more attention to their own comfort, than to their parent's
-circumference. At last, however, she became seated, and, with maternal
-solicitude, immediately turned her anxious eye on her beloved son's
-countenance. But great was her dismay, and rapid was her utterance, as
-the following eloquent address burst forth in a sharp _contralto_ key,
-"Vhy, Jack! Lord deliver me, Jack! you be all of a lather! And your
-nose, child, as smutty as a sweep's, from one end to t'other; why what,
-in the name of mercy, have you been about? Oh! vhy your hands be puxzy,
-I suppose, and so they have taken all the japanning off Miss Seymour's
-fan here, I suppose."--"Mother can't ye mind your own business, and
-leave mine alone," roared the dutiful son, in a voice of thunder, at the
-same time profiting by the hint he condemned, and again wiping his
-face.--"Vhy I only tell you for own good, Jacky; but you are grown so
-copious of late, there's no wenturing to speak a vord, and my advice
-never makes no oppression on you, else I'd discommend your buttoning
-your waistcoat; and if you impress that ere wiolent perspiration you're
-in, I shall have you laid up in a titmouse fever, that's all Jack.--I
-know it ba'nt the fashion to mind any thing a parent says, now-a-days;
-but if I vasn't your own mother that bared ye, you'd attend to me, fast
-enough; though, (continued she, turning to Selina,) Miss Seymour, a vife
-is another guess matter to a young man; and Jack would make a wery good
-husband, I'm certain, if you'd but fancy him, though he's not quite so
-diligent to me as he might be."
-
-Meantime, poor Jack, his faculties almost benumbed with his mother's
-rhetoric, and his own previous exhaustion, had allowed her to proceed
-without interruption, while he busied himself in buttoning the
-unfortunate waistcoat, that had called forth her animadversions. But his
-evil stars still pursued him: in his agitation he also buttoned up the
-greater part of the very pocket handkerchief which had before been in
-such constant requisition; one unlucky corner alone escaped; and, as he
-stood up to help himself to a fresh bottle of _champagne_ that was at
-some distance, this singular appendage struck his anxious parent with
-fresh dismay. Her exclamations, at his extraordinary appearance, were
-too much for the risible muscles of the rest of the company. A universal
-shout of laughter burst from the whole table. In vain did Mrs. Sullivan
-roar out, "Button it up, Jack! button it up!" In vain did Jack cast the
-most indignant glances, not only upon her, but upon the whole company.
-The laugh was not to be repressed; and, starting up, with a tremendous
-oath, the unfortunate Webberly rushed out of the room.
-
-It may be supposed, Selina did not much regret his absence; and in the
-following dance, Sedley's inimitable caricature of the whole family
-amply compensated to her for the trifling mortification their vulgarity
-had occasioned. To use the language of the Morning Post, "The dancing
-was continued till a late hour, when the company departed, highly
-gratified by the splendor of the entertainment, the elegance of the
-hostess, and the unrivalled charms of her accomplished niece."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-     Here's another letter to her: she bears the purse too, she is a
-     region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheater to them
-     both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be my East and
-     West Indies.
-
-     MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
-
-
-As fate had hitherto been so unpropitious to young Webberly, and his
-anxious mama, in their personal interviews with Miss Seymour, they
-decided, at their next _tête à tête_, which was generally of a much more
-friendly nature than their public communications, that he should not any
-longer delay making his proposal in form, which Mrs. Sullivan could not
-believe she would hesitate in accepting; for, like the monkey in the
-fable, she thought nothing equalled her own progeny. On this occasion
-at least, her son implicitly followed her directions; he was aware that
-his finances were so reduced, he should never be able to stand another
-London campaign, without some new resource, and the gaming table had
-lately not been as productive a one as he usually found it. With the
-assistance of his sisters, he therefore composed a letter full of darts,
-and wounds, and happiness, and agitation, and gratitude, and eternity;
-and "used the arts that lovers use;" in hopes, by the superabundance of
-his professions, to compensate for his real indifference. For, in truth,
-he cared only for Selina's fortune, as he actually loved Miss
-Wildenheim, as much as it was in nature for so selfish a being to love
-any body. And though he was equally as incapable of justly appreciating
-her character as of understanding Selina's, yet her talents were so
-veiled by the calm dignity of the manners, that he felt less intimidated
-by them than by the brilliant vivacity of Selina's. But, in
-anticipating the possibility of becoming Miss Seymour's husband, he
-fully, in imagination, indemnified himself for the temporary
-mortifications her undoubted superiority now occasioned him, by the
-magnanimous resolution of treating her, when she became his wife, with
-all possible contempt; believing, as many husbands do in similar
-situations, that an ostentatious display of authority will persuade
-others, that the dependent is really the inferior being, like the boy on
-the ladder, who tramples on that which alone supports him.
-
-Selina and Lady Eltondale were together, when the Viscountess was
-presented with an enormous packet, sealed with a coat of arms as ample
-in its expansion as it was modern in its date; "Good Heavens!" exclaimed
-her Ladyship, holding up the cover, "arms! and the man; here, Selina,
-the envelope only is for me: your _nouveau riche_ admirer requests I
-will present to you this inimitable manuscript." Selina hastily ran
-over the composition, which had cost some hours to indite; and then, no
-longer able to keep her countenance, burst into a hearty fit of
-laughter, while her cheeks mantled with blushes, "Well, at last, Lady
-Eltondale, here is the promised proposal: I had no idea what a real love
-letter was--pray read it." "No my dear; excuse me, my dear: all such
-tender professions are similar, they '_consistent à dire aux femmes avec
-un esprit léger et une ame de glace, tout ce qu'on ne croit pas, et tout
-ce qu'on voudrait leur faire croire_[7].' I am much more curious to know
-what your answer will be."--"A refusal undoubtedly," replied Miss
-Seymour; "but I must request of you, Lady Eltondale, to convey it for
-me." "You know, Selina, you are your own mistress; it is unnecessary
-for me to offer any advice." Selina felt the rebuke; but before she
-could make any apology, her aunt continued, "In this instance I think
-you right: title, my dear, is the only thing to marry for; it is
-terrible to be obliged to purchase one's place in society; and even the
-richest commoners are only valued in proportion to their expenditure;
-whereas a nobleman maybe as poor and as shabby as he pleases, his wife
-must always have precedence." "But surely, Lady Eltondale, you would not
-have me marry for precedence." "It is what ninety-nine girls out of a
-hundred marry for," resumed the Viscountess, with perfect _sang froid_;
-"and as I do not see much difference in your character from that of the
-rest of your sex, I conclude what makes others happy would satisfy you."
-"I think," replied Selina, hesitatingly, "I should never be happy,
-unless I married a man whom I loved and esteemed, and who, I was very
-sure, loved me." "Ha! ha! ha! very sentimental, indeed! Child, that
-would do admirably for a novel, but in real life, take my word, such
-nice distinctions are but little attended to: fine feeling is an
-essence, that soon evaporates when exposed to common air; it is
-generally adviseable to have something substantial at bottom, to fill up
-the phial when the effervescence subsides." "But, is it possible, Lady
-Eltondale, that you would have me marry a man I could not love or
-esteem, or who did not love me?" inquired Selina, in a tone of gravity
-more approaching to censure, than her noble aunt had ever before heard
-her use. "Pian! piano! carissima! half your proposition is defensible;
-and to that half I willingly accede. When a woman marries, the only
-thing necessary for her to be assured of, is her own heart, or rather
-her own mind. Every man, when he asks your hand, will certainly profess
-to love you; time and experiment can only prove his sincerity, or his
-steadiness;--but you, with all Mrs. Galton's philosophy in your head,
-must acknowledge, that all a woman's comfort in life depends on her not
-knowing the pangs of repentance." "Assuredly." "Well then, a woman who
-marries for love, generally sacrifices nine tenths of her life to a
-passion, that can, at best, last but a few months; and spends her
-remaining years in regretting her 'fond dream:' but she who calculates
-well before she marries, and weighs calmly the _pour_ and _contre_ of
-the lot she chooses for life, can, at all events, never repent the
-choice, which she made deliberately. But, however, why should we cavil
-about words, when there is not a chance of our ever dissenting in
-action?" Then reaching out her beautiful hand to Selina, with a
-bewitching smile, "Come, my love," added she, "tell me what I am to say
-for you to your _inamorato_." And then, by Selina's dictation, she
-returned a polite, but positive refusal to the obsequious Webberly.
-
-[Footnote 7: Proceeding from a frivolous head and a cold heart, their
-object is to express to women all that men do not feel, and all they
-wish to persuade them they do.]
-
-The time now approached for Lord and Lady Eltondale's leaving London, if
-so might be called that removal of their physical bodies to another
-scene of action, where their habits, their pursuits, and their
-associates remained the same. The Viscountess had not yet completed the
-annual circle of dissipation, and it was therefore determined, that
-while Lord Eltondale returned home alone, her Ladyship and Selina
-should, by a visit to Cheltenham, protract for a still longer time their
-return to the comparative retirement of Eltondale. Of course the due
-preparation for this new scene of gaiety served as an excuse for renewed
-visits to the whole circle of shops. In one of these expeditions Lady
-Eltondale had left Selina at Mrs.----'s, in Bond Street, while she paid
-a visit in the neighbourhood; and Selina was just in the act of trying
-on a bonnet, that the officious milliner declared was supremely
-becoming, when her ears were suddenly assailed by the loudest tone of
-Mrs. Sullivan's discordant voice, "Yes, it be wastly becoming, to be
-sure; but, for my part, I thinks a little servility and policy, much
-more becoming to a young lady, be she never so much of an airy-ass. Aye,
-Aye, Miss Seymour, you may stare and gobble; but it's to you, and of
-you, I'm a speaking." "Of me, ma'am?" returned the half frightened
-girl. "Yes, Miss, of you, with all your looks of modesty and
-ingeniousness;--but in my day, whenever a young lady got a love letter
-from a young man, she never lost no time in supplying to him; and, for
-my part, I think a purling answer to a civil question would never do
-nobody no harm, if it was the queen herself, in all her state of
-health." "If you allude to a letter from Mr. Webberly"--"To be sure I
-do," interrupted the zealous parent, "what else should I delude to? And
-if you did receive Jack's pistol, Miss Seymour, why didn't ye condescend
-to answer his operation yourself?" "I thought, my dear madam, Lady
-Eltondale could express my regrets much better than I could." "Aye! Aye!
-Lady Eltondale, that's it--I'll tell ye vat, Miss Seymour--that 'ere
-Lady Eltondale vill make a cat's paw of you, if ye don't mind. As to my
-Jacky, he doesn't care for your refusal a brass farthing--but ye may go
-farther, and fare worse--he's healthy and wealthy, as the saying is; and
-he's not a man for a girl to throw over her shoulder--ye mayn't meet
-such a carowzel as his, every day in the veek.--But now I'll tell ye
-vat, once for all--ye see me and mine be a-going to Ireland; and it may
-so be, that ve may never see each other no more.--Now, ye see, I always
-respected your old father, and so out of compliment to him, I'll just
-give you a piece of my mind; and that is, that that Lady Eltondale,
-with all her valk-softly airs, has some kind of a sign upon you, depend
-upon it, or she'd never take all the trouble she does about ye, for it's
-not in her nature to do it for mere affection to you or your father
-either; and that 'ere sheep-faced Mr. Sedley, with all his aperient
-indifference, and no shambles (_nonchalance_), as they call it; he's
-playing the puck with you too, I can see that, fast enough; and so, now,
-as I have given you varning, and wented my mind a little, I'll just
-shake hands with you, for old acquaintance sake." The reconciliation was
-scarcely effected, before Lady Eltondale returned for Selina, who most
-joyfully escaped from her _soi-disant_ friend. She casually mentioned
-the rencontre to the Viscountess, but did not mention the hints she had
-received; thus showing to her instructress her first essay in the
-practice of her own lessons in the art of dissimulation. By nature
-Selina's disposition was candid, even to a fault. For she was not only
-willing to confide all her actions, all her thoughts, to those she
-loved; but so necessary did she feel it to her happiness to be able to
-repose all her feelings, and even the responsibility of her conduct, on
-the bosom of another, that she would have preferred having an
-indifferent friend to being deprived of a confidant. But her intercourse
-with Lady Eltondale had already, in some degree, seared her best
-feelings. She had already, even then, acquired that general anxiety to
-please, which appertains more to vanity than to benevolence, and which
-never fails, in time, to wither the finer sensibilities of the soul. The
-natural superiority of her talents enabled her, to discover the true
-character of those she associated with. But even her penetration was
-dangerous to her purity. She saw hypocrisy was the means, and
-self-interest the end, pursued by all: even the stronger passions were
-brought under their control: and in being convinced, that in the crowd
-that surrounded her there was no individual she could love, she
-experienced a chasm in her heart, which left it more open to the
-reception of those petrifying principles, that Lady Eltondale so
-sedulously inculcated. At this moment, in Selina's history, she stood on
-that narrow line, which separates vice and virtue. Her avidity of
-praise, by teaching her how best to improve and exercise her talents,
-had as yet but increased her charms; and her distrust of others first
-taught her to exercise her own judgment. Circumstances were still to
-decide, whether her strengthening reason would serve to control the
-affections of her heart, or whether the school of stoicism, in which she
-was now entered, would entirely eradicate its better feelings: whether
-her natural volatility was to be corrected by reflection, or matured
-into coquetry by artifice: in short, whether the dormant seeds of a
-rational education would finally spring up in the very hotbed of
-fashion, which called forth the premature weeds of folly and
-extravagance; or whether the intoxicating incense of flattery, aided
-both by the precept and example of the designing Viscountess, would
-destroy them in the bud, and offer up one more heartless victim as a
-sacrifice to that world, which but repays with present scorn and future
-repentance the devotion of its wretched votaries.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-     There is a joy in grief, when peace dwells in the breast of the
-     sad, but sorrow wastes the mournful, and their days are few! They
-     fall away like the flower on which the Sun looks in his strength,
-     after the mildew has passed over it, and its head is heavy with the
-     drops of night.
-
-     CROMA.
-
-
-Whilst Selina thus brilliantly moved in the gayest scenes of fashionable
-splendor, Adelaide Wildenheim, unknown, unnoticed, was endeavouring, in
-the calm retirement of the country, to acquire fortitude to support a
-weight of misfortune, by which a less firm mind would have been crushed,
-and which, from time and space, seemed but to gain increased momentum.
-
-In the beginning of winter, each day to her had passed by but as the sad
-shade of its miserable anniversary; for, at that period, she had not
-even the consolation of seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Temple, and the
-inhabitants of Webberly House becoming hourly more repugnant to her
-feelings, she was insensibly falling a prey to that habitual depression
-of spirits, which is equally fatal to the mind and body of those who
-indulge in it; and which is indeed commonly but a refined name for
-discontent, or ill temper. Some trifling circumstances roused her to a
-sense of the state of her mind, and she immediately determined to
-struggle against it; resolving, as the best preliminary, to look her
-situation steadily in the face, and ascertain whether it was in her
-power to remedy it; well knowing, that if once convinced it was
-unavoidable, she should acquire strength to bear it, not only with
-resignation but cheerfulness. Though she but too acutely felt, that in
-losing a beloved parent, she had lost all that had formerly constituted
-the happiness of her existence; yet, in her rigid self-examination, she
-confessed she harboured more of repining sorrow at being deprived of
-this blessing, than of gratitude to Heaven for having so long enjoyed
-it; and acknowledged it was unworthy of a religious or a rational being,
-to convert the felicity of one period of life into a curse for the
-remainder by vain comparison. Turning therefore from the past, she
-accused herself of being too fastidious in her sentiments towards the
-companions of her present lot; and, with laudable self-delusion,
-endeavoured to think her dislike of Mrs. Sullivan and the Miss Webberlys
-unreasonable; and that from the affection of the charming little
-Caroline she derived a pleasure more than equivalent to the annoyances
-occasioned by her mother and sisters. But here the mother and sisters
-very naturally brought the brother to her mind, and with him a long
-train of reflections, which ended in her adopting the wise but simple
-plan, of laying her situation open to Mr. and Mrs. Temple, in order to
-consult them, as to the propriety of her quitting Webberly House at the
-expiration of her minority.
-
-Young Webberly's attentions to Miss Wildenheim had, previous to his last
-visit to town, been unremitting; and no less marked was his mother's
-disapprobation of them, arising partly from interested motives, partly
-from the idea of Adelaide being the natural sister of Caroline; which
-made Mrs. Sullivan regard the prospect of her marrying her son with a
-sentiment little short of abhorrence. But these objections had but
-little weight with Mr. Webberly, who, when Selina was not present to
-awaken his vanity or his cupidity, found no counterpoise to his
-conceited passion, which was more piqued than restrained by the
-dignified simplicity of Miss Wildenheim's manners; and had she given him
-any encouragement, no remonstrance from his mother would have prevented
-his making the most explicit declaration of his attachment; for it was
-the practice of this amiable family, to set their mother at defiance,
-whenever she, in the slightest degree, interfered with their wishes.
-Adelaide's pride and sense of propriety equally prompted her desire to
-relieve Mrs. Sullivan from the presence of a person, who was evidently a
-cause of quarrel between her and her son; and therefore, when the
-Webberly family proposed visiting London, in the beginning of March, she
-wrote the subjoined letter to Mrs. Temple:--
-
-     MISS WILDENHEIM TO MRS. TEMPLE.
-
-     My dear Mrs. Temple,
-
-     The kindness you and Mr. Temple have honoured me with encourages
-     me, to apply to you for advice in a most embarrassing situation. I
-     am sure your usual humanity will prompt you, to grant it to one
-     who has, at present, no friend to resort to for counsel but
-     yourself. If you will permit me, I will call upon you, and lay open
-     to your view my situation and my wishes. But as it is not justice
-     to a friend in asking advice to give but a half confidence, before
-     you hear my plans, I ought to make you acquainted with all the
-     circumstances regarding myself, that it is in my power to confide.
-     Though all matters of business are best discussed _vivâ voce_, yet
-     there are things it would be impossible to speak, and are
-     sufficiently painful to write: such a distressing task it is the
-     object of this letter to fulfil. My history is but short, and
-     simple--all my happiness was centred in a beloved father; all my
-     misery caused by his loss. Oh! Mrs. Temple, what grief can be
-     compared to that desolation a daughter feels, when she is deprived
-     of the parent, whom it has been the study of her whole life to
-     please; when she first finds she has no filial duty to perform, no
-     approving smile to look for!
-
-     My father was not only the tenderest parent, but my sole
-     instructor, and, in his fond love, condescended to be even my
-     companion and friend. His image is the first object memory recurs
-     to in my infant years; and I now feel, that to be enabled to
-     practise his own lessons of resignation and fortitude, I must
-     banish that image from my mind. The aid I might derive from
-     employment is denied me; for every pursuit is inseparably
-     associated with scenes I ought not now to think of. 'When I look up
-     to Heaven thou art there; when I behold the earth, thou art there
-     also!' My mother having died at Hamburgh the day I was born, this
-     beloved father was the only parent I ever knew. He, though a German
-     Baron, was both by birth and education English, being the son of a
-     British peer. But some unfortunate circumstances, with which I am
-     unacquainted, gave him an unconquerable aversion to his native
-     country; and having, by the maternal line, inherited large
-     possessions in Westphalia, he very early in life repaired to the
-     continent, where he continued to reside, principally at Vienna,
-     till I had attained my nineteenth year. About sixteen months ago,
-     to my inexpressible astonishment, he adopted the sudden resolution
-     of visiting England. His health, which had always in my
-     recollection been delicate, had about that period rapidly declined,
-     and I have the grief of thinking, that the journey to England
-     shortened his life. The misery of this thought is still further
-     aggravated by knowing, that he came to this country solely to
-     accomplish my introduction to his family, with whom he had never
-     maintained any intercourse or correspondence since the period of my
-     birth. How little during the progress of our journey did I suspect
-     its fatal termination! The usual tenderness and indulgence of my
-     father's manner was, if possible, increased, and visions of the
-     brightest joy occupied my mind. Our journey through France was the
-     most delightful one we had ever undertaken. My father concealed the
-     anguish of his own mind, and to divert my attention from observing
-     it, spared neither pains nor expense to gratify every capricious
-     fancy I formed. We remained a month at Paris waiting for letters
-     from England, which were to direct our future proceedings, and
-     during that time passed so rapidly from one public place to
-     another, that we never had a moment's private conversation. At last
-     my dear father received letters to inform him, that the late Mr.
-     Sullivan, who had been his old friend and fellow-soldier, and whom
-     I had known very well in my childish days at Vienna, waited at
-     Dover to welcome us to England. This communication, the precursor
-     of all my sorrow, was read by me with the most extravagant joy.
-     When we landed at Dover, we also met Mr. Austin, my father's
-     former law agent, and one of his sincerest friends. For two days I
-     scarcely saw my father, as he was in constant consultation with the
-     gentlemen I have mentioned. On the morning of the third, I was
-     informed he had decided on resigning me to their care; that Mr.
-     Sullivan would immediately introduce me to my relations, as Baron
-     Wildenheim himself was under the unavoidable necessity of returning
-     to France without delay. You may imagine my despair on receiving
-     this fatal sentence:--the scenes that ensued are too dreadful for
-     me to touch on. My beloved father's life fell a sacrifice to the
-     agitation of his feelings. Oh, that I had died too! Pity me, dear
-     Mrs. Temple, and excuse my writing any more. Nothing now remains,
-     that I cannot tell you when we meet.
-
-     Ever sincerely and gratefully yours,
-         ADELAIDE WILDENHEIM.
-
-The day after Mrs. Temple received the above letter, she called on Miss
-Wildenheim, and invited her to remain at the Parsonage, if she had any
-dislike to accompany Mrs. Sullivan to London; saying, in conclusion,
-"Mr. Temple told me the other day you looked so ill, he was afraid you
-would suffer from the journey; and desired I would make my best speech
-to induce you to stay with us. Indeed it would be an act of charity, for
-we have had so great a loss in the dear family at Deane Hall! If you
-will afford us the gratification of your society, we can at leisure
-discuss the subjects you wish to consult us upon, and you shall have my
-opinion; and, what is of much more value, Mr. Temple's, to the best of
-our judgment. You know not how sincerely we commiserate your
-misfortunes, nor what an interest we feel in your welfare." Adelaide
-gratefully accepted her friend's invitation, assuring her she felt
-convinced, that spending a little time at the Rectory would more
-effectually mitigate her grief, than any other probable occurrence.
-Mrs. Temple immediately applied for Mrs. Sullivan's permission, who gave
-it with a joy that defied concealment, as by this means what she
-supposed the only obstacle to her son's union with Miss Seymour would be
-removed; for whenever Adelaide was present, his interest and inclination
-were at constant variance.
-
-One fine evening in March, the Webberly family commenced their journey
-to London, and stopping as they drove past the Parsonage, left Miss
-Wildenheim to the care of its friendly owners. Mrs. Temple and her
-children were setting out on their evening walk, and Adelaide, begging
-she might not disappoint the little folks, joined them in their ramble
-with the utmost delight. It would be difficult to say, whether the
-mother or children were most pleased to see her--the latter joyfully
-recollected her skill in story-telling and singing; and Mrs. Temple,
-feeling most sensibly the want of her accustomed intercourse at Deane
-Hall, would have welcomed a much less agreeable guest, and therefore
-received her young friend with even greater pleasure than usual. The
-whole party walked long enough in a brisk blowing wind, to make them
-relish, on their return, a blazing fire, and a tea-table rather more
-substantially provided, than is commonly to be seen in more modish
-families.
-
-When the children went to bed, Mr. Temple, saying he had letters to
-write for the next morning's post, retired to his study, in order to
-give Adelaide an opportunity of opening her heart to his wife. "Come, my
-dear Adele," said Mrs. Temple, "neither you nor I shall be comfortable,
-till we have had this conversation, that I see hangs so heavily on your
-mind. Tell me what it is that distresses you, my love, and, if possible,
-we will find a remedy for it."
-
-Adelaide, with as much composure as she could command, informed Mrs.
-Temple, that during the short period Mr. Sullivan survived her father,
-though he treated her with great kindness, yet he had taken no steps to
-fulfil the promise he had given of introducing her to her family.
-Immediately on his death, Mr. Austin came to Webberly House, and
-expressing his regrets that circumstances rendered it impossible for him
-to receive her into his own family, as he was on the point of taking an
-invalide daughter to the Madeiras, advised her nominating Mrs. Sullivan
-her guardian in conjunction with himself. Adelaide, abhorring all
-clandestine proceedings, earnestly solicited Mr. Austin's permission, to
-inform Mrs. Sullivan for what purpose she was placed under her late
-husband's protection. To this he consented only in part, refusing his
-sanction to this lady's being acquainted with the name of Miss
-Wildenheim's noble relations; charging her, on the contrary, to conceal
-it carefully from all the world till she came of age, as he feared her
-claims would meet with decided opposition from part of her family, and
-little support from any; and informing her, that a premature disclosure
-might ruin her future prospects; and that law proceedings would be more
-costly, and less efficacious, while she was a minor, than when she could
-act directly for herself. In pursuance, therefore, of this advice,
-Adelaide, with the reservation of this one point, told Mrs. Sullivan all
-the particulars she knew of herself and her father; and in so doing,
-went through a series of interrogations of the most distressing nature,
-as Mrs. Sullivan, having little delicacy of feeling herself, was really
-almost unconscious of the wounds she inflicted on that of others. After
-deliberating a few days, she, as has been before mentioned, consented to
-accept the proposed guardianship; and Mr. Austin immediately proceeding
-to the Madeiras, his ward was therefore temporarily deprived of his
-protection or advice. After relating these particulars, Adelaide
-endeavoured to explain to Mrs. Temple her reasons for wishing to leave
-Webberly House; and in executing this unpleasant task, was much
-embarrassed between the necessity of doing herself justice, by showing
-she was not actuated by any unreasonable whims or caprices, and her
-respect for the laws of hospitality, which made her regard as sacred the
-transactions of any family she domesticated with. But, indeed, she
-seldom _thought_, and never _said_, the worst the actions of those she
-associated with would warrant. However, Mrs. Temple was one of those who
-could understand _à demi-mot_, without waiting for a harassing detail
-sufficient to satisfy a court of law, and often listened to rather from
-a love of _slander_ than of _justice_. "I am well aware," continued
-Adelaide, "that the reception I shall meet with from my relations very
-much depends on the respectability of the manner, in which I first
-present myself to their notice. The moment I am of age, Mrs. Sullivan
-may, and probably will, withdraw her protection from me; for she has
-lately hinted once or twice, that she much regretted having ever granted
-it. I therefore think the most advisable course for me to pursue is, to
-write her a polite letter, conveying my thanks for the asylum she has
-hitherto granted me, but expressing my doubts of its being agreeable to
-her longer to continue it: requesting, if my surmises are well founded,
-that she will have the goodness to seek an eligible home for me; or,"
-continued she, looking mournfully at Mrs. Temple, "permit me to apply to
-my _only_ friend to aid me in the search: but that, if on mature
-deliberation she can satisfy her mind, that she really does _wish_ my
-continuing to reside with her, I shall prefer doing so to domesticating
-myself in another family, till I can ascertain whether my own will
-receive me; but that, when this point is once decided, either for or
-against me, I do not mean to trespass further on her hospitality. And
-now, my dear Mrs. Temple, this is the subject, on which I am so anxious
-to obtain your opinion and that of Mr. Temple. I know not what apology
-to make for having so long trespassed on your patience by this tedious
-recital." Mrs. Temple begged to consult her husband, before she
-expressed her own ideas, as she feared to trust to her unassisted
-judgment on a point of so much importance. But before she left the room,
-she took up a volume of Patronage, and laughingly pointed out to
-Adelaide's notice the following passage:--"You will never be a
-heroine--What a stupid uninteresting heroine you will make! You will
-never get into any _entanglements_, never have any adventures; or, if
-kind fate should, propitious to my prayer, bring you into some charming
-difficulties, even then we could not tremble for you, or enjoy all the
-luxury of pity, because we should always know, that you would be so well
-able to extricate yourself,--so certain to conquer, or,--not die--but
-endure."
-
-Mrs. Temple, in the first spontaneous benevolence of her heart, had
-nearly been tempted to offer Adelaide an asylum at the Rectory, till her
-future line of life should be finally decided; but quickly recollecting
-what was due to Mr. Temple, repaired to his study, more for the purpose
-of suggesting it to him, than for that of stating her young friend's
-queries; which dispatching in as few words as possible, without further
-preparation, she proposed her own plan in the most abrupt manner
-possible; and as quickly read in his countenance his marked
-disapprobation of her inconsiderate project. "My dear Charlotte," said
-he, after a short pause, "the goodness of your heart makes you always so
-zealous to promote the happiness of others, that you quite forget your
-own. But, my love, you must respect the sanctuary of your domestic
-peace; it, like the Paradise of our first parents, admits of no
-intruder. I am inclined to believe Miss Wildenheim to be a most
-estimable young woman. The prudence and uprightness of her present
-proposition strengthens my former good opinion of her. As long as these
-impressions remain, I shall be happy to receive her occasionally as a
-visitor, and will most willingly do any thing to promote her welfare,
-short of domesticating her in this house. But, setting yourself out of
-the question, my dear Charlotte, do you think you would act justly
-towards your daughters (recollect Anna is now eleven years old), by
-introducing into the very bosom of your family a girl we have so
-superficial a knowledge of; and whose situation is so doubtful and
-extraordinary, and who may after all be but a foreign adventurer?" As
-Mr. Temple said this, his features wore an expression of unusual
-gravity. "Oh, James!" exclaimed his wife, "don't let your prudence make
-you unjust: go to her, and if you will impartially look on her ingenuous
-countenance, and observe her simple manners, you will never pronounce
-her a foreign adventurer. Besides, after knowing Mr. Austin so many
-years, can you suppose him capable of being an accomplice in a fraud?"
-"You are right, my dear Charlotte: I was most unjust," replied Mr.
-Temple, his brow relaxing from the austerity that had overcast it a
-moment before. "And I," said she, extending her hand with a smile of
-conciliating sweetness, "was equally imprudent." In this confession she
-was perfectly sincere; she hardly wished to dissuade her husband from
-his sage resolution; for he had convinced her judgment, though perhaps
-her feelings were yet unsubdued.
-
-It may here be remarked, that there is something in the ties of
-relationship, which acts as a sort of necessity, and makes us excuse the
-faults, which a domestic scene displays in the most perfect characters.
-But it is far otherwise in friendship; and those who there court too
-great intimacy, resemble the man in the fable of the golden eggs, and
-often destroy in a day riches, that, by wise forbearance, might have
-lasted their lives.
-
-Mr. Temple, on going up stairs to Adelaide, told her, that the line of
-conduct she had marked out for herself was the most proper she could
-adopt, giving it his unqualified approbation. He then proceeded to give
-her much sage advice, adding to it the most comforting assurances of
-support and protection. Adelaide poured forth her gratitude and her
-pleasure, with all the ardency of feelings long suppressed. Her spirits
-rose in proportion to their previous depression. She once more had the
-happiness of hearing a reverend voice address her in tones of
-approbation for her virtues, and of consolation for her distresses.
-Perhaps the evening of this anxious day was one of the happiest of her
-life.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI.
-
-    Helas! ou donc chercher ou trouver le bonheur?
-    En tout lieu, en tout temps, dans toute la nature,
-    Nulle part tout entier, partout avec mesure,
-    Et partout passager, hors dans son seul Auteur.
-    Il est semblable au feu dont la douce chaleur,
-    Dans chaque autre élément en secret s' insinue,
-    Descend dans les rochers, s' éleve dans la nue,
-    Va rougir le corail dans le sable des mers,
-    Et vit dans les glaçons qu'ont durcis les hivers.[8]
-
-    VOLTAIRE.
-
-[Footnote 8:
-
-    Alas! then where should happiness be sought?
-    In Nature's self.--Cast but thine eyes around,
-    In every place, in every age, 'tis found;
-    No where entire, but always in degree,
-    And fleeting still, except, Oh God! with thee,
-    (Thou its great Author.) Like thy fire, its heat
-    In every other element we meet;
-    Deep in the bosom of the harden'd stone,
-    As in the clouds its vital power we own;
-    In ocean's caves, in coral beds it glows,
-    And lives beneath the glacier's endless snows.
-
-As the reader may find it not uninteresting to compare the ideas of such
-great writers as Pope and Voltaire on the same subject, the opening
-verses of the fourth epistle of the Essay on Man are here subjoined,
-though perhaps an apology is due for transcribing lines impressed on
-every English memory.
-
-    Oh Happiness! our being's end and aim!
-    Good, Pleasure, Ease, Content! whate'er thy name:
-    That something still, which prompts th' eternal sigh
-    For which we bear to live, or dare to die;
-    Which still so near us, yet beyond us lies,
-    O'erlook'd, seen double by the fool and wise.
-    Plant of celestial seed! if dropp'd below,
-    Say, in what mortal soil thou deign'st to grow;
-    Fair op'ning to some court's propitious shine,
-    Or deep with diamonds in the flaming mine?
-    Twin'd with the wreaths Parnassian laurels yield,
-    Or reap'd in iron harvests of the field?
-    Where grows? where grows it not? If vain our toil,
-    We ought to blame the culture, not the soil:
-    Fix'd to no spot is happiness sincere,
-    'Tis no where to be found, or ev'ry where;
-    'Tis never to be bought, but always free,
-    And, fled from monarchs, St. John! dwells with thee.
-]
-
-
-Whilst Adelaide remained at the Parsonage, she had the advantages of
-becoming acquainted with a scene of domestic life of the most admirable
-nature; and she did not fail, with her usual good sense, to derive many
-useful lessons from her intercourse with Mrs. Temple. From her example
-as much was proved to her mind by reason, as had been demonstrated _ab
-absurdo_ by the Webberly family; and as, during Baron Wildenheim's life,
-she had never been domesticated with females of her own rank, the faults
-of the one, and the merits of the other, appeared to her view with all
-the force of novelty. Mrs. Temple in herself, her children, and her
-establishment, displayed a model of amiable and judicious conduct; as a
-wife and mother, she was beyond praise, and nothing could exceed the
-comfort and respectability of her well regulated family; for being a
-woman of good understanding, she did not carry _management_ to an
-extreme, that is destructive of the comfort it is meant to promote; nor
-was she possessed by the would-be thrifty housewife's expensive and
-troublesome mania for pickling and preserving, but in all things
-observed that happy medium, which good sense alone knows how to keep.
-Mr. Temple had in his youth lived much in the world, there associating
-principally with literary and scientific men; with several of such as
-still survived he maintained a constant correspondence, and, by
-occasional visits to London and Oxford, where his affairs sometimes
-called him, he renewed his acquaintance with men of his own stamp. He
-also kept himself up to the changes and occurrences of the times, by
-taking in at the Parsonage the daily papers, reviews, and the best of
-the new publications of every description. Two or three times a year
-some members of his or Mrs. Temple's family visited the Rectory; and
-they preserved such habits of friendly intercourse with their rich and
-poor neighbours, that they seldom found that want of society, which is
-so universally deplored.
-
-It would be curious to make those, who are constantly lamenting the want
-of good society, point out where _it is to be found_.--Dissipation, say
-they, has banished it from great capitals and watering-places. What in
-country towns is called society, consists of a repetition of card
-parties, differing from each other in no one respect, except as to the
-rooms they are held in; where, besides "old men and women," are to be
-found _girls_ of all ages, doing their best to amuse themselves, without
-the smallest assistance being afforded them by the hostess; with here
-and there an old married clergyman, an attorney's or apothecary's
-apprentice, "thinly scatter'd to make up a show," and remind the ladies
-that "beaux are not to be had." In the country, unless people have
-fortune, which enables them to bring their company, like other luxuries,
-from a distance, society consists of a few dinner parties in summer,
-where a tedious repast is quickly followed by tea and coffee, which
-serve as a signal for every body to go away, that they may, before
-darkness comes on, walk or drive home in safety over bad roads; and the
-master and mistress, as soon as their guests have departed, congratulate
-each other that "every thing went off so well." Nor is it the least of
-their joy, that their company have gone off too!
-
-To all this it may be answered, that our mothers and grandmothers tell
-us society was very gay in their young days. The truth is, people were
-not then so fastidious, and were content to be amused in any way they
-could. There is now a twilight of refinement spread over the middle
-classes, just sufficient to show them disagreeables they had never
-before suspected, but not bright enough to teach them the best way of
-avoiding them. Formerly people could be amused with an ill sung song, or
-an awkward dance. But now every girl must sing bravuras and dance like
-Angelina. The young men, having reached a still higher pitch of
-refinement, neither sing nor dance at all.
-
-The same fastidiousness reigns throughout. Every body's dress must be of
-the newest fashion; and a whole family is put to inconvenience for a
-week, to give their company an attempt at French cookery. In short, if
-people cannot be entertained "in a good style," they are resolved not to
-be entertained at all. Pleasant society, like happiness, if proper means
-are taken to cultivate it, is, with very few exceptions, to be found
-every where or no where. The misfortune is, people repulse it, unless it
-comes arrayed in the very garb they wish it to wear. How few have the
-wisdom to act on that sage maxim, "When we have not what we like, we
-must like what we have!" This was always Mr. and Mrs. Temple's practice;
-and, though they enjoyed to the utmost the intellectual pleasures
-afforded by the society of Miss Wildenheim, they found in the kindness
-and simplicity of Mrs. Martin's sentiments pleasure of another kind, and
-to a well judging mind one not less delightful. With this good lady and
-her _coterie_ they occasionally varied their winter evenings, by playing
-a friendly game of cards; and Lucy was not unfrequently the companion of
-Mrs. Temple's summer walks.
-
-Mr. Temple was extremely anxious, to make Adelaide's present visit to
-the Parsonage of lasting benefit to her peace of mind. When she had been
-there the year before, her grief was too recent to render any allusion
-to the subject of it advisable; and at Webberly House it was treated
-with so little delicacy, that her pride, as well as her tenderness of
-feeling for her father's memory, made her most carefully confine it to
-her own bosom. With the bitterest anguish at heart she outwardly carried
-the appearance of quiet contentment. Had she continued thus
-circumstanced much longer, she would either have sunk into an early
-grave, or have acquired an unbending sternness of character, that would
-have crushed all the finer feelings of her soul, and have made her as
-impervious to joy as to sorrow. Though she spared no pains, to promote
-the welfare of others by every means in her power, and, whenever duty
-commanded, hesitated not for an instant, to perform any sacrifice it
-might require; yet, perhaps it had been the fault of her education, to
-lead her to rely too much on her own mind to secure her happiness; and
-it was the misfortune of her nature to have feelings of such intensity,
-that she feared to trust them to exercise even their just power. This
-peculiar turn of character, thus moulded by circumstances, did not
-escape Mr. and Mrs. Temple's observation, and they anxiously endeavoured
-to rouse her from this state of mental torpor. Until the letter she had
-addressed to the latter, she had never ventured to express the sorrow,
-that corroded her heart, to any human being; but having once voluntarily
-touched on it, Mrs. Temple designedly led her to speak of it, and while
-she probed the wound, prepared the lenient balm that in time would heal
-it. The peculiar tenderness of soul, that Adelaide possessed from
-nature, had been most wisely balanced by the firmness of mind she had
-derived from education; only the most unpropitious circumstances could
-have endangered either degenerating to an extreme. To insult she was
-impervious, but the voice of kindness was to her like the soft breath of
-spring, which
-
-    "Melts the icy chains that twine
-    Around entranced nature's form."
-
-Relaxing into all the softness of her sex and age, her tears flowed
-without restraint, as she poured her sorrows into Mrs. Temple's friendly
-bosom; and, from the well merited praise and judicious counsel she
-received in return, derived a supporting power, that raised her to a new
-existence. From consolation Mrs. Temple proceeded to admonition,
-forcibly representing to Adelaide how culpable she would be, if she
-continued to nourish in secret a grief, that would render of no avail
-the capability of usefulness she possessed in mind and fortune, and by
-this wilful waste of happiness, not only for herself but others,
-counteract the intention of her being; finally pointing out to her,
-that, though she had lost the object of her first duties, the world yet
-presented a wide field, in which she was bound to exert herself to
-supply their place by others, even should she never find any of equal
-interest or importance.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII.
-
-    O! Primavera, gioventu del' anno,
-    Bella madre di fiori,
-    D'herbe novelle, e di novelli amori,
-    Tu torni ben ma teco
-    Non tornano i sereni
-    E fortunati di de le mie gioje.
-    Tu torni ben, tu torni
-    Ma teco altro non torna
-    Che del perduto mio caro tesoro,
-    La rimembranza misera e dolente.[9]
-
-    IL PASTOR FIDO.
-
-[Footnote 9:
-
-    Delightful spring! youth of the year,
-    Thou blooming mother of the opening flowers,
-    The fresh'ning verdure, and the new-born loves--
-    Thou now returnest! But no second spring
-    Will e'er return of those serene delights,
-    That bless'd my fleeting hours of happiness--
-    Thou now return'st! But with thee nought returns
-    To my sad thoughts but renovated sorrow,
-    And bitter mem'ry of departed joys.
-]
-
-
-The Parsonage garden was now blooming in all the beauty of summer, and
-the hedges had exchanged the fragrance of the violet for that of the
-flaunting woodbine. Instead of a brisk walk of a bracing March evening,
-its happy inmates enjoyed a sauntering ramble by the light of the newly
-risen stars, over rich meadows, or through wooded glades and cheerful
-valleys.
-
-Mrs. Temple and Adelaide were one evening returning from such a walk:
-every thing was at rest in the surrounding scene; the very flowers of
-day had closed their corollas, and ceased to give forth their perfumes;
-but the air was fragrant with the night-blowing orchis, and the new-mown
-grass; and sometimes it brought to their ear the melody of the
-nightingale, the hooting of the owl, or the hum of the night crow.
-
-Such a scene is more favourable to meditation than discourse; and, when
-speech is found, it more resembles thinking aloud than conversation. The
-two friends had continued long in silence, when Mrs. Temple said, "I am
-never so pious as in such a scene as this; my heart overflows with
-gratitude to the Author of the spontaneous happiness, that, unsought,
-seems to pour in on the mind." "Certainly the devotion of the heart is
-most pure in such a temple," replied Adelaide; "I wonder the worship of
-the air was not in ancient times more general. It appears to my mind the
-best emblem of the deity, that man by reason alone can form;--it is
-every where present, every where invisible; in it 'we live and move, and
-have our being.' We confess its awful might in the storm, and feel its
-beneficent power every moment of our lives." These and similar
-reflections cheated the friends of their time till they reached the
-Parsonage, where a light in the drawing-room informed them Mr. Temple
-had returned from his ride. As they entered the room, he gave Adelaide
-the long expected letter from Mrs. Sullivan; she hesitated for an
-instant to open it, with that undefined dread we always feel on
-receiving any communication from a person, whose good will we are
-doubtful of possessing. However, on reading her letter, she was not a
-little relieved to find it written in a style of unusual civility; but
-was surprised beyond measure to find it request, or rather _desire_, her
-to meet Mrs. Sullivan at Shrewsbury, from whence she intended proceeding
-to Ireland, declining all discussion as to matters of business, till
-their return to Webberly House. In her first surprise, she did not
-perceive the short period of Mrs. Sullivan's intended absence from her
-accustomed residence; but a confused picture of being taken to another
-kingdom, and separated from the only people from whom she had any chance
-of receiving kindness or protection, mixed with painful recollections
-of her last journey, rose to her mind. Her first thought was not to go;
-but she as quickly remembered, that Mrs. Sullivan's authority, as her
-guardian, was indisputable; also that she ought no longer to trespass on
-the hospitality of her kind hosts. The agitation of her countenance did
-not escape Mrs. Temple's observation, but she forbore to notice it; and
-Adelaide, commanding herself sufficiently to bid good night, retired to
-her room.
-
-When she read Mrs. Sullivan's letter more attentively a second time, she
-smiled at the phantom she had raised to terrify herself; for she found
-her guardian proposed returning home rather before she should be of age,
-and that of course the dilemma, she had fancied would arise from her
-being in Ireland without any positive claim on Mrs. Sullivan's
-protection, would not occur.
-
-Being convinced she could not avoid going to Ireland, her next
-endeavour was to persuade herself the journey would not be unpleasant;
-for it was always her custom to look for the best side of every thing
-and every body: she therefore soon discovered, that becoming acquainted
-with a country and a people she knew as little of as the Iroquois
-tribes, would afford her more amusement, than spending another summer at
-Webberly House. The civility of Mrs. Sullivan's letter was so striking,
-that Adelaide began to think she had been too harsh in her judgment of
-her character, and determined that her expedition should commence with a
-voyage of discovery, to ascertain the unknown perfections of the mother
-and daughters. A strong intellect may command the feelings, but the body
-is not so obedient as the mind. Adelaide found, though she could compose
-her thoughts to rest, she could not quiet her nerves to sleep, and
-therefore got up with the sun; and taking a book to fix her ideas,
-remained out of doors till Mrs. Temple's early breakfast hour.
-
-At breakfast she read to her friends the subjoined letter from Mrs.
-Sullivan. Notwithstanding all her distress of mind, it was with the
-utmost difficulty she could command her countenance while she did so.
-She omitted some passages, and slightly altered the wording of others;
-but though her eyes during this time were perseveringly cast down, their
-comical expression was not thus concealed; for the light that streamed
-from beneath their half-closed lids was reflected on her cheek, and
-brightened her whole countenance, displaying as unequivocally what
-passed in her mind, as if she had directed to her auditors the most
-meaning glances of arch drollery. She was too generous to wish to expose
-Mrs. Sullivan's extreme ignorance to her friends, as it was exemplified
-in this ill spelled, ill written scrawl. But she had yet another
-secondary motive, which prompted her to screen it from their eyes; and
-this trifling circumstance may perhaps explain her character more
-effectually, than one of greater importance, in which nine rational
-people out of ten would act alike.
-
-She had but little vanity, yet from nature and education was proud in
-the extreme. This ambiguous quality, partaking of vice and virtue, which
-is "both perhaps or neither," was interwoven in the very texture of her
-mind, was blended with many of her virtues and most of her errors, and
-prompted her always to shield as much as possible from ridicule any
-person she was even slightly connected with. Mrs. Temple was nearly as
-much amused by the grave dignity of her countenance, when she looked up
-after reading her letter, which seemed to say, "You ought not to laugh,"
-as she had been by its droll expression a few moments before.
-
-     MRS. SULLIVAN TO MISS WILDENHEIM.
-
-     London, June 1st.----
-
-     My dear Miss Wildenheim,
-
-     I've received your letter, and am glad to hear your well: so is
-     Meelly and Cilly. I be sometimes troubled with the vind; but
-     howsomedever I gets my health middling. This comes to say we be all
-     a-going to Ireland with all speed; and I must _retreat_ and
-     _insist_ that you come two; and we can taulk all about what you
-     wrot me in March when we returns from them there outlandish parts.
-     But I'm in great hops Jack will mary his cozen Hannah Leatherly
-     after all, which I just menshion, as young girls be very apt to
-     think ever a man that looks after 'em be in love with 'em. But says
-     I to my eye, Addle Wildenheim has two much spirit of her own to
-     covet her neighbour's goods. So, my dear, if you'll meat us at
-     Shrovesbirry, I'll be excedin glad to be your shoprun; and we mean
-     to reeturn to Webberly House afore the time comes of your mynoritie
-     been over; so till then I wont here taulk of your chousing no other
-     garden.
-
-     We be a goin to see Mr. Sullivan and his sister, for he thinks he's
-     a going to put on his wooden great coat, so he's anxshious to see
-     my little Carline, for it's quite natral he shoud desire to see his
-     nearest akin; and so we shoud a gone six weeks ago, only for
-     certain good raisins that made us wish to stay over Lady
-     Ashbrooke's bawll, which was three nights ago. But no good come off
-     it, after all. Some folks are so fine and so sassy, they'd turn up
-     their noses at their own bread and butter. But every dog has his
-     day, and Carline may be as grate a airass as no other guess parson.
-     So now I conclude with complements to Mr. and Mrs. Temple. I'll
-     send John Arding to retort you from Webberly House to Shrovesbirry,
-     and so you may expect him in less than a weak. You must come in
-     the post-shay; and you'd better bring your made Lamotte with you,
-     but you must send her back from Shrovesbirry (mind I'm at no costs
-     for her jurney); for I can't take but one made to attend both you
-     and I. Seeing she can taulk no English, she'd be of small sarvice
-     to I. I've got a stout girl to do our turn. You must pay half the
-     wagers and travailing expences, and I'll charge you naught for her
-     wittals; for d'ye mind me, Mr. Sullivan will see to that, which
-     will be all the better for you: a penny saved is a penny got, as my
-     poor father tot me betimes. I'll send Mrs. Harris home to Webberly,
-     (so she'll keep kumpany with Lamotte); for she'll be wanted to do
-     the sweetmeats and pikchols this summer; and I wish, my dear, you'd
-     wright word to John Gardiner, to sell all the fruit at Deane which
-     isn't vaunted for persarvin; and I expect a good account when I go
-     home. So hopping to met you at Shrovesbirry without fail,
-
-       I remane your affectionate friend,
-          HANNAH SULLIVAN.
-
-     P.S.--I'm sure you'd be very sory to take Lamotte to Ireland,
-     you've tot her such bad kustoms, becase she's lived with you since
-     you was a year old. She'd be 'mazed attendin I. You no I be's a
-     bustling body, and a trifle hasty; but I'm nothing the worse for
-     having a good spirit of my own.
-
-Adelaide's delicacy prevented her from allowing her friends to suppose
-she had any dislike to accompanying Mrs. Sullivan to Ireland, well
-knowing that if they were aware of it, they would apply to her guardian
-for permission to protract her stay at the Parsonage; and she succeeded
-in impressing them with an idea, that the project was far from
-unpleasant to her. This matter being discussed, they gave her a pressing
-invitation to spend the following winter with them, during which time
-Mr. Temple promised, if she gave him authority so to do, to use his best
-endeavours either to procure her reception by her family, or an eligible
-abode, wherever she might wish to fix her residence; also authorizing
-her, should she find herself in any dilemma previous to her return, to
-apply to him for whatever assistance she might require. The worthy
-rector soon interrupted Adelaide's warm acknowledgements for his present
-and past kindness, by saying, "I hope this delightful scheme, to which
-Mrs. Temple and I look forward with so much pleasure, will not be
-prevented by your being run away with by some fine fellow at the other
-side of the channel. Joking apart," said he seriously, "there is an
-English gentleman, who is as much in love as his nature will suffer him
-to be, to whom I hope no consideration will ever tempt you to unite
-yourself." Adelaide blushed and blushed, till the tears stood in her
-eyes. Mr. Temple looked at her with astonishment; "Is it possible!"
-thought he: "You may think me impertinent, Miss Wildenheim, but I know
-you never contemn the advice of experience and friendship. It would be
-heart-rending to see you so thrown away;--such a total dissimilarity of
-character can never produce happiness. You are beings of a different
-sphere. The moment in which you marry Mr. Webberly, you sign the misery
-of your whole life." The expression of her countenance was now quite
-changed, and the few calm words she spoke, convinced her reverend
-adviser she _then_ felt convinced she could never marry Mr. Webberly.
-But he had, in the course of his life, seen so many strange matches
-made, that the word "amazement" in matrimony had to him lost its
-meaning; particularly as he had so often known it commence without
-"dearly beloved" on the part of either of the persons concerned; and
-still having some little distrust of the future, he would sincerely have
-rejoiced to hear, that Mr. Webberly had done Miss Leatherly the honour
-of making her his wife. When Adelaide retired after breakfast, Mr.
-Temple questioned his wife as to the possibility of her having become
-attached to Augustus Mordaunt, whom she had frequently met at the
-Rectory. "What vain creatures you men are!" said she: "A girl can't
-spend a sleepless night, and be a little agitated by an unexpected
-change in her plans, but you must suppose her colour comes and goes in
-the intermittent fits of a love fever." "You may quiz, Charlotte, but I
-assure you, when Miss Wildenheim used to meet Augustus here, her eyes
-told more than her tongue." "Then believe me, they told intolerable
-stories! No young woman of good sense, or good conduct, will ever love a
-man, who does not show her the most unequivocal preference. After all,
-what is called love has its residence more in the brain than the heart.
-Believe me, Adelaide is no such fool; she has strength of mind to
-conquer even a reciprocal attachment, if necessary. She has a great deal
-of feeling, with an equal portion of reason and reflection; but I think
-her _imagination_ is rather in the minority, at least it takes its rise
-from her feelings, not her feelings from it." "Well, Charlotte, you may
-think an attachment a very silly thing now; but, you know, you were in
-love once yourself." "Never with you, I assure you: you know, my dear,
-that was impossible, for you were old enough to have passed for my
-father when we married. I had always too much respect for your
-reverence. Yet I don't think I have made the worse wife, because I never
-mistook you for a Strephon, but saw from the first you were a good,
-plain, steady country parson." "And but for this good, plain, steady
-country parson, Charlotte," said he, "you would never have been the
-estimable woman you now are. But to return to Miss Wildenheim: what is
-it that distresses her? You are clear there is nobody in England she is
-sorry to leave behind." "Pardon me; I think she is very sorry to leave
-us." "That I take for granted; but on the whole she seems pleased with
-her expedition. Perhaps she is unprepared to meet so unexpected a demand
-on her purse; and Mrs. Sullivan's elegant epistle does not say a word on
-the subject of money:--she should have had more consideration! I will
-make an estimate of what the journey to Shrewsbury will cost her--will
-you give it to her, and say I shall be happy to advance what money she
-may require." "That I will," replied Mrs. Temple; "Poor thing! I'm sure
-she would die before she would ask Mrs. Sullivan--at least _I_ should,
-without doubt." When Mr. Temple made out his memorandum, and his wife
-giving it to Adelaide repeated his offer, she was so touched by this
-new instance of her friend's kindness, that she could not for a short
-time reply to Mrs. Temple; but pressing her hand with the earnestness of
-gratitude, remained silent for an instant, and then, both by word and
-look, expressed her grateful sense of all the benefits they had bestowed
-on her. "In the present instance, however," said she, "I need not
-trespass on Mr. Temple's goodness; I assure you I am quite rich,
-sufficiently so to make this unexpected journey no inconvenience."
-"Nobody is rich now-a-days," said Mrs. Temple; "in such an extravagant
-family how have you managed, my dear Adele, to get into such a good
-condition of purse?" "When I was first at Webberly House, I was too
-unhappy to have any fancies to indulge; and as soon as by your
-benevolent care I recovered from my primary state of stupefaction, I
-became so terrified at my unprotected situation, that I determined to
-provide for any emergency that might occur, by limiting my expenditure
-as much as possible. Impressed with these fears, I _dared_ not give
-myself habits of extravagance. I assure you I have been economical
-almost to parsimony." "Your poor pensioners do not say so," rejoined
-Mrs. Temple, in a tone of affectionate approbation.--"I do not think it
-permissible, my dear Mrs. Temple, to provide for future wants by the
-neglect of present duties. I look upon charity in proportion to our
-means, as a necessity as indispensable to our condition as daily food
-and raiment; a due portion of whatever fund procures the one, ought
-surely to provide for the other." "You are a singular girl," said Mrs.
-Temple; "I will apply to you Goldsmith's epitaph on Dr. Bernard:--
-
-    "If you have any faults, you have left us in doubt,
-    At least in six weeks I could not find them out."
-
-The few days Adelaide had to spend at the Parsonage flew most rapidly
-away. She saw the dreaded morning arrive, in which she was to commence
-her journey, with a heavy heart, and perhaps those she was to leave
-behind were yet more sorrowful than herself. In the separation of
-friends, those who depart are never half so much to be pitied as those
-who remain. Change of scene, motion, and fatigue, insensibly divert the
-former; but the latter have nothing new to fill up the uncomfortable
-void they feel. It is long before the eye ceases to look for the beloved
-face it has been used to gaze on, or the ear unconsciously to expect the
-well-known voice or step. The children had bid farewell to Adelaide the
-night before, not without many pressing entreaties for her speedy
-return; but the father and mother got up at a very early hour, to take
-leave of her on the morning of her departure. At the sight of Mrs.
-Temple she could no longer control her feelings, but threw herself in
-an agony of sorrow into her arms, saying, it was her fate always to be
-torn from what was dear to her in life, and that she should know nothing
-like happiness till she saw her again. Mr. Temple, seeing her make a
-great effort to restrain her tears, said, "Do not, my dear young friend,
-suppress the expression of your sorrow; here are those who respect your
-tears--they are most natural to your age and sex. You have too much the
-habit of suppressing your own feelings, to avoid distressing those of
-others. We shall all meet happily again in a few months, and then your
-connection with that unamiable family will cease. You are too deserving
-of happiness not to meet with it;--indeed you will find it in your own
-mind, when you recover from the first shock of the heavy affliction it
-has pleased Providence to assign you. You may, if it is any consolation,
-take with you an old man's blessing; whose utmost wish would be
-gratified in having a daughter to resemble you." Mrs. Temple, who had
-been nearly as much comforted by his commendation as Adelaide, now said,
-"Rouse yourself, my dear girl, and look at all those impertinent
-Webberlys, as much as to say, 'I hold ye in sovereign, contempt.' I wish
-you were not content, with _feeling_ your own superiority, but would
-occasionally assert it. I should like to see them smarting under the
-power of ridicule certain arch smiles have told me you possess--indeed,
-indeed, my dear, you are righteous over much: do oblige me, and be a
-little spiteful."
-
-By the time breakfast was over, Adelaide's spirits were comforted by Mr.
-Temple, and rallied by his wife. Though she could not trust herself to
-say, "Good bye," she stept into the carriage with tolerable composure;
-but when she lost sight of them and their cheerful abode, she
-experienced an acuteness of sorrow she some time before had thought she
-was as incapable of ever feeling again, as an equal degree of joy.
-
-When the carriage drove away, Mr. Temple made a speedy retreat into his
-study; and the traces of tears were still visible on his wife's face,
-when they met at dinner.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII.
-
-    One only passion unreveal'd
-    With maiden pride the maid conceal'd;
-    Yet not less purely felt the flame--
-    Oh! need I then that passion name?
-
-    SCOTT.
-
-
-Civil people always meet with civility, and Adelaide accomplished her
-journey without meeting either accident or insult. When the carriage
-stopped at the Talbot Inn in Shrewsbury, she was received at the door by
-Mr. Webberly, who had evidently been watching her arrival. On her asking
-for his mother and sisters, he pointed to a window, where she saw Mrs.
-Sullivan attired in a sky-blue habit of cassimir, with a white beaver
-hat and feathers. Cecilia, in a modish pelisse, looking at that
-distance very handsome; and Miss Webberly, in the opposite window,
-_intently_ reading. Mrs. Sullivan met Adelaide half way down stairs,
-apparently glad to see her. The young ladies greeted her with a slight
-bow, just muttering a scarcely audible "How d'ye do:"--one turning to
-stare out of the window, the other affecting to bestow all her attention
-on her book. Little Caroline, exclaiming "Oh, tie my frock quick, quick!
-there's my dear Adele come: I hear mama talking to her,"--burst from an
-inner apartment, heedless of the remonstrances of her maid, and jumping
-up with one spring, twisted her ivory arms about her neck; and as
-Adelaide fondly pressed the lovely child to her heart, her countenance
-expressed those feelings--
-
-    "Which are to mortals given,
-    With less of earth in them than Heav'n:"
-
-For affliction had indeed "touched her looks with something that was
-scarce earthly," and, when brightened by any emotion near akin to joy,
-smiles such as might have beamed in the face of a seraph illuminated
-hers. Mrs. Sullivan, in a tone of sorrowful admiration, whispered to
-Cecilia, "Jack can't choose but fancy her; she's beautifuller than ever:
-I han't seen her like since we parted." "Law, mama!" replied Cecilia
-with unmixed vexation, "I believe you've taken leave of your senses,
-since you used to say she was a sallow poking thing. You forget what
-beautiful girls the Miss Nathans, and the Miss Bakers, and all the
-Lunnon ladies are." Here, with affected indifference and real
-mortification, she stopped to examine the subject of their discourse
-through her glass. As she continued to gaze, her soft cheek became
-crimsoned with anger, and her beautiful eye, which seemed formed to
-convey the tender feelings of the gentlest female heart, scowled with
-the dark expression of envy. Adelaide, turning her eyes on her face,
-met that glance, and sighing to see the youthful bloom of this fair
-creature deformed by malevolent emotions, felt for her the pity of a
-superior nature, that from its own beatitude beholds the fretful
-passions of a being incessantly employed in weaving the web of its own
-misery, and mourns that it may not save the wretched victim from its
-self-destroying arts.
-
-When Adelaide sat down, Mr. Webberly, leaning over the arm of the sofa,
-began a complimentary conversation, which she soon terminated on the
-excuse of retiring to make some slight alteration in her travelling
-dress before the time of dinner. In the course of this evening, Mrs.
-Sullivan and her son overloaded Miss Wildenheim with officious
-civilities; and the young ladies paid her many ironical compliments
-intended as insults; but she _would_ not show, by word or look, that she
-understood them otherwise than according to the literal sense, and
-amused herself a little maliciously (forgive her, for she was but human)
-by observing their disappointment at finding their best efforts at
-mortifying her fail of success. But at night, her feelings were those of
-bitter anguish, as she involuntarily compared this day with the last she
-had spent at the Parsonage of Deane, in the enlightened society of her
-kind friends. "But I shall meet them again ere long, and shall enjoy
-their society doubly from the comparison of my present associates. I am
-resolved to think the time till we meet as little disagreeable as
-possible." Her thoughts then reverted to the scenes of her early life,
-on which they could now rest with mournful complacency; and, as she
-recalled to memory the precepts of her beloved father, with a pardonable
-superstition, she fondly flattered herself that he yet spoke to her
-heart. The treasured admonitions of this revered parent at once
-fortified her mind and soothed her feelings; on them she continued to
-ponder till sleep deprived her of recollection and his image at the same
-moment. Her heart was cheered by a sentiment of filial piety, similar to
-that so beautifully expressed by Scott's Ellen:
-
-    My soul, though feminine and weak,
-    Can image his; even as the lake,
-    Itself disturb'd by slightest stroke,
-    Reflects the invulnerable rock.
-
-Notwithstanding Adelaide's best endeavours to persuade herself the
-Webberlys _en masse_ were a pleasant family, and not less amiable than
-agreeable, she now found them more intolerable than ever.
-
-Mr. Webberly's attentions were as incessant as disgusting, and to her
-astonishment his mother no longer gave them overt opposition. His
-sisters, on the contrary, were more than ever devoured by "proud spleen
-and burning envy;" but they excited in her mind only the most profound
-compassion. Pity is said to be near akin to love; it is sometimes
-however very closely allied to that mournful pardon we grant to a
-character, whose irremediable defects excite our unqualified hopeless
-disapprobation.
-
-As for Mrs. Sullivan, Adelaide felt grieved she could not like her, for
-she at least had the feelings of a mother; and where is the character so
-degraded, that these will not give a claim to our love, to our
-veneration? When she saw this poor woman, full of love and pride in her
-elder children, pour forth her fondness on them, and saw the ungrateful
-objects of her tenderness insultingly disdain it, because it did not
-appear in the language and gestures of what they supposed to be fashion,
-she redoubled her attentions, and her sweetly soothing manners,
-sometimes chased the starting tears from the offended mother's eye,
-sometimes made them flow from the bitterness of the comparison they
-caused her to make. But when, softened by compassion, Adelaide was
-reproaching herself for her want of liking to a woman, who, though a
-mistaken, was an affectionate mother, some trait of ostentatious
-arrogant despotism to those not united by ties of relationship sent her
-benevolent feelings, with accelerated motion, back to the source of
-kindness from whence they had begun to flow. Vulgarity alone was no
-crime in her mind; she considered it merely as an accident to which
-certain conditions are liable, and, therefore, when it was an
-accompaniment of worth, she did not _dare_ to feel it a fit subject of
-contempt. She was too noble in soul, too pious in heart, to presume on
-her accidental advantages of education, to despise "the pure in spirit,"
-who are, however lowly in earthly station, glorious in the approving
-smile of Heaven.
-
-But as Mrs. Sullivan was on one point alone entitled to respect, and
-even there imperfectly, (for, owing to the mercenary artifices of her
-elder daughters, she was nearly indifferent to Caroline,) Adelaide had
-now a hard task to perform--namely, to fortify herself once more with
-indifference to all her associates. Her feelings had been awakened from
-their temporary torpor by her visit to the Temples, and she now felt it
-most painful to lower them to the icy temperature they had attained in
-the soul-benumbing atmosphere of Webberly House. "However, (thought
-she,) I must only play the dormouse, and, like it, having gone through a
-few months' torpidity, I shall then wake to an existence of positive
-enjoyment."
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, during Miss Wildenheim's absence, had become conscious of
-the value of her decorum of manner; for besides the attention it
-prompted this young lady to pay her, as due to the person under whose
-roof she resided, it acted as a restraint on the rudeness of her
-daughters, who, when unshackled by the presence of an example of
-propriety in their domestic scene, opposed their mother in every trifle
-with the most perverse obstinacy. Mr. Webberly, as soon as he had been
-refused by Selina, told his mother, in the first effusions of his
-wounded pride, he was determined to marry Miss Wildenheim directly. "He
-was rich enough to please himself after all; he was sure she was a far
-personabler woman than Miss Seymour, though Miss did think no small beer
-of herself." As he could not have Selina, his mother now wished him to
-marry his cousin Miss Leatherly, who was nearly as rich, though she had
-not the advantages of connection, that had won her pride to prefer Miss
-Seymour. She had long delayed her answer to Adelaide's letter,
-determining she should seek another home; but her son declared if she
-did not bring her to Ireland, he would not go either, but would remain
-in whatever place she resided till she was of age, and then it would
-not be in his mother's power to prevent their marriage. Mrs. Sullivan,
-alarmed at this menace, determined no longer to use open opposition, but
-to trust to chance and the possibility of Miss Wildenheim's own pride
-assisting her to defeat his wishes; therefore offered to compromise the
-matter, by saying she would bring Miss Wildenheim with her to Ireland,
-on condition he did not actually propose for her till the period fixed
-for their return to England, promising she would do nothing to prevent
-his paying her what attentions he pleased; but, at the same time giving
-him to understand, the match would never receive her approbation,
-reminding him that a ten thousand pound fortune with a wife was nothing!
-and that he had little now left but what she pleased to give him. Mr.
-Webberly had found out from Selina's conduct, it was possible he might
-be refused; therefore, yielding in part to his mother's wishes,
-acknowledging, on second thoughts, a little delay would be no bad
-thing, as it might enable him to conquer his mistress's resentment for
-his having transferred his attention elsewhere, which he elegantly
-expressed, by saying "In the first brush of the thing she may cuff off
-her nose to punish her face."
-
-Our travellers proceeded on their journey with the most dissimilar
-feelings possible. Mrs. Sullivan enjoying the idea of the fortune this
-expedition would secure to Caroline--the Miss Webberlys, in sullen
-discontent, were forming schemes to make their mother return as soon as
-possible to the neighbourhood of London, supposing the society of
-Ballinamoyle must be still more insipid than that in the vicinity of
-Webberly House--their brother engaged in promoting the success of his
-passion for Adelaide, she not less so in keeping him at a distance, and
-in the endeavour to divert her thoughts from her companions to the
-country they passed through--Caroline alone, with unfeigned pleasure,
-was enjoying the change of scene, and coaxing her "Dear, precious
-Adele," who returned the sweet child's caresses with equal affection.
-The weather was intolerably hot; the Miss Webberlys would not consent to
-have their pelisses faded by opening the barouche--"You know, mama, we
-can't get any thing from London for a long time, and you would not have
-_us_ dress in the Irish fashions:" so the four ladies and Caroline were
-nearly suffocated with heat; little relief was obtained from letting
-down the front windows, for Mr. Webberly and a footman in the driving
-seat intercepted the air. Mr. Webberly had placed himself there, that he
-might from time to time cast sweet looks at Adelaide. She sat with her
-back to him that she might not see them; but this was of little avail,
-for he tapped her every five minutes on the shoulder, on pretence of
-pointing out some remarkable object to her notice, therefore she
-willingly accepted Mrs. Sullivan's offer of making room for her on the
-other seat. Oh! how she envied the abigails, as they drove past in the
-post chaise! she could not enjoy the pleasure of walking up the hills
-with Caroline, as in that case, Mr. Webberly was at her side in an
-instant, ready primed with the compliments he had composed on the
-barouche seat. But notwithstanding all this, she was enchanted with the
-picturesque scenery of North Wales: the Vale of Langollen, Capel
-Kerrick, and Lake Oggen, called forth her rapturous praise, in the
-expression of which she was sometimes joined by her companions, though
-they were little capable of feeling the pleasure she experienced.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's parsimony always showing itself in trifles, she
-quarrelled with all the drivers, ostlers, chamber maids, and waiters, as
-she came along, by offering them less than people who travelled with the
-same _cortège_ usually did. The Welsh are a remarkably sturdy people;
-and if, on entering Wales, you offend the man who drives you the first
-stage, the bad effects of his irascible feelings follow your carriage
-wheels to the last. What must it be when each equestrian is individually
-enraged at you!
-
-The carriage windows were no sooner drawn up, to put an end to the
-clamour occasioned by such squabbles on the outside, than the usual
-contentions were renewed within, which seldom ceased till the time for
-wrangling with the ostlers arrived again, for which a scold to the last
-turnpike keeper, for the badness of the roads, in proportion to the high
-tolls, served as a prelude. However, they at last reached Holyhead: as
-Adelaide skipped into the inn, overjoyed to be comparatively at liberty,
-she exclaimed, in thought, "Thank goodness, so much of my Purgatory is
-over! Why Webberly House was Heaven to this! However we shall travel
-only a small portion of the time I am to spend in penance for my
-sins.--They will all be sea-sick to-morrow, and then I shall have a few
-hours' peace."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV.
-
-    Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float
-    Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck
-    With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets,
-    That no rude savour maritime invade
-    The nose of nice nobility.
-
-    COWPER.
-
-
-On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which
-our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
-
-The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely
-drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices
-of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and
-boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded
-about the inn door. Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs
-screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all
-the murmuring crowd:--"Meely! Cilly! do bestir yourselves; we're too
-late by a mile! here's the wery last boat imparting." The tardy-gaited
-damsels made their appearance just as one of the boatmen informed their
-mother, the captain had sent to say, he would not wait another minute;
-and they reached the side of the ship exactly at the moment he prepared
-to put his threat in execution. Poor Mrs. Sullivan had seldom seen, and
-had never been on the sea before, therefore it is not surprising that
-she was much terrified at finding herself in a small boat, on this, to
-her, unusual element; however, after many exclamations of terror, she
-congratulated herself, and all the party, on being safe on board: she
-might now have said with Foote,
-
-    "When first I went on board, Good Lord! what a racket,
-    Such babbling and squalling fore and aft through the packet;
-    The passengers bawling, the sailors yo-ho-ing,
-    The ship along dashing, the wind aloft blowing;
-    Some sick, and some swearing, some singing, some shrieking,
-    Sails hoisting, blocks rattling, the yards and booms creaking!"
-
-It was that season of the year in which such of the Irish bipeds as are
-birds of passage, pay a summer's visit to their native shores: the
-packet was crowded to excess; and not only every birth was taken, but
-the cabin floors were spread with mattresses for the supernumeraries.
-Mrs. Sullivan had secured the _state_ cabin, where people pay an
-additional price, for the honour and glory of encountering imminent
-danger of suffocation, in a commodious apartment, six feet broad by
-eight feet long, containing four beds, two above and two below; and in
-this receptacle of pride, many a repentant victim of human vanity has
-sent forth pious aspirations after "_a new birth_." Mrs. Sullivan, on
-going below, found that, besides the beds in the state cabin, only two
-others could be procured for Caroline and the maids; she however settled
-the matter, much to her satisfaction, by saying, "Willis must sit up all
-night." But Adelaide seeing the poor woman's face changing colour, with
-a compassion that never rose for an _inferior_ in Mrs. Sullivan's
-breast, said, "If you will allow me, I will make up a bed for myself in
-the floor of your cabin, with the night sacks and dressing boxes; and
-then Willis can have my birth; she looks very sick, poor thing, perhaps
-you will give her leave to go to bed now." "I have no dejection to your
-doing what you likes with your own birth, Miss Vildenheim; but if Villis
-goes to bed, what can I do to undress?"--"Oh! I will be your waiting
-woman with pleasure." So saying, Adelaide seized the golden opportunity
-before the permission could be recalled, and persuaded the fainting
-Willis to occupy her bed.
-
-When they returned to the deck all was comparatively quiet; the ladies
-were seated, and the gentlemen walking about in parties, examining the
-various groups of females which presented themselves to their view. Next
-to Adelaide was seated a very elegant woman, whom she heard addressed by
-the name of St. Orme, and whose husband was walking arm in arm with a
-remarkably handsome man, who united in his deportment the mien of a
-soldier, with the air of a man who had lived much in the world. His back
-was to Adelaide when he first attracted her notice, but when he came
-close to her, she started up, and met the hand he extended to her, with
-reciprocal cordiality, and their mutual astonishment, making them for an
-instant regardless of the presence of so numerous an audience, they
-addressed each other in the language they had long been accustomed to
-converse in, and, after a few hasty sentences of German, Adelaide,
-blushing to her fingers' ends, on perceiving she had attracted the
-attention of every person present, introduced the handsome stranger to
-Mrs. Sullivan as Colonel Desmond, and he was not a little surprised to
-find in her the widow of his most particular friend. This ceremony being
-over, Colonel Desmond again addressed Adelaide: "Good Heavens! Miss
-Wildenheim, who could have thought of seeing you _here_! how time does
-run on! I hope you don't forget what I remember with so much pleasure,
-that our acquaintance commenced before you were six years old; and that
-you used to seat yourself on my knee, with as little ceremony as that
-beautiful child is preparing to do on yours." Adelaide's dialogue with
-her new found friend was suddenly interrupted by Mrs. Sullivan becoming
-so qualmish, that a speedy retreat to her own cabin was judged
-advisable, and Colonel Desmond, after assisting the ladies to go down
-stairs, returned to the deck, his fair acquaintance remaining below to
-give her promised aid to her _chaperone_.
-
-Though Colonel Desmond was then in his forty-fifth year, his florid
-complexion, brilliant eye, and martial air, made him appear nearly ten
-years younger; nor were the few unwelcome gray hairs, that attempted to
-tell tales of other times, in contradiction to their darker companions,
-in sufficient number to counteract the appearance of youth, that the
-finest set of teeth in the world gave to his face. His forehead, eyes,
-and brows, seemed the seat of sense and manly daring, but all the kindly
-affections of human nature dwelt about his mouth. Adelaide had early
-applied to him the motto of the Chevalier Bayard--_L'homme sans peur et
-sans reproche_: and in the days of youthful enthusiasm, he had, in her
-scale of admiration, ranked next to her father--nor was he unworthy of
-her regard.
-
-This gallant soldier was the second son of a country gentleman, whose
-family had lived from generation to generation in habits of friendship
-with that of the late Mr. Sullivan, who was also a younger son. These
-young men were companions, school-fellows, and friends, and on the death
-of their fathers, found themselves but scantily provided for. Edward
-Desmond, being intended for the church, had gone through some part of
-his collegiate course in the university of Dublin; but on the death of
-his father, agreeing with his young friend, that "it was much better to
-be a soldier than a damned quiz of a parson" resolved to exchange the
-cassock for the sword. Being a protestant, Edward did not labour under
-the same disabilities as his friend, but he would not separate their
-fortunes, and determined to share the same fate, and follow the same
-standard; accordingly they left their homes, in order, as they expressed
-it, in the words of a favourite song, to "go round the world for sport."
-
-They entered the Austrian armies, and the first five years of their
-career served under the command of Baron Wildenheim, during which time
-he proved himself their patron and friend; gratitude on their side, and
-regard on his, preserved the intimacy thus formed, by correspondence and
-personal communication, long after they had ceased to be brother
-soldiers. Colonel Desmond remained in Germany, several years subsequent
-to Mr. Sullivan's return to England, so that he was much better known to
-Adelaide than the latter gentleman; and till she recollected he was
-unmarried, she had often wondered her father had not left her to his
-guardianship, in preference to a person who was to her a comparative
-stranger. Though Desmond and Sullivan had commenced their career of
-life together, they did not long continue on an equality as to
-character. The superior education Edward had received, in order to
-qualify him for the profession he was originally designed to embrace,
-showed its beneficial effects in far different pursuits; for whilst
-Maurice Sullivan plunged into every species of dissipation, his
-companion, incited by the expostulations and example of Baron
-Wildenheim, occupied himself in the acquirement of the knowledge most
-necessary to his profession, occasionally varying his studies by the
-pleasures arising from the cultivation of literature and the fine arts.
-But, however advantageous Colonel Desmond's intercourse with Baron
-Wildenheim had been to the formation of his character, it had latterly
-been dangerous to the peace of his mind. He had so long regarded the
-daughter of his friend with almost parental affection, that he was not
-exactly aware of the moment, when his feelings towards her became those
-of a lover; but when awakened to a sense of the real nature of his
-sentiments, his hours of solitude were tinctured with regret, as he
-bitterly lamented that hitherto disregarded want of fortune, which
-forbade his seeking the hand of the lovely girl. Neither Adelaide, nor
-the Baron, was ever conscious of this attachment; she only felt for him
-as a sort of second father, in whose approbation she delighted, and by
-whose admonition she profited; honour and generosity withheld his using
-any endeavours to win further on her regard; and feeling that
-self-control would not much longer be possible, he left Vienna,
-apparently induced only by the desire to revisit his native country.
-Time and absence had deadened, but not changed his feelings: with such
-sentiments, it may therefore be supposed, what happiness this unexpected
-meeting gave to both. The Miss Webberlys had come down below with their
-mother and Adelaide, so that the latter was obliged to stay in the
-suffocating cabin, where she remained in durance vile above an hour;
-from time to time she heard Caroline's little merry voice on deck, and
-longed to be there also; at last, when the little girl retired to bed,
-she gave Adelaide Mrs. St. Orme's compliments, to know if she would like
-to come on deck, adding, that she and Colonel Desmond were waiting in
-the outer cabin to take her up. With the utmost delight she profited by
-this good natured attention. When they ascended, she found all the
-passengers disposed of for the night, except Mr. and Mrs. St. Orme and
-Colonel Desmond.
-
-Miss Wildenheim's present _chaperone_ was a very elegant pleasing Irish
-woman, who added to the ease of well bred manners that sort of
-kindliness, which appears in those of her countrywomen in general. She
-was of good family, and was so well assured of her own place in society,
-that she never took the least trouble to impress any body else with an
-idea of her consequence; but her unaffected simplicity of dress,
-manner, and deportment, were the best credentials she could present to
-those accustomed to move in the same rank of life with herself. Adelaide
-and she understood each other at once: before their acquaintance had
-lasted half an hour, a casual observer would have supposed they had long
-been known to each other.
-
-It was a most delightful night, the ship was smoothly cutting her rapid
-way before a fair, wind, and as it passed, the rippling waters sparkled
-with the beams of the moon. Colonel Desmond, leaning carelessly over the
-side of the vessel, half sung, half hummed, this verse, translated from
-an ancient Irish song:--
-
-    The moon calmly sleeps on the ocean,
-      And tinges each white bosom'd sail;
-    The bark, scarcely conscious of motion,
-      Glides slowly before the soft gale.
-
-    How vain are the charms they discover,
-      My heart from its sorrows to draw!
-    Whilst memory carries me over
-      To _Ma cailin beog chruite nambo_.
-
-Adelaide thought the sound of his well remembered voice "pleasant and
-mournful to the soul, like the memory of joys that are past;" and it was
-insensibly leading her into a train of ideas, which she was not sorry to
-have interrupted by general conversation. How much did she enjoy the
-delightful freshness of the night, and the enlivening sallies of her
-animated companions; they were, however, at length terminated by Mr. St.
-Orme complaining of the increasing chilliness of the air, and proposing
-that she and her fair companion should take refuge from it in the body
-of her barouche, which was on deck. There they passed the remainder of
-the night most comfortably; and, when the sun rose, Miss Wildenheim was
-very sorry to hear they were entering the bay of Dublin, as she
-recollected her landing would put an end to the temporary release the
-packet had afforded her from the annoyances of the Webberly family.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV.
-
-    To sail in unknown seas,
-    To land in countries hitherto unseen,
-    To breathe a fresh invigorating air:
-    ----All this, I am convinced,
-    Will renovate me a second time,
-    To be what once I was.
-
-    LLOYD'S MYRHA.
-
-
-Before any of the other passengers came on deck, Mrs. St. Orme and
-Adelaide contrived to make their morning toilet quite _comme il faut_,
-and when it was finished, and their dressing-boxes were repacked, they
-drew up the blinds of the carriage, and beheld a most beautiful scene.
-
-The sun was shining in all his brightness, and seemed to exult on
-beholding the fair isle, that, cheered by his smiles, was venturing to
-raise her lovely face from beneath its misty veil, no longer fearful of
-beholding the dark visage of Night, who, sullenly retreating from his
-glorious foe, had turned his louring brow on other daughters of the sea.
-The hill of Howth rose proudly from the bosom of the deep; and whilst
-its rocky sides, from age to age, beheld unmoved the fury of the
-sounding surge, the pointed summits of the distant Wicklow mountains
-courted the beams of morn and the dews of evening, ere they descended to
-visit the plains beneath. The bold promontory of Bray rushed to meet the
-foaming waves; and by its side the beautiful bay of Killina retreated
-from their half spent rage; whilst in the distant sky a darkened line of
-smoke pointed out the site of the fine city of Dublin. "Dear Ireland!"
-exclaimed Mrs. St. Orme, whilst the tear of feeling and the smile of joy
-struggled for mastery in her beaming eyes--"Oh! only those who have
-pined for their native land beneath a stranger sky, whose eye has been
-long unblessed by her loved face, whose ear has vainly paused to hear
-once again her kindly, though unpolished accents; who have held her--
-
-          'dear by every tie
-    Which binds us to our infancy,
-    By weeping Mem'ry's fondest claims,
-    By nature's holiest highest names;'
-
-can feel their souls moved to sympathy at the sight of her children's
-emotions, when they at last behold her cherished soil." Poor Adelaide!
-she felt the current of life retire from her chilled heart, as it was
-oppressed by the sad thought, that no revered parent or beloved sister
-would receive her in the arms of affectionate love, when she landed on
-the smiling shore, that spread before her sight. She gazed on the
-countless dwellings, that met her view, with a bitterness of sorrow that
-was faithfully depicted in her speaking countenance. In every mourner
-Mrs. St. Orme saw a friend; and understanding the nature of her
-companion's affliction, from a conversation she had the evening before
-with Colonel Desmond, she pressed her hand, saying in the kindest tones
-of benevolence, "You will find friends every where; in that hospitable
-land there are many warm hearts, to whom you will quickly be dear." The
-expression of Adelaide's gratitude, though mute, was eloquent, and she
-soon recovered herself sufficiently to answer, with apparent ease, the
-various inquiries put to her by Mr. St. Orme and Colonel Desmond, who
-now appeared to offer their services.
-
-About nine o'clock all was again commotion in the ship; many a strange
-figure might have been seen in the cabins below. Here Mr. Webberly,
-doffing his white cotton nightcap, and reeling on the floor, was cut
-short in the ecstasy of a yawn, and of an outstretched arm, and
-balancing opposite leg, by a return of the sickness, which had kept him
-below stairs all night, to Adelaide's great joy. There a fop was calmly
-settling his hat, so as to display the glossy curls, that were to appear
-below its edge, to the utmost advantage. Behind that white dimity
-curtain a lady is viewing herself in a pocket glass, and laments her
-bilious complexion; but quickly comforts herself with the reflection,
-that she can wear a veil, and in a day or two she shall be ten times
-fairer than ever. One gentleman is damning the steward for suffering his
-sea store to be demolished, who appeases him by saying he will give him
-another hamper to ransack. There is the wag of a mail coach, continuing
-his jokes with a fat cook, whose tongue has seldom ceased since they
-left London, in the endeavour to persuade every one she met that she was
-a lady of great consequence, and who literally talked all night, to the
-edification of the people in the cabin with her. An odd looking man is
-running about with a box of artificial flowers, tormenting every body,
-by asking if the custom-house officers will seize them; and to every
-reply rejoining, "I'll just give them a trifle, just a trifle. Do you
-think they'll search my night sack?" Lastly, the English Abigails loudly
-declare they shall die; and the Irish that they _will_ die, whilst in
-the intervals of sickness they endeavour to quiet a set of squalling
-children.
-
-When these motley groupes assembled on deck, it was agreed by most it
-would be much better to take boats to Dunleary, than to wait for the
-returning tide to land at the Pigeon House, which is the regular station
-appointed for the packets.
-
-Adelaide now offered her arm to Mrs. Sullivan, who had just ascended the
-cabin stairs in a rueful condition. Her face was indeed the emblem of
-"green and yellow melancholy." Somebody had done her the favour to sit
-upon her hat, and had bent its white plume in every direction; her
-habit was crumpled up in a thousand folds, and the queen of Otaheite
-herself could not have boasted of more feathers than adorned it in
-detached spots. Mr. Webberly, who accompanied his mother and sisters
-upon deck, as he looked at Adelaide's lovely face, blooming with the
-freshness of the sea air, said to himself, "Well, Miss Wildenheim must
-have his Majesty's patent in her pocket to be so beautiful, when all the
-other women look so bad. Sister Cilly is as ugly as old Mother Shipton
-this morning; and as for Meely, she's enough to frighten the crows. I
-wonder what business that Colonel Desmond has to talk to Miss Wildenheim
-so--he's too civil by half; I've a month's mind to tell him so; and how
-she does smile and show her white teeth at him. I see nothing so
-diverting about him, not I."
-
-"Jack!" said his mother, interrupting his reverie, "Miss Wildenheim has
-dissuaded me to go in that 'ere boat;--do get our band-boxes put in it.
-They say we mustn't take none of our trunks, neither one of the
-carriages. I suspect me they're playing tricks upon travellers; and if
-so be, I'll take the law of them as sure as my name's Hannah Silliwan.
-The ship may sail away with all our things afore ever we can send the
-constables after it.--They say the Irish are a sad set of rogues. I vish
-I vas safe back in Lunnon again."
-
-The party were soon summoned to the boat, and quickly reached the pier
-of Dunleary in safety. This place is merely a fishing village, chiefly
-inhabited by those amphibious animals called bathing women, whose
-appearance renders their sex nearly as dubious as their occupation makes
-it difficult to decide whether they mostly inhabit the land or the
-water. A crowd of these strange looking creatures assembled about the
-newly arrived ladies. Adelaide involuntarily shrunk from one of them,
-whose complexion was at least three shades darker than fashionable
-mahogany, who had but one furious black eye, and was of a stature that
-promised the power of carrying into execution the evil designs, which
-seemed painted in that eye. This woman's voice, when she spoke, was
-nearly as appalling as her aspect when silent; but yet she was perfectly
-harmless, and had never been known to injure any human being.--"Clear
-the way there, Moll Kelly! Don't you see you're putting the ladies all
-through other? Can't ye lend a hand to the spalpeen while you're doing
-nothing? Or do the t'other thing, and take yourself aff clane and
-clever?" said a good-natured looking man, who formed one of the crowd of
-idlers, who stood wrapped up in great coats (a hot day in June), with
-their backs propped against the pier, or the walls of the houses
-opposite to it. "It's myself that would be sore and sorry not to be
-agreeable to them. I just stepped down to take a peep at their sweet
-faces, God bless them!" said she. Adelaide, shocked at the repugnance
-her countenance had involuntarily expressed to this unoffending mortal;
-made the _amende honorable_ by slipping into her hand, as she passed
-close by, a piece of silver, accompanied by a smile of conciliation.
-"Och, its yourself that's the real quality;--and did ye look on the like
-of me, jewel?--I'm entirely obliged to your ladyship." A number of men
-now came up, saying, "I'll whip your honour up to Dublin in a crack."
-"Plase your honour, mine's the best going gingle on all the Black Rock
-road." "Arrah, hould your palaver, Barny," said a third; "didn't my
-Padderene mare beat the Bang-up coach to tatters the day Mr. Shorly
-broke his arm; when the gingle, for no rason in life, upset? The Lord
-spare him to his childer, poor gintleman." Colonel Desmond now came
-forward to explain what this might mean--namely, that there was no
-other conveyance to Dublin except the carriages he pointed out, which
-were sufficiently expeditious, and perfectly safe, if their drivers
-would not insist on running races with the stage coaches. Accordingly
-the party were stowed into these gingles, which more nearly resemble
-sociables in miniature than any other vehicle; but their backs, instead
-of being solid wood, are railed. They are totally uncushioned, and are
-drawn by one stout, though ill-conditioned horse. They soon struck into
-a very fine road, sufficiently broad to lead to a city twice the size of
-Dublin, on which numberless cars, carts, and carriages, of all
-descriptions, passed each other, without the smallest inconvenience,
-except from clouds of white dust, peculiarly distressing from the nature
-of the soil. The views on all sides were exquisite, combining the
-various beauties of marine and mountain scenery, ornamented with
-abundance of wood and an appearance of high cultivation. The peculiarly
-vivid green of the grass justified to our travellers the appellation of
-"the emerald isle," which Ireland has long possessed. They saw at a
-distance many beautiful seats; but were not a little diverted by the
-names of the diminutive villas which rose close to the road. Three
-houses, built in a row, had in large letters on their walls, _Anne's
-Hill_, Many _Vale_, and Ballynacleigh. A house was perched on a little
-mount, glorying in three lilacs and a laburnum; on its gate was engraved
-_Val ombrosa_. Another, with half an acre of ground and a single row of
-trees before the door, was called Wood Park: and they observed more than
-one Frescati and Marino. The proprietor of one of these abodes did not
-consider his house sufficiently near the road, though within a stone's
-throw, therefore had erected a brick and mortar building, the size and
-shape of a sentry box, resting on the wall which divided his domain from
-the road, so as to overhang it; and at the moment the gingles drove
-past, he was enjoying the delights of this "_happy rural seat of various
-view_" reading the newspapers in the moments he could spare from
-watching the company who drove by. Our travellers were much pleased with
-the regular and beautiful appearance of Dublin, as this entrance into it
-is not defaced by any mean hovels, the abode of squalid poverty, which
-are the too frequent preludes of many a magnificent capital. Entering at
-once into Bagot-street, which is handsome and well built, they drove
-through several fine streets and squares, caught a glimpse of some
-elegant public buildings, such as the college, the _ci-devant_
-parliament-house, and the rotunda, and at last stopped at Layton's
-hotel, in Sackville-street, which is inferior to few in London.
-
-And oh! the luxury of comfortable quiet rooms and beds, after being
-condemned to the turmoil of a Holyhead packet, and exposed to the
-dislocating powers of a Black Rock gingle! Our travellers retired at an
-early hour, to profit by these lately unknown comforts; and here,
-wishing them sound sleep and pleasant dreams, we bid them "good night."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI.
-
-    Ah! si mon coeur osoit encore se renflammer!
-    Ne sentirai-je plus de charme qui m'arrête?
-        Ai-je passé le temps d'aimer?
-
-    LA FONTAINE.
-
-
-When the ladies entered their breakfasting room the morning after their
-arrival in Dublin, they found it fragrant with the most delightful
-flowers; and the tables presented specimens of the finest fruits this
-city could boast of. Adelaide quickly recognized Colonel Desmond's
-habitual attention to the fair sex; whilst Mrs. Sullivan exclaimed, "A
-fine bill I'll varrant me for all these here kick-shaws:--I'll ring for
-the waiter to take them away." Her hand was on the bell, when Cecilia
-stopped her, by declaring she could eat nothing but fruit. "Who would
-have dreamt of seeing hot-house fruit in _Ireland_! Those flowers will
-keep me from fainting this hot day; don't send them away, mama:--unless
-I have every agreement you can procure me, I shan't be able to exist in
-the odious country you have dragged me over to." By this time Adelaide
-descried a note directed to herself on the breakfast table; the stalk of
-a _rose unique_ was slipped into it, and on the outside was written in
-pencil, "Herself a fairer flower." She smiled at the gallant colonel's
-compliment, and found her note contained a polite _congé_ from Mrs. St.
-Orme, who much regretted being obliged to leave Dublin at too early an
-hour to bid her adieu in person; but expressed a flattering wish, that
-an opportunity might occur for cultivating their further acquaintance.
-Adelaide, throwing down her note on the table as soon as she had read
-it, turned to examine the beautiful bouquets that adorned the flower
-stands; and every individual of the Webberly family took the
-opportunity of making themselves _au fait_ of its contents. Had they
-been caught in the fact, they would hardly have felt ashamed, for any
-thing short of a _letter_, their code of the laws of honour permitted
-them to peruse. "A _letter_ they would not read for the world"--when any
-body was looking at them!
-
-Breakfast was scarcely finished when Mrs. Sullivan's servant entered the
-room, to know if she was at home to Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan? An
-answer being given in the affirmative, they quickly made their
-appearance. Mr. Donolan was nephew by marriage to Colonel Desmond's
-elder brother; but though this connection made them sometimes associate
-together, they were as completely dissimilar in mind as they were in
-person. Mr. Donolan was, as Cecilia called him, "a very pretty man." His
-hand rivalled her own in whiteness; his hair was not less carefully cut,
-combed, and curled in the most becoming manner; and the fair Cecilia
-might have worn his delicate pink waistcoat and worked shirt collar, as
-elegant and suitable accompaniments to her riding-habit, without the
-most scrutinizing eye discovering they had ever formed a part of male
-attire. This Hibernian Jessamy was the only child of a wealthy Catholic
-merchant of Dublin: the youth being too precious to be exposed to the
-hardships of a school, was nurtured at home by an obsequious tutor and a
-doting mother, in the most inordinate vanity. That vivacity of mind,
-with which nature usually endows his countrymen, fell to his lot also;
-and had it been properly directed, might have procured him well-earned
-fame; but unfortunately it only served as an impetus to his self-love,
-in a never-ceasing career of egotism, which made him prefer the casual
-"_succès de société_," to the lasting benefit to be derived from
-solitary study. The reward of scholarship was of too tedious attainment
-for this impatient genius, who, without ceremony, dubbed himself a
-"_dilettante_," a title universally conceded to him by his Irish
-acquaintance, who took the liberty of quizzing him most unmercifully.
-Young Donolan did not fail to take advantage of the opportunity the
-general peace afforded for visiting the continent; he had there acquired
-a knowledge of the fine arts, which was just sufficient to enable him to
-interlard his conversation with those technical terms of
-connoisseurship, which, as "The Diversions of Purley" observe, commonly
-serve but as a veil to cover the ignorance of those who use them, and to
-privilege him to treat with sovereign contempt all the 'Aborigines of
-West Barbary,' as he most patriotically termed such of his countrymen
-and women, as had not redeemed the original sin of their birth, by at
-least a six week's visit to England or France. Mr. Donolan's manners
-corresponded to the double refined tone of his mind, (we are bound to
-apologize to him for using this term, as it betrays his father's
-_ci-devant_ trade of sugar-baking): he stood on the threshold of
-fashion, and finding he could never be admitted into the sanctuary of
-the _bona dea_, was content to copy from a distance those more
-conspicuous embellishments of the object of his adoration, which, being
-singled from the finer web on which they are originally engrafted by the
-mystery of art, become deformities when deprived of their connecting,
-though almost invisible thread; and, thus detached, start forward in
-unmeaning caricature. But so little was he conscious of his _outré_
-travesty "_du bel air_," that in the plenitude of his folly he had
-applied to himself Frederic the Great's description of the Prince de
-Salm: "Il est pétri de grâces; tous ses gestes sont d'une élégance
-recherchée; ses moindres paroles, des énigmes. Il discute et approfondit
-les bagatelles avec une dextérité infinie, et posséde la caste de
-l'empire du tendre, mieux que tous les Scuderi de l'univers[10]."
-
-[Footnote 10: He is saturated with graces! His every gesture is of
-refined elegance; his every word an enigma. He investigates and
-discusses trifles with infinite dexterity, and is more completely master
-of the etiquette of gallantry than all the Scuderies of the universe.]
-
-Mr. Donolan owed his introduction to our travellers to having
-accidentally met Colonel Desmond that morning at the Commercial
-Buildings in Dame-street; an elegant establishment, something of the
-nature of the Adelphi in London; and the place in the Irish capital
-where the wanderer is most likely to meet his acquaintances. In answer
-to some of Colonel Desmond's interrogatories, Mr. Donolan mentioned
-having just received a pressing invitation to visit Bogberry Hall, but
-that he was afraid it would not be in his power to visit Connaught this
-summer. "Certainly a journey there is a much more serious undertaking,
-than crossing the Alps was before we were indebted to Buonaparte for the
-Simplon road," replied Colonel Desmond laughing; "but you must some time
-or other be doomed to remain in this limbo for a short time. You had
-better encounter its apathetic powers now;--I am going to escort Mr.
-O'Sullivan's English connections to Ballinamoyle: perhaps they may
-enable you to support your penance with tolerable ease." "_Ah ma foi!
-maintenant c'est toute autre chose_, as the French say," replied Mr.
-Donolan: "I think I will visit my aunt. And you know," continued he,
-bowing to the exact angle which the upper part of the body of the most
-fashionable Parisian dancing-master forms with his lower, "more than one
-specimen of an accomplished gentleman will be necessary to convince the
-strangers, who have done our country the honour of visiting it, that
-there are some Irish not deserving the appellation of Goths and
-Vandals." "Really, my good fellow, you do me too much honour," replied
-Colonel Desmond; "only your modesty could induce you to place me on a
-par with yourself." "_Point de tout, mon cher, point de tout!_ You, like
-me, have had the advantage of travelling; nobody could suspect either of
-_us_ of being Irish." Provoked by this last observation, Colonel
-Desmond, as they left the coffee-house, hummed the air of the song which
-begins thus:--
-
-    "When Jacky Bull sets out for France,
-      The gosling you discover;
-    When taught to ride, to fence, to dance,
-      The finish'd goose comes over,
-    With his tierce and his quarte ça, ça,
-    And his cotillon so smart, O la!
-    He charms each female heart, ha! ha!
-      When Jacky returns from Dover."
-
-Perhaps the satirical expression of his countenance had not entirely
-passed away, when he introduced Mr. Felix Donolan to the ladies of the
-Webberly party, as an "amateur and connoisseur of the fine arts, and an
-adept in chemistry, mineralogy, botany, and craniology." Colonel Desmond
-begged to know how he might be of use to the travellers, either as
-regarded their stay in Dublin, or their journey to Ballinamoyle,
-reminding Mrs. Sullivan of the permission she had granted him the day
-before, to escort her thither, and requesting her leave to constitute
-Mr. Donolan another knight-errant in the service of the fair itinerants.
-
-Mr. Donolan's vanity acted in two ways regarding his country: it
-prompted him to use every _secret_ endeavour to make it appear in the
-best point of view to strangers, whilst it led him to assert his own
-superior refinement by pretending to despise it. He recollected that
-Irish posting was famous and infamous, but that an English tourist of
-much celebrity had spoken in high terms of the packet-boats on the
-canals which lead to the interior; he therefore strongly advised Mrs.
-Sullivan to proceed as far as she could by this mode of conveyance.
-Colonel Desmond said in reply, "I don't think, Felix, that method of
-travelling has any thing to recommend it, except its extreme cheapness."
-The two words, _extreme cheapness_, conveyed an argument to Mrs.
-Sullivan's ear, that was not to be refuted by the powers of the most
-able logician; therefore it was agreed, that the next day but one they
-should proceed in the manner Mr. Donolan advised. It was also settled,
-that the mean time should be spent in seeing as much of Dublin as they
-could; and Colonel Desmond left them to procure the Provost's permission
-to show them the college of Dublin to the best advantage, by introducing
-them to such parts of the library, &c., as he only can admit strangers
-to see. The _dilettante_ was highly delighted with the party. Mrs.
-Sullivan's cockney dialect he designated as "Anglicisms," and therefore
-much to be preferred to the most classical English, that could be
-conveyed to his ear, degraded by that peculiar accent of his country
-called the _brogue_. He was completely at a loss, whether most to admire
-Miss Cecilia Webberly's London airs, or Miss Wildenheim's foreign
-graces; and on leaving the room, said to himself, with the most affected
-tone and gesture imaginable,
-
-    "How happy could I be with either,
-    Were t'other dear charmer away!"
-
-Colonel Desmond, on his return, found the ladies and Mr. Webberly
-prepared to attend him to the college, where they proceeded on foot.
-This building stands in front of a small park, called the college
-gardens, appropriated to the students, who are in number about five
-hundred. The college presents a handsome front, of the Corinthian order,
-constructed with Portland stone, forming the base of a place of
-triangular form, named College Green, which, besides the edifice which
-designates it, boasts of the late beautiful Parliament House, that still
-continues to adorn the land it once benefited: _Stat magni nominis
-umbra_. The interior of Trinity College corresponds with its external
-elegance. The travellers visited the museum, the library, the chapel,
-the hall for examinations, and the provost's fine house and gardens. In
-the library they saw, with the compassion her name always excites, the
-hand-writing of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots, in a Sallust she
-gave her sons and read, with unmixed horror, a letter of her great
-grandson, James the second, commanding the cruelties of the siege of
-Londonderry. Colonel Desmond did not fail to point out the exquisite
-botanical drawings of the celebrated Anna Maria Schurman, and Quin's
-bequest, which, besides many other bibliothecal rarities, is supposed to
-contain the finest copy of Virgil extant. As the party passed through
-the college yard, they were much surprised at the extreme youth of some
-of the students, who seemed scarcely old enough to have reached the
-higher forms of a grammar school; and Colonel Desmond told them the
-remarkable fact, that a few years ago, two boys entered the college on
-the same day, one from the north of Ireland, of thirteen, the other from
-the south, of eleven years of age. The former had been, long before this
-period, fitted to enter on his academical course; but his father not
-being sufficiently rich to send him, he was, for a considerable time,
-usher at a grammar school, till a subscription was raised by the
-publication of his juvenile poems, which enabled him to enter Trinity
-college. After leaving the college, our party proceeded down Dame
-Street, so called from the monastery of St. Mary les Dames, founded in
-the year 1146, by Dermot M'Murrough, king of Leinster, which stood on
-this spot. Dame Street is the Bond Street of Dublin; and here, at
-least, that want of crowds and equipages, so melancholy in many parts of
-that city, more especially at this season of the year, is not
-perceptible. The multitude of beggars has long formed a prominent
-feature in the aspect of the Irish capital; and from their mouths the
-traveller generally receives his first impression of the energy of
-language possessed by the lower Irish. No unaccustomed ear can listen
-without emotion to the awful words in which they clothe their
-benedictions. Were they of as moving power in Heaven, as on earth, they
-would be cheaply purchased by the alms of the passing stranger. Our
-party met with many such petitioners, whose prayers were proffered in
-words too solemn to be here transcribed. A woman, who called herself
-"The gentle Eliza," was recorded never to have asked in vain; she seemed
-once to have filled a higher station, for her figure was elegant, and
-her voice soft and musical, though a dejection, verging on madness, was
-depicted in her countenance. She appealed first to the heart, and if
-there she knocked in vain, she successfully addressed the vanity of her
-hearers, in a strain of varied flattery. Her life was irreproachable,
-and her history unknown.
-
-Adelaide's attention was soon however diverted from this interesting
-object, by another of a very different description. A squalid looking
-woman, in the garments of extreme poverty, was leading her child by the
-hand, whose spotless skin, as white as snow, and its clean neat clothes,
-formed a surprising contrast to the mother's tattered filthy
-habiliments, Some hasty passenger knocked the poor infant
-down.--Adelaide raised it up, and as she beheld the countenance of a
-cherub, exclaimed, "What a beautiful creature!" The starving mother's
-mouth had opened to demand her charity, but her maternal pride made her
-forget her misery. "Troth, she is a beautiful cratur; she's the joy of
-my heart, and the light of my eyes; many's the long mile I've carried
-her, and thought it no toil; she makes me kindly welcome wherever I go;
-it was the Lord God sent her to me, an angel of comfort in my trouble:
-and may you never know trouble, dear; but my blessing, and the Lord's,
-be about you, when you get up, and when you lie down, and in your dying
-hour[11]." Adelaide felt her heart thrill within her, at this
-unpurchased benediction; she had scarcely given her all the silver in
-her purse, and less than she wished to bestow, when Colonel Desmond's
-sleeve was twitched by a venerable looking old gentleman, who begged to
-speak a word to him.--His countenance was uncommonly fine; he had
-
-          "The eye which tells
-    How much of mind within it dwells;"
-
-his reverend temples were adorned with the most beautiful flowing silver
-locks; his language and manners spoke the gentleman and the scholar;
-his threadbare coat alone told that he too was a mendicant! Colonel
-Desmond satisfied his usual demand of "Will you lend me a guinea?"
-without looking up to behold the blush that crimsoned his aged cheek;
-and with no other commentary than a deep sigh, rejoined his party.
-
-[Footnote 11: _Verbatim._]
-
-This unfortunate man was of a respectable English family: in his youth
-he had embraced the clerical profession, and was one of the most
-eloquent preachers of his day; persuasion hung upon his lips; but, as
-has been said of individuals of his sacred order, he served only as a
-finger-post, to point out to others the path he did not tread himself.
-His talents and his interest procured him considerable church preferment
-in Ireland, which his extravagance and bad conduct ere long deprived him
-of. After spending some years in a prison, he repaired to the Irish
-capital, to live from day to day by any expedient that might occur.
-Here he partly supported himself, by being what is called in Ireland a
-"buckle-beggar," that is, a clergyman who solemnizes irregular
-marriages; partly by begging, under the pretence of borrowing, from any
-acquaintance he might happen to meet. He was now old and infirm, and
-would, five days out of six, have wanted a dinner, but that one of his
-former friends, who had, in better days, partaken of the charms of his
-wit at his hospitable board, most humanely requested him, in his decay
-of fortune and intellect, to share, at his table, a meal he could not
-otherwise have procured.
-
-When the ladies were tired of their promenade, they returned towards
-their hotel. As Mr. Donolan took care of both the Miss Webberlys,
-Colonel Desmond could not do less than offer his arm to Mrs. Sullivan,
-Adelaide therefore was obliged to prefer the disagreeable necessity of
-accepting Mr. Webberly's, to the more flattering prudery of declining
-it: thus honoured, he walked along in triumph, looking from side to
-side, to see who admired his lovely charge, and anticipating the moment
-when she would be wholly and solely his. The _dilettante_, as they
-passed under the admired portico of the House of Commons, took the
-delightful opportunity of expatiating on the "_cyma recta_," and "_cyma
-reversa_," in an architectural combat with Miss Webberly, in which she
-met his triglyphs and metopes, with toruses, astragals, and plinths;
-whilst Cecilia much enjoyed their loud talking, as it attracted the eyes
-of numerous gentlemen to herself, who seldom failed to pass some audible
-encomium on her beauty as they walked by. Mrs. Sullivan, mentally
-lamenting the expenditure she had, in the course of their walk, made in
-_charity_, feelingly inquired of Colonel Desmond, if there were no
-asylums allotted to the poor in Dublin? "I believe, my dear madam,"
-replied he, "no city, of the same size and wealth, is better provided
-with charitable establishments; but our poor have an unconquerable
-aversion to avail themselves of the relief thus afforded. As I went
-towards the Commercial Buildings this morning, I met a remarkably fine
-young man, who demanded alms; I remonstrated with him, and told him,
-what I supposed him ignorant of, that employment for every artisan in
-want was supplied at the House of Industry; he indignantly
-replied,--'It's myself that knows that right well! is it a dacent
-cratur, like me, you'd send to the House of Industry? Civil words eat no
-bread; and if you keep your charity, don't demane me by making a pauper
-of me!'"--Thus conversing, they reached the hotel.
-
-Adelaide was not a little pleased to see Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan
-join their circle at dinner. In the evening they were entertained with a
-variety of itinerant musicians, whom the former collected from all
-quarters of the town for their amusement.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's stay in Dublin was too short to admit of her party
-visiting more of its public buildings; but the following day they
-repaired to the fine botanical gardens in its neighbourhood; and ended
-their morning excursion by driving through the Phoenix Park.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVII.
-
-        Pray now, the news?
-    You've made fair work, I fear me: pray, your news?
-
-    CORIOLANUS.
-
-
-Mrs. Sullivan had agreed to leave Dublin in that packet boat which
-proceeds westward, at nine o'clock in the morning, and which would take
-her party to the Canal Inn to sleep, the same night: they were to spend
-the second at some convenient resting place on the borders of Connaught,
-and early on the morning of the third day expected to reach
-Ballinamoyle.
-
-Adelaide had employed herself the evening previous to their departure,
-in writing Mrs. Temple an account of all she had seen worthy of remark
-in the Irish capital, not forgetting to make honourable mention of her
-friend Colonel Desmond. This letter was written in much better spirits
-than the one she had sent from Shrewsbury by Lamotte; and when it
-reached Mrs. Temple, she was as much gratified by observing this
-circumstance, as by the tone of affectionate gratitude towards herself
-and her husband, which pervaded it throughout.
-
-At half past nine o'clock the bustle of leaving Dublin had completely
-subsided, and the party assembled on the deck of the packet boat had
-full leisure to view each other, and the surrounding country. As they
-passed slowly along, one fine seat after another presented itself to
-their eyes. The country being, hereabouts, principally laid out in
-parks, lawns, and plantations; that want of wood is not felt for the
-first twenty miles from Dublin, in this direction, which renders a large
-proportion of Ireland so desolate to an eye accustomed to woodland
-scenery. The boat was towed along by two stout horses; but the poor
-animals were scarcely equal to the laborious task assigned them, and
-went sideling along in a manner most painful to a humane eye to see.
-They were driven by giddy boys, and some faint hearts on board quaked
-lest any accident should occur from their carelessness. Passing the
-locks is by no means a pleasant operation: you are shut up for a few
-minutes between massive stonewalls, with a watery abyss beneath, which
-seems to threaten to swallow you up; and one or other of your fellow
-passengers is sure to take that opportunity of informing you, that a
-packet boat was once upset passing a lock, that every soul on board
-perished, by a variety of deaths, more or less horrible, according to
-the vivacity of the imagination which the relater may happen to possess.
-The bell which announces the arrival of the packet boat at the places
-appointed for changing horses, assembles every individual within reach
-of its sound, who can accomplish reaching the spot ere its departure.
-Men, women, and children, of all descriptions, throng to gaze at the
-passengers, and inquire the news from Dublin. Here are to be seen the
-landlord, the physician, and the curate of the district, debating the
-politics of the day. Some passenger gives them the newspapers, or reads
-an extract from a pamphlet just come out, or relates rumours in direct
-contradiction to those they heard the day before, which however reign
-with unquestioned credit, till the next diurnal importation of lies
-reaches them, which banish, in turn, their ephemeral predecessors, and
-are themselves dispossessed of their authority by as short-lived
-usurpers.
-
-Colonel Desmond, as our party passed along, pointed out every thing
-worthy of notice. He was an excellent _cicerone_, and there were few
-questions asked he could not satisfactorily answer. Mrs. Sullivan was
-much delighted with the good natured attention he paid her, partly from
-his natural urbanity, partly from his regard for Adelaide, and for his
-deceased friend, whose widow and child he could not see without wishing
-to serve them.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, looking on him quite as a friend, made him the confidant
-of her suspicions regarding Miss Wildenheim's birth, which she had
-resolved to keep secret in Ireland, lest they should tempt her
-brother-in-law to bequeath any part of his fortune from Caroline. In
-answer to a long string of interrogatories, respecting her late
-husband's life abroad, Colonel Desmond laughingly replied, "I really
-can't affirm that poor Maurice was always immaculate, but he certainly
-was guiltless of the sin of giving birth to this angelic girl. And I
-must, as a friend, inform you, that his brother would more easily pardon
-his presenting to him a dozen such claimants to multiply his name, than
-you for taking a single letter from it: if you don't call your daughter
-Miss O--Sullivan, she will never possess an acre of the Ballinamoyle
-estate, which, I assure you, is well worth having, though it should
-entail the ugliest name in the world." Mrs. Sullivan thanked him; and,
-profiting by the hint, there was such a practising of the most pathetic
-of interjections that day, that a stranger might have supposed, some
-half dozen of the party were in the last agonies; or that they were a
-set of strolling comedians, rehearsing for a tragedy, whereas they were
-only getting up the farce, which was to be played at Ballinamoyle.
-
-The Miss Webberlys were as much pleased with Mr. Donolan as their mother
-was with Colonel Desmond. He was the first gentleman they had ever
-associated with, in Adelaide's company, who did not prefer her to them.
-The _dilettante_, a few degrees higher than Mr. Webberly in the scale of
-intellect, appreciated Miss Wildenheim's merits sufficiently to dread
-the use she might make of her talents; he felt her superiority, though
-he did not confess, even to himself, that he did so: it is true, she
-listened to him, when he spoke, with extreme politeness, but her replies
-betrayed no sister vanity, that encouraged him to display his own.
-Besides, she was better acquainted with the continent than himself,
-therefore he could not hope to astonish her by his relations of the
-wonders of foreign parts. He therefore transferred all his attentions to
-the Miss Webberlys, paying them the most exaggerated compliments, which
-they received as unblushingly as he bestowed. When he, for instance,
-called the one Venus and the other Minerva, Amelia said in reply, "Now,
-if Juno had but black hair, Miss Wildenheim there (pointing to Adelaide)
-would do for her; and then we'd be the three Graces!!!" Colonel Desmond
-having sufficiently paid his devoirs to Mrs. Sullivan, left her in
-earnest conversation with a woman, not more elegant in appearance than
-herself, who was entertaining her with an enumeration of the titled
-guests she received at her house, whilst at every high sounding name
-Mrs. Sullivan's reverence, and her companion's consequence, visibly
-increased. Adelaide's friend, happy to be thus released, seated himself
-beside her, and entered into conversation immediately. Mr. Webberly, who
-had exhausted all the tender speeches he had conned for that morning,
-was standing near her in total silence:
-
-    "His eye, in a fine stupor caught,
-    Implied a plenteous lack of thought;
-    And not one line his whole face seen in,
-    That could be justly charg'd with meaning."
-
-Notwithstanding he was so much displeased at Colonel Desmond's thus
-engrossing the object of his _speechless_ passion, that, unable to bear
-the odious sight of his rival, he repaired to another part of the boat,
-to listen to some young Irishmen, who were canvassing the conduct of
-ministry with more warmth than wisdom. Colonel Desmond and Adelaide
-rapidly passed from one subject to another: in the course of their
-conversation he abruptly asked her what she thought of young Donolan?
-She blushed deeply, and he saw her meek brow bend to chide the arch
-smile that seemed to bid her lips pronounce words partaking of its own
-nature.--"Come, come," said he, as she hesitated to reply, "out with it
-Adel--Miss Wildenheim I mean: you were not always so prudent, but used
-to trust the friend of your infancy with the first thoughts that rose in
-your mind, without considering and reconsidering them; I am afraid your
-residence in England has made you very reserved." "Indeed you mistake
-me, Colonel Desmond," she replied: "the fact is, I am almost as much
-ashamed to acknowledge any inclination to satire to myself as to you. If
-I were once to give way to that propensity, I have so many provocatives
-to indulge it in my present companions, I should never afterwards get
-rid of the habit; and no heart or understanding can long withstand the
-destroying powers of a love of ridicule. If you would permit me to
-parody Shakspeare, I would say that the spirit of personal satire 'Is
-indeed twice curs'd:' it often abashes the modesty of worth, and
-paralyses the energy of genius; but oh! how surely does it, with tenfold
-sterility, blast every generous feeling in the mind it inhabits--first
-destroying integrity, for no retailer of bon-mots and ludicrous
-narrations will long respect the rigid exactitude of truth; then the
-feelings of benevolence fall its sacrifice; and finally, it perverts the
-understanding, which, having exercised itself more willingly in
-detecting absurdity than in discovering truth, soon becomes incapable of
-relishing any serious reflection; and thus this fatal talent, like the
-flame which dazzles our eyes by its vivid lustre, ends by consuming the
-substance from which it derived its brilliancy."
-
-"And pray, may I ask," said Colonel Desmond, with an arch, incredulous
-smile, "how happens it that your present theory and former practice
-differ so widely? You surely never could have suffered in your own
-person from the effects of satire; no understanding could be so inept,
-no heart so cold, as to aim at _you_ the shafts of ridicule; to what
-cause am I indebted for this eloquent tirade?" "I have indeed," replied
-Adelaide, blushing no less at his encomiums than at the confession she
-was about to make, "suffered severely from the effects of satire: those
-'Best can paint them who shall feel them most.' You may remember, that
-very early in life I was suffered to be present at those assemblies of
-literary characters, who used to meet in my happy home at Vienna." Here
-she sighed, and paused for an instant, then repressing the starting
-tear, continued, "Incapable of appreciating their merit, or
-understanding their conversation, I was fully alive to the
-peculiarities of their manners, so different from the model of refined
-elegance I had daily before my eyes. Somehow the frank _étourderie_ of
-my remarks amused; and the smiling pardon, that was granted to the folly
-of a mere child, I mistook for an applause bestowed on wit. My first
-sallies proceeded from the gaiety of a guileless heart, accustomed to
-express every idea as it rose to the most indulgent parent and partial
-friend; but, as I grew older, a _besoin de briller_ seized me, and I was
-on the point of becoming one of that despicable class, who, while they
-importune the goodness of Heaven for their daily bread, apply no less
-earnestly to the weaknesses of their best friends for their daily
-sarcasm, and rejoice more on finding one foible than ninety-nine good
-qualities; when my enlightened monitor awakened me to a sense of my
-danger. And now may I pronounce you _au fait_ of the cause to which you
-are indebted for my 'eloquent tirade' against satire?"
-
-"If you don't convince," said Colonel Desmond, "you at least persuade:
-but, you know, there is no general rule without exception; so do be
-ill-natured for once, and let me know what you were thinking of Felix,
-when I detected those tell-tale smiles." "Well then," said she, "since I
-must satisfy you, I will at least only be satirical at second-hand, and
-answer you in the words of Mondon,
-
-    Adolescent qui s'érige en barbon,
-    Jeune écolier qui vous parle en Caton,
-    Est en mon sens un animal bernable:
-    Et j'aime mieux l'air fou, que l'air capable;
-    Il est trop fat.[12]"
-
-[Footnote 12:
-
-    ----I despise
-    A beardless censor, that with Cato's frown,
-    Assumes the pedant in a scholar's gown:
-    Mere vacant folly, void of all pretence,
-    Is sure less hateful than affected sense;
-    He is too vain.
-]
-
-"_A propos des fous_," replied Colonel Desmond, taking advantage of that
-language in which so much can be conveyed to the mind without shocking
-the ear, "_ce Monsieur la_," looking towards Mr. Webberly, "_est
-amoureux--cela ce peut bien; mais Mademoiselle est elle amoureuse?_"
-"_Ah! Dieu l'en garde!_"[13] exclaimed Adelaide, with unfeigned horror,
-involuntarily raising her hands, lowering her brows, and throwing back
-her head. "_Tant mieux!_ then I will act the part of Wall in this new
-tragi-comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe; Pyramus shall truly say, '_O! wicked
-wall, through whom I see no bliss_,' and will perhaps find our
-entertainment '_Very tragical mirth_.'" Colonel Desmond faithfully kept
-the promise thus conveyed; and, when present, completely shielded
-Adelaide from Mr. Webberly's conceited love, and thus saved her the
-trouble of standing on the defensive herself. And though the captivating
-youth would willingly have sent his rival, like the pious Æneas, to
-visit his father in the realms below; yet such was the unwilling respect
-that rival's manners extorted, that he never presumed openly to manifest
-his real sentiments. All this time Caroline had been sitting at
-Adelaide's feet on one of the small packages, dressing and undressing a
-huge wax doll, which was her usual travelling companion, and
-occasionally reading to it the "Memoirs of Dick the Pony," which her
-indulgent friend had bought for her in Dublin. Colonel Desmond was
-delightedly listening to her gay laugh, and watching her infantine
-merriment, when her mother called her over, in order to display her
-beauty to the obsequious acquaintance she was so much pleased with, who
-had been profuse in Caroline's praise. As the little girl skipped
-along, with the favourite doll closely pressed to her innocent heart by
-one hand, and the open book in the other, her eyes dancing with delight
-at the thoughts of Dick's adventures, he said to Miss Wildenheim, "I am
-surprised to see how little Mrs. Sullivan notices that charming child;
-every body but you seems to treat her with absolute unkindness." "I
-assure you," replied she, "you do Mrs. Sullivan great injustice; she
-does not behave _unkindly_ to Caroline, though certainly she is not too
-prodigal of her caresses to the dear infant. I have heard this
-indifference is not uncommon towards the offspring of second marriages.
-I really believe some people's affections are of the oyster kind,
-sticking through life to the spot they were first deposited on, without
-ever having exercised the smallest volition in the affair." "I beg,"
-said he, laughing, "that when you undertake to give my character in
-short hand, you will recollect that 'No heart or understanding can long
-withstand the destroying powers of a love of ridicule.'" "Thank you for
-the memento," she replied, with one of her sweetest smiles; "the habit I
-deprecate gains strength but too quickly."
-
-[Footnote 13: "A propos to fools; that gentleman is in love--that is not
-very surprising; but is the fair lady equally enamoured?"
-
-"Oh! Heaven forbid!"]
-
-Colonel Desmond now pointed out to Adelaide's notice the hill of Allen,
-from whence the bog so called takes its appellation. The English name of
-"Isle of Allen" is only a corruption of the Irish _Hy alain_, that is,
-the district of the great plain country. This bog contains three hundred
-thousand acres, extending through parts of the King's and Queen's
-counties, and those of Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Roscommon, Galway, and
-Tipperary. The hill of Allen, according to the traditions of the
-country, is the scene of action of Ossian's poem of Temora. On the south
-declivity of the hill is said to be the cave where Oscar's body was laid
-immediately after his death, over which his faithful dog Bran watched,
-as so beautifully described by the poet. A few feet from the front of
-the cave is a well, sacred to his manes, which is still much frequented
-by pilgrims: on the same declivity is the tomb of the hero, marked by
-one gray stone: through the valley below runs the rivulet, near which
-the battle was fought in which he lost his life; and to the west of the
-cave is seen the extensive plain of Molena, in the King's county, from
-which rises the ancient Cromla, now called Croan Hill. Colonel Desmond
-produced a beautiful edition of Ossian he had bought for his niece Miss
-Desmond, and reading parts of Temora, pointed out these coincidencies to
-Adelaide; who, when he had done, begged to look at the volume, and
-happening to turn to the episode of Oithona, read the following passage
-with no common interest: "_Why camest thou over the dark blue waves to
-Nuath's mournful daughter? Why did I not pass away in secret, like the
-flower of the rock, that lifts its fair head unseen, and strews its
-withered leaves on the blast?_" As he marked the altered hue and
-mournful expression of her angelic countenance, he accused himself of
-cruel thoughtlessness in having raised painful associations in her mind;
-now recollecting, that though Baron Wildenheim never spoke the language,
-yet he was well acquainted with English literature, and that Ossian was
-his favourite poet, whose sombre images peculiarly accorded with the
-dark melancholy that seemed to overshadow his soul. "Happy the man,"
-thought Desmond, as he gazed on Adelaide, "who shall dry the tears I see
-from time to time rise in those beautiful eyes! How different is she now
-from what she was at Vienna! Then her brilliant charms dazzled the eye
-and the mind; but though her youthful bloom and her playful vivacity
-seem to have been laid in her father's grave, yet she is more lovely
-than ever: she is, as Ossian says in the poem she has now turned to,
-'Like a spirit of Heaven half-folded in the skirt of a cloud.'"
-
-A summons to dinner now assembled together below all the front cabin
-passengers, and there was collected together such a groupe as none of
-the young ladies had ever before seen, but which is to be met with at
-any stage-coach dinner. Mrs. Sullivan and her new friend laboured to
-outvie each other in airs of consequence, whilst some would-be beaux put
-their gallantry on active service, to be overpoweringly civil to the
-ladies in general, and to Cecilia Webberly and Miss Wildenheim in
-particular. One little smirking man was peculiarly sweet upon Adelaide,
-watching each word she spoke, and helping her to every thing she even
-looked near. When she first applied to Colonel Desmond, who sat next
-her, for the salt cellar, her inamorato seized the only one within
-reach, and presenting it to her, said with a facetious grin, as he
-leaned across Desmond with his chin projecting six inches out of his
-well-tied cravat, "Excuse me for not helping you to it, Miss; it's the
-only service you could require I would not with all the pleasure in life
-perform, but should be loath for us to quarrel; they say salt is very
-unlucky in parting friends." At the moment in which she bowed her thanks
-to this dapper wight, a very tall man stood up to help himself to
-something at the extreme end of the table from that where he was placed:
-somehow his foot slipped, he reeled a few paces back, and, in his
-retreat, effectually stopped Mrs. Sullivan's mouth with his elbow, who
-had just opened it to its utmost extension, in the endeavour to raise
-her dignity to a par with that of her companion, who the instant before
-asserted "She had every thing in the highest style at her house, and
-hoped to have the pleasure of seeing her there soon;" her auditor, in
-emulation, was just proceeding to vaunt the glories of Webberly House,
-when the thread of her discourse was broken off in the unexpected manner
-just mentioned.
-
-The moment the cloth was removed, the ladies made their escape from the
-cabin, Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "My ocular faculties can't stand the
-smell of the hung beef, and the cabbage, and the mutton, and the
-blacking, not to disparage the gentlemen's boots; and except that fat
-lady in the yellow poplin pelisse and blue satin bonnet, they are all
-such low-lived people as I never see'd before in my born days." Her
-"ocular faculties," (by which we rather suppose she meant the "olfactory
-nerves," which Miss Webberly had remarked to the _dilettante_ at dinner
-"were much offended by the hydrogen and ammonia emitted from the
-viands," in order to tally with his scientific recommendation of
-"carbonic acid gas, in the shape of bottled porter,") were, however, not
-much better off above than below. The smoke of the fire by which the
-dinner had been dressed filled all the deck; the servants were at their
-meal in the second cabin, from whence proceeded another edition of the
-beef and cabbage, et cetera, with the addition of the fumes of tobacco
-and whisky punch. Adelaide's admirer presently appeared on deck, bearing
-a great jug in one hand and a glass in the other: he addressed her
-saying, "I have brought you some real ladies' punch, sweet to your
-heart's content, and strong enough by Jasus to make any man in the
-packet drunk, if he would only take enough of it." In vain Adelaide
-declined the cup her Ganymede presented. "Don't be dashed," reiterated
-he; "it won't do you a ha'porth of harm: a good beginning makes a good
-ending. If you'll only set the example, I'll be bound to say all the
-ladies will keep you in countenance. It's the true Inisowen, I'll take
-my Davy it is?" "The true Inisowen" is a sort of smoked whisky, whose
-smell is the most horridly sickening thing that can be fancied to those
-unaccustomed to it. Adelaide found it quite overcoming, but luckily
-espying Colonel Desmond ascending the ladder signed to him to come to
-her relief, and when he obeyed, said, "Will you have the goodness to
-assure this polite gentleman, I am no lover of ladies' punch?" so
-saying, she removed to another part of the deck, to escape the odour of
-the "true Inisowen." The disappointed youth retreated on Colonel
-Desmond's remonstrance, saying, "No offence I hope, sir, to you nor the
-lady neither:" and, as he went down below, muttered, "With all her
-delicate airs, by my conscience if she was behind the cabin door she'd
-take a _good_ swig of it."
-
-The travellers had now fairly entered on the dreary bog of Allen. No
-human form or habitation met their sight. Its only vegetable productions
-were a little heath, sedgy grass, or bog myrtle, which were crossed here
-and there by a half-starved cow or sheep; but they sometimes proceeded
-miles without even seeing one of these, to remind them that the world
-contained other living beings besides those in the boat. The road seemed
-to shake as the horses passed over this
-
-    "Boggy Syrtis, neither sea
-    Nor good dry land;"
-
-and they almost feared that the breaking of the thin stratum of earth,
-that seemed to separate the waters above from the waters below, might
-precipitate them
-
-          "Into this wild abyss,
-    The womb of nature, and perhaps her grave,
-    Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
-    But all these in their pregnant causes mix'd
-    Confusedly----"
-
-Their passage through this dismal region seemed intolerably slow, as no
-object marked their progress, but one unbroken sea of black lifeless
-matter encompassed them on every side, from which the eye perceived no
-escape. When the sun set, the heavens, like the earth, seemed dark and
-uninhabited; no cloud travelled over its gloomy face, but one even fall
-of misling rain made the aspect of the ethereal regions as unvaried as
-that of the land they overhung. The passengers long looked in vain to
-leave this abode of desolation,--
-
-    "Where wilds, immeasurably spread,
-    Seem length'ning as you go."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVIII.
-
-    Lights! more lights! more lights!
-
-    TIMON OF ATHENS.
-
-
-These words were a joyful sound to our travellers, as with delighted
-steps they once more trod on terra firma, on their way to the door of
-the Canal Inn, where stood a slatternly dressed woman, shading a
-miserable candle with her hand (in default of a lantern.) It was pitch
-dark, more from the cloudiness of the night than the lateness of the
-hour: and a considerable time elapsed before the vociferous demand for
-lights was answered. In the mean time a universal uproar arose between
-the passengers, the people belonging to the boat and the inn, and those
-assembled to be listeners, for they could not be called spectators in
-the total darkness. Portmanteaux, trunks, bags, bundles, and bandboxes,
-were missent and scuffled for without end. At last "Order, Heaven's
-first law," and the prime cheerer Light, "of all material beings first
-and best," made their appearance together, and the Webberly party
-entered this cold comfortless inn. It had been built by an English
-speculator, who ruined himself in the project, and remains very nearly
-as he left it, the walls unpapered, the floors uncarpeted; the only
-change it has undergone since he was its proprietor being the breaking
-of the bell-wires and the spoiling of the locks. Two or three women
-serve in the double capacity of chambermaids and waiters. Each room
-shows that it once had a bell; but you are soon fatally convinced, that,
-to procure any thing you want, you must trust to vocal exertions alone.
-To the never-ceasing cry of "Waiter! Chambermaid!" the answer is
-something similar to the following, which assailed our travellers' ears
-soon after their entrance:--"Arrah an't I go--ing? sure I'm going! Sweet
-Jasus presarve me! I can't answer all the quality at oncest. Molly here,
-and Molly there, and Molly every where; my brain's moidered, so it is.
-Och! Mollying on ye, an't I going?" Mrs. Sullivan's servant, provoked at
-this harangue, thundered out, "You're always go--in;--I don't want you
-to go; can't you _come_ for once and be damned to you?"
-
-At last, after considerable delay, Molly procured our chilled party a
-turf fire and tea; but the water it was made with was so smoked, they
-could hardly taste it, and their patience underwent a second trial,
-waiting for a fresh supply. As Molly left the room, after bringing them
-this second edition, she muttered to herself, "A pretty lady that, with
-the brown peepers, and soft spoken too; if it wasn't for her, the devil
-a foot I'd go near one of them to-night. By the holy sticks, my
-mistress must get another maid. I can't be at every one's becks and
-commands; and then it's the worst word in their cheek after all."
-
-Our weary party retired to their rooms as soon as they could accomplish
-having their apartments prepared, and had just fallen into a sound sleep
-when they were roused by a violent ringing of an immense bell. "Oh Lord
-have mercy on me!" shuddered out Mrs. Sullivan: "I thought we should
-have foundered in that 'ere melancholic bog, but now we're a going to
-perish by fire." A general rencontre in night-caps and dressing-gowns
-took place in the lobby. Again Molly's shrill voice was heard screaming
-out, "What a botheration you all keep! be aff to your beds wid ye.
-Might'n ye be after knowing it was only the up country boat coming in?"
-Molly's advice was immediately followed; but it was long before the
-house was quieted from the disturbance occasioned by the fresh arrival.
-Two hours after another boat came in with equal commotion, and the inn
-was but a short time silent from this new disturbance, when the warning
-bell rung for the packet to proceed, in which the Webberly family had
-come from Dublin. Many a female started up on hearing Boots enter her
-room by mistake, for that of some male passenger he had promised to
-call; and he as quickly retreated over the frail barricade of boxes and
-chairs she had placed against the door, to supply the place of key or
-bolt. To sleep was now impossible, therefore all our party got up:
-though Mrs. Sullivan the evening before had declared, she wouldn't go in
-a canal boat again not for St. Peter nor St. Paul. The Irish are perhaps
-the most noisy people in the world; the din of tongues on such occasions
-as the present, can better be fancied than described--every man
-committing his own business to the charge of some other person, and
-turning his particular attention to directing that of his neighbour.
-
-The gentlemen, on looking out of the windows, saw many a comical figure
-issue from the house, some in Welsh wigs, some in red night-caps. Mrs.
-Sullivan's friend, of the blue satin hat and yellow poplin pelisse, now
-showed her jolly face, decked with numerous papillotes from beneath a
-fur cap, and her expansive shoulders wrapped in a scarlet cloak, her
-finery in her hand, as she had but a few miles to go ere she reached
-home.
-
-Molly returned to her general good humour this morning, having few
-guests to attend to besides Mrs. Sullivan's family; and, to make up for
-her ill temper the night before, was particularly attentive, providing
-them with unsmoked water for their tea, and with bread, butter, eggs,
-and cream, of the best quality. They did not fail to profit by her
-care; and having made an excellent repast, prepared to recommence their
-journey. Mrs. O'Sullivan, as she now called herself, offered Colonel
-Desmond and Mr. Donolan seats in her carriages, which had arrived that
-morning from Dublin, from whence they had been sent two days before.
-These two gentleman accepting this accommodation, Caroline was consigned
-to the care of the maids, to make room for the dilettante in the
-barouche, Colonel Desmond taking the place of the servant on the driving
-seat.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan vainly attempted to practise towards the lower Irish the
-"genteel economy" she had so successfully carried into effect in Wales.
-The dexterous Hibernians, either by flattering or wounding her pride,
-contrived to draw forth, _bon gré mal gré_, the money out of her
-pockets. As she was walking out of the Canal Inn, Molly ran after her,
-saying, "May I make bould to spake a word to your Ladyship?" At the
-word _Ladyship_, Mrs. Sullivan turned round. "You've made a small
-mistake, madam; it was tree tirteens (three shillings) you intended to
-bestow me, and its tree testers (three sixpences) I've got." "No mistake
-at all, my good girl." "Och! put your hand in your purse, and you'll see
-I'm right. Grand quality like you always gives me tree tirteens: my Lady
-Glenora always bestows it me every time she comes forenenst me." "Are
-you sure that's true?" "Arrah where did you ever hear that Molly
-Cavanagh tould a lie? May the breakfast I'm after eating be my poison,
-and the devil blow me, if it isn't as right as my leg." Mrs. Sullivan,
-that she might exceed Lady Glenora, gave her three and sixpence. Molly
-now tapped Adelaide on the shoulder, and presented her with a beautiful
-nosegay she had pulled from the inn gardens; but when she saw her
-proceeding to open her purse, laying her hand on her arm, she stopped
-her, saying with a half reproachful look of sorrow, "Is it _you_ that's
-going to affront poor Molly? You're under no compliment to me at all.
-You gave me entirely too much before. I'll warrant me you're a grand
-lady when you're at home. You're as beautiful and as sweet as the posy
-yourself; and may your pretty brown eyes never look but on a friend, I
-pray God!" Adelaide, with one of her most charming smiles, and in the
-sweetest tone of her dulcet voice, thanked Molly for her good will; and
-as she stepped into the carriage thought to herself, "How my heart would
-ache, to see the kindness of these warm-hearted people treated with the
-scorn I fear is too often the only return it meets!" Colonel Desmond,
-directing the drivers to take that road which would most quickly lead
-them out of the bog of Allen, in a short time they got into a rich and
-beautiful country, and their ears were gratified by hearing the carriage
-wheels rattle against good hard stones. They had not long proceeded on
-this road, when their progress was impeded by a barricade of cars drawn
-across it, and a number of men immediately surrounded the carriages.
-Mrs. Sullivan, terrified to death, said in a very low voice, "They're
-going to rob and murder us;--what horrid looking creturs they be!" "They
-can have no such intention in broad day-light, my dear madam," whispered
-Adelaide. "Do look at them again; I assure you they seem perfectly good
-natured." One of the men, hat in hand, now stepped before the rest,
-saying, "Mending roads is dry work, your honours, this hot day; be
-pleased to give the poor boys something to drink." Shillings and
-sixpences were thrown to them in profusion. "Success to your cattle and
-carriage! Long life and a happy death to your honours!" resounded from
-all sides; and when the cars were removed, the hurraing setting the
-horses off in a full gallop, it was some time before the drivers could
-restrain them to a proper pace. About half an hour after this adventure,
-a stout but strange looking man, without stockings or shoes, though
-otherwise well clad, darted out of a house at the side of the road, and,
-without uttering a single syllable, ran beside the carriage for some
-miles. Mrs. Sullivan was again alarmed, supposing him to be the scout of
-robbers she expected to see start up from behind every stone or turf
-fence. Her fears were quieted by being told he was what in Ireland
-called "an innocent;" that is, a _knave_ too idle to labour, who
-lives--not by his wits--but by pretending he has none. The profession of
-_idiotism_ is one that always secures its followers a good maintenance
-in this country, and is considered by no means disreputable. Some one of
-this brotherhood frequents almost every high road, keeping up in this
-manner with the mail coaches and other carriages, till his strength,
-which appears miraculous, is exhausted, or till his extended hat has
-received money sufficient to satisfy him.
-
-All the rest of the day the cavalcade proceeded most prosperously,
-through a rich and populous country, seeing ugly or pretty towns, and
-stopping at good or bad inns. At one of their earliest stages, Mrs.
-Sullivan was much provoked to recognize in the landlady her packet-boat
-friend, who asked her, with a self-conceited simper, if she had said a
-word too much for her house. In the course of the evening they entered
-Connaught, when the scenery gradually became more wild and romantic,
-with bold masses of rock, and beautiful sheets of water, called in the
-country loughs.
-
-Mr. Donolan did not fail to profit by the opportunity, which being shut
-up in the carriage with Cecilia Webberly afforded him, of making the
-most sentimental love to her that was possible; though he was far from
-sure he should find it expedient to proceed further than fine speeches,
-for he felt nothing bordering on attachment to her. Perhaps his heart
-was enveloped in too many silken folds of vanity and self-love, for the
-charms of any woman to touch it with real affection; but a confused idea
-floated in his mind, that, by marrying her, he might be enabled to
-reside in England sooner than he otherwise could accomplish. Of her
-large fortune he was perfectly assured; he thought her very handsome,
-supposed her equally fashionable, and therefore determined, in the first
-instance, to endeavour to gain her affections, leaving his own decisions
-to futurity. She, on her part, thinking a lover might prove a very
-agreeable resource against the _ennui_ she anticipated at Ballinamoyle,
-encouraged his attentions _pro tempore_, resolving, should they ever
-meet in England, to "cut him:--he knew nobody in London, therefore could
-be a man of no fashion." Thus this heartless pair mutually imposed on
-each other, whilst they plumed themselves on being the sole deceiver.
-Miss Webberly, on the contrary, began seriously to think "he would make
-a charming husband--so scientific! so agreeable!" Cecilia, suspecting
-her incipient partiality, for the sake of what she called fun, flirted
-incessantly with the _dilettante_, and retailed to Amelia all his florid
-compliments, which conduct made her sister still more envious of her
-beauty than ordinary.
-
-Mr. Webberly and his companion in the barouche seat had but little
-conversation, though their thoughts were principally occupied by the
-same object. The taciturnity of the former, however, was enlivened by
-the idea of his fellow-traveller being thus effectually separated from
-Adelaide, during the greater part of their remaining journey. At the end
-of every stage there was a race between them, to hand Miss Wildenheim
-out of the carriage, where she generally sat bodkin between Mrs.
-Sullivan and Amelia, in order to avoid receiving that sign manual of Mr.
-Webberly's attention he had so graciously bestowed in Wales, and which
-was as little approved by his mother as coveted by herself. Colonel
-Desmond, being much more active and adroit than his youthful but
-unwieldy competitor, almost always gained the fair hand they contended
-for, at the same time giving his lovely mistress many an arch look and
-gesture of affected pity for his rival's disappointment. Sometimes they
-pulled open both the carriage doors at the same instant; in that case
-Mrs. O'Sullivan or her daughter pushed herself forward, so as to prevent
-her exit at the side on which their precious relative stood; and
-Adelaide's countenance then involuntarily betrayed how much she was
-amused at the unnecessary trouble they put themselves to.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan being rather fatigued with her journey, was much
-rejoiced, when about seven in the evening she was informed they were
-entering the village of Ballycoolen, which was to be their resting place
-for the night. This miserable place consists of but one long straggling
-street, with houses built of all shapes and in all directions, forming,
-with each other, every possible angle, except a right angle, a straight
-line seeming to have formed no part of the builder's intentions.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan's servant had been sent on before, to prepare their
-accommodation: he was standing at the door of a wretched tenement; and
-though by no means a very tall man, his hat touched the upper window,
-for the house was so built that you descended a few steps to enter it.
-The still despair of an English face was expressed in his, as with the
-utmost quietness he said to his mistress, "It is impossible, ma'am, you
-can put up here; you never saw such a slovenly place in your life." "I
-am sorry to say," replied Colonel Desmond, in answer to her
-interrogatories, "there is no better between this and Ballinamoyle: you
-may remember, I told you, the canal would take you out of the direction
-of the high road, and that you would be very miserably accommodated; you
-will now have to put up with a carman's inn."
-
-There was no option; therefore the ladies entered through a kitchen,
-which also served as bar and larder. A set of carmen were sitting
-drinking whisky punch and smoking tobacco (the same pipe passed from one
-mouth to another in turn); they very civilly rose, and went out, till
-the newly arrived and unusual guests should make their arrangements. The
-ladies were shown into a parlour, where a pretty looking, but bare
-legged and bare footed girl, was turning up a press bed, that had
-remained untouched since the last occupier had slept in it. They agreed
-to walk out till this place should be swept, and get "a wipe," as the
-maid called dusting it, previously pushing up the window sash with some
-difficulty, as the paint stuck together, from the length of time it had
-been unopened. To the inquiry for beds, she answered, "Troth, we've four
-brave good beds; and ye'z can have dry lodging at Susy Gologhan's, or
-Gracy Fagan's, over the way, there beyant, for the sarvant maids and the
-boys." Mrs. Sullivan declined ascending to the second story, when she
-saw the house had no regular stairs, but that merely a sort of ladder,
-without any thing to serve as bannister, led to the loft above. The Miss
-Webberlys declaring once going up would be enough for them, requested
-Adelaide to reconnoitre the premises. "You know, Miss Wildenheim," said
-Amelia, "you're used to travelling in outlandish places; and an't afraid
-of nothing.--I think I'll sit up all night, rather than mount the
-ladder, and walk along that unrailed passage." Adelaide, quickly
-ascending the redoubtable ladder, opened a door the maid pointed to,
-which led into a small close room, with two beds.--It was lighted by
-three little panes of glass fastened in the wall, but looking up, she
-saw a large door with one hinge broken, laid against an aperture in the
-roof, which she determined to turn to account, and begged it might be
-set open to admit fresh air into the apartment. "Have you not another
-room?" said she. "Aye, sure, and that we have, dear," replied the maid,
-leading her along the passage. They went into a second, rather closer
-and smaller than the first, with no friendly hole in the roof, to admit
-the breath of heaven to visit it. Adelaide, looking on the bedstead,
-perceived the bed clothes move, and, out of a mass of black hair, saw
-two dark eyes shoot fire at her. "Pray, what's that?" said she, catching
-hold of her attendant's arm. "Och! it's only the poor soldier, Miss,
-just come back to his people, from the big battles over seas; but he'll
-give his bed to you, with all the pleasure in life, if you fancy it,
-Miss."--"Not on any account," quietly replied Adelaide, as she quickly
-retreated to the passage--"I should be very sorry to disturb him. Mrs.
-O'Sullivan will sleep below stairs; and we young ladies can occupy the
-double-bedded room: will you have the goodness to show me your sheets?"
-These she was surprised to find not only white, but fine, forgetting
-that linen was the staple manufacture of the country, though but lately
-introduced into this district.
-
-This affair being settled, she joined the party in a walk; and, on their
-return, they found their little parlour laid out tolerably comfortably
-for tea; the kitchen, through which they had to pass, was swept clean;
-all traces of the carmen, their punch, and tobacco, had disappeared; and
-they might, by diverting themselves with the oddity of their situation,
-have found amusement for the evening, had not the Webberly family,
-encouraged by the _dilettante_, made, every five minutes, some
-acrimonious speech against the country and its inhabitants, which
-rendered themselves inclined to find every thing even more uncomfortable
-than it really was. Adelaide was pained by the rudeness of this conduct
-to Colonel Desmond, who, however, treated it as it deserved, and
-quizzing them all from right to left, his raillery soon silenced Felix
-and Amelia, who had sense enough to understand his ridicule. Tea was
-scarcely over, when the most extraordinary uproar was heard. Every man,
-woman, and child in the village seemed to have assembled about the
-house, all talking in the most vehement manner!
-
-The gentlemen, much alarmed, went out to inquire "what was the matter?"
-and beheld two men, sawing across the wood-work of the upper part of the
-gateway belonging to the inn yard, which was too low to admit Mrs.
-O'Sullivan's carriages. As usual, when any thing is done out of doors in
-Ireland, every person within _ken_ had repaired to the scene of action.
-Two out of three were giving contradictory directions, whilst the
-operators were swearing tremendously at the crowd, bidding them "go
-along about their business." "Hard for us to do that same!" answered
-one, in the name of the rest, "when sarra hand's turn of business we're
-got to our kin or kin kind, till shearing time comes, barring sitting in
-the chimney corner doing nothing." Messieurs Webberly and Donolan took
-this inauspicious moment to rate at the men who were sawing the gateway,
-expressing, in no very gentle terms, their dissatisfaction with the inn,
-and all its appurtenances. The men suspended their operations; and one
-of them, crossing his arms, his head on one side, and his chin stuck out
-with a gesture of contempt, said, in a drawling tone, as he looked down
-on them, from the top of the gateway, "Och! then, and it's grander
-quality than ever ye were have been here, and never gave me no bother at
-all at all! Upon my sowl, myself is cruel misgiving ye are but half
-sirs, both of ye'z. It's long before you'd see the Curnel, that's the
-real sort, (long life to his honour,) take on him so! If ye don't like
-the place, in the name of the Lord, make aff wid ye'z: if ye can't be
-agreeable, by the powers, we'd rather have your room nor your
-company."--"But where would ye see the likes of the Curnel any how?"
-rejoined a female orator of the assembly. "Sarra man, within twenty
-miles of himself, that's the fellow of his brother, for standing a poor
-man's friend on a pinch! It's the family that have been good to me and
-mine, these hundred year before I was born, and will be after I'm dead,
-if I've any luck."
-
-The greater part of these harangues was unintelligible to Mr. Webberly,
-but the _dilettante_ understanding the dialect of the country, though
-he often pretended he did not, as in the present instance, took his
-companion's arm, and, without proffering another syllable, walked into
-the house.
-
-In nothing do the lower Irish show their quickness of apprehension more
-decidedly, than in distinguishing, as it were at a glance, what they
-call "the real quality," that is, those who inherit a certain station in
-society, from "_les nouveaux riches_." Their exact discrimination on
-this subject is quite astonishing. Mrs. O'Sullivan could not perhaps
-have visited ten cottages in Ireland, whose inmates would not, in a few
-minutes, have discovered she was a low bred woman, who attempted to give
-herself airs of consequence. During her stay in this country, this
-foible was every where perceived, and profited by. The adroit flattery
-she received, on this favourite point, perhaps drew more money from her
-than she had ever before, in a given space of time, spent gratuitously,
-either from motives of charity or of generosity. The cunning arts, that
-opened her purse, were, undoubtedly, highly reprehensible in a moral
-point of view. But why should we expect more upright disinterestedness
-from the ignorant and necessitous class of mankind, than we hourly meet
-with from the _independent_ members of the upper ranks of society, who
-will delude a king or an emperor, with as little compunction as the poor
-Irish cottager cheated Mrs. O'Sullivan? In the latter instance, however,
-the mischief began and ended with the parties concerned; whilst in the
-former, generations yet unborn may mourn the evils resulting from base
-adulation.
-
-As all the party assembled in the inn parlour were, with the exception
-of Adelaide and the merry little Caroline, out of temper, they, by a
-sort of tacit agreement, separated at an early hour. The parlour was
-then converted into a sleeping room, for Mrs. O'Sullivan and Caroline,
-a bed being constructed for the latter with the carriage cushions, and a
-contribution of pillows. When the Miss Webberlys ascended the ladder
-leading to their apartment, the maid of the house went before, and the
-mistress behind, to help them up; the former holding a candle, stuck
-into a hole scooped out of a large potato, all the candlesticks the inn
-was possessed of, three in number, being appropriated to the use of the
-ladies. Adelaide had reserved the worst looking bed to herself, and was
-scarcely deposited in it, when down she sunk, and a more romantic
-imagination might have supposed some such adventure was going to occur,
-as was said frequently to have happened in a remote _auberge_ in the
-Black Forest, where travellers were drawn down through trap doors, and
-murdered. But she was only alarmed by the dread of the less heroic death
-of being knocked on the head by the bed posts. Springing up with the
-utmost expedition, she found, to her great delight, that the bedstead
-was perfectly secure; but, proceeding in her search as to the cause of
-her recent disaster, discovered that the sacking, which ought to have
-been laced to support the bed, had been deprived of its cord, in order
-to apply it to some other use. It never was, and most likely, never will
-be replaced; but the bed, being dexterously poised on the edge of the
-boards which connect the posts, will give the same surprise to every one
-who sleeps in it, for many a year to come. After no little laughter,
-Adelaide went into bed again, just as it was; and the inn being
-perfectly quiet, all its visitants slept till a late hour the following
-morning. After breakfast they recommenced their journey; and as they
-repaired to the carriages, their attention was attracted, by hearing the
-woman who had been so warm in praise of the Desmond family the evening
-before, say to her friend (carrying a basket of gingerbread on her
-arm), with the utmost seriousness of countenance and vehemence of
-gesticulation, "The low-lived blackguard! to even such a thing at me!
-All my people that went before me, and all that came after me, were
-gintlemin and gintle la--dies. See dat now, Susy dear!" Our party were
-not a little entertained at the figure and gesture of this extraordinary
-sprig of gentility, and continued to look after her as long as the
-carriages were in sight.
-
-In the course of the morning they reached Tuberdonny, which was within a
-few miles drive of Ballinamoyle, but here only one pair of horses could
-be procured; they therefore had the pleasant prospect of spending
-another night as agreeably as the last, as no more horses were expected
-there till the following day. For some hours they found amusement in
-viewing the antiquities of Kilmacduagh, close by, consisting of seven
-antique churches; an abbey, with very curious workmanship on its walls;
-and the most remarkable round tower in Ireland, constructed with immense
-stones, which rises to the height of one hundred and twelve feet, and,
-strange to say, leans seventeen feet out of the perpendicular, which is
-four more than the celebrated leaning tower at Pisa.
-
-As the travellers returned towards the place where the carriages had
-been put up, they saw five horses, mounted by twice as many men and
-boys, galloping furiously down the street; and, at the sight of the
-servants in livery, the riders set up such a hurraing as was quite
-deafening. Jumping quickly off, two or three of them came up with "Long
-life to your honours! Myself's right glad to see your honours!" "Why,
-what the devil do you know about our honours?" said Colonel Desmond,
-laughing. "Didn't I hear at Kurinshagud, that your honour passed through
-Ballycoolen, in two carriages? and haven't I been hunting ye all round
-the country this blessed morning, thinking you might want cattle? It's I
-that will drive you to the world's end in a crack!" The horses were soon
-harnessed, and Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan, after handing the ladies
-into the carriage, made their parting bows, and pursued their way to
-Bogberry Hall.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan did not reach Ballinamoyle till half past twelve at
-night; for the horses, being not much the better for the morning's
-chase, proceeded but slowly up a mountainous road. From the lateness of
-the hour, she did not, on that night, see Mr. O'Sullivan; who, finding
-himself indisposed in the evening, had unwillingly retired to bed,
-delegating the task of receiving his guests to his cousin, an ancient
-virgin, who presided over his _ménage_, and who gave the travellers, if
-not a courtly, at least a cordial reception; and, after doing the
-honours of an excellent supper, conducted them to their sleeping rooms,
-which they most gladly occupied, and enjoyed all the luxury of the
-sensation of comfort, as they compared them to those they had the night
-before inhabited, in the miserable cabaret at Ballycoolen.
-
-
-END OF VOL. II.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes
-left as printed.]
-
-
-
-
-
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-The Project Gutenberg EBook of Manners, Vol 2 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 2 of 3
-       A Novel
-
-Author: Frances Brooke
-
-Release Date: July 7, 2012 [EBook #40159]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MANNERS, VOL 2 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. II.
-
-    LONDON:
-    PRINTED FOR BALDWIN, CRADOCK, AND JOY,
-    PATERNOSTER ROW.
-
-    1817.
-
-
-
-
-MANNERS.
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-    Yo se, Olalla, que me adoras,
-    Puesta que no me lo has dicho,
-    Ni aun con los ojos siguiera,
-    Mudas lenguas de amorios[1].
-
-    CERVANTES SAAVEDRA.
-
-[Footnote 1:
-
-    I know, Olalla, that thou lov'st me,
-    Though words have ne'er thy flame confess'd;
-    Nor even have those guarded eyes,
-    Mute tell-tales of love's embassies,
-    Betray'd the secret of thy breast,--
-    Yet still, Olalla, still thou lov'st me.
-]
-
-
-It was long before Selina's agitated spirits could be composed; and when
-at length she sunk to rest, she was haunted by confused dreams of mixed
-joy and sorrow, in which Mordaunt's figure was always prominent. At
-last, however, towards morning she fell into a quiet sleep, from which
-she did not awake till several hours after Mrs. Galton and Augustus had
-left Eltondale.
-
-Selina had given her maid so many charges to call her in time to take
-leave of them, that she had firmly relied on her doing so, little
-imagining that Mrs. Galton had previously determined to spare her the
-pain of parting. She had left a note for her, in which she reiterated
-her farewell, and her request to hear frequently from Selina; but the
-kindness of its expressions, if possible, aggravated the poor girl's
-sorrow and disappointment. As usual, she gave way unrestrainedly to her
-feelings, and wept aloud, really unconscious that while her tears flowed
-ostensibly for Mrs. Galton alone, her regrets arose not a little from
-the absence of Augustus. But, though Selina deceived herself in the
-belief, that she only bewailed this her first separation from her
-beloved aunt, she was most sincere in the grief she professed to feel on
-her account; for hypocrisy was a stranger to her guileless heart, yet
-uninitiated in the mysteries of that world, in which the timid and
-unpractised first learn to conceal the sentiments they actually feel,
-and conclude by displaying those that are but assumed. On the contrary,
-her genuine feelings were neither blunted by familiarity with sorrow,
-nor exhausted by the premature cultivation of sickly sensibility; and,
-though a more sobered reason might have wished the expression of them to
-be occasionally restrained, yet even a Stoic might have confessed, that
-the perfection of her judgment would have been dearly purchased by any
-alteration in the susceptibility of her heart.
-
-Her melancholy toilet was scarcely finished, before she was summoned to
-Lady Eltondale's dressing-room. Her Ladyship advanced to the door to
-meet her with unusual cordiality of manner; but she scarcely beheld her
-wan countenance, when, starting back, she exclaimed with surprise, "Good
-heavens, child! what can be the matter? Oh! I had really forgotten Mrs.
-Galton's departure. Why, Selina, you could not have disfigured yourself
-more, if she was gone to heaven instead of to Bath. Here, La Fayette, do
-bring some cold cream to Miss Seymour, and a little _eau de Cologne_.
-However, my dear girl, I cannot regret that you have so totally
-disguised yourself to-day, as we shall have a pleasant _tete a tete_.
-You shall breakfast up stairs with me this morning, for you are really
-at present not presentable."
-
-Lady Eltondale's kind consideration for Selina individually, and
-apparent indifference to the cause of her sorrow, was, perhaps, more
-effectual in its temporary suppression, than the most sympathetic
-condolences would have been; and, before Mons. Argant made his
-appearance with the apparatus for breakfast, Selina had sufficiently
-recollected herself, to request Lady Eltondale not to derange her plans
-on her account, but to remember her other guests.
-
-"My dear little rustic," answered her Ladyship, laughing, "your odd
-notions really remind me of the last century. Nobody plays the part of
-hostess now; and as to guests--none could be admitted into a fashionable
-house, that do not know how to make themselves perfectly at home in it.
-I declare you are so simple, you would hardly have understood the merit
-of Mr. Frederick Bijou appearing last spring at a party his wife gave to
-the Prince, with a round hat under his arm, to show he was the only
-stranger in the room. Why now every inn in a country village is fitted
-up with all the conveniences of a private house; and the best praise you
-can give to a family mansion is to compare it to an hotel." The
-Viscountess was excessively entertained at the artless surprise
-expressed by her auditor; and concluded some similar observations by
-saying, she knew Selina would be so astray in the scene into which she
-had been thus suddenly dropt, that she was very glad nobody would be
-with them till after Christmas. "Then," said Selina, "I suppose Lady
-Hammersley is gone." "Oh! dear no--but she is nobody. Sir Robert is a
-relation of my Lord's; and I am obliged to go through the martyrdom of
-hearing his barbarous phraseology for at least a month every year, and I
-am afraid ten days of the penance are yet to come. Lady Hammersley never
-visits London; and, indeed, I believe the good woman thinks herself
-almost contaminated by even venturing as far as this within the
-Charybdean pool.--But, poor soul! she need not be afraid. If fashion was
-absolutely epidemical, she would never suffer from the contagion. She
-and the Admiral spend nine months of every year at Bath; he, drinking
-the water and reading the newspapers, and she, playing cards and writing
-essays. However, you may turn even her to account; for in one half hour
-you will learn more what vice is, from her long-syllabled declamations
-against it, than your poor innocent head would dream of in a
-twelvemonth."
-
-"And which of the parents does the son resemble?" asked Selina,
-laughing. "Why, it is difficult to divine what nature intended him to
-be. One may parody Cowper, and say, 'God made them, but he has made
-himself;' and what the composition will turn out, I know not. He wishes
-to be a man of the world, and affects the reputation of vice, without
-having the courage to be wicked. I verily believe he is often at church
-of a Sunday evening, when he pretends to be at the gaming-table.
-However, you need not be inquisitive about him, for he will never
-condescend to notice you, till he ascertains whether you are the
-fashion or not. He does not want money, and he does want _ton_; and you
-know, according to the new system of craniology, men ought to choose
-their wives by the inverse ratio of their own deficiences. But you don't
-inquire about Mademoiselle Omphalie, whom I thought you meant last night
-to swear an everlasting friendship with. I asked her here solely for
-your sake."
-
-Selina coloured, and expressed her thanks with her usual warmth and
-_empressement_.
-
-"But I do not intend Mademoiselle Omphalie to be Miss Seymour's bosom
-friend. She is a public singer, my dear, and as such her reputation is
-perfect;--her private character is, I believe, much less immaculate; but
-with that, you know, we have nothing to do. The world now adopts the
-precept, 'Judge not that ye be not judged;' and, if people are wise
-enough not to hold the lantern to their own vices, they need not be
-troubled with any Diogenes. As to Mademoiselle Omphalie, she is just now
-on the tottering point of respectability, which, of course, makes her
-doubly decorous in her general behaviour; and, as I do not think her
-reputation can survive another winter, I was extremely anxious to seize
-this opportunity of giving you the advantage of her talents and
-instruction in music. But, Selina, don't let her instruct you in
-anything else, for she would infallibly make you a prude or a coquette,
-and I scarcely know which I hate most."
-
-It is impossible to express Selina's astonishment at Lady Eltondale's
-conversation. When they had last met, she had been both delighted and
-surprised at the ease and elegance of her manners; but as she had only
-seen her in the company of Mrs. Galton, she was totally unconscious of
-the degree of levity to which that ease of manner could degenerate,
-either from accident or design. Lady Eltondale now entertained her
-wondering guest with a style of conversation to which she was totally
-unused. It is true, her expressions, like her conduct, were so guarded
-that no weak point was left open to censure; but she seemed so little to
-respect the barriers between vice and virtue, that they appeared to be
-considered by her as by no means insurmountable;--and Selina, finding
-those principles of rigid propriety now ridiculed, which she had
-hitherto been taught only to venerate, wondered for a moment whether the
-error lay in her Ladyship's frivolity or her own ignorance.
-
-Meantime the Viscountess was not unobservant of her niece. She perceived
-that her changing countenance portrayed every varying emotion, almost
-before she was herself conscious of its influence. Sometimes the
-expression of her dark brow led her to fear, that Selina was capable of
-making deep reflections, though she willingly believed her deficient in
-resolution. At other times the arch smile, that played round her dimpled
-mouth, showed she was by no means insensible to the charms of raillery
-and satire, whilst the half-formed reply seemed to insinuate, that she
-could emulate the bewitching, though dangerous, talent she admired. But
-above all, Lady Eltondale failed not to remark the evanescent nature of
-all Selina's feelings, which almost seemed to exhaust themselves in the
-first stage of their existence. Hers was indeed "the tear forgot as soon
-as shed;" and, as she accompanied Lady Eltondale through the various
-apartments of her splendid house, and innocently expressed her delight
-and wonder at all she saw, her experienced and artful guide smiled at
-the rapid transitions of her thoughts, and anticipated a speedy conquest
-over a mind, which appeared already weakened by inherent volatility.
-
-When Selina joined the party at dinner-time, Mrs. Galton, Augustus, and
-the Hall, seemed already to be forgotten by her. It was true the roses
-in her cheek yet drooped from the effect of the morning shower; but her
-lovely countenance had reassumed that expression of content and pleasure
-which was most natural to it.--But,
-
-    How like this spring of love resembleth
-      The uncertain glories of an April day,
-    Which now shows all the beauty of the sun,
-      And by and by a cloud takes all away.
-
-Unfortunately at dinner Lord Eltondale addressed to her one of his
-inconsiderate compliments, in which he alluded, with more kindness than
-delicacy, to her recent misfortune. The unexpected mention of her father
-overcame her spirits; and, as usual, without reference to the
-spectators, she gave way to the feelings of the moment, and burst into
-tears. Mr. Hammersley, laying down his knife and fork, turned to stare
-at the mourner with an expression of countenance, that seemed to say,
-it was long since he had witnessed the natural emotions of a susceptible
-heart. Lady Eltondale withdrew the attention of Mademoiselle Omphalie by
-making some opportune inquiry. But Sir Robert's observation of Selina
-was not to be evaded. After looking at her steadfastly for some minutes,
-he exclaimed, "Come, come, my girl, cheer up;--swab the spray off your
-bowsprit, and never let the toppinglifts of your heart go down. If your
-father has got into port before you, if you keep a steady course and a
-true reckoning, you'll be sure of having a good birth alongside of him
-in a tide or two. Here, toss off this bumper, and haul in your jib
-sheet."
-
-Selina could not help smiling at the manner in which the kind-hearted
-old man offered his consolation. But Lady Hammersley, who had hitherto
-remained in silence, now remarked in an emphatic tone, that "It was a
-work of supererogation to endeavour to suppress the tear of filial
-regret. A few weeks' association with the votaries of fashion would
-effectually eradicate the meritorious sentiments, and teach hypocritical
-sensibility to fictitious griefs to be ostentatiously substituted for
-genuine susceptibility."
-
-From that day, during the remainder of his stay at Eltondale, Sir Robert
-Hammersley seemed to interest himself particularly about Selina. And
-though his Lady seldom condescended to address herself to her, yet even
-the cynical turn of her conversation implied approbation of Miss
-Seymour's present character by the very anticipations of its speedy
-alteration, which she daily repeated. Mr. Hammersley, as Lady Eltondale
-had prophesied, scarcely noticed the untutored girl, and seldom joined
-the morning party, except when Mademoiselle Omphalie was employed in
-communicating her enchanting talents to Selina, whose rapid progress
-astonished even Lady Eltondale. She already perfectly understood the
-science of music; and her naturally fine voice was peculiarly adapted
-to exemplify Mademoiselle Omphalie's excellent instructions. Even before
-many weeks had passed, Selina could not only join her in some beautiful
-Italian duets, but also accompany herself very tolerably on the harp,
-which soon became her favourite instrument.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-     Le faux bien qu'elle preche est plus dangereux que le mal meme, en
-     ce qu'il seduit par une apparence de raison, en ce qu'il fait
-     preferer l'usage et les maximes du monde, a l'exacte probite, en ce
-     qu'il fait consister la sagesse dans un certain milieu entre le
-     vice et la vertu[2].
-
-     JEAN JACQUES ROUSSEAU, A M. D'ALEMBERT.
-
-[Footnote 2: The false propriety which she preaches is more dangerous
-than vice itself, inasmuch as it seduces by an appearance of
-reason--inasmuch as it recommends the usages and the maxims of the world
-in preference to strict integrity--inasmuch as it makes wisdom appear to
-be a certain medium between vice and virtue.]
-
-Selina was not less attentive to Lady Eltondale's various lessons on
-propriety and elegance, than she had been to the instructions of
-Mademoiselle Omphalie. And though Lady Hammersley's satirical
-predictions were not yet fulfilled, as to any alteration that had taken
-place in her mind; yet it was evident, before she had been many weeks at
-Eltondale, that her general deportment was considerably changed since
-she had been under the superintendence of the Viscountess. Perhaps no
-woman ever more thoroughly understood the rules of politeness than did
-Lady Eltondale; and though a pupil formed entirely in her school would
-scarcely have failed to acquire, ultimately, that freezing apathy which
-was one of her own most distinguishing characteristics, yet the
-refinement of her manners was by no means an unfortunate counterpoise to
-the natural vivacity of Selina's. If it could have been possible to
-unite the polished exterior of the one with the unsophisticated mind of
-the other, it would have formed as perfect a whole, as if the rich and
-exuberant fancy of a Titian had been harmonized by the chastely correct
-judgment of a Michael Angelo.
-
-Lady Eltondale had been right in believing, that Mr. Hammersley would
-not venture to admire the superior charms of Miss Seymour, till they had
-become current by receiving the die of fashion; and, as he found but
-little pleasure in the comparatively quiet society at Eltondale, he
-pleaded an indispensable engagement, and set off for town a few days
-after Selina's arrival. Nor did Sir Robert and Lady Hammersley protract
-their stay much longer. Early in January they returned to Bath, and
-their places at Eltondale were almost immediately filled by other
-visitors; for Lady Eltondale could never bear to be alone; and though on
-account of her brother's recent death she forbore giving any very public
-entertainments, or receiving the most dissipated of her acquaintances,
-yet a constant succession of parties filled up to her, in some degree,
-the charm of a winter's seclusion; and the gay and fashionable manners
-of several of her guests served to introduce Selina to those frivolous
-amusements, which are generally the outposts to more reprehensible
-pursuits.
-
-Selina's deep mourning had at first served as an excuse for her
-declining to partake of the gayer engagements the neighbourhood of
-Eltondale occasionally afforded. For, notwithstanding the avidity with
-which she entered into the pleasures by which she was surrounded, she
-was still sufficiently unlearned in the ways of the world to believe,
-that, at least where the memory of a parent was concerned, it was not
-altogether decorous
-
-    "To bear about the mockery of woe
-    "To midnight dances and the publick show;"
-
-and having at first received Mrs. Galton's approbation of her
-forbearance, she resisted in that one instance all Lady Eltondale's
-arguments and entreaties.--Happy would it have been for her, if she
-could always have resorted to the counsel of such a friend as Mrs.
-Galton. Lady Eltondale felt mortified by the unexpected resistance to
-her wishes, in a point she deemed so trifling; but, however, she
-compromised the matter with Selina, by prevailing upon her to change her
-sable dress at the end of three months, and to give up her mourning
-entirely at the end of six, which term would arrive before their going
-to London. She at the same time secretly resolved to interrupt, as much
-as possible, Selina's correspondence with Mrs. Galton, foreseeing it
-might, in other instances, equally frustrate her intentions and
-designs:--not that she could exactly define, even to herself, why she
-was so solicitous not only to supplant Mrs. Galton in Miss Seymour's
-affection, but also to change even the very character of her niece. She
-looked upon the engagement between her and Mr. Elton almost as
-irrevocable; and it was indeed a matter of comparative indifference to
-her, what was the true character of the woman she was so anxious to make
-his wife. But the real motive of the Viscountess' conduct, of which she
-herself was scarcely conscious, was a jealousy of Mrs. Galton's
-influence over Selina's mind, and an envious hatred produced by the
-consciousness of her own inferiority to her rival in her niece's
-affection; and she was perfectly aware that she could by no means so
-essentially mortify the woman she hated, or lessen the influence she so
-much dreaded, as by undermining the principles and changing the
-character Mrs. Galton had taken so much pains and pride in forming.
-
-One morning Lady Eltondale entered the breakfast-room before Selina had
-returned from her usual early ramble; and as she carelessly tossed over
-the letters, which were left on the table to be claimed by their owners,
-her eye rested on one directed to Miss Seymour, in a hand-writing with
-which she was unacquainted. She had understood from Selina, that she had
-no correspondent but Mrs. Galton; and her curiosity was not a little
-roused by perceiving the seal bore the impression of the well-known
-Mordaunt arms. While she still held the letter in her hand, Selina
-entered the room;--the Viscountess feeling a momentary embarrassment in
-being detected so closely examining a letter directed to another,
-hastily concealed it, resolving to replace it next day. But in error,
-_ce n'est que le premier pas qui coute_. No person that voluntarily
-treads on the threshold of vice, can be certain that they will always
-have it in their power to retrace their steps. Lady Eltondale would
-probably have shuddered at the idea of deliberately intercepting a
-letter, and still more of clandestinely perusing it; yet having thus
-unpremeditatedly possessed herself of the one in question, she could not
-resist the further temptation of satisfying herself as to the nature of
-its contents, and accordingly opened it as soon as she found herself
-alone. It proved to be, as she suspected, a letter from Augustus. In
-truth, the expression of Selina's countenance, the last evening they had
-spent together, had never faded from his "mind's eye." With all the
-tenacity of a lover's memory, he called to remembrance every look, every
-word that seemed to flatter his fond wishes; and then, with all the
-subtlety of a lover's rhetoric, he persuaded himself that no duty he
-owed to the memory of Sir Henry forbad his endeavouring at least to
-retain whatever share of Selina's good opinion he already possessed;
-though he was still determined so far to respect the expressed wish of
-the Baronet, as not to precipitate a declaration of his own attachment,
-till Selina had an opportunity of fully understanding her own heart, and
-making her selection between him and Mr. Elton. Thus compromising
-between his passion and his principles, he addressed Selina in the
-character of trustee to her estate, and profiting by the excuse which
-that situation afforded him, conjured Selina to point out in what way he
-could be of most use; expressing his anxiety to be of service to her, in
-the warmest terms that passion under the mask of friendship could
-suggest.
-
-Had this letter then reached Selina, it would have spared her many hours
-of future sorrow. But Lady Eltondale determined it should not do so. Her
-penetration too soon discovered its real import;--she perceived
-
-    "Love's secret flame
-    Lurk'd under friendship's sacred name:"
-
-and, with her usual sophistry, persuading herself that the end
-sanctified the means, she congratulated herself on the steps she had
-taken, and believed her laudable anxiety for the welfare of her step-son
-justified her treacherous conduct to her orphan niece. She was not long
-in deciding on the best measures to prevent a continuation of a
-correspondence so dangerous to her favourite scheme; and enclosing the
-letter back to Mordaunt, wrote the following note in the envelope:
-
-     "LADY ELTONDALE presents her compliments to Mr. Mordaunt, and her
-     best thanks for his polite offers of service, which, however, she
-     begs to decline as Mr. Elton is expected to return to England
-     immediately, who will of course superintend himself the management
-     of all Miss Seymour's estates. Lady Eltondale returns Mr.
-     Mordaunt's letter, as perhaps he may, at a future time, wish to
-     refer to it on the subject of Wilson's farm, upon which Miss
-     Seymour, in her present delicate situation, feels no wish either to
-     correspond or decide."
-
-It would be impossible to describe the mortification and disappointment
-this laconic epistle occasioned Augustus. He felt justly indignant at
-the manner in which his proffered kindness had been rejected; and
-considered the insult in no slight degree aggravated by the circumstance
-of Selina permitting a third person to convey her own unfeeling reply.
-In one moment the bright vision of hope and joy, that had flitted before
-him, dissolved in air; and, from the delighted contemplation of all her
-charms, he sunk in an instant into the opposite extreme, and equally
-exaggerated all her failings. He recalled to mind Mr. Temple's
-observations, which now seemed absolutely prophetic; and, passing
-rapidly from one passion to another, upbraided her not only with the
-foibles she really possessed, but even with those errors that were as
-yet but anticipated. By degrees, however, the storm subsided. He so
-often repeated to himself that she was now perfectly indifferent to him,
-that he flattered himself it was really the case; and he determined
-thenceforward only to consider her as the wife of Mr. Elton, believing
-that appellation would act as a talisman, to prevent a return of a
-passion he had now persuaded himself was perfectly hopeless.
-
-While Augustus, in his retirement at Oxford, was thus endeavouring to
-extinguish feelings that were only a source of regret; and while Mrs.
-Galton was consoling herself as much as possible for her separation from
-her beloved child, by renewing old friendships, and forming new
-acquaintances at Bath, Selina was, by degrees, becoming more
-familiarized with the levity, duplicity, and frivolity, which were daily
-exemplified in the manners of Lady Eltondale and her different visitors.
-At length the time approached for their removal to London: an early day
-in April was fixed for their journey, which Selina anticipated with all
-the delight of a young vivacious girl, that at last found herself on the
-confines of a new world of pleasure, the enjoyments of which were yet
-untasted, and its sorrows unsuspected.
-
-When the moment of their departure actually came, she gave way to
-unmixed feelings of joy. She laughed, sung, and frolicked round the
-room like a sportive child, and yet she could scarcely define her own
-emotions. She was hardly conscious that her pleasure, in a great degree,
-arose from the silently cherished hope of seeing Augustus. She had felt
-surprised, and even hurt, at his not having, as she supposed, made any
-inquiry after her, during her four months' stay at Eltondale. But she
-had always felt an unaccountable unwillingness to mention his name to
-Lady Eltondale; nor did she even to herself confess how much the
-expectation of seeing him once more contributed to the pleasure she
-anticipated from her visit to London.
-
-The future was now opened to her view like an extended horizon, shining
-in all the luxury of light, which, while the intervening masses of the
-ground lay concealed, depicted no object in its natural colours, but
-touching here and there some prominent beauty with its most resplendent
-rays, confounded all the rest in one undistinguishable mass of
-brilliancy. As they were stepping into the carriage, a letter from Mr.
-Elton was delivered to Lord Eltondale. Little did Selina imagine she had
-any reason to be interested in the packet his Lordship so anxiously
-perused; and even had she been aware of the mention made in it of
-herself, it would scarcely have had power to withdraw her thoughts from
-the nearer, and therefore with her more powerful attraction.
-
-     TO THE VISCOUNT ELTONDALE.
-
-     Paris, April 3.
-
-     I beg you will, my dear father, accept my best thanks for your last
-     kind letter, though I must remark, that your affectionate
-     solicitude for my happiness makes you over anxious to promote it. I
-     confess I was more surprised than pleased to find, that, without in
-     the least consulting my inclinations, you had entered into an
-     engagement to contract Miss Seymour to me! Pardon me, my Lord; but
-     had you and Sir Henry Seymour been employed in assisting each other
-     to match your carriage horses instead of your children, less
-     ceremony could scarcely have been used. You dilate much on Miss
-     Seymour's beauty and fortune:--I am no cynic; yet, strange to say,
-     the one is nearly as indifferent to me as the other. However if I
-     find, on becoming acquainted with the _character_ of the young lady
-     in question, I can esteem and love her, I shall not object to her
-     beauty or her riches, but shall duly appreciate the honour she
-     would confer on me in making me her husband. But till I can judge
-     for myself, I feel I have a right to demand, that neither you nor
-     _Lady Eltondale_ will do aught to compromise my honour in this
-     affair. In a word, these are not times to risk the well-being of
-     one so young and lovely, by a match of mere convenience: unless I
-     can feel for the "_innocent charming_" Selina, Lady Eltondale so
-     eloquently describes, all the attachment she merits, I will never
-     have the cruelty to unite myself to her. Her orphan state
-     sanctifies her in my eyes. Had she a father or brother to watch
-     over her welfare, I might, perhaps, be less scrupulous; for, as it
-     regards myself, it is a matter of perfect indifference to me whom I
-     marry now--my hopes are frustrated, my spirits depressed, and I
-     feel it a mere mockery to mention happiness and marriage together.
-     Perhaps some ten years hence, when "I have forgot myself to stone,"
-     I may sacrifice the remnant of my joyless existence to family
-     interests.
-
-     "As all my prospects of felicity in private life are blasted, I
-     turn with more avidity to that course of public usefulness, which
-     alone can now afford me satisfaction. Every thing has been
-     sacrificed to it.
-
-     "I wish to obtain your consent to my remaining some time longer in
-     this capital, to continue a course of inquiry I have entered into
-     on points of great political importance, and to profit by the
-     acquaintance of some public characters, who may aid me in my
-     pursuits. I am grieved at what you tell me about the mortgage on
-     Eltondale. Would my joining you in a bond be of any use?--If so,
-     command me."
-
-As the rest of Mr. Elton's letter was on law business, it could be of no
-interest except to the person to whom it was addressed.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-    Quid Romae faciam? Mentiri nescio[3].
-
-    JUVENAL.
-
-    I am as true as Truth's simplicity,
-    And simpler than the infancy of Truth.
-
-    SHAKESPEARE.
-
-[Footnote 3: What should I do at Rome, unknowing how to feign?]
-
-
-Selina's impatience to reach the end of her journey made her consider it
-tedious in its progress, notwithstanding the velocity with which Lady
-Eltondale always travelled; who was too much a woman of fashion not to
-increase as much as possible her own consequence along the king's
-highway, by the trifling exertion of keeping the poor goaded animals
-which had the honor of drawing her vehicle at their utmost speed,
-thereby endangering the lives of such of his majesty's peaceful subjects
-as happened to approach them. As to Lord Eltondale, he seldom found
-leisure to reflect on the consequence attending any direction her
-Ladyship pleased to give; and even had he reflected, he would scarcely
-have ventured to dissent, so confirmed was his habit of passive
-acquiescence. Indeed, poor man, he was in a situation something similar
-to the coronet on his own equipage,--an external appendage to Lady
-Eltondale, which, while hurried along under the direction of her
-caprice, gave her a dignity in the eyes of the many, who merely look on
-the outside of every thing, but, in reality, totally disregarded by all
-those who were admitted into the interior.
-
-At last, from a little eminence on the road, the first view of London
-broke on Selina's delighted eye. And yet such had been the exaggerated
-picture of this queen of cities, which her vivid imagination had drawn,
-that the _coup d'oeil_ almost disappointed her. It is true, a long
-line of smoke darkened the whole horizon, yet she could scarcely
-believe, the towers she saw so pre-eminent in the distance were really
-the St. Paul's, and Westminster Abbey, she had so long wished to see.
-Judgment must be corrected by experience, before it can form a true
-scale for grandeur either moral or physical. However, as by degrees
-Selina discovered the immensity of the parts, she formed some idea of
-the comparative magnitude of the whole; and as she approached the
-metropolis, the throng of passengers of every rank, the crowd of
-carriages of all descriptions, the protracted suburbs, and the bustling
-scene altogether, nearly overcame her agitated spirits; and, at last,
-when the carriage was suddenly stopped, and for some minutes detained in
-Bond Street by the concourse of people, her heart became oppressed with
-contending feelings. She experienced that worst pang of solitude--a
-consciousness of being alone in a crowd; and, leaning back in the
-carriage, she burst into tears. This was, however, but a momentary
-depression; her elastic spirits soon recovered their spring; and when
-the barouche stopped in Portman Square, she bounded out of it, and gaily
-followed Lady Eltondale into her new abode.
-
-For a moment she paused to look round the splendid drawing rooms, as if
-to ascertain that the scene was real, and no fleeting vision of her
-fancy. Then darting forward, she roamed from room to room, admiring
-every thing, examining nothing: the china, the mirrors, the statues, the
-lamps, the chandeliers, all in turn caught her attention, and all were
-in turn abandoned;
-
-    "Gold, silver, iv'ry, vases sculptur'd high,
-    Paint, marbles, gems, and robes of Persian dye."
-
-At last she noticed the balcony, that "rifled all the breathing
-spring," and flew to the open French window, expressing aloud all her
-admiration.
-
-"All that does vastly well, my dear Selina, now we are _tete a tete_,"
-quietly said the Viscountess, who, in the mean time, had been looking
-over the cards that nearly covered one of her tables. "But, pray child,
-don't be too _naive_. You must learn to suppress your feelings; indeed,
-my dear, you must. If you choose to adopt the _ton_ of natural manners,
-do so, _cela vous sied bien_; but make the proper distinction between
-simplicity and ignorance. I will never act the _chaperone_ to _La
-contadina in corte_." Then perceiving her rebuke had, at the moment, all
-the effect she desired, she took Selina's arm, and familiarly leaning on
-it, "Come, my love," added she, "let me introduce you to your own
-apartments: I feel you are so much my child, I quite forget to play the
-Lady Macbeth, and kindly bid you welcome." Lady Eltondale knew so well
-how to soften the asperity of reproof, without weakening its effect,
-that, perhaps, there were no moments in which her fascinating powers
-were more displayed, than when she finely touched a string a less
-skilful hand would jar: and, having once hinted to Selina that
-possibility of her unrestrained emotions being construed into the
-affectation of _naivete_; she knew the diffidence that suggestion would
-occasion, would have the effect of making her still more pliable to her
-well versed instructress in the arts of fashion.
-
-Selina's toilet was soon made, and she repaired to the drawing room,
-long before her aunt was dressed. Here she prepared to renew, at
-leisure, her entertaining examination; and, for this purpose, leaned on
-a marble table, to admire the perfection of _bijouterie_, as it was
-fully exemplified in a French clock that it supported. She had not long
-remained thus employed, when she was disturbed by a voice close behind
-her ear, exclaiming, "Beautiful! enchanting! divine, upon my soul!" and
-turning round, she perceived a gentleman, who, in the mean time, had
-been as attentively, and, to all appearance, not less delightedly
-examining her. She colored, but made him a slight curtsy, to which he
-returned a bow, as obsequious as he could accomplish without withdrawing
-his eyes from her countenance; whilst his own was intended to express
-the most reverential admiration: but so little obedient were his
-features to his feelings, that their expression bordered on the
-ludicrous, and thereby served as an antidote to his ardent, and almost
-impertinent gaze. The ceremonious salute was prolonged by both, to
-enable each to assume a proper, though different, control over their
-features: but Selina, finding her risible muscles moved almost beyond
-the power of restraint, turned towards a chair, which her spell-struck
-admirer presented to her in silence, and with protracted admiration.
-
-The figure that thus offered incense at her shrine was one, that would
-more properly have served as a prototype to a Silenus than a Cupid. He
-was habited in the very extreme of fashion, apparently unconscious that
-his ill-proportioned limbs, and corpulent form, "made by nature's
-journeymen," were but ill adapted to the exhibition of a tailor's art.
-His head, which was immense, rose out of a filleting of neckcloth, that
-seemed to impede his respiration; at least such might be inferred from
-the deepened color of his swoln cheeks. In one hand he held a newspaper,
-and in the other a glass, which he always applied to his eye when he
-meant to recognize an acquaintance, always saving and reserving to
-himself the privilege of "_cutting_" an old friend on the plea of
-short-sightedness.
-
-He had neither the graces of youth, nor the respectability of age; and
-yet, merely because he had become, nobody knew how or why, the _ton_, he
-was a welcome inmate of every fashionable mansion. His recommendations,
-such as they were, consisted in a capability of relating a good story in
-the best possible manner, and of submitting patiently to a hoax from his
-superiors, always knowing how and when to return the compliment with
-interest: besides,
-
-    "Our courtier walks from dish to dish,
-    Tastes, for his friend, of fowl and fish,
-    Tells all their names, lays down the law,
-    _Que ca est bon! Ah! goutez ca._"
-
-He was, in truth, a living _Almanac des Gourmands_, and could withal
-play well, and bet high at every game. Being a professed old bachelor,
-he took the liberty of paying to ladies such undressed compliments, as,
-however acceptable they may be from some, it is not the etiquette to
-listen to from all. And perhaps from this assumed license, which he owed
-chiefly to his own ugliness, did he derive that privilege of which he
-was most vain, an undisputed right to decide on all claims to female
-beauty.
-
-Such was the character and appearance of Sir James Fenton, whom Lady
-Eltondale, on entering, formally introduced to Selina: adding, in a
-manner half ironical and half serious, "This is my niece, Miss Seymour,
-for whom I bespeak your patronage, Sir James; I expect you will make her
-your first toast all this next month." Sir James acceded to her
-Ladyship's request with all possible seriousness; and leaning over the
-chair of the Viscountess, while he continued his scrutiny of Selina,
-lavished on her beauty the most rapturous praise in an audible voice,
-and, in a tone of criticism, concluding, as he conducted Lady Eltondale
-to the dinner room,--
-
-    Let her be seen; could she that wish obtain,
-    All other wishes her own power would gain.
-
-Selina scarcely knew whether to be most offended at Sir James's
-effrontery, or entertained by his originality. She had not an
-opportunity to decide on this important question afterwards, as he did
-not make his re-appearance in the drawing room.
-
-Lord Eltondale had accidentally met him in Bond Street, as he strolled
-down towards the Royal Institution; and Sir James had accepted his
-casual invitation to dinner, for the sole purpose of seeing "the
-beautiful heiress;" and being able to anticipate the judgment the
-connoisseurs were to pass on her title to admiration. For Lady Eltondale
-had not been idle during her stay in the country: she was well aware,
-that there was no way by which a woman could better secure the
-admiration of any one man, than by convincing him she had obtained that
-of the rest of the world; and having gained "the beautiful heiress" for
-Frederick Elton, she wished to enhance the gift in his eyes, by
-increasing her value in those of others.
-
-She knew that Selina's beauty was above praise, and that, even had she
-been less lovely, an _heiress_ was always transformed into a goddess, in
-the pages of a newspaper. She therefore had written, previous to their
-arrival in town, to about twenty of her confidential friends, making
-very slight mention of Selina's person, but giving a most minute detail
-of her property; and thus prepared the paragraph in the Morning Post,
-which next day met Selina's eyes, describing herself as
-
-                      "A creature,
-    Would she begin a sect, might quench the zeal
-    Of all professors else, make proselytes
-    of whom she bid but follow."
-
-Lady Eltondale was excessively entertained at the surprise and confusion
-of Selina, at reading this unexpected compliment to her own charms, the
-real existence of which she was totally unconscious of. As the time had
-arrived when Selina had promised to lay aside her mourning, they
-determined to commence the pleasing toil of shopping that very day, and
-accordingly visited in turn all the jewellers, milliners, mantua-makers,
-corset-makers, and shoemakers, and all the _et cetera_, that disputed
-the palm of fashionable praise. While Lady Eltondale gratified at once
-her love of extravagance and exquisite taste, as she directed that of
-her lovely charge, at the same time she indulged Selina's very natural
-curiosity, by taking her through the different parts of the metropolis;
-for the wary Viscountess was anxious that Selina should not be produced
-to the world's eye, while she was herself too new to its wonders; well
-knowing that all her care and all her instructions, would scarcely
-suffice to check the first warm effusions of an unpractised heart.
-
-Some days passed in this manner; and at last the decorations of Selina's
-lovely person being decided on, the embellishment of her mind was next
-to be attended to, at least so Lady Eltondale termed the cultivation of
-her _talents_; for with her _mind_ she, in truth, little interfered,
-however much she wished to direct the expression of her feelings. To
-perfect her in all the accomplishments of the day, the first masters
-were engaged to attend her. Selina, in her usual lively manner, wrote to
-Mrs. Galton an entertaining description of her various avocations,
-alleging that she was already introduced "to the whole _dramatis
-personae_ of the _Bourgeois Gentilhomme_," consisting of "_un maitre de
-musique_, _un maitre a danser_, _un maitre tailleur_, _plusieurs
-laquais_" and that she hoped "_les hommes du bel air_ would soon make
-the _entree du ballet_."
-
-A beautiful boudoir was resigned to Selina by the Viscountess for her
-morning room, as it by no means was a part of her Ladyship's plan, that
-Selina should be _a porte_ to the train of idle visitors that formed her
-usual levee. She knew the world well enough to be aware, that even
-beauty might grow familiar, and "pall on the eye;" and the more Miss
-Seymour was found difficult of access, the more would her society be
-sought. Therefore in acceding to Selina's entreaty to be allowed to pass
-her morning, as usual, in employment, while apparently only yielding to
-her wishes, she in truth pursued her own. Selina, with gratitude and
-delight, took possession of her little Paradise, for so she deemed it;
-into it she speedily removed her books, her drawing materials, and her
-magnificent new harp, which had been one of her first purchases, and
-there did she devote many hours to practising the lessons she daily
-received; particularly attending to the improvement of her naturally
-fine voice, which she could already accompany tolerably well on her new
-instrument; and often did she find her toil amply recompensed by a
-silent reflection of "how delighted Augustus and aunt Mary would be to
-hear me now!"
-
-Nearly a fortnight had elapsed since their arrival in town, and Lady
-Eltondale became tired of remaining so long in private; for though she
-had, in truth, been out every evening, she had not yet gone to any large
-assembly, not wishing to appear in public without Selina, and choosing
-that her _debut_ should take place at her own house. She therefore sent
-out her cards for "a small party, with music;" and in the selection she
-made of her intended guests, took care that nearly all the leaders of
-_ton_, of both sexes, should be invited, whose fiat could at once
-impress the stamp of fashion on her _protegee_, for of their award she
-felt well assured, as her own silence on her beauty indicated. In the
-mean time she was most assiduous in preparing Selina for the exhibition.
-An easy but beautiful duet was practised and repractised with
-Mademoiselle Omphalie, who declared her full approbation of her quick
-adaptation of her style. Another was "_got up_," in which Selina was to
-accompany Madame ---- on the piano forte, with just as many full chords
-on the harp as would show her beautiful figure to advantage, and impress
-the company with an idea of her manifold accomplishments; and a popular
-air, with brilliant variations, was selected for her performance on the
-piano forte, which was, in truth, the only part of the _scene_ in which
-poor Selina felt the least assurance of success. At last the evening
-arrived, and Selina attended her aunt to the drawing room in a tumult of
-contending feelings: she stood on the threshold of pleasure--hope
-danced in her eyes, whilst the blush of timidity flushed her cheek. The
-magnificence of the apartments, the splendor of the lights, the perfume
-of the flowers, at once dazzled and delighted her. All the rooms were
-opened, and all shone in one blaze of borrowed day except the favourite
-boudoir: it too was open, and in it still sweeter flowers charmed the
-sense. But its simple, though beautiful, decorations, were more obscured
-than shown by the pale light of lamps, which shed almost a moonlight
-around, as they darted their tempered rays through vases of transparent
-alabaster. It seemed like the retreat of luxurious elegance receding
-from the world's glare; and Selina herself appeared like the goddess of
-this blest abode. Her dress had been entirely superintended by the
-Viscountess, as Selina neither understood nor valued the arts of the
-toilet; but her well versed aunt, knowing that the reputation of
-Selina's immense fortune was already sufficiently extended, had
-determined to consider nothing in this her first appearance, but how
-best to heighten her natural loveliness. The style of her dress was of
-the chastest simplicity. Her luxuriant hair, "when unadorned adorned the
-most," shone in no borrowed ornament, but every tress was arranged by
-the nicest hand of art, "then best exercised when least displayed." No
-jewels shed round her their meretricious glare; her gown of pure white
-seemed as spotless as the robe of innocence--but its beauty was not the
-effect of chance: no fold was unimpressed with the finest touch
-experienced taste could bestow; and, as Lady Eltondale turned her eyes
-on the beautiful girl, thus moulded, to all the external perfection she
-could have desired, she smiled at the anticipation of the triumphs that
-awaited her.
-
-The frequent knocks, and rapidly repeated succession of names,
-announced to Selina that the Ides of March were come. Lady Eltondale
-took her station in the most conspicuous part of the rooms, for the
-purpose of receiving her guests; and never was the fascinating elegance
-of her manners more conspicuously displayed than on such occasions. At
-first she kept Selina leaning on her arm, for the purpose of showing her
-blushing charms to all, and of actually introducing her to a favored
-few. But the rooms rapidly filling, and the music being commenced, Lady
-Eltondale left Miss Seymour under the peculiar protection of the old
-Dutchess of Saltoun, whose countenance showed how truly she was
-delighted with her young acquaintance. But Lady Eltondale, in
-withdrawing from Selina, did not cease to observe all her motions. Nor
-was she a little gratified at the universal murmur of applause her
-appearance excited, thus bursting into view in all the heightened effect
-of unexpected beauty. All the fashionable beaux in the room crowded
-round the new star, expressing, in all the variety of tones and
-gestures, their admiration of her loveliness: at last, their profuse
-compliments confusing, rather than gratifying Selina, she looked
-anxiously round for her aunt, and perceived her standing in earnest
-conversation with two gentlemen, in one of whom, with equal surprise and
-pleasure, she recognised Augustus, and the other she rightly conjectured
-to be Lord Osselstone.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-    Quando muovo le luci a mirar voi,
-    La forma che nel cor m'impressa Amore,
-    Io mi sento agghiacciar dentro e di fuore,
-    Al primo lampeggiar de' raggi moi.
-    A le nobil maniere affiso poi,
-    A le rare virtuti, al gran valore,
-    Ragionarmi pian piano, odo nel core[4].
-
-    ARIOSTO.
-
-[Footnote 4:
-
-    When tremblingly I raise my eyes
-    To view that form, which in my breast
-    The hand of Love has deep impressed,
-    My shiv'ring frame, in sudden trance,
-    Congeals beneath thy lightning glance;
-    But soon my heart, in broken sighs,
-    Renews the tale it told before,
-    And, counting all thy beauties o'er,
-    Dwells on thy talents, virtues rare,
-    Thy mind so pure, thy form so fair,
-    Till even hope amid the whispers dies.
-
-N. B. Freezing beneath a _lightning_ glance, in the original--a fair
-example of Italian concetti.]
-
-
-To account for the unexpected appearance of Lord Osselstone and
-Mordaunt together at Lady Eltondale's party, it will be necessary
-briefly to mention, that, soon after Augustus had left Mrs. Galton at
-Bath, the Earl had arrived there, and accidentally renewed their
-acquaintance. The frequent opportunity of intercourse, which all such
-places afford, having produced a degree of unexpected association
-between her and the Earl, it was not unnatural, that the nephew of the
-one and the favourite of the other should frequently become the subject
-of their discourse; and Mrs. Galton delighted in expatiating on the fine
-character of her dear Augustus, with whom she kept up a constant and
-confidential correspondence.
-
-There were few characters so much respected by Lord Osselstone as that
-of Mrs. Galton. Candour and simplicity were the qualities of all others,
-which, by not calling forth from him the defensive armour of distrust
-and penetration, left his heart more open to the impressions of real
-worth. The Earl knew that on common subjects Mrs. Galton could have no
-interest in appearing to him other than she really was; and on the
-subject of Augustus in particular, though he sometimes mentally accused
-her of exaggeration, he was perfectly convinced she was uniformly
-sincere. She once, in her zealous friendship, communicated to his
-Lordship a part of Augustus' correspondence with herself; and to this
-transcript of his mind, which was incontestably written without design
-of being read by a third person, did Lord Osselstone give more credit
-than to her partial representation of the original.
-
-The consequence of these communications became afterwards apparent.
-Lord Osselstone soon removed to London; and one day meeting Augustus in
-the street, he accosted him with so much of the _suaviter in modo_, that
-his at first unbending pride was finally subdued. For never yet had Lord
-Osselstone encountered a rock which he could not dissolve, though by
-more dulcet means than those attributed to the Carthaginian hero; and
-the Alpine snow, which had hitherto enveloped both uncle and nephew,
-being once thawed, a frequency of intercourse, as unsought as unexpected
-on the part of Mordaunt, had taken place between them: not that they
-were yet intimate, or appeared likely to become so. A certain magic
-circle seemed to surround Lord Osselstone; and though the politeness and
-condescension of his manners attracted others to its very verge, there
-was still a secondary, though invisible repulsive power, that forbade
-approach beyond its well defined limits.
-
-Augustus now received frequent invitations to Osselstone House, both
-for large dinner parties, and for the still more flattering distinction
-of a _tete a tete_; but though he daily met with considerate and even
-kind attentions from the Earl, he could not help still feeling he was
-more his _patron_ than his _friend_. Lord Osselstone frequently
-concluded a _tete a tete_ dinner, in which he had exerted every charm of
-conversation for the entertainment of his guest, at the same time
-eliciting all the varied powers of understanding that guest possessed,
-by proposing that he should accompany him to those higher circles of
-fashion, which the Earl still occasionally frequented; and in those
-crowded assemblies where there is so often "company without society, and
-dissipation without pleasure," the heir to Lord Osselstone's earldom was
-always welcome, even where the untitled Augustus Mordaunt would scarcely
-have been noticed.
-
-It may be supposed that Augustus received, with no little trepidation,
-the card his uncle presented him with for Lady Eltondale's assembly. For
-a moment he hesitated whether or not to accept it; but the thought of
-being once more in the same room with Selina soon over-balanced his
-wounded feelings. As he followed his uncle up the sumptuous stair-case
-in Portman-square, while his heart fluttered between pleasure and
-despondency, his mind had wandered back to the scenes of Deane Hall, and
-"days long since gone by." By a natural illusion Selina's figure had
-always floated before his fancy, as he had last seen it clothed in the
-sable garb of woe, with the tear of regret resting on her pallid cheek.
-How different was the blooming form that now presented itself, as at the
-moment of his entering the room his eye intuitively singled her out from
-the crowd that surrounded her. She stood like the queen of beauty
-receiving the homage of all around, her eyes sparkling with animation,
-her whole figure beaming in joy. "Good God, how lovely!" he
-involuntarily exclaimed. But as his protracted gaze discovered the
-alterations her manners and appearance had undergone in the few months
-she had been under the tuition of Lady Eltondale, a cold chill ran
-through his veins, as he recollected the possibility that her mind might
-be equally changed; and renewing his scrutinizing glance, he shuddered
-at the external improvement that had first extorted his admiration, and
-sighed to think of the lovely artless girl, who would once have flown to
-meet him with all the innocence of undisguised delight.
-
-But though Augustus had thus instantly recognized Selina, though his
-eyes had followed her every step, and watched her every motion, she had
-not then discovered him. The moment she did perceive him, her first
-impulse was to move towards the spot on which he stood. But she had
-scarcely taken a few steps, when she as involuntarily stopped. She
-became embarrassed, and had she been more experienced in the waywardness
-of the human heart, she would better have known why, with conscious
-timidity, she hesitated to approach him she was most delighted to
-behold. Augustus watched her approach, and had advanced a few steps to
-meet it, but misconstruing her delay, he turned away with a movement of
-pique and ill defined jealousy, entering into apparently interesting
-conversation with a very pretty girl who stood near him. At the moment
-when Selina came near enough to overhear what he was saying, he was
-busily employed in making gallant apologies to his new friend for not
-having called upon her, though he acknowledged he had been six weeks in
-town.
-
-However he could not long keep his resolution, and he again turned to
-speak to his "heart's best love;" but a pang had shot through Selina's
-soul, as she had learned from his own lips that he had been so long in
-town, and recollected that he had never called in Portman-square. She
-therefore returned his address with a cold politeness, far, far
-different from what her manner to him once had been; and advanced to
-meet Lady Eltondale, who at that moment was bringing up Lord Osselstone
-to introduce to her. His Lordship, at the request of the Viscountess,
-led Selina towards the music-room, where the rest of the musical
-performers were waiting to accompany her in her formidable undertaking.
-The harp was to be her first exhibition, and the poor girl, intimidated
-by the presence of so numerous an audience, and agitated by her
-rencontre with Mordaunt, could scarcely bring her trembling fingers to
-touch the strings with any degree of tolerable accuracy. But Lord
-Osselstone stood beside her, and the calm and dignified support with
-which he endeavoured to encourage her, assisted her in regaining some
-degree of composure. As she advanced in her performance, her eye caught
-the impassioned glance of Mordaunt, and her anxiety to exhibit to him
-her newly acquired accomplishment lent her an unexpected force, which
-enabled her to go through the fiery trial beyond her most sanguine
-expectation. Her playing was of course applauded many degrees beyond its
-real merit; but she quickly retreated from the flattery that at that
-moment was indifferent to her. Her eyes instinctively sought Mordaunt's
-with an anxious, timid, almost beseeching look. His rested on her
-beautiful countenance with an expression no less unequivocal, and for
-once they read aright each other's soul; and many months, nay years
-passed away, before that mutual glance was obliterated from the mind of
-either. Several minutes elapsed before Augustus could make his way up to
-Selina, so closely was she surrounded by the unregarded throng; but when
-he did reach her, one short sentence expressed his delighted surprise
-at her new acquirement. "Do you think dear aunt Mary will be pleased
-too?" whispered Selina. Before he could give any answer to this simple
-query, gratifying as it doubly was by the sympathy it accidentally
-expressed to his feelings at the moment, Lady Eltondale approached, and
-applauded, in the strongest terms, her niece's performance. "Have you
-also learned to sing, Selina?" said Augustus, as he turned over the
-loose music that lay on the piano forte. Lady Eltondale hastily replied,
-with a slight emphasis, "Miss Seymour practises Italian music
-constantly:--Frederick will find, on his return, good singing is not
-confined to Italy." A cold weight fell on Augustus's heart;--the visions
-of happiness, that an instant before had fleeted over his mind, vanished
-like a charm. He gave a deep sigh, and, seemingly without design, turned
-towards Selina a duet that caught his eye. It was Mozart's arrangement
-of Metastasio's beautiful words:--
-
-    "Ah! perdona al primo affetto,
-    Questo accento sconsigliato
-    Colpa fu d'un labbro usato
-    A cosi chiamarti ognor."
-
-Selina read the couplet, and casting her eyes over the following verse,
-coloured deeply at the application she involuntarily made of it. Lady
-Eltondale, who in the mean time had narrowly watched her changing
-countenance, roused her from her reverie by introducing to her at that
-moment Lord George Meredith, who was one of the young men who had been
-loudest in Miss Seymour's praise. His compliments were now however
-disregarded, as Selina looked anxiously round for Mordaunt--but he had
-disappeared. She fancied he had retired to one of the adjoining rooms,
-and made many excuses not only to her companions, but even to herself,
-for restlessly sauntering through them all. Sometimes she recollected
-she had left her fan behind; another time she persuaded herself Lady
-Eltondale wanted her;--but still the object she really sought was not to
-be found. By degrees she became painfully convinced he was actually
-gone. "It is very odd he should go away so abruptly," thought she; "I
-had a thousand things to say to him about aunt Mary." And then a
-confused idea occurring, that the pretty flirting girl, she had seen him
-talking to, had said something about going to a ball after Lady
-Eltondale's party, she mechanically retraced her steps, and finding she
-too had departed, a sickening depression came over her, and she retired
-to the boudoir to recover herself. But she was not long permitted to
-rest in peace:--Sir James Fenton, who, led by Lady Eltondale, entered
-the room laughing with all the exaggerated action that became his
-character, though not his figure, exclaimed, "Where is the Syren? Where
-is the goddess of the night?" Then on perceiving Selina, he resigned the
-arm of the Viscountess with a low bow, and singing with ludicrous tone
-and gesture, "_Dove sei amato bene_," advanced to Miss Seymour, who,
-half dragged, half led, was re-conducted to the music-room.
-
-But the feeling which had supported her in her last effort was now no
-more. The duet, of which Mademoiselle Omphalie had loudly boasted, was
-to commence, and Selina exerted herself to the utmost in its execution;
-but her voice faltered, and before she got half way through it, she
-burst into tears. Her distress, which was thus evidently unfeigned, now
-made her nearly as many friends as her charms had before procured her
-admirers; while Lady Eltondale easily persuaded every body except
-herself, that it could only arise from timidity, and therefore forbore
-to join the general request that the effort might be renewed; while Sir
-James exclaimed, in all the hyperbole of compliment,
-
-    "Sweet harmonist, and beautiful as sweet,
-    And young as beautiful, and soft as young!"
-
-Meantime Lord. Osselstone had advanced towards Selina, and there was
-always something so dignified in his appearance, that those who did not
-know him involuntarily made way for him; and all those who were
-acquainted with him did so mechanically. He at first addressed the
-trembling girl in the language of compliment, but finding her real
-agitation was not to be soothed by the sovereign balm of flattery, he
-gradually turned the conversation on Mrs. Galton. Her eyes then beamed
-with gratitude for his praise, which she believed could not then be
-insincere; and in her tell-tale countenance and artless expressions, he
-read a heart not yet practised in the world's wiles. The company began
-to separate before their conversation ended; and as Selina, on her
-wakeful pillow, recalled to her mind this evening of promised pleasure,
-she sighed to think, that those few calm moments she had passed with
-Lord Osselstone were the only ones, on which she could reflect with any
-tranquillity.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-    What whispers must the beauty hear!
-    What hourly nonsense haunts her ear!
-    Where'er her eyes dispense their charms,
-    Impertinence around her swarms.
-
-    GAY.
-
-
-The next morning Selina arose unrefreshed. She could not in any way
-reconcile to her satisfaction the expression of Mordaunt's countenance,
-when her eyes met his, and his apparently evident design of shunning her
-society. "It is so odd," thought she, "he should never have called to
-see me. He must have known by the newspapers that we were come to town;
-and then he hardly spoke three words to me all last night, yet his looks
-were kinder than ever. Well, I think he'll certainly call to-day." As
-she thus concluded her soliloquy, she turned once more to her
-looking-glass, and, as she revised her dress, an involuntary smile
-played on her lip, as she felt convinced that the negligence of her
-morning costume was not less becoming than her evening attire had been.
-Often, as the hours rolled heavily on, did she saunter to the window,
-and gaze up and down the square, in hopes of descrying Augustus; and
-often, notwithstanding her mortification, did she smile at her own
-ridiculous mistakes, as she still fancied every distant passenger must
-be he, whether tall or short, thick or thin, old or young, ugly or
-handsome. At last, in despair, she retired to her boudoir, and resumed
-her drawing; while Lady Eltondale, who was by no means unmindful of her
-evident restlessness, made no remark upon the subject. At last a loud
-knock proclaimed the arrival of visitors. Selina started from her seat,
-and as instantaneously resumed it. In a moment a footman appeared, with
-"My Lady's compliments, and begs to see you in the drawing-room,
-ma'am." Selina's heart beat at the unusual summons, while her trembling
-limbs scarcely supported her as she prepared to obey it. Great then was
-her disappointment on entering the room, to be overwhelmed at once with
-the united compliments of the whole Webberly family. She had scarcely
-presence of mind sufficient to reply to their various civilities; but
-fortunately their own anxiety to assume the feelings they deemed
-appropriate to the occasion, left them no time to investigate those that
-actually agitated her.
-
-Lady Eltondale soon relieved her from her embarrassment. "Selina, Mrs.
-Sullivan has been good enough to call for the purpose of taking you to
-see the exhibition at Somerset House: I know you will be delighted to
-attend her." Selina turned full round to her aunt with a look of
-astonishment. She could not believe, that Lady Eltondale had consented
-to let her go into public with the very people, whom, of all others,
-she had most frequently ridiculed, against whose society she had most
-frequently inveighed. Lady Eltondale met her wondering gaze with an
-unmoved countenance; and ringing the bell, "Go, my love," said she, "and
-equip yourself as quickly as possible: I will desire John to send Watson
-to you, that no time may be lost; and I will either send my carriage, or
-call for you myself, to save Mrs. Sullivan the trouble of bringing you
-home." Selina perceived, that excuse or reply would be of no avail; and,
-before her surprise was abated, she found herself unwillingly seated as
-a fifth in Mrs. Sullivan's ostentatious equipage.
-
-Little could the artless girl divine the real motive for the
-Viscountess' singular deviation from her professed rule of allowing
-Selina no other Chaperone than herself. In truth Mordaunt had called in
-Portman-square more than once, and had never been admitted; a
-circumstance which he had hitherto wished to attribute either to the
-mistake of the porter, or to the design of the aunt.
-
-But Selina's manner and looks had been so contradictory, and her whole
-conduct had, in his opinion, so nearly approached to caprice, that he
-determined to ascertain whether it were possible she could indeed be
-accessary to his exclusion. He therefore took the opportunity, while
-Selina was moving towards the music-room, to ask Lady Eltondale's
-decided leave to wait on her the next day. The Viscountess, nicely
-discriminating between Lord Osselstone's nephew and Sir Henry Seymour's
-_eleve_, most graciously granted the permission he solicited;
-determining at the same to pretend, when he called, that Selina had gone
-out, even had a less favourable opportunity occurred of ensuring her
-actually having done so. While, then, poor Selina was taken away so much
-against her own inclination, Mordaunt approached Portman-square. At one
-moment he recalled to his mind, with gratitude and delight, Selina's
-mute but eloquent application for his approval of her talents: at the
-next, his heart sunk as he recollected the possibility, that those
-talents were thus sedulously cultivated for another. "But," thought he,
-"I am determined to ascertain her real sentiments; perhaps Lady
-Eltondale obliged her to send me that cruel message; perhaps her heart
-is yet unchanged; or," continued he, his passion rising at the
-recollection of the fatal letter, "perhaps she is only influenced by
-that despicable vanity of her sex, which makes them seek the applause of
-all, while they return the love of none. But why torture myself thus?
-her own conduct will best explain itself." Then, commanding all his
-fortitude to bear the trial, with as much composure as he could assume,
-he entered Lady Eltondale's drawing-room. She received him with that
-grace by which she was so peculiarly distinguished, and with an air of
-unembarrassed kindness, that might have deluded one more experienced. To
-his inquiries for Selina she replied, with an air of perfect candour,
-"She is gone to take a drive with Mrs. Sullivan; I postponed mine," she
-continued, with a gracious smile, "as you had promised to call on _us_;
-but, you know, Selina is very young, and London sights are quite new to
-her. We must all make allowances for the heedlessness of youth," added
-she, in a tone of compassion. "When I answered Frederick's question,
-whether her character was as perfect as he remembered her person
-promised to be, I reminded him that 'most women have no characters at
-all;' and prepared, him for her volatility, which is indeed her
-principal, if not her only fault. She too is prepared for----" Mordaunt
-could not bear to hear the sentence finished. "Is not that my uncle's
-curricle?" said he, starting up, and going to the window. His fair
-hostess used no further effort to prolong his visit; and as soon as
-politeness permitted, he took his leave, with feelings which, if Lady
-Eltondale could have understood, even she perhaps would have pitied.
-
-Meantime Selina proceeded towards Somerset House. It was a delightful
-day; and the rapid motion of the carriage, the gaiety of the streets,
-and even a faint hope that she might, perhaps, meet Mordaunt in her
-drive, all contributed to raise her spirits. At last, as the carriage
-experienced a momentary stop in Bond-street, Selina heard her own name
-pronounced by a voice not unfamiliar to her ear, and hastily turning to
-the speaker, she recognized Mr. Sedley. To inquire where she resided,
-where she was going, and whether he might join the party, was the
-occupation of a moment. It was settled, that he and Webberly should walk
-to Somerset House, as, exclaimed the latter half aloud, "Egad, it is
-too bad to be boxed up here with my mother and sisters, even for the
-sake of the heiress." "Vell," said his mother, as she expanded her ample
-petticoats over the small space she had hitherto permitted him to
-occupy, "I'm sure that's a good riddance of bad rubbish at all events;
-not but Jack's a good-natured feller as ever lived, though he has sadly
-muffled me, to be sure." They reached Somerset House before Mrs.
-Sullivan had fully arranged her draperies, and before Selina had time to
-express half her regrets at hearing Miss Wildenheim had been left in the
-country, but not before the gentlemen arrived to hand them out of their
-carriage. Here Selina's attention was delightedly engaged in examining
-the various specimens of her favourite art, with which she was
-surrounded. Nor could the outrageous compliments of Webberly, the
-vociferous vulgarity of his mother and sisters, or the easy vivacious
-gallantry of Sedley, divert her from her admiration of them, till Lady
-Eltondale called to take her home. As the aunt and niece returned,
-neither of them articulated the name of him, who principally occupied
-the thoughts of both. But no sooner did they reach Portman-square, than
-Selina, running hastily up stairs, tossed over the numberless cards that
-had been left in her absence by the different beaux who had been there
-the night before, and a sigh escaped her as she became unwillingly
-convinced, that Mordaunt's only was not to be found.
-
-Lord Eltondale seldom joined the circle in which alone his Viscountess
-condescended to move; and, except in very large assemblies, either at
-home or abroad, they were seldom seen together.
-
-The same undistinguishing kindness still marked his manner to Selina,
-which she had experienced on her first reception at Eltondale; and he
-continued to think of her as a pretty, lively, good-humoured girl, but
-he had neither time nor talent to ascertain whether she was a _happy_
-one; indeed he never thought about her, except when she was present; and
-thus the occasional depression of her spirits, which was so new in the
-history of Selina's life, passed unnoticed both by the Viscount and his
-Lady, from the total want of reflection in the character of the one, and
-the refinement of duplicity in the other.
-
-On the evening of the day in which Selina visited Somerset House, she
-accompanied Lady Eltondale to the Opera. She had never yet been in any
-theatre. What then were her sensations, when, on the door of her aunt's
-box being opened, she beheld, at one _coup d'oeil_, the assembled
-magnificence of the stage, presented in the last act of a beautiful
-ballet, and that of the audience, which seemed ranged round more to
-increase than to enjoy the splendor of the spectacle? To those who have
-beheld such a scene, with as little experience, and as much capability
-of enjoyment as Selina possessed, no description of its effects would be
-necessary; and to those who have not, no words could give an adequate
-idea of her delight. Lady Eltondale's box was soon filled with
-gentlemen, but nothing had, at first, the power of diverting Selina's
-attention from the stage, whilst the _naivete_ of her remarks, and the
-varying expression of her countenance, gave her every moment new charms.
-Amongst the rest Sir James Fenton and Lord George Meredith were most
-obsequious in their attentions, and loudest in their encomiums. She had
-just turned her head, to listen to a curious account the latter was
-giving of his having been once introduced to Mrs. Sullivan and her
-daughters, and was laughing heartily at his ridiculous imitation of
-their manners, when her eye caught that of Mordaunt, who was standing in
-the pit at no great distance. But his fine countenance no longer bore
-that expression, which she had so fondly treasured in her memory. He
-stood gazing at her, with a cold, almost contemptuous steadiness: no
-beam of tenderness softened the brilliancy of his penetrating eye, that
-seemed to dart into her very soul. She coloured, and returned his half
-salute with one still more expressive of indignant pride; and, with
-increased vivacity, renewed her conversation with Lord George Meredith.
-Mordaunt did not visit their box the whole evening, though Lord
-Osselstone staid in it for some time, occasionally smiling, and
-sometimes even calling forth Selina's observations on the scene, to her
-so replete with novelty and attraction: while once or twice following
-the direction of her unconscious glance, his eyes were directed to an
-opposite box, where Augustus seemed to be evidently renewing his devoirs
-to the pretty Miss Webster, to whom, as Selina thought, he had been so
-unnecessarily civil at Lady Eltondale's assembly.
-
-At last, as the closing scene was almost finished, and the Viscountess
-was preparing to leave her box, escorted by Sir James Fenton, the door
-was suddenly opened by Sedley, who came to attend Selina to her
-carriage; she gave a smothered sigh as she thought "Augustus would once
-have done the same," but accepted the proffered civility, after having
-introduced him to Lady Eltondale; who was already well acquainted with
-him by name, as Frederick Elton's friend and correspondent, and
-therefore she thought him a most desirable attendant on Selina. Thus
-escorted, they hastened to their carriage, and drove without delay to
-join another crowd, at the Duchess of Saltoun's ball. And here Selina
-was, as usual, admired, followed, and flattered. Lord George Meredith
-and Sedley had both engaged her, before they left the Opera, to dance;
-and as it was one of her favorite amusements, she quickly entered into
-all the gaiety that surrounded her, with that vivacity which is so
-natural to youth, and so peculiarly belonging to her character.
-Mordaunt, for the moment, was forgotten; or if his image intruded on her
-mind, it rose as a dark cloud, that threw a gloomy shade on her present
-pleasure, and served but to make her turn to the joys of dissipation
-with increased avidity, as an antidote to its saddening influence. Is it
-to be wondered at, that a girl so totally inexperienced as Selina was,
-should yield a little to the many temptations that now surrounded her?
-Without any calm, steady friend, whose sobered reflection would have
-served as a counterpoise to her natural volatility, she found herself
-suddenly transported from the deepest shade of retirement to the
-brightest blaze of fashion.
-
-Her youth, her beauty, her fortune, all conspired to place her in the
-foremost rank of praise.--All the young men professing themselves her
-admirers, all the women her friends.--Could she for a moment doubt
-their sincerity being equal to her own? And could it be supposed, that,
-believing their truth, she should be wholly insensible to such
-unexpected adulation?
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-    Songez bien que l'amour sait feindre,
-    Redoutez un sage berger,
-    On n'est que plus pres du danger,
-    Quand on croit n'avoir rien a craindre[5].
-
-[Footnote 5:
-
-    Remember still love can dissemble,
-    And even with the wisest tremble;
-    For when we think there's nought to fear,
-    Often danger's lurking near.
-]
-
-
-Balls, parties, operas, followed each other in rapid succession; and as
-rapidly did Selina rise to the very zenith of fashion. She became at
-once the _ton_, and, being so, whatever she said, whatever she did, was
-of course immediately pronounced "wisest, discreetest, best." She had
-many followers, but Lord George Meredith was the only gentleman, who
-had yet openly professed himself to be her suitor. It was, however, far
-from Lady Eltondale's intention, that Selina should make any choice for
-herself; or rather, she determined so to bend her ductile mind, that by
-degrees that choice, which was in reality Lady Eltondale's, should seem
-to be her own. She therefore carefully observed the manner of all the
-young men, who were most sedulous in paying attention to Selina;
-believing that she was fully capable of discriminating, whether their
-intentions went beyond the amusement of the passing moment, and equally
-certain of frustrating any plan that militated against her own. The more
-Selina became _the fashion_, the more steady became Lady Eltondale's
-determination to marry her to Frederick Elton; and with that
-infatuation, which is a natural consequence of self-love, the deeper she
-became engaged in the prosecution of her scheme, the more she felt
-herself interested in its ultimate success. Lord George Meredith soon
-rendered himself an object of her jealousy; and she therefore took an
-early opportunity of casually informing Selina, through an apparently
-accidental conversation with Sir James Fenton, of his Lordship's
-unconquerable passion for gaming, and concluded by turning abruptly to
-Selina, remarking, "that, no doubt, the fine oaks of Deane Hall would
-serve to repair some of his losses; and, as he regularly made love to
-every heiress that _came out_, perhaps Selina might, if she chose,
-procure for herself the hitherto rejected title in reversion of
-Marchioness Starmont." Lady Eltondale's sarcasm was not without its due
-effect: by degrees Selina's behaviour to Lord George sunk into a cold,
-though polite reserve; and his Lordship, understanding the change in the
-manner both of aunt and niece, gradually withdrew his attentions. The
-conduct of Mr. Sedley was much more equivocal, and almost baffled the
-penetration of the Viscountess. It always happened his engagements and
-theirs were the same, and wherever they went he became one of their
-immediate party; but his manner was so perfectly careless, that the
-rencontre seemed purely accidental. He admired Selina's beauty avowedly,
-but with apparently equal _nonchalance_, sometimes complimented Lady
-Eltondale on the elegance of Miss Seymour's dress, and much oftener
-finding fault with Selina herself, if any particular ornament or colour
-in it happened not to suit his fancy. To the Viscountess herself his
-manner was in the highest degree attentive, and even insinuating; and
-had the world in which they moved had time to attend to his conduct in
-particular, it would probably have decided, that he was much more
-assiduous in recommending himself to the aunt than to the niece. He
-would often place himself, for a whole evening, behind Lady Eltondale's
-chair, when the vivacity and singularity of his conversation,
-compounded, as it was, of sense and levity, would withdraw nearly all
-her attention from the rest of the company, while at the same time
-Selina would appear almost unregarded by him. It also often happened, if
-they were at a ball together, he would ask Selina to dance, "provided
-she had not any other partner;" or tell her to "say at least she was
-engaged to him, if any asked her she did not wish to dance with;" and
-such was the pleasure Selina always experienced from his natural
-vivacious manners, that it seldom happened that the engagement was not
-fulfilled. And yet it seemed almost a matter of indifference to him,
-whether it was so or not; he often appeared fully as anxious to procure
-other pleasant partners for her, as to be the chosen one himself. One
-evening, Selina supposed she had engaged herself to him, and waited in
-anxious, though vain, expectation of his coming to claim her hand; and
-when, as his apology for not doing so, he told her laughingly, that he
-had totally forgotten their engagement, she was almost tempted to be
-affronted. But he so good naturedly called the next morning, to bring
-her the music of the last new ballet, and appeared so unconscious of
-having merited her displeasure, that it quickly vanished, and their
-friendship seemed more firmly established than ever.
-
-Certain it is, that Selina felt more at ease with Sedley, than with any
-other of the beaux who now constantly attended in her train. Sometimes
-the compliments of her professed admirers were too exaggerated for even
-her vanity to believe. But, with him, she felt she could at all times
-talk and laugh unrestrainedly; he seemed to have no pretensions, and
-therefore she did not think it necessary to be on her guard against
-either wounding or encouraging them. If the inconsiderateness of her
-buoyant spirits, or her inexperience of the rules of etiquette, led her
-into any trifling dilemma, she was always certain of his good humoured
-and effectual assistance in relieving her from her embarrassment;
-whilst, on the other hand, he had imperceptibly assumed the privilege,
-which she had as unconsciously yielded to him, of reproving her for any
-trifling sin, either of omission or commission, against the laws of
-fashion. She therefore reposed a certain confidence in Sedley, that led
-her to have a different feeling for him, from that she experienced for
-the other individuals by whom she was surrounded. For her natural
-timidity led her almost always to yield her opinion, without contention,
-to that of any other person, whose knowledge or abilities she supposed
-superior to her own. She even felt relieved, by believing she could in
-safety repose on the wisdom of another; for she had never yet been
-placed in a situation, in which she was necessitated to act for herself.
-Her ideas of the perfection of her father and Mrs. Galton had been
-such, that she not only never had disputed their authority, but had so
-entirely relied on their judgment, that her own had never been called
-into action. With her recollections of them Augustus Mordaunt had
-hitherto been united: the first affections of her heart had turned
-towards him, as to the playfellow, the companion, the brother of her
-earliest infancy; and had he too been her guide on her first entrance
-into life, she would probably have been induced to bestow on him a still
-dearer title. But Sir Henry's death, and Lady Eltondale's subsequent
-artifices, had totally separated poor Selina from all these her earliest
-friends. The misunderstanding, which had at first arisen partly from
-accident, between her and Mordaunt, was afterwards carefully increased
-by the crafty Viscountess; and her two unsuspecting victims, by their
-mutual errors, facilitated the success of her machinations. Both,
-conscious of the integrity of their own feelings, avoided rather than
-sought an explanation, which both considered due to their own individual
-pride. By both the perceptible alteration of each other's manner was
-attributed to the change that had taken place in their relative
-situation; and, above all, as the interruption of their intimacy had
-occurred by imperceptible degrees, no opening was left for
-reconciliation by the pretext of decided grievance. Whenever they met,
-which was now but seldom, a mutual indifference seemed to have succeeded
-to that regard, which had once been so prized by both. As yet however
-the indifference was but assumed.--Mordaunt felt, that it would be long
-before reason could extinguish his love for her, who was the world's
-idol as well as his--but every sentiment of wounded affection and
-indignant pride led him to conceal the passion he could not cure--The
-more he became conscious of the necessity of self-control, the more did
-he close up the real feelings of his heart in an impenetrable armour of
-cold and studied reserve. On the other hand, Selina's feelings had taken
-a far different coloring. His having, on their first meeting in town,
-apparently repulsed her advances to a renewal of their former intimacy,
-had given her the severest pang of mortification she had ever
-experienced; but vanity soon came to her assistance, and when she found
-that he alone appeared insensible to those charms which were so prized
-by others, she began, not unnaturally, to attribute his apparent
-unkindness to an insensibility she was undecided whether to resent or
-despise. Whenever, therefore, by accident they happened to be in the
-same society, she rather assumed than corrected the appearance of
-flirtation and coquetry, which was dissimilar to the artless _naivete_
-of her earlier days, and was least suited to the unbending frigidity of
-his present deportment. With these sentiments it is not then to be
-wondered at, that their mutual society should become a source of pain,
-rather than of pleasure, to both; and Lady Eltondale, watching with
-secret satisfaction the widening breach, made it still more irreparable,
-by ostentatiously appearing to court that intercourse, which both now
-evidently wished to shun.
-
-At the same time Sedley, apparently without design, seemed to rise in
-Selina's estimation, in the proportion as Augustus fell, and gradually
-began to insinuate himself into her regard. In Sedley's society Selina
-felt perfectly unrestrained. With him her manners were always natural:
-she felt assured, that he was, as he professed to be, sincerely her
-friend; and she rested with satisfaction on the belief, that he aspired
-to no higher distinction. Even the vigilance of Lady Eltondale was for
-once baffled. Mr. Sedley's situation in life was exactly in that mean,
-which least attracted her notice: his paternal estate was sufficient, as
-she believed, to render even Selina's fortune of no vital importance to
-him; and judging of Selina by herself, she believed it almost
-impossible, that a girl so universally admired, as she undoubtedly was,
-would be content to remain a commoner all her life. Besides, she knew
-Sedley was Frederick's most intimate friend, and therefore she did not
-hesitate to make him the confidant of her views regarding Miss Seymour;
-believing that by doing so she might safely encourage his attendance on
-her niece, and at the same time make that attendance an additional
-defence against the designs of others. But the Viscountess had now to
-learn, that duplicity on one side engenders artifice on the other:
-Sedley was even more in her son-in-law's confidence, than in her own;
-and, while she with wily care cautioned him against allowing Selina to
-suspect her plan, she convinced him, that, in seeking the gratification
-of his own passion, there was no risk of thwarting the affections either
-of his friend, or _the heiress_ allotted to him. It was true, from a
-passage in Frederick's last letter, he was led to believe, that it was
-his intention to pay his addresses to Miss Seymour on his return to
-England, and he therefore cautiously suspended his own operations. "At
-present, (thought he) the girl certainly prefers me to every other man;
-for now she has quite forgot that perpendicular statue Mordaunt, and it
-will be difficult enough for him to revive any regard she might once
-have had for such a philosophical personage as he is, whilst both Lady
-Eltondale and I keep guard over her. Then if she has sense and
-steadiness enough to refuse Elton, when he proposes for her estate, for
-I'll take care she understands he does not care a farthing for herself;
-why then, notwithstanding my pretty Columbina, I will, without any
-remorse of conscience, marry her myself, if it was for nothing but to
-rescue her from that devilish calculator of compound interest, that
-noble aunt of hers--But if that same crafty duenna, that female
-Machiavel succeeds, which, after all, is by no means improbable,
-considering her wickedness and Selina's innocence; why then let them all
-take the consequence. Frederick will get the old oaks--she'll get his
-old title, and I, or any other man, may get her love that pleases." So
-reasoned Sedley--and thus did this modern Pylades acquit himself of the
-charge of any breach of friendship, as he thus deliberately prepared to
-rival his own Orestes.
-
-Far different, and much less successful, were the means adopted by
-Webberly for carrying his designs into execution. He had become
-painfully convinced, that the paths of fashionable extravagance were not
-to be trodden with impunity; and as his credit decreased with his banker
-his attentions to Miss Seymour were redoubled. Whenever she appeared in
-public, as at the theatres, or in the Park, he was her constant
-attendant; "and, like the shadow, proved the substance true," as far at
-least as related to her fortune. But notwithstanding his assiduity, he
-found it almost impossible to procure access to those more distinguished
-parties Lady Eltondale and Sedley frequented; and, being as much
-enlightened by his self-interest as the Viscountess was deceived by
-hers, he determined to keep a watchful eye over his _ci-devant_ friend,
-and heartily repented having ever introduced him at Deane Hall.
-
-While these two competitors were thus, in different ways, striving for
-the golden prize, Selina was not less an object of regard to Lord
-Osselstone.--He, as might naturally be expected, was usually to be met
-in the same circle in which Lady Eltondale moved: but it was more
-difficult to account for the perceptible attention he constantly paid to
-Selina. At first he seemed more than usually pleased with the
-artlessness and vivacity of her manner; and the recollection of the
-kindness of his behaviour to her at the moment of her distress, at Lady
-Eltondale's first party, made her show a sort of confidence in her
-manners and address towards him, that, had she been more experienced in
-the ways of the world, his very superiority might perhaps have
-prevented. But with Lord Osselstone the idea of Mordaunt was inseparably
-connected; and as the recollection of the one became painful, the
-pleasure she had derived from the society of the other decreased. She
-became gradually suspicious of his character, as a greater familiarity
-with it convinced her it was not easily to be understood; and she was
-sometimes tempted to wish, either that she was less an object of his
-Lordship's observation, or that the veil could be entirely withdrawn,
-which seemed so constantly to shroud all his feelings from her view.
-
-At last the day of Selina's presentation at Court arrived. Never had she
-looked so lovely--never was she so much admired.--Her heart beat high
-with exultation, and her eyes sparkled with redoubled animation, as she
-heard her own praise from every lip. When the drawing-room was over, and
-she found herself seated in the carriage with Lady Eltondale, she could
-not, in the vanity of the moment, repress a wish that Mrs. Galton had
-seen how much she was admired: adding, while a smile of conscious beauty
-played on her ruby lip, "I think if Mr. Mordaunt had been at Court
-to-day, even he might have condescended to have acknowledged his country
-friend." It was the first time Selina had voluntarily named him for many
-months, and the Viscountess hailed the auspicious omen. She knew that
-not to breathe a name on which our thoughts most dwell, is even a more
-dangerous symptom, than when it is the sole subject of our conversation.
-The spell with Selina now seemed broken; and Lady Eltondale profited by
-the opportunity afforded, continuing the conversation in a careless
-manner, in hopes of accustoming Selina to the deliberate discussion of
-his negligence towards her. "If (thought she) I can habituate her to
-talk about him, and to talk calmly, the day is my own:
-
-    Lorsqu'on se fache, on peut aimer encore;
-    Lorsqu'on raisonne, on n'aime plus."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-    "The town, the court, is beauty's proper sphere:
-    That is our Heaven, and we are angels there."
-
-
-     MISS SEYMOUR TO MRS. GALTON.
-
-     London, May 25,----
-
-     My dear, dear Aunt,
-
-     Your last letter has made me very unhappy. Is it possible that you
-     can really believe I have forgotten you?--I acknowledge that I have
-     been very very remiss about writing; but indeed my heart has always
-     been right towards you, though perhaps my conduct has not been so;
-     however, I acknowledge my fault in this instance, though Lady
-     Eltondale told me the other day, when I regretted not having
-     answered either of your two last letters, that nobody but me kept
-     a debtor and creditor account of correspondence; and that she was
-     sure you could not really be uneasy about me, as you could never
-     look at a newspaper without seeing my name in it, and of course
-     knowing I was both "alive and merry." And, indeed, I often wonder
-     how people have time to think and write so much about such a
-     foolish girl as I am.--Do you know, the milliners have called a new
-     cap, and a little satin hat, by my name?--Could you have believed,
-     that your poor Selina would ever have been godmother to such
-     bantlings? _Mais le vrai n'est pas toujours vraisemblable_; and I
-     verily am installed, without any probation, into all the dignities
-     of the _ton_. Mr. Sedley always tells me, I must be more than ever
-     attentive to my manners; as, if I was to walk like the
-     "Anthropophagi, whose heads do grow beneath their shoulders," I
-     should make it the fashion, and every other girl would do the
-     same. I do acknowledge, dear dear aunt, that I am quite delighted
-     with London. It far, far exceeds my expectation: indeed all the
-     descriptions of it I used to hear from Miss Cecilia Webberly are so
-     different from what I found the reality to be, that I wonder where
-     she can have met the originals of her extraordinary caricatures.
-     And as for Vauxhall and Astley's, that Miss Martin used to talk so
-     much about, I should hardly believe there were such places in
-     existence, if it was not for the advertisements I sometimes see in
-     the newspapers. Poor Lucy! I wonder what she is doing now at Deane,
-     vegetating in the country, as Lady Eltondale calls it, like a red
-     cabbage, all through the winter. Do you know, aunt, I never like to
-     think of the poor old Hall: I was so very happy there--so
-     cheerful--so contented--you all then loved me so dearly, I had not
-     a wish ungratified: now, in town, I am much more gay, but yet I
-     seldom go into a crowded room, without a kind of feverish anxiety
-     about a something, I know not what; and I seldom return home, at
-     night, without a languor on my spirits I never experienced in
-     former times;--but all that will soon wear away.--I am much fonder
-     now of going to parties than I was at first; for though I always
-     liked balls and the Opera, I did not much admire routs, but now I
-     think them very pleasant, for I generally meet Mr. Sedley, and he
-     is always entertaining, and always kind to me: and, after all, I am
-     determined to like the life I lead. For of what avail would it be
-     to me to regret those quiet peaceful days, which can now never
-     return? and if they did, they would probably appear insipid, after
-     the greater pleasures I have now been accustomed to: so whenever my
-     thoughts happen to turn to the poor dear old Hall, I jump up and
-     immediately seek out Lady Eltondale; and there is something so
-     calm, so elegant, and at the same time so freezing about her, that
-     no person could feel what she calls romance in her presence. Her
-     manners are like the snow on the Alps, they smooth down all the
-     surface, and give a dazzling brilliancy to the whole appearance;
-     but they are cold, almost to petrefaction, and I believe, after
-     all, cover only a heart of stone. Do you know, I have found out
-     lately I could never love Lady Eltondale. I have the greatest
-     reliance on her judgment, and I am sure there is nothing she could
-     _advise_ me to do (for she never _desires_ me to do any thing) that
-     I would not do; but if I was to live with her to all eternity, I
-     should never call her aunt, as I do you; or feel for her, in any
-     degree, as I feel for you. I believe the difference is this--I
-     would go any distance to be with you, or to prove how much I loved
-     you; but if you and Lady Eltondale were to give me contrary
-     directions, (don't be angry,) I should regret that I could not
-     fulfil yours, but I should feel with her there was no alternative.
-     We don't see as much of the Webberly family, at least of the
-     ladies, as I expected; for though they call very often, they are
-     not on Lady Eltondale's "at home" list; and, except one day that I
-     went with them to Somerset House, and last Sunday in Kensington
-     Gardens, I have scarcely met them any where since we came to town.
-     The last time, however, that I saw them, Mrs. Sullivan was all
-     bustle and importance, for she has received an invitation from one
-     of Mr. Sullivan's relations, to go and visit him in Ireland; and
-     she talks so much of his "_intense_ fortune, and great old castle,"
-     which Lady Eltondale, by the bye, says, is only a _chateau en
-     Espagne_. But poor Mrs. Sullivan declares, "her Carline shall be an
-     air-ass after all, as she is sure Mr. Sullivan is so proud of his
-     geology, that he will take care to leave every thing after him to
-     his progenitors; and it is but fair he should give it to her
-     daughter, as all old retailed estates ought to ascend to the hairs
-     male." I sincerely hope, that dear charming Miss Wildenheim will
-     not be dragged after them into one of those horrid Irish bogs: what
-     a pity it is she should, in any way, be united to such a barbarous
-     family; theirs is certainly the connection of _la belle et la
-     bete_. But I had almost forgot to tell you, that Mrs. Sullivan and
-     her son and heir intend to do me the honour of adding me to their
-     establishment also. I wish I could describe Mr. Sedley's manner and
-     words, as he entertained Lady Eltondale and me last night at the
-     Opera, with an account of Mr. Webberly having invited him to
-     dinner, for the express purpose, he says, of informing him of his
-     intention to propose for me, in form, very shortly; and that Mr.
-     Webberly told Mr. Sedley this, lest he should have any intention of
-     doing so himself. I don't know whether the idea of Mr. Webberly's
-     own design, or his ridiculous suspicions of Mr. Sedley's, amused
-     Lady Eltondale or him most: however they both agreed, that it was
-     quite impossible I should ever marry a commoner. I wish you knew
-     Mr. Sedley well, as I am sure you would like him, and be convinced
-     that your prejudice last autumn, and your idea that he was
-     unprincipled, would soon vanish. He is uncommonly good natured, and
-     always tells me all my faults, and I am not the least afraid of him
-     as I am of Lady Eltondale; indeed he is the only person in town I
-     have real pleasure in conversing with. When I talk to any body
-     else, I am always afraid of their misconstruing either my vivacity
-     or my gravity. But Mr. Sedley's conversation is always adapted to
-     the turn of the moment. If I am gay, he does not accuse me of
-     levity; and if I am inclined to talk rationally, he does not call
-     it pedantry. Would you believe it, the other night, when I know Mr.
-     Webberly thought he was making love to me, we were literally
-     talking of Montesquieu's _Esprit des Loix_, which you may remember
-     was one of the last books we read together--I mean with Mr. Temple.
-     Lady Eltondale is to give a great ball next week; I believe soon
-     after that we shall leave town. Lord Osselstone, whom I meet
-     constantly----Lady Eltondale has this moment called me into the
-     drawing-room--I must go.--Good bye, dear dear aunt.
-
-     Yours most affectionately,
-
-     SELINA SEYMOUR.
-
-The pretext the Viscountess made use of for interrupting Miss Seymour
-was, that she might comply with Mr. Sedley's request of showing him her
-drawings, as to see _them_ was ostensibly the purpose for which he had
-called that morning; though in truth a day seldom passed, in which he
-did not find some good reason for visiting Portman square. Selina made
-no hesitation in producing them; for, though she was not quite exempt
-from the foible of personal vanity, yet she was entirely free from that
-despicable affectation, which assumes the appearance of modesty, when
-the reality is most wanting. Her drawings were, in truth, beautiful, and
-much superior to the common school girl exhibitions of would-be artists.
-But her knowledge was even superior to her execution; and she so
-correctly appreciated the merits of her paintings, that she received
-both the encomiums and the criticisms they produced with equal candour.
-While her miniatures and her portfolio were lying on Lady Eltondale's
-table, Lord Osselstone was announced. At first he expressed the surprise
-he felt, at thus unexpectedly discovering Selina's talent, and then
-complimented her on her excellence with his usual politeness. But
-believing Sedley's gallantry was more agreeable than his own, he
-gradually withdrew with Lady Eltondale to another part of the room.
-Their attention was, however, soon attracted by a _brouillerie_ that
-had arisen between Sedley and Selina. It appeared, that he had possessed
-himself of a drawing out of her portfolio, which he seemed determined to
-retain; alleging it was a subject that particularly suited his taste;
-while she was still more anxious to regain the stolen treasure. In the
-struggle that ensued, the drawing fell to the ground; and Lord
-Osselstone, stooping to pick it up, discovered it to be a beautiful
-portrait of a pointer. The dog, at full length, was inimitably drawn;
-and over the different parts of the paper the same head was sketched in
-pencil, in a variety of different attitudes; and in one corner was
-written also in pencil these lines of Metastasio's Partenza:--
-
-    Soffri che in traccia almen
-    Di mia perduta pace,
-    Venga il penner sequace
-    Su l'orme del tuo pie.
-    Sempre nel tuo cammino,
-    Sempre m'avrai vicino[6].
-
-[Footnote 6:
-
-     At least allow that in the track,
-    Once mark'd by joys now fled,
-    My wandering thoughts may trace the path
-    Which thy dear footsteps tread:
-    For once where'er those footsteps stray'd,
-    Still, still beside thee I delay'd.
-]
-
-"I have seen the original of that admirable portrait," said Lord
-Osselstone, in a tone of inquiry, as he politely returned the drawing to
-its mistress; while at the same time his dark penetrating eye rested
-full upon hers. She looked down instantly, and blushing deeply, replied,
-"Perhaps your Lordship may have seen the dog: I meant it for Carlo. I
-only drew it from recollection:--it's a mere daub of no value now;" and
-so saying, she tore the drawing into a thousand pieces. Mr. Sedley
-uttered a volume of apologies and regrets; and Lady Eltondale, half
-laughingly half sarcastically, remonstrated at her not having sooner
-been informed of Miss Seymour's talent for taking dogs' portraits;
-alleging that she would now make Mignon sit for his picture. Then seeing
-that Selina's embarrassment was increased, and Lord Osselstone's
-observation of it not withdrawn, she proposed adjourning to Selina's
-boudoir, to see some of her other miniatures that adorned it. Here her
-various occupations, her books, her harp, her work-box, all of which had
-evidently been lately used, served by Lady Eltondale's address as fresh
-subjects of conversation; and the current of Selina's thoughts being as
-rapidly turned, she soon resumed her natural gaiety; and perhaps Lord
-Osselstone's regret was scarcely less manifested than Sedley's, when the
-arrival of Lady Eltondale's carriage put an end to their visit.
-
-The Viscountess made no further mention of Carlo's portrait, and both
-the original and the picture seemed to have entirely vanished from
-Selina's recollection, till a few days afterwards she discovered on her
-writing table in the boudoir an exact representation of Carlo himself in
-a _garde de feuille_. The dog was in bronze, on a marble pedestal, and
-on his collar were engraved the words, "_Je la garderai pour mon
-maitre._" Selina was not less delighted than surprised at this
-unexpected present; and immediately ran to thank Lady Eltondale for it,
-conceiving her to have been the donor. But she denied any knowledge of
-it, and they both concluded the gallantry must have been Sedley's.
-Accordingly the next time they met him, Selina made her acknowledgements
-for the gift. At first he expressed, in the most natural manner, his
-surprise at her address, and affected total ignorance of the occasion of
-her gratitude. But notwithstanding his laughable confusion and affected
-unconcern, both the Viscountess and her niece attributed the present to
-him;--a circumstance that gave room for reflection to both their minds,
-though the feelings it occasioned in each were far different.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-    The enchantress summons to a splendid hall:
-    ---- ---- In gay festoons around
-    Bloom'd many a wreath with rose and myrtle crown'd.
-    --The nymphs, who late encompassing their queen
-    Round her bright throne, like hov'ring clouds were seen,
-    Now range themselves to wind the magic dance;
-    The magic dance of pow'r, the dead to raise,
-    Or draw embodied spirits down to gaze;
-    Now pair by pair, now groupe by groupe unite,
-    The loveliest forms in thousand folded light.
-
-    SOTHEBY'S OBERON.
-
-
-Before the day arrived which had been fixed for Lady Eltondale's ball,
-to which Selina alluded in her letter to Mrs. Galton, a note from Lord
-Osselstone was received by the Viscountess, desiring her commands to
-Vienna, and informing her, that he and his nephew purposed immediately
-commencing a tour to the continent they had long meditated.
-
-Selina felt almost relieved by the certainty of Mordaunt's absence, for
-she still felt a degree of painful embarrassment in his presence, though
-she had taught herself no longer to expect any attention, and scarcely
-even recognizance from him in public. Nor was she much more at ease in
-the society of Lord Osselstone. Whenever he was near her, whatever might
-be his apparent occupation, she still felt an indescribable
-consciousness, that she was the object of his peculiar attention.
-Sometimes a sort of reflected sensation in her own eye led her to
-believe, that his was fixed upon her; though often, when this feeling
-made her look round to meet his glance, she would perceive it was
-directed elsewhere. At other times, if engaged in conversation, when she
-had no idea whatever of his proximity, she would discover, by some
-casual observation, that he had heard all she had said; and his
-Lordship would then continue the discourse, be it what it might, in the
-strain best adapted to the moment; for Lord Osselstone particularly
-excelled in the talent of conversation:--he could--
-
-    "Choose a firm cloud before it fall, and in it
-    Catch, ere she change, the Cynthia of the minute."
-
-Whether the subject was lively or sententious, gay or serious, his
-abilities seemed equally applicable to all. At times his wisdom would
-call forth Selina's powers of reasoning; at others he would encourage
-the playfulness of her wit, till it "touch'd the brink of all we hate."
-But beyond that verge no temporary exhilaration of spirits ever betrayed
-the chasteness, the delicacy of Selina's judgment. And yet,
-notwithstanding the urbanity and politeness of Lord Osselstone's manners
-to Selina, she never felt herself perfectly at ease with him. She could
-not be secure of what his real sentiments were, therefore, by a natural
-consequence, she was diffident in the expression of her own. She once
-described her feelings in regard to the Earl, by saying to Lady
-Eltondale, in her usual playful manner, "When I talk to Lord Osselstone,
-I always feel as if my mind was on stilts; and, though he seems only to
-follow my lead in conversation, I get almost out of breath, lest I
-should not keep up to my traces; but when I talk to Mr. Sedley, his chat
-runs on with mine in its own natural way, sometimes scarcely creeping
-along, and at others setting off in a full gallop: a Frenchwoman would
-say, "_Je debite avec l'un et cause avec l'autre._""
-
-By this fortunate continental tour Selina was relieved from the dread of
-encountering, on the festive night, the only two people whose presence
-ever damped the amusement she derived from those scenes of gaiety in
-which she now shone so conspicuous; and, with unmixed delight, did she
-anticipate the fete, which, in her opinion, would eclipse all that ever
-had preceded it. The munificent allowance which, by her father's will,
-was made to the Viscountess for Selina's residence with her, was by no
-means an unacceptable addition to Lord Eltondale's income; for though he
-"never had time" to look into his own affairs, and was little aware of
-the real extent of their derangement, yet the constant remonstrances of
-his steward convinced him most unwillingly, that they were in a very
-embarassed state. It was not, however, Lady Eltondale's intention, that
-the sums received for the maintenance of her niece should be
-appropriated to the discharge of any of her husband's debts;--she
-claimed them as her own, and expended them in increased extravagance and
-dissipation. So sensible was she of the advantages she derived from
-Selina's remaining with her, that, though anxious for the match
-ultimately being made between Miss Seymour and Mr. Elton, she was by no
-means anxious, that their union should take place before the expiration
-of her minority, at which period she knew that her niece would of course
-form an establishment of her own.
-
-The ball, which was now announced by the Viscountess, was ostensibly
-given for Selina; and all that taste could design, or expense procure,
-was put in requisition for the magnificent display. Selina, who had
-never by deprivation been taught the real value of riches, was delighted
-at the splendid preparations, and became a docile pupil in the arts of
-profusion under the admirable tuition of her aunt. Lady Eltondale was
-the character above all others most dangerous for the guidance or
-imitation of youth. Her faults were so varnished by the specious
-elegance and charms of her manners, that even the experience of age
-hesitated to bestow on them the stigma of vice, while the most
-thoughtless could not fail to discover, that she neither revered nor
-understood the fixed immutable rules of virtue. It is true the breath of
-scandal had never sullied the gloss of her fair fame; but for this,
-perhaps, she was more indebted to the frigidity of her heart, than to
-the rectitude of her principles; and that total annihilation of all
-feeling, which she recommended both by precept and example, was more
-likely to eradicate the better sentiments of benevolence and generosity,
-than to serve as an effectual preventive against the temptations of
-passion.
-
-Lady Eltondale was scarcely less anxious than was Selina, that her
-entertainment should stand foremost in the annals of fashionable
-dissipation; for many little springs of self-interest were now set in
-motion in the calculating head of the Viscountess. She was arrived at
-that age, not only of her natural life, but of her existence in the
-world of fashion, when she felt it not undesirable to procure some
-auxiliaries, to support her on that pinnacle she had for many years
-occupied. She could not forget, that before her marriage she had been
-followed and flattered as a beauty, nor that, when she assumed her
-present title, she had been still more courted as a leader of ton; but
-she now felt conscious, that both those enviable distinctions were
-beginning to fade, and she was therefore not unwilling to profit by the
-various advantages she derived from the society of her niece, whose more
-novel attractions drew renewed crowds to her assemblies, and fresh
-visitors to her door. Nor did any personal jealousy interfere with the
-more substantial pleasures she enjoyed by being _chaperone_ to Miss
-Seymour. Lady Eltondale was well aware, that their beauty was so
-dissimilar, that their individual admirers would always be distinct; nor
-did she believe that any person, who was capable of duly appreciating
-the high polish of her more matured grace, would be diverted from their
-admiration by the unstudied, though exuberant charms of a girl of
-seventeen. It was therefore with more satisfaction than envy, that Lady
-Eltondale contemplated the unparalleled success of Selina's toilet on
-the night so eagerly anticipated by both, as she appeared--
-
-          "In brilliancy of art array'd,
-    Jewels and pearls in many a curious braid,
-    Show that the unnotic'd di'mond's sunlike rays
-    Fail to eclipse the self-resplendent blaze,
-    Which round the unrivall'd charms of native beauty play'd."
-
-"Vhy, Miss Seymour, I never seed nothing like that ere sprig in my
-life," said Mrs. Sullivan, bustling through the crowd up to Selina, who
-had just finished the first dance with the young Duke of Saltoun. "All
-the vay as you vent up and down the middle, it nodded about and sparkled
-so--you looks for all the 'versal vorld like the queen of dimonds." "Or
-rather the queen of hearts," said young Webberly, with a low bow and a
-deep sigh; while Selina, meeting Sedley's glance, could scarcely receive
-his compliments with a becoming composure of countenance. "Or if," said
-Sedley, advancing, "you want a simile, Webberly, suppose you call Miss
-Seymour the planet Venus, shining at night with unrivalled
-splendour;--that will do, you know, ma'am, both for the sprig and the
-lady," continued he, turning with a ludicrous reverence to Mrs.
-Sullivan. "Vhy as for the matter of that there, Mr. Sedley," replied the
-indignant matron, "my Jack could raise a smile himself in no time,
-without no promoting of any one's else's whatsomdever. He's not such a
-ninny-headed feller neither as you seem to take him for, Mr. Sedley. He
-can see as far into a millstone as e'er a one, Mr. Sedley; and, as far
-as his mother tongue goes, he can talk orthography with you or any one
-else." "No doubt, my dear ma'am," returned he, with immoveable gravity,
-"and nothing can surpass his mother's tongue;--
-
-                       "'In her
-    There is a prone and speechless dialect
-    Such as moves men: beside she hath a prosp'rous art,
-    When she will play with reason and discourse.'"
-
-"Aye, aye, Mr. Sedley, you may go on as you please; preside in your own
-vay, but remember I knows what's what. I can tell Miss Seymour here,
-impudence is a bad prostitute for honesty." Though Selina could not
-quite understand the full import of Mrs. Sullivan's observations, which
-she endeavoured to render still more significant by shrugs and gestures;
-yet by the heightened colour of the lady's complexion, and a transient
-gravity that passed over the countenances of both gentlemen, she plainly
-discovered the conversation had taken a turn unpleasant to all parties;
-therefore, with that true politeness which arises from natural
-benevolence, she endeavoured to soothe the irrascible feelings of each,
-by diverting their thoughts into another channel. To Mrs. Sullivan she
-paid an elegant, and not very exaggerated compliment on Cecilia's
-particularly good looks. To Mr. Webberly's request that she would dance
-with him, she acceded with an alacrity, that seemed to verify her
-expression of regret that her other engagements obliged her to postpone
-hers with him for some dances; and by sending Sedley on an embassy to
-Lady Eltondale, she prevented a renewal of the skirmish between him and
-the offended mother, which the equivocal expression of his countenance
-led her to believe was not an impossible event. "Lawk, mama!" exclaimed
-Miss Webberly, in an elevated tone, as soon as he had left the groupe,
-"I wonder you can condescend to notice him so;--you're always fighting
-him now." "Vhy I know, Meely, I oughtn't to demon myself to such a
-feller; but I can't bear, not I, to see him ballooning (lampooning) poor
-Jack there, while every feature in his physiology shows that he's
-mocking him up all the time:--I can't bear no such hypercritics, not I."
-Cecilia now warmly undertook his defence, which she entered upon with
-still more zeal as the subject of her mother's philippic had made an
-_amende honorable_ to her at least, by engaging her for the same set
-that her brother was to dance with Miss Seymour, who in the mean time
-having succeeded in parting the combatants, had gone to resume her
-station amongst the dancers.
-
-The time at last arrived for the fulfilment of Selina's engagement with
-Webberly, and they stood up together. At first the youth was so busily
-engaged in settling his cravat, putting on and taking off his glove, and
-eyeing askance his neighbour the Duke of Saltoun, all of whose motions
-he endeavoured to imitate, that he had no time to attend to his fair
-partner. At last he recollected his duty, and hastily stepping across
-the dance, prepared to give utterance to a tender speech he had composed
-in the morning. But as he stooped forward to pour the soft accents in
-his fair one's ear, having, like the simple partridge, safely deposited
-his head, he became careless of the rest of his person; and
-unfortunately his noble prototype the Duke, at the same moment exerting
-himself vigorously in a Highland fling, came unexpectedly in contact
-with the dying swain, and threw him sprawling into the arms of his
-mistress, before either were prepared for so novel a situation. The
-salute was as little agreeable to poor Selina as it was unexpected, and
-she hastily disengaged herself from Webberly before he had succeeded in
-recovering his balance, or the Duke had uttered more than half his
-apologies. At last the youth accomplished regaining that erect posture,
-which is man's first characteristic, and returned in silence to his
-place opposite Selina, where he occupied himself, indefatigably in
-pulling down his coat behind, pushing up his hair before, and looking
-sternly round, in the vain hope of suppressing the titter that buzzed on
-all sides of him. Thus without his renewing the attack, did they reach
-in silence the top of the dance, and before the effect of his disaster
-was obliterated from his mind or his countenance, their turn came to
-begin. He now determined, by increased exertions, to make amends for his
-unfortunate commencement, and by dint of manual labour to eclipse even
-the Duke of Saltoun in agility. His figure was athletic, and his limbs
-were ponderous; but art, in nature's despight, had made him at least an
-active dancer. And now he cut, and he leapt, and he sprang into the air,
-till the perspiration burst from his forehead. If by chance he got
-foremost down the middle, he dragged Selina's fragile form after him,
-_vi et armis_, the whole length of the set; but this inconvenience she
-did not often encounter, for he generally spent so much longer time than
-necessary in his coupees, and his settings, and his pirouettes, that he
-was forced to sail down the middle after his partner, like another
-Johnny Gilpin, while with terror in their countenances all beholders
-cleared the course before him. It was impossible for Selina long to
-endure the danger and fatigue of such a partner; and before they had
-half measured the length of the set, (except by the flying visits before
-mentioned) she proposed retiring to the bottom. But that situation was
-not more propitious to our hero than the top had been; long before he
-became stationary his breath was exhausted, and that gradual extension
-of the lungs, which he intended to be the
-
-    "Softest note of whisper'd anguish,
-    "Harmony's refined part,"
-
-became an audible and protracted groan, whilst his eyes, starting from
-their sockets from the violence of his exertions, were any thing but the
-messengers of passion. "Good God! Miss Seymour, what is the name of your
-partner?" exclaimed Sir James Fenton, as he calmly surveyed the gasping
-hero through his spy-glass:--"Mr. Weatherly do you call him? Poor young
-man! he must dance for the good of his health! Tam O' Shanter himself
-never saw such 'louping and flinging' as he has exhibited to-night--pray
-introduce me to him." Then without waiting for the solicited
-presentation, he advanced to the new Vestris, and, with all possible
-gravity, began to compliment him on "his astonishing performance." Each
-compliment called forth a fresh specimen from the flattered beau, as he
-was turned, or otherwise joined in the dance, to the infinite amusement
-of the surrounding crowd; and what between the necessary application of
-his pocket handkerchief, the exhibition of his extraordinary talent,
-and the proper returns of bows and smiles to every address of the
-malicious Sir James Fenton, he had no time left for courtship.
-
-Supper was at length announced, and Sedley, who with his partner had
-been standing near Selina, offered her his arm, alleging, that Mr.
-Webberly was too busy just then to attend to her: "Yes, (replied Selina
-laughingly, passing her arm through his) my Achilles seems only
-vulnerable in the heel to-night." But Cecilia not choosing to lose any
-share of Sedley's attention, roared out, "Why, brother! brother John,
-what are you capering there for, like a great jack-ass, as you are, and
-leaving Miss Seymour to take care of herself?" The hint was not lost
-upon him--he made one _entrechat_ which cleared the intimidated throng,
-and brought him to Selina's side, then seizing her hand, he led her
-triumphantly off before she had time to remonstrate, or he to recover
-sufficient breath to apologize for his previous inattention. However he
-fully determined to make up for his lost opportunity at the supper
-table; and therefore, fearful of interruption, was by no means desirous
-to find room for his mother and sister, who with Sedley and Cecilia
-joined them. But Miss Seymour's politeness to her guests counteracted
-his design; and while he was fortifying himself with a copious draught
-of _champagne_, as a necessary preliminary to the declaration he
-purposed making, Mrs. Sullivan was endeavouring to insinuate herself
-into the little space which her daughters had reserved for her, with
-more attention to their own comfort, than to their parent's
-circumference. At last, however, she became seated, and, with maternal
-solicitude, immediately turned her anxious eye on her beloved son's
-countenance. But great was her dismay, and rapid was her utterance, as
-the following eloquent address burst forth in a sharp _contralto_ key,
-"Vhy, Jack! Lord deliver me, Jack! you be all of a lather! And your
-nose, child, as smutty as a sweep's, from one end to t'other; why what,
-in the name of mercy, have you been about? Oh! vhy your hands be puxzy,
-I suppose, and so they have taken all the japanning off Miss Seymour's
-fan here, I suppose."--"Mother can't ye mind your own business, and
-leave mine alone," roared the dutiful son, in a voice of thunder, at the
-same time profiting by the hint he condemned, and again wiping his
-face.--"Vhy I only tell you for own good, Jacky; but you are grown so
-copious of late, there's no wenturing to speak a vord, and my advice
-never makes no oppression on you, else I'd discommend your buttoning
-your waistcoat; and if you impress that ere wiolent perspiration you're
-in, I shall have you laid up in a titmouse fever, that's all Jack.--I
-know it ba'nt the fashion to mind any thing a parent says, now-a-days;
-but if I vasn't your own mother that bared ye, you'd attend to me, fast
-enough; though, (continued she, turning to Selina,) Miss Seymour, a vife
-is another guess matter to a young man; and Jack would make a wery good
-husband, I'm certain, if you'd but fancy him, though he's not quite so
-diligent to me as he might be."
-
-Meantime, poor Jack, his faculties almost benumbed with his mother's
-rhetoric, and his own previous exhaustion, had allowed her to proceed
-without interruption, while he busied himself in buttoning the
-unfortunate waistcoat, that had called forth her animadversions. But his
-evil stars still pursued him: in his agitation he also buttoned up the
-greater part of the very pocket handkerchief which had before been in
-such constant requisition; one unlucky corner alone escaped; and, as he
-stood up to help himself to a fresh bottle of _champagne_ that was at
-some distance, this singular appendage struck his anxious parent with
-fresh dismay. Her exclamations, at his extraordinary appearance, were
-too much for the risible muscles of the rest of the company. A universal
-shout of laughter burst from the whole table. In vain did Mrs. Sullivan
-roar out, "Button it up, Jack! button it up!" In vain did Jack cast the
-most indignant glances, not only upon her, but upon the whole company.
-The laugh was not to be repressed; and, starting up, with a tremendous
-oath, the unfortunate Webberly rushed out of the room.
-
-It may be supposed, Selina did not much regret his absence; and in the
-following dance, Sedley's inimitable caricature of the whole family
-amply compensated to her for the trifling mortification their vulgarity
-had occasioned. To use the language of the Morning Post, "The dancing
-was continued till a late hour, when the company departed, highly
-gratified by the splendor of the entertainment, the elegance of the
-hostess, and the unrivalled charms of her accomplished niece."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-     Here's another letter to her: she bears the purse too, she is a
-     region in Guiana, all gold and bounty. I will be cheater to them
-     both, and they shall be exchequers to me; they shall be my East and
-     West Indies.
-
-     MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR.
-
-
-As fate had hitherto been so unpropitious to young Webberly, and his
-anxious mama, in their personal interviews with Miss Seymour, they
-decided, at their next _tete a tete_, which was generally of a much more
-friendly nature than their public communications, that he should not any
-longer delay making his proposal in form, which Mrs. Sullivan could not
-believe she would hesitate in accepting; for, like the monkey in the
-fable, she thought nothing equalled her own progeny. On this occasion
-at least, her son implicitly followed her directions; he was aware that
-his finances were so reduced, he should never be able to stand another
-London campaign, without some new resource, and the gaming table had
-lately not been as productive a one as he usually found it. With the
-assistance of his sisters, he therefore composed a letter full of darts,
-and wounds, and happiness, and agitation, and gratitude, and eternity;
-and "used the arts that lovers use;" in hopes, by the superabundance of
-his professions, to compensate for his real indifference. For, in truth,
-he cared only for Selina's fortune, as he actually loved Miss
-Wildenheim, as much as it was in nature for so selfish a being to love
-any body. And though he was equally as incapable of justly appreciating
-her character as of understanding Selina's, yet her talents were so
-veiled by the calm dignity of the manners, that he felt less intimidated
-by them than by the brilliant vivacity of Selina's. But, in
-anticipating the possibility of becoming Miss Seymour's husband, he
-fully, in imagination, indemnified himself for the temporary
-mortifications her undoubted superiority now occasioned him, by the
-magnanimous resolution of treating her, when she became his wife, with
-all possible contempt; believing, as many husbands do in similar
-situations, that an ostentatious display of authority will persuade
-others, that the dependent is really the inferior being, like the boy on
-the ladder, who tramples on that which alone supports him.
-
-Selina and Lady Eltondale were together, when the Viscountess was
-presented with an enormous packet, sealed with a coat of arms as ample
-in its expansion as it was modern in its date; "Good Heavens!" exclaimed
-her Ladyship, holding up the cover, "arms! and the man; here, Selina,
-the envelope only is for me: your _nouveau riche_ admirer requests I
-will present to you this inimitable manuscript." Selina hastily ran
-over the composition, which had cost some hours to indite; and then, no
-longer able to keep her countenance, burst into a hearty fit of
-laughter, while her cheeks mantled with blushes, "Well, at last, Lady
-Eltondale, here is the promised proposal: I had no idea what a real love
-letter was--pray read it." "No my dear; excuse me, my dear: all such
-tender professions are similar, they '_consistent a dire aux femmes avec
-un esprit leger et une ame de glace, tout ce qu'on ne croit pas, et tout
-ce qu'on voudrait leur faire croire_[7].' I am much more curious to know
-what your answer will be."--"A refusal undoubtedly," replied Miss
-Seymour; "but I must request of you, Lady Eltondale, to convey it for
-me." "You know, Selina, you are your own mistress; it is unnecessary
-for me to offer any advice." Selina felt the rebuke; but before she
-could make any apology, her aunt continued, "In this instance I think
-you right: title, my dear, is the only thing to marry for; it is
-terrible to be obliged to purchase one's place in society; and even the
-richest commoners are only valued in proportion to their expenditure;
-whereas a nobleman maybe as poor and as shabby as he pleases, his wife
-must always have precedence." "But surely, Lady Eltondale, you would not
-have me marry for precedence." "It is what ninety-nine girls out of a
-hundred marry for," resumed the Viscountess, with perfect _sang froid_;
-"and as I do not see much difference in your character from that of the
-rest of your sex, I conclude what makes others happy would satisfy you."
-"I think," replied Selina, hesitatingly, "I should never be happy,
-unless I married a man whom I loved and esteemed, and who, I was very
-sure, loved me." "Ha! ha! ha! very sentimental, indeed! Child, that
-would do admirably for a novel, but in real life, take my word, such
-nice distinctions are but little attended to: fine feeling is an
-essence, that soon evaporates when exposed to common air; it is
-generally adviseable to have something substantial at bottom, to fill up
-the phial when the effervescence subsides." "But, is it possible, Lady
-Eltondale, that you would have me marry a man I could not love or
-esteem, or who did not love me?" inquired Selina, in a tone of gravity
-more approaching to censure, than her noble aunt had ever before heard
-her use. "Pian! piano! carissima! half your proposition is defensible;
-and to that half I willingly accede. When a woman marries, the only
-thing necessary for her to be assured of, is her own heart, or rather
-her own mind. Every man, when he asks your hand, will certainly profess
-to love you; time and experiment can only prove his sincerity, or his
-steadiness;--but you, with all Mrs. Galton's philosophy in your head,
-must acknowledge, that all a woman's comfort in life depends on her not
-knowing the pangs of repentance." "Assuredly." "Well then, a woman who
-marries for love, generally sacrifices nine tenths of her life to a
-passion, that can, at best, last but a few months; and spends her
-remaining years in regretting her 'fond dream:' but she who calculates
-well before she marries, and weighs calmly the _pour_ and _contre_ of
-the lot she chooses for life, can, at all events, never repent the
-choice, which she made deliberately. But, however, why should we cavil
-about words, when there is not a chance of our ever dissenting in
-action?" Then reaching out her beautiful hand to Selina, with a
-bewitching smile, "Come, my love," added she, "tell me what I am to say
-for you to your _inamorato_." And then, by Selina's dictation, she
-returned a polite, but positive refusal to the obsequious Webberly.
-
-[Footnote 7: Proceeding from a frivolous head and a cold heart, their
-object is to express to women all that men do not feel, and all they
-wish to persuade them they do.]
-
-The time now approached for Lord and Lady Eltondale's leaving London, if
-so might be called that removal of their physical bodies to another
-scene of action, where their habits, their pursuits, and their
-associates remained the same. The Viscountess had not yet completed the
-annual circle of dissipation, and it was therefore determined, that
-while Lord Eltondale returned home alone, her Ladyship and Selina
-should, by a visit to Cheltenham, protract for a still longer time their
-return to the comparative retirement of Eltondale. Of course the due
-preparation for this new scene of gaiety served as an excuse for renewed
-visits to the whole circle of shops. In one of these expeditions Lady
-Eltondale had left Selina at Mrs.----'s, in Bond Street, while she paid
-a visit in the neighbourhood; and Selina was just in the act of trying
-on a bonnet, that the officious milliner declared was supremely
-becoming, when her ears were suddenly assailed by the loudest tone of
-Mrs. Sullivan's discordant voice, "Yes, it be wastly becoming, to be
-sure; but, for my part, I thinks a little servility and policy, much
-more becoming to a young lady, be she never so much of an airy-ass. Aye,
-Aye, Miss Seymour, you may stare and gobble; but it's to you, and of
-you, I'm a speaking." "Of me, ma'am?" returned the half frightened
-girl. "Yes, Miss, of you, with all your looks of modesty and
-ingeniousness;--but in my day, whenever a young lady got a love letter
-from a young man, she never lost no time in supplying to him; and, for
-my part, I think a purling answer to a civil question would never do
-nobody no harm, if it was the queen herself, in all her state of
-health." "If you allude to a letter from Mr. Webberly"--"To be sure I
-do," interrupted the zealous parent, "what else should I delude to? And
-if you did receive Jack's pistol, Miss Seymour, why didn't ye condescend
-to answer his operation yourself?" "I thought, my dear madam, Lady
-Eltondale could express my regrets much better than I could." "Aye! Aye!
-Lady Eltondale, that's it--I'll tell ye vat, Miss Seymour--that 'ere
-Lady Eltondale vill make a cat's paw of you, if ye don't mind. As to my
-Jacky, he doesn't care for your refusal a brass farthing--but ye may go
-farther, and fare worse--he's healthy and wealthy, as the saying is; and
-he's not a man for a girl to throw over her shoulder--ye mayn't meet
-such a carowzel as his, every day in the veek.--But now I'll tell ye
-vat, once for all--ye see me and mine be a-going to Ireland; and it may
-so be, that ve may never see each other no more.--Now, ye see, I always
-respected your old father, and so out of compliment to him, I'll just
-give you a piece of my mind; and that is, that that Lady Eltondale,
-with all her valk-softly airs, has some kind of a sign upon you, depend
-upon it, or she'd never take all the trouble she does about ye, for it's
-not in her nature to do it for mere affection to you or your father
-either; and that 'ere sheep-faced Mr. Sedley, with all his aperient
-indifference, and no shambles (_nonchalance_), as they call it; he's
-playing the puck with you too, I can see that, fast enough; and so, now,
-as I have given you varning, and wented my mind a little, I'll just
-shake hands with you, for old acquaintance sake." The reconciliation was
-scarcely effected, before Lady Eltondale returned for Selina, who most
-joyfully escaped from her _soi-disant_ friend. She casually mentioned
-the rencontre to the Viscountess, but did not mention the hints she had
-received; thus showing to her instructress her first essay in the
-practice of her own lessons in the art of dissimulation. By nature
-Selina's disposition was candid, even to a fault. For she was not only
-willing to confide all her actions, all her thoughts, to those she
-loved; but so necessary did she feel it to her happiness to be able to
-repose all her feelings, and even the responsibility of her conduct, on
-the bosom of another, that she would have preferred having an
-indifferent friend to being deprived of a confidant. But her intercourse
-with Lady Eltondale had already, in some degree, seared her best
-feelings. She had already, even then, acquired that general anxiety to
-please, which appertains more to vanity than to benevolence, and which
-never fails, in time, to wither the finer sensibilities of the soul. The
-natural superiority of her talents enabled her, to discover the true
-character of those she associated with. But even her penetration was
-dangerous to her purity. She saw hypocrisy was the means, and
-self-interest the end, pursued by all: even the stronger passions were
-brought under their control: and in being convinced, that in the crowd
-that surrounded her there was no individual she could love, she
-experienced a chasm in her heart, which left it more open to the
-reception of those petrifying principles, that Lady Eltondale so
-sedulously inculcated. At this moment, in Selina's history, she stood on
-that narrow line, which separates vice and virtue. Her avidity of
-praise, by teaching her how best to improve and exercise her talents,
-had as yet but increased her charms; and her distrust of others first
-taught her to exercise her own judgment. Circumstances were still to
-decide, whether her strengthening reason would serve to control the
-affections of her heart, or whether the school of stoicism, in which she
-was now entered, would entirely eradicate its better feelings: whether
-her natural volatility was to be corrected by reflection, or matured
-into coquetry by artifice: in short, whether the dormant seeds of a
-rational education would finally spring up in the very hotbed of
-fashion, which called forth the premature weeds of folly and
-extravagance; or whether the intoxicating incense of flattery, aided
-both by the precept and example of the designing Viscountess, would
-destroy them in the bud, and offer up one more heartless victim as a
-sacrifice to that world, which but repays with present scorn and future
-repentance the devotion of its wretched votaries.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-     There is a joy in grief, when peace dwells in the breast of the
-     sad, but sorrow wastes the mournful, and their days are few! They
-     fall away like the flower on which the Sun looks in his strength,
-     after the mildew has passed over it, and its head is heavy with the
-     drops of night.
-
-     CROMA.
-
-
-Whilst Selina thus brilliantly moved in the gayest scenes of fashionable
-splendor, Adelaide Wildenheim, unknown, unnoticed, was endeavouring, in
-the calm retirement of the country, to acquire fortitude to support a
-weight of misfortune, by which a less firm mind would have been crushed,
-and which, from time and space, seemed but to gain increased momentum.
-
-In the beginning of winter, each day to her had passed by but as the sad
-shade of its miserable anniversary; for, at that period, she had not
-even the consolation of seeing either Mr. or Mrs. Temple, and the
-inhabitants of Webberly House becoming hourly more repugnant to her
-feelings, she was insensibly falling a prey to that habitual depression
-of spirits, which is equally fatal to the mind and body of those who
-indulge in it; and which is indeed commonly but a refined name for
-discontent, or ill temper. Some trifling circumstances roused her to a
-sense of the state of her mind, and she immediately determined to
-struggle against it; resolving, as the best preliminary, to look her
-situation steadily in the face, and ascertain whether it was in her
-power to remedy it; well knowing, that if once convinced it was
-unavoidable, she should acquire strength to bear it, not only with
-resignation but cheerfulness. Though she but too acutely felt, that in
-losing a beloved parent, she had lost all that had formerly constituted
-the happiness of her existence; yet, in her rigid self-examination, she
-confessed she harboured more of repining sorrow at being deprived of
-this blessing, than of gratitude to Heaven for having so long enjoyed
-it; and acknowledged it was unworthy of a religious or a rational being,
-to convert the felicity of one period of life into a curse for the
-remainder by vain comparison. Turning therefore from the past, she
-accused herself of being too fastidious in her sentiments towards the
-companions of her present lot; and, with laudable self-delusion,
-endeavoured to think her dislike of Mrs. Sullivan and the Miss Webberlys
-unreasonable; and that from the affection of the charming little
-Caroline she derived a pleasure more than equivalent to the annoyances
-occasioned by her mother and sisters. But here the mother and sisters
-very naturally brought the brother to her mind, and with him a long
-train of reflections, which ended in her adopting the wise but simple
-plan, of laying her situation open to Mr. and Mrs. Temple, in order to
-consult them, as to the propriety of her quitting Webberly House at the
-expiration of her minority.
-
-Young Webberly's attentions to Miss Wildenheim had, previous to his last
-visit to town, been unremitting; and no less marked was his mother's
-disapprobation of them, arising partly from interested motives, partly
-from the idea of Adelaide being the natural sister of Caroline; which
-made Mrs. Sullivan regard the prospect of her marrying her son with a
-sentiment little short of abhorrence. But these objections had but
-little weight with Mr. Webberly, who, when Selina was not present to
-awaken his vanity or his cupidity, found no counterpoise to his
-conceited passion, which was more piqued than restrained by the
-dignified simplicity of Miss Wildenheim's manners; and had she given him
-any encouragement, no remonstrance from his mother would have prevented
-his making the most explicit declaration of his attachment; for it was
-the practice of this amiable family, to set their mother at defiance,
-whenever she, in the slightest degree, interfered with their wishes.
-Adelaide's pride and sense of propriety equally prompted her desire to
-relieve Mrs. Sullivan from the presence of a person, who was evidently a
-cause of quarrel between her and her son; and therefore, when the
-Webberly family proposed visiting London, in the beginning of March, she
-wrote the subjoined letter to Mrs. Temple:--
-
-     MISS WILDENHEIM TO MRS. TEMPLE.
-
-     My dear Mrs. Temple,
-
-     The kindness you and Mr. Temple have honoured me with encourages
-     me, to apply to you for advice in a most embarrassing situation. I
-     am sure your usual humanity will prompt you, to grant it to one
-     who has, at present, no friend to resort to for counsel but
-     yourself. If you will permit me, I will call upon you, and lay open
-     to your view my situation and my wishes. But as it is not justice
-     to a friend in asking advice to give but a half confidence, before
-     you hear my plans, I ought to make you acquainted with all the
-     circumstances regarding myself, that it is in my power to confide.
-     Though all matters of business are best discussed _viva voce_, yet
-     there are things it would be impossible to speak, and are
-     sufficiently painful to write: such a distressing task it is the
-     object of this letter to fulfil. My history is but short, and
-     simple--all my happiness was centred in a beloved father; all my
-     misery caused by his loss. Oh! Mrs. Temple, what grief can be
-     compared to that desolation a daughter feels, when she is deprived
-     of the parent, whom it has been the study of her whole life to
-     please; when she first finds she has no filial duty to perform, no
-     approving smile to look for!
-
-     My father was not only the tenderest parent, but my sole
-     instructor, and, in his fond love, condescended to be even my
-     companion and friend. His image is the first object memory recurs
-     to in my infant years; and I now feel, that to be enabled to
-     practise his own lessons of resignation and fortitude, I must
-     banish that image from my mind. The aid I might derive from
-     employment is denied me; for every pursuit is inseparably
-     associated with scenes I ought not now to think of. 'When I look up
-     to Heaven thou art there; when I behold the earth, thou art there
-     also!' My mother having died at Hamburgh the day I was born, this
-     beloved father was the only parent I ever knew. He, though a German
-     Baron, was both by birth and education English, being the son of a
-     British peer. But some unfortunate circumstances, with which I am
-     unacquainted, gave him an unconquerable aversion to his native
-     country; and having, by the maternal line, inherited large
-     possessions in Westphalia, he very early in life repaired to the
-     continent, where he continued to reside, principally at Vienna,
-     till I had attained my nineteenth year. About sixteen months ago,
-     to my inexpressible astonishment, he adopted the sudden resolution
-     of visiting England. His health, which had always in my
-     recollection been delicate, had about that period rapidly declined,
-     and I have the grief of thinking, that the journey to England
-     shortened his life. The misery of this thought is still further
-     aggravated by knowing, that he came to this country solely to
-     accomplish my introduction to his family, with whom he had never
-     maintained any intercourse or correspondence since the period of my
-     birth. How little during the progress of our journey did I suspect
-     its fatal termination! The usual tenderness and indulgence of my
-     father's manner was, if possible, increased, and visions of the
-     brightest joy occupied my mind. Our journey through France was the
-     most delightful one we had ever undertaken. My father concealed the
-     anguish of his own mind, and to divert my attention from observing
-     it, spared neither pains nor expense to gratify every capricious
-     fancy I formed. We remained a month at Paris waiting for letters
-     from England, which were to direct our future proceedings, and
-     during that time passed so rapidly from one public place to
-     another, that we never had a moment's private conversation. At last
-     my dear father received letters to inform him, that the late Mr.
-     Sullivan, who had been his old friend and fellow-soldier, and whom
-     I had known very well in my childish days at Vienna, waited at
-     Dover to welcome us to England. This communication, the precursor
-     of all my sorrow, was read by me with the most extravagant joy.
-     When we landed at Dover, we also met Mr. Austin, my father's
-     former law agent, and one of his sincerest friends. For two days I
-     scarcely saw my father, as he was in constant consultation with the
-     gentlemen I have mentioned. On the morning of the third, I was
-     informed he had decided on resigning me to their care; that Mr.
-     Sullivan would immediately introduce me to my relations, as Baron
-     Wildenheim himself was under the unavoidable necessity of returning
-     to France without delay. You may imagine my despair on receiving
-     this fatal sentence:--the scenes that ensued are too dreadful for
-     me to touch on. My beloved father's life fell a sacrifice to the
-     agitation of his feelings. Oh, that I had died too! Pity me, dear
-     Mrs. Temple, and excuse my writing any more. Nothing now remains,
-     that I cannot tell you when we meet.
-
-     Ever sincerely and gratefully yours,
-         ADELAIDE WILDENHEIM.
-
-The day after Mrs. Temple received the above letter, she called on Miss
-Wildenheim, and invited her to remain at the Parsonage, if she had any
-dislike to accompany Mrs. Sullivan to London; saying, in conclusion,
-"Mr. Temple told me the other day you looked so ill, he was afraid you
-would suffer from the journey; and desired I would make my best speech
-to induce you to stay with us. Indeed it would be an act of charity, for
-we have had so great a loss in the dear family at Deane Hall! If you
-will afford us the gratification of your society, we can at leisure
-discuss the subjects you wish to consult us upon, and you shall have my
-opinion; and, what is of much more value, Mr. Temple's, to the best of
-our judgment. You know not how sincerely we commiserate your
-misfortunes, nor what an interest we feel in your welfare." Adelaide
-gratefully accepted her friend's invitation, assuring her she felt
-convinced, that spending a little time at the Rectory would more
-effectually mitigate her grief, than any other probable occurrence.
-Mrs. Temple immediately applied for Mrs. Sullivan's permission, who gave
-it with a joy that defied concealment, as by this means what she
-supposed the only obstacle to her son's union with Miss Seymour would be
-removed; for whenever Adelaide was present, his interest and inclination
-were at constant variance.
-
-One fine evening in March, the Webberly family commenced their journey
-to London, and stopping as they drove past the Parsonage, left Miss
-Wildenheim to the care of its friendly owners. Mrs. Temple and her
-children were setting out on their evening walk, and Adelaide, begging
-she might not disappoint the little folks, joined them in their ramble
-with the utmost delight. It would be difficult to say, whether the
-mother or children were most pleased to see her--the latter joyfully
-recollected her skill in story-telling and singing; and Mrs. Temple,
-feeling most sensibly the want of her accustomed intercourse at Deane
-Hall, would have welcomed a much less agreeable guest, and therefore
-received her young friend with even greater pleasure than usual. The
-whole party walked long enough in a brisk blowing wind, to make them
-relish, on their return, a blazing fire, and a tea-table rather more
-substantially provided, than is commonly to be seen in more modish
-families.
-
-When the children went to bed, Mr. Temple, saying he had letters to
-write for the next morning's post, retired to his study, in order to
-give Adelaide an opportunity of opening her heart to his wife. "Come, my
-dear Adele," said Mrs. Temple, "neither you nor I shall be comfortable,
-till we have had this conversation, that I see hangs so heavily on your
-mind. Tell me what it is that distresses you, my love, and, if possible,
-we will find a remedy for it."
-
-Adelaide, with as much composure as she could command, informed Mrs.
-Temple, that during the short period Mr. Sullivan survived her father,
-though he treated her with great kindness, yet he had taken no steps to
-fulfil the promise he had given of introducing her to her family.
-Immediately on his death, Mr. Austin came to Webberly House, and
-expressing his regrets that circumstances rendered it impossible for him
-to receive her into his own family, as he was on the point of taking an
-invalide daughter to the Madeiras, advised her nominating Mrs. Sullivan
-her guardian in conjunction with himself. Adelaide, abhorring all
-clandestine proceedings, earnestly solicited Mr. Austin's permission, to
-inform Mrs. Sullivan for what purpose she was placed under her late
-husband's protection. To this he consented only in part, refusing his
-sanction to this lady's being acquainted with the name of Miss
-Wildenheim's noble relations; charging her, on the contrary, to conceal
-it carefully from all the world till she came of age, as he feared her
-claims would meet with decided opposition from part of her family, and
-little support from any; and informing her, that a premature disclosure
-might ruin her future prospects; and that law proceedings would be more
-costly, and less efficacious, while she was a minor, than when she could
-act directly for herself. In pursuance, therefore, of this advice,
-Adelaide, with the reservation of this one point, told Mrs. Sullivan all
-the particulars she knew of herself and her father; and in so doing,
-went through a series of interrogations of the most distressing nature,
-as Mrs. Sullivan, having little delicacy of feeling herself, was really
-almost unconscious of the wounds she inflicted on that of others. After
-deliberating a few days, she, as has been before mentioned, consented to
-accept the proposed guardianship; and Mr. Austin immediately proceeding
-to the Madeiras, his ward was therefore temporarily deprived of his
-protection or advice. After relating these particulars, Adelaide
-endeavoured to explain to Mrs. Temple her reasons for wishing to leave
-Webberly House; and in executing this unpleasant task, was much
-embarrassed between the necessity of doing herself justice, by showing
-she was not actuated by any unreasonable whims or caprices, and her
-respect for the laws of hospitality, which made her regard as sacred the
-transactions of any family she domesticated with. But, indeed, she
-seldom _thought_, and never _said_, the worst the actions of those she
-associated with would warrant. However, Mrs. Temple was one of those who
-could understand _a demi-mot_, without waiting for a harassing detail
-sufficient to satisfy a court of law, and often listened to rather from
-a love of _slander_ than of _justice_. "I am well aware," continued
-Adelaide, "that the reception I shall meet with from my relations very
-much depends on the respectability of the manner, in which I first
-present myself to their notice. The moment I am of age, Mrs. Sullivan
-may, and probably will, withdraw her protection from me; for she has
-lately hinted once or twice, that she much regretted having ever granted
-it. I therefore think the most advisable course for me to pursue is, to
-write her a polite letter, conveying my thanks for the asylum she has
-hitherto granted me, but expressing my doubts of its being agreeable to
-her longer to continue it: requesting, if my surmises are well founded,
-that she will have the goodness to seek an eligible home for me; or,"
-continued she, looking mournfully at Mrs. Temple, "permit me to apply to
-my _only_ friend to aid me in the search: but that, if on mature
-deliberation she can satisfy her mind, that she really does _wish_ my
-continuing to reside with her, I shall prefer doing so to domesticating
-myself in another family, till I can ascertain whether my own will
-receive me; but that, when this point is once decided, either for or
-against me, I do not mean to trespass further on her hospitality. And
-now, my dear Mrs. Temple, this is the subject, on which I am so anxious
-to obtain your opinion and that of Mr. Temple. I know not what apology
-to make for having so long trespassed on your patience by this tedious
-recital." Mrs. Temple begged to consult her husband, before she
-expressed her own ideas, as she feared to trust to her unassisted
-judgment on a point of so much importance. But before she left the room,
-she took up a volume of Patronage, and laughingly pointed out to
-Adelaide's notice the following passage:--"You will never be a
-heroine--What a stupid uninteresting heroine you will make! You will
-never get into any _entanglements_, never have any adventures; or, if
-kind fate should, propitious to my prayer, bring you into some charming
-difficulties, even then we could not tremble for you, or enjoy all the
-luxury of pity, because we should always know, that you would be so well
-able to extricate yourself,--so certain to conquer, or,--not die--but
-endure."
-
-Mrs. Temple, in the first spontaneous benevolence of her heart, had
-nearly been tempted to offer Adelaide an asylum at the Rectory, till her
-future line of life should be finally decided; but quickly recollecting
-what was due to Mr. Temple, repaired to his study, more for the purpose
-of suggesting it to him, than for that of stating her young friend's
-queries; which dispatching in as few words as possible, without further
-preparation, she proposed her own plan in the most abrupt manner
-possible; and as quickly read in his countenance his marked
-disapprobation of her inconsiderate project. "My dear Charlotte," said
-he, after a short pause, "the goodness of your heart makes you always so
-zealous to promote the happiness of others, that you quite forget your
-own. But, my love, you must respect the sanctuary of your domestic
-peace; it, like the Paradise of our first parents, admits of no
-intruder. I am inclined to believe Miss Wildenheim to be a most
-estimable young woman. The prudence and uprightness of her present
-proposition strengthens my former good opinion of her. As long as these
-impressions remain, I shall be happy to receive her occasionally as a
-visitor, and will most willingly do any thing to promote her welfare,
-short of domesticating her in this house. But, setting yourself out of
-the question, my dear Charlotte, do you think you would act justly
-towards your daughters (recollect Anna is now eleven years old), by
-introducing into the very bosom of your family a girl we have so
-superficial a knowledge of; and whose situation is so doubtful and
-extraordinary, and who may after all be but a foreign adventurer?" As
-Mr. Temple said this, his features wore an expression of unusual
-gravity. "Oh, James!" exclaimed his wife, "don't let your prudence make
-you unjust: go to her, and if you will impartially look on her ingenuous
-countenance, and observe her simple manners, you will never pronounce
-her a foreign adventurer. Besides, after knowing Mr. Austin so many
-years, can you suppose him capable of being an accomplice in a fraud?"
-"You are right, my dear Charlotte: I was most unjust," replied Mr.
-Temple, his brow relaxing from the austerity that had overcast it a
-moment before. "And I," said she, extending her hand with a smile of
-conciliating sweetness, "was equally imprudent." In this confession she
-was perfectly sincere; she hardly wished to dissuade her husband from
-his sage resolution; for he had convinced her judgment, though perhaps
-her feelings were yet unsubdued.
-
-It may here be remarked, that there is something in the ties of
-relationship, which acts as a sort of necessity, and makes us excuse the
-faults, which a domestic scene displays in the most perfect characters.
-But it is far otherwise in friendship; and those who there court too
-great intimacy, resemble the man in the fable of the golden eggs, and
-often destroy in a day riches, that, by wise forbearance, might have
-lasted their lives.
-
-Mr. Temple, on going up stairs to Adelaide, told her, that the line of
-conduct she had marked out for herself was the most proper she could
-adopt, giving it his unqualified approbation. He then proceeded to give
-her much sage advice, adding to it the most comforting assurances of
-support and protection. Adelaide poured forth her gratitude and her
-pleasure, with all the ardency of feelings long suppressed. Her spirits
-rose in proportion to their previous depression. She once more had the
-happiness of hearing a reverend voice address her in tones of
-approbation for her virtues, and of consolation for her distresses.
-Perhaps the evening of this anxious day was one of the happiest of her
-life.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XI.
-
-    Helas! ou donc chercher ou trouver le bonheur?
-    En tout lieu, en tout temps, dans toute la nature,
-    Nulle part tout entier, partout avec mesure,
-    Et partout passager, hors dans son seul Auteur.
-    Il est semblable au feu dont la douce chaleur,
-    Dans chaque autre element en secret s' insinue,
-    Descend dans les rochers, s' eleve dans la nue,
-    Va rougir le corail dans le sable des mers,
-    Et vit dans les glacons qu'ont durcis les hivers.[8]
-
-    VOLTAIRE.
-
-[Footnote 8:
-
-    Alas! then where should happiness be sought?
-    In Nature's self.--Cast but thine eyes around,
-    In every place, in every age, 'tis found;
-    No where entire, but always in degree,
-    And fleeting still, except, Oh God! with thee,
-    (Thou its great Author.) Like thy fire, its heat
-    In every other element we meet;
-    Deep in the bosom of the harden'd stone,
-    As in the clouds its vital power we own;
-    In ocean's caves, in coral beds it glows,
-    And lives beneath the glacier's endless snows.
-
-As the reader may find it not uninteresting to compare the ideas of such
-great writers as Pope and Voltaire on the same subject, the opening
-verses of the fourth epistle of the Essay on Man are here subjoined,
-though perhaps an apology is due for transcribing lines impressed on
-every English memory.
-
-    Oh Happiness! our being's end and aim!
-    Good, Pleasure, Ease, Content! whate'er thy name:
-    That something still, which prompts th' eternal sigh
-    For which we bear to live, or dare to die;
-    Which still so near us, yet beyond us lies,
-    O'erlook'd, seen double by the fool and wise.
-    Plant of celestial seed! if dropp'd below,
-    Say, in what mortal soil thou deign'st to grow;
-    Fair op'ning to some court's propitious shine,
-    Or deep with diamonds in the flaming mine?
-    Twin'd with the wreaths Parnassian laurels yield,
-    Or reap'd in iron harvests of the field?
-    Where grows? where grows it not? If vain our toil,
-    We ought to blame the culture, not the soil:
-    Fix'd to no spot is happiness sincere,
-    'Tis no where to be found, or ev'ry where;
-    'Tis never to be bought, but always free,
-    And, fled from monarchs, St. John! dwells with thee.
-]
-
-
-Whilst Adelaide remained at the Parsonage, she had the advantages of
-becoming acquainted with a scene of domestic life of the most admirable
-nature; and she did not fail, with her usual good sense, to derive many
-useful lessons from her intercourse with Mrs. Temple. From her example
-as much was proved to her mind by reason, as had been demonstrated _ab
-absurdo_ by the Webberly family; and as, during Baron Wildenheim's life,
-she had never been domesticated with females of her own rank, the faults
-of the one, and the merits of the other, appeared to her view with all
-the force of novelty. Mrs. Temple in herself, her children, and her
-establishment, displayed a model of amiable and judicious conduct; as a
-wife and mother, she was beyond praise, and nothing could exceed the
-comfort and respectability of her well regulated family; for being a
-woman of good understanding, she did not carry _management_ to an
-extreme, that is destructive of the comfort it is meant to promote; nor
-was she possessed by the would-be thrifty housewife's expensive and
-troublesome mania for pickling and preserving, but in all things
-observed that happy medium, which good sense alone knows how to keep.
-Mr. Temple had in his youth lived much in the world, there associating
-principally with literary and scientific men; with several of such as
-still survived he maintained a constant correspondence, and, by
-occasional visits to London and Oxford, where his affairs sometimes
-called him, he renewed his acquaintance with men of his own stamp. He
-also kept himself up to the changes and occurrences of the times, by
-taking in at the Parsonage the daily papers, reviews, and the best of
-the new publications of every description. Two or three times a year
-some members of his or Mrs. Temple's family visited the Rectory; and
-they preserved such habits of friendly intercourse with their rich and
-poor neighbours, that they seldom found that want of society, which is
-so universally deplored.
-
-It would be curious to make those, who are constantly lamenting the want
-of good society, point out where _it is to be found_.--Dissipation, say
-they, has banished it from great capitals and watering-places. What in
-country towns is called society, consists of a repetition of card
-parties, differing from each other in no one respect, except as to the
-rooms they are held in; where, besides "old men and women," are to be
-found _girls_ of all ages, doing their best to amuse themselves, without
-the smallest assistance being afforded them by the hostess; with here
-and there an old married clergyman, an attorney's or apothecary's
-apprentice, "thinly scatter'd to make up a show," and remind the ladies
-that "beaux are not to be had." In the country, unless people have
-fortune, which enables them to bring their company, like other luxuries,
-from a distance, society consists of a few dinner parties in summer,
-where a tedious repast is quickly followed by tea and coffee, which
-serve as a signal for every body to go away, that they may, before
-darkness comes on, walk or drive home in safety over bad roads; and the
-master and mistress, as soon as their guests have departed, congratulate
-each other that "every thing went off so well." Nor is it the least of
-their joy, that their company have gone off too!
-
-To all this it may be answered, that our mothers and grandmothers tell
-us society was very gay in their young days. The truth is, people were
-not then so fastidious, and were content to be amused in any way they
-could. There is now a twilight of refinement spread over the middle
-classes, just sufficient to show them disagreeables they had never
-before suspected, but not bright enough to teach them the best way of
-avoiding them. Formerly people could be amused with an ill sung song, or
-an awkward dance. But now every girl must sing bravuras and dance like
-Angelina. The young men, having reached a still higher pitch of
-refinement, neither sing nor dance at all.
-
-The same fastidiousness reigns throughout. Every body's dress must be of
-the newest fashion; and a whole family is put to inconvenience for a
-week, to give their company an attempt at French cookery. In short, if
-people cannot be entertained "in a good style," they are resolved not to
-be entertained at all. Pleasant society, like happiness, if proper means
-are taken to cultivate it, is, with very few exceptions, to be found
-every where or no where. The misfortune is, people repulse it, unless it
-comes arrayed in the very garb they wish it to wear. How few have the
-wisdom to act on that sage maxim, "When we have not what we like, we
-must like what we have!" This was always Mr. and Mrs. Temple's practice;
-and, though they enjoyed to the utmost the intellectual pleasures
-afforded by the society of Miss Wildenheim, they found in the kindness
-and simplicity of Mrs. Martin's sentiments pleasure of another kind, and
-to a well judging mind one not less delightful. With this good lady and
-her _coterie_ they occasionally varied their winter evenings, by playing
-a friendly game of cards; and Lucy was not unfrequently the companion of
-Mrs. Temple's summer walks.
-
-Mr. Temple was extremely anxious, to make Adelaide's present visit to
-the Parsonage of lasting benefit to her peace of mind. When she had been
-there the year before, her grief was too recent to render any allusion
-to the subject of it advisable; and at Webberly House it was treated
-with so little delicacy, that her pride, as well as her tenderness of
-feeling for her father's memory, made her most carefully confine it to
-her own bosom. With the bitterest anguish at heart she outwardly carried
-the appearance of quiet contentment. Had she continued thus
-circumstanced much longer, she would either have sunk into an early
-grave, or have acquired an unbending sternness of character, that would
-have crushed all the finer feelings of her soul, and have made her as
-impervious to joy as to sorrow. Though she spared no pains, to promote
-the welfare of others by every means in her power, and, whenever duty
-commanded, hesitated not for an instant, to perform any sacrifice it
-might require; yet, perhaps it had been the fault of her education, to
-lead her to rely too much on her own mind to secure her happiness; and
-it was the misfortune of her nature to have feelings of such intensity,
-that she feared to trust them to exercise even their just power. This
-peculiar turn of character, thus moulded by circumstances, did not
-escape Mr. and Mrs. Temple's observation, and they anxiously endeavoured
-to rouse her from this state of mental torpor. Until the letter she had
-addressed to the latter, she had never ventured to express the sorrow,
-that corroded her heart, to any human being; but having once voluntarily
-touched on it, Mrs. Temple designedly led her to speak of it, and while
-she probed the wound, prepared the lenient balm that in time would heal
-it. The peculiar tenderness of soul, that Adelaide possessed from
-nature, had been most wisely balanced by the firmness of mind she had
-derived from education; only the most unpropitious circumstances could
-have endangered either degenerating to an extreme. To insult she was
-impervious, but the voice of kindness was to her like the soft breath of
-spring, which
-
-    "Melts the icy chains that twine
-    Around entranced nature's form."
-
-Relaxing into all the softness of her sex and age, her tears flowed
-without restraint, as she poured her sorrows into Mrs. Temple's friendly
-bosom; and, from the well merited praise and judicious counsel she
-received in return, derived a supporting power, that raised her to a new
-existence. From consolation Mrs. Temple proceeded to admonition,
-forcibly representing to Adelaide how culpable she would be, if she
-continued to nourish in secret a grief, that would render of no avail
-the capability of usefulness she possessed in mind and fortune, and by
-this wilful waste of happiness, not only for herself but others,
-counteract the intention of her being; finally pointing out to her,
-that, though she had lost the object of her first duties, the world yet
-presented a wide field, in which she was bound to exert herself to
-supply their place by others, even should she never find any of equal
-interest or importance.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XII.
-
-    O! Primavera, gioventu del' anno,
-    Bella madre di fiori,
-    D'herbe novelle, e di novelli amori,
-    Tu torni ben ma teco
-    Non tornano i sereni
-    E fortunati di de le mie gioje.
-    Tu torni ben, tu torni
-    Ma teco altro non torna
-    Che del perduto mio caro tesoro,
-    La rimembranza misera e dolente.[9]
-
-    IL PASTOR FIDO.
-
-[Footnote 9:
-
-    Delightful spring! youth of the year,
-    Thou blooming mother of the opening flowers,
-    The fresh'ning verdure, and the new-born loves--
-    Thou now returnest! But no second spring
-    Will e'er return of those serene delights,
-    That bless'd my fleeting hours of happiness--
-    Thou now return'st! But with thee nought returns
-    To my sad thoughts but renovated sorrow,
-    And bitter mem'ry of departed joys.
-]
-
-
-The Parsonage garden was now blooming in all the beauty of summer, and
-the hedges had exchanged the fragrance of the violet for that of the
-flaunting woodbine. Instead of a brisk walk of a bracing March evening,
-its happy inmates enjoyed a sauntering ramble by the light of the newly
-risen stars, over rich meadows, or through wooded glades and cheerful
-valleys.
-
-Mrs. Temple and Adelaide were one evening returning from such a walk:
-every thing was at rest in the surrounding scene; the very flowers of
-day had closed their corollas, and ceased to give forth their perfumes;
-but the air was fragrant with the night-blowing orchis, and the new-mown
-grass; and sometimes it brought to their ear the melody of the
-nightingale, the hooting of the owl, or the hum of the night crow.
-
-Such a scene is more favourable to meditation than discourse; and, when
-speech is found, it more resembles thinking aloud than conversation. The
-two friends had continued long in silence, when Mrs. Temple said, "I am
-never so pious as in such a scene as this; my heart overflows with
-gratitude to the Author of the spontaneous happiness, that, unsought,
-seems to pour in on the mind." "Certainly the devotion of the heart is
-most pure in such a temple," replied Adelaide; "I wonder the worship of
-the air was not in ancient times more general. It appears to my mind the
-best emblem of the deity, that man by reason alone can form;--it is
-every where present, every where invisible; in it 'we live and move, and
-have our being.' We confess its awful might in the storm, and feel its
-beneficent power every moment of our lives." These and similar
-reflections cheated the friends of their time till they reached the
-Parsonage, where a light in the drawing-room informed them Mr. Temple
-had returned from his ride. As they entered the room, he gave Adelaide
-the long expected letter from Mrs. Sullivan; she hesitated for an
-instant to open it, with that undefined dread we always feel on
-receiving any communication from a person, whose good will we are
-doubtful of possessing. However, on reading her letter, she was not a
-little relieved to find it written in a style of unusual civility; but
-was surprised beyond measure to find it request, or rather _desire_, her
-to meet Mrs. Sullivan at Shrewsbury, from whence she intended proceeding
-to Ireland, declining all discussion as to matters of business, till
-their return to Webberly House. In her first surprise, she did not
-perceive the short period of Mrs. Sullivan's intended absence from her
-accustomed residence; but a confused picture of being taken to another
-kingdom, and separated from the only people from whom she had any chance
-of receiving kindness or protection, mixed with painful recollections
-of her last journey, rose to her mind. Her first thought was not to go;
-but she as quickly remembered, that Mrs. Sullivan's authority, as her
-guardian, was indisputable; also that she ought no longer to trespass on
-the hospitality of her kind hosts. The agitation of her countenance did
-not escape Mrs. Temple's observation, but she forbore to notice it; and
-Adelaide, commanding herself sufficiently to bid good night, retired to
-her room.
-
-When she read Mrs. Sullivan's letter more attentively a second time, she
-smiled at the phantom she had raised to terrify herself; for she found
-her guardian proposed returning home rather before she should be of age,
-and that of course the dilemma, she had fancied would arise from her
-being in Ireland without any positive claim on Mrs. Sullivan's
-protection, would not occur.
-
-Being convinced she could not avoid going to Ireland, her next
-endeavour was to persuade herself the journey would not be unpleasant;
-for it was always her custom to look for the best side of every thing
-and every body: she therefore soon discovered, that becoming acquainted
-with a country and a people she knew as little of as the Iroquois
-tribes, would afford her more amusement, than spending another summer at
-Webberly House. The civility of Mrs. Sullivan's letter was so striking,
-that Adelaide began to think she had been too harsh in her judgment of
-her character, and determined that her expedition should commence with a
-voyage of discovery, to ascertain the unknown perfections of the mother
-and daughters. A strong intellect may command the feelings, but the body
-is not so obedient as the mind. Adelaide found, though she could compose
-her thoughts to rest, she could not quiet her nerves to sleep, and
-therefore got up with the sun; and taking a book to fix her ideas,
-remained out of doors till Mrs. Temple's early breakfast hour.
-
-At breakfast she read to her friends the subjoined letter from Mrs.
-Sullivan. Notwithstanding all her distress of mind, it was with the
-utmost difficulty she could command her countenance while she did so.
-She omitted some passages, and slightly altered the wording of others;
-but though her eyes during this time were perseveringly cast down, their
-comical expression was not thus concealed; for the light that streamed
-from beneath their half-closed lids was reflected on her cheek, and
-brightened her whole countenance, displaying as unequivocally what
-passed in her mind, as if she had directed to her auditors the most
-meaning glances of arch drollery. She was too generous to wish to expose
-Mrs. Sullivan's extreme ignorance to her friends, as it was exemplified
-in this ill spelled, ill written scrawl. But she had yet another
-secondary motive, which prompted her to screen it from their eyes; and
-this trifling circumstance may perhaps explain her character more
-effectually, than one of greater importance, in which nine rational
-people out of ten would act alike.
-
-She had but little vanity, yet from nature and education was proud in
-the extreme. This ambiguous quality, partaking of vice and virtue, which
-is "both perhaps or neither," was interwoven in the very texture of her
-mind, was blended with many of her virtues and most of her errors, and
-prompted her always to shield as much as possible from ridicule any
-person she was even slightly connected with. Mrs. Temple was nearly as
-much amused by the grave dignity of her countenance, when she looked up
-after reading her letter, which seemed to say, "You ought not to laugh,"
-as she had been by its droll expression a few moments before.
-
-     MRS. SULLIVAN TO MISS WILDENHEIM.
-
-     London, June 1st.----
-
-     My dear Miss Wildenheim,
-
-     I've received your letter, and am glad to hear your well: so is
-     Meelly and Cilly. I be sometimes troubled with the vind; but
-     howsomedever I gets my health middling. This comes to say we be all
-     a-going to Ireland with all speed; and I must _retreat_ and
-     _insist_ that you come two; and we can taulk all about what you
-     wrot me in March when we returns from them there outlandish parts.
-     But I'm in great hops Jack will mary his cozen Hannah Leatherly
-     after all, which I just menshion, as young girls be very apt to
-     think ever a man that looks after 'em be in love with 'em. But says
-     I to my eye, Addle Wildenheim has two much spirit of her own to
-     covet her neighbour's goods. So, my dear, if you'll meat us at
-     Shrovesbirry, I'll be excedin glad to be your shoprun; and we mean
-     to reeturn to Webberly House afore the time comes of your mynoritie
-     been over; so till then I wont here taulk of your chousing no other
-     garden.
-
-     We be a goin to see Mr. Sullivan and his sister, for he thinks he's
-     a going to put on his wooden great coat, so he's anxshious to see
-     my little Carline, for it's quite natral he shoud desire to see his
-     nearest akin; and so we shoud a gone six weeks ago, only for
-     certain good raisins that made us wish to stay over Lady
-     Ashbrooke's bawll, which was three nights ago. But no good come off
-     it, after all. Some folks are so fine and so sassy, they'd turn up
-     their noses at their own bread and butter. But every dog has his
-     day, and Carline may be as grate a airass as no other guess parson.
-     So now I conclude with complements to Mr. and Mrs. Temple. I'll
-     send John Arding to retort you from Webberly House to Shrovesbirry,
-     and so you may expect him in less than a weak. You must come in
-     the post-shay; and you'd better bring your made Lamotte with you,
-     but you must send her back from Shrovesbirry (mind I'm at no costs
-     for her jurney); for I can't take but one made to attend both you
-     and I. Seeing she can taulk no English, she'd be of small sarvice
-     to I. I've got a stout girl to do our turn. You must pay half the
-     wagers and travailing expences, and I'll charge you naught for her
-     wittals; for d'ye mind me, Mr. Sullivan will see to that, which
-     will be all the better for you: a penny saved is a penny got, as my
-     poor father tot me betimes. I'll send Mrs. Harris home to Webberly,
-     (so she'll keep kumpany with Lamotte); for she'll be wanted to do
-     the sweetmeats and pikchols this summer; and I wish, my dear, you'd
-     wright word to John Gardiner, to sell all the fruit at Deane which
-     isn't vaunted for persarvin; and I expect a good account when I go
-     home. So hopping to met you at Shrovesbirry without fail,
-
-       I remane your affectionate friend,
-          HANNAH SULLIVAN.
-
-     P.S.--I'm sure you'd be very sory to take Lamotte to Ireland,
-     you've tot her such bad kustoms, becase she's lived with you since
-     you was a year old. She'd be 'mazed attendin I. You no I be's a
-     bustling body, and a trifle hasty; but I'm nothing the worse for
-     having a good spirit of my own.
-
-Adelaide's delicacy prevented her from allowing her friends to suppose
-she had any dislike to accompanying Mrs. Sullivan to Ireland, well
-knowing that if they were aware of it, they would apply to her guardian
-for permission to protract her stay at the Parsonage; and she succeeded
-in impressing them with an idea, that the project was far from
-unpleasant to her. This matter being discussed, they gave her a pressing
-invitation to spend the following winter with them, during which time
-Mr. Temple promised, if she gave him authority so to do, to use his best
-endeavours either to procure her reception by her family, or an eligible
-abode, wherever she might wish to fix her residence; also authorizing
-her, should she find herself in any dilemma previous to her return, to
-apply to him for whatever assistance she might require. The worthy
-rector soon interrupted Adelaide's warm acknowledgements for his present
-and past kindness, by saying, "I hope this delightful scheme, to which
-Mrs. Temple and I look forward with so much pleasure, will not be
-prevented by your being run away with by some fine fellow at the other
-side of the channel. Joking apart," said he seriously, "there is an
-English gentleman, who is as much in love as his nature will suffer him
-to be, to whom I hope no consideration will ever tempt you to unite
-yourself." Adelaide blushed and blushed, till the tears stood in her
-eyes. Mr. Temple looked at her with astonishment; "Is it possible!"
-thought he: "You may think me impertinent, Miss Wildenheim, but I know
-you never contemn the advice of experience and friendship. It would be
-heart-rending to see you so thrown away;--such a total dissimilarity of
-character can never produce happiness. You are beings of a different
-sphere. The moment in which you marry Mr. Webberly, you sign the misery
-of your whole life." The expression of her countenance was now quite
-changed, and the few calm words she spoke, convinced her reverend
-adviser she _then_ felt convinced she could never marry Mr. Webberly.
-But he had, in the course of his life, seen so many strange matches
-made, that the word "amazement" in matrimony had to him lost its
-meaning; particularly as he had so often known it commence without
-"dearly beloved" on the part of either of the persons concerned; and
-still having some little distrust of the future, he would sincerely have
-rejoiced to hear, that Mr. Webberly had done Miss Leatherly the honour
-of making her his wife. When Adelaide retired after breakfast, Mr.
-Temple questioned his wife as to the possibility of her having become
-attached to Augustus Mordaunt, whom she had frequently met at the
-Rectory. "What vain creatures you men are!" said she: "A girl can't
-spend a sleepless night, and be a little agitated by an unexpected
-change in her plans, but you must suppose her colour comes and goes in
-the intermittent fits of a love fever." "You may quiz, Charlotte, but I
-assure you, when Miss Wildenheim used to meet Augustus here, her eyes
-told more than her tongue." "Then believe me, they told intolerable
-stories! No young woman of good sense, or good conduct, will ever love a
-man, who does not show her the most unequivocal preference. After all,
-what is called love has its residence more in the brain than the heart.
-Believe me, Adelaide is no such fool; she has strength of mind to
-conquer even a reciprocal attachment, if necessary. She has a great deal
-of feeling, with an equal portion of reason and reflection; but I think
-her _imagination_ is rather in the minority, at least it takes its rise
-from her feelings, not her feelings from it." "Well, Charlotte, you may
-think an attachment a very silly thing now; but, you know, you were in
-love once yourself." "Never with you, I assure you: you know, my dear,
-that was impossible, for you were old enough to have passed for my
-father when we married. I had always too much respect for your
-reverence. Yet I don't think I have made the worse wife, because I never
-mistook you for a Strephon, but saw from the first you were a good,
-plain, steady country parson." "And but for this good, plain, steady
-country parson, Charlotte," said he, "you would never have been the
-estimable woman you now are. But to return to Miss Wildenheim: what is
-it that distresses her? You are clear there is nobody in England she is
-sorry to leave behind." "Pardon me; I think she is very sorry to leave
-us." "That I take for granted; but on the whole she seems pleased with
-her expedition. Perhaps she is unprepared to meet so unexpected a demand
-on her purse; and Mrs. Sullivan's elegant epistle does not say a word on
-the subject of money:--she should have had more consideration! I will
-make an estimate of what the journey to Shrewsbury will cost her--will
-you give it to her, and say I shall be happy to advance what money she
-may require." "That I will," replied Mrs. Temple; "Poor thing! I'm sure
-she would die before she would ask Mrs. Sullivan--at least _I_ should,
-without doubt." When Mr. Temple made out his memorandum, and his wife
-giving it to Adelaide repeated his offer, she was so touched by this
-new instance of her friend's kindness, that she could not for a short
-time reply to Mrs. Temple; but pressing her hand with the earnestness of
-gratitude, remained silent for an instant, and then, both by word and
-look, expressed her grateful sense of all the benefits they had bestowed
-on her. "In the present instance, however," said she, "I need not
-trespass on Mr. Temple's goodness; I assure you I am quite rich,
-sufficiently so to make this unexpected journey no inconvenience."
-"Nobody is rich now-a-days," said Mrs. Temple; "in such an extravagant
-family how have you managed, my dear Adele, to get into such a good
-condition of purse?" "When I was first at Webberly House, I was too
-unhappy to have any fancies to indulge; and as soon as by your
-benevolent care I recovered from my primary state of stupefaction, I
-became so terrified at my unprotected situation, that I determined to
-provide for any emergency that might occur, by limiting my expenditure
-as much as possible. Impressed with these fears, I _dared_ not give
-myself habits of extravagance. I assure you I have been economical
-almost to parsimony." "Your poor pensioners do not say so," rejoined
-Mrs. Temple, in a tone of affectionate approbation.--"I do not think it
-permissible, my dear Mrs. Temple, to provide for future wants by the
-neglect of present duties. I look upon charity in proportion to our
-means, as a necessity as indispensable to our condition as daily food
-and raiment; a due portion of whatever fund procures the one, ought
-surely to provide for the other." "You are a singular girl," said Mrs.
-Temple; "I will apply to you Goldsmith's epitaph on Dr. Bernard:--
-
-    "If you have any faults, you have left us in doubt,
-    At least in six weeks I could not find them out."
-
-The few days Adelaide had to spend at the Parsonage flew most rapidly
-away. She saw the dreaded morning arrive, in which she was to commence
-her journey, with a heavy heart, and perhaps those she was to leave
-behind were yet more sorrowful than herself. In the separation of
-friends, those who depart are never half so much to be pitied as those
-who remain. Change of scene, motion, and fatigue, insensibly divert the
-former; but the latter have nothing new to fill up the uncomfortable
-void they feel. It is long before the eye ceases to look for the beloved
-face it has been used to gaze on, or the ear unconsciously to expect the
-well-known voice or step. The children had bid farewell to Adelaide the
-night before, not without many pressing entreaties for her speedy
-return; but the father and mother got up at a very early hour, to take
-leave of her on the morning of her departure. At the sight of Mrs.
-Temple she could no longer control her feelings, but threw herself in
-an agony of sorrow into her arms, saying, it was her fate always to be
-torn from what was dear to her in life, and that she should know nothing
-like happiness till she saw her again. Mr. Temple, seeing her make a
-great effort to restrain her tears, said, "Do not, my dear young friend,
-suppress the expression of your sorrow; here are those who respect your
-tears--they are most natural to your age and sex. You have too much the
-habit of suppressing your own feelings, to avoid distressing those of
-others. We shall all meet happily again in a few months, and then your
-connection with that unamiable family will cease. You are too deserving
-of happiness not to meet with it;--indeed you will find it in your own
-mind, when you recover from the first shock of the heavy affliction it
-has pleased Providence to assign you. You may, if it is any consolation,
-take with you an old man's blessing; whose utmost wish would be
-gratified in having a daughter to resemble you." Mrs. Temple, who had
-been nearly as much comforted by his commendation as Adelaide, now said,
-"Rouse yourself, my dear girl, and look at all those impertinent
-Webberlys, as much as to say, 'I hold ye in sovereign, contempt.' I wish
-you were not content, with _feeling_ your own superiority, but would
-occasionally assert it. I should like to see them smarting under the
-power of ridicule certain arch smiles have told me you possess--indeed,
-indeed, my dear, you are righteous over much: do oblige me, and be a
-little spiteful."
-
-By the time breakfast was over, Adelaide's spirits were comforted by Mr.
-Temple, and rallied by his wife. Though she could not trust herself to
-say, "Good bye," she stept into the carriage with tolerable composure;
-but when she lost sight of them and their cheerful abode, she
-experienced an acuteness of sorrow she some time before had thought she
-was as incapable of ever feeling again, as an equal degree of joy.
-
-When the carriage drove away, Mr. Temple made a speedy retreat into his
-study; and the traces of tears were still visible on his wife's face,
-when they met at dinner.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIII.
-
-    One only passion unreveal'd
-    With maiden pride the maid conceal'd;
-    Yet not less purely felt the flame--
-    Oh! need I then that passion name?
-
-    SCOTT.
-
-
-Civil people always meet with civility, and Adelaide accomplished her
-journey without meeting either accident or insult. When the carriage
-stopped at the Talbot Inn in Shrewsbury, she was received at the door by
-Mr. Webberly, who had evidently been watching her arrival. On her asking
-for his mother and sisters, he pointed to a window, where she saw Mrs.
-Sullivan attired in a sky-blue habit of cassimir, with a white beaver
-hat and feathers. Cecilia, in a modish pelisse, looking at that
-distance very handsome; and Miss Webberly, in the opposite window,
-_intently_ reading. Mrs. Sullivan met Adelaide half way down stairs,
-apparently glad to see her. The young ladies greeted her with a slight
-bow, just muttering a scarcely audible "How d'ye do:"--one turning to
-stare out of the window, the other affecting to bestow all her attention
-on her book. Little Caroline, exclaiming "Oh, tie my frock quick, quick!
-there's my dear Adele come: I hear mama talking to her,"--burst from an
-inner apartment, heedless of the remonstrances of her maid, and jumping
-up with one spring, twisted her ivory arms about her neck; and as
-Adelaide fondly pressed the lovely child to her heart, her countenance
-expressed those feelings--
-
-    "Which are to mortals given,
-    With less of earth in them than Heav'n:"
-
-For affliction had indeed "touched her looks with something that was
-scarce earthly," and, when brightened by any emotion near akin to joy,
-smiles such as might have beamed in the face of a seraph illuminated
-hers. Mrs. Sullivan, in a tone of sorrowful admiration, whispered to
-Cecilia, "Jack can't choose but fancy her; she's beautifuller than ever:
-I han't seen her like since we parted." "Law, mama!" replied Cecilia
-with unmixed vexation, "I believe you've taken leave of your senses,
-since you used to say she was a sallow poking thing. You forget what
-beautiful girls the Miss Nathans, and the Miss Bakers, and all the
-Lunnon ladies are." Here, with affected indifference and real
-mortification, she stopped to examine the subject of their discourse
-through her glass. As she continued to gaze, her soft cheek became
-crimsoned with anger, and her beautiful eye, which seemed formed to
-convey the tender feelings of the gentlest female heart, scowled with
-the dark expression of envy. Adelaide, turning her eyes on her face,
-met that glance, and sighing to see the youthful bloom of this fair
-creature deformed by malevolent emotions, felt for her the pity of a
-superior nature, that from its own beatitude beholds the fretful
-passions of a being incessantly employed in weaving the web of its own
-misery, and mourns that it may not save the wretched victim from its
-self-destroying arts.
-
-When Adelaide sat down, Mr. Webberly, leaning over the arm of the sofa,
-began a complimentary conversation, which she soon terminated on the
-excuse of retiring to make some slight alteration in her travelling
-dress before the time of dinner. In the course of this evening, Mrs.
-Sullivan and her son overloaded Miss Wildenheim with officious
-civilities; and the young ladies paid her many ironical compliments
-intended as insults; but she _would_ not show, by word or look, that she
-understood them otherwise than according to the literal sense, and
-amused herself a little maliciously (forgive her, for she was but human)
-by observing their disappointment at finding their best efforts at
-mortifying her fail of success. But at night, her feelings were those of
-bitter anguish, as she involuntarily compared this day with the last she
-had spent at the Parsonage of Deane, in the enlightened society of her
-kind friends. "But I shall meet them again ere long, and shall enjoy
-their society doubly from the comparison of my present associates. I am
-resolved to think the time till we meet as little disagreeable as
-possible." Her thoughts then reverted to the scenes of her early life,
-on which they could now rest with mournful complacency; and, as she
-recalled to memory the precepts of her beloved father, with a pardonable
-superstition, she fondly flattered herself that he yet spoke to her
-heart. The treasured admonitions of this revered parent at once
-fortified her mind and soothed her feelings; on them she continued to
-ponder till sleep deprived her of recollection and his image at the same
-moment. Her heart was cheered by a sentiment of filial piety, similar to
-that so beautifully expressed by Scott's Ellen:
-
-    My soul, though feminine and weak,
-    Can image his; even as the lake,
-    Itself disturb'd by slightest stroke,
-    Reflects the invulnerable rock.
-
-Notwithstanding Adelaide's best endeavours to persuade herself the
-Webberlys _en masse_ were a pleasant family, and not less amiable than
-agreeable, she now found them more intolerable than ever.
-
-Mr. Webberly's attentions were as incessant as disgusting, and to her
-astonishment his mother no longer gave them overt opposition. His
-sisters, on the contrary, were more than ever devoured by "proud spleen
-and burning envy;" but they excited in her mind only the most profound
-compassion. Pity is said to be near akin to love; it is sometimes
-however very closely allied to that mournful pardon we grant to a
-character, whose irremediable defects excite our unqualified hopeless
-disapprobation.
-
-As for Mrs. Sullivan, Adelaide felt grieved she could not like her, for
-she at least had the feelings of a mother; and where is the character so
-degraded, that these will not give a claim to our love, to our
-veneration? When she saw this poor woman, full of love and pride in her
-elder children, pour forth her fondness on them, and saw the ungrateful
-objects of her tenderness insultingly disdain it, because it did not
-appear in the language and gestures of what they supposed to be fashion,
-she redoubled her attentions, and her sweetly soothing manners,
-sometimes chased the starting tears from the offended mother's eye,
-sometimes made them flow from the bitterness of the comparison they
-caused her to make. But when, softened by compassion, Adelaide was
-reproaching herself for her want of liking to a woman, who, though a
-mistaken, was an affectionate mother, some trait of ostentatious
-arrogant despotism to those not united by ties of relationship sent her
-benevolent feelings, with accelerated motion, back to the source of
-kindness from whence they had begun to flow. Vulgarity alone was no
-crime in her mind; she considered it merely as an accident to which
-certain conditions are liable, and, therefore, when it was an
-accompaniment of worth, she did not _dare_ to feel it a fit subject of
-contempt. She was too noble in soul, too pious in heart, to presume on
-her accidental advantages of education, to despise "the pure in spirit,"
-who are, however lowly in earthly station, glorious in the approving
-smile of Heaven.
-
-But as Mrs. Sullivan was on one point alone entitled to respect, and
-even there imperfectly, (for, owing to the mercenary artifices of her
-elder daughters, she was nearly indifferent to Caroline,) Adelaide had
-now a hard task to perform--namely, to fortify herself once more with
-indifference to all her associates. Her feelings had been awakened from
-their temporary torpor by her visit to the Temples, and she now felt it
-most painful to lower them to the icy temperature they had attained in
-the soul-benumbing atmosphere of Webberly House. "However, (thought
-she,) I must only play the dormouse, and, like it, having gone through a
-few months' torpidity, I shall then wake to an existence of positive
-enjoyment."
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, during Miss Wildenheim's absence, had become conscious of
-the value of her decorum of manner; for besides the attention it
-prompted this young lady to pay her, as due to the person under whose
-roof she resided, it acted as a restraint on the rudeness of her
-daughters, who, when unshackled by the presence of an example of
-propriety in their domestic scene, opposed their mother in every trifle
-with the most perverse obstinacy. Mr. Webberly, as soon as he had been
-refused by Selina, told his mother, in the first effusions of his
-wounded pride, he was determined to marry Miss Wildenheim directly. "He
-was rich enough to please himself after all; he was sure she was a far
-personabler woman than Miss Seymour, though Miss did think no small beer
-of herself." As he could not have Selina, his mother now wished him to
-marry his cousin Miss Leatherly, who was nearly as rich, though she had
-not the advantages of connection, that had won her pride to prefer Miss
-Seymour. She had long delayed her answer to Adelaide's letter,
-determining she should seek another home; but her son declared if she
-did not bring her to Ireland, he would not go either, but would remain
-in whatever place she resided till she was of age, and then it would
-not be in his mother's power to prevent their marriage. Mrs. Sullivan,
-alarmed at this menace, determined no longer to use open opposition, but
-to trust to chance and the possibility of Miss Wildenheim's own pride
-assisting her to defeat his wishes; therefore offered to compromise the
-matter, by saying she would bring Miss Wildenheim with her to Ireland,
-on condition he did not actually propose for her till the period fixed
-for their return to England, promising she would do nothing to prevent
-his paying her what attentions he pleased; but, at the same time giving
-him to understand, the match would never receive her approbation,
-reminding him that a ten thousand pound fortune with a wife was nothing!
-and that he had little now left but what she pleased to give him. Mr.
-Webberly had found out from Selina's conduct, it was possible he might
-be refused; therefore, yielding in part to his mother's wishes,
-acknowledging, on second thoughts, a little delay would be no bad
-thing, as it might enable him to conquer his mistress's resentment for
-his having transferred his attention elsewhere, which he elegantly
-expressed, by saying "In the first brush of the thing she may cuff off
-her nose to punish her face."
-
-Our travellers proceeded on their journey with the most dissimilar
-feelings possible. Mrs. Sullivan enjoying the idea of the fortune this
-expedition would secure to Caroline--the Miss Webberlys, in sullen
-discontent, were forming schemes to make their mother return as soon as
-possible to the neighbourhood of London, supposing the society of
-Ballinamoyle must be still more insipid than that in the vicinity of
-Webberly House--their brother engaged in promoting the success of his
-passion for Adelaide, she not less so in keeping him at a distance, and
-in the endeavour to divert her thoughts from her companions to the
-country they passed through--Caroline alone, with unfeigned pleasure,
-was enjoying the change of scene, and coaxing her "Dear, precious
-Adele," who returned the sweet child's caresses with equal affection.
-The weather was intolerably hot; the Miss Webberlys would not consent to
-have their pelisses faded by opening the barouche--"You know, mama, we
-can't get any thing from London for a long time, and you would not have
-_us_ dress in the Irish fashions:" so the four ladies and Caroline were
-nearly suffocated with heat; little relief was obtained from letting
-down the front windows, for Mr. Webberly and a footman in the driving
-seat intercepted the air. Mr. Webberly had placed himself there, that he
-might from time to time cast sweet looks at Adelaide. She sat with her
-back to him that she might not see them; but this was of little avail,
-for he tapped her every five minutes on the shoulder, on pretence of
-pointing out some remarkable object to her notice, therefore she
-willingly accepted Mrs. Sullivan's offer of making room for her on the
-other seat. Oh! how she envied the abigails, as they drove past in the
-post chaise! she could not enjoy the pleasure of walking up the hills
-with Caroline, as in that case, Mr. Webberly was at her side in an
-instant, ready primed with the compliments he had composed on the
-barouche seat. But notwithstanding all this, she was enchanted with the
-picturesque scenery of North Wales: the Vale of Langollen, Capel
-Kerrick, and Lake Oggen, called forth her rapturous praise, in the
-expression of which she was sometimes joined by her companions, though
-they were little capable of feeling the pleasure she experienced.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's parsimony always showing itself in trifles, she
-quarrelled with all the drivers, ostlers, chamber maids, and waiters, as
-she came along, by offering them less than people who travelled with the
-same _cortege_ usually did. The Welsh are a remarkably sturdy people;
-and if, on entering Wales, you offend the man who drives you the first
-stage, the bad effects of his irascible feelings follow your carriage
-wheels to the last. What must it be when each equestrian is individually
-enraged at you!
-
-The carriage windows were no sooner drawn up, to put an end to the
-clamour occasioned by such squabbles on the outside, than the usual
-contentions were renewed within, which seldom ceased till the time for
-wrangling with the ostlers arrived again, for which a scold to the last
-turnpike keeper, for the badness of the roads, in proportion to the high
-tolls, served as a prelude. However, they at last reached Holyhead: as
-Adelaide skipped into the inn, overjoyed to be comparatively at liberty,
-she exclaimed, in thought, "Thank goodness, so much of my Purgatory is
-over! Why Webberly House was Heaven to this! However we shall travel
-only a small portion of the time I am to spend in penance for my
-sins.--They will all be sea-sick to-morrow, and then I shall have a few
-hours' peace."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XIV.
-
-    Now hoist the sail, and let the streamers float
-    Upon the wanton breezes; strew the deck
-    With lavender, and sprinkle liquid sweets,
-    That no rude savour maritime invade
-    The nose of nice nobility.
-
-    COWPER.
-
-
-On the following evening, wind and tide answering, the packet in which
-our travellers were to embark was prepared for sailing.
-
-The music of the indefatigable harper, in the passage, was completely
-drowned by the uproar of an universal commotion; the persons and voices
-of masters and mistresses, children, ladies' maids, footmen, and
-boatmen, were mixed in one undistinguished throng, as they crowded
-about the inn door. Mrs. Sullivan stood at the foot of the stairs
-screaming, loud enough for her shrill _contr'alto_ to be heard above all
-the murmuring crowd:--"Meely! Cilly! do bestir yourselves; we're too
-late by a mile! here's the wery last boat imparting." The tardy-gaited
-damsels made their appearance just as one of the boatmen informed their
-mother, the captain had sent to say, he would not wait another minute;
-and they reached the side of the ship exactly at the moment he prepared
-to put his threat in execution. Poor Mrs. Sullivan had seldom seen, and
-had never been on the sea before, therefore it is not surprising that
-she was much terrified at finding herself in a small boat, on this, to
-her, unusual element; however, after many exclamations of terror, she
-congratulated herself, and all the party, on being safe on board: she
-might now have said with Foote,
-
-    "When first I went on board, Good Lord! what a racket,
-    Such babbling and squalling fore and aft through the packet;
-    The passengers bawling, the sailors yo-ho-ing,
-    The ship along dashing, the wind aloft blowing;
-    Some sick, and some swearing, some singing, some shrieking,
-    Sails hoisting, blocks rattling, the yards and booms creaking!"
-
-It was that season of the year in which such of the Irish bipeds as are
-birds of passage, pay a summer's visit to their native shores: the
-packet was crowded to excess; and not only every birth was taken, but
-the cabin floors were spread with mattresses for the supernumeraries.
-Mrs. Sullivan had secured the _state_ cabin, where people pay an
-additional price, for the honour and glory of encountering imminent
-danger of suffocation, in a commodious apartment, six feet broad by
-eight feet long, containing four beds, two above and two below; and in
-this receptacle of pride, many a repentant victim of human vanity has
-sent forth pious aspirations after "_a new birth_." Mrs. Sullivan, on
-going below, found that, besides the beds in the state cabin, only two
-others could be procured for Caroline and the maids; she however settled
-the matter, much to her satisfaction, by saying, "Willis must sit up all
-night." But Adelaide seeing the poor woman's face changing colour, with
-a compassion that never rose for an _inferior_ in Mrs. Sullivan's
-breast, said, "If you will allow me, I will make up a bed for myself in
-the floor of your cabin, with the night sacks and dressing boxes; and
-then Willis can have my birth; she looks very sick, poor thing, perhaps
-you will give her leave to go to bed now." "I have no dejection to your
-doing what you likes with your own birth, Miss Vildenheim; but if Villis
-goes to bed, what can I do to undress?"--"Oh! I will be your waiting
-woman with pleasure." So saying, Adelaide seized the golden opportunity
-before the permission could be recalled, and persuaded the fainting
-Willis to occupy her bed.
-
-When they returned to the deck all was comparatively quiet; the ladies
-were seated, and the gentlemen walking about in parties, examining the
-various groups of females which presented themselves to their view. Next
-to Adelaide was seated a very elegant woman, whom she heard addressed by
-the name of St. Orme, and whose husband was walking arm in arm with a
-remarkably handsome man, who united in his deportment the mien of a
-soldier, with the air of a man who had lived much in the world. His back
-was to Adelaide when he first attracted her notice, but when he came
-close to her, she started up, and met the hand he extended to her, with
-reciprocal cordiality, and their mutual astonishment, making them for an
-instant regardless of the presence of so numerous an audience, they
-addressed each other in the language they had long been accustomed to
-converse in, and, after a few hasty sentences of German, Adelaide,
-blushing to her fingers' ends, on perceiving she had attracted the
-attention of every person present, introduced the handsome stranger to
-Mrs. Sullivan as Colonel Desmond, and he was not a little surprised to
-find in her the widow of his most particular friend. This ceremony being
-over, Colonel Desmond again addressed Adelaide: "Good Heavens! Miss
-Wildenheim, who could have thought of seeing you _here_! how time does
-run on! I hope you don't forget what I remember with so much pleasure,
-that our acquaintance commenced before you were six years old; and that
-you used to seat yourself on my knee, with as little ceremony as that
-beautiful child is preparing to do on yours." Adelaide's dialogue with
-her new found friend was suddenly interrupted by Mrs. Sullivan becoming
-so qualmish, that a speedy retreat to her own cabin was judged
-advisable, and Colonel Desmond, after assisting the ladies to go down
-stairs, returned to the deck, his fair acquaintance remaining below to
-give her promised aid to her _chaperone_.
-
-Though Colonel Desmond was then in his forty-fifth year, his florid
-complexion, brilliant eye, and martial air, made him appear nearly ten
-years younger; nor were the few unwelcome gray hairs, that attempted to
-tell tales of other times, in contradiction to their darker companions,
-in sufficient number to counteract the appearance of youth, that the
-finest set of teeth in the world gave to his face. His forehead, eyes,
-and brows, seemed the seat of sense and manly daring, but all the kindly
-affections of human nature dwelt about his mouth. Adelaide had early
-applied to him the motto of the Chevalier Bayard--_L'homme sans peur et
-sans reproche_: and in the days of youthful enthusiasm, he had, in her
-scale of admiration, ranked next to her father--nor was he unworthy of
-her regard.
-
-This gallant soldier was the second son of a country gentleman, whose
-family had lived from generation to generation in habits of friendship
-with that of the late Mr. Sullivan, who was also a younger son. These
-young men were companions, school-fellows, and friends, and on the death
-of their fathers, found themselves but scantily provided for. Edward
-Desmond, being intended for the church, had gone through some part of
-his collegiate course in the university of Dublin; but on the death of
-his father, agreeing with his young friend, that "it was much better to
-be a soldier than a damned quiz of a parson" resolved to exchange the
-cassock for the sword. Being a protestant, Edward did not labour under
-the same disabilities as his friend, but he would not separate their
-fortunes, and determined to share the same fate, and follow the same
-standard; accordingly they left their homes, in order, as they expressed
-it, in the words of a favourite song, to "go round the world for sport."
-
-They entered the Austrian armies, and the first five years of their
-career served under the command of Baron Wildenheim, during which time
-he proved himself their patron and friend; gratitude on their side, and
-regard on his, preserved the intimacy thus formed, by correspondence and
-personal communication, long after they had ceased to be brother
-soldiers. Colonel Desmond remained in Germany, several years subsequent
-to Mr. Sullivan's return to England, so that he was much better known to
-Adelaide than the latter gentleman; and till she recollected he was
-unmarried, she had often wondered her father had not left her to his
-guardianship, in preference to a person who was to her a comparative
-stranger. Though Desmond and Sullivan had commenced their career of
-life together, they did not long continue on an equality as to
-character. The superior education Edward had received, in order to
-qualify him for the profession he was originally designed to embrace,
-showed its beneficial effects in far different pursuits; for whilst
-Maurice Sullivan plunged into every species of dissipation, his
-companion, incited by the expostulations and example of Baron
-Wildenheim, occupied himself in the acquirement of the knowledge most
-necessary to his profession, occasionally varying his studies by the
-pleasures arising from the cultivation of literature and the fine arts.
-But, however advantageous Colonel Desmond's intercourse with Baron
-Wildenheim had been to the formation of his character, it had latterly
-been dangerous to the peace of his mind. He had so long regarded the
-daughter of his friend with almost parental affection, that he was not
-exactly aware of the moment, when his feelings towards her became those
-of a lover; but when awakened to a sense of the real nature of his
-sentiments, his hours of solitude were tinctured with regret, as he
-bitterly lamented that hitherto disregarded want of fortune, which
-forbade his seeking the hand of the lovely girl. Neither Adelaide, nor
-the Baron, was ever conscious of this attachment; she only felt for him
-as a sort of second father, in whose approbation she delighted, and by
-whose admonition she profited; honour and generosity withheld his using
-any endeavours to win further on her regard; and feeling that
-self-control would not much longer be possible, he left Vienna,
-apparently induced only by the desire to revisit his native country.
-Time and absence had deadened, but not changed his feelings: with such
-sentiments, it may therefore be supposed, what happiness this unexpected
-meeting gave to both. The Miss Webberlys had come down below with their
-mother and Adelaide, so that the latter was obliged to stay in the
-suffocating cabin, where she remained in durance vile above an hour;
-from time to time she heard Caroline's little merry voice on deck, and
-longed to be there also; at last, when the little girl retired to bed,
-she gave Adelaide Mrs. St. Orme's compliments, to know if she would like
-to come on deck, adding, that she and Colonel Desmond were waiting in
-the outer cabin to take her up. With the utmost delight she profited by
-this good natured attention. When they ascended, she found all the
-passengers disposed of for the night, except Mr. and Mrs. St. Orme and
-Colonel Desmond.
-
-Miss Wildenheim's present _chaperone_ was a very elegant pleasing Irish
-woman, who added to the ease of well bred manners that sort of
-kindliness, which appears in those of her countrywomen in general. She
-was of good family, and was so well assured of her own place in society,
-that she never took the least trouble to impress any body else with an
-idea of her consequence; but her unaffected simplicity of dress,
-manner, and deportment, were the best credentials she could present to
-those accustomed to move in the same rank of life with herself. Adelaide
-and she understood each other at once: before their acquaintance had
-lasted half an hour, a casual observer would have supposed they had long
-been known to each other.
-
-It was a most delightful night, the ship was smoothly cutting her rapid
-way before a fair, wind, and as it passed, the rippling waters sparkled
-with the beams of the moon. Colonel Desmond, leaning carelessly over the
-side of the vessel, half sung, half hummed, this verse, translated from
-an ancient Irish song:--
-
-    The moon calmly sleeps on the ocean,
-      And tinges each white bosom'd sail;
-    The bark, scarcely conscious of motion,
-      Glides slowly before the soft gale.
-
-    How vain are the charms they discover,
-      My heart from its sorrows to draw!
-    Whilst memory carries me over
-      To _Ma cailin beog chruite nambo_.
-
-Adelaide thought the sound of his well remembered voice "pleasant and
-mournful to the soul, like the memory of joys that are past;" and it was
-insensibly leading her into a train of ideas, which she was not sorry to
-have interrupted by general conversation. How much did she enjoy the
-delightful freshness of the night, and the enlivening sallies of her
-animated companions; they were, however, at length terminated by Mr. St.
-Orme complaining of the increasing chilliness of the air, and proposing
-that she and her fair companion should take refuge from it in the body
-of her barouche, which was on deck. There they passed the remainder of
-the night most comfortably; and, when the sun rose, Miss Wildenheim was
-very sorry to hear they were entering the bay of Dublin, as she
-recollected her landing would put an end to the temporary release the
-packet had afforded her from the annoyances of the Webberly family.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XV.
-
-    To sail in unknown seas,
-    To land in countries hitherto unseen,
-    To breathe a fresh invigorating air:
-    ----All this, I am convinced,
-    Will renovate me a second time,
-    To be what once I was.
-
-    LLOYD'S MYRHA.
-
-
-Before any of the other passengers came on deck, Mrs. St. Orme and
-Adelaide contrived to make their morning toilet quite _comme il faut_,
-and when it was finished, and their dressing-boxes were repacked, they
-drew up the blinds of the carriage, and beheld a most beautiful scene.
-
-The sun was shining in all his brightness, and seemed to exult on
-beholding the fair isle, that, cheered by his smiles, was venturing to
-raise her lovely face from beneath its misty veil, no longer fearful of
-beholding the dark visage of Night, who, sullenly retreating from his
-glorious foe, had turned his louring brow on other daughters of the sea.
-The hill of Howth rose proudly from the bosom of the deep; and whilst
-its rocky sides, from age to age, beheld unmoved the fury of the
-sounding surge, the pointed summits of the distant Wicklow mountains
-courted the beams of morn and the dews of evening, ere they descended to
-visit the plains beneath. The bold promontory of Bray rushed to meet the
-foaming waves; and by its side the beautiful bay of Killina retreated
-from their half spent rage; whilst in the distant sky a darkened line of
-smoke pointed out the site of the fine city of Dublin. "Dear Ireland!"
-exclaimed Mrs. St. Orme, whilst the tear of feeling and the smile of joy
-struggled for mastery in her beaming eyes--"Oh! only those who have
-pined for their native land beneath a stranger sky, whose eye has been
-long unblessed by her loved face, whose ear has vainly paused to hear
-once again her kindly, though unpolished accents; who have held her--
-
-          'dear by every tie
-    Which binds us to our infancy,
-    By weeping Mem'ry's fondest claims,
-    By nature's holiest highest names;'
-
-can feel their souls moved to sympathy at the sight of her children's
-emotions, when they at last behold her cherished soil." Poor Adelaide!
-she felt the current of life retire from her chilled heart, as it was
-oppressed by the sad thought, that no revered parent or beloved sister
-would receive her in the arms of affectionate love, when she landed on
-the smiling shore, that spread before her sight. She gazed on the
-countless dwellings, that met her view, with a bitterness of sorrow that
-was faithfully depicted in her speaking countenance. In every mourner
-Mrs. St. Orme saw a friend; and understanding the nature of her
-companion's affliction, from a conversation she had the evening before
-with Colonel Desmond, she pressed her hand, saying in the kindest tones
-of benevolence, "You will find friends every where; in that hospitable
-land there are many warm hearts, to whom you will quickly be dear." The
-expression of Adelaide's gratitude, though mute, was eloquent, and she
-soon recovered herself sufficiently to answer, with apparent ease, the
-various inquiries put to her by Mr. St. Orme and Colonel Desmond, who
-now appeared to offer their services.
-
-About nine o'clock all was again commotion in the ship; many a strange
-figure might have been seen in the cabins below. Here Mr. Webberly,
-doffing his white cotton nightcap, and reeling on the floor, was cut
-short in the ecstasy of a yawn, and of an outstretched arm, and
-balancing opposite leg, by a return of the sickness, which had kept him
-below stairs all night, to Adelaide's great joy. There a fop was calmly
-settling his hat, so as to display the glossy curls, that were to appear
-below its edge, to the utmost advantage. Behind that white dimity
-curtain a lady is viewing herself in a pocket glass, and laments her
-bilious complexion; but quickly comforts herself with the reflection,
-that she can wear a veil, and in a day or two she shall be ten times
-fairer than ever. One gentleman is damning the steward for suffering his
-sea store to be demolished, who appeases him by saying he will give him
-another hamper to ransack. There is the wag of a mail coach, continuing
-his jokes with a fat cook, whose tongue has seldom ceased since they
-left London, in the endeavour to persuade every one she met that she was
-a lady of great consequence, and who literally talked all night, to the
-edification of the people in the cabin with her. An odd looking man is
-running about with a box of artificial flowers, tormenting every body,
-by asking if the custom-house officers will seize them; and to every
-reply rejoining, "I'll just give them a trifle, just a trifle. Do you
-think they'll search my night sack?" Lastly, the English Abigails loudly
-declare they shall die; and the Irish that they _will_ die, whilst in
-the intervals of sickness they endeavour to quiet a set of squalling
-children.
-
-When these motley groupes assembled on deck, it was agreed by most it
-would be much better to take boats to Dunleary, than to wait for the
-returning tide to land at the Pigeon House, which is the regular station
-appointed for the packets.
-
-Adelaide now offered her arm to Mrs. Sullivan, who had just ascended the
-cabin stairs in a rueful condition. Her face was indeed the emblem of
-"green and yellow melancholy." Somebody had done her the favour to sit
-upon her hat, and had bent its white plume in every direction; her
-habit was crumpled up in a thousand folds, and the queen of Otaheite
-herself could not have boasted of more feathers than adorned it in
-detached spots. Mr. Webberly, who accompanied his mother and sisters
-upon deck, as he looked at Adelaide's lovely face, blooming with the
-freshness of the sea air, said to himself, "Well, Miss Wildenheim must
-have his Majesty's patent in her pocket to be so beautiful, when all the
-other women look so bad. Sister Cilly is as ugly as old Mother Shipton
-this morning; and as for Meely, she's enough to frighten the crows. I
-wonder what business that Colonel Desmond has to talk to Miss Wildenheim
-so--he's too civil by half; I've a month's mind to tell him so; and how
-she does smile and show her white teeth at him. I see nothing so
-diverting about him, not I."
-
-"Jack!" said his mother, interrupting his reverie, "Miss Wildenheim has
-dissuaded me to go in that 'ere boat;--do get our band-boxes put in it.
-They say we mustn't take none of our trunks, neither one of the
-carriages. I suspect me they're playing tricks upon travellers; and if
-so be, I'll take the law of them as sure as my name's Hannah Silliwan.
-The ship may sail away with all our things afore ever we can send the
-constables after it.--They say the Irish are a sad set of rogues. I vish
-I vas safe back in Lunnon again."
-
-The party were soon summoned to the boat, and quickly reached the pier
-of Dunleary in safety. This place is merely a fishing village, chiefly
-inhabited by those amphibious animals called bathing women, whose
-appearance renders their sex nearly as dubious as their occupation makes
-it difficult to decide whether they mostly inhabit the land or the
-water. A crowd of these strange looking creatures assembled about the
-newly arrived ladies. Adelaide involuntarily shrunk from one of them,
-whose complexion was at least three shades darker than fashionable
-mahogany, who had but one furious black eye, and was of a stature that
-promised the power of carrying into execution the evil designs, which
-seemed painted in that eye. This woman's voice, when she spoke, was
-nearly as appalling as her aspect when silent; but yet she was perfectly
-harmless, and had never been known to injure any human being.--"Clear
-the way there, Moll Kelly! Don't you see you're putting the ladies all
-through other? Can't ye lend a hand to the spalpeen while you're doing
-nothing? Or do the t'other thing, and take yourself aff clane and
-clever?" said a good-natured looking man, who formed one of the crowd of
-idlers, who stood wrapped up in great coats (a hot day in June), with
-their backs propped against the pier, or the walls of the houses
-opposite to it. "It's myself that would be sore and sorry not to be
-agreeable to them. I just stepped down to take a peep at their sweet
-faces, God bless them!" said she. Adelaide, shocked at the repugnance
-her countenance had involuntarily expressed to this unoffending mortal;
-made the _amende honorable_ by slipping into her hand, as she passed
-close by, a piece of silver, accompanied by a smile of conciliation.
-"Och, its yourself that's the real quality;--and did ye look on the like
-of me, jewel?--I'm entirely obliged to your ladyship." A number of men
-now came up, saying, "I'll whip your honour up to Dublin in a crack."
-"Plase your honour, mine's the best going gingle on all the Black Rock
-road." "Arrah, hould your palaver, Barny," said a third; "didn't my
-Padderene mare beat the Bang-up coach to tatters the day Mr. Shorly
-broke his arm; when the gingle, for no rason in life, upset? The Lord
-spare him to his childer, poor gintleman." Colonel Desmond now came
-forward to explain what this might mean--namely, that there was no
-other conveyance to Dublin except the carriages he pointed out, which
-were sufficiently expeditious, and perfectly safe, if their drivers
-would not insist on running races with the stage coaches. Accordingly
-the party were stowed into these gingles, which more nearly resemble
-sociables in miniature than any other vehicle; but their backs, instead
-of being solid wood, are railed. They are totally uncushioned, and are
-drawn by one stout, though ill-conditioned horse. They soon struck into
-a very fine road, sufficiently broad to lead to a city twice the size of
-Dublin, on which numberless cars, carts, and carriages, of all
-descriptions, passed each other, without the smallest inconvenience,
-except from clouds of white dust, peculiarly distressing from the nature
-of the soil. The views on all sides were exquisite, combining the
-various beauties of marine and mountain scenery, ornamented with
-abundance of wood and an appearance of high cultivation. The peculiarly
-vivid green of the grass justified to our travellers the appellation of
-"the emerald isle," which Ireland has long possessed. They saw at a
-distance many beautiful seats; but were not a little diverted by the
-names of the diminutive villas which rose close to the road. Three
-houses, built in a row, had in large letters on their walls, _Anne's
-Hill_, Many _Vale_, and Ballynacleigh. A house was perched on a little
-mount, glorying in three lilacs and a laburnum; on its gate was engraved
-_Val ombrosa_. Another, with half an acre of ground and a single row of
-trees before the door, was called Wood Park: and they observed more than
-one Frescati and Marino. The proprietor of one of these abodes did not
-consider his house sufficiently near the road, though within a stone's
-throw, therefore had erected a brick and mortar building, the size and
-shape of a sentry box, resting on the wall which divided his domain from
-the road, so as to overhang it; and at the moment the gingles drove
-past, he was enjoying the delights of this "_happy rural seat of various
-view_" reading the newspapers in the moments he could spare from
-watching the company who drove by. Our travellers were much pleased with
-the regular and beautiful appearance of Dublin, as this entrance into it
-is not defaced by any mean hovels, the abode of squalid poverty, which
-are the too frequent preludes of many a magnificent capital. Entering at
-once into Bagot-street, which is handsome and well built, they drove
-through several fine streets and squares, caught a glimpse of some
-elegant public buildings, such as the college, the _ci-devant_
-parliament-house, and the rotunda, and at last stopped at Layton's
-hotel, in Sackville-street, which is inferior to few in London.
-
-And oh! the luxury of comfortable quiet rooms and beds, after being
-condemned to the turmoil of a Holyhead packet, and exposed to the
-dislocating powers of a Black Rock gingle! Our travellers retired at an
-early hour, to profit by these lately unknown comforts; and here,
-wishing them sound sleep and pleasant dreams, we bid them "good night."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVI.
-
-    Ah! si mon coeur osoit encore se renflammer!
-    Ne sentirai-je plus de charme qui m'arrete?
-        Ai-je passe le temps d'aimer?
-
-    LA FONTAINE.
-
-
-When the ladies entered their breakfasting room the morning after their
-arrival in Dublin, they found it fragrant with the most delightful
-flowers; and the tables presented specimens of the finest fruits this
-city could boast of. Adelaide quickly recognized Colonel Desmond's
-habitual attention to the fair sex; whilst Mrs. Sullivan exclaimed, "A
-fine bill I'll varrant me for all these here kick-shaws:--I'll ring for
-the waiter to take them away." Her hand was on the bell, when Cecilia
-stopped her, by declaring she could eat nothing but fruit. "Who would
-have dreamt of seeing hot-house fruit in _Ireland_! Those flowers will
-keep me from fainting this hot day; don't send them away, mama:--unless
-I have every agreement you can procure me, I shan't be able to exist in
-the odious country you have dragged me over to." By this time Adelaide
-descried a note directed to herself on the breakfast table; the stalk of
-a _rose unique_ was slipped into it, and on the outside was written in
-pencil, "Herself a fairer flower." She smiled at the gallant colonel's
-compliment, and found her note contained a polite _conge_ from Mrs. St.
-Orme, who much regretted being obliged to leave Dublin at too early an
-hour to bid her adieu in person; but expressed a flattering wish, that
-an opportunity might occur for cultivating their further acquaintance.
-Adelaide, throwing down her note on the table as soon as she had read
-it, turned to examine the beautiful bouquets that adorned the flower
-stands; and every individual of the Webberly family took the
-opportunity of making themselves _au fait_ of its contents. Had they
-been caught in the fact, they would hardly have felt ashamed, for any
-thing short of a _letter_, their code of the laws of honour permitted
-them to peruse. "A _letter_ they would not read for the world"--when any
-body was looking at them!
-
-Breakfast was scarcely finished when Mrs. Sullivan's servant entered the
-room, to know if she was at home to Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan? An
-answer being given in the affirmative, they quickly made their
-appearance. Mr. Donolan was nephew by marriage to Colonel Desmond's
-elder brother; but though this connection made them sometimes associate
-together, they were as completely dissimilar in mind as they were in
-person. Mr. Donolan was, as Cecilia called him, "a very pretty man." His
-hand rivalled her own in whiteness; his hair was not less carefully cut,
-combed, and curled in the most becoming manner; and the fair Cecilia
-might have worn his delicate pink waistcoat and worked shirt collar, as
-elegant and suitable accompaniments to her riding-habit, without the
-most scrutinizing eye discovering they had ever formed a part of male
-attire. This Hibernian Jessamy was the only child of a wealthy Catholic
-merchant of Dublin: the youth being too precious to be exposed to the
-hardships of a school, was nurtured at home by an obsequious tutor and a
-doting mother, in the most inordinate vanity. That vivacity of mind,
-with which nature usually endows his countrymen, fell to his lot also;
-and had it been properly directed, might have procured him well-earned
-fame; but unfortunately it only served as an impetus to his self-love,
-in a never-ceasing career of egotism, which made him prefer the casual
-"_succes de societe_," to the lasting benefit to be derived from
-solitary study. The reward of scholarship was of too tedious attainment
-for this impatient genius, who, without ceremony, dubbed himself a
-"_dilettante_," a title universally conceded to him by his Irish
-acquaintance, who took the liberty of quizzing him most unmercifully.
-Young Donolan did not fail to take advantage of the opportunity the
-general peace afforded for visiting the continent; he had there acquired
-a knowledge of the fine arts, which was just sufficient to enable him to
-interlard his conversation with those technical terms of
-connoisseurship, which, as "The Diversions of Purley" observe, commonly
-serve but as a veil to cover the ignorance of those who use them, and to
-privilege him to treat with sovereign contempt all the 'Aborigines of
-West Barbary,' as he most patriotically termed such of his countrymen
-and women, as had not redeemed the original sin of their birth, by at
-least a six week's visit to England or France. Mr. Donolan's manners
-corresponded to the double refined tone of his mind, (we are bound to
-apologize to him for using this term, as it betrays his father's
-_ci-devant_ trade of sugar-baking): he stood on the threshold of
-fashion, and finding he could never be admitted into the sanctuary of
-the _bona dea_, was content to copy from a distance those more
-conspicuous embellishments of the object of his adoration, which, being
-singled from the finer web on which they are originally engrafted by the
-mystery of art, become deformities when deprived of their connecting,
-though almost invisible thread; and, thus detached, start forward in
-unmeaning caricature. But so little was he conscious of his _outre_
-travesty "_du bel air_," that in the plenitude of his folly he had
-applied to himself Frederic the Great's description of the Prince de
-Salm: "Il est petri de graces; tous ses gestes sont d'une elegance
-recherchee; ses moindres paroles, des enigmes. Il discute et approfondit
-les bagatelles avec une dexterite infinie, et possede la caste de
-l'empire du tendre, mieux que tous les Scuderi de l'univers[10]."
-
-[Footnote 10: He is saturated with graces! His every gesture is of
-refined elegance; his every word an enigma. He investigates and
-discusses trifles with infinite dexterity, and is more completely master
-of the etiquette of gallantry than all the Scuderies of the universe.]
-
-Mr. Donolan owed his introduction to our travellers to having
-accidentally met Colonel Desmond that morning at the Commercial
-Buildings in Dame-street; an elegant establishment, something of the
-nature of the Adelphi in London; and the place in the Irish capital
-where the wanderer is most likely to meet his acquaintances. In answer
-to some of Colonel Desmond's interrogatories, Mr. Donolan mentioned
-having just received a pressing invitation to visit Bogberry Hall, but
-that he was afraid it would not be in his power to visit Connaught this
-summer. "Certainly a journey there is a much more serious undertaking,
-than crossing the Alps was before we were indebted to Buonaparte for the
-Simplon road," replied Colonel Desmond laughing; "but you must some time
-or other be doomed to remain in this limbo for a short time. You had
-better encounter its apathetic powers now;--I am going to escort Mr.
-O'Sullivan's English connections to Ballinamoyle: perhaps they may
-enable you to support your penance with tolerable ease." "_Ah ma foi!
-maintenant c'est toute autre chose_, as the French say," replied Mr.
-Donolan: "I think I will visit my aunt. And you know," continued he,
-bowing to the exact angle which the upper part of the body of the most
-fashionable Parisian dancing-master forms with his lower, "more than one
-specimen of an accomplished gentleman will be necessary to convince the
-strangers, who have done our country the honour of visiting it, that
-there are some Irish not deserving the appellation of Goths and
-Vandals." "Really, my good fellow, you do me too much honour," replied
-Colonel Desmond; "only your modesty could induce you to place me on a
-par with yourself." "_Point de tout, mon cher, point de tout!_ You, like
-me, have had the advantage of travelling; nobody could suspect either of
-_us_ of being Irish." Provoked by this last observation, Colonel
-Desmond, as they left the coffee-house, hummed the air of the song which
-begins thus:--
-
-    "When Jacky Bull sets out for France,
-      The gosling you discover;
-    When taught to ride, to fence, to dance,
-      The finish'd goose comes over,
-    With his tierce and his quarte ca, ca,
-    And his cotillon so smart, O la!
-    He charms each female heart, ha! ha!
-      When Jacky returns from Dover."
-
-Perhaps the satirical expression of his countenance had not entirely
-passed away, when he introduced Mr. Felix Donolan to the ladies of the
-Webberly party, as an "amateur and connoisseur of the fine arts, and an
-adept in chemistry, mineralogy, botany, and craniology." Colonel Desmond
-begged to know how he might be of use to the travellers, either as
-regarded their stay in Dublin, or their journey to Ballinamoyle,
-reminding Mrs. Sullivan of the permission she had granted him the day
-before, to escort her thither, and requesting her leave to constitute
-Mr. Donolan another knight-errant in the service of the fair itinerants.
-
-Mr. Donolan's vanity acted in two ways regarding his country: it
-prompted him to use every _secret_ endeavour to make it appear in the
-best point of view to strangers, whilst it led him to assert his own
-superior refinement by pretending to despise it. He recollected that
-Irish posting was famous and infamous, but that an English tourist of
-much celebrity had spoken in high terms of the packet-boats on the
-canals which lead to the interior; he therefore strongly advised Mrs.
-Sullivan to proceed as far as she could by this mode of conveyance.
-Colonel Desmond said in reply, "I don't think, Felix, that method of
-travelling has any thing to recommend it, except its extreme cheapness."
-The two words, _extreme cheapness_, conveyed an argument to Mrs.
-Sullivan's ear, that was not to be refuted by the powers of the most
-able logician; therefore it was agreed, that the next day but one they
-should proceed in the manner Mr. Donolan advised. It was also settled,
-that the mean time should be spent in seeing as much of Dublin as they
-could; and Colonel Desmond left them to procure the Provost's permission
-to show them the college of Dublin to the best advantage, by introducing
-them to such parts of the library, &c., as he only can admit strangers
-to see. The _dilettante_ was highly delighted with the party. Mrs.
-Sullivan's cockney dialect he designated as "Anglicisms," and therefore
-much to be preferred to the most classical English, that could be
-conveyed to his ear, degraded by that peculiar accent of his country
-called the _brogue_. He was completely at a loss, whether most to admire
-Miss Cecilia Webberly's London airs, or Miss Wildenheim's foreign
-graces; and on leaving the room, said to himself, with the most affected
-tone and gesture imaginable,
-
-    "How happy could I be with either,
-    Were t'other dear charmer away!"
-
-Colonel Desmond, on his return, found the ladies and Mr. Webberly
-prepared to attend him to the college, where they proceeded on foot.
-This building stands in front of a small park, called the college
-gardens, appropriated to the students, who are in number about five
-hundred. The college presents a handsome front, of the Corinthian order,
-constructed with Portland stone, forming the base of a place of
-triangular form, named College Green, which, besides the edifice which
-designates it, boasts of the late beautiful Parliament House, that still
-continues to adorn the land it once benefited: _Stat magni nominis
-umbra_. The interior of Trinity College corresponds with its external
-elegance. The travellers visited the museum, the library, the chapel,
-the hall for examinations, and the provost's fine house and gardens. In
-the library they saw, with the compassion her name always excites, the
-hand-writing of the unfortunate Mary Queen of Scots, in a Sallust she
-gave her sons and read, with unmixed horror, a letter of her great
-grandson, James the second, commanding the cruelties of the siege of
-Londonderry. Colonel Desmond did not fail to point out the exquisite
-botanical drawings of the celebrated Anna Maria Schurman, and Quin's
-bequest, which, besides many other bibliothecal rarities, is supposed to
-contain the finest copy of Virgil extant. As the party passed through
-the college yard, they were much surprised at the extreme youth of some
-of the students, who seemed scarcely old enough to have reached the
-higher forms of a grammar school; and Colonel Desmond told them the
-remarkable fact, that a few years ago, two boys entered the college on
-the same day, one from the north of Ireland, of thirteen, the other from
-the south, of eleven years of age. The former had been, long before this
-period, fitted to enter on his academical course; but his father not
-being sufficiently rich to send him, he was, for a considerable time,
-usher at a grammar school, till a subscription was raised by the
-publication of his juvenile poems, which enabled him to enter Trinity
-college. After leaving the college, our party proceeded down Dame
-Street, so called from the monastery of St. Mary les Dames, founded in
-the year 1146, by Dermot M'Murrough, king of Leinster, which stood on
-this spot. Dame Street is the Bond Street of Dublin; and here, at
-least, that want of crowds and equipages, so melancholy in many parts of
-that city, more especially at this season of the year, is not
-perceptible. The multitude of beggars has long formed a prominent
-feature in the aspect of the Irish capital; and from their mouths the
-traveller generally receives his first impression of the energy of
-language possessed by the lower Irish. No unaccustomed ear can listen
-without emotion to the awful words in which they clothe their
-benedictions. Were they of as moving power in Heaven, as on earth, they
-would be cheaply purchased by the alms of the passing stranger. Our
-party met with many such petitioners, whose prayers were proffered in
-words too solemn to be here transcribed. A woman, who called herself
-"The gentle Eliza," was recorded never to have asked in vain; she seemed
-once to have filled a higher station, for her figure was elegant, and
-her voice soft and musical, though a dejection, verging on madness, was
-depicted in her countenance. She appealed first to the heart, and if
-there she knocked in vain, she successfully addressed the vanity of her
-hearers, in a strain of varied flattery. Her life was irreproachable,
-and her history unknown.
-
-Adelaide's attention was soon however diverted from this interesting
-object, by another of a very different description. A squalid looking
-woman, in the garments of extreme poverty, was leading her child by the
-hand, whose spotless skin, as white as snow, and its clean neat clothes,
-formed a surprising contrast to the mother's tattered filthy
-habiliments, Some hasty passenger knocked the poor infant
-down.--Adelaide raised it up, and as she beheld the countenance of a
-cherub, exclaimed, "What a beautiful creature!" The starving mother's
-mouth had opened to demand her charity, but her maternal pride made her
-forget her misery. "Troth, she is a beautiful cratur; she's the joy of
-my heart, and the light of my eyes; many's the long mile I've carried
-her, and thought it no toil; she makes me kindly welcome wherever I go;
-it was the Lord God sent her to me, an angel of comfort in my trouble:
-and may you never know trouble, dear; but my blessing, and the Lord's,
-be about you, when you get up, and when you lie down, and in your dying
-hour[11]." Adelaide felt her heart thrill within her, at this
-unpurchased benediction; she had scarcely given her all the silver in
-her purse, and less than she wished to bestow, when Colonel Desmond's
-sleeve was twitched by a venerable looking old gentleman, who begged to
-speak a word to him.--His countenance was uncommonly fine; he had
-
-          "The eye which tells
-    How much of mind within it dwells;"
-
-his reverend temples were adorned with the most beautiful flowing silver
-locks; his language and manners spoke the gentleman and the scholar;
-his threadbare coat alone told that he too was a mendicant! Colonel
-Desmond satisfied his usual demand of "Will you lend me a guinea?"
-without looking up to behold the blush that crimsoned his aged cheek;
-and with no other commentary than a deep sigh, rejoined his party.
-
-[Footnote 11: _Verbatim._]
-
-This unfortunate man was of a respectable English family: in his youth
-he had embraced the clerical profession, and was one of the most
-eloquent preachers of his day; persuasion hung upon his lips; but, as
-has been said of individuals of his sacred order, he served only as a
-finger-post, to point out to others the path he did not tread himself.
-His talents and his interest procured him considerable church preferment
-in Ireland, which his extravagance and bad conduct ere long deprived him
-of. After spending some years in a prison, he repaired to the Irish
-capital, to live from day to day by any expedient that might occur.
-Here he partly supported himself, by being what is called in Ireland a
-"buckle-beggar," that is, a clergyman who solemnizes irregular
-marriages; partly by begging, under the pretence of borrowing, from any
-acquaintance he might happen to meet. He was now old and infirm, and
-would, five days out of six, have wanted a dinner, but that one of his
-former friends, who had, in better days, partaken of the charms of his
-wit at his hospitable board, most humanely requested him, in his decay
-of fortune and intellect, to share, at his table, a meal he could not
-otherwise have procured.
-
-When the ladies were tired of their promenade, they returned towards
-their hotel. As Mr. Donolan took care of both the Miss Webberlys,
-Colonel Desmond could not do less than offer his arm to Mrs. Sullivan,
-Adelaide therefore was obliged to prefer the disagreeable necessity of
-accepting Mr. Webberly's, to the more flattering prudery of declining
-it: thus honoured, he walked along in triumph, looking from side to
-side, to see who admired his lovely charge, and anticipating the moment
-when she would be wholly and solely his. The _dilettante_, as they
-passed under the admired portico of the House of Commons, took the
-delightful opportunity of expatiating on the "_cyma recta_," and "_cyma
-reversa_," in an architectural combat with Miss Webberly, in which she
-met his triglyphs and metopes, with toruses, astragals, and plinths;
-whilst Cecilia much enjoyed their loud talking, as it attracted the eyes
-of numerous gentlemen to herself, who seldom failed to pass some audible
-encomium on her beauty as they walked by. Mrs. Sullivan, mentally
-lamenting the expenditure she had, in the course of their walk, made in
-_charity_, feelingly inquired of Colonel Desmond, if there were no
-asylums allotted to the poor in Dublin? "I believe, my dear madam,"
-replied he, "no city, of the same size and wealth, is better provided
-with charitable establishments; but our poor have an unconquerable
-aversion to avail themselves of the relief thus afforded. As I went
-towards the Commercial Buildings this morning, I met a remarkably fine
-young man, who demanded alms; I remonstrated with him, and told him,
-what I supposed him ignorant of, that employment for every artisan in
-want was supplied at the House of Industry; he indignantly
-replied,--'It's myself that knows that right well! is it a dacent
-cratur, like me, you'd send to the House of Industry? Civil words eat no
-bread; and if you keep your charity, don't demane me by making a pauper
-of me!'"--Thus conversing, they reached the hotel.
-
-Adelaide was not a little pleased to see Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan
-join their circle at dinner. In the evening they were entertained with a
-variety of itinerant musicians, whom the former collected from all
-quarters of the town for their amusement.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan's stay in Dublin was too short to admit of her party
-visiting more of its public buildings; but the following day they
-repaired to the fine botanical gardens in its neighbourhood; and ended
-their morning excursion by driving through the Phoenix Park.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVII.
-
-        Pray now, the news?
-    You've made fair work, I fear me: pray, your news?
-
-    CORIOLANUS.
-
-
-Mrs. Sullivan had agreed to leave Dublin in that packet boat which
-proceeds westward, at nine o'clock in the morning, and which would take
-her party to the Canal Inn to sleep, the same night: they were to spend
-the second at some convenient resting place on the borders of Connaught,
-and early on the morning of the third day expected to reach
-Ballinamoyle.
-
-Adelaide had employed herself the evening previous to their departure,
-in writing Mrs. Temple an account of all she had seen worthy of remark
-in the Irish capital, not forgetting to make honourable mention of her
-friend Colonel Desmond. This letter was written in much better spirits
-than the one she had sent from Shrewsbury by Lamotte; and when it
-reached Mrs. Temple, she was as much gratified by observing this
-circumstance, as by the tone of affectionate gratitude towards herself
-and her husband, which pervaded it throughout.
-
-At half past nine o'clock the bustle of leaving Dublin had completely
-subsided, and the party assembled on the deck of the packet boat had
-full leisure to view each other, and the surrounding country. As they
-passed slowly along, one fine seat after another presented itself to
-their eyes. The country being, hereabouts, principally laid out in
-parks, lawns, and plantations; that want of wood is not felt for the
-first twenty miles from Dublin, in this direction, which renders a large
-proportion of Ireland so desolate to an eye accustomed to woodland
-scenery. The boat was towed along by two stout horses; but the poor
-animals were scarcely equal to the laborious task assigned them, and
-went sideling along in a manner most painful to a humane eye to see.
-They were driven by giddy boys, and some faint hearts on board quaked
-lest any accident should occur from their carelessness. Passing the
-locks is by no means a pleasant operation: you are shut up for a few
-minutes between massive stonewalls, with a watery abyss beneath, which
-seems to threaten to swallow you up; and one or other of your fellow
-passengers is sure to take that opportunity of informing you, that a
-packet boat was once upset passing a lock, that every soul on board
-perished, by a variety of deaths, more or less horrible, according to
-the vivacity of the imagination which the relater may happen to possess.
-The bell which announces the arrival of the packet boat at the places
-appointed for changing horses, assembles every individual within reach
-of its sound, who can accomplish reaching the spot ere its departure.
-Men, women, and children, of all descriptions, throng to gaze at the
-passengers, and inquire the news from Dublin. Here are to be seen the
-landlord, the physician, and the curate of the district, debating the
-politics of the day. Some passenger gives them the newspapers, or reads
-an extract from a pamphlet just come out, or relates rumours in direct
-contradiction to those they heard the day before, which however reign
-with unquestioned credit, till the next diurnal importation of lies
-reaches them, which banish, in turn, their ephemeral predecessors, and
-are themselves dispossessed of their authority by as short-lived
-usurpers.
-
-Colonel Desmond, as our party passed along, pointed out every thing
-worthy of notice. He was an excellent _cicerone_, and there were few
-questions asked he could not satisfactorily answer. Mrs. Sullivan was
-much delighted with the good natured attention he paid her, partly from
-his natural urbanity, partly from his regard for Adelaide, and for his
-deceased friend, whose widow and child he could not see without wishing
-to serve them.
-
-Mrs. Sullivan, looking on him quite as a friend, made him the confidant
-of her suspicions regarding Miss Wildenheim's birth, which she had
-resolved to keep secret in Ireland, lest they should tempt her
-brother-in-law to bequeath any part of his fortune from Caroline. In
-answer to a long string of interrogatories, respecting her late
-husband's life abroad, Colonel Desmond laughingly replied, "I really
-can't affirm that poor Maurice was always immaculate, but he certainly
-was guiltless of the sin of giving birth to this angelic girl. And I
-must, as a friend, inform you, that his brother would more easily pardon
-his presenting to him a dozen such claimants to multiply his name, than
-you for taking a single letter from it: if you don't call your daughter
-Miss O--Sullivan, she will never possess an acre of the Ballinamoyle
-estate, which, I assure you, is well worth having, though it should
-entail the ugliest name in the world." Mrs. Sullivan thanked him; and,
-profiting by the hint, there was such a practising of the most pathetic
-of interjections that day, that a stranger might have supposed, some
-half dozen of the party were in the last agonies; or that they were a
-set of strolling comedians, rehearsing for a tragedy, whereas they were
-only getting up the farce, which was to be played at Ballinamoyle.
-
-The Miss Webberlys were as much pleased with Mr. Donolan as their mother
-was with Colonel Desmond. He was the first gentleman they had ever
-associated with, in Adelaide's company, who did not prefer her to them.
-The _dilettante_, a few degrees higher than Mr. Webberly in the scale of
-intellect, appreciated Miss Wildenheim's merits sufficiently to dread
-the use she might make of her talents; he felt her superiority, though
-he did not confess, even to himself, that he did so: it is true, she
-listened to him, when he spoke, with extreme politeness, but her replies
-betrayed no sister vanity, that encouraged him to display his own.
-Besides, she was better acquainted with the continent than himself,
-therefore he could not hope to astonish her by his relations of the
-wonders of foreign parts. He therefore transferred all his attentions to
-the Miss Webberlys, paying them the most exaggerated compliments, which
-they received as unblushingly as he bestowed. When he, for instance,
-called the one Venus and the other Minerva, Amelia said in reply, "Now,
-if Juno had but black hair, Miss Wildenheim there (pointing to Adelaide)
-would do for her; and then we'd be the three Graces!!!" Colonel Desmond
-having sufficiently paid his devoirs to Mrs. Sullivan, left her in
-earnest conversation with a woman, not more elegant in appearance than
-herself, who was entertaining her with an enumeration of the titled
-guests she received at her house, whilst at every high sounding name
-Mrs. Sullivan's reverence, and her companion's consequence, visibly
-increased. Adelaide's friend, happy to be thus released, seated himself
-beside her, and entered into conversation immediately. Mr. Webberly, who
-had exhausted all the tender speeches he had conned for that morning,
-was standing near her in total silence:
-
-    "His eye, in a fine stupor caught,
-    Implied a plenteous lack of thought;
-    And not one line his whole face seen in,
-    That could be justly charg'd with meaning."
-
-Notwithstanding he was so much displeased at Colonel Desmond's thus
-engrossing the object of his _speechless_ passion, that, unable to bear
-the odious sight of his rival, he repaired to another part of the boat,
-to listen to some young Irishmen, who were canvassing the conduct of
-ministry with more warmth than wisdom. Colonel Desmond and Adelaide
-rapidly passed from one subject to another: in the course of their
-conversation he abruptly asked her what she thought of young Donolan?
-She blushed deeply, and he saw her meek brow bend to chide the arch
-smile that seemed to bid her lips pronounce words partaking of its own
-nature.--"Come, come," said he, as she hesitated to reply, "out with it
-Adel--Miss Wildenheim I mean: you were not always so prudent, but used
-to trust the friend of your infancy with the first thoughts that rose in
-your mind, without considering and reconsidering them; I am afraid your
-residence in England has made you very reserved." "Indeed you mistake
-me, Colonel Desmond," she replied: "the fact is, I am almost as much
-ashamed to acknowledge any inclination to satire to myself as to you. If
-I were once to give way to that propensity, I have so many provocatives
-to indulge it in my present companions, I should never afterwards get
-rid of the habit; and no heart or understanding can long withstand the
-destroying powers of a love of ridicule. If you would permit me to
-parody Shakspeare, I would say that the spirit of personal satire 'Is
-indeed twice curs'd:' it often abashes the modesty of worth, and
-paralyses the energy of genius; but oh! how surely does it, with tenfold
-sterility, blast every generous feeling in the mind it inhabits--first
-destroying integrity, for no retailer of bon-mots and ludicrous
-narrations will long respect the rigid exactitude of truth; then the
-feelings of benevolence fall its sacrifice; and finally, it perverts the
-understanding, which, having exercised itself more willingly in
-detecting absurdity than in discovering truth, soon becomes incapable of
-relishing any serious reflection; and thus this fatal talent, like the
-flame which dazzles our eyes by its vivid lustre, ends by consuming the
-substance from which it derived its brilliancy."
-
-"And pray, may I ask," said Colonel Desmond, with an arch, incredulous
-smile, "how happens it that your present theory and former practice
-differ so widely? You surely never could have suffered in your own
-person from the effects of satire; no understanding could be so inept,
-no heart so cold, as to aim at _you_ the shafts of ridicule; to what
-cause am I indebted for this eloquent tirade?" "I have indeed," replied
-Adelaide, blushing no less at his encomiums than at the confession she
-was about to make, "suffered severely from the effects of satire: those
-'Best can paint them who shall feel them most.' You may remember, that
-very early in life I was suffered to be present at those assemblies of
-literary characters, who used to meet in my happy home at Vienna." Here
-she sighed, and paused for an instant, then repressing the starting
-tear, continued, "Incapable of appreciating their merit, or
-understanding their conversation, I was fully alive to the
-peculiarities of their manners, so different from the model of refined
-elegance I had daily before my eyes. Somehow the frank _etourderie_ of
-my remarks amused; and the smiling pardon, that was granted to the folly
-of a mere child, I mistook for an applause bestowed on wit. My first
-sallies proceeded from the gaiety of a guileless heart, accustomed to
-express every idea as it rose to the most indulgent parent and partial
-friend; but, as I grew older, a _besoin de briller_ seized me, and I was
-on the point of becoming one of that despicable class, who, while they
-importune the goodness of Heaven for their daily bread, apply no less
-earnestly to the weaknesses of their best friends for their daily
-sarcasm, and rejoice more on finding one foible than ninety-nine good
-qualities; when my enlightened monitor awakened me to a sense of my
-danger. And now may I pronounce you _au fait_ of the cause to which you
-are indebted for my 'eloquent tirade' against satire?"
-
-"If you don't convince," said Colonel Desmond, "you at least persuade:
-but, you know, there is no general rule without exception; so do be
-ill-natured for once, and let me know what you were thinking of Felix,
-when I detected those tell-tale smiles." "Well then," said she, "since I
-must satisfy you, I will at least only be satirical at second-hand, and
-answer you in the words of Mondon,
-
-    Adolescent qui s'erige en barbon,
-    Jeune ecolier qui vous parle en Caton,
-    Est en mon sens un animal bernable:
-    Et j'aime mieux l'air fou, que l'air capable;
-    Il est trop fat.[12]"
-
-[Footnote 12:
-
-    ----I despise
-    A beardless censor, that with Cato's frown,
-    Assumes the pedant in a scholar's gown:
-    Mere vacant folly, void of all pretence,
-    Is sure less hateful than affected sense;
-    He is too vain.
-]
-
-"_A propos des fous_," replied Colonel Desmond, taking advantage of that
-language in which so much can be conveyed to the mind without shocking
-the ear, "_ce Monsieur la_," looking towards Mr. Webberly, "_est
-amoureux--cela ce peut bien; mais Mademoiselle est elle amoureuse?_"
-"_Ah! Dieu l'en garde!_"[13] exclaimed Adelaide, with unfeigned horror,
-involuntarily raising her hands, lowering her brows, and throwing back
-her head. "_Tant mieux!_ then I will act the part of Wall in this new
-tragi-comedy of Pyramus and Thisbe; Pyramus shall truly say, '_O! wicked
-wall, through whom I see no bliss_,' and will perhaps find our
-entertainment '_Very tragical mirth_.'" Colonel Desmond faithfully kept
-the promise thus conveyed; and, when present, completely shielded
-Adelaide from Mr. Webberly's conceited love, and thus saved her the
-trouble of standing on the defensive herself. And though the captivating
-youth would willingly have sent his rival, like the pious AEneas, to
-visit his father in the realms below; yet such was the unwilling respect
-that rival's manners extorted, that he never presumed openly to manifest
-his real sentiments. All this time Caroline had been sitting at
-Adelaide's feet on one of the small packages, dressing and undressing a
-huge wax doll, which was her usual travelling companion, and
-occasionally reading to it the "Memoirs of Dick the Pony," which her
-indulgent friend had bought for her in Dublin. Colonel Desmond was
-delightedly listening to her gay laugh, and watching her infantine
-merriment, when her mother called her over, in order to display her
-beauty to the obsequious acquaintance she was so much pleased with, who
-had been profuse in Caroline's praise. As the little girl skipped
-along, with the favourite doll closely pressed to her innocent heart by
-one hand, and the open book in the other, her eyes dancing with delight
-at the thoughts of Dick's adventures, he said to Miss Wildenheim, "I am
-surprised to see how little Mrs. Sullivan notices that charming child;
-every body but you seems to treat her with absolute unkindness." "I
-assure you," replied she, "you do Mrs. Sullivan great injustice; she
-does not behave _unkindly_ to Caroline, though certainly she is not too
-prodigal of her caresses to the dear infant. I have heard this
-indifference is not uncommon towards the offspring of second marriages.
-I really believe some people's affections are of the oyster kind,
-sticking through life to the spot they were first deposited on, without
-ever having exercised the smallest volition in the affair." "I beg,"
-said he, laughing, "that when you undertake to give my character in
-short hand, you will recollect that 'No heart or understanding can long
-withstand the destroying powers of a love of ridicule.'" "Thank you for
-the memento," she replied, with one of her sweetest smiles; "the habit I
-deprecate gains strength but too quickly."
-
-[Footnote 13: "A propos to fools; that gentleman is in love--that is not
-very surprising; but is the fair lady equally enamoured?"
-
-"Oh! Heaven forbid!"]
-
-Colonel Desmond now pointed out to Adelaide's notice the hill of Allen,
-from whence the bog so called takes its appellation. The English name of
-"Isle of Allen" is only a corruption of the Irish _Hy alain_, that is,
-the district of the great plain country. This bog contains three hundred
-thousand acres, extending through parts of the King's and Queen's
-counties, and those of Kildare, Meath, Westmeath, Roscommon, Galway, and
-Tipperary. The hill of Allen, according to the traditions of the
-country, is the scene of action of Ossian's poem of Temora. On the south
-declivity of the hill is said to be the cave where Oscar's body was laid
-immediately after his death, over which his faithful dog Bran watched,
-as so beautifully described by the poet. A few feet from the front of
-the cave is a well, sacred to his manes, which is still much frequented
-by pilgrims: on the same declivity is the tomb of the hero, marked by
-one gray stone: through the valley below runs the rivulet, near which
-the battle was fought in which he lost his life; and to the west of the
-cave is seen the extensive plain of Molena, in the King's county, from
-which rises the ancient Cromla, now called Croan Hill. Colonel Desmond
-produced a beautiful edition of Ossian he had bought for his niece Miss
-Desmond, and reading parts of Temora, pointed out these coincidencies to
-Adelaide; who, when he had done, begged to look at the volume, and
-happening to turn to the episode of Oithona, read the following passage
-with no common interest: "_Why camest thou over the dark blue waves to
-Nuath's mournful daughter? Why did I not pass away in secret, like the
-flower of the rock, that lifts its fair head unseen, and strews its
-withered leaves on the blast?_" As he marked the altered hue and
-mournful expression of her angelic countenance, he accused himself of
-cruel thoughtlessness in having raised painful associations in her mind;
-now recollecting, that though Baron Wildenheim never spoke the language,
-yet he was well acquainted with English literature, and that Ossian was
-his favourite poet, whose sombre images peculiarly accorded with the
-dark melancholy that seemed to overshadow his soul. "Happy the man,"
-thought Desmond, as he gazed on Adelaide, "who shall dry the tears I see
-from time to time rise in those beautiful eyes! How different is she now
-from what she was at Vienna! Then her brilliant charms dazzled the eye
-and the mind; but though her youthful bloom and her playful vivacity
-seem to have been laid in her father's grave, yet she is more lovely
-than ever: she is, as Ossian says in the poem she has now turned to,
-'Like a spirit of Heaven half-folded in the skirt of a cloud.'"
-
-A summons to dinner now assembled together below all the front cabin
-passengers, and there was collected together such a groupe as none of
-the young ladies had ever before seen, but which is to be met with at
-any stage-coach dinner. Mrs. Sullivan and her new friend laboured to
-outvie each other in airs of consequence, whilst some would-be beaux put
-their gallantry on active service, to be overpoweringly civil to the
-ladies in general, and to Cecilia Webberly and Miss Wildenheim in
-particular. One little smirking man was peculiarly sweet upon Adelaide,
-watching each word she spoke, and helping her to every thing she even
-looked near. When she first applied to Colonel Desmond, who sat next
-her, for the salt cellar, her inamorato seized the only one within
-reach, and presenting it to her, said with a facetious grin, as he
-leaned across Desmond with his chin projecting six inches out of his
-well-tied cravat, "Excuse me for not helping you to it, Miss; it's the
-only service you could require I would not with all the pleasure in life
-perform, but should be loath for us to quarrel; they say salt is very
-unlucky in parting friends." At the moment in which she bowed her thanks
-to this dapper wight, a very tall man stood up to help himself to
-something at the extreme end of the table from that where he was placed:
-somehow his foot slipped, he reeled a few paces back, and, in his
-retreat, effectually stopped Mrs. Sullivan's mouth with his elbow, who
-had just opened it to its utmost extension, in the endeavour to raise
-her dignity to a par with that of her companion, who the instant before
-asserted "She had every thing in the highest style at her house, and
-hoped to have the pleasure of seeing her there soon;" her auditor, in
-emulation, was just proceeding to vaunt the glories of Webberly House,
-when the thread of her discourse was broken off in the unexpected manner
-just mentioned.
-
-The moment the cloth was removed, the ladies made their escape from the
-cabin, Mrs. Sullivan exclaiming, "My ocular faculties can't stand the
-smell of the hung beef, and the cabbage, and the mutton, and the
-blacking, not to disparage the gentlemen's boots; and except that fat
-lady in the yellow poplin pelisse and blue satin bonnet, they are all
-such low-lived people as I never see'd before in my born days." Her
-"ocular faculties," (by which we rather suppose she meant the "olfactory
-nerves," which Miss Webberly had remarked to the _dilettante_ at dinner
-"were much offended by the hydrogen and ammonia emitted from the
-viands," in order to tally with his scientific recommendation of
-"carbonic acid gas, in the shape of bottled porter,") were, however, not
-much better off above than below. The smoke of the fire by which the
-dinner had been dressed filled all the deck; the servants were at their
-meal in the second cabin, from whence proceeded another edition of the
-beef and cabbage, et cetera, with the addition of the fumes of tobacco
-and whisky punch. Adelaide's admirer presently appeared on deck, bearing
-a great jug in one hand and a glass in the other: he addressed her
-saying, "I have brought you some real ladies' punch, sweet to your
-heart's content, and strong enough by Jasus to make any man in the
-packet drunk, if he would only take enough of it." In vain Adelaide
-declined the cup her Ganymede presented. "Don't be dashed," reiterated
-he; "it won't do you a ha'porth of harm: a good beginning makes a good
-ending. If you'll only set the example, I'll be bound to say all the
-ladies will keep you in countenance. It's the true Inisowen, I'll take
-my Davy it is?" "The true Inisowen" is a sort of smoked whisky, whose
-smell is the most horridly sickening thing that can be fancied to those
-unaccustomed to it. Adelaide found it quite overcoming, but luckily
-espying Colonel Desmond ascending the ladder signed to him to come to
-her relief, and when he obeyed, said, "Will you have the goodness to
-assure this polite gentleman, I am no lover of ladies' punch?" so
-saying, she removed to another part of the deck, to escape the odour of
-the "true Inisowen." The disappointed youth retreated on Colonel
-Desmond's remonstrance, saying, "No offence I hope, sir, to you nor the
-lady neither:" and, as he went down below, muttered, "With all her
-delicate airs, by my conscience if she was behind the cabin door she'd
-take a _good_ swig of it."
-
-The travellers had now fairly entered on the dreary bog of Allen. No
-human form or habitation met their sight. Its only vegetable productions
-were a little heath, sedgy grass, or bog myrtle, which were crossed here
-and there by a half-starved cow or sheep; but they sometimes proceeded
-miles without even seeing one of these, to remind them that the world
-contained other living beings besides those in the boat. The road seemed
-to shake as the horses passed over this
-
-    "Boggy Syrtis, neither sea
-    Nor good dry land;"
-
-and they almost feared that the breaking of the thin stratum of earth,
-that seemed to separate the waters above from the waters below, might
-precipitate them
-
-          "Into this wild abyss,
-    The womb of nature, and perhaps her grave,
-    Of neither sea, nor shore, nor air, nor fire,
-    But all these in their pregnant causes mix'd
-    Confusedly----"
-
-Their passage through this dismal region seemed intolerably slow, as no
-object marked their progress, but one unbroken sea of black lifeless
-matter encompassed them on every side, from which the eye perceived no
-escape. When the sun set, the heavens, like the earth, seemed dark and
-uninhabited; no cloud travelled over its gloomy face, but one even fall
-of misling rain made the aspect of the ethereal regions as unvaried as
-that of the land they overhung. The passengers long looked in vain to
-leave this abode of desolation,--
-
-    "Where wilds, immeasurably spread,
-    Seem length'ning as you go."
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER XVIII.
-
-    Lights! more lights! more lights!
-
-    TIMON OF ATHENS.
-
-
-These words were a joyful sound to our travellers, as with delighted
-steps they once more trod on terra firma, on their way to the door of
-the Canal Inn, where stood a slatternly dressed woman, shading a
-miserable candle with her hand (in default of a lantern.) It was pitch
-dark, more from the cloudiness of the night than the lateness of the
-hour: and a considerable time elapsed before the vociferous demand for
-lights was answered. In the mean time a universal uproar arose between
-the passengers, the people belonging to the boat and the inn, and those
-assembled to be listeners, for they could not be called spectators in
-the total darkness. Portmanteaux, trunks, bags, bundles, and bandboxes,
-were missent and scuffled for without end. At last "Order, Heaven's
-first law," and the prime cheerer Light, "of all material beings first
-and best," made their appearance together, and the Webberly party
-entered this cold comfortless inn. It had been built by an English
-speculator, who ruined himself in the project, and remains very nearly
-as he left it, the walls unpapered, the floors uncarpeted; the only
-change it has undergone since he was its proprietor being the breaking
-of the bell-wires and the spoiling of the locks. Two or three women
-serve in the double capacity of chambermaids and waiters. Each room
-shows that it once had a bell; but you are soon fatally convinced, that,
-to procure any thing you want, you must trust to vocal exertions alone.
-To the never-ceasing cry of "Waiter! Chambermaid!" the answer is
-something similar to the following, which assailed our travellers' ears
-soon after their entrance:--"Arrah an't I go--ing? sure I'm going! Sweet
-Jasus presarve me! I can't answer all the quality at oncest. Molly here,
-and Molly there, and Molly every where; my brain's moidered, so it is.
-Och! Mollying on ye, an't I going?" Mrs. Sullivan's servant, provoked at
-this harangue, thundered out, "You're always go--in;--I don't want you
-to go; can't you _come_ for once and be damned to you?"
-
-At last, after considerable delay, Molly procured our chilled party a
-turf fire and tea; but the water it was made with was so smoked, they
-could hardly taste it, and their patience underwent a second trial,
-waiting for a fresh supply. As Molly left the room, after bringing them
-this second edition, she muttered to herself, "A pretty lady that, with
-the brown peepers, and soft spoken too; if it wasn't for her, the devil
-a foot I'd go near one of them to-night. By the holy sticks, my
-mistress must get another maid. I can't be at every one's becks and
-commands; and then it's the worst word in their cheek after all."
-
-Our weary party retired to their rooms as soon as they could accomplish
-having their apartments prepared, and had just fallen into a sound sleep
-when they were roused by a violent ringing of an immense bell. "Oh Lord
-have mercy on me!" shuddered out Mrs. Sullivan: "I thought we should
-have foundered in that 'ere melancholic bog, but now we're a going to
-perish by fire." A general rencontre in night-caps and dressing-gowns
-took place in the lobby. Again Molly's shrill voice was heard screaming
-out, "What a botheration you all keep! be aff to your beds wid ye.
-Might'n ye be after knowing it was only the up country boat coming in?"
-Molly's advice was immediately followed; but it was long before the
-house was quieted from the disturbance occasioned by the fresh arrival.
-Two hours after another boat came in with equal commotion, and the inn
-was but a short time silent from this new disturbance, when the warning
-bell rung for the packet to proceed, in which the Webberly family had
-come from Dublin. Many a female started up on hearing Boots enter her
-room by mistake, for that of some male passenger he had promised to
-call; and he as quickly retreated over the frail barricade of boxes and
-chairs she had placed against the door, to supply the place of key or
-bolt. To sleep was now impossible, therefore all our party got up:
-though Mrs. Sullivan the evening before had declared, she wouldn't go in
-a canal boat again not for St. Peter nor St. Paul. The Irish are perhaps
-the most noisy people in the world; the din of tongues on such occasions
-as the present, can better be fancied than described--every man
-committing his own business to the charge of some other person, and
-turning his particular attention to directing that of his neighbour.
-
-The gentlemen, on looking out of the windows, saw many a comical figure
-issue from the house, some in Welsh wigs, some in red night-caps. Mrs.
-Sullivan's friend, of the blue satin hat and yellow poplin pelisse, now
-showed her jolly face, decked with numerous papillotes from beneath a
-fur cap, and her expansive shoulders wrapped in a scarlet cloak, her
-finery in her hand, as she had but a few miles to go ere she reached
-home.
-
-Molly returned to her general good humour this morning, having few
-guests to attend to besides Mrs. Sullivan's family; and, to make up for
-her ill temper the night before, was particularly attentive, providing
-them with unsmoked water for their tea, and with bread, butter, eggs,
-and cream, of the best quality. They did not fail to profit by her
-care; and having made an excellent repast, prepared to recommence their
-journey. Mrs. O'Sullivan, as she now called herself, offered Colonel
-Desmond and Mr. Donolan seats in her carriages, which had arrived that
-morning from Dublin, from whence they had been sent two days before.
-These two gentleman accepting this accommodation, Caroline was consigned
-to the care of the maids, to make room for the dilettante in the
-barouche, Colonel Desmond taking the place of the servant on the driving
-seat.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan vainly attempted to practise towards the lower Irish the
-"genteel economy" she had so successfully carried into effect in Wales.
-The dexterous Hibernians, either by flattering or wounding her pride,
-contrived to draw forth, _bon gre mal gre_, the money out of her
-pockets. As she was walking out of the Canal Inn, Molly ran after her,
-saying, "May I make bould to spake a word to your Ladyship?" At the
-word _Ladyship_, Mrs. Sullivan turned round. "You've made a small
-mistake, madam; it was tree tirteens (three shillings) you intended to
-bestow me, and its tree testers (three sixpences) I've got." "No mistake
-at all, my good girl." "Och! put your hand in your purse, and you'll see
-I'm right. Grand quality like you always gives me tree tirteens: my Lady
-Glenora always bestows it me every time she comes forenenst me." "Are
-you sure that's true?" "Arrah where did you ever hear that Molly
-Cavanagh tould a lie? May the breakfast I'm after eating be my poison,
-and the devil blow me, if it isn't as right as my leg." Mrs. Sullivan,
-that she might exceed Lady Glenora, gave her three and sixpence. Molly
-now tapped Adelaide on the shoulder, and presented her with a beautiful
-nosegay she had pulled from the inn gardens; but when she saw her
-proceeding to open her purse, laying her hand on her arm, she stopped
-her, saying with a half reproachful look of sorrow, "Is it _you_ that's
-going to affront poor Molly? You're under no compliment to me at all.
-You gave me entirely too much before. I'll warrant me you're a grand
-lady when you're at home. You're as beautiful and as sweet as the posy
-yourself; and may your pretty brown eyes never look but on a friend, I
-pray God!" Adelaide, with one of her most charming smiles, and in the
-sweetest tone of her dulcet voice, thanked Molly for her good will; and
-as she stepped into the carriage thought to herself, "How my heart would
-ache, to see the kindness of these warm-hearted people treated with the
-scorn I fear is too often the only return it meets!" Colonel Desmond,
-directing the drivers to take that road which would most quickly lead
-them out of the bog of Allen, in a short time they got into a rich and
-beautiful country, and their ears were gratified by hearing the carriage
-wheels rattle against good hard stones. They had not long proceeded on
-this road, when their progress was impeded by a barricade of cars drawn
-across it, and a number of men immediately surrounded the carriages.
-Mrs. Sullivan, terrified to death, said in a very low voice, "They're
-going to rob and murder us;--what horrid looking creturs they be!" "They
-can have no such intention in broad day-light, my dear madam," whispered
-Adelaide. "Do look at them again; I assure you they seem perfectly good
-natured." One of the men, hat in hand, now stepped before the rest,
-saying, "Mending roads is dry work, your honours, this hot day; be
-pleased to give the poor boys something to drink." Shillings and
-sixpences were thrown to them in profusion. "Success to your cattle and
-carriage! Long life and a happy death to your honours!" resounded from
-all sides; and when the cars were removed, the hurraing setting the
-horses off in a full gallop, it was some time before the drivers could
-restrain them to a proper pace. About half an hour after this adventure,
-a stout but strange looking man, without stockings or shoes, though
-otherwise well clad, darted out of a house at the side of the road, and,
-without uttering a single syllable, ran beside the carriage for some
-miles. Mrs. Sullivan was again alarmed, supposing him to be the scout of
-robbers she expected to see start up from behind every stone or turf
-fence. Her fears were quieted by being told he was what in Ireland
-called "an innocent;" that is, a _knave_ too idle to labour, who
-lives--not by his wits--but by pretending he has none. The profession of
-_idiotism_ is one that always secures its followers a good maintenance
-in this country, and is considered by no means disreputable. Some one of
-this brotherhood frequents almost every high road, keeping up in this
-manner with the mail coaches and other carriages, till his strength,
-which appears miraculous, is exhausted, or till his extended hat has
-received money sufficient to satisfy him.
-
-All the rest of the day the cavalcade proceeded most prosperously,
-through a rich and populous country, seeing ugly or pretty towns, and
-stopping at good or bad inns. At one of their earliest stages, Mrs.
-Sullivan was much provoked to recognize in the landlady her packet-boat
-friend, who asked her, with a self-conceited simper, if she had said a
-word too much for her house. In the course of the evening they entered
-Connaught, when the scenery gradually became more wild and romantic,
-with bold masses of rock, and beautiful sheets of water, called in the
-country loughs.
-
-Mr. Donolan did not fail to profit by the opportunity, which being shut
-up in the carriage with Cecilia Webberly afforded him, of making the
-most sentimental love to her that was possible; though he was far from
-sure he should find it expedient to proceed further than fine speeches,
-for he felt nothing bordering on attachment to her. Perhaps his heart
-was enveloped in too many silken folds of vanity and self-love, for the
-charms of any woman to touch it with real affection; but a confused idea
-floated in his mind, that, by marrying her, he might be enabled to
-reside in England sooner than he otherwise could accomplish. Of her
-large fortune he was perfectly assured; he thought her very handsome,
-supposed her equally fashionable, and therefore determined, in the first
-instance, to endeavour to gain her affections, leaving his own decisions
-to futurity. She, on her part, thinking a lover might prove a very
-agreeable resource against the _ennui_ she anticipated at Ballinamoyle,
-encouraged his attentions _pro tempore_, resolving, should they ever
-meet in England, to "cut him:--he knew nobody in London, therefore could
-be a man of no fashion." Thus this heartless pair mutually imposed on
-each other, whilst they plumed themselves on being the sole deceiver.
-Miss Webberly, on the contrary, began seriously to think "he would make
-a charming husband--so scientific! so agreeable!" Cecilia, suspecting
-her incipient partiality, for the sake of what she called fun, flirted
-incessantly with the _dilettante_, and retailed to Amelia all his florid
-compliments, which conduct made her sister still more envious of her
-beauty than ordinary.
-
-Mr. Webberly and his companion in the barouche seat had but little
-conversation, though their thoughts were principally occupied by the
-same object. The taciturnity of the former, however, was enlivened by
-the idea of his fellow-traveller being thus effectually separated from
-Adelaide, during the greater part of their remaining journey. At the end
-of every stage there was a race between them, to hand Miss Wildenheim
-out of the carriage, where she generally sat bodkin between Mrs.
-Sullivan and Amelia, in order to avoid receiving that sign manual of Mr.
-Webberly's attention he had so graciously bestowed in Wales, and which
-was as little approved by his mother as coveted by herself. Colonel
-Desmond, being much more active and adroit than his youthful but
-unwieldy competitor, almost always gained the fair hand they contended
-for, at the same time giving his lovely mistress many an arch look and
-gesture of affected pity for his rival's disappointment. Sometimes they
-pulled open both the carriage doors at the same instant; in that case
-Mrs. O'Sullivan or her daughter pushed herself forward, so as to prevent
-her exit at the side on which their precious relative stood; and
-Adelaide's countenance then involuntarily betrayed how much she was
-amused at the unnecessary trouble they put themselves to.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan being rather fatigued with her journey, was much
-rejoiced, when about seven in the evening she was informed they were
-entering the village of Ballycoolen, which was to be their resting place
-for the night. This miserable place consists of but one long straggling
-street, with houses built of all shapes and in all directions, forming,
-with each other, every possible angle, except a right angle, a straight
-line seeming to have formed no part of the builder's intentions.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan's servant had been sent on before, to prepare their
-accommodation: he was standing at the door of a wretched tenement; and
-though by no means a very tall man, his hat touched the upper window,
-for the house was so built that you descended a few steps to enter it.
-The still despair of an English face was expressed in his, as with the
-utmost quietness he said to his mistress, "It is impossible, ma'am, you
-can put up here; you never saw such a slovenly place in your life." "I
-am sorry to say," replied Colonel Desmond, in answer to her
-interrogatories, "there is no better between this and Ballinamoyle: you
-may remember, I told you, the canal would take you out of the direction
-of the high road, and that you would be very miserably accommodated; you
-will now have to put up with a carman's inn."
-
-There was no option; therefore the ladies entered through a kitchen,
-which also served as bar and larder. A set of carmen were sitting
-drinking whisky punch and smoking tobacco (the same pipe passed from one
-mouth to another in turn); they very civilly rose, and went out, till
-the newly arrived and unusual guests should make their arrangements. The
-ladies were shown into a parlour, where a pretty looking, but bare
-legged and bare footed girl, was turning up a press bed, that had
-remained untouched since the last occupier had slept in it. They agreed
-to walk out till this place should be swept, and get "a wipe," as the
-maid called dusting it, previously pushing up the window sash with some
-difficulty, as the paint stuck together, from the length of time it had
-been unopened. To the inquiry for beds, she answered, "Troth, we've four
-brave good beds; and ye'z can have dry lodging at Susy Gologhan's, or
-Gracy Fagan's, over the way, there beyant, for the sarvant maids and the
-boys." Mrs. Sullivan declined ascending to the second story, when she
-saw the house had no regular stairs, but that merely a sort of ladder,
-without any thing to serve as bannister, led to the loft above. The Miss
-Webberlys declaring once going up would be enough for them, requested
-Adelaide to reconnoitre the premises. "You know, Miss Wildenheim," said
-Amelia, "you're used to travelling in outlandish places; and an't afraid
-of nothing.--I think I'll sit up all night, rather than mount the
-ladder, and walk along that unrailed passage." Adelaide, quickly
-ascending the redoubtable ladder, opened a door the maid pointed to,
-which led into a small close room, with two beds.--It was lighted by
-three little panes of glass fastened in the wall, but looking up, she
-saw a large door with one hinge broken, laid against an aperture in the
-roof, which she determined to turn to account, and begged it might be
-set open to admit fresh air into the apartment. "Have you not another
-room?" said she. "Aye, sure, and that we have, dear," replied the maid,
-leading her along the passage. They went into a second, rather closer
-and smaller than the first, with no friendly hole in the roof, to admit
-the breath of heaven to visit it. Adelaide, looking on the bedstead,
-perceived the bed clothes move, and, out of a mass of black hair, saw
-two dark eyes shoot fire at her. "Pray, what's that?" said she, catching
-hold of her attendant's arm. "Och! it's only the poor soldier, Miss,
-just come back to his people, from the big battles over seas; but he'll
-give his bed to you, with all the pleasure in life, if you fancy it,
-Miss."--"Not on any account," quietly replied Adelaide, as she quickly
-retreated to the passage--"I should be very sorry to disturb him. Mrs.
-O'Sullivan will sleep below stairs; and we young ladies can occupy the
-double-bedded room: will you have the goodness to show me your sheets?"
-These she was surprised to find not only white, but fine, forgetting
-that linen was the staple manufacture of the country, though but lately
-introduced into this district.
-
-This affair being settled, she joined the party in a walk; and, on their
-return, they found their little parlour laid out tolerably comfortably
-for tea; the kitchen, through which they had to pass, was swept clean;
-all traces of the carmen, their punch, and tobacco, had disappeared; and
-they might, by diverting themselves with the oddity of their situation,
-have found amusement for the evening, had not the Webberly family,
-encouraged by the _dilettante_, made, every five minutes, some
-acrimonious speech against the country and its inhabitants, which
-rendered themselves inclined to find every thing even more uncomfortable
-than it really was. Adelaide was pained by the rudeness of this conduct
-to Colonel Desmond, who, however, treated it as it deserved, and
-quizzing them all from right to left, his raillery soon silenced Felix
-and Amelia, who had sense enough to understand his ridicule. Tea was
-scarcely over, when the most extraordinary uproar was heard. Every man,
-woman, and child in the village seemed to have assembled about the
-house, all talking in the most vehement manner!
-
-The gentlemen, much alarmed, went out to inquire "what was the matter?"
-and beheld two men, sawing across the wood-work of the upper part of the
-gateway belonging to the inn yard, which was too low to admit Mrs.
-O'Sullivan's carriages. As usual, when any thing is done out of doors in
-Ireland, every person within _ken_ had repaired to the scene of action.
-Two out of three were giving contradictory directions, whilst the
-operators were swearing tremendously at the crowd, bidding them "go
-along about their business." "Hard for us to do that same!" answered
-one, in the name of the rest, "when sarra hand's turn of business we're
-got to our kin or kin kind, till shearing time comes, barring sitting in
-the chimney corner doing nothing." Messieurs Webberly and Donolan took
-this inauspicious moment to rate at the men who were sawing the gateway,
-expressing, in no very gentle terms, their dissatisfaction with the inn,
-and all its appurtenances. The men suspended their operations; and one
-of them, crossing his arms, his head on one side, and his chin stuck out
-with a gesture of contempt, said, in a drawling tone, as he looked down
-on them, from the top of the gateway, "Och! then, and it's grander
-quality than ever ye were have been here, and never gave me no bother at
-all at all! Upon my sowl, myself is cruel misgiving ye are but half
-sirs, both of ye'z. It's long before you'd see the Curnel, that's the
-real sort, (long life to his honour,) take on him so! If ye don't like
-the place, in the name of the Lord, make aff wid ye'z: if ye can't be
-agreeable, by the powers, we'd rather have your room nor your
-company."--"But where would ye see the likes of the Curnel any how?"
-rejoined a female orator of the assembly. "Sarra man, within twenty
-miles of himself, that's the fellow of his brother, for standing a poor
-man's friend on a pinch! It's the family that have been good to me and
-mine, these hundred year before I was born, and will be after I'm dead,
-if I've any luck."
-
-The greater part of these harangues was unintelligible to Mr. Webberly,
-but the _dilettante_ understanding the dialect of the country, though
-he often pretended he did not, as in the present instance, took his
-companion's arm, and, without proffering another syllable, walked into
-the house.
-
-In nothing do the lower Irish show their quickness of apprehension more
-decidedly, than in distinguishing, as it were at a glance, what they
-call "the real quality," that is, those who inherit a certain station in
-society, from "_les nouveaux riches_." Their exact discrimination on
-this subject is quite astonishing. Mrs. O'Sullivan could not perhaps
-have visited ten cottages in Ireland, whose inmates would not, in a few
-minutes, have discovered she was a low bred woman, who attempted to give
-herself airs of consequence. During her stay in this country, this
-foible was every where perceived, and profited by. The adroit flattery
-she received, on this favourite point, perhaps drew more money from her
-than she had ever before, in a given space of time, spent gratuitously,
-either from motives of charity or of generosity. The cunning arts, that
-opened her purse, were, undoubtedly, highly reprehensible in a moral
-point of view. But why should we expect more upright disinterestedness
-from the ignorant and necessitous class of mankind, than we hourly meet
-with from the _independent_ members of the upper ranks of society, who
-will delude a king or an emperor, with as little compunction as the poor
-Irish cottager cheated Mrs. O'Sullivan? In the latter instance, however,
-the mischief began and ended with the parties concerned; whilst in the
-former, generations yet unborn may mourn the evils resulting from base
-adulation.
-
-As all the party assembled in the inn parlour were, with the exception
-of Adelaide and the merry little Caroline, out of temper, they, by a
-sort of tacit agreement, separated at an early hour. The parlour was
-then converted into a sleeping room, for Mrs. O'Sullivan and Caroline,
-a bed being constructed for the latter with the carriage cushions, and a
-contribution of pillows. When the Miss Webberlys ascended the ladder
-leading to their apartment, the maid of the house went before, and the
-mistress behind, to help them up; the former holding a candle, stuck
-into a hole scooped out of a large potato, all the candlesticks the inn
-was possessed of, three in number, being appropriated to the use of the
-ladies. Adelaide had reserved the worst looking bed to herself, and was
-scarcely deposited in it, when down she sunk, and a more romantic
-imagination might have supposed some such adventure was going to occur,
-as was said frequently to have happened in a remote _auberge_ in the
-Black Forest, where travellers were drawn down through trap doors, and
-murdered. But she was only alarmed by the dread of the less heroic death
-of being knocked on the head by the bed posts. Springing up with the
-utmost expedition, she found, to her great delight, that the bedstead
-was perfectly secure; but, proceeding in her search as to the cause of
-her recent disaster, discovered that the sacking, which ought to have
-been laced to support the bed, had been deprived of its cord, in order
-to apply it to some other use. It never was, and most likely, never will
-be replaced; but the bed, being dexterously poised on the edge of the
-boards which connect the posts, will give the same surprise to every one
-who sleeps in it, for many a year to come. After no little laughter,
-Adelaide went into bed again, just as it was; and the inn being
-perfectly quiet, all its visitants slept till a late hour the following
-morning. After breakfast they recommenced their journey; and as they
-repaired to the carriages, their attention was attracted, by hearing the
-woman who had been so warm in praise of the Desmond family the evening
-before, say to her friend (carrying a basket of gingerbread on her
-arm), with the utmost seriousness of countenance and vehemence of
-gesticulation, "The low-lived blackguard! to even such a thing at me!
-All my people that went before me, and all that came after me, were
-gintlemin and gintle la--dies. See dat now, Susy dear!" Our party were
-not a little entertained at the figure and gesture of this extraordinary
-sprig of gentility, and continued to look after her as long as the
-carriages were in sight.
-
-In the course of the morning they reached Tuberdonny, which was within a
-few miles drive of Ballinamoyle, but here only one pair of horses could
-be procured; they therefore had the pleasant prospect of spending
-another night as agreeably as the last, as no more horses were expected
-there till the following day. For some hours they found amusement in
-viewing the antiquities of Kilmacduagh, close by, consisting of seven
-antique churches; an abbey, with very curious workmanship on its walls;
-and the most remarkable round tower in Ireland, constructed with immense
-stones, which rises to the height of one hundred and twelve feet, and,
-strange to say, leans seventeen feet out of the perpendicular, which is
-four more than the celebrated leaning tower at Pisa.
-
-As the travellers returned towards the place where the carriages had
-been put up, they saw five horses, mounted by twice as many men and
-boys, galloping furiously down the street; and, at the sight of the
-servants in livery, the riders set up such a hurraing as was quite
-deafening. Jumping quickly off, two or three of them came up with "Long
-life to your honours! Myself's right glad to see your honours!" "Why,
-what the devil do you know about our honours?" said Colonel Desmond,
-laughing. "Didn't I hear at Kurinshagud, that your honour passed through
-Ballycoolen, in two carriages? and haven't I been hunting ye all round
-the country this blessed morning, thinking you might want cattle? It's I
-that will drive you to the world's end in a crack!" The horses were soon
-harnessed, and Colonel Desmond and Mr. Donolan, after handing the ladies
-into the carriage, made their parting bows, and pursued their way to
-Bogberry Hall.
-
-Mrs. O'Sullivan did not reach Ballinamoyle till half past twelve at
-night; for the horses, being not much the better for the morning's
-chase, proceeded but slowly up a mountainous road. From the lateness of
-the hour, she did not, on that night, see Mr. O'Sullivan; who, finding
-himself indisposed in the evening, had unwillingly retired to bed,
-delegating the task of receiving his guests to his cousin, an ancient
-virgin, who presided over his _menage_, and who gave the travellers, if
-not a courtly, at least a cordial reception; and, after doing the
-honours of an excellent supper, conducted them to their sleeping rooms,
-which they most gladly occupied, and enjoyed all the luxury of the
-sensation of comfort, as they compared them to those they had the night
-before inhabited, in the miserable cabaret at Ballycoolen.
-
-
-END OF VOL. II.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-Printed by S. Hamilton, Weybridge, Surrey.
-
-       *       *       *       *       *
-
-[Transcriber's Note: Hyphen variations within volume and between volumes
-left as printed.]
-
-
-
-
-
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