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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to divulge; but in an age when an avidity -for the stimulus of real adventure seems in a great degree to have -superseded the love of mere romance, it may not be uninteresting to -state that the heroine of the following pages is not altogether a -creature of imagination.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. 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