Add files from ibiblio as of 2025-03-07 14:36:16HEADmain

1 files changed, 0 insertions, 5753 deletions

diff --git a/43756.txt b/43756.txt
deleted file mode 100644
index 4e1fa99..0000000
--- a/43756.txt
+++ /dev/null
@@ -1,5753 +0,0 @@
-Project Gutenberg's Tales of My Time, Vol. 1 (of 3), by William Pitt Scargill
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
-almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
-re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
-with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Title: Tales of My Time, Vol. 1 (of 3)
-
-Author: William Pitt Scargill
-
-Release Date: September 17, 2013 [EBook #43756]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ASCII
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF MY TIME, VOL. 1 (OF 3) ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by Heather Clark and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-
-
-
-
-Transcriber's Note: Minor typographical errors have been corrected
-without note. Irregularities and inconsistencies in the text have
-been retained as printed.
-
-Words printed in italics are noted with underscores: _italics_.
-
-The Table of Contents was not present in the original text and has
-been produced for the reader's convenience.
-
-The cover of this ebook was created by the transcriber and is hereby
-placed in the public domain.
-
-
-
-
-TALES OF MY TIME.
-
-
-BY THE AUTHOR OF BLUE-STOCKING HALL.
-
-
-IN THREE VOLUMES.
-
-
-VOL. I.
-
-WHO IS SHE?
-
-
-LONDON:
-
-HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY,
-NEW BURLINGTON STREET.
-1829.
-
-J. B. NICHOLS AND SON,
-25, Parliament Street.
-
-
-
-
-WHO IS SHE?
-
-
-"As a stranger give it welcome." HAMLET.
-
-
-
-
-ADVERTISEMENT.
-
-
-The following story is founded on facts which came within the knowledge
-of the writer. The precise point at which truth ends, and fiction
-begins, it is not necessary to divulge; but in an age when an avidity
-for the stimulus of real adventure seems in a great degree to have
-superseded the love of mere romance, it may not be uninteresting to
-state that the heroine of the following pages is not altogether a
-creature of imagination.
-
-
-
-
-CONTENTS
-
-
-Chapter
-
-  I
-  II
-  III
-  IV
-  V
-  VI
-  VII
-  VIII
-  IX
-  X
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER I.
-
-    "Oh! this is trim!"--TROILUS AND CRESSIDA.
-
-
-At not more than a stone's throw from a neat market town, in a certain
-shire of England, lived Francis Hartland, Esq. in a well-built square
-house, which was separated from the King's high road, by a lawn of
-twenty acres. Round this lawn a double row of handsome elms lined a
-ring fence, and formed the outer boundary, in that part next the house,
-of a bank covered with all sorts of shrubs, which sloped in a gradually
-inclined plane, from the shining laurel to the dwarf cistus, and met a
-broad belt of gravel, hard and smooth as marble, through which no
-upstart weed ever dared to force its way. This walk was fringed by a
-border of flowers, in such variety of glowing tints, that lawn and all
-might be aptly compared to a robe of green velvet, trimmed with a
-phylactery of broidered work, worthy of Sheba's Queen in all her glory,
-while the whole exhibited such precision and nicety in the keeping, as
-to suggest the idea that its owner, in league with the fairies,
-possessed some secret charm against every noxious reptile and devouring
-fly.
-
-This _Snuggery_ was not the hereditary right of Mr. Hartland, but was
-purchased for valuable consideration, and he came to live in it, nobody
-knew from whence, or how incited.
-
-His appearance did not afford rich material for romance; for he was a
-sleek, mild, contented looking man of forty odd, with an open
-countenance. A spacious forehead of pipe-clay whiteness, from which his
-hair was making annual recession, surmounted a nose of latinostrous
-projection, eyes of rather the "lack lustre" character, and cheeks of
-roseate hue, or perhaps more truly, though less poetically, of
-brick-dust dye; while the _toute ensemble_ received decoration from a
-set of teeth which seemed as if they had been newly chiselled from the
-finest block of ivory ever imported from the land of Ophir. But
-curiosity can find browsing even where food is most scantily provided;
-and accordingly nothing could surpass the sensation produced by Mr.
-Hartland's arrival at Henbury Lodge. The industry and zeal set in
-motion by this event were rewarded at length to a certain extent by
-information that the new comer was related to a noble house, and
-possessed a clear independent property of twelve hundred a year.
-Farther deponent sayeth not; but it usually happens that where truth
-ends, generous fiction takes up the tale, and a thousand stories were
-soon in circulation. That which excited most interest, and was
-therefore most frequently repeated, though entirely divested of
-foundation, gave to understand that a matrimonial disappointment had
-driven him from the scene of mortification, and induced his removal to
-a region in which he might hope to forget its sting.
-
-Mr. Hartland's manner and appearances unquestionably contradicted this
-surmise; but no matter for that. We know that stubborn facts are
-accustomed to bend to theory in cases more impracticable than this; and
-therefore, though we may object to the idea that features which seemed
-to be moulded for the seat of a perennial smile, had ever been
-"sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought," no such incongruity was
-perceived in the market-town of which our narrative makes mention; and
-not only was Mr. Hartland believed to have suffered all the pangs and
-penalties of slighted passion; but by degrees a certain name, locality,
-height, complexion, and many other particulars, came to be added
-respecting the cruel fair one, with such variance as suited the
-character of each reporter.
-
-The honest truth of the matter was, that Mr. Hartland came to his
-present independence late in life, and regulated his mind till then, by
-the _pole-star_ maxim, which he imbibed with his alphabet, that the
-worst of all poor things was a poor marriage. His father died before he
-was born; and his mother, who understood the art of making one pound
-perform the work of two in any other hands, had contrived to educate
-her darling and only child, by exercising the closest economy; but,
-strange to say, instead of placing him in any profession by which he
-might support himself, and repay her for the sacrifices she had made,
-she preferred keeping him at home, and it was her pride and delight,
-that whatever were the privations which _she_ endured, her son should
-know no want. Young Hartland had his horse, while his mother assured
-him that she _chose_ to walk; his boots and shoes shone like mirrors,
-his hat was glossy as a raven's wing, and his whole wardrobe appointed
-with as much care as if he only waited for his legal majority to step
-into a good estate.
-
-But one and twenty years had looked at themselves in the glass of one
-and twenty more, ere any change occurred; and then the heirship to a
-comfortable property put him in possession of easy circumstances only
-just three months before death deprived him of her with whom he had
-passed his days. This event rendered his home intolerable, and ability
-to quit the scene of his loss coinciding with inclination to do so, Mr.
-Hartland sought in all directions for an eligible residence. Being a
-man of orderly and clock-work habits, who had performed a measured
-round of daily action from the time of his earliest childhood, he felt
-no desire to alter the manner of his life, but only wished to continue
-its wonted routine upon a different stage. It never once occurred to
-his imagination that foreign travel, or even the recreation of a
-neighbouring watering place, might afford diversion to the uneasy
-thoughts which possessed his mind; but lighting accidentally upon an
-advertisement, which set forth that Henbury, with its appurtenances,
-was to be sold, he immediately resolved on being the purchaser. There
-were just as many acres as constituted his _beau ideal_ of a snug
-abode, and he lost no time in transplanting thither every biped and
-quadruped on which he was accustomed to rest his eyes, insomuch that
-when first he opened them after sleeping in his new _domicile_, every
-thing around was so tranquilly arranged that he would have been
-scarcely sensible of having quitted his ancient abiding place, had not
-the painful feeling been removed of association with the image of his
-poor mother, whose arm-chair and work-basket no longer rose upon his
-view, empty and unoccupied in their allotted corner.
-
-Now it may easily be conceived that Mr. Hartland, such as we have
-depicted him, though himself unperturbed, caused an active stir in the
-neighbourhood of his new habitation. The tradespeople all gave
-testimony to his being "a pure substantial man, who paid for every
-thing he had like a true gentleman." The regularity of his attendance
-at church gained him the rector's marked approval; while the apothecary
-sighed as he contemplated the damask of a cheek which seemed to hold
-out little hope of requiring aid from the leech's skill, or the rosy
-conserves of his shop. But the chief commotion was among the female
-part of the community, who, some for themselves, and others for their
-daughters, set a longing eye on Henbury's "crisped shades and bowers,"
-where revelled "the spruce and jocund spring." On Sundays a general
-determination of gay hats and bonnets was observable towards that part
-of the church which was occupied by Mr. Hartland, where such a stream
-of floating ribbons might be remarked converging to his pew, as to
-authorise the belief that a current of the electrid fluid set in that
-direction, and drew the silken pennants thus to a point. The new comer
-was visited and invited by all the inhabitants of the neighbourhood,
-and declared to be an acquisition wherever he appeared. "Upon my word,
-a very sensible steady man is Mr. Hartland," was the usual panegyric
-pronounced by his hosts, while the old ladies protested that he played
-a capital game of whist, and the young confessed that though he had
-passed the first season of youth, he had not seen out its bloom.
-
-Now it so happened that in the centre of the market-place, and in a
-house distinguished by two bay windows so prominent and closely set,
-that they looked like the eyes of a prawn, and served as spectacles to
-her who dwelt within, there lived a maiden yclept Jemima Ferret, whose
-name remarkably coincided with her character and vocation. Nature had
-originally bestowed upon her features divested of all attraction, and
-the small-pox had fatally confirmed the decree which had been issued in
-her cradle against the chances of a husband. Jemima had attained the
-age of fifty without a single proposal, though her favourite adage, and
-one which she repeated with such emphasis as to prove that she believed
-it in her heart, was, that "every Jack has his Jill."
-
-When, however, half a century had fairly glided down the stream of
-time, Miss Ferret transferred with honest zeal all those exertions
-to the circle which surrounded her, which had hitherto proved
-inefficacious while applied to her own use; and as the materials upon
-which she worked were often widely different from those on which her
-skill had been originally employed, the success was proportionate;
-and Jemima Ferret rose to the highest pinnacle of consideration, as
-the most adroit and judicious negociator who ever made a match, and
-brought together two individuals in the holy bands of wedlock. Such
-was the profound sagacity, such the acknowledged ability and discretion
-of this hymeneal plenipotentiary, that she was always given _carte
-blanche_ to proceed according to her own views, and there was a general
-understanding that whatever she "_brought about_," was effected in the
-very best manner.
-
-In fact, such was the confidence which she inspired, that her
-neighbours frequently avoided betraying their wishes in any direct
-_commission_, relying upon her tact and penetration for discovering the
-secret purpose of their hearts, and forwarding their wishes if no
-pre-arrangement of her own militated against them; in which case it was
-well known that her manoeuvring so far surpassed any tactics which
-could be brought in opposition, as to secure the crown of victory, and
-render vain every effort at competition.
-
-Not to lead our readers into any false conclusions, which a little
-trouble in the way of explanation might prevent, it may be well to
-state the motives which induced an activity of zeal so very striking
-and conspicuous. Be it known, then, that Miss Ferret's income was a
-very small one, and though since she had given up all hope of bettering
-her fortune by a lucrative barter of such qualifications as she had to
-exchange for their money price, she had improved her means, by sinking
-her little capital for an annuity, it was not so liberal a stipend as
-to render her by any means indifferent to increase of comfort; and she
-prudently considered that the next best thing to forming a good
-establishment for herself, which we have hinted had hitherto proved
-impracticable, would be to secure as many settlements as she could for
-her friends, amongst whom she might pass from house to house much to
-the solace of her spirits and the relief of her purse.
-
-In this office of match-making, then, which she raised to the dignity
-of a regular trade, or profession, she put forth all the strength of
-her talents, and prospered exceedingly. She had all sorts, sizes, and
-descriptions under her patronage; and her powers were so generally
-known, that though people did not like to own their obligation to a
-third person in matters of so delicate a nature, they were nevertheless
-secretly felt to be of such importance, that to conciliate Miss
-Ferret's regards became a point of rivalry in and about the town in
-which she resided.
-
-Mr. Hartland, without being aware of the honour, was placed at the head
-of her list for matrimonial preferment as soon as he had come into
-possession of Henbury; but for _once_, Jemima was puzzled about a
-help-mate for him, some objection having occurred to three several
-young ladies, whom she kept constantly in mind, and who were still on
-the unattached service. When things are least expected, however, they
-often come to pass, and it so chanced, that while Hymen's _charge
-d'affaires_ was at fault for her game, Miss Robinson came to pay a
-visit at Colbrook, the seat of Sir Roger Goodman, an opulent and
-corpulent Baronet, who lived within the district which Miss Ferret
-resolved should limit the circuit of her exertions; because to have
-engaged in distant experiment would have increased difficulties, and
-diminished the probability of successful result.
-
-The arrival of this lady, who deserves to be the heroine of a chapter,
-as she was soon destined to be head of a house, at once furnished a
-subject to animate the genius of our fair undertaker.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER II.
-
-    "The first springs of great events, like those of great rivers, are
-    often mean and little."--SWIFT.
-
-
-Miss Robinson, the heroine of our present chapter, was just five and
-thirty, tall, thin, and well dressed, with something in her manner
-smart, clever, cheerful, and _offhand_, but free from boldness, which
-rendered her particularly agreeable to _shy_ men, with whom she was
-observed to be a wonderful favourite. _Then_ Miss Robinson had a
-"pretty fortune" of five thousand pounds entirely at her own disposal;
-and the only possible manner of accounting for her protracted "single
-blessedness," was by the supposition that either some "disappointment"
-had occurred in early life, which she was too proud or too independent
-to turn to advantage, or that she had been "over nice" in making her
-election, and discovered now that people might be too fastidious for
-the rapidity with which youth and bloom wing their cruel flight.
-
-This at least was the way in which the point was decided by general
-report, and how the case really stood is not material to our present
-purpose to determine. The reader may perhaps imagine that Miss Ferret
-was not of such a grade in society, as to admit of her insinuating
-herself amongst the guests in a baronet's house, and that her ambition,
-confined to an humbler walk, would scarcely aspire so high as to rule
-the destinies of two such people as Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland, but
-the fact was otherwise. A _downright_ country neighbourhood, far
-removed from metropolitan fastidiousness, admits of occasional mixtures
-unknown to high life in town, and when we consider that the Ferret
-family, of which Jemima was the last remnant, had lived with credit,
-and voted steadily for Sir Roger during a course of years, as also that
-Miss Ferret's central position close to the market-place, afforded her
-opportunity of forestalling the scanty and uncertain supplies of fish,
-sweetbreads, and other delicacies which are the pivots on which turns
-the fame of a dinner entertainment in a remote situation, it cannot
-surely surprise any reasonable person that Miss Ferret should often be
-invited to mount her pony, and with her dinner dress tied in a
-handkerchief, and suspended from the pummel, solicited to partake of
-the good cheer which her late and early vigilance had provided. She
-was, besides, a woman of address. If she passed a carriage on the road,
-she drew her veil over her face, and never rode up to the front door.
-
-She had likewise a permanent deposit of flowers, feathers, and
-furbelows, which were left in a bandbox at Colbrook, under the
-guardianship of Lady Goodman's maid, with whom she was a prime
-favourite; as, however multifarious the concerns on her hands, she
-never forgot to slip a volume of the last novel into her bundle for
-Mrs. Hopkins. If a servant was to be hired, Miss Ferret inquired the
-character; if a bargain was to be had, Miss Ferret heard of, and
-recommended it to her friends, and when all her various _utilities_
-were performed, the _dulce_ was not neglected. Enriched with a
-countless fund of _on dits_, and freighted with charades, epigrams,
-epithalamiums, and pasquinades, this active member of society defied
-all the powers of dulness to produce stagnation of tongues, whenever
-she was one of the company.
-
-Well, in brisk spirits and iron-sided health, after executing a list of
-commissions, half a yard in length, for Lady Goodman, off cantered Miss
-Ferret, in joyous anticipation of a pleasant week at Colbrook. Her
-reception was gladdening. "My dear creature, welcome," said Lady
-Goodman, "you are actually my right hand; I do not know what in the
-world I should do without you. Did you remember the wax candles, and
-the snuff for Sir Roger, and the cards, and my watch which I sent to
-have a new crystal, and did you pay Farquar's bill?"
-
-"I have done, ordered, and paid every thing."
-
-"Welcome, my dear, a thousand times!" replied Lady Goodman; "come, and
-tell me all the news."
-
-"Ah! Ferret," exclaimed Sir Roger, who entered at this moment, "I
-rejoice to see you. Sad weather this; I have been as dead as ditch
-water, I can tell you, and am glad that you are come to keep me awake.
-The glass too is rising; you bring good luck with you; but here is Mr.
-Hartland riding up the avenue; I must go and meet him."
-
-"Oh! I'm glad that you have asked Mr. Hartland; that's a nice man; I've
-seen a great deal of him lately," said Miss Ferret, as she turned to
-Lady Goodman; "but have'nt you got Miss Robinson with you? I long to
-see her: How does she look? when did she come? does she stay long?"
-
-"She arrived on Wednesday, stays a month, and I never saw her looking
-better," answered Lady Goodman.
-
-"A nice thing," said Miss Ferret, "if we could make up a match between
-Mr. Hartland and Miss Robinson, wouldn't it, Lady G.?"
-
-"So it would;" replied her Ladyship; "but though your fame stands high,
-I think you'll hardly have ingenuity to bring _that_ matter to bear.
-They say that he's not at all a marrying man, and if he's one of the
-bashful fraternity, there will not be time to get over the horrors of
-presentation to a stranger, before Harriet will leave us to go to her
-sister in Scotland."
-
-"We must only not lose time," said Miss Ferret, "but make hay while the
-sun shines."
-
-The door opened, and Sir Roger presented Mr. Hartland to the ladies.
-Though not an elegant man, there was nothing either coarse or revolting
-in his demeanour. On the contrary, he comported himself extremely well,
-in a plain and equable manner, without effort or perturbation, whatever
-were the society into which he happened to fall. A phlegmatic
-temperament, combining with constitutional prudence, and his mother's
-counsel, had preserved Mr. Hartland in early life from those exciting
-circumstances which often plunge young people into love entanglements;
-and incredible as it may seem to those who have been differently
-situated, it is not the less true, that he had lived so little in mixed
-society, and had been so little in the way of _flirtation_, that no
-rumour of marriage had ever been coupled with his name; and thus at an
-age when others have _handed over_ their sensibilities to a new
-generation, this serene and unaffected man was only commencing his
-career of life, with all the simplicity of untried youth.
-
-The company assembled; and such as have experienced the up-hill work
-of conversation at a country dinner, when the subjects of weather,
-crops, the moon, and the roads are _pumped dry_, will easily believe,
-that if Miss Ferret were not the most polished woman in the world,
-her animation rendered her, notwithstanding, the most agreeable
-ingredient upon many occasions, in those assemblies which her presence
-enlivened. She had the art to shake a drawing-room together, if we may
-use such a simile; and wherever she was she contrived to prevent that
-_stratification_ of men and women which madame de Stael has so happily
-described, as characteristic of an English provincial half hour before
-dinner. Miss Ferret had seen the _last_ newspaper, or talked with "an
-intelligent man who had stepped from the coach" in the precise moment
-of her setting out; or she had heard a paragraph read from a London
-letter; or had a conference with the post-master immediately before
-she quitted home; in short she knew something either true or false,
-which no one else happened to know, of every thing and every body.
-Thin and active, she glided about the room, and brought people into
-actual contact who had never interchanged a look till she appeared.
-Like the grouting of a wall she compacted and cemented what was
-nothing but a heap of loose disjointed stones, till her vivacious
-tongue poured in its eloquence amongst them.
-
-When the glad announcement was sounded, that dinner was served, Miss
-Ferret, who had laid her plan of operations, commenced them by keeping
-up such a cross fire of talk, while the company were in the act of
-descending the stairs, that by the time they reached the
-dining-parlour, she now marshalled the guests without being perceived
-by any one, and contrived to slide herself into a chair between Miss
-Robinson and Mr. Hartland. The more obvious arrangement which, by
-placing the gentleman in the centre, would have given both ladies an
-equal claim on his attention, might not have been so judicious; but by
-Miss Ferret's disposition of affairs, she constituted herself the "soft
-intermediate" through whom any intercourse held by the extremes must
-pass; and she was thus enabled to regulate and guide it as was most
-conducive to her ultimate ends. Before the dessert came upon the table
-she had ventured to insinuate that there was a wonderful sympathy in
-the tastes of her _proteges__proteges_; and as she conveyed their
-sentiments from one to the other upon the comparative merits of roast
-and boiled, fricassee and fry, hot and cold, town and country, with
-sundry other interesting opposites which she herself suggested, there
-certainly did appear to be a harmony of opinion which bid fair for
-domestic union in that state of life which, we are taught to believe,
-traces much of the unhappiness by which it is, alas! so frequently
-embittered, to a fatal talent for disputation upon such like topics of
-daily recurrence.
-
-The perpetual succession of single drops will wear out a rock, and
-therefore Miss Ferret seemed to be guided by sound discretion in her
-admiration of minor harmonies, life being, as she always observed,
-"made up of _little things_." From generals it was natural to descend
-to particulars, and Henbury itself was on the _tapis_ ere the ladies
-withdrew. Miss Ferret asked Miss Robinson, if she, who was _so_
-partial to the pursuit of rural objects, and knew "_every_ thing about
-plants from the oak to the daisy," had ever seen a cork tree?
-
-On being answered in the negative, Miss Ferret exclaimed, "Oh I am
-_so_ glad that we have any thing new to shew you! By the bye, _madcap_
-that I am, I am reckoning without my host, and must have Mr.
-Hartland's leave to perform my promise, as it is at Henbury that the
-curiosity which I have mentioned is to be found. They say that it was
-brought over a sapling from Cintra, near Lisbon, fully an hundred
-years ago, by an officer who gave it to my poor grandfather, who then
-rented the lands which now belong to Mr. Hartland."
-
-Mr. Hartland blushed, and his skin being thin and fair, the suffusion
-was manifest to a degree which augured well for setting fire to the
-train which was laid in Miss Ferret's mind, as he replied, "I have
-horses which cannot be employed in a better service, and at any time I
-shall be happy to engage their best offices in procuring such an honour
-as you kindly design for their master."
-
-"Upon my word, Mr. Hartland, you are very polite, and much more than I
-deserve after such a liberty as I have taken; but I mean to profit by
-it, I assure you. Miss Robinson ought not to suffer for my inadvertence
-in forgetting, that with my poor grandfather all _my_ interest in
-Henbury passed away. We will accept your friendly invitation, though
-not your horses; for I am sure, that unless the rheumatism pinched
-severely, Sir Roger could not refuse his favourite Miss Robinson any
-thing. You know, my dear, that Sir Roger admires you more than any one;
-and I often tell Lady Goodman, that she is the best tempered, amiable
-creature in the world not to be jealous; but she dotes upon you quite
-as much. So you see that I have no chance of breaking the peace at
-Colbrook, which is mortifying, as it is proverbially, you know, an old
-maid's province and privilege to make mischief wherever she goes."
-
-What with blushing, bantering, laughing, and complimenting, a very fair
-measure of execution was done before the party re-assembled above
-stairs, and Miss Ferret, who, like all wise people, was a keen observer
-of portents, remarked that Mr. Hartland was the first gentleman to
-leave the dining-room; upon which she gave a significant wink,
-accompanied by a smile, the meaning of which was only understood by
-Miss Robinson, to whom Miss Ferret had just whispered previously that
-she saw strange things in her tea-cup.
-
-To talk of fortunes and fortune-tellers might have been too direct a
-mode of attack. So thought one who was never mistaken in her
-calculation, and turning rapidly to a little black dog which sat
-wagging his tail at Lady Goodman's side, Miss Ferret, with masterly
-presence of mind, said, as if continuing the previous conversation,
-"Well, it shall be submitted, as Miss Robinson _will have it so_, to
-Mr. Hartland. Oh! here he is! Come here, Duke--shew yourself to this
-gentleman. Mr. Hartland, Miss Robinson and I have had almost a duel
-about this little animal, which she declares is not of the true
-Norfolk breed; while I maintain that it is; and moreover that the
-first of the kind was brought here by my poor uncle Jacob Ferret, who
-got him at Arundel Castle, and carried him, when a puppy, many a weary
-mile in his bosom. Now I think _my_ informa tion decisive; Miss
-Robinson however will not yield; but to settle the dispute, she says
-that you shall be umpire."
-
-Mr. Hartland looked evidently highly gratified, and proceeded directly
-to an examination of Duke's mouth, Lady Goodman laughing _a gorge
-deployee_ at the ready witted Ferret and the confusion of Miss
-Robinson, who, all astonishment at our diplomatist's facility of
-invention, was completely nonplused. To have contradicted Miss Ferret's
-statement, however, would only have made matters worse, and proved
-still more unequivocally to Mr. Hartland that he had been the subject
-of discussion; so quietly acquiescing, she waited in silence for
-judgment to be pronounced.
-
-"Miss Robinson is quite right," said Mr. Hartland. "Duke is a beautiful
-creature, but all his ancestors are not from Arundel."
-
-"Well, well, needs must, and I give up," answered Miss Ferret; "but it
-is enough to provoke a saint that Miss Robinson is always right, and I
-am always wrong. I firmly believe that she bribes all our judges."
-
-Her next _coup d'essai_ was at the card-table. She had accomplished the
-point of involving Miss Robinson and Mr. Hartland in a descant upon all
-manner of spaniels, pointers, pugs, and poodles, which ramified into
-sundry other topics, and she now thought it high time to look after
-Sir Roger, for whom she soon arranged a rubber of whist; and after
-manoeuvring for some time, set down the Baronet and an excellent player
-who lived in his neighbourhood, against the pair whom she determined to
-bring together in a partnership of a more durable continuance.
-
-"Come, my dear," said she, "Lady Goodman always makes me her _aide de
-camp_. I am beating up for recruits. Here are Sir Roger and Mr. Gresham
-ready: Mr. Hartland will play, I know; but unless _you_ are kind enough
-to take a hand, we shall be badly off. Do you begin, and I will cut in
-by and by. I know that you are not fond of cards, but you are always
-fond of obliging."
-
-So saying, she bustled the people into their places, talking
-unceasingly--cut for partners herself, to save time she said, and had
-them all seated and the first deal commenced, before any one was aware
-how he or she came to be so disposed and employed.
-
-When Miss Ferret had skimmed round the room, setting every body and
-mind in motion, she returned to a post where she was always welcome,
-particularly when fortune favoured, namely, at the corner of the
-card-table, _all but_ in Sir Roger's pocket. From this vantage-ground
-she viewed the game; remembering every card, and gave a casting voice
-on sundry contested questions. From the same situation she likewise
-dispensed between the deals the pungent jest, the lively sally, or
-smart repartee; raised the sinking spirits of a vanquished foe, or
-curbed the too triumphant crowing of success. Here too she sat ready to
-ply her host with a pinch of snuff, or a judiciously tempered dose of
-flattery, as the case required. No genius ever elicited in the corps
-diplomatique is on record for a nicer trait of generalship than was
-exhibited on this evening by our female politician, who had calculated
-to a hair, and now shewed the perfection of her practice by bringing
-out her scheme with flying colours. Miss Ferret knew that Miss Robinson
-was no whist player, and though Mr. Hartland was a remarkably good one,
-the inferior skill of his partner would, she equally knew, so far
-counteract his sagacity as to prevent any chance of victory over the
-well-sustained game of two such antagonists as Sir Roger Goodman and
-Mr. Gresham. It was Miss Ferret's design that the Baronet should win;
-and in order to explain the rationale of her plan, it may not be amiss
-to give a brief sketch in this place of this worthy's character.
-
-Sir Roger was descended from an ancient house, and inherited a fine
-place, but small fortune, which occasioned a perpetual strife between
-family pride and poverty. He had been at school what is called a
-plover-pated boy, and in fact arrived at manhood's prime with as light
-a burthen of learning as any dunce need ever desire to carry. The
-sports of the field, however, gave him ample occupation, and he married
-the daughter of a wealthy trader, whose well lined coffers would have
-supplied the deficiency of his patrimonial inheritance, if an ill timed
-bankruptcy had not frustrated his hopes. This was a severe stroke; it
-was however irremediable, and while health and strength continued,
-matters went on tolerably well. Sir Roger became the most skilful
-farmer in the whole country, and Lady Goodman, who was a virtuous and
-prudent woman, managed her department with cleverness and economy.
-
-But as time revolved, reverses occurred; two or three infant children
-dropped off--Colbrook was left without an heir--and a chronic
-rheumatism succeeded, which called for more temper, resignation, and
-resource of mind than poor Sir Roger possessed to meet the demand. His
-decline of life, therefore, exhibited the sorry picture of a nervous,
-growling old man, who revenged every cloud in the sky which produced a
-sharper twinge, on every body who came in his way. His temper was
-graduated like the barometer, and rose or fell with the elasticity of
-the atmosphere.
-
-Amongst the most exasperating trials of his life was loss at cards; and
-yet to abstain from playing was a still greater cross to one so
-entirely dependent, as was Sir Roger, on external excitement. He
-delighted in the company of Miss Ferret, who acted like sal volatile on
-his spirits, and Lady Goodman was so glad to have her at Colbrook, that
-it might always have been the residence of this useful personage, if
-her pride had not revolted at the idea of being called "_a companion_."
-
-Such then was the outline of domestic affairs in the family of Goodman,
-and Miss Ferret knew what she was about, when she resolved that Sir
-Roger should find his purse much heavier at the end than beginning of
-the evening. But how did Mr. Hartland feel respecting these
-arrangements of which he appeared to be the victim? He was amply
-compensated by the partnership in which his losses were sustained; and
-which furnished occasion for several allusions, artfully improved by
-Miss Ferret, to fate--fortune--identity of interests--and sympathy in
-adversity, which never advancing in _direct_ allusion beyond the
-literal precincts of the game in hand, suggested, notwithstanding,
-pleasing thoughts of an undefined nature which were as new to Mr.
-Hartland as if he had just entered his seventeenth year, and
-experienced for the first time, the stimulus and delight which is felt
-by a boy when taken notice of in female society.
-
-So happy was the progress of affairs, that when the cards were shuffled
-in the last deal by Miss Robinson, and she summed up in a _total_ the
-various items of apology which had preceded, by saying, "Well, Mr.
-Hartland, my bad play has been visited severely on you; your temper has
-indeed been tried in the furnace, and you have reason to remember the
-evil star which condemned you to such a destiny this evening:" her
-partner was observed to colour, while he replied, with more animation
-than could have been anticipated in one who had lost every rubber,
-"Miss Robinson, it is more agreeable to fail in some company than
-succeed elsewhere. I can remember nothing but the _pleasures_ of this
-day."
-
-"Why, my dear creature," said Miss Ferret, as she addressed Miss
-Robinson, "you have been horribly unlucky. I protest you have nothing
-for it left but selling out of the funds to pay off your debts, and
-though all _you_ Change-alley people have been turned to _coiners_ by
-the late rise of stock, it will not do to lift one's capital."
-
-The table broke up; Mr. Gresham rubbed his hands self complacently, and
-moving briskly towards a window, said, "Somebody mentioned a star just
-now, which reminds me to look for some friendly ray to guide me home."
-
-Mr. Hartland, who was equally interested in the light of the firmament,
-followed slowly, and was the first to exclaim, "How dark it is!"
-
-"_It is indeed_," answered Miss Ferret. "Look out, Sir Roger, it
-is black as soot. I think you will have to answer to Mrs. Gresham for
-her husband's life if you let him go home to-night."
-
-Sir Roger was in the highest state of good humour, and seizing directly
-on the hospitable hint, declared that neither of his guests should
-"stir a foot." Lady Goodman, ever ready to second a kind feeling,
-praised the merits of a well-aired bed to each of the gentlemen. Miss
-Ferret knew that Mr. Gresham would refuse to stay, which he did,
-alleging that Mrs. Gresham would be uneasy were he not to return, and
-she wished, as well as thought, that Mr. Hartland would remain if
-invited; in which speculation, accordingly, she was also right, and
-seeing him hesitate, she ran towards the bell, saying, "I assure you it
-would be folly to attempt riding home; there is no necessity at least
-for Mr. Hartland to break his neck."
-
-"No," said Sir Roger, laughing heartily; "though Hartland lives at
-Henbury, there is no _henpecker_ there yet."
-
-This sally was met by Miss Ferret with "Excellent, upon my honour! Lady
-Goodman, is'nt that the best thing you ever heard? Well," added our
-voluble _go-between_, "I thought that this would be the end of it,
-when you gentlemen wedged yourselves into that far window before
-dinner, and prosed about new moons, full moons, and harvest moons, till
-you wearied the moon to sleep, and now you are left without any lamp in
-the sky."
-
-To be brief, Mr. Hartland was easily prevailed upon. Mr. Gresham took
-his departure, and the circle at Colbrook, after partaking of a
-comfortable old fashioned supper, retired to their apartments. If all
-secrets must be discovered when we set about telling a story, we must
-reveal the fact that two of the party passed a restless night. How it
-happened may be thus accounted for.
-
-Whatever may be thought, and however unnatural it may seem, that a man
-of forty-two should be visited by those agitations which the young
-imagine to belong exclusively to their fresh sensibilities, and the
-hacknied do not believe in at all, it will not appear incredible to
-those who are accustomed to look into the human heart with a
-philosophic eye, if we assert that Mr. Hartland's spirits were thrown
-into considerable flutter by the events of the past day.
-
-Since his accession to an unexpected fortune he had heard many hints
-thrown out, both at home and abroad, upon the propriety of his
-"settling in life;" and _any_ thing often repeated will produce
-impression. How much more then a matter of such importance as
-matrimony! His old nurse used now to shake her head and say, "Ah! Sir,
-since my poor Missess is gone you looks quite lonesome." The tenants
-who came to visit their new landlord, as they drank his health, always
-tacked a good wife as the climax of their wishes for his prosperity;
-and he was assailed by all the old women of the parish, gentle and
-simple, with some allusion to his single state. The words old bachelor
-began to fret and gall him in a manner entirely unwonted. It was no
-wonder then, perhaps, that with a mind thus pre-disposed, the
-machinations of Miss Ferrett found the soil prepared and ready to aid
-their purpose. Several circumstances of the evening rose in a sort of
-pleasing phantasmagoria on Mr. Hartland's recollection. He thought Miss
-Robinson very agreeable and genteel, neither too young nor too old,
-lively without being all on wires, like Miss Ferrett, quiet without
-being dull like some of the young ladies whom he had seen in the
-neighbourhood. As he continued to commune with his pillow, several
-obliging sentiments expressed towards him by Miss Robinson recurred to
-memory, and just as he at length fell off in a doze, the faint
-reminiscence of something concerning the funds glided in shadowy vision
-across his brain.
-
-Miss Robinson had waking dreams the while of Mr. Hartland. She was five
-and thirty; he was of suitable age; she had five thousand pounds; a
-small provision to _live_ upon in the decline of one's days, yet a
-snug little dower too, if well bestowed and carefully settled. Mr.
-Hartland's complexion was fine, his teeth superb, and his general air
-that of a very comely person. Altogether, Miss Robinson thought that
-she had not seen for a long time any one more amiable in appearance.
-Then he lost his money with such a good grace as promised well for
-domestic concord, and as _she_ fell asleep the last words which she
-remembered were those of the not too refined Miss Ferret, when she
-wished good-night at her chamber-door. "Take him, my dear, if you can
-catch him; depend upon it you may go farther and fare worse."
-
-Aurora unbarred the East with her rosy fingers, and sent a flood of
-golden sunshine over the fields. Nothing is so cheering to the heart of
-man as fine weather, and though Samuel Johnson, of lexicographical
-memory, doubted the fact, we honestly believe that few inhabitants of
-this terrestrial ball are altogether uninfluenced by clear air and a
-fine day.
-
-A ride to Henbury was proposed, accepted, and arranged. Mr. Hartland's
-groom was sent forward to proclaim approach, and a _quartetto_,
-composed of the lovers (for such we may venture already to call them),
-Sir Roger and Miss Ferret followed quickly after. A narrow part of the
-road soon afforded opportunity, of which advantage was taken, and a
-double tete-a-tete was the order of the cavalcade, till the gates of
-Henbury flew open to receive the visitors. The cork-tree, and every
-other tree, plant, herb, and flower, was duly displayed and
-appreciated. The interior was also pronounced to be without a fault,
-and so complacently did the party feel towards each other, that Mr.
-Hartland, who thought himself bound as a true Knight to escort his fair
-guests half way back, was induced to go the other half through pure
-charity towards Sir Roger, who gave so many solid reasons for wishing
-to enjoy society while rheumatism would permit, that his neighbour, to
-say nothing of politeness, would have deemed it unchristian to refuse.
-So at Colbrook he dined again; again lost at whist, and again, deserted
-by the "conscious moon," ruminated on his pillow concerning the charms
-of Miss Robinson's person, mind, and manners.
-
-Dull people must be told every tittle of a tale; but a lively reader,
-for whom alone we would fain weave the storied web, will anticipate
-results, and spare us the details of a courtship, brief as it was,
-which had its rise, progress, and conclusion in three short weeks;
-terminating a few days before the appointed period of Miss Robinson's
-visit to Sir Roger and Lady Goodman, in the regular proposals of Mr.
-Hartland of Henbury Lodge, to that young lady.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER III.
-
-    "I will dance and eat plums at your wedding."
-
-    SHAKSPEARE.
-
-
-It is said somewhere in the Spectator, that "a woman seldom asks advice
-before she buys her wedding clothes." Now Miss Robinson neither asked
-advice before nor after; for, being an orphan, and of full age, there
-was no necessity to go through any such ceremony; she therefore decided
-for herself, that having no aversion in the abstract towards the holy
-state of wedlock, she could not make a particular sacrifice of that
-liberty which she had not, perhaps, found such a panacea for all the
-evils of life as Poets and Romancers teach, in a better cause than the
-present. Mr. Hartland was every thing which a reasonable woman could
-desire in a spouse, and accordingly his suit was not rejected. No
-projected alliance ever gave more general satisfaction; and not a
-single dissentient voice was raised against its prosperous completion,
-except that of Mrs. Bunn, the house-keeper at Henbury, who, in common
-with all persons holding the same situation under a bachelor's roof,
-never could abide the bare idea of "the Master's" marriage, even though
-it were to a Duchess in her own right.
-
-On the first day, when Trotter the groom rode on with orders to have
-the best of every thing prepared for luncheon, and the gardener was
-desired to bring in the finest fruit that could be had, Mrs. Bunn
-augured ill of the message, which she considered symptomatic; but when
-it came to her being called upon for a fresh supply of linen, and
-informed moreover that Mr. Hartland was going back to Colbrook, her
-heart, as she expressed it, "died within her;" and not being able to
-find the hartshorn-bottle in a moment of such flurry, she is said to
-have had recourse to brandy, so completely were her spirits subdued by
-the prospect too fatally realized of a finished reign. To abdicate was
-preferable, however, to being deposed; and when Mrs. Bunn's agitation
-subsided, she came to that conclusion, resolving to avoid the disgrace
-of a dismissal, and by resigning the seals of office, while affairs of
-higher interest occupied the mind of our Benedict, prevent too keen a
-scrutiny into past conduct. Thus ended the dynasty of Bunn; and we must
-forgive her for casting "a lingering look behind," as she quitted the
-"flesh pots" of Henbury, for which she seemed to have as decided a
-taste as ever Sancho discovered.
-
-With this single exception, as has been observed, all was smooth
-assent; and great was the sensation produced through town and country,
-when Miss Ferrett, cantering her pony at a quicker gait than usual,
-suddenly drew up opposite to the post-office door, and communicated to
-an expectant group of some four or five _quidnuncs_ who were waiting
-the arrival of the coach, that "everything was settled." She was in
-her element; and in such a state of stimulus that she could scarcely
-control the effervescence of her spirits. Finishing her proclamation
-with "God save the King," she pushed forward to cry another "O yes!" at
-the milliner's and the apothecary's; after which she hastened home to
-set in movement sundry preparations in furtherance of the great event,
-which, with better foundation than is common in general to swelling
-pretensions, she justly considered as all "her own doing." We are
-usually partial to whatever owes its existence to ourselves, and
-therefore Miss Ferret's excitement was nothing extraordinary, and may
-be excused.
-
-Our readers are by this time sufficiently acquainted with the _carte
-du pays_ of Colbrook within and Colbrook without, to know in what
-part of the newspaper to look for the registry of a wedding conducted
-under the auspices of its goodly possessors and their auxiliaries. The
-sagacious and informed will not expect a detached paragraph, exhibiting
-such a host of Lords and Ladies that the happy pair are scarcely
-distinguishable in the brilliant mob; and which, were it not for the
-heading of "Marriage in High Life," might be mistaken for the list of
-arrivals at a London hotel; but the announcement of _our_ nuptial
-rites will be sought, and found in that column, which, at one
-comprehensive view, presents a picture of human life, and directs the
-moral eye from the cradle to the grave.
-
-We must not anticipate, however; for much is to be done before the
-printer sets his types to the titles of Francis Hartland, Esq. of
-Henbury-lodge, and Harriet, eldest daughter of a goodly 'Squire, John
-Robinson by name, and gentleman by degree. Lady Goodman wrote to her
-friend Mrs. Palmer, to send patterns of all sorts from town; while Sir
-Roger, who was as much delighted as Miss Ferret with the coming event,
-set to work with Mr. Points, the Solicitor, who rode off post haste to
-Colbrook at three several times, as if he was an express; and when
-arrived, bustled into the breakfast-parlour (for there was no library,
-there being no readers at Colbrook,) with such stir and importance, and
-made notes of the intended settlement with such pompous solemnity, that
-an inhabitant of another planet, suddenly introduced to the scene,
-might be fully borne out in the supposition, that our "special" was
-employed in taking depositions against a state prisoner, chargeable, at
-the very least, with design to overset the Constitution and compass the
-death of our beloved Sovereign.
-
-Let it not be imagined that Miss Ferret's was a sinecure office, during
-this season of occupation. On the contrary, her dwelling in the
-market-place might be styled the very centre, heart, or focus, of these
-interesting proceedings. Her drawing room was the place of congress for
-dress-makers, stay-makers, shoe-makers, and plain workers, while her
-bed-chamber was the repository of boxes and bundles without end or
-measure, from town and country. These same apartments were likewise the
-scene of all the putting off, and trying on: the fault-finding and
-approval; the lively criticism on shapes and colours; fashionable and
-unfashionable, becoming and unbecoming, which naturally belongs most
-peculiarly to that period of grand climacteric in a lady's wardrobe,
-which Miss Robinson's was now to undergo; not to mention that Henbury
-Lodge, being out of the mail-coach line, Miss Ferret's abode was,
-moreover, a bank of deposit for innumerable and cumbersome packages
-from tailors, hatters, hosiers, "_et hoc genus_," &c. insomuch that the
-painstaking partisan, to whose official exertions this chapter is
-principally indebted for its subject, might be justly compared to the
-supple animal whose name she bore, when, with all its prying energies
-elate, and with persevering industry prosecuting its vocation in the
-bowels of the earth, the light crumbling soil falls in on every side,
-and incloses the ferret's slender form, overwhelmed in the destruction
-which itself had worked. But as it is not requisite to the appositeness
-of a simile that the analogy should agree in all its parts, we are
-happy to think that _our_ Ferret had well grounded prospect of
-outliving her temporary sepulture, and hailing the bright beam of
-Hymen's torch to guide her through the lumbering piles of paper parcels
-by which she was almost suffocated; though it must on the other hand be
-confessed that, after she had leisure to reflect in the still hour of
-retirement on that busy crisis, she has been frequently heard to say,
-that nothing short of the most devoted friendship could possibly have
-sustained her; and in after times Mr. and Mrs. Hartland were often
-reminded of all they owed to her unwearied zeal.
-
-As Miss Ferret studied the _portable_ in all things, her wisdom
-was condensed in aphorisms, amongst which, "there is a time for all
-things," instructed her to choose the period of Christmas more
-especially for stirring up the memory, and the gratitude of her
-friends, when a plenitude of game, mince-pies, spiced meats, bottled
-ale, and other seasonable reflections, furnished festive opportunity of
-lightening a burthen on the heart, by reciprocating obligations on the
-stomach. "Turn about is fair play," was another maxim which lent its
-aid on these occasions.
-
-At length matters appeared to be winding up to a point: Miss Robinson's
-paraphernalia, after due exhibition, and the sly purloining of many a
-useful hint, snatched hastily with scissors and brown paper, from
-collar, cape, and cuffs, was all sent home; and Mr. Points witnessed
-the due execution of the marriage articles at Colbrook, where Sir Roger
-and Lady Goodman had from the first signified their wishes that the
-approaching solemnity should be performed. The only hitch which arose,
-(just enough to prove that every human scheme is less than perfect,)
-occurred in the impossibility of Mr. and Mrs. Gordon's attendance on
-the auspicious ceremony. Mrs. Gordon was younger sister to Miss
-Robinson, and lived in Aberdeenshire, but indisposition would not
-permit her to leave home, and her husband would not go without her; so
-it was ordained that Sir Roger, in quality of guardian, should perform
-the father's part, and that the bride and bridegroom should make a
-visit to their relations in Scotland, before they sat down for life at
-Henbury Lodge.
-
-These matters being adjusted, it only remained to fix the day and the
-hour for our espousals, which was accordingly done, and now succeeded
-cares of no less magnitude.
-
-It has been hinted that Sir Roger Goodman's mansion was larger than his
-means of living in it. _Space_, indeed, was the first idea by which a
-stranger was struck on entering the doors; for the fact was, that
-besides the really capacious dimensions of each apartment, there was
-such a dearth of furniture, that the eye was not interrupted in its
-progress as it travelled over them. Four walls, handsomely paneled with
-carved work of green and gold, enclosed an area, which was called the
-billiard-room, with no other apparent object than that of exciting
-attention, to remark that not a sign of table, mace, or ball, was to be
-seen. In like manner the _place_ of a saloon was to be found with
-nothing in it, and a chapel without provision for prayers. The "state"
-bed-chambers were reserved for such momentous purposes that they were
-never used at all, and therefore beds were superfluous; so they had not
-any in them.
-
-From this outline it follows that the disposable forces of hospitality
-were confined at Colbrook within very straitened limits,
-notwithstanding the large size of the building; and an entertainment in
-this mausoleum of ancient grandeur, like a poem which we remember to
-have seen somewhere or other, in imitation of Ossian, might very
-appropriately be 'yclept a "feast of empty shells." Miss Ferret,
-however, undertook the arrangements under the controlling direction of
-Lady Goodman, and began her operations with the encouraging cheer,
-"Faint heart never won fair Lady. We must put our best foot foremost."
-
-To work she set, and what with rummaging out, scrubbing up, turning,
-twisting, nailing, scouring, dying, and borrowing, things were put in
-some sort of order, and accommodation provided for a numerous company
-at breakfast. It was the custom of Lady Goodman's day, for the bride
-and bridegroom to sit in full dress during a week, and receive
-congratulations from all the neighbouring gentry: and sorely did she
-regret the impossibility of reviving so venerable a pageant on the
-present happy occasion; but there was no option, and fortunately the
-fashion of setting out in a chaise and four, relieved her from the
-mortification of confessing that the festivities of a hymeneal scene
-could not be protracted under her roof beyond the cake-cutting hour.
-
-The waste suites of unfurnished apartments were decked out with green
-branches, and flowers disposed in arches and alcoves, so that Miss
-Ferret converted the whole house into one mighty bower. She rooted out
-some old moth-eaten banners, which were kept as an heir-loom in the
-attic story, where, reposing under lock and key, they bore mouldering
-testimony to the ancestral valour of Sir Roger's blood; also a stand of
-colours which had been presented to his father, who raised a regiment
-of Yeomanry; some Free-Masonry insignia, which glittered with
-embroidery of tarnished gold and silver; elks' horns, which had been
-sent as a curiosity; two American bows; a pair of snow shoes; some
-halberts, and a trumpet which were taken in the rebellion of
-forty-five, with other articles which had not seen the light for years,
-but now came forward, however incongruously, to vary the sylvan
-decorations, and were judiciously commingled with family portraits in
-massive frames; an ivory ship, which, covered with a glass bell, made a
-great figure; a canoe; two plaster-of-paris cupids; a leaden fawn;
-Harlequin and Columbine; Neptune and Hebe of the same material, and
-King William on horseback, well executed in bronze; so as altogether to
-produce an imposing and animated effect, along a vista of the entire
-front, including corridors, and enliven the "eternal shade" which would
-otherwise have resulted from the great quantity of laurel, spruce, fir,
-and other evergreens forced into company to fill the void.
-
-Poor Lady Goodman, who knew better things than this ignorant medley
-exhibited, sighed as she acquiesced in all Miss Ferret's manifestations
-of taste, which would have been better suited to the preparations for
-enacting a puppet-shew in a country barn, than the embellishment of a
-fine feudal palace of the olden time, inhabited by those who boasted
-armorial bearings and descent from the brave and fair of other days.
-There was no help for it, however. It was Hobson's choice, and no
-alternative presented itself, were Miss Ferret's suggestions repressed,
-except absolute vacuity. Now Lady Goodman loved Miss Robinson
-affectionately, and could not endure to appear deficient in friendship,
-while her excellent heart overflowed with kindness. She therefore
-preferred giving free scope to the fantastical vagaries of a
-merry-andrew, to seeming less than she really was, to Sir Roger's ward,
-and her own protegee.
-
-It was in the servant and equipage department, that the greatest
-difficulties arose. A solitary domestic, styled butler, but who
-exercised no dominion, for the best reason, namely, that he had no
-subjects, was the sole attendant at Colbrook. Dressed in a suit of
-snuff-coloured clothes which had once been black, he answered the
-hall-door bell. In jacket of fustian, with turned up sleeves, he might
-next be seen, cleaning knives and forks; or should
-
-      ----"the earlier season lead
-    To the tanned haycock in the mead,"
-
-you might again behold this worthy jack-of-all-trades, armed with rake
-and pitch-fork, tossing high and wide the meadow's fragrant crop. An
-old coachman, who performed as many parts in the stable as old Hasty
-did within the house, completed the male part of the establishment, and
-his rusty livery and antique wig were in perfect keeping with the heavy
-machine which it was his lot to guide, and the ancient pair of roan
-Barbarys which drew it. "What a turn-out for a wedding!" exclaimed Miss
-Ferret, as she gazed upon the carriage which was to appear on the
-following day first in the bridal procession.
-
-"My dear Lady Goodman, I am ready to sink at the idea of such a tub
-being drawn up at your door, and really know not what to do. So few
-servants too!--it is quite confounding on such an occasion."
-
-"My dear," replied Lady Goodman, "we must make the best of it. Your
-genius has done much, but you cannot make our old coach any other than
-it is. It is vain to fret yourself about what admits of no remedy."
-
-"I cannot change, but I will manage yet to conceal it," answered Miss
-Ferret, who flitted off to give her directions and arrange her measures
-for the morning, which was ushered in by a brilliant dawn.
-
-No sooner was the sun above the horizon, than our fair field marshal
-persuaded Sir Roger that he should go on to church, and be ready to
-hand the bride elect from her carriage, adding, that she hoped he would
-not lose a moment in sending back his own to accommodate some of the
-rest of the party. Though Sir Roger did not see any reason for what he
-was desired to do, and had no mind to sit by himself in the vestry-room
-for such a length of time as was contemplated by Miss Ferret, yet she
-was so urgent, that she gave him no time for deliberation, and half
-pushing, half entreating, had him fairly shut up in the coach and
-whirled with unaccustomed celerity from the door, before he had power
-to recollect that he should inevitably have a fit of the rheumatism in
-consequence of so long a sitting in a draught of air, much cooler than
-that of his own house. But David, who was perched up on high upon an
-immense old-fashioned hammer-cloth, large enough to bear the city arms
-on every side, like the lord mayor's equipage, received strict orders
-_not to hear_ if his master called, but proceed, blow high, blow low,
-to Weston church. Now he argued, that as weddings do not occur every
-day, and Miss Ferret was chief governor on the present occasion, it
-might be better to obey her implicitly. Besides he was in the habit of
-turning a deaf ear to the word "stop," as having no footman except on
-great emergencies, when Hasty the butler stepped up behind, he knew
-that his porpoise-like body must be put in movement were he to indulge
-every whim of halting here and there; and a descent from the altitude
-at which David sat was no trifling exertion to a man "so scant of
-breath" as he was. He grumbled, indeed, _sotto voce_, at not "heading
-the procession," as he said; but Miss Ferret assured him that though
-she had an offer of all the carriages to marshal in whatever manner she
-thought proper, she would not suffer Sir Roger to be driven in any
-vehicle but his own, or by any less careful charioteer than his
-coachman. She likewise informed David that on account of the honour
-which she designed him of enacting _avant courier_ on the occasion, she
-had made his wedding favours twice as large as those of any body else,
-which was true, for she used three yards of extraordinary white satin
-ribbon with silver edges, in this instance to cover certain defects in
-David's hat and coat.
-
-This argument prevailed, insomuch that he took his seat aloft with much
-self-complacency, and from the prodigious breadth of his chest, and the
-monstrous size of the star-like platforms which Miss Ferret pinned upon
-it, quite as large as the sod in a thrush's cage, David looked at a
-little distance, so like a target, that had the archers been out, he
-might have received an arrow through the heart, before he could have
-had time to bless himself. He was next commissioned to return from
-Weston by a circuitous route, the pretext for which was to deliver a
-message at the house of a work-woman who had not brought home all Miss
-Robinson's linen, but the real object of which was to delay the
-carriage till all the party should have proceeded, and so avoid the
-display of that unwieldy concern amongst the gay chariots and landaus
-of the neighbouring gentry, several of whom graced our hymeneals with
-their presence. Miss Ferret then took occasion, when the company were
-all assembled on the steps just ready for departure, to say aloud to
-Lady Goodman, "Upon my word, your ladyship has left us this morning
-without a single servant to do any thing. Two gone on with Sir Roger;
-one despatched to order post horses, as if a note would not have been
-sufficient; and there is Barnett who has already drunk so many healths
-to this happy event, that he was not able to stand straight, so I have
-sent him off to bed."
-
-So saying, she bustled and fidgeted about till by one contrivance or
-other, she got the whole train in motion, and contrived to bring them
-all back again, without giving any one leisure to remark how or by
-which way they returned to Colbrook, where a beautiful breakfast
-awaited them.
-
-What with cutting cake, sticking pins, wrapping, and directing parcels,
-with compliments from Mrs. Hartland, and sealing packets of white
-gloves, while the gentlemen strolled through the beautiful, but
-neglected demesne of Colbrook, Time flew on more rapid wing than he is
-used to plume upon a wedding-day in the country, till a "trim-built"
-travelling carriage with trunks, cap-case, and imperial drove up to the
-door. Sir Roger handed to the bride, who was followed by her _setting
-off_ and a shower of congratulations; and off wheeled the _nouveaux
-Maries_ towards Drumcairn, the romantic abode in Aberdeenshire of Mr.
-and Mrs. Gordon. Part of the company left Colbrook immediately after,
-while a select assembly was retained to dine and drink a bumper toast
-to the health and happiness of Henbury Lodge.
-
-Here again Miss Ferret's talents were felt, if not acknowledged, and
-perhaps her chief ability lay in the circumstance, that while dulness
-and ceremony, which are the bane of English society vanished before
-her, she wisely took special care to seem no more than a useful
-instrument in the hands of others, though in reality she was the
-governing principle of all that ease and hilarity which her presence
-inspired. Miss Ferret might be compared to an able mechanic who,
-discovering the causes of inertion in whatever piece of workmanship is
-submitted to his inspection, clears away rust, removes impediments,
-rectifies the balance, oils the joints, and sets every spring into
-active play, without presuming to claim any merit in the contrivance
-that should interfere with the patentee. Had she not possessed such
-perfect tact, (which is a quality much more dependent on quick natural
-perception than the refinements of education,) that she always gave
-other people that credit which she deserved herself, she would soon
-have been taught to feel her inferiority; but she never was suspected,
-and people thought that they were particularly well, cheerful, and
-agreeable without supposing for an instant that they were indebted to
-her influence. She was by nature all that Lord Chesterfield vainly
-endeavoured to make his son by art, and knew that the whole secret of
-popularity consists in putting every one into good humour with himself.
-
-The dinner was abundant, and its deficiency in _setting off_ was
-but little observed where all the guests were kindly disposed. In
-fact that paltry criticism which is the terror and scourge of a
-country neighbourhood, is much oftener the offspring of stupor than
-malevolence. Keep a company alive, and they will seldom be able to tell
-whether your damask is of Scotch or Hamburgh manufacture, your china,
-Indian or Worcester, your glass, cut or plain. People only ask to be
-_happy_, and how this is accomplished is never enquired into; but
-if tongues are not employed eyes will be busy. Miss Ferret was aware of
-this, and her vigilance was unremitting. The boldest stroke, and one at
-which Sir Roger's mind at first revolted, succeeded to admiration, and
-green gooseberry wine in long necked bottles passed muster for
-sparkling champagne.
-
-The trick had been played at a great race dinner, and Miss Ferret's
-convincing argument for making an experiment of a like nature at
-Colbrook, was contained in the following laconicism, "what has been,
-may be." Sir Roger succumbed, and no one detected the fraud. "Depend
-upon it," said Miss Ferret, "that all the French wines are made at
-home, and you are no greater cheat than your wine merchant."
-
-The young danced, the elders played whist, carriages were heard rolling
-in the court, the party dispersed, and as all things must, sooner or
-later, come to a conclusion, thus ended the wedding-day, and Miss
-Ferret had laid the plan of another ere the sun was set.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IV.
-
-    "----What now remains
-    But that once more we tempt the wat'ry plains,
-    And wandering homewards, seek our safety hence."
-
-    DRYDEN.
-
-
-Amongst the many contested questions which perplex conversation, and
-seem destined to remain undecided, is comparison between the sum of
-happiness derivable by those who are easily pleased, from frequently
-recurring and commonly procurable resources, and that resulting from
-the seldom tasted but vivid raptures of the fastidious, who, too
-refined for average gratification, find life a desert, in which, like
-"angel visits few and long between," the thinly scattered spangles of
-verdure glow with intensity of freshness amid surrounding gloom. We
-confess that our own minds suffered vacillation upon this important
-topic, till, having witnessed the every-day felicity of Henbury Lodge,
-we were enabled to cast the make-weight of its _beau rivant_ into
-the scale of "little things."
-
-As a flat road, however, admits of quick driving, we shall not detain
-the reader unmercifully in describing a scene which presented no
-alterations of light and shade, no moral vicissitudes of hill and dale,
-to vary the landscape; but satisfy ourselves with a short sketch of
-connubial contentment in a welcome-home to Mr. and Mrs. Hartland, who
-after a brief aberration from their domestic settlement, returned to
-the delights of clipped hedges, rolled terrace, and trim bowers.
-
-It may be remembered that our wedded pair had each passed the term when
-people of both sexes in the presumption of life's springtide, talk of
-marriage as a common event which "comes to all;" and toss their
-fortunes to and fro, with lavish prodigality, altogether unprophetic of
-succeeding dearth.
-
-This was precisely the case with _ci-devant_ Miss Robinson, who, having
-rejected a crowd of aspirants, had begun to feel a chill frost creeping
-over the season of youth, and the joy of seeing herself now
-prosperously "_established_," and contemplating a well sized, well
-furnished mansion, in which she ruled by the style and title of "_Mrs._
-Hartland," produced a degree of self-gratulation proportioned to the
-fears which had preceded her present elevation. She was a common place,
-prudent woman, and we must not be too severe on the weaknesses which
-were we, however, so stupid as not to observe, we should exercise no
-charity in forgiving. We do confess then, though not in the spirit of
-ill-nature, that no happiness ever transcended that of our recent
-matron, when seated in a new post-chaise, the pannels of which were
-like mirrors in which you might have shaved yourself, every strap and
-brace polished to black satin, postilion light and dapper, dressed in a
-fresh suit of green and silver, horses prancing, sun shining, she took
-her joyous course along her own smoothly gravelled approach, armed with
-a ticket-case of carved ivory in her hand, to perform the first circuit
-of country visits in return for those which had been unsparingly
-lavished on the late event. Neither did this gladness perish through
-its vivacity, as is the case with the generality of powerful
-stimulants, but there was a constantly recurring bliss in the sounds of
-"My _own_ house, my _own_ carriage, my _own_ servants," &c. which
-produced new impression at every repetition.
-
-Mr. Hartland's situation was not less enviable. Having passed all his
-youthful prime without considering marriage as practicable, he had
-thought less than any body during early life of changing his condition;
-and since he had attained competency, and became desirous of uniting
-himself suitably to a virtuous partner, the difficulties of seeking,
-finding, choosing, proposing, and wedding, rose upon his view like Alps
-beyond Alps, and presented such a formidable barrier against hope, that
-he could not see how the matter was ever to be undertaken, much less
-how it would ever come to pass.
-
-The husband, therefore, was just as much enchanted as the wife. He felt
-himself raised in the scale of creation; he was now a person of more
-consequence than he had ever been before. Then his affections, which
-had been arrested by his mother's death, and which might be said to
-have suffered a blockade since that event, were all set flowing again
-with redoubled tenderness and activity. His former poverty, too, having
-prevented him from being an object of competition, his vanity had never
-been excited, and he was a total stranger, in his own person, to those
-attentions, which, we are sorry to say, are often disgustingly paid to
-men by the fair sex, when rank or fortune furnishes motive for
-entrapping them. Mr. Hartland's gratitude, therefore, to Miss Robinson,
-for having married him, was as sincere as it was unbounded; and thus
-this favoured pair were, in the language of the nursery tales of olden
-time, "as happy as the day is long;" reminding us of the spider, who
-spinning her web from her own vitals, "lives along the line" of her own
-daily occupation; or (as we are given to comparison), the Hartlands
-frequently suggested to our memory the Epicurean aspiration of the
-celebrated Quin, "Oh, that I had a throat half a mile in length, and
-palate all the way." Now, the moral palate of Henbury's inhabitants
-extended to the utmost verge of their possessions; and they might be
-said to taste and relish whatever they found in their path.
-
-They had neither of them seen much of the world, and neither knew any
-thing of that high and towering intellect, which, like the lofty eagle,
-quits the level of the plain, and builds its eyrie in an upper world
-all its own. The Hartlands had sharp common understandings, good
-nature, and discretion; but they rose not above mediocrity, and were of
-that class whose _natural_ walk is on the earth. They were _busy_ all
-day long about every thing; interested alike in the gravest or minutest
-concerns, and never tortured their brains with any subject of
-contemplation beyond the reach of sense. Healthful in mind, as well as
-in body; gay, and continually employed; they talked, and walked, and
-rode, and drove, dined out, and gave dinners at home, and were never
-weary of themselves, or of the society around them.
-
-But the cup of existence is never unmixed. If the wormwood leaf float
-not on its surface, it will be found lying at the bottom. Three years
-glided by. The first was one of such novelty and incessant excitement,
-that no yawning chasm was seen, felt, or understood; the second was
-sometimes slightly tinged by anxiety lest the pleasant hedge-rows of
-Henbury Lodge should one day encircle another race, and stranger feet
-should press its smiling lawns; but when a third year closed its barren
-account with blighted hopes, expectation died away; and though Mr. and
-Mrs. Hartland were still the envy of the region in which they grew, and
-were universally declared to be worthy of an annual flitch, it was
-nevertheless remarked, and especially by Miss Ferret, whose penetration
-stood high in public regard, that "all was not right at Henbury."
-
-At first her hints conveyed nothing more determinate, than was
-communicated in the adage, "All is not gold that glisters;" but this
-had the effect of setting those who were less intimate than herself
-with the friends whose undefined sorrows she zealously published,
-writhing with curiosity, while her own gained time for such inquisition
-as should bring her to the true cause of that change, the effects of
-which only her quick eye had as yet discerned. Besides, it was more
-consonant with Miss Ferret's idea of _true friendship_ to set other
-wits upon the discovery of any thing disagreeable, should such exist,
-than _directly_ to proclaim it herself; and therefore every purpose
-was gained of stimulating the industry of other gossips, while her
-innuendoes, darkly dropped, persuaded the entire vicinage that she knew
-a great deal more than she chose to reveal, and was only withheld from
-promulgating to the full extent of her information, by "the sincere
-regard which she entertained for the Hartlands."
-
-But what is there which a union of talents and diligence will not
-compass and achieve? Miss Ferret's were soon crowned with success, and
-happily the cloud that overcast the horizon of Henbury was of that
-nature which might be trumpeted to the four corners of the earth (if
-indeed the round world have such convenient recesses for playing hide
-and seek), without the violation of those feelings which our busy blab
-professed for her _proteges_.
-
-It was well known throughout the country that both Mr. and Mrs.
-Hartland were particularly partial to children; so much so, that
-whenever they appeared, the fond mothers of the neighbourhood used
-constantly to ring the nursery chimes for their edification or
-amusement, and many a morning call has been inconveniently protracted
-to the visitors, for the purpose of "seeing the baby," whose tedious
-delay after summons issued, and elaborate dress when produced, proved
-the complete metamorphosis which it had undergone in the interval,
-before it was considered to be fitly attired for exhibition in the
-drawing-room. But Miss Ferret, happening to be in company one day when
-the large family of a neighbouring curate was mentioned, remarked that
-Mrs. Hartland, who never gave herself the habit of _generalizing_
-in conversation, replied rather pensively, "Alas! how unequally the
-gifts of Providence are distributed!"
-
-Miss Ferret expressed herself to have felt as if she had been _shot_
-when this observation fell from her friend; and it furnished a clue by
-which the whole labyrinth of her secret thoughts came to be developed.
-Pursuing the light which now glimmered, Miss Ferret immediately
-acquiesced in the justice of the remark, and proceeded to tell of a
-gentleman and lady who were the happiest people in the world, "_all
-but_ having no heirs to their fine estate," and added, "They have been
-married fully five years, and you may _suppose_ what their feelings
-are; for we must acknowledge that it is the most natural thing in the
-world to wish that one's name should not be cut off; and, as I often
-say, an extinguisher put over one's grave is enough to lower one's
-spirits; for the grave in itself is sufficiently gloomy in all
-conscience, without putting an end to the whole _stock_, who might
-live a little longer, all at a blow."
-
-Mrs. Hartland sighed, while a faint colour was observed to glance
-across her countenance. After a slight pause, she said, as though she
-had often pondered the subject, "Yes, hope deferred, they say, maketh
-the heart sick."
-
-The whole mystery was now unravelled, or as Miss Ferret expressed the
-same idea in her peculiar phraseology, "the cat was out of the bag;"
-and it was evident that the Henbury _thorn_ stood revealed, in the
-childless condition of that house. This point once established, it may
-be imagined that joy was at its height, on the actual expectation of an
-event, the delay of which only seemed _now_ to the grateful hearts of
-Mr. and Mrs. Hartland to have been expressly ordained for the purpose
-of enhancing its value. How readily we acknowledge the providence of
-divine interposition when we are pleased!
-
-But we cannot stop to moralize, it is our duty to recount; and if we
-could bring our minds into full sympathy with those whose history we
-are narrating, there are few subjects of sufficient importance to
-alienate attention from the theme of our present consideration. The
-dread of disappointment rendered Mrs. Hartland very cautious in
-divulging her hopes; but at length prospects of the most gratifying
-nature opened to her view, and Miss Ferret received permission to
-diffuse tidings which appeared to tell the acme of human felicity.
-Doctors and apothecaries, nurses and nurse-tenders, frocks, pinnafores,
-cradles, and caps, tops and bottoms, goats' whey, rennet-whey,
-asses'-milk, cows'-milk, and a thousand other appliances equally
-interesting of this important season, which was now unequivocally
-approaching, absorbed the thoughts, and occupied the conversation at
-Henbury. Mrs. Hartland reclined upon a sofa, and issued her orders from
-thence through the faithful Ferret, with as much pomp and ceremony as
-ever hung upon the Ottoman Divan; while Mr. Hartland's anxious office
-was to forestal the newspapers, seize upon the letter-bag, and prepare
-every visitor by regular instruction upon the topics of their
-discourse, lest the slightest imprudence in communicating the current
-rumours of the day, might disturb the nervous system of his wife.
-
-To this end, he generally took his station in an ante-room in which a
-sort of probationary noviciate was performed, and people, after being
-examined, admonished, and duly qualified, received admission tickets to
-the presence chamber.
-
-As the fulness of time advanced, several weighty consultations were
-held, which called forth every power of taste and understanding which
-the Hartlands possessed, to meet the opposite arguments which were
-propounded in them. Two debates of longer and more difficult
-deliberation than all preceding, were however happily adjusted to the
-entire satisfaction of the parties, and the perfect reconcilement of
-contending opinions. In one of these it was decreed that if a son were
-to bless the parent eyes, he should be christened Algernon Robinson;
-and if the soft smiles of a daughter were destined to awaken love,
-rather than ambition, Melasina was to be her name. Mr. Hartland's
-father had unfortunately been called Peter, Mrs. Hartland's progenitor
-Jacob; and the reader will admit that two more impracticable
-appellations were never unluckily brought together to perplex the
-counsels of a pair who were looking forward with eager raptures to the
-baptismal font, and habitually impressed at the _same time_, with
-the propriety of sending family echoes to the latest posterity.
-
-How to harmonize sounds without compromising respect was the question,
-and no small exertion of skill did it require to balance the pros and
-cons. Many cogent reasons were urged by Sir Roger and Lady Goodman for
-the regular descent of Peter, Jacob, or both; while a hint, which gave
-a climax to perplexity was thrown out by the latter, who said that she
-should not think the addition of her worthy husband's name an
-_unnatural_ appendage by way of compliment to him. Mrs. Hartland's rest
-was broken by this harassing choice of evils. At last she resolved on
-bursting her fetters, and declared the bold resolve to waive precedent,
-and not in compliance with an antiquated prejudice, entail on future
-generations the quaint appellations, which she determined to sacrifice
-to what she considered the true interests of her son.
-
-"The junction of sur-names," said she, "may appease the shades of his
-dead grandfathers, and Goodman may bring up the rear. Whether boy or
-girl, the only sounds which need be uttered shall delight the ear, and
-all the rest may be smuggled away under initial letters. I am
-_resolved_ on Algernon or Melasina."
-
-Mr. Hartland was in the habit of acquiescing in the decrees of his
-better half: and remembered how pleasantly his favourite Sterne has
-declared that a man who might have made a flourishing figure in the
-world as an Alexander might be Nicodemus'd into nothing. He therefore
-gave his assent and consent to Algernon for the male sex, Melasina for
-the female, and the debate was at an end.
-
-The second dispute of magnitude which was settled about the same time,
-related to sponsors. Mr. Hartland belonged to a noble house, and the
-Earl of Marchdale, who held a high office under government, was his
-first cousin. Those who know any thing of the world, are aware that
-consanguinity to great men, unless in the nearest degrees, is more
-frequently a disadvantage than the contrary. A brother cannot be left
-in obscurity, and perhaps a nephew may have some chance of preferment,
-but cousins are generally shaken off and made to know their distance.
-Mr. Hartland's mother had once made an effort to seek for her son the
-countenance and protection of his noble relative, but received such
-peremptory repulse that a second experiment was never hazarded.
-
-Times however were changed, and circumstances altered likewise. It had
-reached Lord Marchdale's ears that Mr. Hartland was no longer a poor
-man; and curiosity prompted him to ask where the newly acquired
-property of his kinsman was situated, which led to information that it
-lay in a certain county where he wished to increase his influence.
-Something a kin to shame at the recollection of former rough treatment
-exerted towards his relation, withheld his Lordship from offering his
-congratulations on an accession of fortune which might immediately
-suggest a remembrance of his former unkindness; but he formed the
-benevolent design of seizing on the first convenient opportunity for
-some token of conciliatory recognition of his cousin. Mr. Hartland's
-marriage would have afforded an auspicious occasion, but unluckily Lord
-Marchdale was making a tour on the Continent when that event took
-place, and to have written an epithalamium after his return, might not
-have had the desired effect.
-
-"I should not have thanked any one for wishing _me_ joy on my nuptials,
-six months after date," thought his Lordship; and acting in this
-instance by the rule of doing to others, as he desired others should do
-towards him, he waited--and waited not in vain. Actuated by the motives
-to which we have alluded, to make more minute inquisition into the
-affairs of his uncle's only son than had been his wont, he became
-acquainted with the bright hopes which, like a morning in Spring, were
-breaking over the destiny of one whose prosperity promised now to
-transcend his own, for he was childless. Lord Marchdale therefore lost
-no more time, but hastened on receiving the intelligence to write the
-following epistle:
-
-    "DEAR FRANK,
-
-    "I am not one of those who advocate the perpetuation of family
-    feuds. Your poor father and mine never agreed, but that is no
-    reason why you and I should feel any hostility towards each other,
-    though I fear that appearances are against me. My utter inability
-    to serve you, when Mrs. Hartland applied to me in your behalf,
-    having formerly obliged me reluctantly to disappoint her wishes, I
-    learn now, with sincere satisfaction, that you no longer stand in
-    need of aid, but are enabled proudly to raise your head amongst
-    England's best protectors, her resident country gentlemen. I hear
-    also the interesting news, that your happiness is likely to
-    experience increase through an unexpected event; and am desirous
-    that the young stranger should be a bond of re-union between us. If
-    a boy, I wish that you may name him Algernon; and represent me at
-    his baptism as godfather. If Mrs. Hartland should present you with
-    a daughter, Lady Marchdale requests me to announce her disposition
-    to stand sponsor. Believe me, dear Frank,
-
-    "Very truly yours,
-
-    "MARCHDALE."
-
-The familiar style of this letter did not impose on Mr. Hartland, who
-saw through the kindliness of its contents; but it was agreed in full
-conclave, that it would be imprudent in the extreme to repel this
-advance; and as the possibility of succeeding to the Marchdale titles
-and estates had often in secret served as foundation for air built
-castles, which soothed Mrs. Hartland's solitary hours, she had already
-anticipated a part of her noble connexion's petition, by resolving on
-giving her child, should it prove a son, the only high sounding name in
-the family. Nothing could be more flattering to maternal ambition than
-the coincidence, which resolved all past solicitude into the pleasing
-certainty, that the expected progeny was to be ushered into life with
-due pretension. If a son, as it was earnestly prayed that the offspring
-should prove, Lord Marchdale and Sir Roger Goodman were to be his
-sureties; if a girl, Lady Marchdale and Lady Goodman were to perform
-the like office; and Miss Ferret, of whose adhesive assiduities it was
-impossible to get rid, was to be an honorary or supplemental corps of
-reserve. Nothing would tempt her to abandon the honour of "standing for
-the child;" and, to pacify her, Mrs. Hartland consented to her bearing
-it to the font, where she hoped that her over-zealous friend might be
-mistaken for a mere proxy.
-
-All things being prepared, and the minds of all composed into
-tranquillity, Mrs. Hartland felt the moment arrived which was to crown
-her hopes and raise her consequence. But an event of such importance
-deserves a separate Chapter, and therefore we close this. Muffle the
-knocker, scatter straw round the house and offices, forbid all approach
-of horse or wheel that might disturb the anxious hour, and commit the
-invalid, with our blessing, to her medical attendants.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER V.
-
-    "He talks to me, who never had a son."--KING JOHN.
-
-
-We remember to have been shown once upon a time, as a marvellous
-curiosity, the stump of a large bay-tree, which had been cut down to
-make way for certain architectural improvements, and actually converted
-into a chopping-block, in which capacity it was employed during several
-years; but at length the family, to whom it appertained, quitted their
-dwelling, and the aforesaid stump, which had not been defunct, but only
-slumbering, was cast into a heap of earth, where, fertilized by the
-beams of the sun and the dews of the morning, it struck root amid the
-garden rubbish, and sent forth branches which flourished proudly, and
-spread their verdant foliage to the wondering skies. What joyful
-surprise would this neglected trunk have expressed had power of speech
-been granted! and with what grateful pride would it not have called on
-the admiring universe to behold and glorify its transformation!
-
-Some such sentiments as we are supposing to have emanated from our bay
-tree, glowed in the hearts of Mr. and Mrs. Hartland as they gazed in
-rapture on a boy of uncommon symmetry and beauty; and, forgetful of the
-lavish prodigality of that vivifying principle which is employed at
-every moment in giving life from the palace to the cottage, the cottage
-to the kennel, and the kennel downwards to the lowest grade of
-organised existence, thanked Heaven with such alacrity of transport as
-seemed to intimate that they considered the effort of nature which
-animated the vital energies of Henbury as astonishing and unexpected as
-that which caused the chopping-block to put forth leaves and blossoms.
-
-The innocent vanity which Mrs. Hartland had formerly felt at finding
-herself a wife, dwindled into insignificance in comparison with the
-elation of her spirits when the dignity of mother was added to her
-former honours; and the words "_son and heir_" might be read in
-every look, and traced in every gesture in characters which seemed to
-say, that none but herself had ever produced this mighty combination.
-
-We have formerly stated, that literature was not the prevailing taste
-of the neighbourhood in which Henbury was planted, and as it is a
-common rule "to do as the Romans do while one is at Rome," Mr. and Mrs.
-Hartland may, for all we can tell to the contrary, have suppressed
-their own inclination to accommodate their manners and habits to the
-fashion of those amongst whom they dwelt. Certain it is that, from
-whatever cause it proceeded, there was an abstinence from books at
-Henbury till the birth of Algernon Robinson Goodman Hartland, and
-though his father had gone through school and university, and his
-mother played well enough for carpet dancers, sang a little, painted
-birds and flowers on velvet, and worked like a Moravian, neither the
-one or the other found time, amid the multiplicity of their daily
-pursuits, for reading.
-
-The revolution which was effected by the little stranger's arrival was
-therefore the more striking. Every thing now was made subservient to
-the one great leading object. During the first year after this
-agreeable surprise, Henbury appeared a temple dedicated to Lucina, in
-which all the insignia of a new birth were displayed in cradle and
-pillows, saucepans and panada, blankets and wraps. Whichever way the
-eye were turned, the present deity of the place reigned from the attic
-to the basement story; and all distinct purposes, and applications of
-the several apartments were set aside for a season, to render the
-dwelling a universal nursery. Then came on the time of go-carts and
-corals; and every publication on teething, vaccination, and each
-disease to which infant flesh is heir, poured from the press by all the
-coaches, as if authors and printers were in league to pay their court
-to Mr. and Mrs. Hartland.
-
-Three years passed away, and with them the scaffolding which, becoming
-unnecessary, was now thrown aside. The young Algernon, who, it must be
-confessed, was beautiful as we are taught to believe the little god of
-love, happily surmounted the host of enemies who take their stand at
-the entrance-gate of life to oppose the mortal wayfarer, and was the
-admiration of all beholders, as well as the centre of all joy and pride
-to his parents. He was a child of extraordinary loveliness and most
-noble bearing; and fortunately for him his father and mother had often
-remarked, that the peasant children were a healthier race than the
-offspring of a higher class, which procured for him the inestimable
-privilege of breathing fresh air, and exercising his little limbs out
-of doors.
-
-The cares of home became gradually so engrossing as to wean Mr. and
-Mrs. Hartland from the social circle, of which they had hitherto been
-the chief pillar and support, in their neighbourhood. They were now
-employed from morning till night in studying plans of education,
-mooting the comparative merits and demerits of schools, canvassing the
-question of public and private instruction, discussing the respective
-characters of Oxford and Cambridge, and laying schemes for futurity, as
-though time were to have no end.
-
-The natural consequence of these things was a considerable loss of
-popularity. People began to think both Mr. and Mrs. Hartland, who had
-been prime and general favourites, grown dull and selfish, forgetting
-that it was selfishness which passed the rigorous decree in adjudging
-that disagreeable quality to them. Mrs. Hartland, who never till now
-talked of books, soon obtained the opprobrious appellation of a Blue,
-and all Miss Ferret's efforts were unavailing to conciliate those who
-could not bear to think that the Hartlands were happy enough to do
-without them.
-
-Jemima, however, though she did her best to obtain forgiveness for her
-friends, did not fail to warn them in private of their improvidence.
-"Out of sight out of mind," was an apothegm which she urged with
-reiterated pathos, to deter the inhabitants of Henbury from renouncing
-the world, which she assured them "could not be drawn on and off like a
-glove." Nothing, in fact, could be more hostile to Miss Ferret's views
-than divisions and schisms, which, by splitting a neighbourhood into
-parties, diminished its general hospitality; or those withdrawings from
-society through sickness or sorrow, which lessened the gregarious
-tendencies of the people amongst whom she lived. We may therefore give
-her full credit for not leaving, as she herself expressed it, "a stone
-unturned" to bring our pair of recluses to reason, and induce them to
-seek their felicity where she found her own, namely, in the festive
-coterie. But Mrs. Hartland in the course of her new studies had, some
-how or other, stumbled upon the remarkable sentence which Charles the
-Twelfth of Sweden, when a boy, wrote with a pencil at the bottom of a
-map of Riga, demonstrative of those talents which were one day to
-astonish the world: "Dieu me l'a donnee et le diable ne me l'otera
-pas," and with maternal energy she replied in these celebrated words,
-intimating by their appropriation to her own case, the same heroic
-resolutions which inspired the Swede, to preserve that which had been
-granted to _her_ arms.
-
-"My dear Jemima," added she, unconsciously drawing up her head as she
-spoke, "there is nothing easier than for people to talk who are not
-mothers. I cannot perform by halves, the momentous duty which it has
-pleased heaven to devolve upon me. The sacred task can only be
-fulfilled by an entire devotion, and we must give ourselves up to the
-faithful discharge of this awful trust. Lady Goodman, too, has never
-known what it is to be a mother (raising her head still higher); and
-really, my dear, it is impossible, even for the best intentioned of
-one's friends who are _inexperienced_, to enter into the tremendous
-responsibilities of a parent."
-
-"No, thank heaven," answered Miss Ferret; "I know only by hearsay of
-the great pangs and perils, through the martyrdom of which you boast
-your new title; though our curate Mr. Pew, who had been but just
-appointed before your confinement, seeing me at your side when I
-accompanied you to the communion-table, stupidly churched me also, and
-gave me a share in all your thanksgivings for a son and heir. But
-depend upon it, my dear friend, that you will be tired of all this
-sort of thing by and by, and wish that you had not affronted your
-neighbours. Remember, after all said and done, that there cannot be any
-_great_ distinction in bringing a bantling into the world, when every
-beggar-woman in the parish has a troop at her heels. Your child will
-fare the better for not being thought so much of. I always say that
-'the watched pot never boils,' and people are constantly disappointed
-themselves, besides being intolerable to others, when they make too
-great a fuss about any thing that belongs to them."
-
-Mrs. Hartland was deeply offended, and thus ended an intercourse which
-had ceased to please on either side, and the _go-between_ quitted
-Henbury and its inhabitants for ever, enlisting herself from that
-moment amongst the most active of the oppositionists, who ridiculed
-their folly and resented their pretensions.
-
-Matters proceeded in this train till our once social pair had scarcely
-a neighbour with whom they interchanged the usual hospitalities. They
-were, however, so absorbed by their domestic interests, that no void
-was felt, and the only serious grief which disturbed their happiness
-was the want of a companion about his own age for their idol Algernon,
-who improved in beauty as he advanced in growth, and gave evidence of
-talents at five years old which might have been deemed uncommon at
-double that age.
-
-As may be imagined, Algernon experienced the very worst effects of the
-spoiling system. Every possible error in education seemed likely to
-lend its aid in making the child selfish, and the man, if he lived to
-become one, insignificant and disagreeable. Mrs. Hartland read every
-treatise which had ever been published on her favourite theme, and
-endeavoured to put every theory in practice. Like all late converts to
-any thing from its opposite, she was mad upon the subject of reading.
-Literature, next to the love of young Algernon, became her ruling
-passion, and the most tiresome pedantry of language succeeded her
-natural manner of expressing herself. Exercising a limited capacity on
-topics new to her understanding, and often above its calibre, our good
-dame's mind became the strangest mass that could be conceived of
-ill-digested systems, the principles of which she could not comprehend,
-but the practical results of which, however contradictory, she
-attempted to realize. Algernon was to be a miracle of early knowledge;
-yet his mind was not to be over-wrought. He was to be a prodigy of
-courage, while every living animal was banished from his presence, lest
-any injury should reach the child. Of self-denial he was to be a
-shining example, because Mrs. Hartland found that quality much insisted
-upon in the works which were now her chief delight; but at the same
-time her son's spirit was not to be broken by opposition, nor his
-temper soured by contradiction. From this specimen it is easy to judge
-of the whole, and the reader has no need of further insight into the
-chaos which we have sufficiently described.
-
-Mr. Hartland, though Greek and Latin had been driven into his cranium,
-and he was rather proud of his skill in prosody, was a person of still
-flatter intellect than his wife. Constitutional indolence also added
-lead to the dullness of his faculties. It is therefore not to be
-wondered at, that, mistaking his fair partner's activity for genius,
-and her dictatorial harangues, delivered in words, each of which was as
-long as a tape-worm, for the profoundest wisdom; he honestly believed
-that Minerva herself had stepped down from her niche in the celestial
-Pantheon, to assume the outward similitude of his better half.
-
-Now it so happened that, about the period of which we are speaking, a
-monstrous quarto, with prodigious margins, which professed to impart
-the newest and most approved method of teaching the young idea how to
-shoot like a vine along the march of modern intellect, arrived at
-Henbury-lodge. Mrs. Hartland flew at the prize, and disinterring the
-volume from the superincumbent mass of brown paper and twine by which
-it was environed, hastened to her sanctum, and opening at random, after
-the manner of the Virgilian lots, she chanced to light upon the
-following paragraph, which struck upon her eye and understanding as
-especially directed to her peculiar case:
-
-"Nothing is more essential to the healthful developement of infant
-mind, than congenial society. A child should associate with his
-_fellows_, and while the bodily organs are kept in wholesome exercise,
-the mental energies are thus directed to the natural objects of
-childish pursuit. To this end children should be allowed to consort
-together, and exhibit the true bearings of individual character,
-uncontrolled by the bias which is given to youth by a constant and
-injurious companionship with adults. In fine, a child should always be
-provided with at least one playmate of his own age."
-
-This paragraph rested on the mother's mind, and was the Mordecai of her
-peace. Her intercourse with the neighbouring gentry was reduced to an
-occasional exchange of morning visits, which afforded no opportunity of
-introducing her boy to the children of her acquaintance, and there
-seemed to be no probability of his having brother or sister with whom
-to associate at home. In this dilemma Mrs. Hartland often turned in her
-mind the temporary adoption of a peasant-child, who might serve the
-desired purpose; but as frequently rejected the idea, through dread of
-vulgar habits and low thoughts coming in contact with the mind of her
-son.
-
-While anxiously ruminating on what was best to be done, it happened
-that Mr. Ackland, a gentleman who lived a few miles distant from
-Henbury, called to enquire for the family, and in the course of
-conversation of that miscellaneous kind which morning visits usually
-supply, turned to Mrs. Hartland, and asked whether she had been to
-Hazle-moor?
-
-"Why to that desolate heath?" replied she. "I should not prefer a drive
-to Hazle-moor for any beauty which that part of the country can boast."
-
-"No," said Mr. Ackland, "the landscape is certainly not very alluring;
-but you have heard of the lovely little Spaniard. Have you not?"
-
-"I have not the least idea of what you allude to," answered Mrs.
-Hartland. "What Spaniard do you speak of?"
-
-"Oh!" replied Mr. Ackland, "I thought that every one within a circuit
-of twenty miles at least had heard of our beautiful infant stranger. It
-is upwards of a week since a troop of gipsies appeared upon Hazle-moor,
-and there they might have held their station ever since without
-exciting particular attention, were it not for the extraordinary
-perfections of a child, who has in some mysterious manner fallen into
-their hands. Two or three portrait-painters have already come to take
-likenesses of the fascinating little creature; and the wild community
-to which she belongs having discovered the profit which may be realized
-through her means, are daily making money by exhibiting the symmetry of
-her baby-form to all who are prompted by curiosity to visit this tiny
-enchantress."
-
-"Who is she?" said Mrs. Hartland.
-
-"That is precisely the question which every body asks, and none can
-answer," replied Mr. Ackland. "If her owners are acquainted with her
-parentage, they do not choose to tell more than that they purchased her
-from a soldier's wife, who seemed a worthless sort of person. Her
-little mantle, hat, and plume, together with her country's dialect,
-proclaim the land which gave her birth. She speaks fluently, though
-with lisping tongue, and calls herself Zoe, as the nearest
-approximation which she can make to the more difficult pronunciation of
-Zorilda, which is the name she bears."
-
-"Dear babe!" exclaimed Mrs. Hartland, "what will become of her?"
-
-"Alas!" said Mr. Ackland, "the parents who have been robbed of such a
-child are objects of one's tenderest commiseration; and as to the
-little one herself, it is but too easy to foretell that her course
-cannot prosper. She is now only three years old or thereabouts; and for
-a short time to come may not imbibe the poison of personal flattery,
-but a race of vanity will terminate in destruction. Were I not the
-father of a family, and fearful of introducing perhaps the murderer of
-future repose amongst my children by bringing a dangerous non-descript
-under my roof, I would certainly purchase Zorilda from her present
-possessors, and take her home to Newlands, in the hope of being able to
-restore her some day or other to her relations. Yet, on the other hand,
-she may be the property of people who are not desirous to reclaim her,
-and might entail a weighty responsbility on my head. Such a romantic
-importation into my household could not fail of working mischief in the
-fulness of time, and therefore I have resolved silencing all the
-_yearnings_ of impulse; but I recommend both you and Mr. Hartland
-to go and see her, as the wandering group who are intent on showing her
-to all who will pay them for the sight, will speedily pack up in all
-probability for some other scene."
-
-A sudden thought, which she refrained from promulging, darted across
-the mind of Mrs. Hartland, and she pondered intently on what had fallen
-from Mr. Ackland till the following day, when, ordering her carriage
-immediately after breakfast, she set out, accompanied by her husband,
-young Algernon, and his nurse, for Hazle-moor.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VI.
-
-    "Beauty provoketh Thieves sooner than Gold."
-
-    AS YOU LIKE IT.
-
-
-The day was fine, and Algernon in high sprightliness and bloom, while
-his delighted mother, stimulated by the opportunity of comparison which
-now presented itself, secretly doubted in the pride of her heart that
-any "mortal mixture of Earth's mould" could furnish such a specimen of
-infant grace, as feasted her raptured eyes whenever they rested on her
-darling, who had now attained the fifth anniversary of his birth.
-Arrived at the Gipsey encampment, the party from Henbury descended from
-their carriage and approached a crazy tent, the back of which was
-turned towards the road by which our visitors had arrived at
-Hazle-moor. Mrs. Hartland, snatching her boy's hand, pressed eagerly
-forward, seeking with all her eyes, in every direction, for the little
-Zorilda. A group of rustic looking children were at play in front of
-the tent, and Mrs. Hartland darted into the midst of the circle, but
-not seeing any thing attractive in the coarse physiognomy of these
-youthful boors, she was seized with sudden alarm lest the object of her
-curiosity had been borne away by some fortunate rival, in the very
-scheme which she was herself meditating at that moment.
-
-While she paused, not perceiving any grown person to whom she could
-direct an enquiry, a woman came running from a little distance and
-called out, "the Spanish child is here, Ma'am, please to walk this
-way." So saying, she conducted the party to the distance of a few
-hundred yards, till they reached a great mound of peat which had been
-piled together by the peasants of the country for firing, and formed a
-main source of incitement to the gipsies in selecting this spot for
-their temporary encampment.
-
-The woman preceded, followed by Mr. and Mrs. Hartland, Algernon, and
-his nurse, and as they turned round the corner of the peat-rick, they
-were arrested with astonishment at sight of the perfection of human
-loveliness which burst upon their impatient view. Nothing, which was
-ever fashioned in the laboratory of Nature in her most plastic mood,
-could surpass the exquisite beauty of the cherub who lay fast asleep
-upon a cushion of newly gathered heath, the rich purple blossoms of
-which, mingling with curls of glossy jet, seemed to breathe their
-perfumes in token of grateful pleasure, as the mountain breeze playing
-amongst the tender branches wafted their delicate sprays across the
-infant's polished brow, as if to guard the little angel from the sun's
-too fervid beams.
-
-Mr. and Mrs. Hartland gazed in silent rapture, but Algernon's
-transports were not so easily repressed; and Zorilda was wakened by the
-inconsiderate demonstration of his joy at sight of her. The pretty
-creature started from her fragrant pillow, and, frightened by the
-presence of strangers, opened wide the most splendid dark eyes, which
-till then had been reposing within their silken curtains, and, looking
-wildly round, stretched her dimpled arms towards the gipsey woman, to
-whose features she was accustomed; but ere the movement was finished,
-her attention was caught by the little boy, and springing forward to
-him, these charming children were in an instant locked in each other's
-embraces.
-
-Mrs. Hartland's tears bespoke the feelings of her heart, and the gipsey
-woman, desirous to heighten the effect of the scene by flattery,
-assured her that the little Spaniard had never before exhibited such
-sensibility to a stranger.
-
-The children played together with a kid which had attached itself to
-Zorilda, and lay cropping the stray sprigs of her flowery couch while
-she slept. As Mrs. Hartland retired back a few paces to indulge her
-emotion, the young Spaniard fancied that she was going away, and
-seizing her hand, pointed to Algernon with a look of deep anxiety,
-crying, in the sweetest possible accent, "Lady, no, no go." The spell
-was now firmly bound around the mother's affection, and she resolved,
-that if money could purchase the child, she would not return home
-without Zorilda. Mr. Hartland was in the habit, as has been stated, of
-yielding to every suggestion of his wife, whose prudence he respected
-as much as he admired her wisdom; and as he doted on his son, in common
-with her, and was as much delighted with Zorilda as Mrs. Hartland could
-possibly be, he entered warmly into the idea of securing such a
-treasure of companionship for Algernon, and set about negotiating the
-purchase with all the zeal of one who wished to succeed.
-
-The husband of the gipsey woman returned ere long, and much time did
-not elapse before a bargain was concluded, the terms of which were,
-that the child should accompany the party to Henbury, leaving the best
-part of her little wardrobe behind, and fifty guineas were to be
-exchanged for her in cash. The gipsies were in reality very anxious to
-sell the infant, as, though the avidity of gain rendered them desirous
-to exhibit her for profit, they suffered continual uneasiness from the
-dread of her being claimed. They had, it is true, stolen her in a
-distant part of the kingdom, and reached Hazle-moor by forced marches
-and by intricate bye ways; but much farther concealment could not be
-hoped for, and the mere loss of their booty was not the worst which
-these lawless plunderers apprehended. They would be punished for the
-flagrant violation of the laws which they had committed, and therefore
-gladly availed themselves of the first offer to take the little girl
-off their hands for a pecuniary price.
-
-The business was arranged, and Zorilda, who clung with the greatest
-solicitude to her new acquaintance, as if she felt it more natural as
-well as agreeable to associate with them than her late masters, was put
-into the carriage. Algernon followed, and Mrs. Hartland was just
-raising her foot to the step, when Zorilda's kid made a spring, and
-took precedence most ungallantly of the lady. The children were charmed
-with nanny-goat's agility, clasped it in their arms, and begged that it
-might be left with them. Half a guinea settled this second sale, and
-the happy family drove away; Mr. Hartland having stipulated to redeem
-his promissory note on the next market-day at the Tholsel, and an
-engagement having been agreed to by the wandering horde, that no
-enquiries should ever be made by any of them again concerning the
-Spanish foundling.
-
-"Who _can_ this little darling be?" said Mrs. Hartland. It was in
-vain that she catechised the child. "Zoe," was the only reply to the
-question, however frequently repeated, of "what is your name?"
-
-The little stranger speedily adopted the sounds of "papa and mamma,"
-the happy children lived in each other's smiles, unconscious that a
-time might ever come when joy should be exchanged for grief; and what
-is more extraordinary, such is the contraction of a selfish spirit,
-parents who ought to have been able to take a wider survey of causes
-and effects, were satisfied with present expediency, and resolved that
-futurity should shift for itself.
-
-Time rolled on; the same lessons, the same amusements, occupied the
-opening minds of Algernon and Zorilda; yet in reality how dissimilar
-was the education which they received! Admired, and even cherished as
-was the latter, she was in point of fact a purchased slave, while the
-former was the hope, the promise, the prop, and pillar of his father's
-house. As we have never obtained a phrenological survey of these
-childrens' heads, we shall not say any thing of original configuration
-with reference to faculties and positions, nor fraudulently entrap our
-readers into a new edition of Locke on the human understanding, when
-they expect to find a narrative relating to individuals and events. It
-suffices us as faithful biographers to state that, while Algernon was
-theoretically informed, Zorilda was practically instructed; and as
-early impressions are generally conceived to possess considerable
-influence on subsequent character, we hope to be pardoned for briefly
-describing the opposite results of two systems essentially different
-from each other. Were the children at their meals? Algernon was told
-that good boys were never greedy, but he was always helped first. Were
-the little friends at play? Algernon often heard that the eldest, who
-had most sense, should always give up, and "the young gentleman yield
-to the young lady." Yet Algernon who was selfish, contended, conquered,
-and was never reprimanded. He was _recommended_ to be polite, but the
-little Zorilda was _commanded_ to bring him whatever he wanted. Matters
-in short were so managed, or rather mismanaged, that _words_ were
-employed with one, and _actions_ with the other; _shadows_ were the
-portion of Algernon, while all the _substance_ of discipline was
-bestowed on Zorilda.
-
-As the children advanced they read the same books, they were taught by
-the same masters, they learned the same accomplishments, but literary
-or ornamental acquirement is only the surface of education. The
-foundation of character, such as forms the real distinction between
-individuals of the human species, must be laid in the heart, and
-whether a man is the blessing or the curse of that society in which he
-possesses influence in after life, generally depends upon the practical
-nature of those views by which his natural propensities are regulated,
-his vicious tendencies repressed, and every noble, virtuous indication
-strengthened and encouraged. Profession is not principle; saying is not
-doing; and the fruits will correspond with the methods pursued in
-training the youthful mind. Algernon and Zorilda doted on each other,
-but the former loved himself better than his little companion. He could
-not endure her absence, but it was because her sweet temper, cheerful
-acquiescence and inventive talents, increased the measure of his
-enjoyment by constant study to please, and perpetual variety in the
-means of amusement. Zorilda's affection on the contrary was
-unadulterated by the alloy of selfishness. She could not imagine
-pleasure separate from the happiness of those who were dear to her
-little heart. Though her childish sports lost all their charm when
-Algernon did not share them, she would at any moment endeavour to
-promote his gratification by the sacrifice of her own; and employed her
-irresistible eloquence in furthering the indulgence of a ride upon the
-favourite pony at Mr. Hartland's side, which would deprive her of all
-she valued till the return of her beloved play-fellow from his
-excursion.
-
-At length arrived the important hour of decision upon the long agitated
-question of a public school or a private tutor; and the latter was
-agreed upon. Mr. Playfair's credentials were unexceptionable, and he
-commenced his course with every prospect of mutual liking. He was a
-middle-aged man, of pleasing manners, and an excellent scholar; but as
-he was given to understand that no moral instruction was required at
-his hands, he soon learned to desist from interfering with a department
-placed beyond the bounds of his jurisdiction.
-
-"I would not allow any mortal," said Mrs. Hartland, "to supersede me in
-the pleasing task of forming the mind and manners of my son;" and we
-have already seen how she was qualified for the work which she
-determined on executing without substitute or auxiliary.
-
-Algernon wept over the Latin Grammar, and chiefly, because he did not
-see any one else condemned to the labours which were inflicted on him.
-
-"Why does not Mr. Playfair make Zoe as unhappy as I am, and give her
-this hard lesson to get by heart?" said the boy, as he sobbed upon his
-mother's breast.
-
-Zoe was also drowned in tears; but it was because Algernon was
-afflicted, and her question, urged in the softest tenderest accent,
-was, "Oh, why may not I learn his lesson? I will then teach it to him."
-
-These two short and simple queries furnish the clue by which to follow
-the entire labyrinth of these childrens' course. Mr. Playfair, who was
-charmed with Zorilda's beauty and docility, readily undertook to aid
-her generous purpose, by becoming her tutor, to which Mrs. Hartland
-willingly consented; "_not_ that Greek and Latin," said she, "are
-necessary for a young lady, but as dear Zoe, who in point of fact is
-_nobody_, much as we love her, may turn all that we can do for her
-to future account, she may now be made useful to Algernon as well as
-herself, by sharing _all_ his labours."
-
-This fiat, though pronounced in an under voice, struck on Zorilda's ear
-and attention. She was now only six years old, but the remarkable
-acuteness of her sensibility, as well as understanding, rendered a
-thousand appeals to both, which were beyond the reach of much older
-children, comprehensible to her young mind; and the word _nobody_
-suffused her expressive countenance with a blush of deepest die. She
-had often heard the question asked, "Who is she?" "Zoe," was her only
-reply, and she had never tarried to hear another answer. This
-_nobody_ perplexed her little heart, and, running into the arms of
-Mrs. Hartland, she buried her glowing face in the bosom of her
-protectress.
-
-"What do you mean, dear Mamma? sure Algernon is somebody; and though I
-am younger, is not Zoe somebody too? we are both _your_ children."
-
-Mrs. Hartland sighed, and, caressing the child, disengaged herself from
-the tender pressure, while a "Yes, my love," hastily uttered as she
-left the room, had the effect of brushing away the tear which, at Zoe's
-age, "is dried as soon as shed."
-
-Mr. Playfair was a man of distinguished learning, but he possessed
-qualities of much rarer character than scholarship. He was a man of
-strong sense and deep feeling.
-
-Mrs. Hartland on quitting the room had given him a look of
-intelligence, which he understood, and following her to another
-apartment, he listened, for the first time, to the history of Zorilda's
-introduction at Henbury.
-
-When the story was finished, Mr. Playfair ventured to suggest a hint of
-future inconvenience from this lovely child's domestication in the
-family.
-
-"A day will come," added he, "in which the truth _must_ be revealed,
-and I foresee at least the possibility of great misery and
-embarrassment."
-
-Selfish people seldom take long views even for themselves, but happily
-for the rest of mankind, are generally so uncompromising and
-precipitate in endeavouring to compass their ends, as to put others on
-their defence, and enable them sometimes to counteract, always to
-anticipate the bearing of an illiberal spirit, intent on its own
-exclusive gratification.
-
-Mr. Playfair possessed discrimination, and took in at a glance the
-entire _carte du pays_. Though the little Zorilda was affectionately
-treated at Henbury, he clearly perceived that she would be
-unrelentingly sacrificed to the interests of ambition, and shaken off
-without any attention to her feelings whenever a period arrived in
-which it might be deemed prudent to get rid of her; but she was an
-unfriended orphan, and to snatch her from present positive good in
-order to avoid future contingent evil, might perhaps have been scarcely
-justifiable, even though ability to do so had seconded inclination. In
-Mr. Playfair's case it was impossible. He had no resources, and was a
-single man. All that his situation permitted, he determined on
-contributing for the benefit of his interesting charge, and never were
-exertions more fully repaid. Zorilda's talents were of the first order,
-and what is not usual, the solidity of her understanding equalled its
-extraordinary quickness. She learned with surprising facility, and
-discovered such a thirst for knowledge, that, never satisfied with
-superficial glimmerings, she loved to probe the depths of every subject
-which lay open to her pursuit.
-
-Algernon's sloth bore strict proportion to Zorilda's industry, of which
-he knew how to reap the profit in a manner most congenial to his taste.
-Certain of having his exercise written, and his translation parsed by
-the companion of his studies, before she looked at her own task, he
-gave himself as little trouble as possible; but, aware that the measure
-of his idleness must continually depend on that of Zoe's diligence and
-application, he encouraged in her what he neglected in his own
-instance, and thus was instrumental in assisting Mr. Playfair's
-benevolent design of storing the mind of the young unknown against the
-hour of adversity. Whatever was the subject of instruction, Zorilda's
-intuitive clearness of perception anticipated the labours of her tutor,
-and she actually learned faster than he could teach; yet vanity was a
-stranger to her young heart. Conscious of ignorance, while she sought
-information, it appeared to her nothing extraordinary that she should
-understand what the wisdom of others supplied: she transferred all
-honour to her instructor, and as Mr. Playfair had too sincere an
-interest in the welfare of his pupil to flatter her, our little heroine
-passed her early spring of life without guessing that her talents
-exceeded the common faculties of her fellow-creatures. Algernon
-breathed, on the contrary, an atmosphere of continual praise, with
-which his injudicious mother endeavoured to stimulate his progress. The
-two children might be compared to plants, the one of which put forth
-its sickly bloom in the artificial soil of a hot-bed; while the other,
-fanned by the breezes, and fertilized by the dews of heaven, flourished
-in full luxuriance of natural strength and beauty; but as the gardener,
-who digs, prunes, trains, and waters, is the only person interested in
-the gradual unfolding of those "leafy honours," which it is enough for
-the casual visitor to see fully developed, we shall now draw a curtain
-over the scene of budding hopes; or, if we may be allowed to conclude
-our present Chapter with another simile, we will dive like the wild sea
-bird into the ocean of time, on the surface of which we have been
-slowly sailing, and hiding beneath the billows for a season, start up
-anew after a temporary submersion.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VII.
-
-    We were as twinned lambs that did frisk i' the sun
-    And bleat the one at the other: what we changed
-    Was innocence for innocence. We knew not
-    The doctrine of ill-doing. No, nor dreamed
-    That any did.
-
-    WINTER'S TALE.
-
-
-As we are not shackled by those inconvenient unities which fetter the
-discursive propensities of the dramatist, binding him to time and
-place, we have been permitted to take a ramble or a doze as our
-inclinations prompted, and re-assemble at Henbury, after an interval of
-some years.
-
-On our return, we are naturally struck with the changes which such a
-lapse has effected. Many alterations have taken place amongst our old
-friends in the Hartland family since our last domestication amongst
-them. On our return we found, it is true, the same dramatis personae;
-but the aspect of things was changed. The master of the mansion was the
-first to appear as we approached his dwelling; and though men of his
-temperament are remarkable for wearing well, the perennial smile which
-used to illumine his features with the dead-light of a peat-coal fire,
-was darkened by a cloud, if not of contemplation, certainly of care,
-which had destroyed the only redeeming expression of a mindless
-countenance. He was riding over his farm, with his eyes fixed on
-vacancy, while he went at a snail's pace, and his horse's bridle lay
-floating on the pummel of the saddle. We next discovered that Mrs.
-Hartland was not far off, as we heard her speak before we had the
-pleasure of seeing her, and learned, on inquiry, that we were not
-mistaken in our recollection of her voice, though it was now employed
-in scolding, which was a novelty to our ears.
-
-"Ay," said the gardener, with whom we held some conversation before we
-were enabled to judge for ourselves, "Missess has taken latterly to
-thrift, and her eye is every where. We say that, like what is remarked
-of the Bristol men, she sleeps with one eye open, for nothing escapes
-her. She is all for the lucre of gain. The family is kept as bare as
-can be, and she sends off the best of every thing to market. Miss
-Ferret now supplies the whole country round with Henbury pork, and
-Henbury fowls, and Henbury cheese, vegetables, fruit, and flowers.
-Nothing will go down that doesn't come from Henbury; and it is
-lamentable to see a lady scuffling about early and late, in her thick
-shoes and rug cloak; battling with every body, and grinding people to
-powder with her tongue; and all this to puff up pride, by heaping up
-treasure for him who will not have the heart to spend it as he ought.
-If it wasn't for that angel, Miss Zoe, who keeps the young Squire in
-check, he would be just as great a skin-flint as his mother."
-
-Accuracy of observation is not to be measured by refinement of phrase;
-and though this rough sketch was delivered in coarse language, it was a
-correct delineation. Mr. Hartland's strictness of economy had grown out
-of circumstances, the chief amongst which was a decline in the health
-of Lady Marchdale. Should she die, there was danger that Lord Marchdale
-would marry again, and thus the remotest chance might be cut off of
-Algernon's succession to the title and estates of his noble relative.
-As matters stood, though _hope_ fluttered her golden pinion, and
-sometimes dazzled the mother's eye, _expectation_ could not be said to
-live in her breast, for she knew that Lord Marchdale had levied fines,
-and could alienate his property if he pleased; but he was fond of his
-name, and her son bore not only that of the family, but the Earl's
-Christian name in addition; besides, the relation of godfather was
-_something_, and the best look-out of all was, that a nobleman so
-situated might delay making his will; in which case, were he to die
-intestate, Algernon was next heir after his own father. These were
-strong points, but not sufficient ground to _rest_ upon, and therefore
-Mrs. Hartland prudently resolved to act as if the hedge-rows of Henbury
-formed the extremest horizon of her view. Having taken the lead in her
-son's education for several years, and perhaps believing that he was
-_quite_ faultless, she gradually relaxed the severity of her studies,
-and, ranging the ponderous volumes over which she had pored during many
-a day upon the shelf, she devoted herself to active concerns, and
-became so expert in buying and selling, farming and feeding, that every
-year found a new deposit in the hands of Mr. Fairly, the stock-broker.
-
-"My dear," said Mrs. Hartland to her husband, "we must not depend on
-accidents. Our duty is to lay up for our child. If he comes to the
-family title and fortune, well and good; no harm is done, and a
-nest-egg in the funds is never amiss. If, on the other hand, we are
-disappointed, Algernon may still hold up his head amongst our
-neighbours, if we scrape together our pence, and live as we ought to
-do."
-
-Mr. Hartland nodded assent, and the screwing system commenced, not,
-however, without a keen eye to appearances, which were to be observed
-so as to maintain a show of gentility suited to prospective
-contingencies. The warm, broad, laughing fire was exchanged for the
-sullen brasier or the sulphurous stove; and though Mr. Playfair more
-than once reminded Mrs. Hartland of the anecdote of Alexander and
-Diogenes, she contrived to exclude the brightness of the sun, along
-with the caloric of his beams, from affording compensation for the
-deficiency of coals, by blocking up half the windows in the house, to
-avoid the tax upon daylight. The _form_ of two courses certainly
-graced the table; but in the first, the smoking joint had given way to
-scraps and messes dished up nobody knew how, or from what material,
-while never-ending Jerusalem artichokes, skerrets, and celery, played
-an unfailing part in furnishing the second. We were assured that Mrs.
-Hartland's parsimony had even descended to mixing the wines with water,
-before they were put down after dinner.
-
-But where were the young people, and how had time dealt with them? The
-old lord of the scythe and hour-glass had performed the promise which,
-during their infancy, he made to each. Algernon, who had reached his
-nineteenth year, was strikingly handsome. Nearly six feet in height, he
-had nothing of the awkwardness which usually marks that age; but
-presented the appearance of full-grown five-and-twenty. Algernon was,
-however, still the same indolent and selfish being of our former
-acquaintance. He had imbibed just enough of knowledge and acquirement
-to shew how much more he might have attained, and possessed abilities
-capable of far higher cultivation than he could be prevailed upon to
-employ; but self was the deity of his worship, and we need say no more
-of him.
-
-Of Zorilda--what words can be found to convey an adequate idea of her
-perfections? She had numbered nearly seventeen years, and in face and
-figure exhibited a model of female loveliness. The exquisite beauty of
-her form, the natural grace of every movement, and the penetrating
-sensibility of her countenance, would have rivetted all beholders, even
-though her features had wanted that symmetry which is requisite to
-charm the artist's eye; but Zorilda might have defied the painter's
-skill to find a fault in the proportions of her face, and that face
-bespoke the soul which dwelt within, and was worthy of such a casket to
-contain such a gem. Never did imagination create a more delightful
-fiction than was realized in the person of the youthful Spaniard. Was
-it wonderful, then, that all who looked upon her, saw and loved?
-
-For two young people to have lived from infancy together without having
-ascertained that they were not related to each other by even the
-remotest tie of consanguinity, would be ridiculous to suppose, and was
-not the fact, though Mr. and Mrs. Hartland had been silent, and ordered
-their household to abstain from any communication which might destroy
-the illusion of brother and sister, which, if established into habitual
-belief, might never be questioned, and prevent the growth of those
-sentiments which the anxious parents at _last_ dreaded to anticipate.
-Blinded by her wishes, as well as natural presumption, Mrs. Hartland
-had long refused to open her eyes to the possible consequences of her
-imprudent conduct, in domesticating her only son with the most
-attractive of her sex, unless she desired a union between them. She saw
-nothing but the accomplishment of her own views in _any_ arrangement;
-and even after the warning voice of Mr. Playfair had put her on her
-guard, thought it only necessary to employ an increased reserve upon
-the topic of Zoe's origin, to secure against an unfortunate result, and
-continue to Algernon the happiness of companionship, without
-endangering his future repose.
-
-"Should a time ever arrive," said the coarse-grained Mrs. Hartland,
-"when it may become requisite to take stronger measures, it is only
-necessary to tell Algernon the truth. _My_ son will never disgrace
-himself by alliance with a gipsey. We can remove Zoe at any time, as I
-say, Mr. Playfair. I appeal to _you_, rather than Mr. Hartland, on
-this point, because he is absurdly fond of the girl, and I often tell
-him that I am certain he loves that _enfant trouve_ better than his own
-flesh and blood."
-
-"If he did not love his ward," replied Mr. Playfair, "he would be less
-than human. Every body loves her, and when she is called hence amongst
-her kindred of the skies, the angels will greet her, not as a stranger,
-but beloved companion, who had been detached from the heavenly ranks
-for a season, to teach earth better things than mortals could have
-learned without her. Madam, you know my opinion; I have often told you
-that the young people are bound in cords of affection for each other,
-which it will be a heart-break to dissever. Your son may not suffer
-much; the world lies before him; he will soon go to the University, and
-find new friends as well as amusements; but not so the gentle, the
-tender Zorilda, of whose happiness you seem to make small account. May
-I ask what are your intentions respecting her? She is already a woman
-in growth, and her acquirements would do honour to any age; believe me,
-the danger increases daily, and an indissoluble engagement may bind
-your son in chains, which having forged yourself, you could not desire
-him to break; you would not have him act dishonourably, and sully his
-name for ever in the eyes of virtue and delicacy."
-
-"Nonsense! Mr. Playfair," said Mrs. Hartland, with vehemence, "virtue
-and delicacy indeed! There would be much of these fine qualities
-required to make me keep my temper, if I feared the fulfilment of your
-prediction. I _must_ say that, after so many years passed in my
-family, I might naturally expect that you would enter a little more
-into the feelings of a mother, and the interests of our house; but
-truly, gratitude is a rare return now-a-days for the most valuable
-friendship. I cannot conceive why you should not see the impossibility
-of a marriage between Algernon, the stay, the support, I may surely
-add, the heir apparent, of a noble house, and an orphan out-cast. Who
-is Zorilda?"
-
-Mr. Playfair's cheek burned with honest indignation, but he determined
-to control himself, and calmly replied:--
-
-"The period of our separation. Madam, is drawing near, and I do not
-wish to embitter the last moments of sojournment under your roof by
-useless inquiries into the measure of my gratitude. For _kindness_ I am
-always acknowledging, but if you allude to my pecuniary obligations,
-which if I mistake not, take the lead in _your_ estimate of favours
-conferred, I must beg leave to observe that I have dearly earned my
-salary as tutor to your son, and may perhaps be presumptuous enough to
-think that, on casting up the amount of mutual benefit, the balance of
-debt may lie against you. But we were talking of a worthier theme; you
-inquire of me, Who is Zorilda? I am sure if you who introduced her here
-are ignorant of her birth and parentage, it would be difficult for me
-to have discovered them. I can only say that whoever her parents may
-be, they are enviable as having given being to such a creature, and
-pitiable for having lost her. The only particle of rebellion in her
-whole soul against the wisdom of that Providence to which she bows in
-all things else with meek submission, may be traced in the anguish
-which she endures on the score of her mysterious history. Her
-suspicions have been long confirmed. She knows that she is not your
-child, and is likewise aware of the obscure destiny from which she was
-redeemed, through a money price paid by you. 'Alas!' she often exclaims
-to me, 'what have I done to deserve this cruel punishment? Am I one of
-those who fall under condemnation for the sins of their forefathers?
-Why am I a cast-away? Is it like the abundant mercy of a gracious God,
-who sendeth rain on the just and the unjust with prodigal bounty, thus
-to visit a guiltless being so severely? Death would be preferable to
-this brand of disgrace. It is like the mark set upon Cain, and shame
-overwhelms me when I think of my lot. Yes, dear Mr. Playfair, there is
-a worm which dieth not, gnawing incessantly at my heart's core.'
-
-"In this way, Madam, does Zorilda pour out her grief to me. You know
-nothing of it, for she thinks it her duty not to broach a subject which
-you have never touched upon with her. She is wretched as she is lovely
-and virtuous! Spare her, I conjure you, and let not her feelings be
-wounded; you may have to answer for her life. When I leave Henbury, I
-may be able to devise some scheme for the future. I have a sister who
-lives in Switzerland, and I will----"
-
-Just as Mr. Playfair uttered these words, the door opened, and Zorilda
-entered the room, radiant with bloom, such as the breath of morn
-dapples on the velvet cheek of youth. Her long dark eye-lashes were
-moistened by a tear, and looked like the silky grass which waves on the
-streamlet's verge before the sun has smiled away the dew-drop which
-glitters through its graceful fringes, while with light and gentle step
-she pressed forward to Mrs. Hartland, holding in her hand a bunch of
-half-blown roses.
-
-"Here is my first offering from the little tree which Algernon brought
-me last year, from Marchdale Court; I have kept it secret to surprise
-dear Mamma."
-
-It was an unlucky moment, and the association of ideas produced by the
-few words which Zorilda had spoken, was at that instant peculiarly
-unfortunate. Mrs. Hartland forced a reluctant smile, accompanying a
-frigid "Thank you," which chilled Zoe to the heart.
-
-"What is the matter, dearest Mamma? are you ill? or has any thing
-happened to displease you?"
-
-"Do not tease me, Zoe; I was speaking on business of importance with
-Mr. Playfair; and, my dear, you are growing too old to say _Mamma_. I
-wish that you would begin to call me Mrs. Hartland."
-
-Zorilda had an intuitive delicacy of character which gave her
-sufficient command over her feelings to prevent a _scene_. Mrs.
-Hartland was too unlike her in almost every respect to have ever been
-the friend of her choice; but she was the only one who had occupied the
-place of Mother to her, and her whole soul was formed to gratitude and
-affection; but she had now for the first time experienced repulse, and
-minds of sensibility do not require to be told what misery may be
-inflicted on a confiding spirit, by the rejection of its tender
-sympathies. Zorilda was stung to the quick, but restraining every
-expression of excitement, she glided hastily from the apartment,
-carrying with her the unwelcome flowers, which she perceived afforded
-no gratification.
-
-Without stopping to be informed whether Algernon had returned from his
-ride, Zorilda flew to an arbour of acacias at some distance from the
-house, and throwing herself upon a rustic seat, beneath its shade, gave
-vent to a full tide of sorrow. When the oppression of her bosom was in
-some measure relieved, she knelt down, and clasping her hands with
-uplifted energy of supplication, prayed for fortitude to bear the ills
-which seemed impending. The Divine aid is never asked in vain, and
-Zorilda rose strengthened by the fervency of her petition. Her soul was
-soothed and tranquillized, and she thanked the Almighty for a friend
-who had in some degree prepared her for events which she now perceived
-in prospect.
-
-"Yes! Mr. Playfair has sometimes almost appeared unkind, in dwelling on
-my misfortunes, and prophecying this evil hour, when I should no longer
-be loved by the protectors of my youth. How _picturesque_ they love a
-purchased stranger? The sad truth is now revealed. While yet children,
-our infant sports caused no uneasiness, and we enjoyed happiness
-unmixed with care. We are children no longer, and I am not wanted here.
-The unknown Zorilda, the wandering gipsey, the dependent orphan, is not
-considered meet companion for Algernon, advanced to manhood. What shall
-I do? I must quit the asylum of my youth, the loved partner of my
-playful hours, the venerable instructor of my early days, and remove
-this weight of anxiety from the breast of my benefactress."
-
-"Never!" exclaimed Algernon, who, rushing impetuously into the arbour,
-caught Zorilda in his arms. "What means this emotion? Zoe, you must be
-my wife, and then you shall stay here as in your natural home. In the
-mean time leave it all to me. You know my influence with my mother; I
-will come to the bottom of these whims, and you shall hear no more of
-them."
-
-"Speak not disrespectfully of your mother, Algernon; she is right, we
-should either of us perhaps pursue the same course were we in her
-situation. She once said that I was "nobody." All ask "Who is she?" to
-which painful question there is no answer to be given; and why should I
-delude myself any more. I thought the world was kind because every one
-caressed me, but when they did so I was a mere plaything. Those who
-once cherished are now ashamed of me, and this is what I can never
-bear. Mr. Playfair has taught me many things, and your mother (oh! must
-I never again call her mine) has not neglected to make me useful. I
-will earn my bread, and be a willing sacrifice if my departure can
-restore the peace which I have disturbed."
-
-Algernon, though spoiled by indulgence, and rendered vain by flattery,
-was as yet uncorrupted by the cold maxims of worldly wisdom, and loved
-Zorilda with all the devotion of which a narrow soul was capable. She
-was the confidant of all his pains and pleasures. In her society the
-former were always mitigated, the latter constantly enhanced. He had
-gazed upon her beautiful countenance, which reflected every ray that
-cheered or cloud that darkened his own from infancy to youth; and he
-could not realize to his mind the possibility of a separation from a
-being so habitually necessary to his comfort.
-
-"I will threaten my mother to shoot myself if she plagues you any
-more," vociferated Algernon; and before the gentle Zoe could reply, he
-darted from the arbour and ran to seek his agitated parent; while
-Zorilda bent her steps towards a walk where she thought it likely that
-she should meet Mr. Playfair, in which hope she was not disappointed. A
-conversation with him was always sure to give her comfort; and never
-had she so much needed the balm of kindness as on the present occasion.
-Zorilda wept with bitterness as she expressed her grief and surprize at
-the altered tone of Mrs. Hartland, and an impatient desire to sacrifice
-every consideration to that of removing a source of disquietude from
-her breast.
-
-"Softly, my dear child," said Mr. Playfair, as he kindly pressed the
-hand of his pupil. "We must not allow ourselves to act on mere
-impulses, however amiable. There are _picturesque_ sorrows which must
-not be allowed to tempt us out of the broad high way of a sober march.
-We must not talk of victims and sacrifices, altars and shrines. Though
-I know your heart, and how sincere are your wishes to promote the
-happiness of others, even to the forgetfulness of your own, I cannot
-permit you to be romantic. There is a vanity in heroic deeds which dims
-the purity of action. My dear Zoe will act, I trust, in all things with
-a _single_ purpose, and that purpose is to endeavour at the performance
-of _duty_, the most difficult part of which, in morals as in the field
-of war, is to _forbear_. Your path is sown with thorns, but I have
-often warned you against repining. Believe and trust, pray to Him who
-alone appoints the issue of events, for patience to _submit_. You
-cannot see why you are thus grieved--you do not understand why you are
-a nameless, solitary, insulated being, unknown, unclaimed, unconnected;
-while all whom you see around are encircled in the social bands of fond
-relationship. You do not behold the _end_. A day may come in which you
-shall be suffered to comprehend the mysteries which now obscure your
-sight; or, should it not please God to send a lamp to your feet, you
-may learn to bless the darkness by which you are enveloped, and rejoice
-in that uncertainty which you now consider your greatest misfortune.
-You must not leave Henbury. Mrs. Hartland is bound to protect you, and
-will do so. You will correspond with me, and I will watch your
-interests with an anxious eye."
-
-The ingenuous Zorilda confessed that some pride and impetuosity were
-perhaps mingled with better feelings, in her hasty resolution to quit
-the friends of her youth; and promising implicit acquiescence in her
-Mentor's advice, prepared to return to the house. In her way thither
-she met Algernon, who hastened to inform her that he had settled every
-thing with his mother. "I told her fairly that I would never marry any
-one but you; and that unless she chose to quarrel with me, she must
-behave as she used to do in former times towards you. You know that I
-can do any thing with my mother, and therefore you need not fret
-yourself any more. Do dry your eyes, for I hate to see you in this
-deplorable state. Come and feed the pheasants, I have not been to visit
-them to day."
-
-The disinterestedness of a noble mind attributes its own qualities to
-every other, and Zorilda could perceive no motive in Algernon's conduct
-at any time which would not have actuated her own in a similar
-situation. She thanked him affectionately, but, gently rebuking him for
-not speaking more kindly of his mother, added,
-
-"You vex her I am sure by talking of marrying. You and I are very
-young; we cannot see into futurity. I do not like engagements that bind
-one to do what perhaps the free heart might reject at an after-time.
-You are going away, and will find new pleasures in the world, and of
-which you never dreamed before. You will not, it may be, always think
-of poor Zoe as you do now, and I could not be satisfied with the cold
-performance of a vow. I shall never love any beside Algernon, but
-_you_ must be free."
-
-Zorilda's tears gushed afresh as she uttered these words; to which her
-youthful lover impatiently replied,
-
-"You know, Zoe, that I have no _taste_ for this _larmoyante_ mood; I
-love the laughing philosophers; they are the only true ones after all.
-Tottham, our bailiff, told me lately that my godfather cannot live
-long. When he dies my father succeeds to a certainty. Then I shall be
-Lord Hautonville, with the higher title of Marchdale in prospect; and
-may do what I please. Now I please to marry you, and let me hear what
-is to prevent me from following my inclination."
-
-Zoe sighed. "Dear Algernon, I do not love to build a life of happiness
-upon the death of friends. I love you as you are, and do not like the
-titles in your family half so well as your own pretty name. Besides, I
-am sure from what Mr. Playfair says of the world, that I should never
-enjoy its gay pageants. I would rather feed our gold and silver
-pheasants than see myself decorated with all the jewels which you often
-tell me shall one day be mine."
-
-"You will not always think so," replied Algernon; "and I should be
-sorry if you did. Nothing, it is said, is more annoying to a man of
-fashion than a rustic wife who does not know her situation."
-
-"Alas!" said the artless Zoe, "I do not like the only specimen of high
-life that I have seen amongst young men, and ever since you and the
-Marquess of Turnstock have taken so many rides together, you have
-picked up several new notions unlike your former self. I wish that his
-Lordship would go away, and leave our sober country."
-
-"That he will not do till the shooting season is over," answered
-Algernon; "and I can tell you, that our acquaintance is only in the
-bud. He is an Oxford man, and I expect that we shall be much together.
-Here comes my mother. She has made me promise not to call you my wife,
-nor talk any more of our marriage in her presence. So upon the
-principle of 'any thing for a quiet life,' I shall indulge her during
-my short remaining stay, and she will be all civility and good-humour
-with you. Are you not much obliged to me?"
-
-Zorilda sighed again. Mrs. Hartland came up; took her son's arm;
-discovered that some overhanging branches required lopping, and sent
-Zorilda off with affected unconstraint to call the gardener, and see
-the job executed.
-
-Mrs. Hartland now felt that her innocent ward was a grievous encumbrance,
-but she rejoiced to see her son attach himself _con amore_ to the society
-of the young nobleman of whom we have made mention, and who had lately
-come to pay a visit in the neighbourhood of Henbury.
-
-"Mr. Playfair is right," said she to herself, as she soliloquized on
-this subject, which now absorbed all her thoughts: "I ought not to
-take this thing to heart. Opposition only rivets faster whatever we
-resist in a young mind, and matters which are often spoiled by our
-interference, would rectify themselves if we let them alone. Algernon
-will be cured of his _first love_ by the sight of newer faces, and
-I am resolved to give a hint to Lord Turnstock, to serve as a cue
-hereafter, for ridiculing low matches, in the presence of my dear boy,
-who will grow wise in time. Poor Zoe is useful to me, and I should
-certainly lose a great deal by giving her up, besides appearing cruel
-and capricious. No, no; all will come about in the end, and a little
-flirtation in early life never leaves lasting impression, now that the
-days of romance have vanished. My sister Gordon too, is a valuable
-_corps de reserve_. She will come to visit me ere long, and will
-dote on Zorilda, who is just formed in the very mould for her. I
-_will not_ torment myself: 'All's well that ends well.'"
-
-With the help of these reflections Mrs. Hartland allayed the ferment of
-her temper, and went to give orders that due preparation should be made
-for the Marquess, who was invited to dine at Henbury, by way of
-securing his future friendship for the Oxonian elect. How comically do
-people in middling life deceive themselves respecting the nature of an
-occasional intercourse with the great! A hum-drum pair, in a remote
-situation, ransack the entire district to get up a dull dinner at
-enormous cost; and the noble stranger, for whom this unusual expense is
-incurred, does penance for a banquet which is supposed to be as fine a
-thing in his eyes as in those of his unpractised entertainers, and to
-create a sense of obligation never to be forgotten. The Marquess of
-Turnstock was precisely one of those young men of fashion who consider
-their presence ample requital for a lavish expenditure of the best
-viands, and the choicest wines; and as the country afforded little
-variety, an invitation from the Hartlands arrived seasonably enough in
-aid of killing a day. A cook was sent for to the county town; and fish,
-flesh, and fowls, in accredited rotation, were provided from all
-quarters. The Marquess brought three or four gentlemen, who were, he
-said, "brother sportsmen," along with him; and Mrs. Hartland expressed
-herself as particularly gratified with this indication of his desire to
-cultivate an intimacy with her son. "It was such an easy friendly act,
-and shewed how completely his Lordship felt _at home_" that she augured
-every thing from such a beginning.
-
-Zorilda entreated leave to absent herself from the dinner table, to
-which Mrs. Hartland at first objected, from a secret hope that some one
-of the strangers might be captivated by her beauty, but was prevailed
-upon to acquiesce, from an irresistible argument, that the eye of her
-protegee might be advantageously employed behind the scenes, in
-marshalling the servants, and regulating affairs in a house
-unaccustomed, generally speaking, to any other than a plain family
-dinner.
-
-Few motives are altogether unmixed. Zorilda's private incentive on the
-present occasion was to evade the awkwardness, which till of late had
-never been practically distressing to her feelings, of having _no
-name_. "The little gipsey," "The Spanish girl," passed lightly over
-her ear at an early period, but now planted a dagger in her heart; and
-she courted solitude, flying from the presence of even a casual guest.
-Mrs. Hartland, however, would not dispense with Zoe's company at the
-tea-table, at which she was obliged to preside; but as the gentlemen
-were not aware that any metal more attractive than the society of Mrs.
-Hartland awaited them in the drawing-room, they were slow in making
-their appearance; and when they did leave the dining parlour, some of
-the party were certainly not the best society themselves. Elate with
-wine, they talked and laughed on their way up stairs, in full
-demonstration of having sacrificed too devoutly at the shrine of the
-rosy god; but when the drawing-room door was opened, and Zorilda,
-glowing with modest loveliness, met their astonished view, their
-boisterous mirth received a sudden check, and they all seemed to feel
-simultaneously, "how awful beauty is."
-
-The Marquess and his satellite wassailers, were struck with amazement
-at sight of the vision which now presented itself to their eyes, and
-appeared instinctively to avoid the tea-table at which she sat. A sort
-of general introduction took place, in which no name, except that of
-the Marquess, was distinctly heard; while Mr. Playfair, who had
-protracted his sitting below stairs, in order to act, as far as
-hospitality would permit, as a _buff-stop_ on the festive gaiety of his
-pupil, took his station on one side of Zorilda, and Mr. Hartland took
-possession of a chair on the other. Well pleased to find herself thus
-guarded, the timid Zoe smiled sweetly on her supporters, and proceeded
-to perform the mysteries of tea and coffee as priestess of the rites.
-
-The reader is not to understand that our guests were inebriated. That
-expression conveys too strong a meaning. "Flushed with the Tuscan
-grape," they were still _compos_, and after a short pause the _rumble_
-of conversation, like that of a mill-wheel, was heard again to succeed
-a temporary suspension.
-
-"My friend Forbes, Mrs. Hartland," said Lord Turnstock, "is an
-Irishman, and we have been bantering him on his country. I was just
-making these gentlemen laugh with the story of an old woman who came to
-me some time ago requesting my interference to prevent her grandson,
-who had enlisted, from being sent to the Island of Saints with his
-regiment. 'Oh my Lord,' said she, 'I shall never see my poor boy again.
-They says as how that the Romans are all romancing so furious in
-Hireland.' Was'nt it excellent?"
-
-Mrs. Hartland laughed heartily, and Mr. Forbes, a very handsome fine
-young man, stepped forward, still addressing her as _Chairman_ of
-the Committee in defence of his native Erin:
-
-"I can allow them to amuse themselves, Mrs. Hartland," said the young
-Hibernian. "I grant that amongst vulgar people the peculiar tone of my
-country, which you may have heard called _brogue_, is not harmonious,
-but I would fight it against your Somersetshire, Lancashire, or Cornish
-dialects, any day in the year; and as for Irish _character_, it
-stands too high to need my championship. Whether I turn my eyes to the
-cabinet or the field, whether I contemplate scholarship or divinity,
-powers of penmanship or conversation, I find myself standing on such
-exalted ground that I can endure the merriment of his Lordship with the
-calm dignity of a lion, round whose head the harmless fly is humming.
-He shall divert himself as much as he likes with the Anglo-Irish,
-provided he sets his hand and seal to the truth of my statement."
-
-"You are too strong to need his Lordship's vote," said Mr. Playfair;
-"you have no occasion to solicit, you may command assent; at least this
-is not the age for triumph over you. Whichever way we turn Irishmen
-meet our eyes in the first situations of the state; and as to the fair
-daughters of your Emerald Isle----"
-
-"In _this_ company I withdraw _their_ claim," answered Mr. Forbes; "at
-least I am forced to be modest in asserting it."
-
-Zorilda coloured violently; and the Marquess, apparently apprehensive
-of not being considered _first_ actor in the scene, looked at his
-watch, and ringing the bell, ordered his carriage, which was in fact
-already at the door; then apologizing for the lateness of the hour to
-which he had been detained by agreeable society, a general leave taking
-succeeded, and the guests departed without having exchanged three words
-with her who had excited all their curiosity.
-
-"Who is that magnificent girl, Hartland?" said the Marquess, as he
-reached the hall door, and got rid of the civilities of his elder host,
-who stuck closely to his side all the way down stairs.
-
-"Where was she during dinner-time?" inquired Mr. Forbes.
-
-"Why did you not apprize us of this rural divinity?" asked young Cecil;
-"I should gladly have paid her an earlier homage."
-
-As these questions were put all in a breath, Algernon contrived to
-evade them; and in the bustle of calling for hats, gloves, &c. they
-were never answered. "She can hardly be a sister of Hartland's, she is
-so unlike the family," said Lord Turnstock. "I wonder you none of you
-asked her name." "One would imagine that she has not any name," replied
-one of his companions; "probably the truth is, that this country
-_belle_ is affianced to the _heir apparent_ of Henbury, and the
-youth is an Othello. I saw him frown like Jupiter while we gazed at
-his beloved; and I am sure that the fellow will dream to-night of
-rope-ladders, post chaises and four, elopements, and the blacksmith of
-Gretna Green."
-
-The Marquess laughed, and fell asleep. Some of his associates followed
-his example, and thought no more of Zorilda till they reached Thornton
-Abbey; but Cecil and Forbes were not of the number.
-
-"Did you hear the servants say who that young lady is whom I saw at Mr.
-Hartland's?" said his Lordship to his valet when he retired to his
-bed-chamber.
-
-"No, my Lord, I took no notice, except that I recollect somebody said
-that a Virginia nightingale, which I saw in a cage, belonged to Miss
-Zoe, or some such name; perhaps she may be the young lady that your
-Lordship means."
-
-"Aye i'faith, she is worthy of a Grecian appellation," muttered the
-Marquess, as his servant went out of the room. "This fair incognita is
-certainly an exotic, and the banks of the Ilissus may have given her
-birth. She would make a noise in London, there is no doubt of that."
-With this sentence the young Nobleman concluded his meditations; and
-having desired to be called betimes to go upon a shooting expedition,
-consigned himself to repose. The morning brought its own pursuits, and
-Zorilda was either effaced from memory, or so little was elicited
-respecting her that inquiry ceased, and the party at Thornton Abbey
-dispersed in all directions.
-
-The present age is one of too much refinement for trouble of any kind;
-and we have long been spared the slavish toil of thinking for
-ourselves. We talk indeed of _free_-thinkers, and make an unusual stir
-about liberty of opinion; but that is a _facon de parler_ which
-satisfies, while in reality we are more completely led than at any
-former period of the world. "Whatever facilitates weakens." The human
-mind is strengthened by labour; and now that we have grown too polished
-to work, we cannot look for strong judgment; consequently individuality
-is not the character of our time, and we are accustomed to praise or
-abuse _en masse_. Zorilda with a _title_ would have set the capital on
-fire, and filled every eye and tongue; but Zorilda, untrumpeted,
-unknown, was soon forgotten. _Name_ is everything; whether of player or
-preacher, beauty or book, a fashionable paper or review sounds the key
-note, and the chorus is universal.
-
-Preparations were now advancing at Henbury for Algernon's departure to
-Oxford; and the desolation of Zoe's heart may be more easily imagined
-than described. To lose the beloved companion of her life, her more
-than self, seemed wretchedness enough for mortal lot; but in parting
-with Mr. Playfair too, she was deprived of the only solace which might
-have remained in her affliction, namely, that of talking over the
-subject of it with a true friend. Mr. Hartland was good-natured, and
-had always been affectionate in his bearing; but there was "no
-speculation in his eye," no intelligence in his mind. He was a mere
-recipient, and too dull even to reflect with vividness the thoughts of
-another. With Mrs. Hartland, Zorilda had ceased to communicate, except
-on household affairs.
-
-Young and shrinking sensibility, like the opening rose, will only
-diffuse its fragrance while we refrain from rudely touching its
-delicate fabric; once decompose the tender structure by unhallowed
-finger, and no skill of chemic art can restore its organization.
-
-The dread hour arrived, and Zorilda, convulsed with grief, saw the gate
-close upon all that she best loved on earth.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER VIII.
-
-                    ----"I'm sorry
-    That he approves the common liar, Fame,
-    Who speaks him thus at Rome."
-
-    SHAKSPEARE.
-
-
-How wisely, how mercifully is the future hidden from our view! Who
-could bear to look into the book of fate, and see the blighted hopes,
-the unfulfilled expectations, which await all human dreamers? But
-though ever ready with sufficient vain glory to refer each prosperous
-issue to our own prudence and sagacity, we cautiously avoid to charge
-ourselves with the least co-operation in unfortunate results. Success
-constitutes the hero, and it is with the triumphant only that we desire
-to identify ourselves.
-
-Algernon was now sent forth to make his _debut_ in society, and we
-shall see how strictly his progress coincides with the previous
-training of his mind.
-
-He loved Zorilda with as much fervour as his nature would permit, and
-therefore his tears flowed in copious stream as he bid her farewell.
-Poor Mrs. Hartland ascribed the grief of her son to his separation from
-her maternal arms. She loved him with entireness of senseless devotion,
-and fondly flattered herself that she was in return the principal
-object of his affections. "Dear boy, he will in vain look round for his
-indulgent mother," sobbed the afflicted parent; but even the love of
-Zorilda, which was by far the most powerful impression on Algernon's
-heart, did not long exclude the joy which gained upon his short-lived
-sorrow with every mile of increasing distance from Henbury. He was
-going to be his own master in a wider sense than he had ever
-experienced. He might do _as he pleased_. Mr. Playfair's vigilant
-eye would no longer watch every movement, and he should meet again with
-the associates whose short sojournment in the neighbourhood of his
-father's house had given him so much pleasure, besides forming many
-other similar acquaintances. It was not Algernon's design from the
-first to distinguish himself in any kind of scholarship. The assiduity
-of his tutor had done something, but even the best talents will not
-achieve learning unaccompanied by application. Young Hartland intended
-to render his college course as little irksome as possible, and
-possessed the means of realizing his views. There is no description of
-person, generally speaking, so well supplied with money as an only son
-of a private family, in whom, as the sole object of pride and
-solicitude, all parental effort is concentrated.
-
-While the young nobleman issues forth depending on his title, and
-frequently on that alone for consideration; the child, it may be, of a
-half ruined house, hemmed in on every side by mortgages and bonds, and
-relying on Jewish facilities of accommodation for keeping up the
-present ball, to the destruction of future competency; the _son and
-heir_ of _middle_ life sets out with purse well lined. He has no
-"lordship" with which to gild poverty, but must pay his way, and
-transfer to his pocket the popularity which he is not provided with any
-other secret for securing to his person. Algernon was plentifully
-supplied, and as soon as he found himself unrestrained by the
-expostulations of Mr. Playfair, he began to spend so lavishly that his
-rooms were soon the favourite lounge, and he found his acquaintance
-universally courted. His vanity was flattered, and he never suspected
-the reality of the case, but gave into the delusive belief that he was
-sought after for his agreeable qualifications. He wrote letters to his
-mother which delighted her. They spoke of viscounts, earls, and
-marquesses, as the familiar companions of his hours; and generally
-concluded with reminding her that such excellent society as it was his
-good fortune to have got into, had only one counteracting evil
-attending on its pleasures, which was expense.
-
-"How considerate is our dear fellow!" said Mrs. Hartland; "but he must
-not be fettered by too rigid an economy in the opening scene.
-Frugality, if necessary, may come hereafter; but first impressions are
-of the highest importance, and the most useful connections are often
-made in school and college days. A private education has hitherto
-deprived my son of this advantage, and it is therefore doubly requisite
-to stretch a point at present, and supply him liberally. I have
-foreseen all this, and laid by a little _preserve_. We may pinch at
-home, and ought to do so, that we may not be said to burn our candle at
-both ends; but our boy must be enabled to hold up his head amongst the
-best of them."
-
-Mr. Hartland groaned assent, and the amiable Zoe rejoiced in an
-opportunity of contributing her mite to Algernon's comfort at Oxford,
-by courting all sorts of privation at Henbury during his absence.
-
-It is not surprising that an _outfit_ regulated by these principles,
-inspired a belief of riches, and obtained for the freshman such a
-reputation for affluence that he was surrounded at once as a honey-pot
-is by flies; while credulity supports the illusion from one generation
-to another, that a titled herd collected by such means, are to be the
-props of after life, compensating by future patronage for the loss of
-independence incurred in the pursuit of their friendship. The bubble
-bursts, the gull is undeceived, but as experience seldom rectifies the
-confidence of hope, a few exceptions are always sufficient to make men
-reject the general rule, and expect to find themselves added to the
-"glorious minority" of fortune's favoured exceptions. Alas! the prizes
-are few, and the blanks are many in the lottery of life, and those are
-the wisest who speculate the least on lucky _chances_.
-
-Algernon was quickly initiated, and became the soul and centre of every
-scheme which had pleasure for its aim and object. He gave the best
-champagne, pulled the best oar, rode the best horse, was always ready
-to take up a bet, or accept a boxing challenge, and wasted twice as
-much money as any one else thought of expending, in whatever was the
-amusement of the day; seeming to render compensation to himself for the
-long fast which he had undergone, by devouring pleasure not only with a
-knife and fork, but a spoon to boot. He wrote frequently to Zorilda,
-and received letters from her in return.
-
-Mrs. Hartland fretted at the correspondence, but had encouraged her son
-in the habit of assuming authority to such a degree, that she feared to
-resist his will; and was obliged to tolerate what she had lost all
-power to control.
-
-Algernon's letters were at first filled with wishes and laments; the
-pain of parting; the joy of re-union; interspersed with animated
-accounts of new scenes and associates. After a time he became less
-punctual, and proposed that Zoe should not balance too strictly the
-debtor and creditor sides of their correspondence, but write without
-waiting for replies, alleging occupation at his studies as a cause for
-the request. Whatever Algernon suggested was right in Zoe's opinion,
-and as she was only called on to renounce a self-indulgence, though the
-greatest which she could enjoy while separated from her friend, she
-acquiesced without a murmur, though not without a sigh.
-
-A longer silence than usual occurred, and Zoe could not sleep from
-agitation, fearing that indisposition might occasion the delay. At last
-the often-wished-for packet arrived; but though well filled, and giving
-details of what Algernon called "pleasant parties," it was the least
-satisfactory which Zorilda had ever received. She read it over and
-over, yet was less pleased at each re-perusal. We shall give our
-readers an opportunity of trying how far they sympathize with poor
-Zoe's feelings, by transcribing this letter as a specimen of our young
-Oxonian's improvement since he quitted home:
-
-    "Dearest Zoe,
-
-    "I am guilty of a long pause, and you are very angry; but you
-    little know how my time is taken up. We have had several rowing
-    matches, and I have been taking lessons from some of the _fancy_.
-    Every day confirms the disagreeable conviction that I am half a
-    century behind my contemporaries. What a cursed folly it is not to
-    send boys to a public school! If I had been despatched to Eton
-    instead of having been tied to my mother's apron-string all my
-    days, I should not have everything to learn, as is my case at
-    present. However, they say I am an apt scholar, and I do not
-    despair of being soon up with the best of them here.
-
-    "The little Marquess did not return till ten days ago. He received
-    me quite like a brother, and we are a great deal together. He says
-    he should not know me again, I have lost so much of the '_country
-    bumpkin_' already. By the bye, we had a very pleasant party at
-    his rooms the other night, but you cannot imagine how foolish I was
-    made to look, about you.
-
-    "I wish to heaven you had a name, for it is quite confounding to be
-    asked at every turn, 'Who is she?' without being able to get rid of
-    farther inquiry, by such a simple answer as can be given of every
-    body except yourself from the royal family down to one's
-    washerwoman. If I knew the name of the gipsey from whom my good
-    papa and mamma ran away with you, I would call you after her; but I
-    assure you that rather than encounter another such attack as I have
-    endured in your service, I shall christen you, so prepare for being
-    called Miss Hazlemoor, or Moor, if you like the monosyllable
-    better, on the principle of the old song which Rachael sings, with
-    a line in it something like this following:
-
-        "For the least said, the sooner amended;"
-
-    and amended it will all be one of these days, when I marry you. It
-    will little signify when you are my wife--_perchance_ a titled
-    one--what name you were known by before. Do not be cast down, my
-    pretty Zo. I have promised, you know, to raise you from your
-    present obscurity, and I can tell you, it is no small proof of my
-    love, that I do not mean to forget my engagement; but I must tell
-    you how they fell upon me the other night.
-
-    "Turnstock gave champagne, and some five or six assembled by
-    appointment at his rooms. We were going on very gaily, when my evil
-    genius put it into the Marquess's head to turn shortly round, and
-    say to me, 'Hartland, who the devil is that fair enchantress whom
-    your mother has got _cooped_ up at Henbury; not your _sister_, I
-    presume, eh?'
-
-    "Unprepared for the question, I was completely at a nonplus, and
-    losing all presence of mind, I hummed, and hawed, and stammered
-    out--Zorilda.
-
-    "'A fine romantic appellation truly,' said his Lordship; 'Donna
-    Zorilda! but to what noble house does she belong?'
-
-    "'I cannot tell,' answered I. 'To tell you the truth, a mystery
-    hangs over her birth which I am not permitted to unravel.'
-
-    "'Oh! I cry you mercy,' replied the Marquess; 'I shall not make
-    further inquisition; I see how it is, 'A rose by any other name
-    would smell as sweet;' so says the poet. A little mystery, they say
-    is never _amiss_. Now it _is a Miss_, and nobody knows _who_, upon
-    the present occasion; but n'importe; Zorilda is a lovely girl; and
-    Zoe, as your servants call her, is better still, associated, as are
-    those three letters, with all the nectar and ambrosia of Grecian
-    song. We will place the Amaranth wreath on Zoe's brow, and drink to
-    her health in a bumper of champagne. Come, Hartland, fill your
-    glass. You shall not undergo any farther catechism. You are too
-    wise a man to marry an 'inexpressive she:' and as for a little of
-    the doubtful in any other relation of life, there is no need of
-    taking it to heart.'
-
-    "Now I know that all this sort of thing will fret and vex you, but
-    never mind, we will talk of other matters. Turnstock is uncommonly
-    clever, and I can assure you that we have often very deep
-    conversation. He brought a young man with him from town who
-    received his education here, but as he wants money and has plenty
-    of brains, he has taken to writing for the Reviews. The little
-    Marquess talks of getting up a periodical here under his own
-    inspection. It is to be called 'The Freeman;' so if you see it
-    advertised you will know whence it springs. We had a sort of
-    _rehearsal_ last night, when some contributions were brought in. A
-    friend of mine had a hit against his Lordship which made me laugh.
-    The former brought an Essay on the Paradise Lost, which was read,
-    but the Marquess condemned it. 'No, Caulfield, that will not do,'
-    said he. 'I do not patronize your sentiments on Milton. You must
-    try your pen at something else.'
-
-    "'I thought, my Lord,' answered Caulfield, 'that we were to write
-    for the _Freeman_, but I find that it is for the _Bondsman_.'
-
-    "'Free or Bond, I shall not insert your Essay, my good fellow,'
-    answered his Lordship. 'I mean to have this my own way. I set my
-    face against all prosing; not a word of any poet older than Byron
-    of immortal fame; and I will give a prize of his works, bound in
-    russia, to whoever brings me the best satire on our modern novels,
-    which are growing so decidedly moral, metaphysical, and soporific,
-    that I would as lief sit down to Hooker's Ecclesiastical Polity as
-    open a volume of any of the last half dozen which have issued from
-    the press. I think I shall write a novel myself, and call it
-    'Re-action; or, the Extinguisher.'
-
-    "You would not like any of my friends I am afraid, who are
-    certainly not _religious_ men. The Marquess cavils at holy writ: I
-    was going to stand up its advocate, but found it better to hold my
-    tongue. There are many good people here, but Turnstock calls them
-    _Spoonies_, and I do not feel any ambition to be ridiculed as
-    one of the fraternity. Remember that I am only talking of my own
-    set; so my father need not take alarm, and accuse me of a libel on
-    his favourite Oxford. Things, however, are changed every where
-    since his day. The Marquess declares that religion is only a
-    political consideration now with strong heads. The march of mind,
-    he says, has outstripped superstition and all her train. I do not
-    say that he is right, for I am not much versed as yet in matters of
-    this nature. The miserable error of bringing me up at home has
-    prevented me, amongst many other things, from knowing what general
-    opinion really is. In fact, Turnstock, who gives me more insight
-    into these subjects than any one else, and who ought to be good
-    authority, is eloquent in decrying all narrow limitations of sect
-    or nation. He says that all mankind should be considered as a great
-    family, claiming equal rights, and entitled to equal privileges;
-    that all qualifications which exclude any individual from the
-    attainment of power are infractions of natural justice; and all
-    religious establishments are the offspring of persecution. He
-    speaks beautifully, and uses very convincing arguments. For
-    instance, he says, that to be born and to die are common to the
-    whole created species, and no favour or partiality distinguishes
-    one man from another in these two extreme events. The same pangs
-    usher every mortal into existence--helpless, naked, and like his
-    fellows in all things. Death again sweeps away irrespectively the
-    beggar and the king, who both lie down in the grave where all their
-    thoughts perish, and both are resolved alike into dust. 'What right
-    then,' reasons Turnstock, 'has man to play such antic tricks before
-    high heaven, and parcel out the intermediate term so unequally in
-    his generation, that some shall lord it triumphantly, while others
-    starve? Some rule with tyrannous sway, while thousands cringe in
-    chains, and are forced to obey the few who usurp dominion over
-    them?' I wish that you could hear him declaim upon these topics.
-    Caulfield, who is always ready with some vexatious question or
-    remark, but who had listened, as I thought, with as much
-    satisfaction as I did myself to the whole harangue yesterday
-    evening, asked rudely enough at its close, 'And pray, good my Lord,
-    why are you the Marquess of Turnstock? Your guardians went through
-    a tedious litigation to procure the title for you which another
-    claimed, and fiercely contested. Though not called, like
-    Cincinnatus, exactly from the plough, your Lordship's situation now
-    is very different from what it was. Yet you do not object to these
-    inequalities in your own case!'
-
-    "Turnstock looked contemptuously round, and silenced the inquirer
-    in a summary manner, 'Pooh, pooh, Caulfield. You are like a fly,
-    for ever buzzing in one's ears. It is a pity you do not enter at
-    Cambridge, _ad eundem_; you are a _Wrangler_ without the trouble of
-    learning, and all competitors will make way for you.'
-
-    "There was a great laugh against Caulfield, and so ended the
-    dispute. I have enlisted under Turnstock's banner. I like his
-    Epicurean philosophy, and think that his doctrines would tend to
-    render mankind a far happier race than they are. Remember what I
-    told you about writing with lemon-juice, and be sure to hold all my
-    letters to the fire after you have read them through. Like Janus we
-    must wear two faces, you know, while we are watched. A day will
-    come when we may defy all vigilance, and interchange our thoughts
-    in ink of any colour. Farewell, my Zoe, how I long to see you!" &c.
-
-Zorilda vainly attempted to counteract the influences which she found
-increasing reason to perceive were exercised over Algernon's mind to
-the injury of his character. Her young heart poured forth its
-entreating eloquence, but the poison had begun to work, and she had not
-sufficient power to arrest its deadly progress. In vain did she appeal
-to the memory of happier days in strains like the following, which we
-extract from one of her letters:
-
-    "Oh, my Algernon! is it for this that I have submitted to the mean
-    device of dissimulation, and joined in a plot to deceive your
-    mother by writing that which she is not to see? When I complied
-    with your proposal to adopt this mode of frustrating her
-    penetration, it was that I might spare her pain, and exert the
-    power which I fondly imagined I possessed over your mind to your
-    advantage, by constantly reminding you of the lessons which our
-    dear and valued preceptor left us as a parting legacy. Algernon, I
-    am punished for forgetting that we must not do evil in hope of
-    future good. Yet after once o'erstepping the barrier which
-    separates truth from falsehood, the noble ingenuousness of virtue
-    for the mean accommodations of artifice, how difficult to regain
-    the track of probity and honour! I feel with bitterness, how
-    greatly I have erred; yet before I for ever abjure this dishonest
-    method of conveying to you my secret thoughts, I will for once
-    express the anguish of my heart, as I trace in your altered
-    language a different Algernon from him who was the brother of my
-    infant years, the beloved friend of riper age. Have _you_, too,
-    become ashamed of the nameless Zorilda? and do _you_ ask 'Who is
-    she?' with scornful reproach? Then indeed is my cup of affliction
-    filled to overflowing. Talk no more of a day to come, when raised
-    to the dignity of your wife. That question, which has been the
-    blight of my Spring--the spectre of my solitude--the besetting
-    demon of a ceaseless persecution; shall no longer scare me with
-    humiliation and debasement. Zorilda will never purchase repose at
-    Algernon's cost. How can such things be? Does not true affection
-    identify itself with the object on which it rests? Would not 'Who
-    was she?' be a death knell of my happiness still more appalling
-    to my heart than the inquiry which now condemns me _alone_ to
-    obscurity and shame! Never will I repay by base ingratitude the
-    kindness which fostered a houseless child of want. I will fulfil my
-    sad destiny, and pray for courage to meet the sting which awaits
-    me. I shall be assisted from above, and Mr. Playfair's counsel will
-    support my tottering steps. The path of duty is often one of
-    difficulty and fatigue, but it is safe. There are no precipices
-    along the way.
-
-    "Algernon, my heart is breaking, and my selfish pen lingers amongst
-    its sorrows, instead of exercising what little energy remains in
-    the endeavour to recal you from a road which will lead to
-    destruction if you continue to pursue its course. You have fallen
-    amongst evil advisers, who are beginning their work by shaking
-    those principles which Mr. Playfair says are our only pillars of
-    strength--our only rock and refuge in the hour of temptation. Your
-    self-denying parents intend to sacrifice the joy of holding you in
-    their arms this summer, that you may profit by Lord Turnstock's
-    invitation to accompany him on the Continent--_profit_ did I say?
-    Alas! how foreign from my thoughts is the idea which that word
-    conveys. No, dear Algernon, you will never gain by his example, and
-    I weep as I contemplate your growing attachment to his society. I
-    find in all your letters now something that spoils the pleasure
-    which I used to feel in talking to you. Why is this, unless because
-    the sympathy which was wont to knit our pursuits is fading away?
-
-    "You tell me, too, that I must change; you say that I am a
-    rustic--that I am not skilled in music--that I am too independent,
-    and want that softness (perhaps from your description I should
-    rather call it langour), which you tell me is the most attractive
-    feature of female character. Alas! that I am very imperfect and
-    very ignorant, a very cursory glance into my own heart too fatally
-    convinces me every day; but my self reproach does not fall where
-    you would point it. Why should I desire to be no longer a rustic?
-    Is not the retirement in which I live better suited to the
-    unhappy--the nameless orphan, than those scenes in which 'Who is
-    she?' would be the brand of degradation? Is not my simple song, to
-    which you once loved to sit and listen, adapted to my lowly lot,
-    and the natural language of a sorrowing heart? Why should I regret
-    that I am not versed in the mechanism of instrumental music. What
-    have I to do with an admiring audience?
-
-    "Yet do not believe me insensible to the charms of melody. I am
-    young, and might improve with opportunity. To make the harp respond
-    to the sadness which dwells within, would be a delightful
-    companionship, but it is denied to me, and I must not repine. Oh
-    no, there is but one murmur in my breast, but one murmur on my
-    tongue, and from my pen.
-
-    "Why am I thus forsaken? Why this homeless, houseless, friendless
-    thing? This is the rankling thorn--the sharp arrow which festers
-    and corrodes my vitals--which haunts me in visions of the night,
-    and paralyzes every energy of soul by day. All other ills I can
-    bear; and believe that they are good for me. You tell me that the
-    pretty folly, the imploring weakness, the passive non-resistance of
-    Lord Turnstock's sister, are fascinating; and you want me to copy
-    without having seen the original. Much as I love to try and please
-    you, and grateful as I feel for your wish to render me more capable
-    of doing so, I cannot promise docility in this respect. Dear Mr.
-    Playfair's words are engraven on my memory, and his very last
-    letter repeats them. He bids me follow nature, and avoid every
-    species of affectation. He reminds me that there are two glossaries
-    which interpret the same words by different methods; that the timid
-    supplication, the credulous innocence, the nervous sensibility, so
-    captivating in a young beauty, are explained by far other terms in
-    wives, sisters, daughters, and known in them by the harsher
-    epithets of troublesome helplessness, ignorance, and fatiguing
-    egotism, when the vapouring dreams of a youthful gallant are
-    sobered into the honest but too often uncourteous phrase of
-    husband, father, brother.
-
-    "This advice may seem to have no application to one who is a
-    stranger to _all_ the endearing relations of life, who has never
-    known the blessing of those tender ties which bind the heart in
-    sweet, yet wholesome, bondage; but truth is always the same. Let me
-    pursue my homely track unseen. It will lead me to the quiet grave,
-    where all my sorrows will have an end, but oh! my dearest Algernon,
-    beware of the vortex into which _you_ are gliding; your parents can
-    not supply your increasing demands upon their resources. They
-    already feel your extravagance. Fly temptation, while it is still
-    in your power to break the spell. You are undone if you accompany
-    the Marquess. Oh! do not plunge us in despair. Mr. Playfair has the
-    worst opinion of your associates, and I believe has written a
-    warning letter to your father, suggested by his knowledge of Lord
-    Turnstock's general character; I write in secret, and this will
-    reach you by a private hand; farewell," &c.
-
-Zoe's voice would once have roused Algernon to any enterprise, or
-deterred him from any undertaking; but though he loved her better than
-all things else, she was distant, pleasure present. Her melancholy
-forebodings cast a gloom over his mind, and at length grew so
-distasteful, that he resolved to adopt a new language in his
-correspondence with her; pretending to be influenced by her advice, he
-promised to be on his guard against the allurements which she dreaded,
-assuring her that, sensible of the errors into which young men might be
-led, he designed to be very particular in his selection of acquaintance,
-should he feel himself so far engaged to accompany his friends to the
-Continent, that he could not break through the arrangement. The heart
-is of easy faith, when it wishes to believe, and the innocent Zorilda,
-who knew nothing of the world, except what she had heard of its snares
-from the instructor of her youth, seized with joy on the happy omen;
-and the roses of health again bloomed on her pallid cheek, with all the
-freshness of spring.
-
-"Beloved Algernon," she would exclaim, while training the jessamine
-which was taught to decorate his favourite seat, or visiting with
-thoughtful tenderness the animals committed to her care, "you will
-never be led away from these pure delights. The blandishments of vice
-shall vainly attempt to dazzle, and its wicked artifices to entangle,
-my Algernon, who will return unpolluted by the influence of bad
-example. These sweet flowers will have new charms for him, and I shall
-proudly deliver up my trust when I show him these birds of brilliant
-wing, his dogs, and all his play-fellows so grown, so beautified, under
-my guardianship."
-
-Zorilda's hours now glided swiftly as the weaver's shuttle. She was
-full of employment, and Algernon was the inspiring object of all she
-did or imagined; improving daily in loveliness of face and form, and
-glowing with animation, she seemed by her presence to cheer creation,
-and, like the blessed sun, to dispel every cloud that gathered on the
-horizon.
-
-While Algernon was away from home, his mother, who never reflected much
-on any thing, the immediate pressure of which on her external senses
-did not force itself upon her mind, resumed her cheerfulness, and
-finding in Zorilda all that the sweetest filial duty could bestow,
-treated her once more with as much affection as her selfish nature
-could feel. Mr. Hartland loved her as a daughter, and amongst the
-dependents of every degree she was considered as an angel of light who
-had descended from Heaven, to shower mercy and consolation on the poor,
-the sick, and the afflicted. As Zorilda avoided strangers with the
-greatest anxiety, she was seldom seen, and as she never left Henbury,
-except to go to the parish church, in which a curtain round the pew
-where she sat, and a veil on her bonnet, afforded all the privacy which
-she sought, it is not surprising that the fame of her beauty had not
-gone much abroad.
-
-While Algernon was absent too, the motive for seeing company being
-removed, the family assumed more than their usual habits of economy, to
-enable Mrs. Hartland to indulge her vanity, in providing for the
-excesses of her son, whose constantly increasing demands were founded
-on false pretences; and his parents were imposed upon, by a belief that
-they were aiding his advancement in life, while in reality they
-ministered to every species of extravagance. Zorilda was the presiding
-genius, who by her skill and activity achieved all Mrs. Hartland's
-purposes without compromising a single duty; and though every expense
-was regulated with the strictest attention, the interests of those
-whose claims on benevolence had ever been accredited, were not
-forgotten; and this admirable girl contrived to transfer to her friends
-the praises which were due to herself alone. The cultivation of her
-mind was her sole recreation: a fine talent for drawing, diversified
-her amusements, and had it not been for the thorn at the heart, which
-busy occupation sometimes concealed, but which no effort could extract,
-her life might have presented as near a resemblance to what may be
-imagined of higher spirits, whose existence is compounded of love and
-knowledge, as had ever been witnessed on earth.
-
-Algernon went abroad with his friend the Marquess without returning
-home to take leave; and Mrs. Hartland revelled in all the novelty of an
-heroic act of self-denial, which would bring about the accomplishment
-of her object in the natural death, as she prognosticated, of that
-attachment which was the bane of her ambition.
-
-It was many years since Mrs. Gordon, the younger sister of Mrs.
-Hartland, had visited her friends in England; and low spirits
-occasioned by her son's departure having been urged by his mother as
-an additional plea in her present invitation, it obtained a favourable
-answer; and the pleasure of a family meeting in prospect in some
-degree compensated for the privation to which she had condemned
-herself; while Zorilda, whose eye governed every department, found in
-making preparation for the coming guests a source of added employment
-which helped to banish painful thoughts. She had heard much of Mrs.
-Gordon from Mr. Playfair, and longed, with eager curiosity, to see
-with her own eyes one of whom he spoke with such enthusiastic
-admiration, and of whom she could only remember how kind she was to a
-gipsey child. At _that_ time Zorilda was a prodigal of friendship,
-because she did not want any larger store than Henbury supplied; but
-she felt now, that if indeed Mrs. Gordon were to prove such a being as
-she had been represented, her society would be a jewel above all
-price.
-
-The Gordons arrived, and Mr. Playfair's portrait was not exaggerated.
-Much has been said against those sudden and sentimental attachments, to
-which the female sex is accused of being especially addicted: and we
-are not desirous of weakening the force of ridicule, which is justly
-ascribable to vows of eternal friendship made at sight; but there is a
-sympathy between kindred souls, which, as it will always exist in
-nature, we may be permitted to hope will escape condemnation, and never
-be confounded with the transitory illusions of romance. Such a sympathy
-almost immediately drew Mrs. Gordon and Zorilda to each other, and
-every day's experience confirmed the mutual attraction. Mr. and Mrs.
-Gordon inspired the idea of having been shut up in an ark with a chosen
-band, and "all appliances and means to boot," for preserving every
-intellectual and social energy in constant play, untainted by the vices
-or the follies of a surrounding world.
-
-It may be imagined by some, who hold a widely extended intercourse with
-mankind to be requisite to liberal views and enlightened
-understandings, that such a description must necessarily imply narrow
-minds, and limited information; but nothing could be more mistaken than
-such a conclusion. In our present state of civilization, dark and
-secluded must be that recess into which books and opinions do not find
-their way, and perhaps it may be truly said of various kinds of
-knowledge, that it is not unusually found in an inverse proportion with
-the distance from its source. Whatever may be the truth, as a general
-remark, the fact was, that in the particular instance with which we are
-concerned at present, the Scotch visitors who now added to the family
-circle at Henbury, appeared to Zorilda to be no other than the genii of
-some more favoured planet, invested with the keys of all those sacred
-stores from which the best possessions of mankind are derived. Her
-clear intelligence and brilliant fancy, which had never before
-"sparkled in collision," now expanded in a congenial atmosphere, and
-the innocent Zoe was surprised by the powers of comprehension awakened
-in her mind by the talisman of such society as she enjoyed for the
-first time in her short life.
-
-Mr. Playfair had been a mine of intellect, but the parental interest
-which he felt for his pupil, induced caution in the encouragement of
-those quick sensibilities which he foresaw would prove the bane of her
-happiness. He had therefore always led her to such studies as exercised
-her reason more than her imagination; and had endeavoured to repress
-every tendency to excitement in a character of such refined texture and
-vivid glow, that he dreaded its future contact with a world in which so
-little would be found in sympathy with its delicate structure. What
-rapture, was it not natural to think, did Zorilda now experience in
-meeting with her _beau ideal_ of female friendship in Mrs. Gordon,
-of whom she became almost a worshipper!
-
-No human beings, born in the Antipodes of each other, could be more
-entirely unlike than Mrs. Hartland and her sister. The latter, who was
-by some years the younger of the two, had lived from her childhood with
-an uncle who resided in Edinburgh, and held a high place amongst the
-literati of his time. Under the auspices of this relation, who was
-equally distinguished by his learning and worth, Eugenia Robinson had
-enjoyed advantages which few young females possess, and of which still
-fewer at the present day, are inclined to avail themselves when
-offered. Mingling continually in company with men whose conversation
-bore testimony to their genius and pursuits, she had opportunity for
-indulging a thirst after all manner of solidly valuable acquisition,
-without, happily for herself, incurring any of those stupid taunts with
-which ignorance so frequently and successfully frightens away a spirit
-of inquiry, or on the other hand attracting that sickly applause,
-which, by flattering human weakness, often substitutes a contemptible
-vanity for the genuine desire of improvement in mental cultivation.
-
-Eugenia Robinson was not set up as a prodigy, nor was there the
-slightest parade in her education; but she lived in a capital where it
-is still the fashion to wear heads and hearts, and where she therefore
-found that she might think without being called a _Blue_, and feel
-without being styled a _romancer_. In the midst of that society which
-her uncle brought together at his house, Eugenia met Mr. Gordon,
-and after a time, marriage cemented a union which had long been
-acknowledged by reciprocal preference, before it was confirmed at the
-altar. Never did Hymen's torch light home a happier pair, and the
-flame is not extinguished, but burns more purely and brightly in the
-tranquil atmosphere of domestic life, than while it was hurried to and
-fro, along the varying currents of hope and fear.
-
-The wise man's prayer, "give me neither poverty nor riches," was
-granted to them, and retiring to Drumcairn, a pleasant spot in
-Aberdeenshire, they realized all that poets dream of conjugal felicity.
-They had no children, but this was not a source of repining, first
-because they firmly believed that every dispensation of Heaven is
-ordered by unerring judgment, while that of mortal man is fallible and
-short sighted; and secondly, because they were happy in each other, and
-there was no craving void for vain wishes to occupy. Their days were
-passed in the exercise of practical benevolence, not wasted in the busy
-idleness of fashionable life; and their amusements were inspired by
-rural objects, music, in which Mrs. Gordon was a proficient, and an
-excellent library, which was constantly augmenting its stores, by the
-addition of every new book worthy of a place upon its shelves.
-
-Contentment, activity, and independence brought forth all their fruit
-at Drumcairn, and Zorilda, who had felt through secret instinct that
-such things _might_ be, though she had never seen them, opened her
-whole soul to the genial influence of her new associates, as the
-butterfly unfolds its radiant wing to the sunbeam.
-
-Mrs. Gordon understood her thoughts before they found expression, and
-entered into all her feelings while yet she believed them hidden in her
-own breast; sympathizing or repressing, correcting or informing, as
-acquaintance increased, and occasion suggested; but the grateful heart
-of our gentle Zoe was not estranged from its early ties by the novelty
-of that enchantment which an ardent mind experiences in gazing, for the
-first time, on its own image in the bosom of a friend; like that of Eve
-reflected from the clear waters of Paradise, when newly awakened from
-sleep, she approached with timid step, now advancing, now retiring, to
-grasp the lovely form which gave a second self to view. Zorilda, in the
-retirement of her chamber, often breathed the silent murmur, "Oh why do
-sisters differ thus?" but her heart replied, that Mrs. Hartland
-deserved her gratitude, and she was Algernon's mother. Her innocent
-prayers were then sent up to Heaven for strength to perform her course
-in the path of duty, and she would fall into a rosy slumber, dreaming
-of happy virtuous love and devoted friendship.
-
-The character of Mr. Gordon resembled that of her friend and tutor,
-which quickly secured him a place in her affections. She was charmed
-with the clearness of his views, and the straight forward integrity of
-his practice; but the more Zorilda was captivated by society thus
-congenial, the more sedulously did she endeavour, by redoubled
-attention, to avoid exhibiting to her benefactors how much they lost by
-comparison with their guests. Every moment which could be snatched from
-those cares which Zorilda never neglected, was employed in cultivating
-the present opportunity of enjoyment; and Mrs. Hartland secretly
-triumphed in the fulfilment of her project. She saw, in the mutual
-attachment of her sister and her ward, the future feasibility of
-sending the latter off to Scotland, should Algernon's travels not have
-effaced all dangerous recollections; and in this view she had for the
-first time an appearance of unselfishness by promoting a companionship
-which afforded gratification to those around her. Pride prevented her
-from divulging her fears.
-
-"If," said she to herself, "my son is cured of his childish folly,
-there is no use in exposing it. If, on the other hand, he should
-relapse into any nonsense, it will be time enough to act. 'Sufficient
-to the day is the evil thereof.' I might restrain my sister's affection
-for Zoe were I to clog it with future demands, so I will let things
-work their own way, and take advantage of results as occasion may
-require."
-
-This was Mrs. Hartland's policy; Zorilda had other motives for her
-silence, and a tremulous delicacy of feeling prevented her from
-reposing in the bosom of her dearest friend those hopes and fears which
-disturbed the serenity of her own; but Mrs. Gordon knew human nature,
-and her sister's individual character. The first taught her to believe
-it very possible that her nephew might not be proof against such
-attractions as those of her young friend, while the latter assured her
-that nothing could be less consonant with the wishes of his mother than
-that Zorilda should exercise any influence over his affections. These
-abstract surmises were brought to clearer testimony by a conversation
-after dinner one day, which turned on genealogy.
-
-"There is nothing like a good family," said Mrs. Hartland; "even money
-is not of so much consequence; and for my part I would rather see my
-only child dead at my feet than that he should bring disgrace upon
-himself and all belonging to him by marrying any one of low birth."
-
-Though Zorilda had resolved to command her actions, she had no power to
-control her looks; and the sudden transition from a crimson blush to
-deadly pale, expressed more than she wished to communicate, and
-revealed sentiments which no force of language could contradict.
-
-"My love," said Mrs. Gordon, as she rose hastily from her chair, and
-went towards Zorilda, "I told you that you had walked too far. I saw
-that you were greatly fatigued. You are quite overcome now by the heat
-of this room, and must come with me directly into the fresh air." Zoe
-pressed the hand which was extended towards her, and accompanied her
-kind conductress.
-
-When relieved from the restraint of observation on the part of those
-who knew all her little history, she burst into tears; and when the
-soothing caresses of Mrs. Gordon had tranquillized her spirits
-sufficiently to permit of utterance, her first anxiety was to explain
-her emotion without touching on its principal spring.
-
-"Oh!" exclaimed Zorilda, "what a misfortune, is it not? to be thus a
-prey to the most agonizing sensations upon a subject altogether beyond
-the scope of my power to elucidate or control! I am ashamed of my
-weakness, of my rebellion against that Almighty Being who decrees my
-trials, who my bible teaches me to believe, 'loveth whom He chasteneth,
-and scourgeth the son whom he would save.' Is it a crime to be thus
-forlorn; the sport of every wind, or like the wreck of some
-sea-foundered skiff, a severed fragment floating on the ocean of life,
-unknown, unclaimed, unacknowledged? Alas! I have tried to school my
-warring soul, and bend it to its burthen. I have prayed to Him who can
-alone strengthen our frail nature, but I have prayed in vain; I am not
-heeded. I am an outcast in Heaven as on earth."
-
-"Beloved child," replied the tender friend, who now sought to pour
-balsam on a wounded spirit, "you pray not yet in fulness of _trust_;
-you importune, but you do not confide. It is sometimes permitted us to
-understand the discipline inflicted by Him who desireth not the death
-of a sinner, who will never allow us to be tempted beyond our power to
-endure. In Heaven there are no pedigrees; God will have your whole
-heart, give it freely to Him who gives you all. Bless Him for the
-dangers which you have escaped; His mercy has snatched you from the
-perils which encompassed your infant head, and a day may come----"
-
-"Never! never!" answered Zorilda, "it is a vain hope. Perhaps I shewed
-less presence of mind to day than I might have summoned to my aid on
-another occasion, because that long walk, which you, dearest Mrs.
-Gordon, chid me for adventuring, was undertaken this morning in quest
-of some information respecting my hapless tale. While resting yesterday
-beneath the hawthorn hedge, I overheard a labourer telling our gardener
-that a young man had lately come into the neighbourhood to marry one of
-our farmers' daughters, and professed to have seen me in former days,
-as well as to know how I fell into the hands of a gipsey horde.
-Breathless and agitated I listened with the deepest attention, but the
-men were walking forward, and I caught no more of their conversation.
-On my return to the house I consulted with Rachael, that faithful
-creature who was placed by the kindness of Mrs. Hartland to watch over
-my tender years. She loves me dearly, and her affection has often been
-a refuge for my sorrows. She knew at once, by my account, who the
-person was to whom the labourer alluded, and promised to make minute
-inquiry; but my impatience would not brook delay, and after a sleepless
-night, I set off, accompanied by her, at early dawn to see and speak
-myself to the stranger. Buoyed up at one moment by hope; at another,
-trembling with fear, I flew along, regardless of distance, and reached
-the cottage were he was to be found; I saw, and conversed with him. My
-curiosity has been punished. Alas! the little he could tell, has only
-served to add bitterness to my former ignorance. He told me that he
-pursued the gipsey group, to which I afterwards belonged, for the
-purpose of obtaining payment for a horse from the very man who
-purchased me, and who was the greatest rogue of the whole party, as
-also their chief. At length my informer found these wild people
-encamped upon the southern coast, and while he remained to transact his
-own business, he witnessed a negotiation, which put the lawless band in
-possession of the miserable Zoe. A woman, dressed in mean attire, and
-having the appearance of a soldier's wife, offered me for sale. The
-bargain was made. The man who bought me inquired my name, and the
-unfeeling wretch who could so barter her weeping infant for a sum of
-money, replied, 'You may call her Zorilda. I have just landed with her
-from Spain, and the sooner you change your quarters the better.' The
-gipsey chief next inquired of the woman whether she had a husband,
-fearing that the father might follow, to reclaim his child. 'No, no,'
-answered the she wolf, whom, I am now tortured by supposing to have
-been my mother; 'he is laid low enough. He was killed, and will not
-rise from the grave to trouble you. I must not linger here. Hide the
-child till you arrive in another part of the country, and set off with
-your prize as fast as you can.'
-
-"This is the sum and substance of all the information I could glean.
-The woman who made traffic of her offspring, would not tell the gipsies
-to what regiment her husband belonged, nor mention his name. I have,
-therefore, not the slightest clue by which to make further scrutiny,
-and the only knowledge which I have gained, deprives me of the humble
-consolation which I before enjoyed, of dreaming that I was once folded
-in the arms of an adoring parent, who, however lowly her lot of life,
-still loved and pressed me to a mother's bosom. The keenness of this
-disappointment, and the certainty that the moral qualities of her who
-gave me birth were as debased as her station, peculiarly unfitted me to
-bear with calmness the sentence which Mrs. Hartland pronounced to-day
-upon a vulgar origin.
-
-"Oh, why are my feelings so acute? Sprung from the lowest abyss, the
-very dregs of my species, why are my thoughts so proud? Why is my will
-thus rebellious? If, like the humble hind who tills the earth, I could
-be satisfied with the rank assigned by Providence, I could be happy; I
-could raise my hands to heaven, and bless my creator in the temple of
-nature; bend to my rustic toil, and repose in peace; but there is a war
-within, which murders rest. I feel as if I had been formed for another
-destiny, and my spirit cannot submit in meekness to this degradation."
-
-"My Zorilda," answered Mrs. Gordon, "you have not reduced religion to
-practice, and your trials have been sufficient to render the task of
-obedience severe; but it must be learned. The morbid sensibility which
-you encourage blinds your understanding, and you draw false
-conclusions. The inference which _I_ derive from your dialogue
-with the stranger this morning is directly opposite to that which you
-deduce. The soldier's wife was not your mother. Nay, I should decide
-against her having even been your nurse. The strong instincts of nature
-are seldom violated, and amid all the depravity of human kind there are
-few instances of such unnatural character as you take for granted in
-the present case. Zorilda is not a name by which an English soldier's
-wife would have been likely to call her daughter; neither would a woman
-who sold her own child, and whose husband was no longer living to
-upbraid her, or seek its recovery, have had any apparent motive for the
-concealment which she desired, in the speedy decampment of the gipsies.
-Be assured that you are rather the offspring of Spanish parents,
-probably of rank and consideration. Silk and velvet, of which materials
-your dress was made when first my sister saw you, are not the common
-manufactures which clothe inferior people. Who has had the misfortune
-to lose you, is a mystery which I wish we were enabled to solve, but
-all that I _do_ know convinces me that you are not the child of her
-who sold you to the gipsey gang."
-
-"Dear and kind friend," exclaimed Zorilda, "how grateful am I for the
-tender feeling with which you try to mitigate my pain. I will not repel
-your efforts--I will adopt your creed--it shall be mine, and I will
-endeavour to believe that I was indeed stolen from my home by the cruel
-being who passed me again into stranger hands. But what a fate is mine,
-when such a surmise is the best consolation which can be offered. Had I
-been left in my native land, though torn from all I loved, I might have
-been brought up in the religion of my ancestors, and found an asylum in
-some friendly convent. You have no such refuge here for the unhappy."
-
-"All England is the refuge of the destitute," replied Mrs. Gordon; "her
-bounteous shores have been pressed by royal fugitives, and this
-glorious land, this favoured soil, has sheltered kings as well as
-slaves from the tyranny of other climes. Shall my Zoe repine at having
-imbibed the doctrines of a purer faith than that of Spain? The heart
-may freely dedicate itself to God without the call of matin or of
-vesper bell. We have altars every where, and do not want the convent's
-gloomy pile to enshrine our prayers. Those sad receptacles are
-frequently the scene of guilt, and the prison walls of the religious
-recluse, too often contain devotion of every kind but that to Heaven."
-
-"Oh forgive my impetuosity; I stand convicted of my error. Be my
-counsellor; speak peace to a wounded spirit, and you shall find in
-Zorilda a docile as well as a grateful heart," said the lovely
-Spaniard, with an expression of countenance so contrite, so imploring,
-as to touch Mrs. Gordon to the soul; but afraid of indulging affection
-which would be soon interrupted by her own departure from Henbury, she
-repressed the tear which rose to her eye, and looking at her young and
-beautiful companion with an air of encouraging kindness, she kissed,
-raised her gently from the seat on which they had been conversing, and
-leading her towards the house, emphatically uttered those inspired
-words of the royal Psalmist, "Whom have I in Heaven but thee; and whom
-do I desire on earth beside thee?" adding, "When we can answer this
-passionate and affecting inquiry with sincerity, and feel that there is
-no idol dividing the empire of our hearts with that being who will not
-reign over a disputed kingdom, then, and not till then, shall the
-distracted bosom find repose."
-
-Zorilda started, coloured violently, and looked as if her heart would
-burst its prison without permission from her will, but just as her lips
-were going to obey its impulse, she checked the accents as they were
-escaping, and after a momentary pause, during which a short but
-dreadful conflict seemed to convulse her frame, she caught the arm of
-her friend, and calling up all the fortitude of virtuous resolution to
-her aid, exclaimed--
-
-"Yes! be it so; God is the orphan's portion. He is the defender of the
-fatherless. You have touched a hidden chord. The world is of Proteus
-form; and even in such seclusion as this, its roses or its thorns can
-occupy the imagination, and divert the soul from its devotion to the
-Supreme. I will bind your words upon my heart! I will remember that
-within my own breast there is an altar of dedication to receive my
-vows. The offering only is wanting to complete the sacrifice, and you
-have furnished the test by which I am to seek the victim."
-
-"Make no vows, my child," said Mrs. Gordon; "freedom is with noble
-minds the straitest bondage. Endure your trials; kiss the rod. Believe
-that affliction comes not from the dust; it is sent from on high to
-purify and exalt. The murmur of irritability, and the gloomy silence of
-a sullen temper, are alike remote from that submission which your God
-requires to fit you for the glorious society of angels. Should an
-earthly friend be wanted by my Zoe, while I live, remember Drumcairn,
-and fly to its peaceful retreat."
-
-These words sank too deeply for reply. The Gordons returned to
-Scotland; and in an hour after they drove from the door. While Zorilda
-was plunged in the deepest grief and lamentation, a letter arrived to
-announce the approach of Algernon.
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER IX.
-
-    "Oft expectation fails, and most oft there where most it promised."
-
-    SHAKSPEARE.
-
-
-The difference between hope and fruition is a hacknied theme, and there
-are few pleasures belonging to man, of which it may not be said, with
-Congreve, that
-
-    "'Tis expectation makes the blessing dear."
-
-Scarcely had Zorilda bid adieu to the friends whose society had
-afforded that fulness and variety of enjoyment which constitute the
-longest as well as most delightful measure of remembered time, when in
-an hour of such desolation as a heart like hers, alive to the strongest
-impressions, could alone experience; the current of her grief was
-disturbed, as is the rivulet's gentle flow, when a fragment from the
-mountain side dashes into the midst of the stream, breaking its silent
-waters into a thousand troubled eddies.
-
-A letter from Algernon came to announce his intended return, and one
-brief fortnight would now give him back to the eyes and heart of her
-whose agitated spirits bore speaking testimony to the powerful hold
-which he possessed on her affections.
-
-Two years had intervened since our hero left Henbury for Oxford. He had
-contrived, on various pretences, to lengthen his stay at Paris, till
-the University appeared to be altogether abandoned. Mrs. Hartland felt
-her son's absence severely, but it was some consolation to believe that
-he was extending his connections advantageously amongst people whose
-rank and consequence were conformable to the future dignity of his
-prospects. She likewise trusted, that present sacrifice of his society
-would be repaid by the perfect cure of his first love.
-
-Algernon never failed to flatter the weakness of his parents, and while
-time and money were wasted in profligacy, a list of distinguished names
-deceived them, gratified their vanity, and cheated them, through a
-series of vaunting lies, into the fond assurance, that their darling
-was the principal ornament of the Court of France. He had quarrelled
-with the Marquess of Turnstock, but concealed his separation from him,
-and the true motive of his present design to re-visit home at this
-moment, was in order to anticipate conjecture which might naturally
-arise when his Lordship's arrival in England unaccompanied by him,
-would lead to inquiry why they had parted from each other after being
-the "Castor and Pollux" of Oxford.
-
-Zorilda had indeed often wondered at the frigid nature of that
-affection which could impose upon itself the pangs and penalties of
-such lengthened absence. She had often asked herself what spell had the
-power to charm the wanderer, and would then chide her heart for its
-jealous doubts. The intervals between Algernon's letters were much
-increased since he commenced his foreign travel, but Zorilda could
-account for this. "He knows that I have no money, and would spare me
-his mother's reproaches for the cost of frequent postage," said the
-innocent Zoe, who judged of others by herself. Every letter, too, when
-tried by the test which revealed its hidden sentiments, contained
-assurance of undying love which kindred flames developed, when, spite
-of her prohibition, inspired by
-
-    "Hope, kind cheat, fair fallacy,"
-
-she held the paper to the fire, "pardoning the treason for the
-traitor's sake."
-
-Zorilda's quick penetration had also remarked sundry abbreviations and
-blots in Algernon's late _despatches_, which might be truly so called
-in every sense of the word, and sighed as she recollected that a
-celebrated Madame de Staal, who lived in the age of Louis Quinze, had
-discovered the refrigeration of a lover's affection, in his voluntary
-choice of a short road when he used to conduct her home to her
-convent, after passing the day with her friends in Paris. Two sides of
-the triangle which formed the court of the convent would have afforded
-a longer _tete-a-tete_ than the diagonal; yet the lover abridged
-opportunity by preferring the diagonal, and the young Frenchwoman at
-once decided that he had ceased to be one, and would see him no more.
-
-She was right, but though Zorilda felt the shortened words as much as
-Madame de Staal in her youth had felt the shortened way, she pleaded
-unavoidable haste, to excuse all apparent negligence or contempt,
-though the acuteness of her sensibility made her alive to the slightest
-change of temperature in affection. Even had her reasoning been more
-severe, it would not have stood proof against the first sound of the
-carriage wheels which announced Algernon's arrival within the gates of
-Henbury. The most subtile arguments are but feeble weapons when opposed
-to true love, when the latter is re-inforced by presence of the beloved
-object. One look is sufficient to put to flight a world of reasoning,
-and Zorilda did not wait to see her truant, before her beating heart
-proclaimed full pardon of every omission or commission of which he had
-ever been guilty. Algernon's letter inclosed an open note, which his
-mother as usual read before she suffered it to leave her hands. To
-_her_ eyes it only contained a few careless words, calculated to
-lull every apprehension of repose. She could find nothing more than--
-
-    "Dear Zo, I am coming and am in too great a bustle to say more than
-    a few words. I am longing to see all my four-footed favourites.
-    Send to Norton for my greyhound and setters, which I left with him;
-    and tell him that I expect their _education to be finished_ by
-    the time I see them again. I long also to re-visit my hawks and
-    pheasants, which you have been nursing for me; and I long to see
-    you too, and tell you of all my adventures. Your's truly, dear Zo,
-    in _fire_ haste, A. H."
-
-Mrs. Hartland contrasted this meagre demonstration with the "dearest
-mother" and "most affectionate son," addressed to herself, and
-presented this blotted billet to the blushing girl with an air of
-triumph.
-
-Zorilda read it without making any comment, but longed to be alone to
-try whether "fire haste" might not extract something more from the
-paper which she held in her trembling hand.
-
-The intelligent reader has, no question, often remarked, that people
-whose tempers are not governed by any other director than their
-passions, are kind or unkind to others as they happen to be pleased or
-displeased themselves. This was Mrs. Hartland's habit, and Zorilda's
-patience was often put to severe trial; but the mother's spirits were
-now elated, and all around shared their _couleur de rose_. She folded
-up her packet, and smiling benignantly on her young friend, desired
-her to go, and give the necessary orders to prepare for her son's
-return.
-
-"Algernon will be of age on the 25th," said Mrs. Hartland, "and this
-is an event of importance in my family. If he comes before his
-birthday, we shall have a double joy to celebrate. Childish things
-must henceforth be put away, and my son must now assume the manly
-character in which he is called from this time to act a new part upon
-the stage of life; aye, and I trust also a _distinguished_ one. The
-boyish follies of Algernon's early youth are no longer to be
-remembered, and one-and-twenty is an age----"
-
-The young Spaniard's eloquent cheek and eye were beginning to betray a
-painful consciousness of the secret meaning which these words were
-designed to convey. She understood, with rapid comprehension, the full
-tenour of this commencing oration; but the entrance of a servant, who
-came to say that a messenger had just arrived on horseback at full
-speed, bringing a letter which he had orders not to confide to any
-other hands than those of Mr. or Mrs. Hartland, offered an opportunity
-which Zorilda instantaneously seized to glide out of the room, and
-snatching up her straw hat as she passed quickly through the hall, she
-flew into the open air to give free vent to feelings too agonizing to
-be suppressed, too proud to be revealed, to her who had excited them.
-
-"Break not yet, poor heart," said Zorilda aloud, as she gained her
-favourite solitude; "such tumult of the soul can find no place in
-Heaven, whither all my thoughts should bend. _There_ all is peace,
-celestial peace! Oh, she is a skilful archer; every arrow is securely
-aimed, every poisoned shaft is winged unerringly. Did she not say that
-"childish things are to be laid aside?" and what _so_ childish as love
-for the nameless, friendless, orphan-gipsey? I understand it all too
-well, yet why _too_ well? Ungrateful that I am! Shall I repine that I
-am enabled to perceive the dangers which beset my path? and do I call
-myself unfriended while the spirit of her who so lately blessed me
-with almost a mother's tenderness, still hovers here? Yes, in this
-spot used we to hold sweet counsel. Here did I listen to the soothing
-voice of comfort, here taste the balm of sacred wisdom as from her
-lips distilled the pure stream of divine instruction, which poured
-daily on my ear. Though absent, she shall teach me still, and I will
-pray in the silence of this fragrant breeze, to that Being who is
-never deaf to the supplicant's cry."
-
-What breast unvitiated by the artificial world is not alive to the soft
-influence of nature, and what soul ever sought its God in sincerity and
-humiliation without finding relief? Zorilda rose from the mossy shrine,
-strengthened, refreshed, consoled, and sitting down where she had knelt
-before, exclaimed with fervour, "Remember Drumcairn!" "Those were her
-parting words as she folded me to her bosom. Yes, I will remember, and
-with thankfulness, that there is yet an earthly asylum for Zorilda." A
-slight rustling amongst the branches which formed a screen behind where
-she sat, and threw their protective shade over her head, disturbed her
-meditations; and starting up she looked around, but could only discover
-by an increased movement of the leaves, that something had brushed
-through them.
-
-"What a fool I am!" said she; "shall I fear my old and faithful
-companions, and start at a bird? But hah! what is here? a letter, and
-for me!" She seized the paper with trembling haste, and casting a timid
-glance around, hurried breathlessly back to the shrubbery from which
-she had strayed, and closed its gate before she dared venture to break
-the seal, and read the following lines:
-
-    "ZORILDA,
-
-    "There is one at least in the world who asks not '_Who is she?_'
-    but who knows you to be virtuous, lovely, and unhappy; one who can
-    behold in you the pedigree of a noble soul, whencesoever it be
-    derived; who has gazed more than once unseen upon your streaming
-    eyes uplifted in prayer to Heaven; and listened to those sighs
-    which rend your heart, yet without intrusion on your sorrows. The
-    friend who now addresses you, has not taken advantage of his
-    situation to possess himself of your secrets, if you have any
-    which you desire should be unrevealed, and his motive in thus
-    alarming, is to warn you against dangers which threaten your
-    peace. Walk no more beyond the enclosure of your shrubbery, till
-    you bear from your unknown guardian that you are safe in doing so;
-    and rely on the fidelity of one, who cannot tell you more at
-    present than that he is devoted to your interests, over which he
-    watches with constant vigilance. Beware of wandering by moonlight,
-    and alone."
-
-Zorilda was nearly overcome with terror and astonishment. Unused to
-consider herself an object of interest to any one, the liveliest
-gratitude would have possessed her unsuspecting heart, if the dread of
-some impending ill did not predominate over every calmer feeling. From
-whence came the warning which she had just received? It was not the
-hand-writing of Mr. Playfair, and if it were, why should he be thus
-mysterious? He would have pointed explicitly to the approaching danger,
-and as openly advised the best means of avoiding it. This anonymous
-intimation was perhaps itself a snare; yet it prescribed caution, and
-seemed to be dictated by truth and kindness.
-
-"What shall I do? Oh whither shall I turn for counsel?" said Zorilda.
-"If I tell Mr. Hartland, what profit will accrue? He cannot lock me up,
-nor place a guard in attendance on my steps. Mrs. Hartland would call
-me a heroine of romance, and I should be derided, ridiculed, insulted.
-What a time is this to have lost the true friends who would have been
-my pilots! But God is every where, He will direct me, if with a single
-heart, I implore His heavenly guidance."
-
-The sound of hasty footsteps put an end to Zorilda's reflections. She
-folded the paper quickly, over which she had been musing, and had
-scarcely time to conceal it, when Rachel, a faithful domestic already
-introduced to the reader, ran towards her, out of breath--
-
-"Miss Zoe, Miss Zoe, make no delay; my mistress is calling for you, and
-angry that you cannot be found. Master is from home too; not expected
-till dinner, which is ordered an hour later than usual, and we have
-been put into a great flutterment by news at the house; but I am not to
-tell you any thing about it, only to find, and send you in, without
-loss of time."
-
-Zorilda trembled so exceedingly, that she could hardly obey the
-summons, and immediately concluded, that whatever circumstances had
-occurred in her absence, bore some reference to the mysterious
-communication which had been made to her. Bewildered by the variety of
-alarms which thronged upon her mind, she advanced with breathless
-agitation, and having reached the house, heard Mrs. Hartland's voice
-loudly employed in giving directions to have a horse saddled, and a
-servant in readiness to set off in quest of her husband, who had gone
-that morning to attend a board of magistrates at some distance from
-Henbury.
-
-Zorilda, pale as death, gained the apartment from whence she heard
-these orders issuing, and felt sinking with apprehension and
-exhaustion, when she was met by a countenance in which exultation,
-impatience, resentment, and solicitude struggled for mastery.
-
-"Where is it that you hide yourself in this unfeeling manner?" said
-Mrs. Hartland, with impetuous eagerness. "Is it not too provoking that
-I should be left alone, and that nobody can be found in a moment of
-such agitation as the present. Lord Marchdale lies at the point of
-death. He has had a paralytic stroke, and is speechless. Mr. Humphries,
-the head steward, who has long been in our interests, has sent off an
-express to give secret intelligence of the event; and here, by the most
-unlucky chance imaginable, my son is far away, and I know not how to
-direct to him. Mr. Hartland, who hardly ever leaves home, is absent;
-and even you too are moping idly in some hole or corner, and can
-nowhere be found. _You_ have no personal interest, it is true, in
-the matter, but it is intolerable that you should be out of the way
-when my hand shakes so that I cannot hold a pen."
-
-The harshness, as well as unreasonableness, of this attack, repelled
-the softer sympathies of Zorilda's heart, which were ever ready at the
-call of affection; and summoning as much firmness as she could command,
-she calmly replied,
-
-"Madam, as you had no cause to anticipate this event, you would have
-been the first to censure Mr. Hartland's indolence, had he neglected
-the business which engages him this morning; and as to me, I am not
-aware of disobeying your commands in taking a walk at no great
-distance from the house. I am ready now, though _my_ hand is not very
-steady, to write as you shall dictate."
-
-"I shall remember your insolent coldness," said Mrs. Hartland; "write
-directly to Mr. Humphries, thank him in my name for the zeal which
-_he_ has shewn in our affairs, desire him to keep a strict eye
-over the property, and to refuse admittance to all interlopers,
-and----"
-
-"Oh," interrupted Zorilda, "do not accuse me of that which is foreign
-from my nature. Can any good or evil happen at Henbury in which I do
-not share? Are you not my benefactors? But you reject my sympathy with
-disdain, and then reproach me for the want of it. Let me prove how much
-I feel upon the present occasion by conjuring you not to commit
-yourself by writing such a letter as you propose to the steward. If, as
-I have heard you say, Mr. Hartland is heir to the estates, as well as
-to the title of Marchdale, you will owe nothing to the officiousness of
-this Humphries; but should Lord Marchdale have had power over his
-fortune, and exercised it to your disadvantage, how will this
-precipitancy advance your claims, or redress the evil? Again, a
-paralytic stroke is not always fatal. Lord Marchdale may recover, and
-then you are at the mercy of a sycophant who may turn your impatience
-to account with his master, and represent you in unfavourable colours,
-to your future ruin. Let me return your acknowledgments for a letter
-which you have opened in the absence of Mr. Hartland, and enter no
-farther into the subject of it."
-
-"You are right, Zoe; I forgive you," answered Mrs. Hartland; "make
-haste, give a guinea to the messenger, see that he is properly taken
-care of, and despatch him without delay."
-
-Zorilda executed the task which her own good sense and delicacy had
-suggested; but who can describe the state of her mind, when, having
-performed her commission, she had time to reflect on her own situation,
-rendered doubly precarious and painful, by the increased distance which
-she perceived the near prospect of rank and fortune would place between
-her and all she loved?
-
-Mr. Hartland returned, and even his phlegmatic temperament was excited
-by the news which awaited him. Visions of future greatness now
-absorbed the attention of him and his wife, though they took various
-hues, according with the difference of their characters. Mr. Hartland
-shewed no impatience, but, assuming a sort of sullen pomp, seemed to
-feel himself already in possession of the distinction which he
-anticipated; while Mrs. Hartland, in an agony of "hope deferred,"
-endured a perpetual fever of mind from the restlessness and impotent
-activity of her disposition. Day after day passed without bringing
-farther tidings, and the _final_ account from Marchdale-court was
-necessary to allay those apprehensions which embittered her golden
-dreams.
-
-There is one character still more irritating than that of an _ex post
-facto_ prophet, and that is a person who, not waiting for events,
-begins, while they are yet pending, to foresee disastrous issues in
-the interval between causes and effects, without casting a shadow of
-blame upon themselves for having acquiesced in that very conduct, on
-the failure of which their angry sagacity is afterwards employed too
-late to prevent whatever may be its result. Mrs. Hartland was of this
-description. The mob principle, that every one must be wrong who does
-not glide with full sails before the wind, influenced all her
-decisions of every kind; and though in the present case it was
-obvious, that while Lord Marchdale _lived_ she could not receive the
-joyful information of his _death_, she could not impute the silence of
-Mr. Humphries to any other source than offence at the frigid style of
-Zorilda's reply to his letter. "I _saw plainly_ how it would be. I
-_knew_ that Mr. Humphries would be affronted. We have evidently lost a
-friend who would have watched over our interests, and all because I
-was too much agitated to write myself. I should have conciliated this
-worthy man, and flattered his vanity with assurance of my entire
-reliance on his zeal and discretion; but people who know nothing of
-the world will put in a word of advice, and woe to all who give ear to
-their stupid counsels."
-
-To these, and such like taunts, Zorilda had to listen, whenever her
-evil genius brought her within hearing of Mrs. Hartland's unceasing
-complaints; which were now received with less submission by her
-husband, as he began to feel himself rising in the scale of human
-dignity, and remembered that it was through _him_ that the expected
-honours were to come.
-
-"For Heaven's sake," he would sometimes say, "let my relation die in
-peace, my dear. Would you have Mr. Humphries administer a dose of
-poison to hasten your victim out of the world, in order to accommodate
-your ambition?"
-
-"Mr. Hartland you are becoming insufferable. Your torpor is more
-exasperating than the rage of a lion. I am sure, were it not for the
-sake of posterity, I wish that your relation may recover, and keep you
-out of an earldom which you are not fit for, and have too little
-feeling to value. My _son_, however, will one day grace a coronet
-of which his father is little worthy."
-
-"I suppose that you would kill me also, to make way for your idol,"
-retorted Mr. Hartland; "but we may all prove too tough for your wishes.
-Mind, I tell you that a paralytic stroke is not always a stroke unto
-death; and you may be punished yet for committing murder in your heart,
-if not with your hands. Take my advice, good lady, and keep yourself
-cool; or in vulgar phrase, do not reckon your chickens before they are
-hatched."
-
-This was a new style of dialogue at Henbury, and exceedingly shocked
-the gentle Zorilda; who, endeavouring to forget her own anxieties as
-much as possible, tried every effort in her power to soften these
-asperities and mediate between the belligerent parties, who never had
-quarrelled till now, when they seemed upon the eve of attaining the
-grand object of their common wishes.
-
-"How strange the effect of what the world calls prosperity!" exclaimed
-this child of nature, when relieved from the irksome society of those
-with whom it was her lot to drag the heavy hours. "Who would desire to
-possess a few ideal distinctions, brief as shadowy, at the expense of
-all that is dear to the heart?"
-
-Zorilda was debarred the luxury, not denied to many in this age, of
-communicating her thoughts to a distant friend. The power of purchasing
-this gratification was more than she could command, so entire was her
-dependence; and even if it had been permitted her to correspond with
-Mrs. Gordon, the necessity of shewing every line which she either wrote
-or received, would have neutralized the privilege.
-
-"Let me thank God," said she, "that I have still the power of thought;
-still the blessed boon of self-communion left; and, oh may I use the
-gift to profit! examine my heart, probe its most secret recesses, and
-cultivate resignation to the will of Him who sees it good that I should
-be thus severely tried!"
-
-When aspirations such as these would escape her lips, a bright gleam of
-hope sometimes succeeded, and painted Algernon in all the bloom of
-youthful joy, returning to the home of his happy childhood; called
-thither to embellish a higher sphere, elate with glad prospects, and
-placed in possession of power to shed happiness in every smile. Spite
-of every effort to repress the fond dreams of imagination, they would
-sometimes, too, indulge in weaving a golden future for herself. If
-Algernon had ceased to love, why did his letters still breathe the
-honied accents of a sentiment which he might pretend to forget? Was it
-generous to doubt his truth because his words were few? Was it
-reasonable to expect more lavish demonstration of an attachment so
-constrained by circumstances? Arrived at full age, and raised to
-dignity and independence, might he not prevail with his parents to
-enter into his views?
-
-Thoughts such as these were too welcome not to force their way, and if
-Zorilda had inclination, she wanted strength to banish them always from
-her mind. A secret feeling would even picture the pleased surprise with
-which Algernon would hear her voice, already flexible and melodious,
-now improved by science and cultivation, and accompanied by the "mellow
-minstrelsy" of a Spanish guitar, on which Mrs. Gordon's tasteful
-tuition had rendered her a proficient.
-
-How lovely was the expression of that eloquent eye! How touching the
-sounds which flowed from those ruby lips when hope's delightful
-inspirations came o'er her mind,
-
-                "Like the sweet south
-    That breathes upon a bank of violets,
-    Stealing and giving odour."
-
-At length the time arrived which was to realize or blast the timid
-promises of faithful love; and on the same day, the evening of which
-was to be blessed by Algernon's return, the dawn was ushered in by an
-express to announce the death of Lord Marchdale.
-
-Suspense and irritation had brought Mrs. Hartland's mind to a state of
-quiescence through exhaustion, without effecting any improvement of
-temper. On the contrary, the spirit of bickering against her husband
-was ready as before, on the present occasion, and broke out into the
-following fretful complaint:
-
-"Ay! when one is worn out with expecting, here comes this empty title
-at last; but not a word about the estates. As to the coronet, that was
-a thing of course, and no gratitude is due on that score; but if the
-property is left away, it would be much better that the title had gone
-along with it. You have always neglected my advice, Mr. Hartland, or we
-should not be indebted now to back-stairs informers for what we ought
-to know ourselves. It is ten to one but you have ruined the fortunes of
-your son by your indolent supineness."
-
-"Can you not wait till the dead are buried?" answered the exasperated
-husband. "Did any mortal, but yourself, ever hear of prying into a will
-before the body is laid in the grave? even the commonest decencies of
-life are violated by your rapacity."
-
-"Pretty language, _indeed_," replied the ruffled dame; "but you may
-find, bye and bye, that my '_rapacity_,' or prudence, or whatever else
-you may please to call it, may have saved you from a jail."
-
-Each party quitted the room by opposite doors in no very harmonious
-frame of mind; yet, spite of ill humour with each other, they were
-irresistibly excited by the intelligence just received. Men are said to
-be but "children of a larger growth," and certain it is that we should
-often be ashamed to confess to the world how a bauble can charm our
-imaginations.
-
-Mr. Hartland was met, on quitting the apartment, by eager faces of
-attempted condolence and congratulation, mingled with the slavish
-wonder and submissiveness generated in vulgar minds by sudden accession
-of rank. The servants and dependants were peeping on tip-toe, shoving
-each other backwards and forwards to catch the first glimpse of their
-master, and see whether he looked differently from his former self,
-since he had become a great lord; but the dread of discovering how much
-he was pleased with his new dignity, as also a certain fear of upstart
-claims which might at least be vexatious, and delay its attainment,
-induced him to refrain from his usual ride, and issue orders that no
-one should address him by any other than the ordinary appellation, till
-his return from Marchdale-court, for which place it would be necessary
-that he and his son should set out on the following day.
-
-Mrs. Hartland gratified the people and herself by going out into the
-shrubbery, garden, farm-yard, etcetera; and wherever she could find a
-human being to greet her with the delightful sounds of "my Lady," and
-"your ladyship," she condescended to expatiate on the lofty
-acquirements which had descended on her house. One old woman, in the
-effervescence of her zeal and ignorance, styled her "your Majesty,"
-which flattered so bewitchingly, that the salutation scarcely seemed
-ridiculous.
-
-The express of the morning produced a very different effect on Zorilda,
-whose agitation was sufficient for her delicate frame, without this
-increase. These new honours had no charm for her, but seemed to raise a
-barrier in her path. Algernon was no longer Algernon; she was to meet
-Lord Hautonville, and a chill came over her heart as she tried to
-practise the unwonted and unwished-for sounds. Then the object of her
-soul's dearest attachment was to be snatched from her eyes, almost in
-the moment of meeting them: and though the recollection of her own
-danger was the last consideration to present itself, yet when
-remembrance of the letter which she had in her possession forced upon
-her mind a consciousness of the defenceless condition in which a few
-hours would leave her, she shuddered with terror of she knew not what,
-but felt such instinctive repugnance to proclaim her fears, and the
-cause of them, that she resolved, under accumulating difficulty, still
-to place her sole trust in that merciful assistance, the support of
-which her heart began to acknowledge experimentally in moments of
-trial.
-
-"Oh! will not one look repay me for all this uneasiness, if it beams
-with the affection of dear old times; and why do I admit these mean
-doubts to overwhelm me? I will cast them from me, and sit musing here
-no longer!"
-
-So saying, Zorilda started from her reverie, and ran to put the last
-finish to her little preparations, by dressing every part of the house
-with fresh gathered flowers. After which she culled a bunch of
-
-    ----"Valley Lilies, whiter
-    Than Leda's love;"
-
-with which to decorate her marble brow, and had scarcely ended her
-simple toilette, when carriage wheels were heard. Mr. and Mrs.
-Hartland, followed by the servants, hastened to the hall. Zorilda, with
-beating heart, blanched cheek, and trembling knees, lingered on the
-stairs, unable to move, but the first accents of the well-known voice
-were, "Where is Zoe?" The vital glow re-animated her countenance, and
-in a few short seconds she was folded in the arms of Algernon.
-
-Never was the meeting of two lovers more rapturous. Zorilda's innocent
-and confiding nature tasted such blessed assurance in this joyful
-instant, as repaid an age of keenest anguish, while Algernon's
-astonished gaze, seemed to declare that no such loveliness had ever
-burst upon his senses, as met his eyes in the modest, yet dazzling
-beauty of her on whom they now were rivetted.
-
-Zorilda drew back, surprised in her turn by the changes which time had
-wrought. Algernon was a perfect model of manly grace, and all the easy
-elegance and polish of fashionable society were added to the native
-symmetry which distinguished his appearance. A reproachful call from
-Mrs. Hartland, quickly interrupted this short-lived transport of
-uncertain bliss. Alas! it was never to return. Zorilda loved, and was
-beloved; but, she knew not why, she had not the same pleasure which she
-formerly felt in Algernon's company. There was a fire in his manner of
-looking at her, and a bold familiarity in his mode of address, which
-discomposed her, and made her desire to shrink into herself, without
-being able to explain to her own breast the reason why she did so.
-While he was summoned to hear the story of his altered fortunes, she
-threw herself, exhausted by the variety of her emotions, into a chair
-near a window, that opened on a trellised alcove, which she had
-carefully entwined with every sweet climber that perfumes the garden,
-to breathe a welcome for him she loved. Bursting into an agony of
-tears, she looked upon her work and exclaimed:
-
-"Flowers! you have lost your fragrance. The simple joys of nature are
-no longer here. They are become 'dim recollected feelings of the days
-of youth and early love.' Dreamer! thy doom is sealed! What has Zorilda
-in common with the world's attractions? Algernon is lost to me! Yes,
-these are not the looks of Algernon! Why do I turn abashed from the
-companion of my childhood?"
-
-Zorilda's meditations were interrupted by a summons from Mr. Hartland,
-who informed her that he must leave Henbury early on the following day,
-and desired to commit several matters of importance to her care during
-his absence. Dinner succeeded, and the evening was chiefly occupied in
-preparations of one kind or other for the ensuing journey; but
-notwithstanding the vigilance of Mrs. Hartland, and her constant
-endeavour to monopolize her son, he found opportunity from time to
-time, to say a few words in secret to Zorilda.
-
-"Keep up your spirits, Zoe; you shall be Lady Hautonville one of these
-days! I am resolved upon it, so do not be frightened; but we have much
-to do, and you have much to learn. You must be _schooled_ for the new
-order of society which you are about to enter. Nothing can be more
-unlike the world than your present style of manners, dress, appearance.
-_My_ wife can never be such a country lassie as you are; but I will
-have you put in the right way. I know a charming person, La Baronne de
-Torsi, who will be happy to do me a kindness. She will have pleasure in
-forming you to the standard of good taste. The materials, my Zoe, are
-perfect, but you want the air, the fashion, the indispensable tone of
-society, which you could not attain in this wretched place. What a pair
-are these poor old souls, my father and mother! They seem to have the
-year _one_, printed in large letters on every look, word, and gesture.
-We must bury them in the woods at Marchdale-court, while you and I
-figure away on the theatres of glorious France and Italy. I am sick of
-Old England's roast beef, and find nothing good or agreeable off the
-Continent. Good night, my lovely Zo; we will make all our arrangements
-on my return from this horrible funeral."
-
-Algernon wished to seal these words, which were but jarring sounds to
-Zorilda's ear, by a kiss, but she turned, and hastily disengaging her
-hand from his, flew to the sanctuary of her chamber, there to reflect,
-through a sleepless night, upon the miseries of her destiny.
-
-"La Baronne de Torsi! a stranger, a foreigner; _she_ to form my mind,
-my manners, my tastes anew, to the frivolous and artificial? I will
-have no such monitress. Is this the language of true love? I know it
-not by these signs. There is no prison, however dreary, no wilderness
-however wild, into which Zorilda would not accompany the being whom she
-loved, to suffer pain and privation, and if not permitted her to
-shield, yet still to share each pang, would be her bosom's joy; but
-thus scorned, thus disdained, it must not, cannot be."
-
-Morning came, and found the poor mourner still a prey to the tortures
-of wounded sensibility. Mr. Hartland and his son were to set out so
-early, that she was spared the humiliation of shewing how much power
-Algernon possessed over her affections. As he went down stairs he
-knocked at Zorilda's door, and slipped a bit of paper underneath, on
-which were hastily written, with a pencil, the following words:
-
-"In the tumult of yesterday's meeting, I forgot to warn you against
-receiving any communication, either by letter or visit, from any one
-till my return. _Addio, carissima, Algernon_."
-
-"Hah!" thought Zorilda, "Can this be the explanation? Is Algernon the
-unseen guardian who has been watching over me, and to whose friendly
-care I have been indebted for avoiding danger, though I know not of
-what nature? But no: the letter which I received is not in his
-hand-writing, and the sentiments which it expresses, so full of
-delicate consideration for the unhappy Zorilda, are alas! little in
-unison with the language of yesterday evening, which still echoes
-through my heart. Nothing but mystery appears to surround me whichever
-way my eyes are directed."
-
-On meeting Mrs. Hartland in the breakfast-parlour, Zorilda's looks too
-plainly bespoke the state of her mind to leave a doubt of what she
-endured. A few constrained questions and answers broke the rigid
-silence which would otherwise have marked this unsocial meeting.
-
-Mrs. Hartland rang the bell, and ordering the tea things to be taken
-away, desired her young companion to wait her return; and quitting the
-room, left Zorilda in new perplexity at what was next to happen.
-
-Mrs. Hartland re-appeared in a few minutes, bringing an ink-stand and
-paper in her hand. Shutting the door, and laying these upon a table,
-she ordered Zorilda, in a stern voice, to sit down opposite to her,
-with which the latter having complied, she proceeded to unfold her
-object.
-
-"It is no longer possible," said Mrs. Hartland, "to be silent. The
-time is come when it is necessary to explain my views, and come to an
-open understanding with you. Your attachment to my son cannot be
-mistaken, and I must tell you plainly, that it highly displeases Mr.
-Hartland and me. _You_ should recollect our relative positions: you,
-an unknown orphan, discovered, accidentally, in a gipsey camp, without
-name, family, or pretensions; redeemed from the infamy of associating
-with a lawless horde by the charity which brought you here, are finely
-repaying the protectors of your childhood! Can you suppose, for a
-moment, that because you were permitted during infancy to be the
-companion of my son, and allowed, in after life to share the
-instructions which were bestowed on him by Mr. Playfair; can you, I
-repeat, imagine for a single instant that you were ever designed to be
-his wife? Do you think that a pretty face is sufficient qualification
-for the future Countess of Marchdale, or that Lord Hautonville's
-parents would ever look upon him again, were the wiles of an artful
-girl to betray his honourable mind into a remembrance of the boyish
-vows which children make to each other before they comprehend the
-nature of a promise? There is only one act by which you can ease my
-mind, and restore yourself to that place in my regards from which, I
-confess with regret, that you have fallen. Here are paper, pen, and
-ink; I have never found you untrue, and shall depend with confidence
-upon your written assurance, regularly signed, for my _full_
-satisfaction, that from this moment, you not only renounce all
-pretension to an alliance with my family; but should a romantic spirit
-of chivalry induce Algernon to forget what he owes to himself, and his
-father and mother, by offering his hand to you, that you here pledge
-yourself solemnly to repel such proposals, and reject every advance on
-the part of one whose death would be preferable, in my eyes to a
-marriage inconsistent with his rank in society. I have now spoken
-without reserve. You know my feelings, and if you are disposed to
-gratify me by the sacrifice which I require, there is nothing which I
-will leave undone to forward your interests. I will prevail on my son
-to settle something handsome upon you. I will write to my friends, and
-obtain some situation for you as soon as possible, in which your
-talents may secure your future independence; or it may be, that when
-you are seen and known out of this deep retirement, some suitable
-match may present itself, and----"
-
-Zorilda had resolved to hear out Mrs. Hartland's harangue in patient
-silence, and restrain every emotion which it might excite; but though
-she had prepared for want of kindness, she did not anticipate the
-coarseness by which she had just been assailed. Notwithstanding every
-effort, or rather, perhaps, because she exerted herself beyond her
-powers, her eyes grew dim, her head became giddy, and she fell back
-senseless in her chair.
-
-When she revived from the state of insensibility into which she had
-been thrown by the indelicacy of Mrs. Hartland's proceedings, she found
-herself alone with Rachel, whose tender assiduity restored her
-faculties once more. She had been removed to her apartment, and was
-laid on her bed, from which she now rose in haste, and, dismissing her
-faithful attendant with thanks, she summoned up all the resolution of
-her character, entered Mrs. Hartland's dressing-room, where she found
-that lady seated at her table, writing with perfect sang froid, and
-calmly addressed her:
-
-"Madam," said Zorilda, in a gentle but unfaltering voice, "I come to
-give you an answer, which the accident of sudden indisposition has
-delayed. I thank you for your care of my infant years. I am grateful
-also for the asylum which I have since found under your roof. These
-acknowledgments are all that I have to bestow, and I confess that they
-are a poor remuneration for the favours which you have conferred upon a
-hapless stranger."
-
-"My dear girl," said Mrs. Hartland, interrupting the lovely but
-unfortunate Zorilda, "you can make a return which will more than repay
-me. Certainly I _have been_ every thing to you, and I am glad that you
-appreciate as you ought to do that kindness which snatched you from
-perils worse than death, and has cherished you ever since in the
-enjoyment of every comfort. You have sense enough to be conscious that
-you have not been a costless charge; but I only mention your _entire_
-destitution, your dependence for every morsel of bread, every article
-of clothing, protection, tenderness, education, companionship, only, I
-say, to show how _greatly_ I shall estimate the act by which you, who
-are aware of the extent of your obligations, are enabled at one stroke
-of your pen to cancel them all. Here, my love, I have drawn up the
-_promissory note_, as I may call it, which wipes off all scores
-between us. Here, my dear, though you have no sirname, nor for the
-matter of _that_, perhaps, Christian either, for you may have been
-born amongst the Turks or the Jews, and never baptized at all, for any
-thing that we can tell to the contrary; sign the three syllables,
-Zorilda, whether given to you at the font or in the gipsey's camp, it
-is all the same to me. Write your name in a fair hand, opposite to
-this seal; declare it to be your act and deed; I will call Rachel to
-witness the transaction, and our business is done; I demand no legal
-forms, as my confidence in your truth----"
-
-"Must be your only guarantee, Madam," replied Zorilda. "I will not sign
-any document to resign possessions to which I lay no claim. Whatever
-kindness may be manifested towards me during my pilgrimage on earth,
-must be freely given and as freely received; but you need not dread me;
-I will not requite ungratefully the obligations which I owe. If you
-really confide in my truth, prove it by relying on what I say; and as
-to my future fate, discharge your mind, I pray you, of all anxiety upon
-that account. Grant me but a short time to make some trifling
-arrangements for my departure, and you shall be satisfied in all
-things. I can never be too thankful for the instructions which you
-permitted me to derive from that much valued friend, Mr. Playfair, and
-upon these I shall depend for being no longer a tax upon your bounty.
-The God in whom I trust, will hear the orphan's prayer, and bless my
-humble exertions."
-
-"Then, Madam," answered Mrs. Hartland, "am I to understand, that you
-refuse to sign the paper which I hold in my hand?"
-
-"It is most reluctantly that I refuse to comply with any requisition of
-yours," said Zorilda; "but I am determined not to sign that paper.
-Possessing no rights, making no demand, I will not assume the merit of
-renouncing that to which I do not assert a title. Were I bound by an
-engagement such as terrifies you to anticipate, I should be unworthy of
-the choice, undeserving of the affection with which I could basely
-trifle, and of which I could thus make a cruel, cold, and heartless
-surrender----"
-
-"Quit my presence this instant, artful and unnatural girl," retorted
-Mrs. Hartland: "If you are resolved not to comply with my reasonable
-desire, I am equally so, that you shall not reap any harvest from your
-obstinacy and disobedience. Quit me, I say, this moment, and do not
-presume to leave your apartment. I give you one week to consider of
-your conduct; if at the end of that time you repent of your behaviour
-to me, and declare yourself ready to submit, all shall be forgotten;
-but if you persevere in your present shameful resistance to my will and
-pleasure, prepare to depart. I shall take measures in the interim for
-your removal, and shall not consult your convenience as to the time or
-manner of it."
-
-Zorilda withdrew, and having gained her prison-chamber, laid her aching
-head upon the pillow, revolving in her mind this crisis of her present
-circumstances. The cup of sorrow seemed now filled to the brim; one
-drop more, and it would overflow; and death, the last friend of
-despair, would come, she thought, to her aid, and terminate her trials.
-It was not the rigorous treatment which she had just experienced--it
-was not confinement--that she deplored; on the contrary, solitude and
-repose were as soothing as they were become necessary to her harassed
-spirits; but the gentle, the affectionate Zorilda, had never till now
-rebelled against the authority of her whom she still reflected on as
-her benefactress; and she reproached herself with having inflicted
-pain. Unaccustomed to resist, she wondered how she could have denied a
-request of Mrs. Hartland's. Yet to yield was as repugnant to every
-sentiment of love and delicacy as to every principle of truth and
-honour. Here, then, was the final dissolution of all her airy dreams.
-Here was the extinguishment of hope, the end of wishes, the last blow
-to expectation.
-
-"How merciful the 'blindness kindly given' which prevents us
-penetrating the dark veil of future events!" exclaimed the meek
-sufferer; "but the time is come. How little did I imagine it so close
-at hand when the friendship of my beloved Mrs. Gordon is to be tried!
-_Her_ friendship will not fail me in the hour of need!"
-
-Zorilda was at a loss whether or not to apprise the family at Drumcairn
-of her intentions by a letter which should precede her arrival in
-Scotland, but after a short consideration determined against doing so.
-Her departure, she felt, had become too necessary to leave any option,
-and it was better not to hazard the possibility of Mrs. Gordon's
-recommending her to postpone so adventurous an undertaking. Besides, if
-her elopement were to excite a desire in those she left behind to trace
-her retreat, inquiry would naturally be directed, in the first
-instance, to the only quarter from which it might be supposed that
-authentic information respecting her movements and designs might be
-obtained. She therefore resolved on prosecuting her journey without
-giving Mrs. Gordon any reason to expect her, certain as she felt of the
-welcome that awaited her coming at all times in the breast of that true
-friend.
-
-Those only whose hearts are capable of such attachment as dwelt within
-Zorilda's bosom can form any idea of the overwhelming grief with which
-she contemplated bidding farewell to the scenes of her childhood, and
-with them to every object round which her strong, but tender affection,
-had entwined itself from earliest infancy; yet as misfortune had begun
-to teach her the happy art which can draw good from apparent evil, as
-the bee extracts honey from the vilest weeds, she felt glad that the
-prohibition which forbade her usual exercise preserved her from the
-pain of dwelling in detail on every leaf and flower associated with
-fondest memory. "Mrs. Hartland's decree is a kind one," said she. "I
-shall break my bonds at once, and not weaken resolution by re-visiting
-those objects, which to gaze upon again would but enfeeble its powers.
-Algernon--once beloved--oh _still_ beloved, must I tear _you_ from
-this heart? _There_ is the sting; but the sacrifice shall be
-finished."
-
-Some days elapsed; Zorilda made an effort to occupy herself in
-preparation for her intended flight. Rachel's watchful care ministered
-all the consolation which kindness could impart, and through her
-activity and address, the manner of the journey was planned with so
-much circumspection, that nothing further remained to impede its
-commencement. The approaching alterations in the establishment at
-Henbury afforded Rachel an opportunity of disengaging herself from
-further services as a domestic without exciting suspicion respecting
-her future intentions; and having given notice to Mrs. Hartland that
-she meant to leave her, she determined on accompanying Zorilda wherever
-her fortunes might lead the way. At the end of a week, just as the
-time was drawing near when some account might be expected from
-Marchdale-court, Rachel, gliding softly into Zorilda's apartment with
-a packet in her hand,
-
-"This is for you, my dear young lady; but it is not the letter which
-you were hoping for from the North."
-
-Zorilda started, and remembering the caution which she had received
-from Algernon at parting, concluded this to be the communication
-against which he had warned her in the slip of paper which he thrust
-under her door just before he left Henbury. She seized the packet with
-tremulous eagerness. It was of large dimensions, and contained some
-hard substance. Whence could it come? what could it be? were questions
-which might well interest a girl of eighteen. Perhaps, if truth were
-told, there are few of either sex or any age exempt from such a measure
-of curiosity as would tempt to break the seal in such a case; but in
-Zorilda's circumstances every trifle was raised into importance; even
-the parcel which she held in her hand might elucidate her history and
-influence her fate. Yet Algernon had bid her beware of receiving any
-thing of this nature. He therefore knew whence it came, and if
-advantageous to her, would he have advised her to return it unopened?
-Certainly not, and he should find, that however he might conduct
-himself in the end towards her, she would not begin by doubting either
-his truth or kindness. After a moment's pause, she gave back the packet
-to Rachel, who stood gaping with expectation, and longing for the
-unfolding of its contents.
-
-"Here, Rachel, I am afraid to open this. I know nothing of it, and
-think that there is some mistake. It may be a parcel of Mrs.
-Hartland's; it cannot be for me; at least I will inquire who sent it,
-before I take off the packing."
-
-"Lord ha' mercy, my dear child," answered Rachel, "did I not tell you
-that it comes from your old and fast friend Mr. Playfair? I'm sure if I
-did not, it was the joy I felt in bringing it to you, that made me
-neglect to name him. I thought you would know all about it the minute
-you set your two eyes upon the cover, and wondered to see you so slow
-in coming at the inside."
-
-"Thank heaven!" ejaculated Zorilda. "Here is assistance in the hour of
-need. Here at least is sympathy, when my dejected spirit is cast down."
-
-Tearing off the wrapping paper with eagerness, she found a letter,
-directed to "My dear Pupil," in the well known hand of her tutor,
-accompanied by a large packet without any address.
-
-"This will explain the other," said Zorilda, "and comes, I know, from
-one in whom I may confide. I will read his letter first. Now, dear
-Rachel, leave me, and if I have any good news to communicate you may be
-sure of hearing it. You are the only being here who will care to listen
-to aught that affects me, and you shall not be kept long in ignorance."
-
-Rachel quitted the room while Zorilda unfolded the letter, and to her
-astonishment read as follows:
-
-    "I have, my dear child, always endeavoured to impress upon your
-    young heart a _practical_ belief in the God who watches over
-    His people. Your quick sensibility has been more inclined to
-    murmuring than thankfulness, and the apparent hardness of that
-    dispensation which left you like a fallen star, dropped from the
-    clouds upon earth without home or parents or worldly provision of
-    any kind, seemed to furnish excuse for the tardiness of your
-    submission; but, inasmuch as you have felt inclined to doubt the
-    care of an Almighty ruler, as relating to yourself, in such
-    proportion will you now assuredly pour out the incense of gratitude
-    and wonder, when you hear the tale which I have to unfold, and
-    ponder on those remarkable coincidences which render me the medium
-    of an accompanying packet, which I have taken means to convey by a
-    safe hand through which it will find its way to yours, without the
-    knowledge of any one at Henbury except the faithful Rachel. May
-    this interesting document, which I now send you, prove the
-    forerunner of future good, and may you experience as much
-    satisfaction in receiving as I feel in imparting it!
-
-    "I am yet to tell you how this packet most unexpectedly fell into
-    the possession of your old and affectionate friend. On my way to
-    Paris I lingered at Abbeville, with intention of revisiting those
-    haunts endeared to memory by our favourite Petrarch. While staying
-    at the inn a message was brought to me, saying that a dying
-    gentleman, who lived at no great distance, was desirous to speak
-    with me, and requested my immediate attention to his request. At a
-    loss to account for such an invitation, yet fearful of giving pain
-    to a fellow-creature in extremity, if I waited to make further
-    inquiry, I followed a servant who led the way, and in a few minutes
-    was introduced to the bedside of Colonel Dalton. He had a manly and
-    noble countenance, but appeared in the last stage of decline.
-    Fixing his fine expressive eyes, which were lighted by that meteor
-    gleam which burns brightest on the confines of the tomb, upon my
-    face, as if to read my character there--he extended his emaciated
-    hand, and said, with a feeble voice,
-
-    "'I thank you Sir. This is an act of kindness which will relieve my
-    mind, and soothe the last moments of a departing spirit. Since I
-    have been sensible that my hour is at hand, and that I shall never
-    leave this place, the packet which I am now going to give into your
-    care, has been subject of deep solicitude to me. I lately sent a
-    faithful servant, on whose integrity I could have relied for its
-    safe delivery--to prepare my sister, who lives in Sussex, for my
-    arrival--but Heaven has ordered otherwise. I reached Abbeville a
-    few days ago, attended only by my groom, whom I have not known long
-    enough to depend upon. This packet contains some property of value,
-    and a narrative which I drew up years ago. These are of the deepest
-    interest to a young and lovely Spaniard who resides somewhere in
-    England, with a family of the name of Hartland. The only name I
-    know for her is Zorilda, but I do not mean to trouble you with
-    seeking her out. Convey this, together with a box which I shall
-    commit to your keeping, to my sister, Lady Carleton, whose address
-    I will give you. She will do the rest, if you explain my wishes now
-    expressed to you. You will greatly oblige me by this act of
-    benevolence. Strength fails me. Your countenance inspires belief
-    that you will fulfil the sacred trust which I repose in you. I am a
-    soldier, and honour is the soldier's bond.'
-
-    "He grew faint. I gave him some reviving drops, which were at hand,
-    and, after promising to execute his commission with my best zeal,
-    proceeded at intervals, as he could listen to the recital, to
-    inform him of the extraordinary providence which had thrown in his
-    way the very person of all others most suited to his purpose. He
-    was much struck with the detail which I gave him, and during three
-    succeeding days entirely devoted to him, I had the satisfaction of
-    holding such conversation, as, with the blessing of Heaven upon its
-    motive, I have good reason to believe deprived death of its sting.
-    I took charge of his will, and other papers of value, for his
-    family. He expired without a struggle, and having stayed to attend
-    his mortal remains to the tomb, I travelled back to perform my vow.
-    Having seen Lady Carleton, I have discharged my mission as far as
-    regards her; but send your parcel, of which I made no mention to
-    her ladyship, by a sure conveyance to your own hands. On my return
-    to England (for I am once more setting out for the Continent) I
-    hope to see you. Having now fortified your mind, I trust, by the
-    proof which I send you of your Heavenly Father's care, I feel it my
-    duty to put that faith and confidence, which such assurance ought
-    to inspire, to a severe test, by communicating intelligence of
-    another kind; but I should not be your true friend were I to
-    suppress what has come to my knowledge; and through a cowardly
-    dread of inflicting a present pang, incur the danger of
-    contributing, by my silence, to your far greater suffering at a
-    future day.
-
-    "I am too well acquainted, my dear Zorilda, with the human heart,
-    and the signs by which its feelings are naturally expressed, to be
-    ignorant of the attachment which sprang up under my own observation
-    between Algernon and you. I beheld its rise and progress, and
-    lamented what I was unable to prevent. I knew the dissimilarity of
-    your characters, and the difference of those motives by which you
-    were severally actuated. Algernon, selfish and domineering from his
-    birth, regarded no object except inasmuch as it increased the sum
-    of his own gratification. You were ever generous, affectionate, and
-    disinterested. Such disparity I was well aware could never produce
-    a happy union; but I had no means of averting the perils which I
-    foresaw. Events have confirmed my presages, and Algernon's career
-    since he left home has been marked by an utter dereliction of every
-    principle with which I vainly sought to imbue his mind. It is with
-    grief I inform you that his extravagance and dissipation have
-    arrived at a fearful height, and the last account which I have
-    heard of him, is the worst. Overwhelmed with debt, for the payment
-    of which his future prospects are pledged beyond, it is said, what
-    the estates of Marchdale, if bequeathed to him, can liquidate,
-    burthened as they are already; he has supplied present necessities
-    by borrowing at usurious interest, till, on the failure of even
-    this ruinous resource, he has condescended to receive pecuniary
-    assistance from an opera singer, to whom many people believe that
-    he is married, and in whose company he is gone to England.
-
-    "Whatever be the nature of the tie which binds Algernon to such
-    society, it is your part, my child, to wean your affections from a
-    man who is unworthy of them. The effort will be painful, but it is
-    necessary to your peace."
-
-    "Farewell, my dear young friend, may you be sustained through every
-    trial of life, by the divine protection," &c. &c. &c.
-
-Zorilda's emotions as she concluded Mr.
-Playfair's letter, may be imagined but cannot
-be described. Surprise, curiosity, grief, and
-indignation took alternate possession of her
-mind. The packet accompanying the letter was
-still unopened. What mysterious interference
-of Providence in her behalf could it contain,
-and coming too from a stranger's hand, that
-should call forth her gratitude to God? She
-broke the seals and found an agate box with a
-roll of paper inscribed,
-
-    "A TRUE NARRATIVE."
-
-Laying the former aside, she read as follows:
-
-
-
-
-CHAPTER X.
-
-    "This is indeed a tiding!
-    That fellow is a precious casket to us
-    Enclosing weighty things."
-
-    WALLENSTEIN.
-
-
-    "On a fine evening of autumn, I arrived at Grenada. Fatigued after
-    a toilsome journey, I determined to halt for the night in this
-    ancient city, and strolling into one of its magnificent churches,
-    from which the congregation had just issued, I wandered up and down
-    the spacious aisles, indulging in silent solitude my admiration for
-    the grand obscure of their noble architecture.
-
-    "As I moved slowly forward, musing on a scene which peculiarly
-    harmonised with my love for the sublime, a female figure, habited
-    like a nun, and whose features were studiously concealed by a long
-    veil, glided swiftly from behind one of the enormous pillars which
-    supported the building, laid her hand hastily upon my arm, and in a
-    low tone, addressed the following words to me in the Spanish
-    language:
-
-    "'I have marked your countenance; it bespeaks intrepidity and
-    benevolence; if you possess these qualities, meet me to-night
-    precisely at twelve o'clock without fail, at the western gate of
-    the ancient palace of the Moors.'
-
-    "The vision vanished, but the solemnity of voice and manner in
-    which these words were pronounced, convinced me that the adventure
-    had something extraordinary in its nature. It might be a case of
-    imprisonment or distress. Conjecture was vain, but there was an
-    earnestness in the nun's manner which was irresistible. I resolved
-    on going armed, and taking a friend along with me to guard against
-    a surprise. Exactly at the appointed hour I reached the western
-    inlet to that once splendid residence, now superb vestige of former
-    days, which had been named as the place of rendezvous. At the
-    moment of my arrival, the same veiled figure whom I had seen in the
-    church, appeared with a small lamp in her hand. Looking fearfully
-    around, she inquired whether I was alone. I answered in the
-    affirmative, having left my companion at a sufficient distance to
-    prevent our being overheard.
-
-    "'Then,' said my conductress, 'fear nothing; and follow me, if you
-    are prepared to undertake a commission which requires secrecy and
-    kindness to execute it efficiently.'
-
-    "I hesitated, and drew back; but instantly perceiving the doubt
-    which crossed my mind, the Nun added, with eagerness, 'Fear not; I
-    will detain you but a few minutes. The only trial to which your
-    courage will be exposed is surmounted in the moment of your
-    entrance here. You suspect my truth, and the dark labyrinth through
-    which I am going to lead the way, may well appal a stranger; but
-    _trust_ me, and I will not deceive you.'
-
-    "Ashamed to express any further unwillingness, and impressed by the
-    mild dignity of her manner, I suffered myself to be drawn inside a
-    small door which led down a flight of narrow stone stairs to a long
-    winding subterranean passage. My guide went swiftly forward,
-    encouraging me to follow. We made many turnings, and passed several
-    doors on the right and left, which seemed to lead to other
-    passages; but all was still and silent as the grave, except when
-    the large heavy drops, that lined the vaulted roofs, fell to the
-    ground with loud and sullen splash. My sword was slight defence, if
-    ambush lurked within these walls; but it was too late to recede.
-    The faint cry of an infant at length struck upon my ear, and sent a
-    sudden thrill through my frame.
-
-    "'Hush, beloved babe!' said my companion, as she pushed back a
-    bolt, and we entered a small vaulted chamber, at the extremity of
-    which a little silver lamp streamed its feeble rays upon a
-    spectacle of woe--the lifeless corpse of a young and exquisitely
-    beautiful woman, who seemed but that moment to have breathed her
-    last, lay extended on the ground; from the chill damps of which,
-    her delicate limbs appeared to have been only protected by a
-    pallet of straw, over which was thrown, by way of coverlet, a rich
-    mantle of scarlet cloth lined with ermine. The Nun, raising this
-    splendid pall, discovered to my view a new-born infant within its
-    folds. The little creature had just awakened from sleep; and my
-    conductress taking the mantle from the dead body, wrapped it
-    carefully round the child, which, after pressing affectionately to
-    her bosom, she delivered into my arms. Then arranging the garments
-    of the deceased, which resembled her own costume, with pious care,
-    next placing an ebony cross, or _prie Dieu_, on the breast, and
-    winding a string of beads round the alabaster arms, which she
-    folded across the bosom, the friendly Nun threw back her veil, and
-    with a heavenly expression of devotional tenderness, knelt down at
-    the side of the corpse, and with uplifted hands and eyes, briefly,
-    but fervently, implored a blessing on the departed spirit,
-    committing that which had but just left its earthly tabernacle to
-    the Eternal Guardian of souls. Then printing a fond kiss on the
-    cold lips which were unconscious of the tender farewell, she
-    seized a packet which lay near the head of the dead lady, and
-    disposing it within her cloak, snatched up the lamp which had
-    guided our steps to this abode of death, leaving the other to
-    become fainter and fainter, and then expire over the dead. She
-    pointed towards the door, which having passed, she bolted, and we
-    again pursued our way through the same passages by which we
-    entered the vaults, till, turning short by the foot of a staircase
-    which I had not seen before, she led me to a different portal from
-    that at which I met her: stopping there before she proceeded to
-    unlock the outside door, and uncovering her face, she desired me
-    to attend to her instructions. She appeared about five and thirty,
-    of a fine figure, and her countenance was remarkable for its
-    expression of serenity and sweetness.
-
-    "'Preserve this precious infant,' said she, 'with fidelity and
-    affection. Take her to your own country; and in this packet, which
-    I consign to your honourable trust, you will find resources for
-    giving her the best education. Her father is an English nobleman,
-    her mother was lovely and virtuous, but deceived. She left the
-    convent in which I dwell to join her husband; but a fictitious
-    marriage, which she believed to have been performed according to
-    the most sacred rites of your Church, left him who had basely
-    practised on her confidence free to desert his victim, who died of
-    grief after giving birth to this dear babe. She resumed her Nun's
-    habit ere she laid her down in death; and made me vow to send her
-    daughter to England, but not to the guardianship of her father. You
-    will not disappoint my hopes; I feel assured that you will watch
-    this little treasure with fostering kindness. Adieu! May the God of
-    the orphan be with you! Depart in peace!'
-
-    "So saying, she waved her hand; and giving me no time for more than
-    a sincere but hasty promise, urged me gently forward, and closing
-    the entrance, she retraced her steps, returning into the building,
-    while I proceeded to grope along at random in quest of my friend,
-    who suffered the greatest anxiety, fearing that I had fallen a prey
-    to my imprudence and foolish thirst for romance. Apprehensive of my
-    fate, he continued wandering round and round the Moorish palace,
-    seeking me in every direction. We met at length. I related my
-    adventure, and shall procure the signature of my friend to this
-    account of it, that she to whom it is most interesting may
-    hereafter find the best proof which I can give her of its accuracy.
-
-    "It was but a slight deviation from the truth to proclaim, on my
-    return to quarters, that I had found the infant. Having procured an
-    excellent nurse, I placed my little charge in her care. The child
-    grew in strength and beauty, and became as dear to me as if it had
-    been my own. My duty obliged me frequently to change place and
-    encounter peril, which, to spare my young ward, I settled her and
-    her nurse in a delightful and wholesome situation in the province
-    of Castille, resolving not to disturb them till I could convey the
-    child to an English school. During my absence the nurse died. I was
-    not informed of the event. Zorilda fell into the hands of an
-    unprincipled wretch, the wife of a soldier, who immediately
-    perceived that she could turn her theft to lucrative profit. This
-    woman carefully concealed the child, wandering from place to place
-    to elude pursuit, and at length, having crossed the sea with her
-    booty, disposed of the little girl to a band of gipsies.
-
-    "It was a long time before I gained any intelligence respecting
-    Zorilda's fate, and when at last my mind was relieved from its
-    solicitude, I was far away in India, and it appeared to me that I
-    could do nothing better for my young charge, than leave her quietly
-    in the safe asylum which the kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Hartland had
-    provided for her. My appearing to prefer my claim could not, I
-    thought, benefit the condition of Zorilda. I was neither enabled to
-    clear up the mystery of her birth, nor offer any clue to the
-    discovery of her father. Interference on my part might lessen the
-    interest conceived towards her by those benefactors who imagined
-    their rights to be undisputed, while her noble parent, whoever he
-    might be, coming to the knowledge of circumstances which were not
-    intended to be divulged, and perhaps alarmed in consequence for his
-    own reputation, might employ some artful means to obtain possession
-    of his daughter. This reasoning satisfied me that the wisest plan
-    was to lie by, and make no stir in the matter; but suffering things
-    for the present to take their course, wait patiently till the full
-    age, or marriage of Zorilda, should furnish occasion for the final
-    relinquishment of my guardianship.
-
-    "The sum originally deposited with me by the Nun has increased to
-    five thousand pounds British, for which amount, a check upon my
-    banker in London will be found sealed up in a packet containing a
-    diamond cross, a bracelet of hair, and a miniature portrait.
-
-    "I had presumed to hope that I might one day deliver these articles
-    of value with my own hands to their interesting possessor, and
-    taste the pleasure of recalling to her remembrance the welcome with
-    which she used to receive me at her nurse Rueda's house, when I
-    went laden with fruit and flowers to visit my charming little
-    play-fellow. Providence has ordained it otherwise, and death
-    arrests my progress.
-
-    "The mantle of scarlet cloth, lined with ermine, which I wished to
-    preserve and restore with the rest, was stolen from me. I commit
-    all that remains to the care of Mr. Playfair, that excellent, may I
-    venture to call him, friend, to whose goodness I am deeply
-    indebted----"
-
-The concluding lines of this memoir were scarcely legible, and traced
-with a pencil in characters so unlike the writing which preceded, as to
-prove that an effort of expiring strength had added them by way of
-supplement to the narrative. A certificate was appended to it, sealed
-and signed with the name of Charles Russell, who confirmed the
-statement which it set forth; and Zorilda having with breathless
-impatience devoured the entire, fell upon her knees, to adore that
-Power which thus signally interposed to sustain her in the darkest hour
-of adversity.
-
-After a passionate thanksgiving offered with instinctive glow from her
-inmost soul, the cruel thought of Algernon returned with all its force.
-Oh! had these tidings arrived to crown his virtuous, constant love, how
-blest had been Zorilda! But, like a lamp suddenly introduced into the
-depths of a dungeon, the light which had just fallen on her history
-only seemed to mark more clearly the desolation of her lot. She read
-Mr. Playfair's letter again and again, and returned as often to the
-narrative of Colonel Dalton, so absorbed in anxious scrutiny of their
-contents, that for a long time she totally forgot another inclosure
-which still remained unexamined.
-
-Catching it hastily, with the eagerness of one desirous to repair an
-ungrateful omission by increased activity, she unfolded the other
-parcel, and opening a box of transparent agate, drew forth a splendid
-Maltese cross of the richest brilliants, then a miniature, and lastly,
-a bracelet of the finest soft dark hair, to which was fastened a
-ticket, addressed "TO MY BELOVED ZORILDA, FROM HER MOTHER."
-
-The word _Mother_, that magic word, containing within itself all that
-the human heart intuitively acknowledges of tender and protective,
-struck at this moment on Zorilda's heart with all the power of nature
-and novelty, while her emotions almost seemed to threaten existence.
-
-"Oh, my mother, my adored mother! must I lose and find you in the same
-instant of time? Zorilda's arms would grow around that neck, and shield
-that heavenly bosom from every grief, but she is dead! cold and dead!
-This beaming eye is sealed, the soft glow of this beautiful cheek has
-faded, this angelic smile no longer plays upon these coral lips which
-it has deserted, and for ever!"
-
-So raved Zorilda, as she pressed to her bosom the miniature of her
-mother, and gazed, in an agony of grief, on the portrait of her whose
-presence, could it be restored to her fond embrace, would now, she
-thought, fill every void in her heart, and leave no room for any other
-love.
-
-When the feelings are strained to their utmost, the mind falls into
-calm, as the raging billows of the ocean subside into repose after a
-storm of elemental strife, while resignation sits above, and watches
-the moment to whisper peace. Zorilda became gradually more composed,
-and the torturing sense of her own loss began to yield to less selfish
-considerations.
-
-"This lovely being," said she aloud, "was unhappy; she is now
-inhabiting the mansions of eternal rest. Here, in this cold and cruel
-world, contumely and reproach might have pierced her soul; in Heaven
-are no tears. _There_, in celestial communion with kindred spirits
-of the just made perfect, clothed in white robes, and crowned with
-imperishable glory, amongst the highly favoured, who have drank at the
-bitter waters of affliction, and risen purified by tribulation, my
-blessed mother stands before the throne, joining her voice in the
-melodious concert of everlasting hallelujahs: and shall I wish her back
-again in this scene of sorrow? No! But Heaven will hear my prayer, and
-take me to her. That is all my desire, all for which my longing soul
-now pants."
-
-"Lord love my dear Miss Zoe, what fine things are here!" exclaimed
-Rachel, who at this moment entered the room with some refreshment which
-she set down on a tray before Zorilda. The latter started from her
-seat, and threw her arms round the neck of this affectionate creature;
-then, pointing to the papers, told her, that they contained much
-interesting matter which should be explained at some future time when
-she felt more equal to the task.
-
-"Heaven be praised," said Rachel, "that you have good news from any
-quarter to comfort you, for you have little to spare, and there will be
-even less than we enjoy already, if I do not mistake, as my lady is
-desperately chop-fallen, by reason of news which she has received
-through this day's post; and you and I can both tell how her temper is
-likely to be affected. Master writes her word, that he and Mr. Algernon
-(Lord Hautonville, I should say,) are to be here the latter end of next
-week, and there is a terrible falling off by what I can learn, in the
-_property_ part of the story. It seems that my Lord Marchdale had
-power to will away all the estates except one, which must go with the
-title; and sure enough he did not leave Master a rap that he could keep
-from him. All the bulk of his fortune is gone, they say, to a set of
-people who have for a long time been eating him out of house and home;
-and I hear, moreover, that what is left to the present lord is not
-enough to keep up any state or style suitable for a nobleman. Indeed I
-wish that we were well out of this before the meeting of the family
-again, for I am full certain, that we shall find ourselves in troubled
-waters."
-
-Zorilda appeared lost in reverie during the greater part of Rachel's
-harangue; but, suddenly awakened by its cessation, she answered,
-
-"Yes, dear nurse, it is time to be gone. I will not wait the return of
-Lord Marchdale, but I have neither head nor heart to make any
-preparation for departure. On your skill and management I rest for so
-ordering matters, that the strictest secrecy shall attend upon our
-movements. I have the means of re-paying any money necessary for our
-journey, but you must contrive to borrow for the present. I have much
-to say, but am exhausted, and cannot talk to you more till to-morrow."
-
-"Do not fatigue yourself, my child," replied Rachel. "Blessed and
-praised for all things be that Providence which brings round the most
-wonderful changes in its own good time. I had so many dreams about you,
-and my sleep of late was so uneasy, that it was foreshewn to me how you
-would come to riches and honour, and find out all about your birth and
-parentage, and learn who you are, and----"
-
-"Oh! stop, Rachel, stop, no more of this;" said Zorilda, whose memory
-was touched upon a sensitive chord by these allusions to a part of her
-history, which remained as much as ever wrapped in clouds. "Go," added
-she, "and think how we shall get away in such a manner that we may
-avoid the possibility of being traced. My mind is so agitated and
-confused, that you must give me time to recover. Moments are precious.
-Go, dear Rachel; lose no time; but consider how we shall leave this
-without suspicion. No one must be involved in any difficulty or hazard
-on my account, and therefore our purpose must be secret as well as its
-execution."
-
-"I will do every thing you desire," answered Rachel; "and moreover the
-whole plan is already in my head. Every body knows that I was going
-myself, and therefore no questions will be asked about my trunks, in
-which there is room for your clothes as well as mine. My brother lives
-near, and will lend me whatever I want. All is smooth as a
-bowling-green, since you know who you are, and where you are going."
-
-So saying, Rachel quitted the room, and her young mistress was left to
-collect her scattered senses. "Her last words strike upon my heart.
-Alas! I know as little as ever, and 'Who is she?' remains unanswered,"
-sighed poor Zorilda, who had now leisure to reflect, and perceive that
-the discovery which she had made was one that left her in all her
-original ignorance. "But," added she, as she still mused on this
-strange event, "it no longer avails, that I have neither name, nor
-house, nor pretensions. More knowledge than I possess, what would it do
-for me? Would it not only lead to hatred of a father who could act so
-wickedly as mine has done? Why should I wish to know the man who was in
-fact the murderer of this angelic being? It is better as it is. Oh! if
-all our vain wishes were heard, what wretchedness should we add to our
-afflictions! The councils of heaven are wiser than those of earth. We
-know not what we ask."
-
-Rachel returned after some interval of time, elated with her
-contrivance, in which Zorilda could find nothing to improve. It was
-arranged, that as soon as possible Rachel was to ask for her dismissal,
-which Mrs. Hartland was prepared to give her. Her wages were paid, and
-the removal of her luggage appeared a matter of course.
-
-"We will leave the house so early in the morning," said Rachel, "that
-there will be no witnesses of our departure. I will tell Mary not to
-mind going till late into your room, and not to take notice of your
-absence from it, as you must walk for your health, and cannot submit to
-such close imprisonment as that to which you are condemned. The
-servants will all be glad to think that you are taking the air.
-Mistress will ask no questions, for she cares little about you, and her
-mind is taken up with her own affairs. I have already borrowed a
-covered cart of my brother's, who will meet us at a little distance
-from his house. You shall throw a large cloak of mine over your dress,
-which will disguise you completely. Even the man who drives us shall
-not know that you are with me, and we will leave our vehicle before we
-arrive at the next village; so that there will be no clue whatsoever to
-our retreat. Let me manage every thing, and it shall be well done, I
-promise you. Where are you going?"
-
-"I am going to Scotland," answered Zorilda. "I leave all to your
-sagacity. Take me to my dear Mrs. Gordon in Aberdeenshire, and I ask no
-more. I will consult the map, and tell you the route by which we are to
-travel. Let your care only be to guard against discovery and pursuit."
-
-"Mrs. Hartland will not give herself any trouble about you, but will be
-very glad to hear that you are out of her way; and as to the gentlemen,
-who might not indeed take the matter so easily, they will not be here
-till we are many a mile away from Henbury," answered Rachel. "I am now
-going to send off my trunks, with a line, to my brother, to let him
-know that I must go directly after one who owes me some money. He is
-aware that I am frightened about this debt, and will have his cart
-ready for me at the orchard-gate, where I have appointed it to attend
-me, a quarter of a mile beyond his own house at five o'clock to-morrow
-morning. I am come now to take the last of your things: every article
-except these books is put up."
-
-"I will leave these books behind," said Zorilda, bursting into tears;
-"and this packet--this precious packet, shall never be separated from
-me for an instant. I will take charge of it myself."
-
-Rachel hastened to finish her preparations, and Zorilda, once more left
-alone, gathered together a few volumes and some trifling ornaments,
-which had been given her from time to time by Algernon, and after
-gazing upon, and kissing fondly each memorial of early affection, which
-brought distant circumstances and tender recollections to her mind, she
-sealed up a parcel, containing all the little gifts which she had ever
-received, and felt as if she had now closed the grave over the last
-dear remains of blighted love and murdered hope. Her next act was to
-write the following note, addressed to Mrs. Hartland:
-
-"There was a time when Zorilda believed herself an object of
-affectionate interest in the breast of that kind benefactress who first
-offered an asylum to the destitute being, now going to requite a deed
-of charity by one of gratitude. That time, alas! is past, and with it
-all Zorilda's earthly happiness. Circumstances have occurred which
-render decision necessary, and these few lines are only left to say,
-that they are accompanied by a parcel, and the most earnest prayers for
-every good, from the heart of her who now leaves Henbury for ever, and
-bids Lady Marchdale a last adieu."
-
-All being now ready, Zorilda lay down to rest, but not to sleep. "Fast
-coming thoughts" troubled repose, and busy memory would not be still.
-Weary of her uneasy couch, she rose before day, and looked from her
-window by the clear starlight, on that scene to which in a little hour
-she was to bid an eternal farewell.
-
-"Beloved spot! I leave you, and for ever--yes, for ever! Nor time nor
-change can alter my resolves. Algernon is dead to me, and my heart
-shall prove a faithful widow to its first, its only love. These stars
-shall witness my vows; these shrubs and flowers form the altar on which
-they are dedicated."
-
-As Zorilda meditated on the landscape, the eastern clouds began to
-glow, and the birds awaked to the first beam of morning. Rachel's
-approach interrupted the mournful soliloquy of her young mistress, who
-was soon dressed, and, wrapping Rachel's large cloak around her, they
-both quitted the apartment, and with light step passed down stairs,
-through hall and passages unseen, and gained the pleasure-grounds
-without any obstacle to their progress. Zorilda made a sudden stop as
-she reached the arbour, which she had wreathed with fragrant climbers
-to meet Algernon's return. The sweet breath of new-born day wafted the
-perfume towards her, and she clasped her hands in anguish. Rachel's
-presence repressed utterance; but here was the bower, she thought, in
-which her delighted ear should listen to the tales of foreign travel,
-and hear once more the accents of unchanging affection.
-
-"Come, my dear," said Rachel, taking Zorilda by the arm, and gently
-urging her forward, "you must not make yourself melancholy by lingering
-here. If we are to go, we should not stand shilly shally. Remember that
-you wish to avoid discovery, and the only way to secure privacy is to
-use despatch."
-
-Zorilda suffered herself to be driven on, and was presently in the open
-fields, not daring to look round upon the home of her happy childhood.
-
-As they advanced towards the orchard, near which they were to be met by
-Farmer Wilson's cart, Rachel spied this rude equipage at a distance,
-and concealing Zorilda behind some bushes, while she spoke to the
-driver, and saw that her luggage was safely stowed within, she beckoned
-our trembling heroine, and having contrived to place her in the
-vehicle, stepped in herself, and ordered the lad to proceed in the
-direction which she described to him. Zorilda observed a mournful
-silence, which her companion, though not given to taciturnity, had no
-inclination to disturb, her own mind being so intent on the practical
-concern of executing her present task with ability, that she was not
-sorry for the leisure to ponder her schemes, which Zorilda's deep
-depression of spirits afforded her.
-
-At the distance of nearly ten miles from Henbury, our travellers
-approached the carrier's station, at which it was Rachel's design to
-stop, but to avoid being seen in company with her young mistress, she
-had the address to desire her charioteer to alight, and make inquiry in
-a cottage by the way-side, whether Mrs. Nixon, an imaginary friend of
-hers was to be found in the neighbourhood. While Tom made this inquiry,
-Rachel watched her opportunity, and opening the door at the back of the
-cart, made Zorilda descend, and walk forward towards the public-house,
-which was near at hand.
-
-This was so dexterously managed, that when the carter returned with his
-answer, that no such person as Mr. Nixon was known, Rachel sat in
-solitary possession of the lowly conveyance which all along the road
-had been shared by another.
-
-Arrived at the end of her appointed stage, she had the good luck to
-find a caravan just ready to start from the door. Zorilda had
-directions from her duenna to sit by the road side, under a spreading
-tree, till this new vehicle was in motion, while Rachel bustled about,
-appeared busy in recognising her acquaintances at the inn, and was
-attended to her carriage by the landlord and his wife, who wished her a
-pleasant journey, as she drove away from the porch at which they
-performed the parting honours.
-
-Bidding adieu to the group who always assemble on such occasions to
-witness a departure, Rachel set off, and a sudden turn in the road,
-bore the caravan, though not moving at a very brisk rate, out of sight
-in a moment.
-
-Zorilda was seated under the appointed tree, at a little distance, but
-so completely absorbed in her own thoughts, that she would have
-suffered the machine to pass unnoticed, if Rachel had not vociferated,
-'Driver, driver; don't you hear that gentlewoman calling to you; wont
-you stop for a passenger?'
-
-The caravan stood still; Zorilda was roused from her melancholy
-reverie, and appearing with her little basket on her arm, Rachel
-shuffled from side to side with officious civility, assuring the
-stranger that there was "plenty of room," and so there was, for though
-like a snow-ball, they were destined to gather as they rolled, there
-were but two other persons already occupying seats, and these were a
-brace of sturdy farmers, who were so intent on comparing samples of
-corn, which each drew from his pocket, that Rachel had full opportunity
-to inform her fellow traveller, whose courage seemed to flag, that all
-farther devices to cover her flight would be unnecessary in a few
-hours.
-
-"If they come in search of us, it will be first to my brother's; then
-to the inn which we have just quitted, and where, likewise, they will
-be foiled. After this stage, we may take our ease, and travel in a
-proper manner, like Christians. A little caution for one or two stages
-more, and we shall then be at liberty."
-
-Zorilda sighed assent, and we will leave her and her attendant to their
-repose in a quiet country inn, while we return to Henbury.
-
-Some hours elapsed before it was perceived that the fugitives were
-actually missing. Mrs. Hartland, or, as we must not forget henceforward
-to entitle her, Lady Marchdale, heard the intelligence with perfect
-sang froid, only remarking that it was very extraordinary that her
-orders should be disobeyed, and desiring that on Zorilda's return to
-her chamber, she should be informed of the circumstance. The servants
-had no more suspicion than their Lady of a longer absence than till
-evening, and fully believed that Rachel, fearful lest want of customary
-exercise might injure "Miss Zoe's health," had prevailed on her to make
-a short excursion for change of air.
-
-Evening came on, however, and no sign of return. The parcel, with
-Zorilda's note, which had escaped observation, was now brought to Lady
-Marchdale, who was much surprised, but though she summoned all the
-household, she could learn no tidings whatsoever of the travellers.
-Curiosity was in fact the only motive for her inquiries, as the event
-of Zorilda's voluntary flight gave her inexpressible delight. All care
-and responsibility were now at an end. She had taken her affairs into
-her own hands, and Lady Marchdale not only felt relieved from all
-anxiety how to dispose of her, but might expatiate on the various
-surmises which she chose to indulge, so unfavourable to female modesty,
-youthful timidity, natural affection, gratitude, and the like, as to
-strengthen her arguments upon the impropriety of Lord Hautonville's
-wasting another thought upon such a graceless adventurer. "And Rachel
-too; no doubt _she_ is in the secret. A pretty piece of work, truly,
-but they are gone upon their own inventions, which I am afraid are not
-of the best, and so I can do no more than leave them to their fate."
-
-The old butler, to whom these words were principally addressed, shook
-his head, and replied: "My lady, I could bear any thing but to hear
-Miss Zoe suspected of evil doings. She is an angel on earth, wherever
-she is gone, and if all the world were as good as she, there would be
-no need of any other heaven."
-
-"Shut the door," answered Lady Marchdale; "I did not ask your opinion."
-
-Bernard retired, and all the servants mingled tears and wailing for the
-loss of their favourite, while every effort to trace Zorilda was
-fruitless. The dairy-maid, who was very superstitious, almost persuaded
-the rest at length, that the fairies who she knew to a certainty were
-often busy in conveying cows secretly from their pastures, had some
-hand in the elopement of Miss Zoe. "Any way, she is gone upon nothing
-harmful," was the unanimous decision below stairs. As to Rachel, every
-body knew that she was to leave the service, and no one was puzzled at
-her disappearance.
-
-Several days were spent in discussions and controversy before the earl
-and his son returned to Henbury. Lord Hautonville had scarcely seen his
-mother before he flew off to Zorilda's apartment. The door was open. He
-went in, and called. From thence he ran down stairs, and out into the
-shrubberies, not waiting to ask a question of any one; but seeking her
-through all the places which were familiar to remembrance, and not a
-little indignant at her absence in the moment of his arrival.
-
-The gardener at last appeared, and stunned him by the intelligence that
-Zorilda had been missing for several days.
-
-"Missing! gone!--Where--when--how--with whom? Did she receive any
-letters? Did any gentleman visit here? Tell me every thing this moment.
-Order fresh horses directly. I will largely reward whoever brings me
-intelligence of their route, and be the death of any man who conceals
-information. Be quick;--fly!--but tell me before you go all about her
-departure."
-
-Such were the incoherencies which burst all in a breath from Lord
-Hautonville, who seemed so completely bereft of his senses as scarcely
-to possess the faculty of listening; while Bernard, to whom they were
-addressed, endeavoured to reply.
-
-"My lord, nobody here can throw any light upon the matter. Miss Zoe
-_did_ receive a packet, but we heard that it came from Mr. Playfair."
-
-"Accursed treachery; foul contrivance all. I know who sent the letter.
-How did it come; by post or messenger? Who brought it here, and when
-did she receive it?"
-
-"Two days before her departure, my lord," answered Bernard; "a
-sallow-looking man, well mounted, a stranger here, rode to the lodge in
-the dusk of the evening, and inquired for Rachel, who went to know his
-commands, and thought it some message from Marchdale-court. When she
-returned to the house we inquired what she had seen or heard; but she
-put us off with saying that it was only a friend of Mr. Playfair's who
-desired him to call as he passed, and ask after the family. This seemed
-plausible enough, but since all this stir, and questioning, it has come
-out that little Ben Tyrrel, who held the gate while the gentleman
-stopped at it, saw him give Rachel a large packet."
-
-"Death and fury! I see the whole train. I know it all. The messenger
-was a dark devil of an Italian. His own man, whose heart's blood shall
-answer for this. Call Rachel; let me see her instantly. But stay--not
-so fast. How did she receive it? Did she appear agitated, or seemed
-pleased? What did she do? How did she look?"
-
-"We do not know, my Lord, for my Lady had ordered Miss Zoe not to quit
-her apartment for many days. It seems they had some words in my Lady's
-dressing-room, and Rachel was the only one who took any refreshment to
-our dear and good young lady; and every time that she came from her
-room, she used to be in tears herself, and said that it would melt a
-heart of stone to see how Miss Zoe would walk all day backwards and
-forwards, with her hands clasped, and her eyes streaming. It was a
-pitiful sight. Well, when she went, it was so softly and so secretly,
-that no mortal man or woman about the place, saw her go out. The very
-dogs never barked, and that is no wonder, for they were so fond of her,
-that they would follow her to Jamaica, if she was going there."
-
-"Curse your folly!" exclaimed Lord Hautonville. "Never mind the dogs.
-Was it a chaise and four? Where did it meet her?"
-
-"My Lord, sure I am telling your Lordship as plain as I can speak, that
-there was no sign of man, or horse, or carriage, or any thing else,
-even to the value of a wheel-barrow, to leave track or trace in the
-finest gravel round all Henbury. There wasn't a sign even of her light
-footsteps, so much as would crush down a daisy's head, across the
-fields, to tell us which way she went; and, as the ignorant people say,
-it was as much like Fairies' work as any thing that ever came to pass.
-The only one thing that with all our spelling and putting together, we
-could remark was, that latterly she grew timoursome about taking long
-walks, as she used to do; and Matthew the gardener observed one day
-that she came hastily into the shrubbery gate, looking pale, as if she
-was frightened; but that was long ago before your lordship returned,
-and we concluded that the cattle might have startled her, though she
-said nothing, only did not go out of the grounds again."
-
-"Call Rachel, call Rachel. Bring Ben Tyrrell. Where is my mother? I
-will question every one; make haste."
-
-"My Lord, Rachel is no longer here; she quitted the service on the very
-day that Miss Zoe left the house, and went to farmer Wilson's, her
-brother; and here is my Lady herself coming to look for you."
-
-Lady Marchdale entered the room with a reproachful air, and upbraided
-her son with his want of affection. "I have," said she, "been calling
-you every where. Is this the way in which you meet me after such an
-absence?"
-
-"What have you done with Zorilda?" answered Lord Hautonville, with a
-savage countenance, as he looked sternly at his mother.
-
-"I know nothing of the ungrateful girl," replied Lady Marchdale; "she
-has taken herself out of my protection, and proved herself unworthy of
-my regard."
-
-"Madam," answered her son, "we part this moment, and for ever, if you
-conceal a single tittle of all you know. Why did you imprison her?
-Where is she gone? She is mine, and I will follow her. Nothing shall
-prevail upon me to give her up; and you will not accomplish any end by
-keeping me in the dark. Tell me all, I beg; I _demand_ that you do
-not deceive me. The most fatal consequences may result from this
-affair; consequences which you little anticipate."
-
-Terrified out of her senses, Lady Marchdale now began to repent the
-cruel part which she had acted; and told her son, without reserve, all
-that she had to tell. Her proposal to Zorilda to reject his suit, and
-bind herself by a written promise never to ally herself with the family
-of Hartland; Zorilda's refusal--her subsequent imprisonment--farewell
-note, and mysterious departure, were all detailed with an effort at
-amplification, which seemed as if designed to bury the recollection of
-past unkindness and neglect towards an amiable orphan, in the
-importance and display of the present statement.
-
-Algernon's impetuous temper broke out into unmeasured reproaches
-against his mother, whom he charged, without any regard to decency,
-with selfishness, pride, and barbarity. In the expression,
-"Circumstances have occurred," contained in Zorilda's note, he found
-ample confirmation of his suspicions, which were no other than that the
-Marquess of Turnstock, having first unsuccessfully urged his suit, and
-terrified her by an unexpected appearance at Henbury, had afterwards
-adopted the artifice of assuming the name of Mr. Playfair, to practise
-on her credulity, and decoy her from her friends. Rushing like a
-lunatic from the house, Lord Hautonville's first essay was at farmer
-Wilson's. There he summoned the boy who had driven Rachel to the
-carrier's inn, but could learn no more than that he had performed his
-mission; that the good woman travelled alone, and was safely lodged at
-her destination. His next resolve was to mount a horse, and go off to
-this place, where he obtained no farther satisfaction. Rachel was gone;
-and the people of the inn were not sure, but thought they could
-recollect that she spoke of being on her way to London, seeking after a
-bad debt. Here the clue was lost. To look for Rachel in the metropolis
-would have been like searching for a grain of mustard seed in the sands
-of the sea.
-
-In vain Lord Marchdale represented to his son the folly of his conduct,
-and the necessity of remaining at home to meet several persons who were
-appointed to assemble at Henbury on legal business. It was in vain that
-Lady Marchdale alternately stormed and beseeched. Arguments, threats,
-and caresses were alike ineffectual. Post horses were ordered; and
-before the morning's dawn, on the following day, Lord Hautonville and
-his valet were on the high road to London. But we return, to attend on
-the steps of our female travellers.
-
-
-END OF VOL. I.
-
-J. B. Nichols and Son, 25, Parliament-street.
-
-
-
-
-
-
-End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Tales of My Time, Vol. 1 (of 3), by
-William Pitt Scargill
-
-*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF MY TIME, VOL. 1 (OF 3) ***
-
-***** This file should be named 43756.txt or 43756.zip *****
-This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:
-        http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/7/5/43756/
-
-Produced by Heather Clark and the Online Distributed
-Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was
-produced from images generously made available by The
-Internet Archive)
-
-
-Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions
-will be renamed.
-
-Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no
-one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation
-(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without
-permission and without paying copyright royalties.  Special rules,
-set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to
-copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to
-protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark.  Project
-Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you
-charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission.  If you
-do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the
-rules is very easy.  You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose
-such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and
-research.  They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do
-practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks.  Redistribution is
-subject to the trademark license, especially commercial
-redistribution.
-
-
-
-*** START: FULL LICENSE ***
-
-THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE
-PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK
-
-To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free
-distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work
-(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at
-  www.gutenberg.org/license.
-
-
-Section 1.  General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic works
-
-1.A.  By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to
-and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property
-(trademark/copyright) agreement.  If you do not agree to abide by all
-the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy
-all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession.
-If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the
-terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or
-entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8.
-
-1.B.  "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark.  It may only be
-used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who
-agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement.  There are a few
-things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works
-even without complying with the full terms of this agreement.  See
-paragraph 1.C below.  There are a lot of things you can do with Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement
-and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.  See paragraph 1.E below.
-
-1.C.  The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation"
-or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic works.  Nearly all the individual works in the
-collection are in the public domain in the United States.  If an
-individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are
-located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from
-copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative
-works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg
-are removed.  Of course, we hope that you will support the Project
-Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by
-freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of
-this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with
-the work.  You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by
-keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project
-Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others.
-
-1.D.  The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern
-what you can do with this work.  Copyright laws in most countries are in
-a constant state of change.  If you are outside the United States, check
-the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement
-before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or
-creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project
-Gutenberg-tm work.  The Foundation makes no representations concerning
-the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United
-States.
-
-1.E.  Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg:
-
-1.E.1.  The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate
-access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently
-whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the
-phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project
-Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed,
-copied or distributed:
-
-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
-
-1.E.2.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived
-from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is
-posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied
-and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees
-or charges.  If you are redistributing or providing access to a work
-with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the
-work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1
-through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the
-Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or
-1.E.9.
-
-1.E.3.  If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted
-with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution
-must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional
-terms imposed by the copyright holder.  Additional terms will be linked
-to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the
-permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work.
-
-1.E.4.  Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this
-work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm.
-
-1.E.5.  Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this
-electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without
-prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with
-active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm License.
-
-1.E.6.  You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary,
-compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any
-word processing or hypertext form.  However, if you provide access to or
-distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than
-"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version
-posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org),
-you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a
-copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon
-request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other
-form.  Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1.
-
-1.E.7.  Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying,
-performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works
-unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9.
-
-1.E.8.  You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing
-access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided
-that
-
-- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from
-     the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method
-     you already use to calculate your applicable taxes.  The fee is
-     owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he
-     has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the
-     Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation.  Royalty payments
-     must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you
-     prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax
-     returns.  Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and
-     sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the
-     address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to
-     the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation."
-
-- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies
-     you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he
-     does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm
-     License.  You must require such a user to return or
-     destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium
-     and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of
-     Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any
-     money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the
-     electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days
-     of receipt of the work.
-
-- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free
-     distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works.
-
-1.E.9.  If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm
-electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set
-forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from
-both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael
-Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark.  Contact the
-Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below.
-
-1.F.
-
-1.F.1.  Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable
-effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread
-public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm
-collection.  Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain
-"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or
-corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual
-property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a
-computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by
-your equipment.
-
-1.F.2.  LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right
-of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project
-Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project
-Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all
-liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal
-fees.  YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT
-LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE
-PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3.  YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE
-TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE
-LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR
-INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH
-DAMAGE.
-
-1.F.3.  LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a
-defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can
-receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a
-written explanation to the person you received the work from.  If you
-received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with
-your written explanation.  The person or entity that provided you with
-the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a
-refund.  If you received the work electronically, the person or entity
-providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to
-receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund.  If the second copy
-is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further
-opportunities to fix the problem.
-
-1.F.4.  Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth
-in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER
-WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO
-WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE.
-
-1.F.5.  Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied
-warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages.
-If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the
-law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be
-interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by
-the applicable state law.  The invalidity or unenforceability of any
-provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions.
-
-1.F.6.  INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the
-trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone
-providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance
-with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production,
-promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works,
-harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees,
-that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do
-or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm
-work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any
-Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause.
-
-
-Section  2.  Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of
-electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers
-including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers.  It exists
-because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from
-people in all walks of life.
-
-Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the
-assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's
-goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will
-remain freely available for generations to come.  In 2001, the Project
-Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure
-and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations.
-To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation
-and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4
-and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org
-
-
-Section 3.  Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive
-Foundation
-
-The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit
-501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the
-state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal
-Revenue Service.  The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification
-number is 64-6221541.  Contributions to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent
-permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws.
-
-The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S.
-Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered
-throughout numerous locations.  Its business office is located at 809
-North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887.  Email
-contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the
-Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact
-
-For additional contact information:
-     Dr. Gregory B. Newby
-     Chief Executive and Director
-     gbnewby@pglaf.org
-
-Section 4.  Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg
-Literary Archive Foundation
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide
-spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of
-increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be
-freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest
-array of equipment including outdated equipment.  Many small donations
-($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt
-status with the IRS.
-
-The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating
-charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United
-States.  Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a
-considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up
-with these requirements.  We do not solicit donations in locations
-where we have not received written confirmation of compliance.  To
-SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any
-particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we
-have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition
-against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who
-approach us with offers to donate.
-
-International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make
-any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from
-outside the United States.  U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff.
-
-Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation
-methods and addresses.  Donations are accepted in a number of other
-ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations.
-To donate, please visit:  www.gutenberg.org/donate
-
-
-Section 5.  General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic
-works.
-
-Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm
-concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared
-with anyone.  For forty years, he produced and distributed Project
-Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support.
-
-Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed
-editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S.
-unless a copyright notice is included.  Thus, we do not necessarily
-keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition.
-
-Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility:
-
-     www.gutenberg.org
-
-This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm,
-including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary
-Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to
-subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks.
-