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+*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44959 ***
+
+Note: Images of the original pages are available through
+      Internet Archive. See
+      https://archive.org/details/talesofmytime02scar
+
+
+      Project Gutenberg has the first volume of this work.
+      Volume I: see http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/43756
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+      Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_).
+
+
+
+
+
+TALES OF MY TIME.
+
+By the Author of Blue-Stocking Hall.
+
+In Three Volumes.
+
+VOL. II.
+
+WHO IS SHE?
+
+THE YOUNG REFORMERS.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+London:
+Henry Colburn and Richard Bentley,
+New Burlington Street.
+1829.
+
+J. B. Nichols and Son
+25, Parliament Street.
+
+
+
+
+CONTENTS
+
+  WHO IS SHE
+  CHAPTER X.
+  CHAPTER XI.
+  CHAPTER XII.
+
+  THE YOUNG REFORMERS
+  CHAPTER I.
+  CHAPTER II.
+  CHAPTER III.
+  CHAPTER IV.
+  CHAPTER V.
+  CHAPTER VI.
+  CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+TALES OF MY TIME.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER X.
+
+ "Les vrais evènemens de la Vie sont quelquefois, beaucoup plus
+ incroyable que ceux que l'Imagination presente à l'Esprit."
+
+  L'ABBE PREVÔT.
+
+
+There are some whose lot it is to pace the dull and beaten round
+of daily life like a sort of moral turn-spit, unconscious of the
+stages by which they travel from the cradle to the tomb. To these the
+extraordinary accidents and romantic coincidences, which occasionally
+chequer and diversify the flat road of human existence in the history
+of other men, appear incredible as the Arabian Nights' Entertainment;
+yet Fiction, in her most fantastic mood, does not leave the common
+average of events farther behind than reality is continually doing.
+Zorilda's was no common fate, and it pursued her to the grave.
+
+Rachel's schemes had prospered so entirely that, by the time that she
+and her young mistress reached the great northern line, no farther
+anxiety attended their progress, and they journied onwards without
+apprehension. They stopped in the first large town, and found no
+difficulty in procuring pecuniary supplies at the Bank. So far all
+proceeded smoothly; but the pale cheek, and smileless eye, bore witness
+to that grief which "doth not speak" but "whispers the o'erfraught
+heart and bids it break."
+
+There is sorrow which lies too deep for the landscape or the breeze.
+Neither air nor scene can reach its dwelling; and the change of
+both, which proves a sovereign balm to light afflictions, brought no
+healing to Zorilda's heart. It had not been always thus. There was a
+time when her glad eye hailed the rising sun with answering ray; and
+her young spirit, all alive to the charms of undefined but sparkling
+anticipation, which dresses the future in bright ideal glories, could
+carol with the lark at early dawn. Alive, with more than common
+enthusiasm, to the beauties of nature, every opening bud and blossom
+had once inspired joy; but the charm was broken, sunshine and spring
+only seemed now to mock her grief, while one exclusive torturing
+thought occupied every avenue of sense. Algernon was false--Algernon
+was unworthy--and the affection which could no longer flow in
+unresisted tide towards him, returned with all the overwhelming force
+of a back-water current into her bosom.
+
+It is maintained by some writers that woman's love ought to cling
+blindly to its object, and survive every trial. A true and devoted
+attachment is indeed proof against every attack which can assail
+it from without. The female breast can endure the rudest shocks of
+adversity, and outlive the severest reverses of fortune--it can
+preserve its bloom within the walls of a prison, and its warmth amid
+Siberian snows--but it is a vulgar love which grasps at the empty
+casket, after the gem which it contained is thrown away. Zorilda's soul
+was incapable of harbouring any but pure and exalted sentiments, which
+when driven from the cherished object on whom they rested, came back
+with oppressive weight upon her widowed breast.
+
+After a day's journey, which had been rendered particularly fatiguing
+from bad horses, our travellers reached the town of----. They arrived
+late, and found that every room at the inn was occupied. There was
+no second, and upon inquiring for private lodgings, the landlady
+of the Greyhound assured them that it was quite vain to hope for a
+bed any where. Young Squire Macdonald had just come of age. He was
+eldest son to Sir Herbert, and heir to immense estates. The great
+house was undergoing repairs, and therefore a splendid ball, which it
+was impossible to give on the present joyful occasion at the family
+mansion, was to assemble all the surrounding gentry that night at
+the inn. The company was to be as numerous as possible, to secure
+popularity, and, "in fact," the landlady added, with a broad grin,
+"our powers of accommodation are the only limits to Sir Herbert's
+hospitality on this happy event."
+
+What was to be done? Nothing in nature could be less accordant with
+the feelings of Zorilda than the sound of mirth and revelry; but the
+night was dark, and she feared to proceed any farther. The next stage
+too was long, and lay over a dreary moor. The landlady also protested
+that she had not a horse in the stables which was not nearly "jaded to
+death."
+
+"Only allow me to remain under the protection of your roof," said
+Zorilda, "I shall not require any care or attendance." "I am sure,"
+replied the landlady, "I never was so puzzled in all my life. If it was
+my sister, I could neither promise her a bed or a mutton chop. Even
+now, while I stand talking, I assure you, Ma'am, that I am wanted in
+half a dozen different places."
+
+"I am sure of it," answered Zorilda; "but I can do without a bed and
+mutton chop. Only take me in. Put me any where, but _pray_ do not
+refuse me."
+
+The landlady was mollified, and promised to do her best, but gave fair
+warning that that _best_ would prove a sorry sort of welcome to weary
+travellers.
+
+Zorilda drew her veil closely over her face, and wrapping Rachel's
+large cloak round her person descended from the carriage, and following
+the woman of the house through a long stone entry and up a wide
+stair-case, which were lighted up and decorated with laurel branches,
+was ushered into a miserable scrap of an apartment, if indeed such a
+cage might be dignified with the style of one. There was neither table
+nor chair in it, but both were to be brought in a few minutes.
+
+"Here, Ma'am, is the only cranny that I have to offer you, and I am
+very sorry for it," said the landlady. "I should not have even this to
+give you but for an accident to one of our gutters, and you see this
+wall is ruined by the deluge of water that came down upon it. I sent
+to London for paper, which did not come in time, so here you perceive
+I have been obliged to knock up a few boards, in the greatest hurry
+you can imagine, into a sort of partition, which I have hung all over
+with drapery, on the other side, to hide the new timber. There are
+only a few gentlemen in the house, who are sitting at their wine below
+stairs; and before the company assembles you could just step here into
+the ball-room, and I think you will say that it is well contrived and
+tasty."
+
+"I am obliged to you," answered Zorilda, "and am sure that all your
+arrangements are made in the best manner, but I will take possession
+of my quarters, and only wish that they were farther removed from the
+gay revels which are soon to begin. This is a thin partition, I hope at
+least that it is secure.
+
+"Oh! bless you, yes, Ma'am. You will see nothing of the company. I wish
+I could guard you as well from hearing them," answered the landlady,
+whose houshold cares now "called her hence;" and who added, as she
+tripped out of the room, "you will have little quiet or comfort, but
+you can lock your door on the inside, and when the hurry of supper is
+over, if I can, I will get you a mattress."
+
+Zorilda cared little about want of comfort, but she wished herself far
+from the riotous scene in which the sense of hearing, if not of sight,
+was soon to be involved.
+
+Rachel exerted herself to do as much for her mistress' accommodation,
+as the case would admit. A small table and an arm-chair were provided,
+and "now, my dear child," said the kind hearted creature, "that I have
+at last seen you fairly seated, I will go and see if I cannot fetch
+you a cup of hot coffee, and a nice dry toast." Carriages arrived, and
+the company poured in like a torrent. A band of music began to play.
+Zorilda had never heard so full a harmony of instruments since she
+left her native country, and the effect was magical. The musicians
+gave a popular Spanish air, to which, when an infant of three years
+old, she had often danced with a little pair of castanets. The stores
+of memory seemed suddenly unlocked. Her nurse, her cottage, the grove
+of chestnuts, the kind visitor whom she called her father, all were
+pictured in her mind's eye with the most vivid colouring, and as if
+called by fairy wand from a world of shadows to live again on earth.
+
+"Oh! why cannot I remember thee, beloved mother," she exclaimed, as
+opening her precious packet which lay folded in her bosom, she pressed
+the lovely image to her breast; "but no sound of melody can, with
+mysterious power, strike upon that chord, and draw forth strains of
+'linked sweetness.' I was too young when torn from this snowy pillow,
+to see, to feel the heavenly mildness of that eye, the tender pathos of
+that smile."
+
+The rooms filled, and all the "laughter loving Gods" were busy in
+producing such a din, that Zorilda's head ached from an uproar so
+uncongenial with her spirits.
+
+"Can this be pleasure?" said she, as she listened to the vapid jest,
+the unmeaning laugh, the idle listless talk, which, penetrating the
+thin screen that separated her from the throng, came upon her unwilling
+ear. "Yes, these are the joys of which Algernon used to tell me, and
+joys perhaps they might have seemed, if tasted in his society; but I
+resemble the blind who live _within_, and imagination, which is most
+active when things external are shut out, weaves her web of 'sweet and
+bitter fancies,' which are little accordant with the world's opinions."
+
+Rachel returned, but desirous to pursue her thoughts in solitude,
+Zorilda sent her to amuse herself with staring at all the fine dresses
+and equipages, which formed in her estimation, the most magnificent
+spectacle she had ever looked upon; and much did she wish if possible,
+to inspire her young mistress with a single spark of her own curiosity
+to witness so splendid a pageant.
+
+Once more alone in her cell, Zorilda endeavoured to abstract her mind
+from the noisy scene. She took out her mother's diamond cross, and
+having kissed, she pinned it to her breast.
+
+"I will wear you always," said she, "next my heart, but it shall be
+unseen. When I reach Drumcairn, I will have a ribband and suspend it
+round my neck. This bracelet, too. These are _my_ jewels, and they are
+gems of more worth than Potosi's mines could furnish, or Golconda has
+ever sent forth."
+
+She had laid aside her cloak and veil. Her beautiful hair, which
+was only restrained by a tortoise-shell comb from falling over her
+shoulders, curled in rich profusion over her ivory throat and
+forehead. The air of evening had fanned a rose-bud tint upon her cheek,
+and a black silk dress which folded across the bosom, formed the simple
+costume of her, whom only the thickness of a half-inch board concealed
+from that mirthful multitude, over whom in mingling, she would have
+reigned queen paramount, in loveliness and grace.
+
+Amongst the papers which lay before her, was the letter which she
+had picked up in the walk at Henbury, when she had been startled by
+a rustling in the bushes behind where she sat. The idea struck her
+as she now looked over it again, with relation to other parts of her
+history since developed, that a father's care might watch at distance
+over her destiny. He was an English nobleman, perhaps, nay probably, a
+married man, and withheld not only by a sense of the wrongs which he
+had inflicted, but, also by existing family interests, from revealing
+himself to his injured child. This conjecture was little soothing; on
+the contrary, a cold tremor ran through her frame at thoughts of him
+who basely deceived, and then deserted those to whom he was bound by
+the most powerful ties of nature as well as moral obligation.
+
+"Alas!" said she, "as my father, whoever, or wherever he may be, I owe
+him reverence; but may I be spared the necessity of paying a tribute
+which could never be animated by affection! Better remain the unknown,
+despised 'Who is she?' than obtain a name and place in society at
+the cost of incurring Heaven's displeasure by violating the first of
+earthly duties."
+
+As she uttered these words within her heart, her eyes were raised
+upwards, and her hands clasped in a posture of supplication.
+
+At this instant a heavy crash, as if one of the dancers had fallen with
+great force against the weak partition, levelled the frail screen,
+which went to pieces, and came in fragments to the ground.
+
+What a scene was now unveiled! Zorilda narrowly escaped receiving on
+her head a piece of the timber, which laid the table at which she had
+been sitting prostrate at her feet, and together with it, the now
+scattered contents of her sacred packet.
+
+The male part of the assembly rushed simultaneously forward to offer
+assistance, while, terrified and amazed, our heroine started from her
+seat, the most beautiful object that had ever graced a ball-room,
+revealing too
+
+                  "the sparkling cross she wore,
+    Which saints might kiss, and infidels adore."
+
+One gathered up the loose sheets of the narrative; another found
+the bracelets; and a third, who had seized the miniature, glancing
+at it before he presented it to the owner, uttered an involuntary
+ejaculation, and stood like one transfixed; but instantaneously
+recovering his presence of mind, he advanced, and grasping the hand
+which was extended to receive the portrait, with frenzied fervour,
+restored the _treasure trove_, and darted out of the room. The words
+which he had spoken, though probably not caught by others in the
+confusion of the moment, reached Zorilda's ear, for her eyes were
+intently fixed on him whom she saw take up her picture from the floor;
+and the exclamation, "Oh! my daughter!" reverberating through every
+nerve, she felt her knees refuse their office, and tottering backwards,
+she fell into the arm-chair, almost bereft of sense; yet dreading the
+effect of her emotion, and fearful of losing again any part of what
+she prized more than life itself, she seemed suddenly invigorated, and
+hastily folding her packet once more to her bosom, she waved her head
+gracefully in acknowledgment of gratitude for polite attention, and
+pressed towards the door, which was opened for her by one of the many
+who were only anxious to try who should be foremost in affording aid.
+Numberless arms were proffered to support her, but declined, and with
+such an air of sincerity, as forbade all farther solicitations.
+
+The waiters who had heard the crash, came running from all parts of the
+house, and Rachel was not wanting in the train, who flew to inquire
+what had happened. Zorilda seized her arm, and desired to be shown
+immediately to the landlady's apartment. Thither she was conveyed,
+quite exhausted.
+
+"I must leave this place," said she, "before the dawn of day. Offer
+any thing as a bribe for fresh horses, but procure me the means of
+quitting this inn before the company break up; here I cannot stay,
+and the repose which this dreadful uproar denies, may be found at no
+great distance. I am not well, and my brain will become disordered if I
+cannot find quiet. Dear Rachel use your best diligence."
+
+Rachel left the room; and as there are few things which money cannot
+procure, an offer of double fare soon produced the promise of as fine a
+pair of horses as ever ran in harness, which it was now _recollected_
+could be had at break of day. Ere long, she returned with the news, and
+with a story to boot.
+
+"Lord o' mercy, my dear, but I have had my own share of trouble since
+I left you here, less than half an hour ago. There is all the whole
+town, I believe, in a ferment about you. 'Who is she? Who is she?'
+says one: 'Who is she? Where does she come from? Where is she going?'
+says another. I thought they would tear me to pieces among them. 'Is
+she a foreigner? Spanish, French, or Italian?' Now all along we forgot
+to settle what name you should bear, and it came into my head, that
+it would not be any way creditable to be without one, so when they
+let me speak, I answered fair and softly, that you were Miss Gordon,
+going home to your relations in Scotland; that you were in trouble
+about one of them lately dead, and wished to be as private as could
+be. I had fifty offers of carriages from both ladies and gentlemen,
+and one and all they say, that such a beauty as yourself they never
+beheld. One young gentleman followed after me, when I returned thanks,
+and refused the rest; and sure I was ready to sink into the earth with
+consternation when he called me by my own name, given me at my baptism
+fifty-two years ago. 'Rachel,' says he, as plain as you ever spoke the
+word: 'Rachel,' says he, 'your lady is not unknown to me. If I may have
+the honour of seeing her, but for a moment, I will give her a letter
+which she dropped in her way from the ball-room, and entreat her to
+accept my best services in any manner that may be most useful.'
+
+"'Sir,' says I, 'you have the advantage of me, but I am much obliged,
+and will let my mistress know all you say;' so here's the message, and
+I am to take back your answer; but like a noodle, I forgot to ask whose
+compliments I was to bring you."
+
+"Never mind, never mind;" answered Zorilda, in great agitation; "I do
+not know any body; nor will I see any person. Go back; request the
+gentleman to give you whatever letter of mine he has found, and decline
+all farther communication. Be civil, but firm, and bring me no farther
+offers of assistance, which I do not intend to accept."
+
+Rachel saw that there was no use in attempting to alter this
+determination, and though she would have been well pleased to convey
+a more conciliatory reply, she thought it prudent to do as she was
+desired without farther comment. The young gentleman waited her return,
+and Rachel acquitted herself of her task, mitigating the severity of a
+refusal, by assuring him how grateful her Lady felt for his politeness.
+
+"Give her back her letter then," said the stranger, who, during the
+interval of Rachel's absence, had asked for a sheet of paper, and
+inclosed it with these words:
+
+"For worlds I would not be thought an intruder by Zorilda, and
+I therefore submit to her decision, which I anticipate. The
+letter accidentally dropped in the hurry of her retreat is now
+restored--extraordinary coincidence--by its writer; and he who now
+returns it is no other than the unseen guardian, who has for some time
+past watched unperceived, and been the fortunate means of saving much
+disquiet to her, who, once seen, must be remembered _for ever_."
+
+"Unaccountable, intricate, bewildering destiny!" exclaimed Zorilda.
+"Can it be possible? Have I met my father? Was it he who grasped my
+hand? Have I refused a parent's request; and is it he who returns the
+letter, which, by a mysterious allotment of Providence (for who but the
+infidel talks of chance) has been directed to his hand?"
+
+"Put such a notion out of your head, my dear young lady," replied
+Rachel, who stood behind, and of whose presence Zorilda was
+unconscious when she spoke aloud. "No, no; the young gentleman who
+gave me that letter for you might be your brother indeed, and not much
+older than yourself; but as to being your father, you need not perplex
+yourself on _that_ score. You have enough to be unhappy about, my poor
+dear, without such fancies. If it was the poor gentleman who was taken
+sick, and came out of the ball-room ready to faint, and drank a glass
+of water, and ordered his carriage in the greatest hurry, and looked
+like one possessed of an evil spirit; if _he_ was the person that gave
+me the letter, it would be quite a different affair, for though a very
+fine man, tall as a may-pole, and straight as an arrow, he could not
+be less than forty, and a Lord into the bargain--Lord, Lord--something
+beginning with----."
+
+"Oh! no more guessing," interrupted Zorilda, "what have I to do with
+any one? Make no inquiry, I charge you, I know enough. Hasten my
+departure."
+
+When Rachel disappeared to collect her luggage and pay the bill,
+Zorilda, still pondering on the events of the evening, now
+conjectured, that the young unknown, to whom she was indebted for some
+unexplained benefit, must be the person against whose attempts to write
+to, or speak with her, Algernon had given her an impressive caution
+when he was going to Marchdale Court. "Alas!" said she, "he need not
+have feared a rival; but it is past. These feverish uncertainties will
+soon have an end; and my beloved friend, whose name is now my shield
+and safeguard, will discover some retreat in which I may hide my head
+and bury my sorrows."
+
+The riot began to subside, the music ceased, the last carriage rolled
+from the door, and a silvery streak along the eastern horizon gave
+notice of the coming day, when Zorilda's post-chaise was ready to
+receive her.
+
+"Since I have been delayed till after the departure of these people,"
+said she, "I will make a little alteration in my route in hopes to get
+rid of them. You see this map, Rachel, look; we will turn into this
+road. It cannot make the difference of more than five or six miles; and
+_here_ you see we shall come again into the exact line of our journey
+when all this crowd of revellers will have reached their several
+homes." "You were always knowing in maps, and such like," answered
+Rachel. "I know nothing but to desire the post-boy to drive whichever
+way you bid me; only take care not to go into any bye place, where you
+will not find a chaise or horses to take you on."
+
+"We will lie by for the day then at the next stage," replied Zorilda,
+"and perhaps it will be no harm to do so; at all events, Rachel, I am
+very ill. Come, let us be gone."
+
+So saying, she hurried down stairs along the squalid scene of departed
+festivity, assailed at every step by an expiring lamp, or the remains
+of a wassail bowl, at which the servants had been liberally plied. Sick
+and weary, Zorilda threw herself into the carriage, and blessed the
+morning air, which breathed "wooingly" upon her senses, and dispelled
+the horrible atmosphere of the inn.
+
+An officious hostler stood at the horses' heads to prove that their
+fire required to be restrained; but the fact was, that it was with
+difficulty they could be urged from the door. Zorilda desired that they
+might not be pushed beyond their strength; and the postilion, making a
+virtue of necessity, assuring her at the same time that his "cattle"
+could easily go at the rate of ten miles an hour, condescended to let
+them go at the only pace of which they were capable, a snail-slow walk,
+by which, in course of time, they arrived at a house seven miles on the
+stage of fifteen which they had to go. Here the horses were to bait;
+and precisely as the driver flourished his whip, to bring his tired
+beasts up to the door with some sort of _eclat_, a heavy waggon, which
+had just descended a steep hill in the opposite direction, came in such
+violent contact with the wheels of Zorilda's chaise as to overturn it
+in an instant into a deep ditch by the road side.
+
+The people of the house ran to assist the travellers; but Zorilda had
+fainted from the agony of a dislocated wrist, and it was some time
+before she could be extricated from her perilous situation. At length
+she was conveyed into the house, and laid upon a bed; while Rachel,
+almost distracted with apprehension, implored every body whom she met
+to go for a surgeon. None was to be had nearer than the town which they
+had left in the morning, and the only expedient was to send off a man
+and horse, but there was no horse in the stable at this poor place, and
+all that remained was to dispatch the post-boy with one of his tired
+steeds back again. In the interim the dislocated joint might become
+inflamed, and the greatest difficulty occur in replacing it. Zorilda
+continued insensible; Rachel ran nearly frantic out of the house to way
+lay the passengers, if any were haply going the road, who could assist
+her in this distress. A horseman advanced.
+
+"Thank God!" exclaimed Rachel; "I will tell him what has happened, and
+he will be a swifter messenger, if he will undertake the thing, than
+this looby and his jaded beast."
+
+Running to meet the gentleman, who approached at a swinging trot, what
+was the poor woman's joyful surprise to recognise the young man who
+had restored the letter, and whom she left only a few short hours
+preceding, at the inn where the ball had been given.
+
+No time was lost, and even Rachel, loquacious as was her usual habit,
+was brief on this occasion. The stranger alighted in an instant, and
+only employing the precaution of charging Rachel on no account to
+divulge either to Miss Gordon, or to any one whomsoever, her previous
+acquaintance with him, flew to the apartment in which Zorilda,
+suffering tortures of pain, had just opened her eyes on the women who
+were rubbing her forehead, applying burnt feathers to her nostrils,
+and trying whatever other scanty means the place supplied, to restore
+animation. The young gentleman, whom the patient at once concluded to
+be a medical practitioner, immediately pulled the injured limb, and
+with a powerful and skilful effort replaced the joint. Then, calling
+for vinegar and spirits, he bathed the hand and arm, which he bound,
+and leaving Rachel to prepare for accompanying her mistress to his
+father's house, which was, he said close at hand, and from whence he
+would immediately despatch a carriage for her conveyance thither. He
+re-mounted his horse with the rapidity of lightning, and disappeared in
+an instant.
+
+Before it was possible to imagine that he could have ridden a mile and
+back again, he returned with the family coach, in which his sister had
+brought cushions, shawls, pillows, and all sorts of accommodation for
+the invalid, whose acute pain and fever, added to the tears of Rachel,
+induced her to submit without resistance. Zorilda suffered herself to
+be placed in the coach, and conveyed to Sir Godfrey Cecil's splendid
+abode, where, leaving her under medical care, we must digress for a
+little while to explain some circumstances connected with the family
+amongst whom, she was now introduced by the singular course of her
+fortunes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XI.
+
+                          "I was born so high
+    Our eiry buildeth in the cedar top,
+    And dallies with the winds, and scorns the sun."
+
+    SHAKSPEARE.
+
+
+Sir Godfrey Cecil derived De Lacy castle, with the immense estates
+which descended to him along with this noble remnant of feudal pride,
+through a long line of ancestors, whose gaunt effigies, clad in shining
+mail, lined the great baronial hall, whose banners waved upon his
+chapel walls, and whose proud escutcheons were engraved upon those last
+records of departed grandeur which still proclaim amid all the pomp of
+heraldry, that dust hath to dust returned.
+
+Sir Godfrey had married early into the ancient house of the De Burgho's
+and as he pored with constantly renewed delight over the pages of
+Froissart, it was his favourite boast that every name distinguished by
+that immortal chronicler, was allied to him or to his consort the Lady
+Grace. In fine there were few failures in the moral code for which,
+though himself a man of the correctest conduct, he could not have more
+easily found excuse, than for obscurity of birth.
+
+Lady Grace paid the same devotion to hereditary honours, and the
+general bearing of her tastes and pursuits was in perfect accordance
+with those of her husband. She knew the quarterings of every shield,
+and there was not a crest throughout the land with the device and
+history of which Lady Grace Cecil was unacquainted. Sir Godfrey and
+his wife, therefore, lived in all the harmony of kind intercourse,
+and mutual appeal upon those subjects which interested them both most
+nearly; and were the best friends imaginable, till any accidental
+occurrence produced, or led to competition between the merits of
+a Cecil and De Burgho. Angry looks and taunting speech would then
+interrupt domestic harmony; but, as such conflicts did not frequently
+happen, Sir Godfrey and Lady Grace might be fairly called a very happy
+couple. Making allowance for this single foible, they were deservedly
+entitled to the character which they held for all those qualities which
+ought to adorn exalted birth. They were people of lofty principle,
+unsullied honour, and boundless munificence.
+
+It was Sir Godfrey's rule that station makes the man, and one of the
+first maxims which he endeavoured to impress on the minds of his
+children was, that every individual whose fortune it was to be greatly
+born, owed it to his pedigree not to disgrace the armorial bearings
+committed to his safe custody, by a mean thought or sordid action.
+
+It was an apparent anomaly at De Lacy castle that, though known to be
+as proud as Lucifer, the affability of Sir Godfrey and his Lady was a
+continual topic of popular praise. The truth was, that they were _real_
+aristocrats. It was not the paltry distinction of a new title, nor the
+accidental acquisition of wealth, which they held in esteem. Poverty
+was no crime in their eyes. Alfred, turning the old woman's cakes at
+the fire, was as truly great in their contemplation, as Alfred dressed
+in ermined robes, and seated on his kingly throne; but woe to the
+Parvenû who entered their presence, however studded over with stars and
+garters. They would give gold to the needy, pity and protection to the
+friendless, but honour was denied to all who could not boast of ancient
+descent, and he who was not able to trace his lineage to at least the
+time of William the Conqueror, had little chance of rendering himself a
+welcome visitor, at the proud baronial residence to which we have just
+introduced our readers.
+
+Sir Godfrey and Lady Grace had an only son and daughter, and never were
+two young persons more deserving of parental tenderness than Clara and
+Lionel Cecil, who were at once "their father's pride and mother's joy."
+The difficulties which raised a barrier to sending their affections
+abroad, had the happy effect of concentrating them at home; and the
+mutual attachment of this interesting brother and sister was a source
+of unfailing delight to themselves, and of admiration to all who
+witnessed its pleasing influence upon their manners and dispositions,
+to which were added the attractions of fine talent and external beauty.
+
+We are often led to observe how puny are the efforts of little man,
+with all his free-will, to alter or disturb the general laws of
+providence. If pride, for instance, always engendered pride, and
+continued an increasing quality, this earthly theatre would soon be too
+small for the pretensions of an inflated few, but fortunately excess of
+every kind carries its antidote along with the bane, and re-action is
+frequently as favourable to the growth of moral excellence as direct
+example; hence a profligate father is not always permitted to entail
+a curse upon his offspring, who, disgusted by his evil courses, start
+into an opposite track themselves. The miser is often followed by a
+liberal son. The spendthrift succeeded by one of economical habits.
+An age of infidelity gives birth to a generation of believers; one of
+fanaticism, to rational inquiry, and thus while we are still invariably
+taught that _motives_ alone constitute virtue in individual character,
+we perceive that limits are set to the consequences of human vice; and
+all things are so ordered as to work together for good upon the great
+scale of creation. A striking confirmation of this remark was exhibited
+by the children of the house of Cecil, who, though they entertained
+the sincerest veneration and affection for their parents, were rather
+inclined to take the opposite extreme of family pride, and value too
+little that which they heard so much overrated every day.
+
+Lionel Cecil enjoyed every advantage which wealth could impart, and
+repaid the care which was bestowed upon his education, by making a
+distinguished figure both at Eton and Oxford. To a noble exterior, and
+splendid abilities, he added all the lighter accomplishments, which
+shine in mixed society. Full of youthful manliness and grace, the
+natural gaiety of his spirits was tempered by such a gentleness of
+disposition, as served to soften, without enervating his character.
+Never having had a brother, Clara was the companion of his infant
+sports, and the friend of riper years. The most perfect confidence
+subsisted between these amiable young people who were twins in
+affection, though Lionel was somewhat older than his sister.
+
+Now it so happened that young Cecil made one of a shooting party, which
+our readers may remember at Thornton Abbey; and dined at Henbury, in
+company with the Marquis of Turnstock and a few others, invited thither
+by Algernon Hartland. The exquisite beauty of Zorilda, heightened by
+that shrinking timidity which shunned the admiration which it excited,
+had struck a lively impression on his feelings, which time had not
+effaced from memory. The little he had heard her speak, was addressed
+to Mr. Playfair, but the pathetic sweetness of her voice lived on his
+ear, as her image did in his heart. She looked unhappy, and Lionel
+would have given a diadem to know the subject of her sorrows, and
+remove it. As he gazed upon her perfections, he wished for those days
+of chivalry, of which his father loved to tell the gallant feats
+performed by his ancestors, and thought that no such lovely Lady as
+Zorilda, had ever smiled upon true knight in the olden time.
+
+The inquiries which were prompted by curiosity, met with such reply
+as to stimulate romance in the moment of arresting hope. "Who is
+she?" "Nobody knows." What an answer for the only son, heir, and
+representative of the proudest family in England! "Whence comes she?"
+"From a gipsey camp. How she got there no one can tell."
+
+Lionel was too honourable to cherish an idea of clandestine love, and
+too good to make his parents miserable. He must, therefore, banish the
+idle vision, and shake off the sudden fascination which entangled his
+heart. This determination was aided after his return to Oxford, by
+certain observations on the manner of young Hartland, whenever Lord
+Turnstock rallied him on the subject of Zorilda's beauty, which had not
+been carelessly remarked by the Marquess as circumstances proved in the
+sequel. From some indications which were exhibited on such occasions,
+Lionel concluded that an engagement already subsisted between Algernon
+and the charming Spaniard.
+
+When this conviction stole upon his mind he gave a sigh, and could
+not refrain from saying to himself, "How happy are those, who, free to
+follow the bent of inclination, may taste the sweets of mutual love
+unshackled by these bonds, these galling chains of feudal despotism!"
+
+This sigh, however, was the last. Lionel resolved to hold no dalliance
+with his duty, and with a manly resolution he plucked from his breast
+the forbidden thought, and had forgotten the short-lived dream which,
+for a time, murdered his repose, when Lord Turnstock arrived from the
+Continent. Lionel had never liked him, and now less than ever; he spoke
+of his former friend and ally Hartland in terms of unmeasured hatred
+and contempt, and one evening let out in convivial openness, that he
+was planning a good trick to vex him, adding, in a careless way, "by
+the bye, can any one tell me of that Spanish girl, that handsome gipsey
+who lives at Hartland's house? I have some business to transact with
+her."
+
+These words were repeated accidentally to Cecil by one of the party,
+who thought that he could perceive some connection between the "good
+trick," and the Spanish gipsey. Cecil thought so too, and resolved, as
+far as he was able, to avert danger from Zorilda by giving her such
+warning as to put her effectually on her guard, till the arrival of her
+lover should place her in security.
+
+With this generous design, Lionel set out on a visit of a few days to
+Thornton Abbey, having had the satisfaction of seeing Lord Turnstock
+unexpectedly called in another direction by the death of a relation,
+from whom he hoped for a legacy. Cecil justly surmised, that this
+would give a new turn to the Marquess' thoughts, for a short time at
+least, and afford him the desired opportunity of frustrating any scheme
+inimical to Zorilda's safety. When he reached the neighbourhood of
+Henbury he made himself acquainted with Zorilda's daily habits, and
+conveyed the letter before mentioned in the manner already described.
+Clara was the only person to whom he had ever spoken of Zorilda,
+with whom his late meeting at the ball was purely accidental; and
+for her sake, as well as his own, he now wished with scrupulous care
+to suppress every hint of his having been the person who sent her a
+message through Rachel at the inn. Such intelligence might produce
+embarrassment on her part, and render her anxious to leave De Lacy
+castle before her health was sufficiently re-established to encounter
+a journey; and for himself, the slightest acknowledgment of former
+acquaintance with, or interest concerning Zorilda, would infallibly
+awaken alarm in the minds of Sir Godfrey and Lady Grace.
+
+Secrecy being therefore determined upon, an able surgeon was
+immediately sent for, who found his patient extremely feverish. After
+bandaging the injured wrist, and administering a composing draught, he
+ordered perfect quiet, and took his leave, promising to pay an early
+visit on the following day. Nothing could surpass the kindness with
+which the sick stranger was treated by the whole family, and she had
+been nearly twelve hours under the roof before Lady Grace asked, "Who
+is she?"
+
+"Some Miss Gordon," answered Clara, "returning to her family in
+Scotland.
+
+"The name is a good one," replied Lady Cecil. "Did you hear, my love,
+whether she is of the----"
+
+"Her maid, I believe," said Miss Cecil, hastily, "is no genealogist.
+She looks like an old heir-loom in the shape of a nurse, who has been
+more conversant with swaddling-clothes than coats of arms; but I am
+sure that Miss Gordon _must_ be of a good stock, she is so pretty and
+so elegant."
+
+"That is a fallacious test, as I have often told you," rejoined Lady
+Cecil. "To be sure it little signifies when we are merely called upon
+to relieve distress, what rank the sufferer holds in the Herald's
+Court. We reserve _that_ inquiry for our friendships and alliances."
+
+Clara being afraid of displeasing her mother by an ill-timed remark on
+the possibility of giving one's confidence, and affection too, without
+referring to her mother's favourite volume, entitled, "Norroy King at
+Arms," contented herself with assenting to the first branch of her
+proposition, while the latter was left undisputed, and went to inquire
+whether there was any thing that she could do for her guest.
+
+On the surgeon's return next day Zorilda's fever had greatly
+increased, and the accident which she had met with only appeared its
+accelerating, not original cause. Her mind was the real seat of malady.
+The unkindness of Lady Marchdale, and the perfidy of her once beloved
+Algernon, preyed upon her innocent heart, while the occurrence of such
+strange events as she had lately experienced, confused her head. On the
+third day of her illness she became delirious, and raved incessantly
+of all that weighed upon her spirit, but so incoherently, that none
+who was ignorant of her story could draw any collected evidence from
+the wild and whirling words which she uttered. The name of Algernon,
+however, escaped her lips so often as to convince young Cecil, to whom
+his sister reported all she heard, that a deep attachment existed in
+Zorilda's breast, of which Lord Hautonville was the object.
+
+"Alas!" said Lionel, "the sweet girl has little knowledge of the man
+to whom she has betrothed her guileless heart. Her pure mind arrays
+the image of its devotion in the colours of her own glowing fancy,
+and represents the object of her love as he should be, not as he is. I
+would not have _you_, my Clara, married to Lord Hautonville though he
+wore a crown imperial, and could trace his pedigree through a _forest_,
+instead of a single _tree_."
+
+"I neither love crowns nor pedigrees for myself," replied Clara; "but
+we must not let the artless Zorilda be deceived. We must devise means
+of snatching her from future misery, if you know the object of her
+regards to be unworthy of them."
+
+"It is a delicate task," answered Cecil, "but she may perhaps have
+made discoveries, the pain of which now presses on her feeble frame.
+I have questioned her attendant, who is a niggard of her information,
+or ignorant of what I want to know. Yet still I can gather, that this
+lovely creature has been harshly treated by Lady Marchdale, whose
+aversion to the idea of her son's alliance with the friendless Zorilda,
+I conclude to be the cause of a manner so contrary to her former
+kindness. Perhaps the noble minded stranger may have set out upon this
+journey to remove all solicitude from the minds of her benefactors,
+and make a sacrifice of her own inclination to her sense of honour and
+virtue; but what a man must he be, who, knowing himself in possession
+of Zorilda's affections, can thus basely desert her?"
+
+"He may not know of the sacrifice," said Clara. "Upon proposing to the
+old nurse to write to Miss Gordon's friends, and inform them of her
+present situation, she conjured me to preserve an inviolable secrecy
+respecting her, alleging the probable speedy termination of her
+illness, and the fear of alarming her relations, as the pretext for
+silence; but so extraordinary was the poor woman's vehemence, so urgent
+her entreaty, that I could not help feeling that 'more was meant than
+met the ear.'"
+
+A physician who was called concurred with surgeon Crump, that no
+danger of contagion was to be dreaded, and Clara took advantage of
+this assurance to bestow the tenderest care on her guest, frequently
+stealing from her own room at night, to take Rachel's post and send her
+to bed.
+
+Zorilda's illness was both tedious and alarming, and several weeks
+elapsed before her medical attendants pronounced their patient
+convalescent. Such a time however arrived, and the benevolence which
+offered asylum to distress now met its full reward. The doctors,
+however, insisted particularly on the utmost caution, and to Zorilda's
+earnest prayer to be told how soon she might resume her journey,
+constantly replied, that as a relapse would probably be fatal, she owed
+it to her friends as well as to herself to avoid the risk of one. She
+was permitted however to leave her chamber, and enjoy the society of
+her kind hosts in an adjoining dressing-room, where she received the
+most friendly congratulations on her recovery. Sir Godfrey, who had
+not seen his fair ward till now, was fascinated by her beauty, which
+late illness had only rendered more touching: and whatever impression
+was made by Zorilda's exterior form, was confirmed by her manners and
+conversation. Gratitude called upon her for every exertion to repay
+such kindness as she had found, and ere many days were past, that
+which at first was effort, became inclination.
+
+Armed with the honourable determination to preserve his heart from all
+entanglement, under the full persuasion that Zorilda's was already
+attached to another object, Lionel gave himself freely up to the charms
+of an intercourse, rendered the more seductive from the supposed
+security of the case, and Zorilda's dressing-room became the scene
+of all that delicate attention and polished taste could devise for
+her amusement. Clara had her harp and guitar transported thither, and
+delighted her young friend by the sweetest music, when she feared that
+conversation might exhaust her, while Lionel came laden with fresh
+stores of books and fine prints with which to beguile the hours, which
+flew on golden pinion.
+
+One day, on the return of Clara and her brother from attending Sir
+Godfrey and Lady Cecil in a visit of ceremony, Zorilda, who believing
+them all absent had been singing some of her softest melodies to the
+guitar, was surprised by her young friends, who stood for a long
+time outside the door of her apartment, held in bondage there by the
+captivation of her plaintive voice. This discovery opened a new source
+of attraction, and Clara, who loved nothing in creation like Lionel,
+began to grow uneasy lest society so congenial, and becoming each day
+more and more ensnaring, should produce too much present gratification
+for his future repose.
+
+"I almost wish the day of parting were arrived," said she, as she held
+her brother's arm in a stroll in the pleasure-grounds. "This Spanish
+Syren will become too necessary to us, and we shall not know how to
+live without her."
+
+Lionel started, and seemed to feel the truth of Clara's apprehension,
+but instantly repressing the emotion which her remark had excited, he
+answered with an assumed firmness, which imposed upon his sister as
+well as himself,
+
+"She would indeed be a dangerous visitor here, were not the certainty
+that her affections are pre-occupied a perfect safeguard against the
+sorcery of such loveliness and modesty as never before appeared in
+union with such various talents. Zorilda is a wonder of nature, but
+I never look on her without repeating my _lesson_--that she belongs
+to another; that with Lady Hautonville I have no other bond than that
+which a singular coincidence of romantic circumstances has thrown in
+my way. She is a stranger here, and will depart hence, leaving, it may
+be, such a standard of female excellence in one's mind, as to increase
+the difficulties of falling in love elsewhere; but as I am in no haste
+to marry, and our good father has no _crotchet_ in his head for me, you
+may set your anxieties to sleep, and let us not be over wise in our
+prudence."
+
+Clara was satisfied and returned to Zorilda's dressing-room, lightened
+of a weight which had oppressed her.
+
+The security which Lionel only imagined, was real in Zorilda's
+instance. Her soul was fortified by feelings of pain so deeply
+seated, that though the happiness of companionship, and the sympathy
+of kindness, such as she now experienced, had power to soothe, they
+had none to change her heart, which was sealed, by her misfortunes,
+to every impression of a dangerous sort; while the total absence of
+vanity in her character, precluded all suspicion of that effect which
+she produced on others. Increasing strength extended the permission of
+indulgence, and the invalid was allowed to take the air.
+
+The gardens and grounds around De Lacy castle were worthy of that
+sumptuous edifice, which stood in the midst of scenery rendered
+doubly delightful in Zorilda's eyes by her long confinement; and
+the enthusiastic admiration which she bestowed upon the surrounding
+landscape, flattered the pride of Sir Godfrey as much as it excited
+a tenderer interest in the mind of his son. Time rolled on, and
+Zorilda, who saw how genuine was the expression of sorrow in Clara's
+countenance, whenever she spoke of departure, had refrained from
+questioning her physician. Her hand was still too weak to hold a pen;
+and she had, for obvious reasons, declined all offers of informing
+her Scotch friends, through any other medium, of her situation. Nay,
+she even rejoiced, on one account, that they were as ignorant of her
+present retreat as the family of Henbury, since, should the latter
+desire to pursue or recall her, what so natural as to apply for
+information concerning movements to the only persons with whom she had
+ever formed a bond of friendship?
+
+But Zorilda was not insensible to the extraordinary appearance which
+her neglected condition must wear in the eyes of her hosts, who did
+frequently express their astonishment that no letters arrived for their
+guest. At length our heroine, struggling to overcome the reluctance
+with which she resolved on tearing herself from those whose truth and
+tenderness had won upon her heart, producing the fullest return of all
+that she had to give, imparted to Miss Cecil her fixed design to pursue
+her purpose, and set out in a few days for Scotland, adding,
+
+"My beloved Clara will not endeavour to dissuade me any longer from
+doing what she would herself feel to be right and necessary, were our
+situations reversed; what must Sir Godfrey and Lady Cecil think of a
+deserted wanderer, thus apparently bereft of all the natural ties that
+bind to house, to home, to kindred?"
+
+"They have been prevented from wondering much upon this subject,"
+answered Clara, "by my brother's care, and my own, to assure them
+that you are incapable of any but the highest and the best motives
+for concealment. That none but parents possess such rights as to make
+it strange that, in default of their claims, of which perhaps death
+may have deprived you, your silence respecting an accident which has
+blessed us with your society during a few short weeks, has spared the
+feelings of more distant relatives, who may expect with less solicitude
+than would be a father or a mother's portion. Am I right? And if I am,
+have we no claims to urge? Oh, Zorilda! I know not how to part with
+you."
+
+"Dear generous being!" exclaimed Zorilda, embracing her friend. "Such
+confidence must and shall be requited. Yes, you shall one day be made
+acquainted with the mysterious circumstances."
+
+At this moment, a tap at the dressing-room door, was followed by the
+entrance of Lady Cecil, leaning on the arm of her son.
+
+"I will ask Miss Gordon myself," said the former, as if in continuation
+of preceding discourse with Lionel.
+
+"We were just talking, my dear, of your uncommon name, which I maintain
+is Spanish, and as you know that I am a bit of a genealogist, I have
+been puzzling my brain to recollect how it happened to fall amongst
+the Gordons. Now that you are able to speak without fatigue, you shall
+tell us all about it. I dare say that there is some romantic tale of
+other days which I shall delight to hear, though I much wonder that my
+excellent friend of Drumcairn--"
+
+"Drumcairn! Good Heavens do you know the Gordons of Drumcairn?"
+interrupted Zorilda, whose sudden surprise sent a vivid blush into her
+cheeks, which was followed by the lily's hue.
+
+"To be sure I do. The Gordons of Drumcairn? They were here last summer.
+Mr. Gordon is one of my oldest friends, one of the best families
+in Europe. How is he related to you, my dear? I am so glad that I
+happened to mention Drumcairn!"
+
+"It is to Drumcairn that I am going," said Zorilda, deeply agitated.
+
+"Well, well, this is really quite a _hit_," answered Lady Cecil, "and
+I see that you are as much struck by the coincidence as I am. But
+how can all this be? You are not niece to my good friend; for, if I
+remember rightly, his brother left only two sons behind him. Then for
+his sisters; the elder, Janet, married a Mackensie; and the younger
+a Stuart. How do you stand, my dear, with respect to the Drumcairn
+branch? I am quite charmed to find out who you are, and you have the
+Gordon features too."
+
+Zorilda never was formed for dissimulation of any kind, and, though she
+met a glance of transport from Clara's eye, and felt an answering gleam
+of joy from Lionel's countenance, she quickly dispelled both the one
+and the other by confessing the truth.
+
+"The family of Drumcairn are not related to me at all, except by the
+tenderest friendship on their parts towards a solitary orphan,"
+replied Zorilda.
+
+Lady Cecil drew back, and with less beaming aspect, looked steadily at
+her blushing guest.
+
+"I beg your pardon, my young friend," said she, "perhaps I distress
+you; but I _thought_ I knew every Gordon in the world," and with a
+half disdainful, half incredulous air, added, "perhaps it is better
+to inquire no farther; all people do not trouble their heads about
+relationship after _my_ fashion, _you_ have no taste for heraldry I
+suppose."
+
+So saying, Lady Cecil rose from her chair to leave the room, when
+Zorilda caught her hand, and bursting into tears drew it towards her
+lips.
+
+"Accept, oh, accept the most grateful tribute of a broken heart. I have
+no right to the name of Gordon, and never assumed it. You shall not be
+deceived as the base return for all your goodness. Dear Madam, I am,
+it is true, without a name, and know little of a science with which
+I have no concern; but I have a glowing sense of all I owe to your
+generous hospitality; and alas! I can only repay it by lowering myself
+in your esteem. In two days I shall quit your princely abode, and may
+never have the happiness of beholding you again. Before I leave De Lacy
+castle Miss Cecil shall be put in possession of my sad, my romantic
+story."
+
+Zorilda's emotion would scarcely permit her to utter these words. Lady
+Cecil appeared agitated also. She was naturally enough shocked by any
+appearance of deception in one whom she had harboured so long under the
+roof with her only daughter. Yet the purity and candour of Zorilda's
+whole deportment, seemed to repel all doubt. Again, she felt glad that
+one day more would conclude the adventure, and while she rejoiced in
+getting rid of one in whose station in society she was disappointed,
+she felt it a pity to spoil preceding kindness by a cold farewell.
+
+Perhaps the most awkward and angry feeling in Lady Cecil's mind, arose
+at this instant from the recollection that she had laid herself open to
+a smile of ridicule, by her discovery of that strong likeness to the
+Gordon physiognomy, for which it now appeared there was no foundation.
+In short, whatever were the combination, her feelings were not
+pleasant, and beckoning to her son, whose countenance betrayed the deep
+interest which he took in the scene, she slightly inclined her head,
+and left the room.
+
+"I have lost your mother's favour," said Zorilda, as she leaned on the
+bosom of her weeping friend, "but I must not repine. "_Who is she?_"
+was the brand set on the frontlet which bound my infant brows, and it
+is indelible. Will Clara, too, cast me off, and hate me because I have
+none other to love and shelter me?"
+
+"I would give my life for you," replied her friend, "and so would--"
+but, suddenly pausing, Zorilda entreated her to leave the apartment.
+"My time is short," added she, "and I must set all things in order for
+my departure. You shall have my narrative to-night, for I am resolved
+to go to-morrow; read it to your family, and return it to me before you
+retire to rest. I will avoid seeing Sir Godfrey and Lady Cecil again;
+my presence can only distress them; but my gratitude will only end
+with life, and memory, my Clara, will not be exercised in far distant
+retrospects. My days will be few, and sorrowful: I feel it here (as she
+laid her hand upon her heart), and Zorilda will soon have passed away
+like an evening shadow."
+
+A fond embrace was all the comfort which Clara could impart, and she
+withdrew with feelings of wonder, sympathy, and admiration, too big for
+expression.
+
+Rachel received orders to prepare for the journey, and never felt
+less inclined to obey than upon this occasion. She could have spent
+the remnant of her days well pleased in the luxurious ease of De Lacy
+castle, and had been long indulging a secret hope that two people,
+so formed for each other as its young Lord and her gentle mistress,
+should one day conclude the romance which brought them together in the
+usual way, by a happy union. Rachel loved a novel, next to her tea,
+better than any earthly solace, and had found rich stores of literary
+food, as well as Congo, at the castle; but in all her reading she had
+never stumbled upon a single instance in which faithful love was not
+rewarded. Now, that Lionel loved Zorilda was her firm persuasion, not
+only because Rachel could not imagine _any_ one secure against the
+attractions of her mistress, but she had too much sagacity, not to
+interpret the thousand kind attentions which she received herself from
+Mr. Cecil, as well as the pleasure which he seemed to feel in talking
+of Zorilda's improved health and appearance.
+
+But Rachel buried these happy thoughts in her own breast, as, though
+Zorilda's manners were of dove-like softness, there was a native
+dignity in her demeanour which repelled all attempt at vulgar
+familiarity; and Rachel had sufficient tact to know exactly how far
+she might go, and where it was prudent to stop. She had never ventured
+therefore upon the slightest allusion to her hopes, and now set about
+the performance of her task with silent reluctance, while Zorilda
+endeavoured to compose her thoughts, and throw together a few brief
+outlines of her story, from the time of her removal from the gipsey
+camp to Henbury, by way of supplement to the narrative communicated to
+her by Mr. Playfair.
+
+Nothing was suppressed in her artless and affecting sketch, except
+the attachment between her and Algernon. This was a sacred theme. She
+alleged no motives, therefore, for Lady Marchdale's changed regards,
+and only stated, that having been conscious of altered feelings towards
+her, she could no longer endure to be a burthen on the kindness of
+her former friends, and had consequently resolved on sparing them all
+farther solicitude on her account, though circumstances of a peculiar
+nature prevented her from revealing her intentions, or informing her
+late benefactors of her retreat, till her future way of life should
+have assumed some fixed shape and character.
+
+On leaving Zorilda, Clara had quitted the house to indulge in a
+solitary ramble the grief with which she felt oppressed as she
+contemplated the approaching separation from one who had become so
+dear to her, and whom she was forced into the painful belief was
+likely to prove a source of misery to her brother. "Alas!" said she,
+soliloquizing as she wandered onwards, "he loves her, and the more
+devotedly, because his generous soul disdained to acknowledge danger
+while honour imposed silence on his wishes. He will be silent still,
+but he will be unhappy."
+
+While Clara pondered these melancholy forebodings, Lionel was seeking
+for her, and at length overtook his sister, pale and breathless, with a
+newspaper in his hand.
+
+"Here, Clara," said he, "is something strange. It struck my father, who
+brought it just now to me. I felt little appetite for news, but feared
+to offend, if I refused to look at what excited his curiosity, and my
+attention was soon arrested. I am certain that I know all the actors
+in this horrible catastrophe, and that it is interwoven with Zorilda's
+fate."
+
+Clara snatched the paper, and read aloud the following paragraph:
+
+"For obvious reasons of a delicate nature, we forbear from alluding
+openly to the noble individuals who are involved in the tragical
+circumstances at which we glanced in a former number. Subsequent
+information, we regret to say, from an authentic source, leaves no
+doubt as to the painful fact, that a young nobleman, Lord H., whose
+family has been recently exalted by succession to the peerage, has
+shot a nobleman, with whom not long since he was considered as being
+closely _lié_, and who now lies dangerously ill at Brussels. The
+cause of this lamentable occurrence continues to be wrapped in the
+profoundest mystery, but immediately after the dreadful act, the
+unhappy perpetrator made a voluntary surrender of himself to the
+civil authorities, to abide his trial; and it is rumoured, that his
+noble parents, of whom he is the only child, have set out for the
+Netherlands, plunged in the severest affliction. As a little time must
+fully develop this dark transaction, we shall abstain from any comment
+upon it, under present circumstances."
+
+"It is, indeed, a terrible story, if true; but what reference can it
+have to Zorilda?" asked Clara, eagerly.
+
+"I see it plainly," answered Lionel. "The recent succession; the former
+intimate friendship, and present enmity; an only child; the letter H,
+which is given as an initial; every circumstance, in short, to my mind,
+points out Lord Hautonville as the unfortunate young gentleman who has
+killed the Marquess of Turnstock."
+
+"You may be wrong," said Clara, "and all these signs may belong to some
+other persons. What does my father say?"
+
+"Oh, nothing. He has no suspicion at all about the matter, and is
+unacquainted with the actors in this tragedy altogether."
+
+"And did you hint your own surmise?"
+
+"No; I thought it better to conceal the entire from Zorilda, who,
+as she does not dine below stairs, will not be liable to hear any
+discussion which might alarm her. If the truth be as I suppose, nay, as
+some unaccountable internal evidence assures me it is, she will soon be
+made acquainted with the fatal particulars, but I wanted to consult you
+on the possibility of detaining her here, by informing the _rulers_ of
+my conjecture."
+
+"Dismiss the idea from your mind," said Clara: "The greatest kindness
+we can now show this dear girl, is to hasten her departure, or at least
+not retard it. The tide has turned; my mother has infused her doubts
+into my father's mind, and they are both restlessly impatient till she
+is gone. I saw the whole train on fire before I left the house, though
+there hardly seemed time to have put the match to it; but it is evident
+that previous doubts only required the slightest grain of probability
+to decide the question against our sweet forlorn Zorilda, and her
+confession that she does not belong to the house of Gordon has ruined
+her. My only hope is in the effect which may be produced by the recital
+of her history, which we are to have this evening, and for which I am
+myself burning with impatience. Who _can_ she be? and, who are the
+parents who could cast such a creature on the merciless world?"
+
+"I long to know as much as you can do," answered Lionel; "and believe
+that you counsel prudently. We must let things work and wait the issue."
+
+"She must go," replied Clara; "and it will be better for her--for us
+all, that she should do so. We must not censure those, who with more
+experience of life, and less enthusiasm than you and I possess, are
+slower in deciding on merit. I would not have Zorilda stay for all the
+indulgence of her society to myself. She would be looked on with an
+evil eye, and watched with jealous apprehension."
+
+"And would defy all scrutiny to detect one dissembled thought," said
+Lionel, with warmth.
+
+"Yes; but we must not detain her here to be suspected. We must let her
+go to Drumcairn; and the attachment of the Gordons towards her will be
+better proof of her deserts than all that you and I could assert in her
+favour."
+
+Lionel, seized with avidity on this view, which seemed to open into a
+new vista of hope, that sparkled in his eye. "Come," said he, "let us
+return. We must caution Rachel not to suffer a newspaper to fall in
+her mistress' way till she reaches the end of her journey. Alas! that
+journey! Oh Clara! we shall feel an aching void when she is gone!"
+
+The brother and sister returned home, and instructed Rachel in her
+lesson.
+
+Clara and her friend passed the greater part of the day together in
+mutual regrets at parting--professions of unalterable attachment,
+and promises of future correspondence. Lionel made but one attempt
+to interrupt the _tête-à-tête_; and then exhibited so much emotion,
+in spite of all his efforts at concealment, that Zorilda became
+embarrassed; and Clara, dreading some painful _eclaircissement_,
+prevailed on her brother, by a supplicating look, to leave the room.
+
+When Lionel was gone, Zorilda, blushing violently, and taking Clara's
+hand, entreated her to grant the request which she was going to make.
+
+"Your kind brother and you will be desirous to perform the duties of
+hospitality to the last hour; but you must indulge my wishes. I cannot
+see either of you in the morning. _You_ will deliver the packet, which
+I am to entrust to your care this evening, into my hands here in this
+dressing-room before you go to bed; but I conjure you to prevent me
+from seeing any of your family after they have become acquainted with
+my history. I feel unspeakable pain at confiding the strange events
+of my life to your parents; but I am impelled by gratitude to assure
+them, as far as I can, that they have not thrown away their charity
+upon an impostor. I feel it due also to myself to prove, that I am not
+willingly or needlessly a young female adventurer, assuming an air of
+mystery and romance to win upon curiosity or benevolence. Alas! I _am_
+truly what I _seem_. I may be spurned with contempt, but I will try and
+make myself believed. Promise--_faithfully_ promise, that I shall see
+none but yourself after the reading of my narrative."
+
+Clara felt the energy with which this petition was urged; and the
+quickness of her penetration unravelled the true cause of Zorilda's
+earnestness. Lionel's looks and manners, though guarded by the
+strictest care, betrayed those feelings which are never more powerfully
+expressed than when they most assiduously seek to avoid all expression.
+Zorilda had long resisted every demonstration; but there is a language
+which those who have felt the influence of a strong attachment within
+their own breasts, cannot, if they would, misunderstand; and Zorilda
+had been forced into a reluctant conviction, that she was dear to
+Lionel. A conviction, the more painful, because he was, of all earthly
+beings, the man in whose breast it was most agonizing to her heart
+to plant a thorn. Lionel's was, in fact, of all human characters,
+that which, most resembling Zorilda's, would have drawn upon every
+sympathy of her nature, had not her pre-occupied affections been sealed
+to every sentiment which might shake their rooted hold. She had, it
+is true, too keen a sense of moral perfection not to perceive young
+Cecil's merit in its full extent. She had sometimes caught herself in
+making involuntary comparisons between Algernon and him. She had even
+started from herself, as she had once mentally exclaimed, "Oh did he
+but resemble Lionel!" The sentence was never finished, even in her
+heart; and the aspiration so pure that angels might have witnessed it,
+seemed, to the scrupulous sensibility of Zorilda's soul, a species of
+inconstancy towards the idol whom she had worshipped from earliest,
+happiest, purest infancy, for which she had found it difficult to
+forgive herself. Algernon existed no longer for her, but his image was
+enshrined in her memory; and though he had ceased to be worthy of her
+love, she never dreamed of bestowing it upon another.
+
+"Why did I refuse to tie myself by a vow?" would she sometimes say as
+she mused on the past, "but because the free-will offering of a broken
+heart is as certain as a sickly bond could make it."
+
+But Zorilda began to perceive that Lionel loved her, and dreaded
+nothing so much as a disclosure of feelings which she could not repay
+in kind. She was therefore urgent in her entreaty to Clara, that
+she might be allowed to glide away unnoticed, and her friend easily
+promised for herself. The bitterness of a farewell, perhaps for ever,
+was too deeply felt, to make her anxious to pronounce it.
+
+The evening hour arrived, and Zorilda put her packet into the hands
+of Miss Cecil, who hastened to the library where her father, mother,
+and brother were assembled. The narrative was read; the diamond
+cross examined, the miniature admired; the whole pondered; but very
+different were the feelings which these interesting memoranda produced
+in the minds of the old and the young. Sir Godfrey and his Lady were
+evidently displeased, and though they did not refuse their pity, it was
+mingled with distrust.
+
+"The story is very extraordinary," said Lady Cecil, "and may be
+correctly told; but there is something so undefined in the whole
+narration, that after all the mind is left in utter confusion. After
+all, we are not informed who she is, nor who her parents were; nor is
+there any elucidation of her conduct in quitting the asylum of her
+youth. There is a cloud hanging over her desertion of those tried
+friends and early benefactors, which requires clearing up."
+
+"Yes," answered Sir Godfrey, "the nature of her offence must have been
+serious to call for a change of manner on the part of Lady Marchdale;
+and I confess that my opinion of this wandering damsel is not improved,
+though many charitable allowances may be made; but I fear there is
+something of the gipsey about her still. I do not like these heroines,
+and am very glad that without committing an act of harshness, we
+shall get rid of her to-morrow. Clara, my love, you are young and
+enthusiastic. I know how much you have been feeling for this stranger,
+whose beauty has irresistibly inspired an interest in her favour, to
+which perhaps she is not justly entitled. Your mother very properly
+remarks that a cloud at present hangs over her character, and till we
+learn what reception she meets with at Drumcairn, whither she says that
+she is going, I must insist on your avoiding all sort of correspondence
+with this giddy girl. If the Gordons continue their friendship towards
+her, I shall have no objection to your writing to her now and then
+hereafter, if you wish it."
+
+Clara sighed, and bowed her head in token of submission to parental
+authority; but Lionel, eager only to justify Zorilda, exclaimed, "What
+Sir! must a helpless stranger be condemned unheard? Cannot a case be
+easily imagined, which, far from imparting censure to the conduct of
+your guest, raises every feeling of admiration for the noble principle
+which governs her every thought, as well as action? Suppose, for a
+moment that her uncommon attractions had inspired sentiments in the
+breast of Lord Hautonville, more powerful than those which knit the
+hearts of children at that early age when first the lovely little
+Spaniard was brought home to be his play-fellow, may it not be that the
+high minded Zorilda, fearing that those to whom she owed every thing
+might not approve a union which the cold maxims of worldly prudence
+calls unequal, has left the asylum of her youth--perhaps the scene of
+her fondest affections, to give an exalted proof of gratitude, by the
+sacrifice of all her earthly happiness. Such magnanimity would be in
+perfect accordance with all that I know of Miss Gordon's character."
+
+"Upon my word, Mr. Lionel," replied Sir Godfrey, "you are apparently a
+practised advocate. Either you know more of _Miss Gordon's_ affairs,
+or conjecture takes a wonderfully favourable turn for her acquittal."
+The name of Gordon was pronounced with emphasis, while Sir Godfrey's
+countenance wore an expression of the most bitterly sarcastic
+scrutiny. Lionel coloured, and, hurried forward by his feelings,
+would instantly have betrayed all that he knew of Henbury and its
+inhabitants, if a beseeching look from Clara had not arrested the
+recital. Suddenly recovering himself, he told his father that the laws
+of the land required delinquency to be proved before guilt is imputed,
+and that he had done no more than suggest a _probable_ case.
+
+"A fellow feeling makes us wondrous kind, they say," replied Sir
+Godfrey, with a sneer. "I suppose that your own heart is the storehouse
+of your _probabilities_. Lionel, this is not a subject to be trifled
+with. I must have some serious conversation with you, and desire that
+you will meet me here to-morrow after breakfast. In the meantime you
+may consult your pillow upon some topics connected with this letter,
+which I received to-day from the Duke of Kingsbury."
+
+So saying, Sir Godfrey quitted the room, Lady Cecil retired, and Clara
+employed a moment's interval before she followed her mother, in
+pressing the necessity of secrecy and discretion on Lionel's mind, and
+imploring him to recollect Zorilda's request that she might be suffered
+to depart on the following morrow without observation.
+
+"I will open the last gate of the great avenue, nothing shall prevent
+me from taking our farewell look," said Lionel, "and so good night."
+
+Clara having listened to a lecture from Lady Cecil on the folly of
+yielding to benevolent feelings, without considering consequences,
+and heard how severely she reproached herself for having permitted a
+nameless wanderer to sleep a night beneath her roof, hastened to her
+friend's apartment. Zorilda rose to meet her, and as Clara restored
+the packet, a long and tender embrace conveyed more eloquently than
+language is capable of doing, the impression which it had made upon her
+heart. Not a word was spoken, but a thousand promises of unalterable
+love were interchanged, in the tears which choked their utterance.
+
+The earliest dawn, found Zorilda stealing softly along the little
+velvet lawn which skirted Clara's garden, from which as she passed,
+she gathered a wild honeysuckle which seemed to have strayed over the
+paling on purpose to breathe its fragrant adieus at her feet.
+
+"Balm of the wilderness! that floats upon the pilgrim's path! what
+desert too revolting, what solitude too dreary for thy errant
+charities? Emblem of the brief and honied dream of kindness here, too
+sweet for more than passing breath upon the gale, thy farewell shall
+exhale upon Zorilda's grateful bosom."
+
+Thus apostrophizing the trailing wreath, she pulled one of its golden
+flowers, which, placing next her heart, and casting one fond, lingering
+look at the turrets of De Lacy, she reached the carriage, in which
+Rachel was already seated, and ordering the postilion to keep along a
+narrow green lane at the back of the castle, as if actuated by some
+hidden impulse to avoid the great avenue, the travellers gained the
+high road, at the distance of more than a mile from the principal
+entrance, where Lionel waited their approach, with feelings of sorrow
+and agitation not to be described. He loitered for an hour amongst the
+cedars, which formed a dark screen round the porter's-lodge, before the
+truth struck upon his mind. Starting then, as if from sleep, he dashed
+across the park, and gaining the narrow lane by which Zorilda had left
+his father's lordly abode, he needed not to ask a question. The fresh
+traces of her recent departure told their own story; and a sensation of
+inexpressible agony followed the assurance that Zorilda was gone. The
+first impulse was to mount his horse, and pursue the lovely fugitive;
+but Clara's anxious eye had watched her friend's device, and seen her
+brother return from his fruitless endeavour to obtain a parting glimpse
+of her whose image was engraven in his inmost heart; and she hastened
+towards him.
+
+"Beware, dearest Lionel," said his weeping sister; "intrude not on
+Zorilda's grief. She has effected her retreat in this manner to avoid
+giving and receiving pain; we must respect her purpose; remember what
+affliction is yet in store for this young martyr when she knows the
+horrible tidings of her lover's present situation."
+
+Lionel shuddered involuntarily as Clara uttered the word "lover," and,
+suffering himself to be led by Clara's arm, accompanied her in sullen
+apathy towards the house.
+
+"My father will expect you presently in the study. Have you looked at
+the letter which he gave you last night?" said Clara.
+
+Lionel had never bestowed a thought upon it, and now feeling in his
+pocket, drew it out, and dashed it on the ground.
+
+"I am in no humour to read letters; there! give it back to Sir Godfrey,
+I cannot keep his appointment now." Saying these words, he disengaged
+himself from his sister's hold, and would have turned into another
+walk, but she seized, and, forcibly detaining him, entreated earnestly
+for Zorilda's sake that he would be calm. "You may injure _her_ by this
+violence," said Clara; "what, if my father, irritated by your altered
+temper, should accuse, and wound her gentle spirit by some rude charge
+of having practised on your affections?"
+
+This argument had its effect. Lionel paused, and pressing Clara's hand,
+"Be ever thus," said he, "my guardian angel; read this letter to me, I
+will be advised by you, and curb this impetuous nature." Clara opened
+and read a formal composition, announcing, with a good deal of the
+_vieille cour_ pomp, that the duke and all his family were returned to
+the country, and anticipated with pleasure a renewal of intercourse
+with De Lacy castle. The concluding paragraph, in form of a postscript,
+ran thus:
+
+"I assure you that I have heard your son's praises loudly rung since I
+had the good fortune to see you last, and beg that you will bring him
+with you, when you visit Beaumont."
+
+"My father thinks largely of my vanity, it would seem," said Lionel;
+"what has this complimentary stuff to do with me? My head is not likely
+to be made giddy with this sort of thing."
+
+"The Duke has _daughters_, and my poor father's eye, like that of the
+poet, 'in a fine frenzy-rolling,' glances from earth to heaven, and
+beholds the arms of Beaumont quartered with those of De Lacy," replied
+Clara.
+
+"Poetry, indeed! for he will be solely indebted to his imagination for
+such a sight," answered Lionel; "but I hope that he has more common
+sense than to buoy himself up with hope so absurd, upon the ground of
+this piece of frothy ceremony."
+
+"We shall see," said Clara; and the event proved that she was right.
+Lionel repaired to his father's study, and found him pacing up and down
+the room, with knit brow, and hands behind his back, as if pondering
+some affair of weighty issue.
+
+"Good morrow, Sir; you wished, I think, to see me here, and I am come
+to return the letter, which kindly informs us that we may have the
+notable privilege of leaving cards for the Duke of Kingsbury."
+
+"Cease with your idle sarcasms, Lionel," said Sir Godfrey, "and sit
+down while you hear what I have to say. I shall not dwell long upon the
+past, nor sully an act of benevolence, by regretting that mine induced
+me to give temporary shelter to a houseless stranger. We are not gifted
+with second sight, and must be sometimes liable to err through the
+impossibility of foreseeing consequences. This female adventurer has
+shared our bounty, and I will not grudge her the services which have
+been rendered, but rejoice that she is gone; and as you were yourself
+the person to suggest a reason fully sufficient to account for her
+elopement from Lord Marchdale's family, it is not my purpose, without
+knowledge of the facts, to injure the character of one who has probably
+no other reliance for support. It is enough for me, that if her noble
+host did really anticipate so horrible a degradation as an attachment
+on the part of their only son, towards the nameless foundling of
+Hazlewood-moor; it is quite, I repeat, sufficient for me to be assured
+that _you_ possess sense enough to enter into their feelings, and
+perceive ground for such a change of manner towards the object of their
+alarm, as to make her either from honour or policy, resolve on removing
+herself from Henbury."
+
+"Sir," answered Lionel, "I pretend not to combat your feelings, or
+those of Lord Marchdale, if he concurs in your sentiments. I must only
+declare against any participation in them myself, and assure you that
+I consider Lord Hautonville much more honoured by, than honouring the
+lovely companion of his youth, by any attachment which may subsist
+between them."
+
+"Silly, silly," said Sir Godfrey, with an impatient tone; "I thought
+such folly had been obsolete, and am sorry that a remnant of the old
+leaven should be found under my roof. But let Lord Marchdale and his
+son settle their own affairs; _we_ need not meddle in them. My business
+with you at present is, I am happy to say, of a far different kind, and
+I must, by way of preface, inform you, my dear boy, that much of the
+comfort which your mother and I venture to look for during our future
+life, depends on your coinciding with our views for your welfare. To be
+brief, I have had it from undoubted authority, that no event could be
+half so agreeable to the Duke and Duchess of Kingsbury, as an alliance
+with De Lacy castle, nor can I wonder at this. The Duke has several
+children, and small means to provide for them suitably in life, while
+a union with my son would not only confer wealth upon his house, but
+bring accession (Sir Godfrey drew up his shirt collar at both sides,
+as he spoke) of those honours which every sensible man desires to see
+added to his family escutcheon. In point of birth-right, I thank my
+stars, I do not yield to any dukedom in Great Britain. Lady Jessie and
+Lady Emmiline are charming persons; and I have, as I said before, solid
+foundation for believing----."
+
+"Pardon me, Sir, for interrupting you," said Lionel; "I cannot allow
+you to proceed any farther in a speculation at which my mind revolts.
+I will endeavour to meet your wishes in all reasonable requirements,
+and hope that I shall never be tempted to bring dishonour on your
+house; but I cannot consent to barter my liberty for the indulgence of
+ambition, which, forgive me for saying, I despise. Were man created for
+no higher purpose than to serve as a block on which to hang armorial
+emblazonments, all his intellect, tastes, and affections are an affair
+of cumbrous supererogation; but if happiness be his aim and object,
+and if I cannot find mine in the Heralds' Office, I should certainly
+be a fool to seek it there. It could never occur to my imagination to
+interpret a civil letter from the Duke, as you have done; but believe
+me, that were his Grace of Kingsbury to forget so far what is due to
+his own pride and his daughter's delicacy, as to make an unequivocal
+declaration in my favour, nothing could possibly be so repugnant to my
+feelings as to act upon such a hint."
+
+Just as Sir Godfrey, whose angry eye boded no very soft answer, was
+going to reply, the footman announced his agent; and we may be allowed
+to hope that the intelligence which he had to communicate of having let
+some farms, which were out of lease, at an advance of several hundreds
+a year, had the good fortune to act on the Baronet's temper like oil on
+the troubled ocean's wave. Lionel was glad to adjourn; and would have
+been well pleased had it been _sine die_, but another conference was
+decreed by Sir Godfrey, the result of which we must leave in doubt to
+attend Zorilda to Drumcairn, where she arrived without farther accident
+or adventure.
+
+As hills rise into height upon our approach, from what in the distance
+had appeared a level plain, so did a thousand scruples occur to her
+mind in drawing near to the residence of her friend, which till
+then had never distressed her. Nothing but the journey thither had
+previously perplexed our heroine in the thought of seeking an asylum at
+Drumcairn; but she now questioned her title to the boon. She had not
+announced her purpose, and was an unexpected visitor; perhaps might
+prove an unwelcome intruder. She had few opportunities of corresponding
+with Mrs. Gordon, who might have forgotten her general invitation.
+Mr. Gordon, too, might not desire her company. Oppressed by such
+reflections, Zorilda ordered the postilion to halt at a little village
+within a mile of Drumcairn; and having alighted at a small neat quiet
+inn, she wrote a note to Mrs. Gordon.
+
+As soon as possible, after sending it off, she was folded in the arms
+of that excellent woman, who flew to greet the travellers, accompanied
+by her husband, whose salutations were fully as sincere, if not quite
+so rapturous, as those of his partner.
+
+The joy of this meeting was enhanced to Mrs. Gordon by the uneasiness
+which she had felt since a few lines from Lady Marchdale had mentioned
+Zorilda's departure, and made rather a haughty demand, whether she had
+not directed her flight towards Aberdeenshire. Mrs. Gordon had answered
+her sister's letter; and in much earnestness had begged for farther
+particulars of an event so unaccountable; but Lady Marchdale was too
+selfishly absorbed by her own cares to think of distant friends, and
+not a line from Henbury, though repeatedly solicited, had thrown light
+upon any thing which was passing there. Both Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had
+seen the newspaper paragraph to which allusion was made at De Lacy
+castle; but as they were only slightly acquainted with their nephew's
+associates, and knew still less of his habits of life, it so happened
+that they were never struck with any application of the direful
+circumstances which were related in the public prints; and even had
+suspicion attached to the story, the silence of the family at Henbury
+would have completely banished it.
+
+A few short hours put the friends mutually in possession of all that
+either had to unfold. Zorilda's history made the liveliest impression
+on the kind hearts to which it was revealed; and was followed by a
+solemn proffer of the most affectionate adoption.
+
+"Let me henceforward be the fond, though imperfect, representative of
+that mother whom you have lost, while I shall find in my beloved Zoé
+such a daughter as I have often vainly longed to press to my bosom,"
+said Mrs. Gordon. Zorilda's heart was too full for the lips to speak,
+but she looked all that a sinking spirit could express.
+
+Though dreading pursuit, Zorilda had cherished a secret hope, that on
+reaching Scotland she might hear of Henbury; and learn what effects had
+been produced there by her sudden disappearance. This hope had greater
+influence in supporting her exertions than she was aware of, till
+disappointment crushed every energy of her soul. She had reached the
+goal--she had arrived at that haven of rest which had long been the end
+and aim of her desires, and now experienced the inefficacy of external
+things to restore peace to the lacerated heart. Nothing which the
+tenderest feeling could suggest was left undone, yet Zorilda drooped
+in spite of every effort to repay the kindness of those around her, by
+answering endeavours on her part.
+
+Drumcairn was the very sum and centre of domestic bliss, and presented
+a scene of happiness and concord, which seemed to realize the beautiful
+vision of an earthly Elysium. The landscape without was wildly
+picturesque; and within, whatever was best, wisest, and most tasteful,
+lent its aid to diversify the social resources. How blessed could
+Zorilda have felt in such a home; and what a gem would she have added
+to its attractions were not the secret poison carrying on its latent
+destruction, and gradually undermining health and strength!
+
+When the first agitation of meeting was over, Mrs. Gordon invited her
+young friend to assist her in the charitable labours which employed
+much of her time. Zorilda learned, in these pious exercises, that
+numbers of her fellow creatures were as miserable as herself. She
+soon discovered that she was not the only houseless orphan; but that
+thousands wept the bereavement of parents, lovers, friends. Her mind
+at last began to taste a heavenly pleasure in her new occupations. To
+pour the balm of comfort into the wounded spirit; to teach the young
+to live, the sick and old to die, became her principal delight; and
+her days were chiefly dedicated to those duties of active goodness, in
+which the selfishness of sorrow gradually gives way to that peace which
+is ever sure to spring from the pure source of practical religion. She
+would often start from the recollections of past time, and rush to
+employment from the stings of memory.
+
+Sometimes it grieved her that no word of soothing friendship found its
+way to her from De Lacy castle. A letter from Clara, to say that her
+affection had not suffered diminution from acquaintance with the events
+which she confided to her knowledge would have been a consolation; but
+Zorilda was making rapid progress in the belief that there is no trial
+of life which is not sent for some purpose of mercy, and her beloved
+guide and instructress never failed to improve every opportunity of
+tracing divine goodness in the bitterest dispensations.
+
+We will now leave the young saint pursuing her celestial path, while we
+travel back to look upon a very different scene.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER XII.
+
+    "I see with boding heart the near approach
+    Of an ill-starred, unblessed catastrophe."
+
+  WALLENSTEIN.
+
+
+The consternation of Lord and Lady Marchdale was unutterable, when, on
+awakening in the morning they learned that Lord Hautonville had taken
+flight, leaving only a verbal message to say, that sudden business had
+carried him to London, from whence he hoped speedily to return; and
+not a little was the vexation of this abrupt departure aggravated in
+the minds of his parents, by a persuasion that he had gone in quest of
+Zorilda.
+
+What rage, anxiety, and confusion of counsels, succeeded, it is
+impossible to describe. At length, after a stormy discussion,
+embittered by much of mutual crimination, it was determined that the
+whole family should pack up for the metropolis; but as more elaborate
+preparations were necessary for the elders than was required by their
+son, some days elapsed before Henbury was deserted by its inhabitants,
+who little thought as they drove through the outer gate, that they were
+destined to meet no more within its once cheerful precincts.
+
+On reaching Marchdale-house, they learned that Lord Hautonville had
+been there, but was gone: and all the information which his parents
+could obtain respecting the object or motive of his short stay and
+hurried departure, was from the housekeeper, an utter stranger to the
+new comers, and one who appeared by no means overjoyed at the change.
+This woman reported that the young lord seemed to be in the greatest
+possible agitation, and that his sole care was to find the Marquess
+of Turnstock, for whom he made inquiry with vehement solicitude;
+but finding that his lordship had set out for the continent, Lord
+Hautonville left town immediately, Mrs. Hobson could not tell with
+what intent. It was some relief to the anxious parents to learn that
+Lord Turnstock was the object of their son's pursuit; and though it
+mortified them that he should absent himself without giving the
+slightest intimation of his designs, and particularly at a period when
+his presence was more than ever necessary at home, they endeavoured to
+tranquillize their apprehensions, by the flattering unction which they
+laid to their hearts, that he had only followed his friend into the
+country upon some scheme of amusement.
+
+Letters were dispatched to recall the truant, and the Earl and his
+Countess were involved directly in all the bustle of legal affairs
+and visits of etiquette. When the time had expired which ought in due
+course to have brought an answer from Lord Hautonville, the arrival of
+the post became a subject of restless inquiry, but no letter arrived;
+and as it often happens that the most obvious measures do not occur to
+our minds _first_ in the order of time, several days elapsed before
+Lord Marchdale, applying in the right place, heard from the Marquess's
+banker that he was gone to Brussels.
+
+During this interval Lord Hautonville, who had taken his friend Col.
+Clapham along with him, passed over to Ostend. On reaching Brussels
+he was maddened almost to fury by finding that his enemy had gone
+upon an excursion, and would not return for a few days. Feeding on his
+meditated revenge, and suffering imagination to supply all the facts
+which were necessary to goad him to the rashest acts of desperation,
+every moment appeared a century, till Lord Turnstock unsuspectingly
+drove to the door of the Hotel de Belle Vue, where he was saluted, as
+soon as he alighted from his carriage, by a challenge from his quondam
+ally, delivered by the hands of Col. Clapham.
+
+Lord Hautonville had had his suspicions so convincingly corroborated
+by the answers which he received to certain inquiries concerning the
+Marquess, that he did not condescend to enter into the slightest
+explanation relative to the nature of the supposed insult for which
+he sought revenge; and the latter, in utter ignorance of the cause of
+offence, could not suppress an involuntary smile, as he returned the
+challenge to Colonel Clapham, and desired him to tell his friend that
+it was not his custom to fight with madmen.
+
+An answer so irritating, heightened by the sarcastic air with which
+it was accompanied, was not calculated to appease; and as it lost
+nothing in its transit (the second feeling himself now nearly as much
+enraged as the principal), the message was conveyed in such exaggerated
+colours, as to deprive Lord Hautonville, for the moment of all
+self-control. He seized his pistols, rushed into the streets, arrived
+at the Hotel de Belle Vue, darted into the room where the Marquess was
+going to dine, and taking a deliberate aim, shot him through the body,
+without uttering a word. The Marquess fell, the report of a pistol
+brought numbers of people together; and before Colonel Clapham overtook
+his friend, he was a prisoner. Surgical aid was immediately obtained,
+the wounded man removed to bed, his wounds examined, dressed, and
+pronounced dangerous.
+
+Returning reason made Lord Hautonville speedily sensible of the awful
+situation in which he had placed himself; rendered more horrible by the
+assurance that he had no foundation for his conjectures, and therefore
+not even the excuse of injurious treatment for the dreadful act which
+he had perpetrated.
+
+Colonel Clapham's first care was to write to England, and apprise
+the unhappy parents of their son's condition; advising the utmost
+secrecy respecting the circumstances of this tragical event, and their
+immediate presence in Brussels, accompanied by whatever confidential
+legal adviser they considered most likely to give a favourable turn to
+the aspect of affairs.
+
+The agonies of despair into which Lord and Lady Marchdale were thrown
+by the dreadful intelligence, almost deprived them of life, and some
+days elapsed before the unfortunate pair recovered sufficient bodily
+strength to undertake their mournful expedition. This interval was long
+enough to put them in possession of the fact that Lord Hautonville's
+debts amounted to a much larger sum than he had any prospect of being
+enabled to repay; and several of them revealed the truth that he was a
+determined gambler, and lived amongst a set remarkable in every way for
+habits of such dissipation as lead to inevitable destruction.
+
+But who shall attempt to pourtray the feelings of the miserable
+culprit, when informed by Colonel Clapham that his jealousy was
+groundless as it had been vindictive; and that the marquess knew
+nothing whatsoever respecting the elopement of Zorilda. Grief,
+contrition, self-reproach, despair, took alternate possession of his
+soul, and he would have laid down millions to insure that life of which
+but a few hours before he was resolved, at the probable sacrifice of
+his own, on the cruel extermination.
+
+The solitude of a prison is a powerful preacher to the human soul!
+Conscience now called up a grisly train of terrifying spectres; and a
+review of the past rose in hideous contrast with the fate which might
+have awaited him. Mr. Playfair's counsels, illustrated in the lovely
+singleness and purity of Zorilda's character, came upon his memory and
+made him tremble. What a difference between the beloved, the cherished
+heir of a noble house, and the forlorn captive, whose ignominious end
+was perhaps destined to pay the forfeit of a murderous deed. The cold
+dews of death stood now upon that brow on which pride and pleasure were
+wont to keep perpetual jubilee; and a livid paleness overspread that
+cheek so lately animated by the flush of enterprize.
+
+Of what avail were resolutions now? The accounts from hour to hour,
+of the hapless victim's condition, though sufficiently fluctuating
+to keep the balance trembling between hope and fear, afforded little
+comfort. If a momentary ray cheered the prospect, it was extinguished
+in the next instant. Amendment was not progressive, and those transient
+gleams, which were quenched successively in thicker gloom, only added
+poignance to despair. In the visions of horror which haunted the mind
+of Algernon, thoughts of those afflicted parents who were on their way
+to the scene of sorrow and humiliation continually mingled; and, as if
+the cup of grief could not be full unless it overflowed, he was now
+enlightened, and could explain Zorilda's disappearance. He was now able
+to perceive in her secret departure, the same noble self-denying spirit
+which had always distinguished every action of her life; and to curse
+the ungoverned passion which had hurried him into irretrievable ruin. A
+sudden frenzy would seize his frame, when scenes of early mutual love,
+and childish innocence, glanced across memory in the prison's darksome
+solitude, to torture his imagination--but more was still to be endured.
+
+The marquess preserved his senses throughout the lingering agonies
+which he was doomed to suffer--the most earnest supplication for
+pardon on the one side, and assurance of forgiveness on the other,
+were interchanged too late for any purpose connected with this world's
+futurities. The horrors of suspense, operating on irritable nerves, and
+temper unsubdued, were too powerful for successful conflict against
+them; and Algernon Hartland, so lately the pride and boast of a noble
+house, consumed by fever and tortured by remorse, breathed his last, in
+the same hour which brought Lord and Lady Marchdale to the hotel which
+contained the victim of their son's infuriate jealousy, apparently
+languishing also on the confines of the tomb.
+
+The veil of Timanthes must be drawn over feelings too terrible for
+description. The die was cast. "Take me to the prison. I will see my
+darling, and expire within his cell," said the wretched mother, who
+would not listen to any attempt at dissuading her from the dreadful
+purpose of visiting the remains of her son. Colonel Clapham conducted
+her, and with preternatural firmness she hastened forward; but the
+sight which burst upon her senses, when she reached the dreary chamber
+in which he lay, was the last on which her tearless eyes ever rested.
+The mother's heart had received its death dart, and her whole soul
+appeared to undergo a sudden change. Not a cry escaped her. Kneeling
+calmly down by the bed-side, and pressing to her bosom the clay-cold
+hand of Algernon her beloved--once "beautiful and brave"--her
+countenance assumed an unwonted expression of heavenly peace. Her
+husband stood with folded arms, behind her, and groaned heavily. She
+looked round, and taking his hand also, laid it upon that of her
+departed child; then raising her eyes, she exclaimed with fervor, "Lord
+forgive me--Thy will be done!" After uttering which word, one short
+convulsive sigh set the spirit free.
+
+Stunned and transfixed, the miserable survivor bent over the bed of
+death, like one who had been petrified in that attitude, and scarcely
+preserved consciousness of the scene which surrounded him. At this
+awful moment, Mr. Playfair entered the chamber. That excellent man
+had accidentally met with a friend who prevailed on him to alter his
+original design of proceeding directly to Switzerland, and visit first
+the far-famed plain of Waterloo. No sooner had he arrived at Brussels,
+than the fearful tale which was in every mouth, met his ear. He quickly
+recognised the _dramatis personæ_ in this horrible tragedy, and
+hastened to inform himself of all its particulars. The case admitted
+of no earthly comfort, and he wept with heartfelt bitterness over the
+misfortunes of those unhappy parents whom he followed to the prison.
+
+"Vain titles of worldly greatness! how little is it in your power to
+confer happiness!" ejaculated this true friend, as he hastened after
+the sufferers. What a spectacle presented itself when he reached the
+gloomy pile, and gained the dismal scene of death just in time to hear
+the pious aspiration which bore a mother's spirit to the eternal world!
+He knelt, and prayed aloud for heaven's mercy on him who stood, like
+the scathed oak of the forest, a sad monument of solitary existence,
+when the pelting of the pitiless storm has levelled all things else in
+desolation and destruction at its feet.
+
+Lord Marchdale was removed insensible from the prison, and a shock of
+paralysis for a time shed the poppies of oblivion over his senses, and
+spared him for more tranquil days to come. Colonel Clapham, who was
+deeply affected, and began to reproach himself as the principal actor
+in the late catastrophe, now delivered into Mr. Playfair's hands two
+letters with which his poor friend had entrusted him the day before his
+death, when he felt his last hour drawing near. One was addressed to
+his parents, the other to Zorilda; and he desired that they might be
+safely conveyed when he should be no more.
+
+"You will be the fittest medium for the performance of this charge.
+How can I appear again in the presence of those from whom I might have
+averted the calamity which bows them broken-hearted to the earth? Oh,
+Mr. Playfair, had I not fanned the flame, which I might at least have
+endeavoured to extinguish; had I not used all my influence to provoke
+and aggravate the feelings of my poor friend, instead of trying to
+assuage them, how different might not have been the result? But I am
+punished as I deserve. His untimely end is my work, and I shall never
+cease during my life, to be haunted by his dying image, when he called
+upon the grim tyrant to terminate his misery, and relieve him from the
+anguish of anticipating an ignominious end."
+
+Mr. Playfair did not fail to improve the feeling which had been
+awakened in Colonel Clapham's mind, not by laying flattering unction to
+his criminal conduct, but by encouraging such repentance for the past
+as should effectually guard, during the remainder of his life against
+its recurrence. While he continued to take advantage of the opportunity
+to impress wholesome truths upon a softened heart, a message was
+brought from Lord Turnstock's apartment to say that the physicians who
+had just been holding consultation, were of opinion that a favourable
+crisis had taken place in the night; and it was the earnest desire
+of the marquess to have the joyful tidings communicated, without a
+moment's delay, to the prisoner. What indescribable rapture would the
+intelligence have imparted a little week before! Then might it have
+poured the balsam of returning health into the fevered veins--the balm
+of stillness into the agitated breast--and whispered peace to the
+withered spirit; but it came not till the dull cold ear was deaf to the
+voice of the charmer--till the heart had ceased to beat, and the weary
+pulses to flutter.
+
+The mother and her son were laid in the same grave, and Mr. Playfair
+and Colonel Clapham attended the sad procession as chief mourners.
+It was a sight which struck upon all who witnessed it, and was not
+soon forgotten. Lord Marchdale continued in a doubtful state, and
+some time elapsed ere it was considered safe to move him. During
+this interval the favourable change in Lord Turnstock's condition
+was sufficiently confirmed to admit of his being visited by Colonel
+Clapham, who gradually prepared his mind for the dreadful events
+which had occurred. Informed, at length, of the whole truth, he
+expressed an eager desire to see Mr. Playfair, who obeyed the summons
+with readiness, anxious on his part to turn present circumstances to
+account, and work a salutary impression on him, who of all people
+living had exercised the most destructive influence on the character of
+the departed.
+
+The meeting was solemn and affecting. Though death seemed no longer in
+immediate prospect, the marquess was assured by his medical attendants
+that nothing short of the most patient temperance and long continued
+caution, could afford the slightest hope of restoration, and he
+therefore saw before him so much of uncertainty in the prospect as to
+furnish scope for deep reflection.
+
+It occurred to Mr. Playfair, that no language which he could possibly
+employ, would be so efficacious in giving a right turn to meditation,
+as the last words of one who had lived long enough to retract every
+principle on which his actions had been governed, and he therefore
+determined on seizing an opportunity which could never return, of
+making Algernon speak from the tomb. Well assured that those to whom
+the letters which he possessed were addressed, would approve such use
+of their contents, he drew the packet which was unsealed from his
+bosom, and read as follows:
+
+  "TO THE EARL AND COUNTESS OF MARCHDALE.
+
+"Alas! my parents; my soul sickens as I trace these empty titles, which
+seem but 'unreal mockery' when applied to you. 'How are the mighty
+fallen!' Oh! my father, my poor mother--here is the fulfilment of your
+prophetic vision. Here, in this damp and chilly cell, is the end of all
+your ambition. I feel as if you were now on your way to this place, but
+you will come too late. The vapour is dissolved, the bubble bursts;
+the halter and the block would present the only alternative for your
+unhappy son were life prolonged; but Heaven has heard the captive's
+prayer, and death approaches with friendly speed to save you from
+shame, and restrain the hand of Algernon from self-destruction.
+
+"Horrible idea! yet it might have been so. The same ungovernable
+passions which raised the murderous blow against another's existence,
+might have urged to suicide under increasing temptation. Weep not for
+him who is taken from evil to come. My parents! had you been less
+aspiring, had you known that true happiness, but--forbear, my pen!--I
+leave no brethren to benefit by my dying counsels. My own impetuous
+temper, my own devouring selfishness, have been my bane. Try to forget
+that I have ever been. Recall that angel whom you have banished; she
+will speak peace to your troubled souls. Farewell, my dear father; and
+oh, my mother, may Heaven support you in this season of trial! prays
+your expiring
+
+  "ALGERNON."
+
+  "TO ZORILDA.
+
+"First and last beloved, I dedicate to you this solemn pause between
+time and eternity. Life is ebbing fast. Oh! Zorilda, I die, and die for
+you. However unworthy of your regard, however wandering and irregular
+my course, you have still been the polar star towards which my
+unsettled spirit ever returned, and no scheme for future happiness ever
+occupied my thoughts, of which you were not the soul and centre. While
+living in sin, I dreamed of a virtuous hereafter, when guided by you, I
+should reform and taste of quiet bliss.
+
+"Arrogant delusion! I leaned presumptuously on that love which I was
+daily forfeiting, and dared to believe that Zorilda, whose soul was
+all purity, would still bestow her affection on one who had ceased to
+merit it. Alas! I know that you love me no longer. Why should I repine
+in this sad hour? No, while life continued, I could ill endure to
+relinquish the hold which I once possessed on that dear heart, and my
+selfish endeavour to bind you by a vow to refuse all besides, that of
+which I was myself undeserving, was justly punished by your refusal.
+
+"Zorilda, beloved Zorilda! I feel my heart new opened, I see with
+other eyes, and despise the thing I have been; resolution can now
+avail me nothing in this world; but He who sees my tears of contrite
+humiliation, will hear the suppliant's prayer, even in the eleventh
+hour. Farewell! If the memory of our fond attachment in happy youthful
+days, may shed kind influence on a last request, console I entreat you
+those unfortunate beings who are soon to be left childless. Bid them
+not grieve for me. I have requited their affection with ingratitude,
+and leave them nothing in my bereavement but a hollow sounding name,
+like those gorgeous plumes which wave their feathered honours on the
+hearse to mock the dead. Oh! 'had I served my God with half the zeal'
+that ministered to my guilty pleasures! but the past is buried with the
+years beyond the flood. I have your prayers, I know I have, unworthy as
+I am, and Zorilda's prayers will reach the throne of mercy.
+
+"My sand is nearly run. The king of terrors beckons to me. A little
+while, a few brief moments, and I shall awake in the invisible world,
+from whose bourne none hath ever returned to unfold its mysteries.
+Strength fails. Cold dews creep over my frame. Think of me sometimes.
+First and last beloved, farewell for ever."
+
+When Mr. Playfair ceased to read, he found Lord Turnstock drowned in
+tears. His own flowed plenteously; and, taking the sick man's hand, "My
+Lord," said he, "let us not be ashamed, and call this weakness. There
+are tears which refresh the soul like dews of heaven. May yours be of
+this blessed nature! May you expiate past error, by seeking your future
+portion in a new course; and may our dear departed Hartland be the
+Mentor of your youth; the guide of your pilgrimage; the beacon of your
+way!"
+
+"Will you henceforward be my friend?" answered the Marquess, with deep
+emotion. "I have learned a lesson, but impressions wear away, and vows
+made in pain are speedily forgotten. Let me be your pupil; direct me;
+warn me; counsel me."
+
+The bond was sealed. Lord Marchdale was pronounced capable of
+undertaking a journey; and Mr. Playfair, who had surrendered all his
+own plans to devote himself to the purposes of benevolence, accompanied
+the poor solitary Earl to England; but his chief concern was for
+Zorilda. "How shall I break these fatal tidings, without endangering
+her life?" was a question continually present to the mind of her friend.
+
+The travellers arrived at Henbury, and Mr. Playfair felt as a man of
+humane and tender feeling would naturally do, in placing his charge
+in that whilom abode of quiet cheerfulness, where its unfortunate
+master had long enjoyed the happiness of domestic peace in private
+life, under the care of an old servant, who had passed her youthful
+days in his family. Lord Marchdale was spared such anguish, as more
+acute sensibility could not have survived by the nature of his malady.
+Naturally phlegmatic, disease now rendered him more than ordinarily
+torpid; and he used to forget at times not only the extent of his
+deprivation, but the manner. At such moments it was affecting to hear
+him address his wife and son as if they were present, or speak of them
+as if he expected their return from a ride or a walk. Influenced,
+too, by the necromancy of association, he never passed by a shrub or
+flower, which had been planted by Zorilda's hand, without muttering the
+name of Zoé.
+
+When Mr. Playfair had made all necessary arrangement for the bodily
+comfort of the invalid, he set out for Scotland, meditating sorrowfully
+as he proceeded, on the afflicting dispensations which it was his
+painful task to communicate at Drumcairn. Arrived at the same village
+where Zorilda had paused to consider of the reception which she was
+likely to receive, he wrote to Mr. Gordon, requesting a private
+interview at the inn. The dreadful particulars were soon unfolded;
+and Mr. Playfair discovered that his tale of woe was not altogether
+unexpected. Mr. and Mrs. Gordon had so repeatedly seen paragraphs in
+the public prints, touching on late events at Brussells with more or
+less obscurity, that their attention was at length awakened to some
+fancied coincidences with the Henbury family, and anxiety was daily on
+the increase, from Lady Marchdale's unusual silence. Her sister had
+written over and over entreating a letter, but not a line was received
+in reply.
+
+The extreme delicacy of Zorilda's health made all excitement hazardous;
+and though she secretly pined with solicitude to be informed of all
+that passed in her absence, she could not bear to make inquiry, and
+trusted to a voluntary mention of the next intelligence which might
+arrive, trying to force her mind into tranquillity, but in vain. Her
+cheek sometimes glowed with momentary bloom, and her eyes sparkled with
+a transient ray of light and brilliancy; but it was fever which lighted
+up these evanescent fires, consuming as they were vivid.
+
+Her kind friends, who watched her tender frame with parental vigilance,
+and perceived the silent progress of the destroying angel, resolved
+on avoiding to impart their own apprehensions, or communicate the
+suspicions which began to alarm them, to Zorilda, who, in addition to
+her too evidently declining health, "has now to sustain," said Mr.
+Gordon, "a trying scene, which as yet she has neither had strength nor
+fortitude to encounter."
+
+"Within the last two days," continued he, "she has received a
+disclosure of the deepest interest from the rich and powerful Earl of
+Pierrepoint, who turns out to be no other than Zorilda's father. I
+have brought his letter in my pocket, knowing how affectionately you
+participate in the concerns of our dear child."
+
+Mr. Gordon then read as follows:
+
+"Zorilda, these lines come from a parent's hand. Will you receive them
+with feeling answering to that which now sues for your forgiveness,
+and dictates a request that you will name the earliest moment for an
+interview with one for whom you have had little reason to entertain any
+sentiment save that of aversion. Since we last met, when an involuntary
+exclamation on my part proclaimed the relation subsisting between you
+and me, I have lost an amiable and high-born partner, who, after the
+marriage of my two daughters, now advantageously settled, was the only
+remaining bar to my acknowledgment of you. Had I claimed you before,
+I must have revealed a part of my early history, which might have
+injured others without benefiting you.
+
+"Let me now taste the blessing of offering such expiation as is yet
+in my power, to the manes of that angel who was your mother. You will
+not withhold your aid in restoring the memory of her whose portrait
+you bear, whose living image you are, to the rights and privileges of
+a wife and mother, which can only be accomplished by your returning to
+the protection of your father's house, and assuming his name. In the
+eye of Heaven, as well as according to an accredited form of Christian
+ritual, my marriage, of which you are the sole pledge, was duly
+solemnized, and wanted only such circumstances to give it legality,
+as I basely took advantage of, to desert the wife of my bosom, and
+the child of my hopes. Urged to the unnatural deed by the unrelenting
+voice of worldly ambition, I lent myself to the views of family
+aggrandisement, and have been wretched all my life. United to another
+before the death of her whom I shall never cease to mourn, I could not
+adopt you as my legitimate offspring, without invalidating my second
+engagement; and to have brought you forward as _less_ than my lawful
+progeny, would have but added fresh insult to the wrongs which you had
+already experienced at my hands.
+
+"Zorilda, beloved child, a father supplicates forgiveness at your feet.
+Will you refuse pardon to such a petitioner? I have sought you at De
+Lacy castle, and sought you as my daughter. If my penetration do not
+greatly err, there is one of that family to whom you are an object of
+no common interest. Should my suspicions prove correct, to what joy
+may I not yet look forward? I have already obtained my sovereign's
+permission to add a title to your name; and twenty thousand pounds are
+ready for my dear girl, when I may be called upon to bestow the hand
+of Lady Zorilda Fitzhugh on Lionel Cecil, the man in all England most
+worthy of her heart.
+
+"Return me one line by the messenger, and say when you will see your
+
+  "FATHER."
+
+"This letter," said Mr. Gordon, "was immediately followed by one of
+the most enraptured congratulations from Miss Cecil, who it appears
+has been hitherto obliged to neglect her friend in compliance with Sir
+Godfrey's commands. What a metamorphosis will not worldly consideration
+effect! The despised, the slighted Zorilda receives homage now from the
+proudest pair in Great Britain. Sir Godfrey and Lady Cecil condescend
+to add their testimony to the merits of her who was so lately shaken
+from their presence as unworthy of the least regard: and I agree
+with Lord Pierrepoint in foreseeing that ere long an alliance will
+be solicited. Oh; that I might live to witness a union which could
+not fail of being blessed! But what a tale have you to impart! Alas,
+Zorilda!--and my poor Eugenia too. However dissimilar the character
+of Lady Marchdale and my wife, a sister and a nephew are not to be
+relinquished without a cruel pang, in this case pointed with tenfold
+acuteness from the awful manner of their death. Come, we have a
+dreadful duty to perform, and must commence the task."
+
+Mrs. Gordon, who had long anticipated some unknown ill, was gradually
+informed of the terrible truth. Horror and astonishment at first forbid
+the relief of tears, and sent a frightful tremor through her frame; but
+tenderer feelings at length found vent, and a burst of natural sorrow
+came to her aid, and eased the suffocating oppression of her heart. Too
+habitually thoughtful of others' woe to indulge her own exclusively,
+this excellent woman after a short silence exclaimed, "Oh! may I join
+in the pious prayer of my dear departed sister, and say from the deep
+of my heart, 'Thy will be done!' This blow will fall heavily on my poor
+Zoé. It is to her that we should principally direct our attention, and
+as her father is to be here to-morrow, my counsel is to delay breaking
+this intelligence to her till after that so much dreaded interview.
+In the mean time I will talk to her of my own fears and ominous
+forebodings."
+
+This advice was approved, and Mrs. Gordon subdued her own feelings
+sufficiently to visit Zorilda's bed-chamber, in which she had
+requested permission to remain all day, with calmness, and even an
+appearance of tender cheerfulness, while she endeavoured to strengthen
+a mind which had so much in prospect to endure.
+
+"You must give a filial welcome to your father, my love, and bless
+the Almighty, who has sent such a host of kindness and protection in
+an hour of greatest need. He was beloved by the mother whose loss you
+deplore, and if the temptations of wealth and power were too strong for
+his wavering virtue to conquer, remember that he is now making all the
+reparation which such a case as yours will admit, and your duty is not
+only to receive the penitent with full pardon, but open your heart to
+the gracious influence of parental affection."
+
+"It is not the creature's part to murmur, I know, dearest friend,"
+answered Zorilda; "but so mysteriously woven is the web of my fate,
+that I am not allowed to _see and believe_, but _faith_ is continually
+called upon, and much as I desire to stand firmly in the optimist's
+creed, which you are always enforcing, I find my rebellious spirit too
+frequently resisting conviction. I did indeed perceive how mercifully
+was this blessed asylum opened to me; when obliged to leave De Lacy
+castle I could not return to the home of my youth; but how can I
+rejoice now in any event which is likely to remove me from you and this
+peaceful retreat? How am I to bear the burthen of a sick and sorrowful
+soul in a world of gay smiles, enter upon a new sphere for which I am
+ill suited, encounter strangers whom I can never love, and give up
+those employments in which, by being suffered to do some little good,
+I learn submission to my own misfortunes? How can I leave this abode
+of rest, and cease to hear your dear voice? How shall I mingle in the
+scenes of what the world calls pleasure, with a breaking heart and
+failing health; or learn the joyless task of dressing my poor face in
+artificial gladness, while the asp is feeding on my life-blood? I have
+tried to pray, but I can only weep."
+
+"Child of my adoption," answered Zorilda's sweet comforter, "be still
+and wait events. Is it nothing that your mother's fame is brought out
+before mankind like 'unsmutched snow?' Nothing that the haughty souls
+of De Lacy yield to evidence, and recognise the daughter of proud
+Pierrepoint in the houseless adventurer, the _wandering_ gipsey? Is
+there no balm in Clara's friendship, lately sealed, and now allowed to
+flow towards you?--no soothing in the still tenderer accents of----"
+
+"I am ungrateful, hard, unthankful, I know I am, for many goods; yet
+could you look into this breast, and see all that passes there, you
+would pity more than censure me," replied Zorilda.
+
+"And will that Being, whose penetrating glance reads the inmost soul,
+who knows all our frailty, all our weakness, pity less than I should
+do? Believe it not. You will not be tried beyond the bounds of mercy,
+though you know not how much is still to be endured. My mind misgives
+me, and this long silence of my sister's fills me with vague, yet sad
+prognostics; I dread the arrival of letters, and feel my mind almost
+superstitiously inclined to evil augury."
+
+"How unlike you!" said Zorilda, "If _you_ are scared by omens and
+portents, what wonder that _I_ should tremble; dearest friend, tell me
+your fears."
+
+"They have no shape," answered Mrs. Gordon, "but come not the less
+affrightingly because they are undefined. When I contemplate the
+materials of which my family are composed, have I not continual reason
+to dread the consequences of ungoverned passion, self indulgence, and
+pride, now inflated by the prosperous gales of fortune? What may I not
+apprehend as the result of Algernon's violent temper, unaccustomed to
+restraint, and now let loose to tyrannize with wider scope, subduing
+all things to his purposes? My poor sister, too, so blind in her
+attachments, so precipitate in her aversions, so little calculated for
+the enlarged sphere of action to which she is called, so ill prepared
+to meet with disappointment, so soured by late occurrences; what
+comfort should I have in considering the elevation of those for whom I
+am so deeply interested, to a station which will only furnish increased
+temptation to err, and render every fault and failing more conspicuous,
+were it not for my firm trust in Him who rules our destinies, and who
+alone is acquainted with the issue of events, after which we vainly
+strain our short sighted organs?"
+
+"Forgive me," replied Zorilda, "for the indulgence of my morbid
+discontent. 'I will arise and go to my father,' I will try to _follow_,
+not presumptuously _lead_, the ordinances of Providence; you shall not
+find me deaf to your instructions. Dispose of me. The tide of strength
+is ebbing in my veins, and perhaps the mind partakes of the body's
+weakness, for I was not always thus, but in all things I will endeavour
+to obey your counsels; guide, direct me; tell me all that I shall say
+and do in this dread hour of meeting; yet if my father should prove an
+austere man, I am afraid that it will little avail me to con over my
+lesson."
+
+Zorilda knew nothing of Mr. Playfair's arrival, and it was resolved to
+conceal his presence from her till after Lord Pierrepoint's visit.
+
+The appointed hour drew near, and the flush of anxiety had lighted
+up that cheek on which the lily had lately begun to usurp the rose's
+dominion, and the blending of sorrow with timid solicitude, imparted
+the most angelic expression to the countenance of her who now, with
+beating heart, heard her father's carriage wheels approach the door.
+
+Lord Pierrepoint's exterior was highly favourable; tall, graceful,
+and still in the meridian of life, there was something singularly
+prepossessing in his appearance. To fine features, was added that charm
+of polished refinement without which no beauty can be attractive,
+and accompanied by which, no physiognomy can be destitute of power
+to please. A melodious voice, and insinuating gentleness of manner,
+finished the impression which Lord Pierrepoint's first _abord_ never
+failed to make upon strangers, but who shall attempt to describe
+the effect of such a union of qualities in delightful contrast with
+all that her fears had suggested, on the tender heart of his lovely
+daughter? The scene of such a meeting can only be represented in the
+imagination. Feelings so electric, transitions so rapid, silence so
+eloquent, may be felt, but not pourtrayed.
+
+Locked in each other's arms, one moment's embrace seemed to annihilate
+an age of doubt, and banish from Zorilda's bosom every sentiment except
+that of filial love and admiration; while the father hung spell-bound
+over his treasure. Drawing her close to his breast, and then receding,
+as if
+
+                  "----to view,
+    If such a bliss indeed were true,"
+
+he continued to clasp her again and again to his heart in silent
+rapture.
+
+When the first strong instinctive emotions of nature had in some degree
+subsided, Lord Pierrepoint remarked, with much uneasiness, the delicacy
+of his daughter's complexion, which underwent a thousand aspects,
+mutable as the dolphin tints or the sun's varying hues upon the snows
+of Mont Blanc.
+
+"I must lose no time in snatching my darling," said the fond parent,
+"from this northern climate. My Zorilda shall invoke the warmer beams
+and softer breezes of an Italian sky. We will prepare immediately for
+the voyage."
+
+A deep hectic blush overspread Zorilda's face, as thoughts of leaving
+Drumcairn flashed across her mind; but dreading to hurt her father's
+feelings, by seeming averse to any scheme proposed by his affection,
+she made no reply, except by a faint smile, like that transient glow
+which glances hastily through the misty curtain on the grey mountain's
+side, and is followed by a thicker veil, gathering as if to repel
+the bright intrusion. But associations of another kind arose in Lord
+Pierrepoint's mind, and pressing his daughter's hand, he added, "I do
+not mean to hurry you, my love. You are, I grieve to see, not equal to
+any great exertion. Farewell, dearest, I will return to-morrow, and
+we will then consult upon the answer which you wish me to give to Sir
+Godfrey Cecil."
+
+So saying, he put a letter, of which the seal was broken, upon the
+table, kissed his dear girl's alabaster forehead, and hastened out of
+the room.
+
+"All powerful force of nature?" exclaimed Zorilda, as she strained her
+eyes towards the door which had closed upon her father, "who could
+have believed this miracle? My heart follows him, and echoes every
+retiring footstep. Is this the formidable being whose anticipated
+presence banished sleep from my eyelids, whose dreaded voice arrested
+every pulse, while yet it sounded only in the ear of fancy? What a
+transformation in an instant of time! I can scarcely believe in my own
+identity, as I reckon the hours till his return. Poor Sir Godfrey! Here
+is the world--the cold heartless world, which encumbers with help when
+there is no farther need of assistance. What have we here? No doubt a
+complimentary address. Perchance an invitation to De Lacy castle--but I
+must not forget that De Lacy's walls afforded me kind refuge in an hour
+of adversity." Zorilda sighed, as she slowly unfolded the following
+letter:
+
+  "MY DEAR LORD,
+
+"Amongst the numberless congratulations which your Lordship may expect
+to receive on the joyful event of reunion with your charming daughter,
+none more sincere can be offered to your acceptance, than I have now
+the honour to present from De Lacy castle. We have the good fortune
+here to be acquainted with the perfections which it is your Lordship's
+happy lot to possess in the Lady Zorilda Fitzhugh; and are therefore
+enabled to judge of your feelings in receiving such a child to your
+bosom, and restoring her to that exalted station in society which will
+henceforward be adorned by her talents and virtue. Lady Cecil and I
+have often said of our distinguished guest, that such a noble bearing
+bespoke high birth, and we are not mistaken.
+
+"It will not surprise your Lordship to learn that younger eyes have
+been fascinated, and hearts impressed by attractions which even the
+aged cannot behold unmoved. You know my son's pretensions, and if you
+think them worthy of alliance with your Lordship's house, nothing
+shall be wanting on my part to facilitate an event so desirable to me
+as a union between our families. I have long been aware of my son's
+deep admiration of the Lady Zorilda, but so entirely averse is he to
+revealing his sentiments at the _present_ juncture, that I risk his
+displeasure in making an avowal to which I am urged by the high sense
+that I entertain of those qualifications which must render your
+daughter an object of universal competition.
+
+"I have the honour to be, my Lord, your Lordship's sincere friend, and
+most obedient humble servant,
+
+  GODFREY CECIL."
+
+"Pompous treachery!" exclaimed Zorilda, as she folded the letter. "How
+grateful to his ear the tinkling bell of Ladyship, appended to this
+
+  '----Jonah's Gourd,
+  An overnight creation of court favour,
+  With which an undistinguishable case
+  Makes baron, or makes prince.'
+
+"I hate this greedy haste which, fearful of forestalment, thus violates
+all delicacy, and would compromise the feelings of his pure and
+nobleminded son, to compass his proud ends--but we are going to Italy.
+Perhaps, too, this is for the best. If I must leave dear Drumcairn, at
+least it will be some recompense that I shall quit these harpies, who,
+like Sir Godfrey, hover round the well spread board, and force their
+unneeded praise where fortune smiles."
+
+Mrs. Gordon's entrance interrupted this soliloquy. "I left you, my
+dear one, to meet your trial alone, because my presence might have
+embarrassed your father."
+
+"Yes he _is_ my father. I feel the sacred bond drawn tight across my
+heart, which almost beat itself to death, like a poor bird against its
+prison wires, in terror of his approach. You say truly, my monitress,
+that we are for ever prone to take trouble at interest. Aye, and
+usurious interest too--we raise ghosts and then wonder that they haunt
+us. But my dear father talks of Italy, and thinks that her classic
+shores bear healing on their gales. Alas! he knows not how deep the
+mine--how industrious the sappers. The 'sweet South' can do nought for
+me. No breeze, however balmy, 'can minister unto the mind diseased.' I
+have a longer journey before me than to Nice or Pisa."
+
+Mrs. Gordon had hitherto controlled her feelings, but, overcome by the
+prophetic melancholy which accompanied the last words of Zorilda, she
+burst into tears, and, covering her face with her hands, remained for
+some time unable to speak.
+
+"Kindest, dearest friend," said Zorilda, "I meant only to familiarize
+your mind to what I feel must come to pass ere long--but I am always
+doing wrong. The idea of death is so welcome to me that I forget its
+sorrowful effect on others, and have grieved my best and dearest Mrs.
+Gordon. Oh think no more of my Cassandra propensities; let us speak of
+something else. I did not hear my father's carriage drive from your
+door. Surely he cannot still be here?"
+
+"He is still here, my Zorilda, and listening to a tale of woe which
+concerns us all; but my child, Heaven has sent you support in this
+dear and newly found relation. May you rest on him as on a pillar of
+strength, and be enabled to stand firm under divine assistance! I too
+have been a Cassandra, but you must hear the dismal story from other
+lips. I cannot tell it to you."
+
+"You have given me a clue," said Zorilda, who turned as pale as ashes,
+"which too fatally directs my imagination, though not perhaps through
+every winding of the labyrinth. Speak, oh speak! you need not fear
+to trust me; I can bear to hear. Yes, I can bear to hear even that
+Algernon--my once loved----"
+
+The words which Zorilda would have uttered died upon her lips, and she
+fell senseless at Mrs. Gordon's feet.
+
+When she recovered recollection, she found herself laid on a sofa,
+while Mr. Playfair kneeled at her side, invoking heavenly mercy in her
+behalf. He had put every one out of the room, and took upon himself the
+task of preparing her for a full disclosure; but Zorilda's quick eye
+and mind anticipated the conclusion, and she was in possession of the
+whole ere it was designed that she should be informed of more than half
+the direful narrative.
+
+Mr. Playfair did not give Algernon's letter till after imagination
+was so wrought upon, that even that dreadful document by realizing
+the horrors of the scene which it exhibited, prevented reason from
+deserting her throne to wander irretrievably into the wild regions of
+maniac desolation.
+
+"It is done!" said Zorilda; "it is finished. Lord, thou wouldst have
+my whole heart, and it is thine! 'Whom have I in heaven but thee,
+and whom do I desire on earth beside thee.' I can say this now--Hah!
+killed by _his_ hand! a murderer! But he is pardoned. Oh say not that
+forgiveness is impossible!
+
+    'Between the death-deed and the ground
+    He mercy sought and mercy found.'
+
+Tell me not that he did not repent the act."
+
+A violent shuddering came over her whole frame, from which suddenly
+starting up, she gazed round the room, and asked for Mrs. Gordon, who
+waited but the slightest movement in the apartment to open the door,
+and heedless of her own affliction, fly to the aid of sorrow yet
+greater than that which she suffered.
+
+But there was now no longer any apparent weakness to combat--no excess
+of feeling to assuage--all was still.
+
+"My friend," said Zorilda, in a firm voice, as she held her hand to
+Mrs. Gordon, "help me to shake off this lethargy. God has given me
+duties to perform. I must no longer be a useless torpid thing. Where is
+my father?"
+
+Lord Pierrepoint had lingered to wait the event, and now stole
+softly into his daughter's apartment. Surprised and delighted by
+her unexpected fortitude, he determined to indulge every wish which
+she might express, in the hope by doing so to restore her soon to a
+sufficient measure of health and tranquillity for the undertaking
+which he meditated. "A warm climate will strengthen, and a gradual
+introduction to society, the charms of which are unknown to her, will
+do the rest," said he in a whisper.
+
+Mrs. Gordon shook her head, but did not contradict these visions of
+hope.
+
+"My father will not refuse his child's request," said Zorilda, who
+raised her beautiful eyes as he drew near the couch on which she
+leaned; "he will conduct me to the home of my youth. I have another
+father there, who needs my consolation. Shall I not offer him all that
+I have to bestow?"
+
+"My Zorilda shall do every thing that may contribute to her peace,"
+answered Lord Pierrepoint. "I will give immediate orders for the
+journey."
+
+A gleam of short-lived irradiation shot across the pale cheek of
+Zorilda, who pressed her parent's hand in mute acknowledgment of his
+goodness, but Mrs. Gordon interposed.
+
+"My Zorilda," said she, "has other claims upon her heart, and she will
+not neglect to fulfil them. _Something_ is due to her poor friends at
+Drumcairn, and she will not desert them in this moment of heaviness.
+I too must share with her the task of watching and comforting my poor
+brother. Why not bring him here? The change of scene will assist our
+cares for him, and my Zoé will recover faster in the repose of this
+chamber than in the excitement of a journey, for the fatigues of which
+she is not strong enough at present."
+
+Zorilda sighed in silence, when she perceived by the expression of her
+father's countenance how much he preferred this arrangement to her
+plan. Mr. Playfair warmly seconded the measure proposed by Mrs. Gordon,
+and offered to attend Lord Pierrepoint on the following day. They
+commenced their route at an early hour, promising to return as quickly
+as circumstances would admit; bringing their invalid charge along with
+them to Scotland.
+
+Zorilda's fervid bloom and tearless eye would have led an ignorant
+observer to believe that some secret source of joy poured the soft
+springs of consolation over her withered spirit, and that hope still
+fluttered in the distance. Hope and faith were indeed whispering peace,
+but they were not of this world; they were celestial visitants, and
+Mrs. Gordon was not deceived. Zorilda had forced her friend to bed,
+and entreated to be left in solitude herself. On entering her room in
+the morning, Mrs. Gordon, who had not slept, found her beloved adopted
+child already up, her head reclining on her hand, papers and writing
+implements scattered around.
+
+"My mother," said she, "I have been busy making my will. You must take
+care of my poor pensioners. You will be my almoner. You know that I
+have a little fortune in bank. I am setting my house in order, and long
+to be gone."
+
+Mrs. Gordon could not reply. Zorilda rose and threw her arms
+affectionately round the neck of her who was truly a mother to her in
+tenderness. "I will not afflict you any more," said she, "by touching
+on these subjects which distress you. Yet were you to know how sweet
+are the thoughts of death, you would not grieve. It was you too who
+first imparted to my soul that strength in which I am now permitted
+to pass through the dark valley; you taught me to lean on the staff
+which is now sustaining my footsteps: and will you repent you of the
+good you have performed, and mourn over the happy work which you have
+accomplished?
+
+"I cannot tell how it is, but I feel assured that the conflict will
+speedily be ended. How simple, how beautiful is the religion which
+teaches how to die! and how little does it resemble the eloquent
+declamations, the fine spun arguments, the perplexing subtleties,
+with which we puzzle comprehension and estrange the affections, while
+'redolent of life' we waste our intellectual prime in the labyrinths of
+metaphysical lore, and _talk_ ourselves far away from God. My mother,
+I am about to depart, and shall soon be removed beyond the confines
+of sense. Pray for me, not that I should tarry here, but be received
+amidst the countless millions of the blessed."
+
+Mrs. Gordon was called away upon urgent business, and Zorilda, having
+thrown on a cloak, glided secretly down the back stairs, and passing
+up a path lined with cypress, gained the church-yard, which had long
+been her favourite haunt. It was a romantic spot, in which she loved
+to listen to the sullen roar of the gathering storm, or the melancholy
+sighing of the sea breezes as they whistled through the long wiry grass
+which waved upon the walls of a ruined abbey overhung with ivy, that
+still outlived the wreck of time, and stood a monument of former days.
+An ancient yew tree, which tossed its old fantastic roots high in air,
+with flattened crown, over which the northern blast from Kinnaird's
+head swept nippingly, overshadowed a gloomy corner of this wild and
+desolate cemetery. Thither Zorilda bent her steps. Pausing as she
+approached the spot, the curlieu's plaintive wail struck upon her ear.
+
+"Hah! that is my funeral knell! it is a gracious and a cheering sound;
+a requiem of welcome omen."
+
+  "I love to linger in the narrow field
+  "Of rest--to wander round from tomb to tomb,
+  "And think of some who silent sleep below."
+
+She turned round an angle of the old building, as she mused, and
+reaching her accustomed rocky seat, beneath the yew tree's matted
+roof, "This," said she, "shall be my resting place! Ocean! thou image
+of eternity! thy breath is balmy, and wafts freedom to my bosom. Here
+will I trace the simple memorial which shall mark my grave. Ambition!
+but for thee, how different had been my fate; but the pilot who guided
+my bark, can never err. I have required long discipline to teach me;
+but at last I see the heavenly scheme which comprehends a wider range
+than this poor nether sphere can supply. Why is it so difficult to
+justify the ways of God to man, but that we seek results on faith,
+which are furnished only in a higher scene. My father, I acknowledge
+my stubbornness and stupidity. Thou hast dealt with me thus, that we
+might meet in the mansions of glory, where all tears shall be wiped
+away. What are the brief enjoyments of this fleeting world, when
+compared with the celestial communion of those who are purified in the
+furnace of affliction! Yes, we shall meet father, mother, Algernon! Oh!
+my burning brow; my beating heart. How I long for the green pastures
+and refreshing waters, which are promised to the weary pilgrim! Had I
+been what the world calls happy, I should have loved it too well, and
+built my tabernacle on its unstable sands. My God resolved to bring me
+home to more abiding felicity than I could have known below; there, I
+grow faint: this feeble outline is all that I can sketch, but Lionel
+shall finish it. That dear friend shall perform Zorilda's last earthly
+purpose, and place this memento where she lies. Oh that I were already
+laid beneath the verdant turf! but my tarrying will not be long--my
+strength is exhausted."
+
+She made an effort to rise, but her bending limbs refused their office.
+Her eyes grew dim, and unable to recover herself, she fell back into
+the arms of him, whose name she had just pronounced.
+
+"Adored Zorilda! thy Lionel is here, and Clara is at this moment
+seeking her best beloved friend at Drumcairn. Oh speak! Raise those
+precious eye-lids, and look on one who is devoted to thee! Speak, oh
+say but one word, and relieve this agony of dread!"
+
+She heard not; saw not; felt not. She had fallen asleep to wake no
+more, and at her feet the pencil lay, with which she had just traced an
+urn, veiled in clouds, through which the name of Zorilda was faintly
+discernible, and on its pedestal were engraved the words,
+
+  "Who was she?"
+  "What is she?"
+
+
+THE YOUNG REFORMERS.
+
+  "Boys immature in knowledge
+  Pawn their experience to their present pleasure,
+  And so rebel to judgment."
+
+  SHAKSPEARE.
+
+
+PREFACE.
+
+
+On calling lately at the house of a friend who was indisposed, I found
+him in his study wrapped in a dressing gown, and turning over, with
+pensive air, the leaves of a dust-brown manuscript, which lay open
+before him on the table.
+
+"What have you got here? have you turned author, or are you revising
+and correcting for another?" said I, arresting the arm of my friend, as
+he was in the act of removing his papers.
+
+"I have been," he replied, "looking over a cobwebbed memoir of my own
+life, which has been one of no ordinary vicissitude. It is a melancholy
+pleasure to retrace the path of existence through a faithful narrative
+of its events; and compare ourselves with ourselves in different stages
+of our progress. I have not glanced at this moth-eaten record for
+upwards of twenty years, and feel, after closing it, as if I had been
+conversing with the dead; but let me place it on its shelf again, and
+we will talk on more agreeable subjects."
+
+"Not till I have possession," said I, darting forwards and seizing
+the manuscript. An intimacy of long standing pleaded excuse for this
+abrupt measure. I took home my booty, read the memoir; and felt so
+deeply interested in a story which I knew to be true, that I entreated
+permission to give it to my printer. "I thought, at one time, of
+publishing it," replied my friend, "but afterwards relinquished the
+idea. The experience of one man never guides another. All people like
+to purchase their own; but provided you change every name of place or
+person which might inflict a wound in any breast, you may do as you
+please with my tale of other times."
+
+I promised, and have performed, so let no Reader, who happens to have
+a taste either for genealogy or geography, seek acquaintance with any
+character or locality introduced in the following pages.
+
+  THE EDITOR.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER I.
+
+
+"A bramble at the eye is larger than an oak at a distance," and thus
+every man is of importance in his own view; and imagines that he could
+communicate something of profit or pleasure by recounting the results
+of his individual experience. But the most remarkable adventures, as
+well as the sagest remarks, are forgotten, if they are merely the
+subjects of fire-side reminiscence; and people are deterred from making
+public the events of their own lives through the terror of imputed
+egotism, however well they may feel inclined to impart a benefit to
+their species. In this dilemma, between vanity and forgetfulness, much
+useful warning is withheld from the world, since all agree that one
+fact is more valuable than volumes of theory.
+
+This train of meditation was awakened by unpacking a case, in which
+a pile of journals, which I had kept from early youth, met my eye.
+Many a bitter recollection rose upon my mind, as I arranged them
+according to order; but _coute qui coute_, I resolved that I would
+collect my scattered memoranda, and attempt a sketch of my own history.
+The retrospect was painful; but if a single fellow-being might be
+instructed by a narrative of my errors, I felt that I should be
+rewarded; and even should no second person peruse these pages, a review
+of the past will be good for my own heart.
+
+Inspired by these reflections, I begin by saying, who I am and whence
+I came. My name is Albert Fitzmaurice, and my birth-place the western
+extremity of a certain county in Ireland. My father was a clergyman
+of the Established Church, who, though born likewise in Ireland,
+was of English parentage, and received an Oxford education, which
+was a greater distinction in his day than it is at present, when
+the intercourse between the Sister Kingdoms has softened down, or
+obliterated so many national differences amongst their inhabitants.
+
+Charles Fitzmaurice, for that was my father's name, was an accomplished
+gentleman, according to that high standard which never varies in all
+the changes of time and taste. Amiable, classical, and refined, he
+sought a congenial partner to mitigate the horrors of the banishment to
+which he was doomed at eight and twenty by his ecclesiastical patron;
+and as the females of that period were distinguished from each other by
+varieties not entirely comprehended under the endorsement of "black,
+brown, and fair;" my father was fortunate enough to find a companion
+whose fine understanding and heavenly sweetness of disposition
+maintained a perpetual sunshine of the soul wherever she moved.
+
+In the present artificial state of society, when rank and fortune are
+generally considered necessary to refinement, I shall encounter the
+curled lip and elevated eye-brow of disdain if I venture to assert that
+my parents were amongst the happiest specimens of polished elegance,
+though they could neither boast of wealth nor title. There is a dignity
+of mind, which, borrowing nothing from the Proteus fashion of the day,
+rises gracefully in its own strength, and is suited to all times,
+because, proceeding from solid principles, it is not indebted to the
+changeful caprices of the passing hour. Surely that politeness which
+has its foundation in the heart, and which may be defined good nature
+sent to school, is the only genuine sort, permanent in its influence,
+and of universal application.
+
+Such was the kind with which I was acquainted in the home of my early
+existence. As the shores appear to glide by the skimming bark in
+the sweet calm of a summer sky, while in reality they are fixed and
+immoveable, so did the suavity of parental affection temper discipline
+to such a degree, that commands put on the gentle aspect of request,
+which none but demons could have resisted; and retirement, which
+precluded any attempt at awkward imitation, imparted all that ease and
+self-possession, which are the essence of good society.
+
+Situated in a wild and thinly peopled district, though in one of the
+most populous of all countries, this excellent pair began their wedded
+career on the humble pittance of five hundred _per annum_, which sum,
+however, it must be remembered, embraced a much wider proportion of
+comfort than the same income could at present procure. During many
+tranquil years my parents pursued "the noiseless tenor of their way,"
+rich in each other's love, and happy because their mutual attachment
+was built on sympathy in virtue, which wears brighter instead of being
+destroyed by use. They lived, it is true, in what modern language
+styles the deepest obscurity; but _really_ in the meridian light of
+truth and contentment. A numerous tribe of olive branches sprang around
+their table; and notwithstanding the straightened finances which
+supplied their wants, each addition to the family group was hailed with
+affection, which seemed to increase in fervor with every new direction
+of its course.
+
+The chief delight of my father and mother consisted in bestowing upon
+their offspring every advantage which their own acquirements, and
+whatever instruction they could attain at such a distance from the
+capital, enabled them to impart. An excellent library lent its aid to
+their efforts, but the quiet routine of a country life, in which each
+day certified of another, however pleasingly diversified for the actors
+in a domestic group, is too monotonous to interest such as may be
+strangers to those endearing relations which produce, in breasts that
+feel their influence, an unceasing supply of excitement; and therefore
+my readers (if readers I should have) will readily dispense with all
+the particulars of my childhood, and thank me for retarding their
+introduction to the parsonage of Glendruid, in the wilds of the west,
+till about the year ninety-seven, when I was a full grown youth of
+eighteen, tall, active, and manly. Truth compels me, in thus declaring
+how many summers I had numbered at the commencement of my story, to
+destroy _in limine_ any romantic visions with which the fairer part of
+creation may be inspired, if any amongst them should deign to turn my
+title page in fond belief of meeting with a youthful hero, under the
+not _unnovel_ like appellation which I bear. It is true that I _have
+been_ young, giddy, and adventurous; and if I am no longer the Albert
+of former days, it is because time will do his silent work without
+regard to the prayer of beauty, and hurry his victim forward unmindful
+of every entreaty preferred by either sex, to stay his merciless
+career. But to my tale.
+
+All who have lived as long as I have done, will recollect that the
+epoch of which I write was one of violent commotion in the minds of
+Irishmen. The revolutionary spirit of France had crossed the seas, and
+while actively fermenting the population of my country, was as rapidly
+decomposing the substance of religion and morals. What was called
+a thirst of inquiry, a search after truth, liberality of opinion,
+unprejudiced reason, and many such misnomers, was in fact, a burning
+desire to demolish the entire structure of civilized institution, and
+send mankind again into the woods as hunters and shepherds, to emerge
+anew from the elements of natural society. Man differs not more from
+the very antipodes of his own character in another person, than he does
+from himself in distant periods of his life, and I almost doubt my
+identity in retracing the days of my youth, when I was one of those who
+
+    ----"Bawl for freedom in their senseless mood,
+    And still revolt when truth would set them free,
+    License they mean when they cry liberty."
+
+Glendruid Glebe was situated in one of the wildest spots of earth; and
+the only old wood, though of dwarfish size, which the whole district
+for many miles could boast, embellished the precipitous sides of a
+ravine close to my father's dwelling, into which the Atlantic billows
+rushed as impetuously as if they sought asylum in our sheltered creek
+from some sea monster. The rocks which lined this mountain _gash_, were
+chafed into fretwork, resembling honey-comb by the constant friction of
+returning tides, and assumed a thousand fantastic forms along the shore
+as far as the eye could reach. Surrounded by these rugged masses, it
+was my delight, in childhood, to watch the seals as they lay basking in
+the sunshine upon our rocks, or listen with charmed attention to the
+"sob of the wave," as it struggled through those stony syphons which
+had been perforated by the ocean waters. Seated under the blast-riven
+trunk of a stunted oak, I used to weave the web of future fate while
+yet a boy, and all my day-dreams were of happiness and virtue.
+
+In the same nook, at a later period, did I plan the revolution of the
+state, and trampling, by anticipation, all institutions, human and
+divine, beneath my feet, revel in the wishes for success of anarchy and
+scepticism. Alas! what a vapour is man throughout his seven ages, when
+not governed by the spirit of God within his breast! How easy is the
+transition from good to evil, and how ingenious that sophistry which
+blends the most discordant elements into one favourite system!
+
+Having briefly sketched the character of my parents, and set them down
+amid the Irish Alps, I must proceed to speak of two other families by
+whom our western wilderness was peopled, and who were unhappily the
+only near neighbours of Glendruid, except a pair of ecclesiastics,
+hereafter to be described.
+
+John Talbot Esq. was a gentleman of fortune, that is to say, according
+to an interpretation which would often be found to explain that title
+in Ireland, he possessed a large tract of territory in fee, and
+appeared the undisputed Lord of a widely spread though barren domain,
+while his revenues were so circumscribed, that had it not been for the
+high-ways and bye-ways of ocean, and a great subterranean vault in
+which tobacco, tea, and brandy, found convenient hiding place, all but
+the common necessaries of life would often have been wanting. He was
+a man of education, just enough to be as mischievous as possible in
+such a country as Ireland, where the materials of combustion are always
+at hand, and only require a breath to blow them. Mr. Talbot was not a
+scholar, and therefore perhaps it was that he held learning and science
+in the profoundest contempt. He read, however, all the publications of
+the day, and was well versed in the French school; while newspapers,
+pamphlets, and reviews, light, loose, and in constant succession,
+supplied him with stores for the furtherance of his daily purpose in
+fanning discontent amongst the people.
+
+His family had been originally Roman Catholic, but some intermarriage
+introduced property and Protestantism at the same time into one of its
+branches, of which he was the principal descendant, and he had never
+gone to mass, though, unfortunately, he was not nearer to church on
+that account. He was an infidel, and the bookcases at Ferney, a name
+which, through admiration of Voltaire, Mr. Talbot had superinduced on
+the ancient denomination of Kimahone, were filled with the voluminous
+works of this favourite author, to which were added those of his
+Gallic brethren, and the more recent trash of Godwin, Paine, Volney,
+Wolstoncroft, and such like, of indigenous growth. From these sources
+he drew his heavy artillery when required, but as I have stated, the
+lighter productions of each day's publication furnished abundant
+ammunition for a successful warfare against religion and loyalty in a
+weekly meeting at St. Patrick's cross, where a few miserable huts,
+built on the confluence of four mountain tracks, were dignified by the
+style and title of town, and yclept Ballymaclashen.
+
+One slated roof raised its head in solitary pre-eminence in the centre
+of these mud-walled tenements, and was commonly called from this
+distinguishing circumstance, the "_slat-house_." In front of this
+edifice was a pole, the perpendicular position of which was preserved
+by an immense _cairn_ of rude stones piled round its base, as though
+it marked the grave of some renowned Milesian; and from this pole was
+suspended by a pair of rusty hooks, a board, on which was daubed an
+equestrian figure attired in patches of red and green, with a full
+bottomed wig, and cocked hat. In my childhood this warrior was said to
+represent "King George the Third _a hoss back_;" but in after time,
+though no change of costume had been carried into effect on the sign
+post, the same red man and white horse were ingeniously metamorphosed
+by the landlord into Buonaparte mounted on his charger. Underneath
+was inscribed, "Lisaned to cell Bere, Ail, & Portur, as likewize
+pruf sperrets by Tim Carthy," while "entertenmant for Man and Hoss,"
+flourished in a scroll at the bottom to allure the wayfarer who might
+stand in need of refreshment in crossing the moor of Ballymaclashen.
+
+Amongst the meaner habitations of this wretched hamlet, two or three
+were distinguished from the rest by a thin lacquering of whitewash,
+which mottled the clayey surface of the walls into a ground which
+served to render legible the ill-spelt and apocryphal announcement,
+traced with a burnt stick, that "dry lodgen" might be found within;
+while a turf tied in a string, and fastened by a withy to the potato
+stalks, which formed the thatch of these miserable dwellings, informed
+travellers of humbler description that all the inspiration of that
+witching herb which affords stimulus in such variety of charm, was not
+confined to the elegant accommodations of Tim, but might be enjoyed
+with uncostly "means and appliances." Smile not, ye sleek and pampered
+sons of commerce, who gloat upon the wealth of nations, if I proceed
+to shew that even the spirit of competition was not a stranger to the
+desert scene which I am describing. On one of these freckled fronts,
+was scrawled the following sentence, which I shall give in its original
+orthography, "Lady ha'punce tuck within and no questions axed."
+
+For the explanation of this singular inscription, be it known, that a
+quantity of counterfeit copper had got into circulation, to the great
+alarm of the country dealers, who became so suspicious of Hibernia's
+effigy, that, seized with a panic, they refused for some time any thing
+less than a silver tender, and preferred running on a doubtful score
+with their customers, to risking their little property in exchange
+for a base coin of more easy attainment; but the dread of non-payment
+and avidity of gain, will submit to sacrifice, and the extraordinary
+advertisement to which I have alluded, was the device hit upon by Larry
+Connell, more crafty, and a bolder speculator than his fellows, for the
+purpose of inviting, in the true spirit of monopoly, all the consumers
+of his neighbourhood, and securing an exclusive interest which he
+hoped might outlive the temporary inconvenience of this fraudulent
+medium of exchange. "Nothing venture, nothing have," was Larry's motto,
+and the event proved his sagacity, for all the "lady ha'punce" came to
+his cabin to be bartered for snuff or illicit whiskey, during a season,
+to his cost; but in process of time, when the base metal disappeared,
+gratitude and habit confirmed a preference for our liberal trader,
+who, like many of his betters, managed by a little splash and cunning,
+to acquire a character for generosity, while thinking of no interest
+except his own. Such is the race of man; varying in modes; in substance
+ever the same.
+
+Well! Ballymaclashen would seem but an unprofitable theatre for the
+exertion of oratory; but Cæsar thought it better to be first in a
+village than second at Rome, and Mr. Talbot, who was of the same
+opinion, did not disdain to wear the bays which were placed on his
+brow, to crown him Anacharsis Cloots of the "Slat House." There he
+held his political orgies, and there unrivalled, uttered many a
+bold harangue to the admiring multitude of red-haired, raw-boned,
+open-mouthed, and bare-legged peasants, who flocked from all the
+adjacent districts to hear arguments which there was no adversary to
+oppose; swallow statements which no one started up to contradict;
+and applaud declamations, one half at least of which they did not
+understand.
+
+Paddy, however, is a quick intelligent animal, and as Mr. Talbot was
+largely gifted with natural eloquence, and studied to use language of a
+popular _savour_, seasoning the graver topics in his speeches with that
+dry humour which to Irish minds is an irresistible _sauce piquante_,
+his auditors were enabled to catch, and carry away, a good deal of the
+matter which he propounded, and returned to their homes discoursing
+all the way, with inflated spirits, of liberty and equality; the
+downfall of tithes; the destruction of kingly government; the partition
+and recovery of forfeited estates, with all the other themes of
+disaffection then afloat, in their own phraseology, and with much zeal
+in these subjects of discussion.
+
+Mr. Talbot had a wife and family, who were all bitten by the mania of
+the day, and all practised according to sex and age, the doctrines
+which they had imbibed. The children were taught from their cradle
+to abhor an orange dye, as the livery of Satan, and I well remember
+that the first exhibition of prowess manifested by these youngsters,
+consisted in an attack with broad swords made of wood, on all the
+lilies of that hue, which could be found in the neighbouring gardens.
+A horse-leech which had been caught in a pool by a plough-boy, and
+brought as a curiosity to the young gentlemen, underwent a merciless
+_auto da fe_ for the crime of being spotted with a proscribed colour;
+and an old woman narrowly escaped being ducked in an adjacent pond,
+for the offence of bringing a basket of fish to the door, in which the
+plaice appeared with forbidden tints. All this, and much more, was
+encouraged as wit, and while the children were in their infancy, the
+unfortunate servants, who were condemned to endure the effects of their
+undisciplined self-will and lawless fancies, were the only victims of
+that misrule in which they were brought up; but as time advanced,
+and energies expanded, the nursery became an arena too confined for
+the exercise of _freemen_, and a mob of untutored democrats were now
+let loose upon the common, to talk of equal rights, and wield unequal
+power, and, like a second deluge of Goths and Vandals, issue forth the
+terror and the curse of all around, to barbarise the human race anew.
+
+As the young Talbots grew to man's estate, the only practical evidence
+which they gave of sincerity in their professions, was discoverable
+in their love of low company, not preferred with the view, it must
+be added, of exerting any benevolence towards their inferiors, but
+for the pleasure of drilling, dictating to, and domineering over, all
+the slavish crew whom poverty and ignorance, hope or fear, induced to
+submit to the tyranny of their control.
+
+Dogs, horses, fishing-rods, were soon disregarded for the more
+animating amusement of training soldiers for the field. At first a
+harmless host, armed with bulrushes, assembled on the green; but
+these innoxious weapons were ere long exchanged for more destructive
+instruments, and the day-light parade gave place in time, to nocturnal
+meetings, to which the mystery of darkness and silence lent an
+irresistible attraction. Albinia Talbot, an Amazonian girl of sixteen,
+tall, masculine, and uncommonly handsome, furnished all her aid to
+these martial exercises, and attended her brothers in all their nightly
+excursions. Dressed in a green habit, and mounted on her pony, she
+would appear at the rendezvous, and by her presence add the charm of
+gallantry to that of prowess.
+
+Albinia's adoption of the rebel politics and uniform, was the hinge
+upon which my obedience turned, and I resolved to be deterred no longer
+by any authority from following the bent of inclination. I had been
+strictly prohibited by my father from joining in any of the exploits
+of our young neighbours, of which he received information through some
+secret channel; and though strongly tempted by the love of adventure
+to transgress the order, I did not yield till my imagination was fired
+by the example of a beautiful female, who, imitating the Semiramises
+and Hersilias of antiquity, laid aside the timidity of her sex, and
+spurning the distaff, rushed forth, inspired by patriotic ardour in her
+country's cause.
+
+"What!" said I, "shall it be said that the young and lovely Albinia
+disdains inglorious ease, and braves the midnight blast, the fatigues
+of the field, and the risk of detection, while I am lying supinely
+taking my repose? Shall I be indifferent to the wrongs of that island
+which gave me birth, while this noble minded girl, regardless of self,
+devotes every energy to the freedom and happiness of a suffering
+people?"
+
+The bonds of filial submission had long been gradually relaxing. I now
+determined on slipping the noose, and delivering myself at once from
+the restraint by which I had hitherto been withheld. I had been often
+solicited to accept a commission in "_the regiment_," which name the
+young Talbots gave to the rabble rout which they were dragooning into
+military array; but I had refused, much as I envied them, and wished
+to join in the enterprize. Albinia however, as I have said, turned the
+balance, and to the next mountain muster I promised to go. While I
+live I shall never forget the rapture which, notwithstanding all the
+anxiety incident to concealment, and the dread of discovery, I felt at
+finding myself not only a spectator, but an actor in a scene so novel
+and inspiring, as broke upon my sight, on the first time of keeping my
+appointment.
+
+I had several miles to ride to the place of meeting, at which, when
+arrived, I found some hundreds of fine young fellows assembled, who
+were regularly marshalled, and put through several evolutions (which
+they executed with astonishing precision) by a man who the Talbots
+informed me was a deserter, and in their service. The place selected
+for these clandestine meetings, was admirably calculated for the
+purpose, and presented a _coup d'oeil_ singularly picturesque as well
+as imposing. A mixed and confused remembrance of every thing romantic
+which I had ever read, occurred to my imagination as I approached the
+scene. Gil Blas, the Pretender, and a thousand other recollections
+rushed upon my memory, and poured such a tide of the most delightful
+visions on my mind, that when united to a dream of Brutus, and the
+Scipios, with the more recent names of those who were now endangering
+life and property for their country's good, nothing was wanting to
+complete the enthusiasm with which I made a vow on the altar of
+liberty, that night, to devote my services to the goddess of popular
+adoration.
+
+The spot on which I met my friends was deeply embosomed within a
+circular barrier of mountains, the outlines of which gracefully
+intersected each other, and seemed to close entirely round a small lake
+of water, pure and clear, but dark as Erebus. In the middle of this
+lake rose a little green island, beautifully tufted with elder, yew,
+and a few withered stumps of oak, which seemed to tell of better days.
+
+This sequestered patch of earth appeared to have been a favourite haunt
+of various orders of worshippers, for a gigantic Cromlech reared its
+Druid head at no great distance from the remains of a ruined abbey,
+furnishing a powerful contrast between the durability of its form and
+materials, unaltered in the lapse of ages, and the mouldering fragments
+which spoke the vanity of man's best efforts to perpetuate his fleeting
+fame.
+
+From the main land to the island, a rude causeway of enormous stones,
+narrow, but of massy structure, was the _via sacra_ by which thousands
+of poor pilgrims, led by the most benighted superstition, annually
+visited this vestige of monastic times. I had often heard of the
+striking effect produced by the reflection of St. John's fires from
+the lake, on the eve of that saintly vigil when the votaries of papal
+dominion used to assemble here and perform their religious rites; but
+what is always within our reach we generally neglect to seek, and so it
+was in the present instance.
+
+As I drew near, the pale and tranquil moonbeams fell upon the
+commanding form of Albinia, who, standing on the Cromlech's height,
+and arrayed in her vestment of green, addressed the troop who were
+listening with devoted zeal, as though she had been another Joan of
+Arc, to every word uttered by her lips. She had adorned her hat with
+a branch of the mountain ash, to the beautiful scarlet fruit of which
+Scotland has given the name of rowan berries; and such was the romance
+with which I gazed on her figure, that she seemed no other in that
+moment to my eyes, than the genius of Erin awakening from a tedious
+slumber to invoke the justice of Heaven on her beloved country. I wept
+as I mused on the scene of enchantment before me, while a projecting
+crag still kept me out of view, but the tears which I then shed, were
+the last that bedewed my cheeks for many a day. I was about to enter
+the labyrinth of that false philosophy which hardens the heart, and
+every remnant of tender feeling was attacked with such ridicule by my
+new advisers, who set their faces against _sentiment_ of whatever kind,
+that, under their tuition, I quickly learned to despise all natural
+impulses of the human breast.
+
+After pausing for a few minutes to contemplate the assembly, I left my
+screen, and appeared in full front of the band. I was received with
+such welcome and applause as flattered my vanity to intoxication. No
+hero, ancient or modern, could have felt himself more elevated by the
+well-earned clang of triumph than I did at hearing my praises sounded
+by a mob of deluded peasants. Albinia appointed me immediately to a
+company in the corps; she seemed to act as _generalissima_ on the
+occasion, and to exercise unlimited control over this rebel multitude,
+who looked upon her as inspired.
+
+I was informed by my fair commandant, that she expected much from my
+skill, bravery, and judgment; and I resolved to repay the confidence
+thus reposed, by the most entire submission to my lovely chief, and the
+most perfect devotion to the cause which she supported. I longed for
+some distinguishing badge of favour, and would gladly have received a
+scarf, or glove, or even the rowan wreath, which would have turned to
+amaranth in my keeping, but I am obliged to confess that Albinia was
+not a gentle Dulcinea; abrupt almost to coarseness, she shook me rather
+roughly by the hand, and presenting me a pistol and powder-horn, said,
+"There! I commit these to you, and as you see that as yet we are but
+slenderly provided with either arms or ammunition, I request you to
+make good use of what is now entrusted to your care."
+
+Our _regiment_ was composed, as I have mentioned, of some hundred fine
+brawny youths. They were all dressed in linen shirts which they wore
+over their ragged clothes. This garb had the double advantage of giving
+an air of uniformity, and also of being easily slipped off in case of a
+surprise, against the occurrence of which we endeavoured to guard, by
+always keeping a watch in the passes which led to our rendezvous. Our
+band were armed with clubs of white-thorn, elder, or whatever else they
+could procure. A few of them had old military belts and feathers, which
+served to mark the corporals and sergeants; the officers being supplied
+from the houses of Ferney and Painesville.
+
+So infatuated was I by these martial exercises, that in spite of the
+repugnance which I knew my parents felt to an intimacy on my part
+with the Lovetts and Talbots, I gave myself up to them; and, though
+by stealth, contrived to be a punctual attendant on the musters. A
+brisk correspondence, in which my brothers had been, as I discovered,
+employed long before I was called upon to join, existed between us and
+all the _mauvais sujets_ in the country. Military tactics formed but a
+part of the schemes on foot. As an auxiliary branch of united Irishmen,
+we had our committees, secretaries, treasurers, and central offices,
+to which we communicated whatever information we had been enabled to
+collect, and which we considered likely to advance our schemes.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER II.
+
+
+Such was the state of affairs at the period of which I write, as
+touching our _public_ functions; but the condition of private life
+remains to be unfolded; and as the inhabitants of Glendruid were not
+the leaders, but the led, I will begin with causes before I proceed
+to effects, and describe the situation of affairs at _Painesville_,
+formerly known by the appellation of Lovett-lodge, and exhibiting
+a complete pandemonium at the time in which my tale may be said to
+commence. Looking back on Mr. Lovett's family with the sobered views of
+forty-five, I must own that nothing could be more preposterously absurd
+than the inversion of all natural order in his house.
+
+Mr. and Mrs. Lovett were pupils of that school which directly sprang
+from the French revolution, though they had not drank so deeply of
+the poisoned chalice as to be openly professed advocates of irreligion
+or immorality. They were republicans; and held all the incompatible
+doctrines which contradict each other, and the unfortunate consequences
+of which are precisely as apparent under a single roof as in a nation.
+Of such nature were the dogmas of liberty and equality, so utterly
+at variance with the constitution of created things, that were they
+introduced by the divine fiat over the face of the whole globe in
+perfect balance at the moment of its formation, one generation
+could not pass away without witnessing the destruction of a state
+inconsistent with the unequal proportions of strength and intellect
+awarded by our Maker to his creatures, and therefore never designed to
+be continued amongst them.
+
+The uproar of a democracy met the eye and ear on crossing the threshold
+of the door at Painesville, where eight children were permitted, from
+the earliest age, to exercise their several talents for disputation
+without the slightest restraint. Assertion passed for argument,
+roughness was styled sincerity, and contempt of all authority was
+called the light of reason. When first I became acquainted with manners
+so dissimilar from those to which I had been used at Glendruid, I
+was struck with an unfavourable impression, and felt like one who
+is suddenly introduced from a purer atmosphere into one that is
+contaminated; but the moral and physical senses become alike accustomed
+to vitiated air, and we learn to breathe freely where suffocation
+seemed to threaten. I soon imbibed enough of the popular _Malaria_ to
+be quite at home; and though conscious that paradoxes were imposed upon
+my understanding, against which the unbiassed mind revolted, I speedily
+adopted the nomenclature, and learned to call things by names which
+were foreign to their nature; right and wrong often changed places,
+and I became an adept in the language of "natural justice--tyranny of
+the laws--folly of legislation--wickedness of power--sovereignty of
+reason," and the disgusting farrago of a period now gone by, but which,
+though its grosser errors are disclaimed by the more judicious, has
+left much of its leaven behind.
+
+At Painesville there was nothing but incessant discussion,
+replication, rejoinder, mooting of futile questions, and disrespectful
+contradiction. Talents were held to be the one thing needful; and
+though the heads of the family did not carry matters to such lengths
+as to pronounce that religion and morals were of no value, yet the
+whole bearing of conversation tended to loosen all existing ties with
+either the one or the other. Every subject was tried by the test
+of reason; not meaning the reason of the wise, the informed, the
+experienced--but of the young, the pert, and superficial. The rapid
+conclusions of ingenuity put to flight the sober maxims of truth and
+knowledge. Whatever was rendered venerable by the sanction of time
+was _litigated_, and brought to the bar anew, to be tried by a self
+impanelled jury. At Painesville it was decreed that, "relationship was
+a mere accident, which ought not to infringe on the liberty of the
+subject, by conveying any right. Children, it was argued, were not
+consulted as to their choice--they did not give consent to be brought
+into the world; consequently there was no covenant. Nature declared
+for equality, in the inferior creation, as soon as animals acquired
+physical power to take care of themselves. Why should man be the only
+exception to a law thus general, and with superior endowments be
+excluded from the charter enjoyed by every other living creature?"
+
+It is painful, even now, to retrace, at this distance of time, the
+dicta of a philosophy which has become nearly obsolete, and the very
+remembrance of which ought to be expunged; but I am giving the history
+of my own times; and facts which I must narrate require a retrospect of
+those modes of thinking which gave them birth. The intelligent reader,
+who is aware of the moral confusion which followed, upon the adoption
+of those principles introduced by the French revolution, will easily
+fill up the rough sketch which I have attempted of the Lovett family,
+and be enabled to anticipate, in idea, all the consequences exhibited
+in the minuter detail of their lives. Such a reader will easily guess,
+that on the part of the parents was presented a wild assumption of
+those destructive principles which led to the dismemberment of that
+country from which they were unhappily imported; while the offspring,
+as might naturally be expected, found too much that was gratifying
+both to pride and vanity, in the lessons which they were taught, not
+to seize them with avidity; and Painesville accordingly exhibited a
+saturnalia where the rulers and the ruled exchanged places.
+
+All was chaos and usurpation; Mr. and Mrs. Lovett boasted of the
+equality which reigned in their family, and rejected every idea of
+governing their children by means of parental discipline. Fear was
+decided to be a slavish sentiment, which was not allowed place amongst
+the motives which ought to actuate rational beings. "Man was born
+free, and judgment was given as the only guide of action. Affections
+were mere instincts unworthy of swaying the conduct; and duty was an
+imposition on the privileges of the human race."
+
+The young people were not long in convincing their father and mother
+that the relation of equal fraternity, once substituted for that
+of parent and child, it is no easy matter to retrace the path, and
+when the evils of misrule become intolerable from the numbers and
+the strength of those whom it influences, to exchange them for the
+blessings of legitimate control. The colt too long at large will not
+readily submit to bit and bridle; and that rider who would attempt
+to enforce the unwonted restraint, will soon be rendered practically
+sensible of his mistake.
+
+At Painesville all the members of the family talked together, which
+seemed the only symptom of concert amongst them. They quoted Rousseau,
+D'Alembert, Gibbon, Hume, Volney, at every sentence. With these authors
+I was not acquainted, as they made no part of the study furniture at
+Glendruid; but, as I have said already, though conscience winced in the
+outset from doctrines so little in unison with those of home, I was an
+apt pupil, and speedily adopted a new system of thinking.
+
+My two brothers, who were senior to me, had entered the University
+in the year that preceded that of the Irish rebellion; and though
+they never remained more than a few days at each examination in the
+metropolis, yet my father's parochial duties frequently interfering
+with his power of accompanying them, these short visits in Dublin were
+sufficient to bring them acquainted with all that was in progress, such
+was the activity that characterized at that juncture the republican
+energies in Ireland.
+
+The elder of these youths, whose name was Harold, was particularly
+amiable, and became the victim of designing men, who worked
+successfully on his generosity to draw him into their snares. He took
+up the theory of Godwin, and believed, with more sincerity than his
+master, in the infinite perfectibility of the human race. Ascribing all
+the evil which he beheld under the sun to the various corruptions of
+administration, and the venality of governors, benevolence was in fact
+the destroying angel of _his_ mind; and he would gladly have prostrated
+princes in the dust, and overthrown their seats of empire, in order to
+secure "_the people_" in the enjoyment of every good.
+
+Short-sighted politicians, who, rejecting the light of experience,
+fell into the error of expecting universal order, out of particular
+derangement, and general virtue, as the result of individual crime!
+Harold's was a benign spirit, which wished well to every thing that
+breathed; but he was not proof against the seductions of the popular
+creed, and became completely entangled in speculations worthy of the
+source from which they emanated. His temper, which had been naturally
+sweet, and open as the morning breeze, changed to dark, sullen, and
+secretive. He had been, deservedly, a darling with the best of mothers,
+and her grief at his altered deportment may be more easily conceived
+than described. It was not that he designed, "as of malice prepense,"
+to behave uncourteously, but his mind was absolutely absorbed. The
+amusements which had hitherto delighted, no longer afforded interest.
+His favourite dog--his garden--his collection of shells and minerals,
+were all neglected. Harold, who used to wander for miles along the
+sea-shore in quest of specimens with which to enrich his store, and who
+hastened to bring the fruits of his labour to that gentle being, the
+kindness of whose smile might have warmed the breast of an anchorite,
+and whose ready participation in whatever gave pleasure to others
+rendered her in better times the beloved friend as well as mother of
+her children--lived now immured in his bed-chamber, the door of which
+he kept locked while he was within it, and the key was always put into
+his pocket when he left the house.
+
+How he was employed no one could tell, as no trace of book, pen,
+ink, or writing was discoverable at those times when old Margaret, a
+faithful domestic who lived in my family during several years, had
+access to his apartment. One day, however, in sweeping the room, she
+discovered a small bit of paper which had been torn from a larger
+piece, and escaped the flames to which it had been probably destined.
+"Central Committee," "Western District," "French Forces," were the only
+words from which any surmise could be collected; and these were enough
+to alarm her, to whom they bore evident testimony of league in those
+treasonable plots which were threatening to involve the country in
+civil discord, and endanger the lives and property of thousands.
+
+Margaret, who was well acquainted with the anxious state of my mother's
+mind, took the fragment to her, and the latter, watching an opportunity
+to remark the effect which it might produce upon her son, fixed her
+eyes steadily upon him as he entered the room where she sat, saying,
+"Harold, is not this your hand-writing?"
+
+"I am sure it is hard to tell; perhaps it may be," was my brother's
+reply; uttered so coldly, so carefully, as to baffle inquiry, and
+convince my mother that any further scrutiny would lead but to a more
+artful avoidance of the truth, as well as more cunning contrivance
+for future concealment. She therefore refrained from asking another
+question, but heaved a sigh as she quitted her seat to gain the
+sanctuary of her closet.
+
+There _had_ been a time when that sigh would have agonized the soul
+of Harold, could he have believed himself to be the cause of drawing
+it forth; but his affections were seared, and he saw his mother
+turn from him with a breaking heart, undisturbed by the slightest
+emotion. My second brother possessed neither Harold's talents, nor
+my romance. He was more phlegmatic and common-place than any of the
+family. Yet he, too, was infected by the distemper of the times, and
+had his part assigned him, in which he was more useful than if he had
+been considered equal to higher purposes. He had ever been fond of
+shooting and fishing, and as these sports were continued as usual, he
+was not suspected of taking much concern in political matters, and was
+therefore employed as a safe ambassador, frequently leaving our once
+peaceful abode, loaded with despatches which were to be deposited in
+the ivied wall of a ruined castle, at some distance from Glendruid. All
+who met him supposed that lines, flies, and sandwiches, constituted
+the entire freight of a wicker basket which, strapped upon his back,
+was in reality the vehicle of a correspondence, the discovery of which
+would have doomed its authors to inevitable destruction. The plans thus
+carried on were, it is true, carefully wrapped in the concealment of
+cypher, but a key is easily found to the most cunning contrivance of
+this kind; and in fact at a later period, our devices were all brought
+to light.
+
+I have said that my father's circumstances were very limited, and
+I should not revert to a subject which involves the remembrance of
+privations as humiliating to pride as distasteful to sense, were it
+not to preserve a recollection of our real situation in the minds of
+such as may read my story, and furnish some excuse for the wanderings
+of youth, debarred as we were from the enjoyment of those advantages
+which depend upon wealth. Books we had, and a great many of them, but
+they had ceased to charm. The standard works of a former day were not
+in vogue; the new philosophy had extinguished the wisdom of antiquity,
+and reduced it to a dead letter, and the flippant apothegms of the day,
+whether applied to religion, morals, or politics, were accounted the
+only knowledge worth possessing.
+
+I had no money to procure the modern publications, but the Talbots
+and Lovetts were bountifully supplied, and always ready to lend. I
+devoured, therefore, with famished appetite, all that I could beg or
+borrow, and conveyed my treasure to that rocky recess which I have
+described, where, with industry worthy of a better object, I used
+to read whatever was recommended by my evil instructors. My poor
+father, who was an excellent scholar, found himself at length deserted
+in his study, from which his sons retired one by one, leaving this
+affectionate parent to mourn over the shipwreck of a sanguine spirit,
+which had delighted to anticipate with prophetic zeal the honours
+of his children, and wreathe their brows with academic glory; but a
+"killing frost" was preparing to nip the tender germ of hope, and
+destroy every shoot from which the chaplet of future fame might be
+derived.
+
+Those who have never been parents cannot, I believe, form an adequate
+conception of the sorrow reserved for those who, after having passed
+one half of life in expectation, are doomed to spend the other in
+disappointment, and reap a blighted crop in return for devoted love and
+unslumbering solicitude.
+
+We were no doubt unlucky in the society which chequered the domestic
+sameness of our home; not that intercourse with archangels would have
+deterred us in all probability from joining in the general frenzy,
+but our course was perhaps accelerated by the want of a stronger
+counteracting influence than any which opposed our progress. The
+adjoining parishes were under the superintendence of two clergymen,
+both intimates at Glendruid. They frequently visited at our house,
+and were good men, but in no way calculated to control the spirit of
+insubordination which was in movement, nor stem the torrent of that
+voluble disaffection which was always ready to pour forth abuse upon
+every thing really valuable and of sound repute.
+
+Mr. Hill, who lived within a mile of Glendruid, and had the parish
+adjoining ours, was a gentleman in education, descent, and manners.
+He was at once genteel, moral, and zealous in the performance of what
+he believed to be his duty; but he was a weak man, a _tête bornée_,
+a formalist. Though his age did not exceed forty years when I left
+home, he had a face so long-drawn that it looked as if the grand
+inquisitors had got hold of it, and put his features _to the question_.
+His countenance was solemn, but not from power or depth of mind, and
+presented the oddest mixture imaginable of gravity and imbecility. The
+physiognomy tallied exactly with the structure of his mind, which was a
+union of _sounding_ sense, with the veriest impotence of reason which I
+have ever happened to witness.
+
+Even at this distance of time, I can still fancy that I hear his
+long-winded harangues, and listen to his well-turned periods,
+unenlivened by a single ray of mental illumination, though uttered
+with grammatical accuracy, and the truest attention to accent and
+emphasis. Whether the conversation related to a mouse or a mammoth,
+the same laborious correctness of diction, the same flaccid sternness
+of expression, marked his dull observations on either the one or the
+other. If church matters were the subject of discussion, he would
+treat with equal gravity the divine right of tithes or the bleaching
+of a surplice; and seemed quite incapable of seeing any gradation of
+sin between an atheist and a dissenter from the rubric of our English
+Prayer-book. He would no more have altered the shape of his band,
+than he would have changed his creed, and would have been nearly as
+much shocked by seeing the pulpit of his church transplanted to the
+opposite side of the building, as to have encountered a denial of the
+thirty-nine articles.
+
+From such a man little aid to a sinking cause was to be expected, and
+I well remember the uneasiness of my father whenever Mr. Hill entered
+the lists of theological controversy, from the unfortunate hand which
+he made of an argument. There was enough of importance, however, in the
+bearing of the man, to prevent his being summarily put down, though
+every topic of human inquiry withered into nothing in his nerveless
+grasp. In short, he was a pompous nonentity, who, like an empty cart,
+made more noise than a full one; and a rumbling succession of sounds
+supplied the place of sense, covering the deficiency of his faculties
+from the view of stupid people with whom he passed for an oracle. We
+of the new school resolved all the inflated emptiness of this good
+man into the absurdity of his profession, and, as is usual with the
+scoffing fraternity, visited on religion whatever lack of skill we
+discovered in her advocates.
+
+Such was our clerical neighbour on one side, while on the other resided
+the Reverend Mr. Stockdale, a man in every way different from him
+already pourtrayed. Tall and muscular of frame, commanding in aspect,
+and powerful in understanding, but irritable of temper, Mr. Stockdale
+resented with vivacity the rapid inroads which a shallow but impetuous
+torrent of new fangled doctrines was daily making upon all the solid
+bulwarks of ancient authority. He was a person of strong intellect
+and great erudition; but the powers of his mind were precluded
+from assisting him in debate, through the impatience of his honest
+indignation; galled and provoked at the changes which he beheld working
+destruction all around, he was not calm enough to contend with a callow
+brood of upstarts, who offered perpetual resistance, in every word
+which they uttered, to that creed established in unmolested sway within
+his breast, during a ministry of thirty years. During this long lapse
+of time not a doubt had troubled his repose, not a single adversary
+till now, had ever disputed the grounds of his faith.
+
+When this excellent man made his appearance occasionally at Painesville
+or Ferney, he was attacked on all sides with rude disregard of
+his sacred calling, and though primed and loaded with ammunition,
+a moderate dose of which would have frittered the puny opponents
+arrayed against him to atoms, yet unluckily it was not _ready_ for the
+conflict. Long disuse had rusted over a fine piece of ordnance; the
+_cannon_ missed fire, and not only required to be rubbed up, but to
+be set to a lower level, to make it available. Thus it unfortunately
+happened that a set of reasoning coxcombs, who owed their apparent
+triumph to pertness and audacity, often seemed for a time masters of
+the field; and, silenced by the presumption of these tyro combatants,
+the worthy pastor was frequently surprised into excitement of temper,
+and returned discomfited to his rectory-house, bewailing, as he
+regained the mountain fastness, the flood of infidelity which had burst
+upon the land, and his own incapacity to arrest its desolating progress.
+
+The rebel crew were not slow to find out here again, that religion
+could not be of celestial origin, because Mr. Stockdale, pushed
+to extremity by the taunts of arrogance, was not endued with that
+unalterable coolness which the indifference of scepticism can assume at
+will. He could not always curb, as prudence dictated, the ebullitions
+of a holy zeal which lighted spontaneously into flame, when all that
+he possessed on earth, or desired in heaven, was assailed with wanton
+disrespect and indecency. He wore also a large cauliflower wig, a deep
+shovel hat, long waistcoat pockets descending to his knees, and leaned
+on a cane, with a head of battered gold. This costume served to sharpen
+our ridicule, and increase the vexation which awaited our friendly
+neighbour, whenever he quitted the protection of his upland dwelling.
+
+At Glendruid I might ever behold the influence of piety in preserving
+the most beautiful equanimity of temper under the provocations which
+every hour produced; but I had been too well taught to give credit to
+any thing under the paternal roof. Parents in _my_ day were held in
+contempt, as mere instruments by which being was conferred on another
+generation, and the opinion of a father or mother was so far from
+giving a bias to the conduct of their offspring, that their approval
+of any person, book, or sentiment, principle, or mode of action, was
+considered by us of the philosophic school as _primâ facie_ evidence
+against whatever was so applauded.
+
+The restricted society of our house received occasional addition
+likewise from the visits of two elderly ladies, who were first cousins
+of my father. The Misses Cresswell were frequent members of our family
+circle, and served to whet my genius as well as excite my spleen. They
+were women of real virtue and high principle, but doggedly tenacious.
+They thought together upon every matter of judgment, and would not
+give up an iota upon any one subject of debate. I hated, and used to
+take delight in stirring them to opposition, by an assault on some of
+their favourite tenets. They piqued themselves on their orthodoxy,
+and were what is called high church; _so_ high, that I detested
+steeples for their sakes. They lived in the "Black North," and were but
+slenderly provided for, yet ever employed in doing good; and nothing
+distressed my parents so much as to see them ill-treated.
+
+The quaint wardrobe of these two old women, was another source of
+merriment. They seemed as if newly shaken out of lavender whenever
+they came to Glendruid, and I preferred the savour of garlick to the
+perfume of that fragrant herb, which was associated with the idea of my
+cousins Cresswell. I have been since reminded of my own unwarrantable
+prejudice, by hearing a friend of mine declare, that he could not
+endure the works of a celebrated author, because he always found
+a volume of them open on the table of his dentist, and the finest
+passages were combined in his memory with some piercing pang or
+awkward chasm in his jaws.
+
+_My_ imagination had no such train of cause and effect to urge in
+defence of my rude conduct towards these my harmless relations, and as
+they are dead and gone they will know nothing of my repentance; but
+their blind deference to names and forms was to be lamented. Provided
+that a man wore lawn sleeves, it little mattered whether he was wise
+or foolish, learned or unlearned: he was a _Bishop_, and, according
+to their creed, whatever he uttered must necessarily be law and
+gospel. "My dear, the Reverend Mr. Smiler had it from his Lordship's
+own mouth," was an unanswerable reply to an objector against any fact
+related in the presence of these good souls.
+
+One day I ventured to retort to this invincible argument, "And what
+care I for the bench of Bishops, if they talk nonsense? Many of them
+hide asses ears under their great wigs."
+
+Such a speech was the acme of impropriety, and was repeated with
+uplifted hands and eyes: my iniquity was then considered at its
+height, and every day furnishing new cause for animadversion, the
+visits of our cousins became at first less frequent, and were then
+discontinued.
+
+My brother Charles and I rejoiced that we had frightened away the
+musty lavender bags, and should hear no more quotations from Saint
+Chrysostom. I have not yet mentioned my sisters, the number of whom was
+reduced by death from five to two. I had been deeply attached to Maria,
+the younger of those who remained; and till the demon of democracy
+chased every amiable feeling from my heart, we had lived in the most
+entire harmony and confidence. Notwithstanding the unceasing efforts
+of my brothers and me, to warp the minds of these dear girls, they
+resisted every evil impression. It was sufficient for them to know that
+their parents disapproved, to turn them from any temptation, however
+alluring; but their virtuous resolution obtained the character of
+"inflexible obstinacy, narrow bigotry," or some such equally unkind and
+inappropriate appellation.
+
+Had it not been for the soothing tenderness of their daughters, I
+know not how my unhappy father and mother could have sustained their
+accumulated afflictions. The loss of their children had weighed heavily
+on their spirits, but these trials, distressing as they were felt to
+be, were sent from Heaven, and did not agonize their disconsolate
+hearts like the disunion of those who were spared. They bowed with
+resignation to the will of Him who gives and takes away, and believed
+that every sorrow from the Almighty came on an errand of love, to warn
+or wean the souls of His creatures. It was the machinations of the
+foolish and the bad, that subdued their minds, and bent them down to
+the earth. The events which they saw occurring daily, confounded their
+penetration, but with patient, though broken spirits, they strove
+to await the end, baffled as they were in every attempt to avert or
+restrain the tide of opinion, which had become too strong for control.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER III.
+
+
+Such was the gloomy state of affairs at home; while abroad all was
+wrapped in a cloud of mysterious uncertainty. Day after day we met
+each other in melancholy estrangement. No joyous open countenance
+smiled upon the social board. No cheerful conversation seasoned the
+frugal repast. A deadly silence knew no interruption except from some
+endeavour at dry uninteresting common place, which, like a doubtful
+light that serves but to "render darkness visible," had the effect of
+saddening, rather than enlivening our domestic group. My father was
+afraid to trust himself with uttering a syllable which might lead to
+discourse upon exasperating topics, while grief appeared to choke my
+mother's voice. Her changing form proclaimed the undermining work which
+was going on within, and sapping the vital holds of her constitution.
+Oh! and her unnatural sons were so insensible to her decline, that
+though witnessing its progress, we neither tried to mitigate the
+symptoms, nor to console, though it might not be permitted us to
+remedy. No length of life can abate the pain with which I cast my eyes
+back upon that angelic being; nor can the penance of self-reproach
+extract the sting which is fixed in my breast by the memory of
+ingratitude towards a matchless parent, now no more.
+
+It was our custom to separate directly after dinner, each desirous to
+shorten a period of restraint, and pursue individual occupation or
+device. When the weather was fine, we were generally out of doors, and
+contrived to avoid the tea-table, family prayers, and "good night;"
+a parting wish now reduced to lifeless form by the absence of that
+affection which, where it grows, imparts and receives a new spring at
+each recurring assurance of its existence. Our evenings were sometimes
+employed in secretly furthering the United Irish Correspondence;
+at others in galloping over moorland and mountain, according to
+appointment with our fellow conspirators, with whom we had clandestine
+meetings almost every day.
+
+Every hour was big with rumour; and suspicion of treasonable designs
+began to fall on many of the higher classes. Informations poured
+continually into the castle of Dublin. The lower ranks were universally
+disaffected, while numbers of the gentry were paralyzed by vague and
+painful terrors of the coming explosion. The co-operation of the French
+was hoped for by one party, as it was dreaded by the other; and all
+believed that the first successful landing which was effected on our
+coasts, would prove the signal for a simultaneous rising of the people.
+Many were secretly departing from their homes to wait the issue in a
+place of safety. Others, unable to quit their local property, or desert
+their duty, were employed in using precautionary means to meet the
+threatened danger. Revolt and massacre were talked of. Servants were
+unfaithful to their masters. Tenants conspired against their landlords.
+The kind "good morrow" of the passing rustic was converted into a
+sullen scowl; and all the friendly courtesy of intercourse between
+high and low was exchanged, at this awful juncture, for distrust on
+one side, and hatred on the other. Our moral condition resembled that
+in the physical world which precedes the horrible visitation of an
+earthquake--darkness and the silence of death pervaded the scene of
+former life and occupation; and imagination fabricated a thousand
+spectres still more terrific than those perils by which the loyal part
+of the community were really surrounded.
+
+It was the evening of the 10th of February, 1798, when the weather,
+which had been unusually mild for the time of year, became suddenly
+tremendous. The sky lowered; and torrents of rain broke loose from the
+clouds, as if a water-spout had that moment burst over Glendruid. Such
+was the unremitting violence of this deluge that no one could quit the
+shelter of a roof, and the whole family found themselves in the unusual
+situation of being imprisoned for several hours together beneath its
+protection.
+
+The consciousness of having done wrong is as powerful a separatist in
+morals, as the principle of caloric in physics; and though confined
+within a space of not very wide dimensions, we contrived to keep aloof
+from each other. Sensible of the deep wounds which we had inflicted,
+my brothers and I had no inclination to encounter the reproach which
+we justly deserved, and therefore avoided giving an opportunity for
+accusation. Not as yet visited by remorse, we had no desire to make
+reparation, and therefore sought to escape the scrutiny which we
+resolved should not be satisfied.
+
+The unceasing drench, however, which I have mentioned, prevented us
+from leaving the house, and we were at last obliged to assemble, not
+having any excuse to allege for resisting a summons to that effect.
+Tea being finished, and night closing fast upon the dejected circle,
+they drew their chairs involuntarily round a sullen fire, which none of
+the party appeared inclined to stir, lest a cheerful blaze might seem
+too strongly contrasted with the gloomy features on which it played.
+The wind began to rise, howling at first a piteous wail and moaning
+through every crevice which gave it vent. After a solemn pause, it
+would then burst at intervals into gusts which threatened to sweep the
+earth and its inhabitants away.
+
+What a being is man! This tempest, heightened at length to fury, was
+the first occurrence which roused within my breast the long unawakened
+sense of our deplorable state. There is something in a violent strife
+of elements which forces itself upon the most obdurate spirit, and
+strikes conviction of human weakness on the mind. As I glanced from
+time to time on the pale and agitated countenances around me, I felt
+oppressed by a sensation which was not easy to define. It was neither
+fear nor affection, but it was a mixture of repentance, with that
+desire of communion natural to most mortals under the influence of
+extraordinary excitement. The billows roared tremendously, and every
+dash of the sea against the dark and frowning cliffs which beetled over
+the flood, came rolling on like thunder. The convulsions of the country
+rendered the storm awfully impressive; the ear was held in fearful
+tension, while uncertain sounds mingled in the blast like shouts of
+human voices, approaching and receding, rising and dying away again.
+
+It was a dreadful night; but as no enemy advanced, and imagination
+seemed more busy than reality, in threatening danger, the family
+retired a little later than usual to their several apartments. When
+I reached mine, overcome by the struggle of feelings which too often
+slumbered, I threw myself into an old arm-chair near the head of my
+bed, and would have given more than I possessed, that tears such as I
+once could shed, had come to my relief, but tears would not flow.
+
+"Good God," I exclaimed, "can this hardening of the heart--this
+stifling of natural sympathies--this close, secretive, frigid
+philosophy--be the road to happiness? Are those who have thrown off
+the ties of religion, and learned to contemn the commandments of their
+Creator, in the path of peace and virtue?"
+
+These and other self-directed questions were put to my heart in the
+stillness of solitary examination, and the answer of conscience
+appalled me. I prostrated myself on my knees, and I, who would
+not give my parents the satisfaction of thinking that I ever sent
+up a petition to heaven, now fell instinctively into the language
+of supplication, and broke into an agony of prayer. A few minutes
+more, and I firmly believe that I should have been found weeping on
+my mother's neck. How she would have clasped the penitent to her
+bosom! But in the very instant when I was rising from the ground, the
+door of my room was gently opened, and she who had little reason to
+love or care for me, urged by all that powerful impulse of maternal
+solicitude which never sleeps, put in her head to assure herself that
+her ungracious child was safely protected by the shelter of his chamber
+from the hurricane which denied her repose.
+
+This unexpected apparition worked a sudden revolution in my
+feelings. Ashamed and mortified at having been caught in a posture
+of humiliation, my wretched pride regained its empire, and I rudely
+inquired of my mother what she wanted.
+
+"Only to see that you were here, Albert; God bless you," was her soft
+reply.
+
+She closed the door, and my contrition was at an end; the yearnings
+of returning affection were given to the winds, and locking my door
+with an angry violence, which I intended should say, "I will not again
+suffer such intrusion," I extinguished my candle in a rage, and plunged
+into my bed, but not to rest. To sleep was not so easy; the storm
+increased every moment, and though I had never been wanting in the
+animal boldness called courage, I had a chill at heart that night as if
+the phials of Almighty wrath were pouring out upon a guilty world, and
+the judgment of God preparing punishment for the wicked.
+
+In spite of all the sophistry with which my tongue had become familiar,
+conscience was not silenced, but forced the reluctant confession, that
+my associates and I were mischievously engaged in aiding a rebellion
+which would probably terminate in much bloodshed and misery, while
+_true_ patriotism was the last motive that influenced our conduct.
+The fact was, that like all agitators we were impelled by motives as
+various as the several characters on which they operated, and were
+kept together by an imaginary bond to which, for the convenience of
+compact, we gave a name very foreign from our real purposes, and in
+reality little connected with the welfare of our country. I knew even
+at the time when I was most closely leagued with the Talbots and
+Lovetts, that they were both selfish and violent. These young men
+governed the rest of our confederacy with despotic sway, to which, with
+all our boasted independence, we implicitly submitted.
+
+Thus are we cajoled in every stage of our existence. Perpetually
+deceiving ourselves, we applaud or revile not the principle but its
+application, and the same conduct which is the theme of our reprobation
+becomes that of our praise and adoption, when happening to chime in
+with our prejudices or our wishes.
+
+I was in a musing vein, and notwithstanding the riot of conflicting
+elements abroad, I lay pondering mournfully and restlessly, when my
+cogitations were interrupted by a gun. I started up, and by the time
+that I groped my way to the lobby, I found the whole family assembled.
+My mother stood in a listening attitude, holding a little lamp, which
+she always kept burning at night, in her hand, and ere we had time to
+interchange a sentence, the sound of a second shot put an end to all
+uncertainty, and the only point left to conjecture was the cause of
+this firing. Some thought that we were going to be invaded by a rebel
+party, while others feared that a ship had foundered in the bay.
+
+As the latter belief preponderated, it was suggested that we should
+instantly sally forth to the cliffs, and try whether it might not be
+possible to render assistance to the sufferers. Here was a crisis which
+broke through the reserve which had become habitual amongst us, by
+one of those forcible appeals to humanity that bear down whatever is
+not in unison with their own prompt and virtuous impulse. All memory
+of bitterness was now suspended in the common interest excited by the
+occasion.
+
+Reader, have you ever known the unaccountable perverseness of a
+stubborn soul, in the pride of unsubdued passion, resolved to be
+miserable rather than abate a high spirit, though you longed, with
+gasping impatience, for any event which, without your own intervention,
+might place you once more at ease with those whom you had offended? If
+you have, my sensations at this moment will not seem strange to you. I
+had not expressed any sorrow for the past, nor lowered my dignity by
+any promise of amendment for the future; yet here I was on a sudden,
+running to and fro, and talking familiarly with father, mother,
+brothers, and sisters, as if harmony had never been disturbed. Those,
+on the other hand, who have never experienced the perversion of mind of
+which I am giving a history, will find it difficult to comprehend how
+this hour of dismay and anxiety should have been the happiest which I
+had known for a long time, resembling what a man feels on the removal
+of a burthen which had pressed with intolerable weight on every muscle
+of his frame.
+
+An old Scotchman, who had grown grey in our service, was one of the
+first who appeared in the group, and lighting a candle, which he put
+into the great stable-lanthorn, he called Harold, Charles, and me, to
+accompany him. Away we flew, and many minutes did not elapse before we
+reached the steepest part of the headland which overhung our bay.
+
+What a scene presented itself! The rain had ceased, but it blew a
+perfect hurricane; the scud drove furiously across the sky, while
+now and then the broken beams of an angry moon darted on the ocean
+a wild and scattered light from under dense masses of the blackest
+clouds, which sped athwart the heavens as if bent on some message of
+destruction; the waves rolled mountains high, and dashed with wild
+impetuosity upon the rocks, roaring in thunder as they approached
+the shore. Gun after gun was fired, but at such a distance that we
+despaired of being useful. We knew not how or whither to direct our
+efforts, but stood close together, trying to resist the force of the
+tempest, and endeavouring to catch any sound that might guide us to the
+scene of distress, when the shriek of a female voice, borne distinctly
+upon the blast, afforded dreadful assurance of shipwreck near at hand.
+The cries were repeated with increased agony, and were louder or
+fainter as the wind rose or fell.
+
+With one accord we hurried down the rocks as fast as the irregular
+crags over which we had to scramble would permit. As we descended, a
+fearful scream of anguish met our ears, after which we heard no more.
+All but the raging of the storm then died away, and by the time that we
+reached the bottom of the cliff no sound of human woe mingled in the
+gale.
+
+A poor fisherman and his family lived at a little distance in a cavity
+amongst the rocks, and thither we next directed our steps. I was the
+first to gain this miserable hut, the door of which I found wide open,
+swinging to and fro on its crazy hinges. We called aloud to Kelly, his
+wife, and sons, but received no answer. M'Farlane, the old Scotchman,
+proposed that we should go farther down along the shore to a little
+creek, in which Kelly's boat was usually moored. When arrived at the
+spot, there was no boat there. We hallooed again, but in vain; no
+living being seemed within hearing; all was silent save the winds and
+waves. As the tide was rapidly retiring we groped along the sands,
+holding the lanthorn close to the ground, and searching, as carefully
+as its uncertain glimmer would allow, for any vestige of the wreck,
+which we concluded that day-light would but too fully exhibit.
+
+While thus employed, Harold's foot struck against something soft which,
+on examination, proved to be a small spaniel with a collar round its
+neck. The poor animal was quite dead, and holding it up to the light,
+we read the name of Henry Talbot. The shock of this discovery was
+indescribable. A thousand vague, yet terrible surmises rushed upon my
+imagination, and before we were able to retrace our path to Kelly's
+hut, where we determined to wait the break of day, an oar over which I
+stumbled, and which we found branded at one end with the letters D. K.
+afforded awful conviction that a dreadful catastrophe had involved the
+unfortunate fisherman, and perhaps others, in a watery grave.
+
+We took up the oar on our shoulders, and on reaching Kelly's cabin,
+which had been empty when we first visited it, we were not a little
+surprised to find his wife lying flat without signs of life upon
+the clay floor. We raised her, and perceiving that she was not dead,
+placed her gently on the wretched trestle, which, covered with straw,
+and a blanket, served for a bed in this lowly habitation; and taking
+the candle from our lanthorn lighted a few dry sticks which were piled
+in a corner. We then removed poor Norah to the fire, took off her old
+water-soaked cloak, and began to rub her hands and feet with all our
+strength. We discovered a bundle of rushes too, which having been
+dipped in grease, serve the poor Irish in place of candles, and were
+glad to avail ourselves of their feeble aid, not only for presenting
+some sort of beacon to any vessel which might be nearing the rocks, but
+also to assist our search for any thing with which to moisten the lips
+of the dying woman.
+
+At length I discovered a bottle which held a remainder drop of whisky,
+and seizing on this treasure, we hastened to try its life-restoring
+powers on our patient. While my brothers and I were thus busily
+occupied, M'Farlane drew from the corner cupboard, in which I had
+found the bottle, a small bit of soiled paper folded up, on which, when
+opened, the following words appeared written in _printing_ characters,
+apparently for the purpose of disguising the hand that traced them.
+
+"Be sure not to fail us. You know the place, and the hour. A vessel
+will lie to, off the Bay. Let nothing tempt you to betray him. A better
+reward than money will crown fidelity. Finish the good work which you
+have begun. I depend also on Norah and the boys. If we succeed in
+getting _him_ safely out of the country, all will be well. She will see
+him on board, which I am sorry for, as the weather is unpromising. We
+must land at the Black Point, after doing our job. This goes by a sure
+hand. Be prepared early; read, and burn.
+
+  "Yours, truly ----"
+
+"Hah, hah!" cried M'Farlane. "I see plainly enough now how it is. Here
+is a plot, and the plotters are taken in their own snare. A heavy
+judgment from Heaven is come upon them."
+
+I sprang towards him, and snatched the paper from his hand, anxious
+to prevent him from getting hold of information not intended for him;
+but he had read all the contents; and though there was neither name nor
+date to apprise us of the actors, it was plain enough that Kelly and
+his sons had been employed with their boat to convey some mysterious
+personage from the coast; while it was equally manifest that the writer
+of the billet, whoever he might be, and the female to whom he alluded,
+designed to return, after executing their trust, and placing their
+charge securely on board a vessel ready to steer, in all probability,
+for France or America.
+
+M'Farlane could never be induced to take part in any of our schemes,
+and had lavished much useless advice to deter me and my brothers from
+joining in what he called "the wicked folly of the times." He was hence
+a person of whom we stood in some awe, and with whom we held very
+little communion, considering him, as we did, no better than a spy; and
+I felt exceedingly vexed and annoyed at his having been set on spelling
+and putting together these few dark words, which told sufficient to
+excite curiosity.
+
+I turned and twisted the paper which had been crumpled up, and was
+probably reserved for lighting Kelly's pipe, in performing which
+office, the poor fellow seemed to think it would be time enough to
+obey the injunctions of his correspondent by destroying it. The words
+already noticed were written with pen and ink, but on minuter scrutiny,
+I deciphered on the outside, scrawled with a pencil, and nearly
+illegible, a sentence which was apparently designed as a postscript to
+the note.
+
+"Take care, and let not a syllable escape your lips _up the hill_. Many
+matters now afloat, must be kept secret from _that quarter_."
+
+What is the meaning, thought I to myself, of "up the hill?" and
+it instantly flashed across my mind, that Glendruid was the place
+indicated by this expression, and that I was one of those to be kept
+in the dark respecting all proceedings. We who had toiled early and
+late, sacrificed food and rest, frequently hazarded life and liberty;
+and spent every shilling which we could command, were to be treated as
+aliens, as enemies!
+
+Is this gratitude? exclaimed I. I hastily resolved to separate myself
+immediately from men thus undeserving of confidence; such treachery was
+intolerable, and I longed for an opportunity of resenting it, though
+caution would be necessary, lest I might injure my cause with Albinia
+by renouncing all future league with her brothers. My resolution was
+not the result of good feeling, it was only the effervescence of
+sudden indignation, and events succeeded which prevented its practical
+steadiness from being brought to the test.
+
+During the short interval in which I was engaged by these reflections,
+my brothers continued their efforts to revive the cold-stricken Norah.
+After many fruitless efforts, they at length accomplished their object.
+A few drops of the cordial whisky were swallowed, and in a little time
+she opened her eyes, which she rolled wildly round, and starting from
+her bed, shrieked aloud--
+
+"Oh Dan a Vourneen, where are you? Where is Jack? Where is Timsey?"
+
+Her eyes lighting on _our_ faces, not those of her husband and
+children, she relapsed into another swoon, long and deep, from which we
+had great difficulty in recovering her.
+
+At last she sat up, and clasped her sun-burned hands together in an
+agony of grief, rocking her body backwards and forwards to a piteous
+wail, which the Irish call Ullagone; the dirge music in which they
+mourn their dead. She gave no answer to our entreaties that she would
+try and compose herself. In vain did we inquire what had happened, and
+ask how we could possibly afford her any relief. She did not reply to
+a single question, but rolling her tearless eyes in their sockets,
+staring now at one of us, and then at another, but without appearing to
+take notice of any, the hapless creature continued her melancholy howl,
+beating her breast and tearing her hair.
+
+At the expiration of an hour's ineffectual effort to obtain the
+slightest information from Norah, we determined on removing her from a
+scene so dreadful as that of her now lonely abode, leaving M'Farlane
+behind to watch the fire till our return. Just as we were going to
+take Norah from her cabin, the sagacious Scotchman bethought him
+of an expedient which operated like magic on the wretched mourner.
+He recollected the national superstition, and exclaimed, in an
+expostulatory tone, "Oh then, is it like a fond wife or mother, to say,
+that you'd let their ghosts roam for ever and ever, without rest or
+quiet, rather than tell where we might look for the bodies, and bury
+'em like Christians?"
+
+This idea roused Norah's torpid senses. She started as if she had been
+shot, and would have rushed out of the house, if we had not fastened
+the door in the instant that she was about to dart through it.
+
+"Yes, Norah," said the persevering Scot, "they will wander, and be
+unhappy, if you do not tell all you know, and let us try and find them,
+that they may be _waked_ properly, and buried with their people."
+
+"God bless you; God bless you;" reiterated the frenzied Norah; "Go to
+the Black Pint; och, 'tis the Black Pint."
+
+"What took them to the Black Point at this unseasonable hour, and in
+such a storm?"
+
+"What else but the boat, gramachree," answered Norah.
+
+"What were they doing in such weather as this?"
+
+"Fishen, dear, fishen," was the poor creature's lying answer.
+
+"No, that is impossible, Norah," said I; "you must not deceive those
+who would befriend you. Dan Kelly knew too well when it was coming on
+to blow hard. He would not venture his own life or that of his sons in
+such a night as this. It is no fishing time. Tell what you can of the
+affair and every help shall be given you."
+
+"I knows nauthen, asthore. For the honour o' God, dear, ax me no more,
+for I can't tell any thin but only that they war strugglen home agin
+the tide, and were maken straight for Black Pint when a big wave (oh
+then, oh then, oh then!) hised away the boat and capsized it. There's
+no more to be tould, only my darlens is gone, holy Mary mark 'em to
+glory, and 'tis I that's dissolit to day." Norah wept bitterly as she
+uttered these words. I besought her to tell me who, beside her husband
+and sons, had been buffeting the billows in the boat on that awful
+night.
+
+"How does your honour think I can tell! 'Tis enough for me, that them
+that's gone, _is_ gone. Oh! cuishla machree, Timsey, my darlen of all
+my darlens."
+
+Mac Farlane, perceiving that I made no great way in my catechism,
+brought forward the little dog, which had lain by in a dark corner
+of the cabin, and carelessly turning it with his foot, said, in a
+soliloquizing manner, "Poor little brute! you are more lucky than your
+master. He is gone, to be sure, with the rest of 'em, and will be
+without christian burial too, while you will be laid in the ground as
+if you had a soul to be saved. I wonder, Mr. Albert, whether the party
+in the boat were lost before they reached the ship, or whether they
+ever were able to put the stranger on board." Norah had not till now
+seen either the oar or the dead dog, and fell into the most extravagant
+lamentations at sight of them. Terrified at finding M'Farlane, as she
+now believed, in the secret, she fell on her knees, and in a tone of
+the most earnest supplication entreated that he would not divulge a
+single particular.
+
+"Some of 'em may be alive yet. May be all wouldn't be drownded, and if
+they war, the sperrets o' the dead, Misther Mickfaarlin, would never
+laive you alone if you spaik. Oh! Sir, and the widdy's blessen on you,
+don't be villeefyen them that's gone. Laive 'em quite any way, for
+they've enough to trouble 'em without _that_."
+
+"I wouldn't harm the dead, woman," said M'Farlane, "any more than you.
+'Tis a pitiful case. Only tell his name, and her name who was with him,
+and your fortune is as good as made. If you speak truth, my master will
+send an account of it all to the castle o' Dublin, and you'll be sure
+of a purse o' gold that will keep you in comfort for the rest o' your
+life."
+
+"I'll tell nauthen but what you know," replied the sobbing Norah; "and
+there's no use in axing me, for I'll die before I tells upon 'em. What
+do I want of cumfurt now? If money would make tell-tales of any that
+lived in this cabin, as poor as it is, would'nt we be riden in a coche
+and six long ago fur spaiken plain, but though they're down in the salt
+sai, I'll not fret 'em, I'll hould my tongue, and Misther Mickfaarlin,
+if you war'nt a sassenah (no offence, Sir), you would'nt be the one to
+turn the harts o'the dead frum me. Oh then! oh then! a wee-nough Dan,
+and Tom, and Timsey asthore! If 'tis a thing that they braiks every
+bone in my body, or cuts out my tongue, they'll get no good o' me, for
+the sorra a word I'll spaik, no more than the dead himself."
+
+No cunning of M'Farlane's could elicit farther, and though so strongly
+prompted by curiosity, which triumphed over every other feeling, that
+I had endeavoured myself to come at the bottom of the melancholy tale,
+I admired the noble devotedness of this affectionate woman, upon whom
+no sordid motive had the slightest influence. She would willingly
+have laid down her life, rather than betray the cause to which she
+had sworn fealty. Oh! how the generous heroism of poor Norah, and her
+enthusiastic fidelity even to the shades of those who had been dear
+to her, put to shame all who, without a spark of disinterested zeal,
+first involved, and then abandoned a people, many of whom gave proofs
+like this of the tenderest and most unselfish attachment. Norah,
+suddenly recollecting that the removal of the dog might damp the spirit
+of investigation, seized a spade which stood in the hut against the
+wall, and turning up the clay floor within the hurdle which served as a
+partition between the outer division of her hut, and the interior where
+she slept, deposited the little animal, collar and all, filling the
+hole, and stamping the ground with her feet to make all smooth as it
+was before. In this labour of love towards the memory of the departed,
+her grief seemed forgotten in her anxiety to conceal whatever might
+injure any survivor whose cause her husband and children had espoused.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER IV.
+
+
+We succeeded at length in detaching Norah from the scene of her loss,
+and having left her in the care of my sisters, we repaired again with
+the dawn to the beach, which we diligently searched for miles along the
+shore, and found covered with mounds of oar-weed-timber, rope ends,
+and other indications of the last night's storm. A weather-beaten hat,
+which bore no mark to ascertain who had been its owner, was all that we
+picked up which told that human being had been on the seas that night.
+
+The kindest attention was shewn at Glendruid to the unhappy Norah,
+and as she continued to persist in pleading ignorance of every thing
+beyond the misfortune which deprived her of all she loved on earth, she
+was spared after the first examination. But the "hundred tongues of
+rumour," were soon unbound.
+
+In the course of the following day, a report was industriously
+circulated that Albinia Talbot and Richard Lovett had gone off upon a
+matrimonial adventure to Gretna Green. The two families affected to be
+much displeased; and as their consternation was sincere, though not
+proceeding from the alledged cause, they were enabled to act their part
+with specious appearance. On pretence of being severely shocked by the
+event, access was denied to visitors both at Painesville and Ferney, so
+that all communication was suspended for the present moment. My father,
+however, though not in the habit of calling at either house, conceived
+himself called upon as a pastor to offer kind condolence, if he could
+do no more, and on the third day after the reported elopement, he set
+out on a ride over the mountain to try whether he might not be able to
+mitigate the wrath which he heard had been excited against the young
+people, and prevail with their respective families to forgive an act
+which could not be recalled.
+
+His road lay through Ballymaclashen, where there was a post office
+at M'Carthy's public house, which he was to pass, and calling for
+letters, he was presented with an enormous government packet, filled
+with printed proclamations, which were forwarded to him from the
+castle, with an official requisition to have them posted in the most
+conspicuous situations. These printed papers, minutely described by
+name, dress, and personal appearance, the very young man whom I knew to
+be my brother Harold's dearest friend and ally, offering a large reward
+for his apprehension, and stating that he was known to have taken
+refuge in our mountains, from whence it was supposed that he meant to
+escape across the seas. My father read the proclamation aloud at the
+chapel door, as well as that of the church, and ordered the old sexton
+to get some wafers and stick up the notices throughout this village.
+Imagining that this new circumstance might throw some light on the
+story of the Gretna fugitives, he hastened his steed and pushed forward
+towards Ferney.
+
+When arrived at Mr. Talbot's, he learned that on the preceding morning,
+before daylight, the whole family had set off to Dublin in the greatest
+speed to try and overtake their daughter. This intelligence was
+received from a cowherd, who seemed the only person left about the
+place, and my father having expressed his concern that any thing should
+have occurred to give pain to his neighbours, added a hope that the
+young gentlemen were all safe.
+
+"We have been uneasy," said he, "lest any fatal accident had happened
+on Tuesday night, when Mr. Henry's dog, you know, was found at
+Glendruid. We all feared that he might have been in poor Dan Kelly's
+boat, when he and his sons were drowned."
+
+"Och no! for what I know they're all safe enough," answered the
+cowherd: "Croppy follied Dick Lovett, who lost him as he was comen
+home, and the dog was swamped, they say, among the rocks."
+
+"Good day to you then," said my father; "I shall call and ask how the
+family at Painesville are this morning."
+
+"You may spare yourself that throuble, Sir," rejoined Bat Higgins; "all
+the Lovetts are gone full cry afther the young couple to some place in
+Scotland; I think where they say that a blacksmidth is all as one as
+the clargy, and buckles the people as tight as the best of 'em."
+
+As it was growing late, and the country had long been unquiet, my
+father, fearful of alarming my mother by being out after sunset, turned
+his horse into the homeward path, little pleased with the gruff,
+unceremonious manners of the cowherd, and pondered the altered style of
+the peasantry, and the mysterious departure of his neighbours, as he
+rode along. In passing again through Ballymaclashen he found that the
+proclamations were all torn down, in the short period of his absence.
+He inquired, but could not learn who had shown such disrespect to
+Government and to him; and observing a sullen uncivil deportment in
+the people, who neither touched their hats, nor said a courteous word
+as they had been wont to do, he thought it prudent to advance without
+irritating them by farther interrogations; so, sighing as he ascended
+the heathy barrier which lay between the village and his once cheerful
+home, he ruminated, as he said, on his return, upon the evil days,
+which it was God's will that he should encounter, and prayed for a
+divine blessing to sustain him against whatever ills might be yet in
+store.
+
+As he wound down a rocky pathway, lying between gigantic stones,
+loosely piled together so as to form a sort of rude wall on either
+side, a man suddenly glided from behind, and seized his horse's bridle.
+My father was unarmed, and supposing the person who stopped him to be
+one of a gang, determined on his destruction, believed his last moment
+to be at hand; but ere he had power to speak, the man, first looking
+affectionately at him, and next casting a hasty glance all round, to
+make sure that he was not observed, whispered softly the following
+words, as rapidly as possible:
+
+"Plase your Riverence, dont be angry to me for stoppen ye. 'Tis to do
+ye a good turn, for myself does be in danger of limb and life while
+I am spaiken; but sure 'twas you and yours that often kep me and mine
+from starvation, when we were all lien down togither, in the agee,
+and why would I see a hair of your Rivirence's head hurted if I could
+help myself? These are bad times, and your sons ought to take care o'
+themselves. May be they might be afther knowen more about the boat that
+was racked the other night, and consarnen them papers too, in your
+Rivirence's hand, than they ought to do for their own safety and yours.
+Take the warnen, and God bless your Honour's Rivirence, and never tell
+to man or mortial who tould you this much, though sure in the main time
+I tould you nothen at all that would bring any one into throuble. I'd
+scorn _that_ any how!"
+
+So saying, the apparition vanished, and was out of sight in a moment.
+
+My father, as may be concluded, returned home in great agitation. We
+sat down to dinner, and immediately after the cloth was removed, he
+detailed the particulars which I have related in the presence of my
+mother and sisters; and making a solemn appeal to our sincerity,
+calmly and affectingly called upon my brothers and me, by all that we
+held most sacred, to reveal truly and without prevarication, all that
+we knew respecting the events of Tuesday night. It happened, as I have
+already stated, that though deeply implicated in other matters, we
+were really ignorant of this sad story, and not thinking it necessary
+to volunteer in answering to any thing beyond the scope of the precise
+interrogatory, we replied with that degree of boldness and promptitude
+which bespeaks truth, that we were not acquainted with a single
+circumstance relating to the catastrophe of the storm, which was not
+equally known to all the country, and as to the proclamations, we had
+never heard of their contents till my father brought them home, and
+could not afford any clue to the discovery of the person sought for.
+
+When we had given this assurance, my mother, in tears, threw her arms
+about our necks, and I shall never forget the thrilling tenderness with
+which she exclaimed, "My beloved children, let the dangers by which
+we are encompassed be a bond of union amongst us--let the warnings
+of this day teach us wisdom--let domestic love bless our family
+circle--and let us pray earnestly for the protection of Him who can
+alone guard us through the perils which seem to beset our path. If
+happiness and peace be in store for us, will they not be doubly enjoyed
+in concert? If misfortune be our doom, what care or sorrow is not
+alleviated by sympathy?"
+
+Alas! I _suffered_ my mother's embrace. I did not repay it; and from
+the cold demeanour of Harold and Charles, it appeared that her maternal
+affection met with no kinder reception from them. We were metamorphosed
+by the spirit of the _Times_, and pride would not permit even a tacit
+acknowledgment that we had been in the wrong. A retractation of the
+opinion which had been adopted in our school would have been considered
+unpardonable weakness. My mother looked chilled to the heart. Her fond
+love was repelled, and the returned tide seemed almost to deprive her
+of breath. Yet she upbraided not, but shook her head in silence. My
+father said something to which I paid little attention, and the group
+dispersed as was their usual custom.
+
+The stimulus of late events began to wear off. Day after day glided
+by in gloomy stillness, rendered oppressive by the anxiety which was
+common to us all. The dark reports in circulation--the mysterious
+departure of the Talbots and Lovetts, perplexed us painfully. Yet,
+at the present juncture, to have indulged curiosity by taking such
+steps as might lead to information, was full of peril, and the
+restraint which we found it necessary to impose upon ourselves
+became intolerable. I had an additional torment to endure, which was
+exclusively my own, and I suffered the most intense mortification which
+wounded self-love could experience.
+
+Jealousy was a strong feature of my character. I had attached myself
+with enthusiasm to Albinia Talbot, and now felt roused like a lion
+from its den, and could find no solace except in perpetually wandering
+along the shore, and gazing on the ocean, as if I expected that the
+waves of the sea would speak and divulge all that I desired to learn. A
+sort of invincible attraction led me continually to the cliffs, there
+to muse on the faithless Albinia. It was certain that, under other
+circumstances than those in which I had been placed, she would not
+have been the goddess of my adoration. Her beauty was dazzling, but it
+wanted softness. She might have represented Bellona, and seemed formed
+to command--to conquer--but with the gentle graces of female loveliness
+Albinia had no relation. The limited circle however of my acquaintance
+afforded very slender means of comparison, and imagination supplied
+all that reality denied to decorate the object of my devotion with
+perfections which only exist in the Poet's dream.
+
+I made verses, and used to "mar every tree" with writing love-songs in
+their bark. The name of Albinia had mounted on every breeze, and was
+returned by the echoes of our caverned beach. I had never, it is true,
+_told_ my love, and had therefore no right to conclude that it was
+reciprocal; but youth is full of confidence and credulity. Albinia's
+manners were abrupt, but then she was a _patriot_, and her mind was
+engrossed by the wrongs of her country. "When the public ferment
+subsides," thought I, "will be fit time for disclosing my sentiments. I
+shall then,
+
+          '---------- tell my tale
+    Under the hawthorn in the vale,'
+
+and no doubt be favourably received." In the mean time I excused
+all the coldness, rudeness, and undutifulness of my own conduct
+at home on the plea of this delirium of my brain. I dignified the
+exclusive surrender of my affection to Miss Talbot by the character
+of _concentration_, and rather piqued myself upon being savage to all
+beside.
+
+"Great souls," said I, "disdain the paltry interchange of mere civility
+and benevolence. They soar above such tame observances, and refusing to
+be bound by the slavish ties of kindred--love and hate _grandly_."
+
+How little did I then know of that ennobling passion, which softens
+and refines while it occupies the heart--or reflect that brutality
+to parents, and neglect of sisters, evinced the spurious nature of
+my attachment for Albinia! But could it be possible that this queen
+of my homage--this theme of my muse--this idol of my devotion; she
+who nerved my arm to anticipated deeds of glory--who absorbed my
+thoughts by day, and stole upon my nightly visions, had eloped with the
+unpoetical Richard Lovett, who had nothing but a handsome face and form
+to recommend him; Lovett, who had never held a "descant to the moon,"
+nor breathed a "sonnet to a lady's eye-brow." Unheedful of my feelings,
+ungrateful for my worship, had Albinia laughed at my woes, and deceived
+my penetration?
+
+Fevered by these questions which I could not solve, I used to seek
+the cooling zephyrs from the bay, and withdraw from the scrutinizing
+observation of my father and mother, who were, I remarked, at this
+time anxiously watching the post in expectation of letters; but I was
+too much engrossed by my own affairs to make inquiry, or feel any
+solicitude which did not come home to self.
+
+It was just a fortnight after the fatal hurricane, when one grey
+and lowering morning I sought my usual haunt, and hastened after
+breakfast to leave the house, and brood over my misfortunes in the
+solitude of my favourite cave, amongst the rocks. As I sat, more than
+commonly depressed, "chewing the cud of sweet and bitter fancy," and
+like all selfish natures believing that my lot was marked by peculiar
+and unmerited severity--that I was decreed by fate, or providence, or
+whatever power ruled the destinies of men, to suffer more than any of
+my fellow beings; I wasted many precious moments in angry repinings,
+while a volume of Homer, which I never opened, lay at my side, to
+give me an air of occupation should I be surprised in my retreat. I
+gazed vacantly on the sea, and know not how long my reverie might have
+wrapped every sense in forgetfulness of passing time, if my attention
+had not been caught by some unusual appearance floating on the surface
+of the water. At first I took it for a mass of oar-weed, but as it
+approached the shore a vague apprehension crossed my mind that it
+was a human form; and, hastily descending the rocks, I watched with
+breathless emotion till the tide washed it slowly into the creek,
+directly beneath my feet. What language is capable of conveying, even
+in the faintest degree, an idea of the horror which thrilled through my
+frame at the sight of Albinia Talbot so changed, so disfigured, that
+her dress alone proclaimed her identity!
+
+I grew sick, and staggered unconsciously to a projecting point of the
+cliff, for support. My head seemed to turn round, my sight failed me;
+and fully a quarter of an hour elapsed before I recovered my senses
+sufficiently to make farther examination. At last I ventured once more
+to approach the body, round which the well known green habit, her
+beautiful hair, and the tangled sea weed, interlaced, to form Albinia's
+shroud. So terrible to the mind of man is the awful transformation
+wrought by death, that a cold dew crept over me as I attempted to clear
+away the sedge from features so lately lighted up by the fire of health
+and animation. Good God, what a spectacle was unfolded to my view!
+
+But I will arrest the shocking description, and not press on any other
+memory than my own that appalling recollection which will only be
+erased with my latest breath. As I took a half averted glance at the
+deceased object of my affection, I perceived a ribbon which passed
+round the neck, and to which some trinket appeared to be suspended. I
+disengaged the band with desperate resolution, and pulling it from the
+habit which adhered closely to poor Albinia's breast, drew out a small
+flat enameled case, which opened with a spring. A ring, swivel-seal,
+and little piece of folded paper, fell upon the ground. I hastily
+collected these reliques, and retiring from the water's edge, hid
+myself behind the rocks to examine them more attentively.
+
+The ring was of gold, with a plait of hair, and the letter P. carefully
+concealed within a simple hoop. The seal was of a beautiful Irish
+amethyst, and finely engraved; its device, Hibernia dashing down a
+crown with one hand, and receiving a dagger from heaven with the
+other, while a harp, with some of its strings broken, stood by her. On
+unfolding the paper which had on one side two or three monograms, and
+an alphabet in cipher, I read on the other the following words, in
+an unknown and apparently feigned hand writing: "I hope that you will
+not be mad enough to think of seeing me on board the----. The weather
+is threatening, and the sea-faring people expect a gale. I implore you
+to beware of risking your safety. I send you the _key_. Give the ring
+which accompanies it to Ladhor. You will forward the seal according to
+our arrangement. Farewell. I trust that ere long we shall meet again.
+Though clouds may occasionally obscure the horizon of our hopes, the
+cause in which we are engaged must finally triumph."
+
+The whole mystery appeared now unravelled. The possession of that seal
+which I knew to be the one used in sealing the rebel despatches sent
+to France, marked a _chief_, and I had no doubt that it was consigned
+to Albinia's care by the person described in the late proclamation.
+I discovered him also to be no other than the friend of my eldest
+brother, by decyphering the name of Harold in the transposition of
+the letters which formed Ladhor. It also seemed evident that the
+necessity for rapid flight had prevented my brother from either meeting
+or hearing from his friend, whom, by the bye, I had never seen, and
+who it would appear, had in some accidental manner met with Albinia,
+and entrusted her with these commissions, to be executed after his
+departure.
+
+Here, then, was the melancholy truth, and the Gretna-green expedition
+was a mere feint, to cover the mournful reality, and prevent suspicion
+from attaching to the families of Ferney and Painesville. Whether
+Richard Lovett had been on board the boat or not, seemed uncertain,
+but whoever accompanied the ill-fated Albinia had probably shared her
+sorrowful fate. The object had plainly been to put a rebel leader
+safely out of the reach of those emissaries who were endeavouring to
+apprehend him, and those strenuous partizans in the cause of freedom
+had lost their lives in accomplishing the enterprize.
+
+My jealousy was now for ever hushed to sleep. Alas! had I not been
+enabled to explain the conduct of her who had excited it, the sight
+on which my eyes had rested, furnished an all-powerful remedy for the
+passion which had been an inmate of my bosom. I have since learned by
+experience, that the tenderest affection may survive, after the tomb
+has closed upon those beings most dear to our souls; but the hand
+of death, in common cases, deals gently with our sorrows, and casts
+a veil over the objects of whom he deprives us ere yet the living
+memory of the beloved form is impaired. No love could stand the test
+by which mine was now tried; nor outlive the shock which it had just
+sustained. No impression remained to mingle with my pity except that
+of horror and amazement. I lingered for some time, unable to remove
+myself from the scene which had nearly deprived me of power to exert a
+muscle. At length I wrapped up the enamel-case, and its contents, in my
+handkerchief, which, putting into my pocket, I resolved to keep secret.
+If I spoke of finding these things, I should be obliged to bring them
+forward at an inquest. I therefore determined to mention the body only,
+without farther particulars, and at a distant day I might contrive
+some unsuspected mode of conveying the ring, which was his property, to
+Harold.
+
+My next step was to place a great stone on the extremity of poor
+Albinia's outer garment, to secure the corpse from being carried out
+again to sea with the ebbing tide. After this precaution, I ran as
+quickly as I could; pale and faint; to tell my story at the house.
+
+My father lost no time in taking measures for the usual form of
+inquiry, but no witnesses appeared to give additional information.
+"Accidental death" was returned by the coroner; and poor Albinia's
+earthly remains were attended to the grave by all the family of
+Glendruid, who, in this act of tender feeling towards the dead,
+forgot how little they had ever approved her living conduct. Norah
+was a principal figure in the melancholy procession, and bewailed her
+misfortunes afresh; but as nothing appeared to contradict the story of
+a clandestine union, the rumour still maintained its ground, and it was
+conjectured that the parties, desirous to elude pursuit, instead of
+proceeding directly by land, intended to cross the bay, and make their
+way through bye roads to Dublin.
+
+The political ferment was daily increasing, and indications of
+rebellion were continually alarming the well affected.
+
+In about a week after the funeral of Albinia, a packet of letters
+arrived one morning by the bare-footed messenger who acted as post-boy
+at Glendruid. As my father had written to Mr. Talbot informing him of
+all that had happened, directing his letter to Dublin, on the chance
+of its reaching its destination, I thought it probable that the packet
+just arrived might be from my Ferney friends, and loitered accordingly
+in the room where we had breakfasted, hoping to hear some tidings of
+the absentees.
+
+None being communicated, however, I stole away as usual to the sea
+side. My heart was dreadfully oppressed. Restless and aspiring by
+nature, I had no means of gratifying either my activity or my ambition.
+The transient dream of love which had filled my imagination, and
+furnished materials for many an air-built castle, which served to
+beguile the passing hours, had vanished. The blank which my mind
+experienced was insupportable. I would willingly have done any thing
+to change the scene, and give a new current to my thoughts. I envied
+the weather-beaten ploughman who toiled for his daily bread, and would
+gladly have engaged in the most laborious occupation which might detach
+my memory from recent events. The spectre of Albinia, arrayed in all
+the horrors of the deep, was present everywhere; and the particulars of
+that frightful picture disturbed my sleep. I could not read; if I fixed
+my eyes but for a moment on a book, I found them wandering; and if I
+compelled myself to finish a page, I had no impression of its contents,
+on which the outward sense had only been employed, while attention
+strayed and resisted all control. Sadly and listlessly lounging in my
+rocky recess, I heard M'Farlane's voice calling my name. I started up,
+and advancing to meet him, was informed that my father and mother had
+gone to the Glyn, whither they desired that I should follow.
+
+I felt little satisfaction in obeying this summons, conscious as I was
+of not meriting any agreeable communication at the meeting, and always
+fearful of scrutiny into my conduct.
+
+What misery is the portion of those who quit the path of duty! but
+I made no such comment _then_, though I practically experienced its
+truth, and writhed under its influence.
+
+When I reached the rustic seat in the Glyn, where my parents awaited
+my coming, a mingled sensation of sullenness and shame produced
+awkwardness on my part, the pain of which I still remember. How
+beautiful the youthful glow of artlessness and affection! I could not
+look up, yet disdained to cast down my eyes, and attempting to brave
+feelings which I could not escape, sent round a furtive unmeaning
+glance, which dared not rest on any object, but spoke the perturbation
+of my soul, while it affected the ease of indifference. My mother's
+eyes were swollen with weeping, and my father's cheek was blanched with
+inward corrosion of heart.
+
+"Albert," said he, "sit down, and listen to a determination which
+concerns you. Your mother and I have resolved on accepting the kind
+offer of your uncle, who long since desired to have one of our sons
+sent to Quebec; but we declined the proposal. There was a time in
+which we fondly hoped to see our children provided for nearer home.
+None of you wished to engage in commerce, and your happiness"--here my
+poor father's voice faltered--"having ever been our dearest earthly
+object, you were indulged at the expense of worldly prudence, and I
+gratefully refused for you all, my brother's kind invitation. Your
+uncle remonstrated; censured my weakness; and foretold that a day of
+repentance would come. Such a day has arrived, but to propitiate a near
+and dear relation who felt wounded by the rejection of his services,
+appeared a difficult task. It was very doubtful too, whether in times
+like these, he would incur the hazard of taking into his house a person
+of your age, who might not be found easily trainable, and who might
+also, perhaps, carry along with him the unwelcome contagion of that
+fatal epidemic which is desolating Ireland. The matter, however, is
+accomplished; your mother has succeeded; the lot falls on you, and
+we shall lose no time in making the necessary preparations for your
+departure to Liverpool, whence you are to embark for Canada. I do not
+give you any option. You have ceased to be a child, it is true, but
+you have acted too like a mischievous one to be allowed any farther
+latitude. We have no fortune. Our sons must depend upon their own
+exertions for independence. Though I fear that you care no longer for
+our affection, you will nevertheless have our prayers; and may He who
+alone can soften your heart make you sensible of your errors, and guide
+you in the paths of virtue."
+
+My mother could not utter a word, but she held her hand to me; I took,
+and pressed it with some energy, but my sudden animation was caused by
+the joy of seeing a prospect opened for quitting home. This was truly
+emancipation, let it come in what form it might, as the breaking up
+of Painesville and Ferney had destroyed the local interests, which
+I had mistaken for a more comprehensive principle; and the tragical
+termination of my romance with poor Albinia, had left a chasm
+impossible to be described. I hated the idea of being a merchant, but
+the distant evil merged in the present good. My fears for the future
+were undefined, while the rapture of leaving Glendruid was certain.
+Hope was soon busy in weaving a gay tissue of things to come. The deep
+affront which had been conveyed in the paper discovered by Macfarlane,
+rankled in my breast, and in fact had served to turn me from the party
+who had acted with such dissimulation as disgusted my self-love, though
+it had not the effect of converting me to better views.
+
+My uncle was a stranger to me; I had never seen him, but he was
+accounted a sensible man. No doubt he was a modern philosopher, or
+if not, my eloquence would soon persuade him. America was a soil in
+which the tree of liberty already flourished. I should breathe an
+atmosphere of inspiration, I should detail with all the ardour of young
+enthusiasm those scenes which I left behind, and paint with raptured
+glow the noble struggle for freedom which was in progress. Unfettered,
+unconstrained, I should revel in the wilds of intellectual expansion;
+and if catching fire from the reflection of my own fervor, I were to
+transgress the dull limits of _mere fact_, and embellish my story in a
+good cause, there would be no troublesome truth-teller at hand to shake
+his head at me. Listening crowds would admire, and my uncle, proud of
+his nephew, would encourage the exhibition of my powers. My fame would
+extend. It would soon be discovered that talents like mine were suited
+to higher purposes than penning consignments of cotton and indigo; and
+that my abilities were somewhat above the farrago of "sugars dull, rums
+looking up, pimento flat, coffees lively, tobacco smart," and all the
+vulgar gibberish of trade. I should first be my uncle's idol, next his
+heir, and conclude by performing a conspicuous part when I returned on
+the theatre of Europe.
+
+These idle fantasies are tedious to record, but passed with such
+rapidity through my mind, that after a short pause, during which my
+silence was perhaps attributed to contrition for the past, I assured
+my parents of my entire willingness to acquiesce in their plans; and
+arrangements were immediately commenced.
+
+Time, which had crept slothfully with me, now trimmed his wing. My days
+were no longer spent in moping along the beach, nor my mind evaporized
+in fertile reverie; I was employed from sun-rise to sun-set, in
+examining maps, exploring Gazetteers, collecting whatever newspapers
+and magazines I could find to aid my future exploits in oratory,
+and making all the preparation within my slender means for my great
+_Hegira_.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER V.
+
+
+At length the welcome day arrived, "big with the fate of Cato and of
+Rome;" and on a brilliant dawn, the sun shining brightly as though in
+harmony with all mankind, did I bid adieu to the home of my youth. I
+was not so completely lost to every good feeling, as to take leave of
+my mother without emotion. I could not forgive my father for being a
+clergyman, nor my sisters for not adopting my political speculations,
+but my mother, that kindest of mothers, was fading sensibly away. Her
+sinking spirits and wasted form, bespoke a saddened soul; and when I
+felt her tears bedew my cheek, something like affection glowed at my
+heart, and I embraced her with a transient gleam of contrite tenderness.
+
+Oh! could I have foreseen that I should never behold that face again,
+perhaps my obdurate nature would have yielded to the softening
+influence of maternal love; but I broke through the scene, and hurried
+forward.
+
+I was to cross the Bay, and embark in a little boat from the Black
+Point of stormy memory. Though I traversed the waters in the same
+direction which had been fatal to that unfortunate little band, not
+one of whom it was supposed had survived to relate the terrors of a
+night which had exchanged for them the warm realities of this busy
+world for the "cold obstruction" of death, my mind was too elate for
+reflection. Though I was bidding, perhaps, a last farewell to all that
+I once loved, the buoyancy of my spirit was more subdued by dread of
+any obstacle which might impede my flight than by thoughts so naturally
+calculated to awaken sorrowful remembrance. I pressed onwards with
+eager speed. Maria had slipped a packet into my hand as I pushed
+from the shore, and my brief supplies being all comprised in a small
+portmanteau and a bag, I was soon on board, and gazing with new-born
+transports on the receding landscape.
+
+Such was my anxiety to quit the scene of early days, that I did
+not breathe freely till having shaken hands with my brothers, who
+accompanied me to the opposite side, I saw them splash their oars
+again, on their return to Glendruid. I then placed my luggage on the
+shoulders of a bare-legged youth, whom curiosity to see the landing,
+had attracted to the strand, and set out on foot for the little town,
+from whence I hoped to find speedy conveyance to the capital.
+
+I walked fifteen miles on that day, and Irish miles are not of the
+shortest, nor the smoothest, but I felt as if they had been only so
+many yards. Arrived at the wretched tenement, styled, through courtesy,
+an inn, I asked for refreshment, and thought a tough fowl, with its
+accompaniment of rancid bacon, both barbarously dressed, and worse
+served up, the most delicious morsel I had ever tasted. Exhilarated
+by my repast, I became more gladsome every moment, and sallying forth
+into the miserable stable-yard of this obscure place, I collected
+round me a set of raggamuffins, who are always to be found idle and
+lounging in such situations, and beginning with a few of the favourite
+watch-words of the time, delivered an harangue by way of experiment to
+the delighted rabble.
+
+I talked with loud voice; expounded political doctrines; praised free
+trade, and free thinking; abused the Protestant ascendancy; assured
+the people, who only wanted employment, that they were groaning under
+a vicious administration; informed them, that though they were free
+to go to mass every Sunday, and receive every rite of their Church
+from the hands of their priests, they might, notwithstanding, rely
+on the fact, that they were suffering martyrdom from persecution on
+account of their faith, interspersing my oration with such palatable
+incitements to exertion for the recovery of rights which had, I
+maintained, been wrested from them by the hand of lawless strength,
+that my audience became frantic with applause; but I own that I was
+confounded by a practical illustration of my remarks on the shamefully
+unequal distribution of property, which now awaited me, and furnished
+the comment on my text. My new travelling cloak which I could ill
+replace, had disappeared while I was addressing the mob. "Ungrateful
+miscreants," said I to the landlord, "only imagine such an act, at the
+very moment when I was wearing my lungs out in their cause!"
+
+An old man, who had reached the inn on horseback, with his valise
+behind him, and enormous spatterdashes buttoned up his legs, just as I
+arrived, smiled complacently at me as he listened to this apostrophe,
+and stepping up, said with a kind, yet sarcastic air:
+
+"Young gentleman, you should be proud of your eloquence, which has
+proved itself so fruitful. No doubt, as you have a coat, which in all
+likelihood the thief had not, he thought that you might dispense with
+your cloak, upon the principle of equalization which you had been
+propounding. If you will do me the favour of drinking tea with me this
+evening, I will try what I can do for the recovery of your property,
+through the aid of a few maxims very different from those which you
+would instil. I am a magistrate, and it is my duty to translate the
+little words _meum_ and _tuum_ for the poorest as well as the richest,
+who come within my jurisdiction."
+
+I would fain have avoided the tea-drinking, but my cloak was not
+to be relinquished without an effort, and fearing to offend my new
+acquaintance by a rejection of his invitation, I accompanied him to a
+little shabby room, with sand-sprinkled floor, where a coarse apparatus
+of delft covered with all colours of the rainbow, was arranged on a
+small oak table, while a kettle, black as soot, was singing merrily on
+a turf fire.
+
+As the reader may imagine, I was not asked to this _tête-à-tête_
+for the pleasure or profit which Mr. Vicars (for that was his name)
+expected to derive from my company. His benevolent purpose was to
+admonish me upon the folly of my conduct, which he did with excellent
+sense and discretion; and though his advice produced no beneficial
+result at the time when he gave it, I have often thought of his counsel
+since that accidental meeting. When the clock struck nine, I wished him
+good night, alleging my intention of being early on the road the next
+day, as a good excuse for retiring, and getting rid of a conversation
+for which I had no taste. Mr. Vicar's took from his pocket a little
+bible, and I have not forgotten what he said as he put it into my hand.
+
+"Young man, you profess your love of independence. Here is a volume,
+which if you will accept from me, and study with care, will secure
+you in the possession of that peace which 'the world can neither give
+nor take away.' Look round you at all the finest schemes of earthly
+contrivance. They are all rendered abortive without the co-operation of
+numbers. Of what use is the most ingenious invention, if people will
+not use it; or the best theory, if men will not reduce it to practice?
+There is the science of political economy, which is just beginning to
+emerge from darkness; you will find much evil, if I mistake not, grow
+hereafter out of the application of its principles, not because the
+wisdom of Smith and Turgot is no longer wisdom, but because the very
+best _human_ scheme ever devised, carries its own infirmity along with
+it; and if England cannot prevail on all the countries of Europe to
+accord with her view's, and join in her reforms, it is in vain for her
+to set up for free trade. If she should do so, she will only succeed
+so far as she is able to render the adoption of her principle general
+over the countries in commercial relation with her; but the guide which
+I give you, will pilot you through the roughest weather, and carry you
+safely into port, though all around were one universal wreck; here is
+the only real independence."
+
+I thanked the worthy man for his good intentions, but declined his
+gift, saying, that as I was born of pious parents, I concluded I should
+find, when I opened my trunk, that spiritual food had been provided for
+me.
+
+"Then," resumed Mr. Vicars, "I have only to hope that you may inwardly
+digest it, and so farewell."
+
+My cloak was irretrievably gone, notwithstanding every effort made to
+regain it, and I resolved not to harangue the people in a stable-yard
+again on the equal partition of property, without better securing my
+own.
+
+Before I went to bed, I broke the seal of the packet which my sister
+had given me at parting, but seeing that it contained a letter from my
+mother, which I concluded was a lecture, accompanied only by a note in
+Maria's hand-writing, I folded them up again, not feeling in a humour
+for farther exhortation after the dose which I had received from the
+stranger. The ardour of the morning had been damped, and I was not too
+well pleased with the latter events of the day; however, a good night's
+sleep, I thought, would restore my temper, but I had horrible dreams.
+I saw Albinia's graceful form, her rowan berry wreath, and green habit
+just as they appeared when she addressed our troop from the Cromlech;
+I heard shouts of triumph, then a shriek of despair; now lights were
+flickering along the cliffs, and Kelly's boat next appeared in the act
+of sinking.
+
+"Hang this web of tangled fancies, the fruit of that prosing man's
+strong tea," said I, as at break of dawn, I rose from my uneasy
+mattress.
+
+A common country car, was the only vehicle I could procure, "_the
+chay_" being in the hands of a wheelwright five miles off; so ordering
+this humble conveyance to be tackled, and filled with straw, I desired
+my luggage to be stowed to the best advantage, which done, the
+machine was driven on by a stout mountaineer, who sometimes walked,
+and sometimes sat on the shaft of his car, as circumstances invited.
+I varied my journey too in like manner, and enjoyed anew the ethereal
+atmosphere of liberty, when I found myself on the top of a high hill,
+snuffing the "unchartered air," and free from all human bondage.
+
+"What are the gaudy trappings of wealth but so many shackles imposed by
+luxury! What the ceremonies of a court but fetters inflicted by tyrant
+fashion to restrain the will, and destroy mental energy!"
+
+Thus did I reason while crossing the barren waste that lay over the
+broad heath-covered height, which my rustic charioteer assured me was
+the nearest short-cut to the great city. The morning was balmy, and
+the air breathed into my heart. The perfume of Nature was delicious;
+the song of innumerable birds exhilarated every sense, and I was
+in such harmony with all terrestrial things, that happiness seemed
+scarcely capable of increase. The pure, invigorating breezes, which
+played around my head, appeared to minister a flattering unction to
+my pride, in giving fresh activity, and imparting added clearness to
+every faculty of my understanding. The vexations of the preceding day
+were forgotten, and the world seemed to lie before me glittering in the
+brightest perspective. I could have addressed a senate, led an army, or
+done any thing that depended on strength and elasticity, in that hour
+of inspiration.
+
+But the path was rough, the way was wearisome, my horse grew tired; a
+few biscuits and water from the spring, afforded but scanty sustenance,
+and by the evening, as we descended to the beaten track of men, and
+saw the wide mail coach road stretching before us, the poor peasant,
+whose uncultivated intellect I had deplored, in comparing his untutored
+phrase with my own glow of fluent language, had now his moment of
+triumph. Calm and untired, he plodded over the craggy declivity;
+smoking his pipe with as little excitement as had accompanied his
+setting out, while my sand had run down, and I was exhausted with
+fatigue. Unused to refinements of any kind, my poor driver knew no
+want beyond what the simplest accommodation might remove, while I had
+already learned that I was _not_ travelling on a bowling-green, and
+that I _was_ travelling in a carriage without springs.
+
+As I approached the high-way, I began to feel something like a sense
+of shame creeping over me while I contemplated the possibility of
+meeting any one in my own condition of life. "It is never ungenteel
+to walk," thought I, and therefore, weary as I am, I will keep at a
+little distance from my unsightly equipage, and enter the little town
+at which we are to halt, on foot. Along the king's high road then, I
+made the best speed that I was able to do, lowered as was the tone of
+my spirits since first meeting the morning gale on the mountain top. My
+philosophy, too, had taken a more humble level, and much of my boldness
+had evaporated.
+
+Proceeding slowly, and with fallen crest, I heard a rumbling noise,
+and turning round espied a rattling, tattered, post-chaise advance.
+As it gained upon me, I heard my name roared from one of its broken
+windows, and stop! stop! shouted from another. Two young men stepped
+out--a joyous shake hands ensued. They belonged to our mountain muster,
+and were going up to College examinations. A few minutes settled
+the transfer of my luggage, and placed me between them. This was a
+delightful omen, in my mind, of prosperous fortune. All were pleased
+with the unexpected meeting, and the poor bony beasts that drew us were
+the only dissentients to the new arrangement. Their opposition was
+overruled however, and away we went.
+
+Four delectable days were passed in Dublin, with these young men and
+their associates; but the sinews of pleasure, like those of war, reside
+in the purse, and mine was too ill provided for longer dalliance. I was
+obliged to sail most reluctantly, but not till I had laid in a store
+of sedition, bought all the cheap prints of the day, and established
+correspondences, by which I was to learn all the news from Ireland.
+
+On reaching Liverpool, which was a new world to me, I went in quest
+of the gentleman to whom I was consigned. I found him in a princely
+residence surrounded by all that wealth could purchase. Mr. Arnold
+received me with most friendly hospitality. He was a man of high
+character in his dealings, and regarded all things in this sublunary
+sphere with more or less respect as they were connected with commerce,
+which in his opinion was the _summum bonum_ of earth. Considering, as
+he did, the Hibernian disturbances with the most profound contempt,
+he was more amused than shocked by details of our civil warfare;
+and seemed greatly diverted by my pompous accounts of marching and
+countermarching, attack, and defence. Any attempt at interrupting the
+established order of Church and State, was, in his eyes, the grossest
+absurdity, and to be put down, _vi et armis_, by the strong hand of
+power. He never troubled himself with history, and therefore was not
+aware of former revolution, or at least despised the Irish so entirely
+that he did not apprehend any resistance which millions of them could
+make. I used to burn with anger at hearing him say, "Sir, I would hang
+them every one, or, if I could, I would tie a stone to the Island and
+sink it like a dog in the sea."
+
+Numbers of people were flocking, about this time, to Liverpool for
+refuge. Some, through fear of the rebels, and many from dread of being
+considered such themselves, and treated accordingly. Mr. Arnold was a
+single man, and of convivial habits. His custom was to give the whole
+morning to business, and relax at four o'clock, with a few friends, at
+an excellent dinner, of which several of my countrymen were happy to
+partake, and pay for "solid pudding with empty praise;" and the most
+exaggerated descriptions of "hair-breadth scapes, and fights of flood
+and field," to the great diversion of their host. Some of these men had
+been obliged to fly with nothing more than the clothes on their backs,
+but such was the kind feeling excited for the refugees that they were
+received with the most liberal hospitality, not only by the wealthy
+traders, but into a society, which at that period could boast of being
+distinguished for literary taste, talents, and acquirement.
+
+It was wonderful to observe the fascination in which a company,
+composed of highly gifted and enlightened individuals, were often held
+by the dramatizing mountebanks, who came in droves amongst them; one of
+whom I particularly recollect, a coarse and vulgar man, but a master
+in the art of producing _effect_. His eye was quick as the lightning's
+flash, and could discern, with such celerity, the various expressions
+of countenance around, that he felt, with the rapidity of intuition,
+who, how, and when he was moving by his eloquence.
+
+I remember his affecting a numerous audience one day by a story which
+furnished a good specimen of his manner. It was of a boy who had
+suffered death for treason. The particulars of his trial and execution
+were similar to other details, of which the orator had recounted so
+many, that attention ceased to hang upon his words, and he began to
+feel that eyes and ears were dropping off. When, suddenly rising from
+his chair, and pointing as if to the fatal tree, he exclaimed,
+
+"Behold, my friends! see the accursed agents of despotism bearing that
+child to an ignominious death! Look at the little ruffled collar which
+plays to the breeze on that innocent neck which is presently to feel
+the hangman's murderous gripe--and sigh over your fallen country!"
+
+The "little ruffled shirt collar" achieved the desired end, and not a
+cheek in the room remained unbedewed, so well did this man understand
+the power of minute and incidental circumstances in working on the
+human soul.
+
+Like grammar rules, which are amassed in the memory long before they
+are understood or applied, my observations were made, because I had
+leisure to look on, but without affording any salutary deductions till
+a far subsequent period. My youth, and the retirement in which I had
+lived, gave me perhaps an awkward air, and though treated with the
+utmost good nature, I was not brought forward, which wounded my vanity,
+and afforded me much more time than I wished, for meditation upon many
+subjects, though I had not then sense enough to turn the remarks which
+forced themselves on my view to my own advantage.
+
+One conversation however struck me, and inspired caution, absurd and
+wrong-headed as I was. A question was asked, in my presence, of the
+orator to whom I have just alluded, whether, in case that a certain
+insurrectionary attempt, instead of failing, had succeeded, the persons
+who had been principals in the design would have been rewarded with the
+chief situations, civil and military, under a new order of government.
+The answer imparted a new light to my mind.
+
+"Pooh, pooh! Not at all. They _thought_ so, and therefore worked hard
+in the cause; but they would neither have become consuls nor dictators
+I promise you. They were not half bold enough for popular esteem.
+These half-measure men are very useful; nay, indeed, necessary, in
+the commencement of a general revolution. While events are doubtful
+they serve to tranquillize the timid and restrain the impetuous, but
+when matters are ripe for action, these fair and softly folks are
+sacrificed, as a forlorn hope, to make way for those who come after,
+and rush to the battle when a breach is effected. When the _people_
+are in commotion no gradual reform will satisfy. The mob, including
+all violent men of whatever class, do not desire to have grievances
+redressed; and are disappointed, like Lydia Languish in the play,
+when, instead of the dear ladder of ropes, chaise and four, and Gretna
+Green--the consent of parents and friends leaves nothing in prospect
+but a peaceable hum-drum marriage. Calm tempers, rational purposes,
+and moral systems, are very well for _beginners_ and are valuable
+instruments. They cajole the unwary, and gain time for the desperate;
+but the advocates of tame projects will always be sent overboard as
+soon as they have performed their part. In fact they are nothing more
+than stepping-stones, and when the factions have, through their aid,
+safely forded the river, they are voted to be impediments to the free
+flow of the stream, and removed accordingly."
+
+I was deeply attentive to this exposé, and forcibly impressed with
+the baseness of men who could requite the services of unsuspecting
+adherents with cold blooded treachery, using their best friends merely
+as scaffolding, to be thrown aside on the completion of the building.
+The scrap of paper found by Macfarlane in Kelly's cottage recurred
+to my mind, and brought home (comparing small things with greater) a
+parallel to my remembrance in the conduct of the Talbots and Lovetts
+towards me and my brothers.
+
+"All men who will not go to every length, are looked upon, I perceive,"
+said I, "as mere tools, and thus do the cunning repay their partizans."
+
+Disgusted and depressed, I sat ruminating at my fire side instead of
+retiring to rest. The truth was, that, piqued by the want of attention
+which I had experienced, I was out of humour, and mistook my chagrin
+for a fit of moral philosophy. In this mood I took my mother's letter,
+which, till then, remained unopened, broke the seal, and read as
+follows:
+
+"Albert, I am going, with a sorrowful heart, to address to you the
+last lines which you will perhaps ever receive from my pen. I write
+them for your sake, not my own. My days are drawing to a close, and if
+you do not destroy this paper, the words which it contains, deriving
+a sacredness of character from death, may hereafter inspire you with
+feelings which, while here, I have little hope to see impressed on your
+heart. Oh! Albert! my once dearly loved, I cannot tear you from this
+bosom, nor forget that you are my child!
+
+"Though I shall not live to witness a change, I do not despair of its
+taking place, and if it be permitted to a departed spirit, after its
+separation, still to mingle in the dearest concerns of earth, mine
+will hover round my Albert's head, and mark every repentant throe
+which shall agitate his breast; for repentance will yet have its
+day, and a time will come, when, throwing off the coils which now
+entangle, you will think for yourself and _be free_. Your soul abhors
+restraint; yet you have only changed masters, in abandoning the mild
+legitimate control of your natural protectors for the despotic sway
+of self-constituted authority, and this you call liberty, and are the
+dupe of a sound, while in reality you are held under coercion the most
+enthralling.
+
+"It is the cant of your party, that the world was benighted till now,
+and is at present emerging into day, from the obscurity of ignorance
+and barbarism. It is part of the same silly creed that man is capable
+of "infinite perfectibility," and is in the high road to attain it. It
+is not so; history supplies us with materials for a juster decision.
+Man, born to evil thoughts, and following mischief with a tendency
+inherent in an imperfect nature, will devise unholy schemes, and
+exercise selfish views in all periods of the world's existence; and one
+age is often employed in little more than overturning the institutions
+of that which preceded. In private life, the miser hoards; his son is
+probably a spendthrift; the third generation, perhaps, suffering by
+the errors of profusion, takes to amassing again, and so on. Nations
+are but larger families, still composed of men, imperfect, erring men;
+some better, some wiser, than the rest, but all liable to mistake,
+because all seeing through a glass darkly, and all unable to produce
+any plan in which evil is not a constituent ingredient. One government
+is established on the basis of wisdom and virtue, while another is
+grounded on the brutal law of force. The former becomes corrupt through
+confidence in its stability; establishments foster indolence; indolence
+produces luxury, and luxury enervates and debases the species; the
+latter, resting securely in its power, casts its galling fetters on
+all who are so unfortunate as to be subject to its domination, and the
+demons of prerogative and infraction stay not their merciless career
+till despair inspires resistance, and the yoke is thrown off.
+
+"Reform is wanting in both these instances; but, alas! it is always
+attempted by the young, the bold, the impetuous, and generally
+unprincipled; hence it is that improvement is not progressive. Bad
+passions mingle in, if they do not entirely actuate, new schemes. One
+man of more impudence or more courage than his fellows assumes to lead,
+and the multitude, who abhorred the wholesome restraint of the laws,
+follow the usurper with willing and slavish submission till fresh
+chains are forged more oppressive than those which had been discarded.
+
+"Even admitting, what is far from being true, that all innovations were
+the fruit of genuine patriotism, and that common sense, which perceives
+error, the inventor of new projects is still prone to mistake, as the
+sparks fly upward. Old prejudices are assailed by youthful theories,
+in which imagination, which is more active than judgment, and feeling,
+which is more prompt than discretion, achieve the victory. Whatever
+are the evils of any given state of society, they operate on those
+individuals who compose it sufficiently to prevent the reformer from
+being always competent to rectify the abuses of which he complains; and
+here is another reason why old errors are so commonly only exchanged
+for new.
+
+"Providence has so ordered, however, that in the _great_ scheme all
+works together for good: discussion sharpens sagacity, opposition
+provokes research, heresy kindles devotion, war leads to peace, as
+storms purify and tranquillize the physical elements; but this is not
+_our_ doing: this consequence is the ordinance of Him who overrules
+our follies, our eccentricities, our vices; and, giving them free scope
+within a limited space, precludes them from affecting the balance of
+the universe by straying beyond the bounds originally prescribed to
+the exercise of their activity. As the miser is not more benevolent
+because another gives in charity what his avarice heaped together,
+neither is an atheist, nor a rebel, a virtuous member of society
+because the unbelief of the one, and the insubordination of the other,
+increases the piety or the loyalty of a looker-on. The good of which we
+are permitted to be the humble instruments comes from _example_; that
+which the Almighty works out of our vices proceeds from _contrast_. The
+effect of the former is to sanctify the _means_ as well as the end, and
+bless him who teaches virtue to those around; that of the latter is to
+sacrifice the _vehicle_, though God may not suffer the brand which it
+rolls flaming along to consume aught but itself.
+
+"Consider these things, my son. The world is not of yesterday. What
+you and your companions are fanning as the sparkling scintillations
+of genius, now lighting on our globe for the first time to illumine
+its surface, are only the dying embers of a former age, revived but to
+perplex mankind with fitful glare. Quit your philanthropic delusions,
+and be assured, that however paradoxical such a maxim may sound in your
+ears, it is _true_, that he best loves _all_, who loves well a _few_;
+wide generalities are thin and diluted, whether in religion, politics,
+or affection, and the charities which profess to be universal are too
+frequently the offspring of laxity and indifference. It is the sunshine
+of domestic love which pours its gladdening ray to distant regions; it
+is the strong nerve of godlike _duty_ which braces resolution for grand
+and comprehensive enterprize. My Albert, begin at _home_. Happiness and
+independence may be yours, if you do not reject the means of obtaining
+them.
+
+"Farewell, my child. Despise not the words of truth because they are
+breathed by my voice addressed to you by my pen. Neither shall I long
+remain to molest you: a killing blight has passed over my soul, and
+scattered the sweet blossoms of hope. But it is good for me to be
+afflicted. Before I was troubled I went wrong.
+
+"May the Almighty bless you, my Albert; and should you ever discover
+that there is soothing in a mother's heart, ere mine has ceased to
+beat, knock, and it shall be opened to you.
+
+  "MIRANDA FITZMAURICE."
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VI.
+
+
+A soul not entirely dead to all good feeling would have been touched
+by this letter. Mine was affected, but not in the degree required for
+any permanent good. I folded it up, resolving that I would answer it
+affectionately, and lay a foundation for better times to come. The
+morning, however, brought other occupation, and the letter was put into
+my trunk.
+
+Mr. Arnold took me to breakfast with a gentleman who lived at Bootle,
+not far from Liverpool, and who had a son just preparing to sail for
+America. It was soon arranged that the young man and I should go
+together in the Washington, which was to weigh anchor in a few days;
+and my shipmate, whose name was Clarke, was invited by Mr. Arnold to
+return, and dine at his house with us. This youth was about my own
+age, and we had not interchanged many sentences before I discovered, to
+my infinite satisfaction, that he was Irish, and a rebel. We cemented
+a league of the closest amity, mutually attracted by these sympathies,
+and became inseparable.
+
+I now made the _amende honorable_ to my powers of oratory for the
+abstinence which they had suffered since my arrival in England, by
+opening their sluices copiously on my new associate, who, I found,
+had drank more deeply by far than I had myself done at the poisoned
+stream, and was quite _au fait_ in all the new doctrines. We discoursed
+of the persecuted people, of selfishness, and pride, tenacity to old
+systems, blind prejudices against improvement; abused the old and the
+experienced as incumbrances and impediments; talked of the clergy, who
+made traffic of superstition, and kept mind in bondage to serve their
+secular purposes; of learning as a dead weight on the active energies;
+and agreed that a democracy and an altar "to the unknown god" comprised
+our highest ideas of government and religion. All were decreed to be
+knaves or dunces who dissented from our opinions, and were scoffed at
+accordingly. Precious specimen of that toleration which we boasted!
+
+The ship in which we were to sail was delayed, but I rejoiced in any
+circumstances which protracted my stay in Liverpool, where I found many
+congenial spirits. Clarke introduced me to several of his acquaintances
+who were of our own stamp, and political sympathy being quite a
+sufficient bond to friendship, we became as intimate as brothers in
+a fortnight's intercourse. How gregarious are bad principles! Is it
+because vice is cowardly, and dares not stand alone, while virtue,
+in its boldness, finds independence? My mother's letter occasionally
+disturbed my peace, but each day weakened the impression, and increased
+the difficulty of an answer, which was at length postponed _sine die_.
+
+The hour of departure arrived. Mr. Arnold had taken no interest in
+my choice of companions. His attentions, though full of kindness and
+civility, were rather of a mercantile than friendly character. He had
+accepted me like a bill; I was indorsed and negotiated in form; _now_
+shipped, invoiced, consigned, and exported like a parcel of hardware.
+Accompanying me to the wharf, he recommended me to the captain's care,
+shook hands, wished me a pleasant passage, and, with all the alacrity
+of a haberdasher, whipped off to his counting-house.
+
+A favouring breeze filled our sails, and we were soon launched on the
+broad Atlantic. In Europe if you praise a man, you are asked whether
+you have ever had a money-dealing with him. In India, on like occasion,
+the inquiry is, "Have you taken a voyage in his company?" To the former
+interrogatory I should have had no experience to assist my reply, my
+pecuniary transactions affording me small insight into human character;
+but I now learned that the Indian test was no bad criterion, and ere
+many hours elapsed after I left the river Mersey, I began to find that
+the _concentration_ of a trading vessel brings many qualities into
+a focus, which had previously been too widely diffused to make one
+sensible of their existence.
+
+Clarke, who had a keen look out after comfort in the most comfortable
+sense of that snuggest of English words, had made the most careful
+provision for mitigating the _desagrémens_ incident to our situation.
+There was nothing wanted to complete his arrangements for the
+voyage. Captain Conroy was to supply my necessities by agreement
+with Mr. Arnold, but my friend Clarke, with a telescopic prescience
+of ship's fare, had laid in a store of luxuries which, adding the
+force of contrast to what of its own nature required none to render
+it abominable, certainly blackened my salt beef into as unpalatable
+a morsel as I had ever eaten. Clarke had brought new laid eggs,
+potted cream, sweetmeats of every description, and all varieties of
+pickles and _sauces piquantes_, while his well-fed goat chewed the cud
+contentedly below, and poultry of various sorts gabbled in their coops.
+
+Had my purse been better furnished I should not have profited in this
+manner by its abundance, for I was a reckless swain, and when politics
+did not engross my mind, it was given to poetry and romance, while
+the _de quoi vivre_ seldom presented itself to my attention till urged
+by necessity; and as we are said to "take no note of time but from
+its loss," so I never thought of food till I was hungry. Thus, till I
+saw the delicate cates which were displayed by my messmate, I did not
+recollect that such things were, and the second thought which crossed
+my mind was, that they would be common property. "It would be so, were
+they mine, and of course it will be so, as matters stand," quoth I to
+myself; but I reckoned without my host, and received my first practical
+lesson on the difference between savings and doings.
+
+I had hitherto seen Clarke either at his father's house or at the
+hospitable board of Mr. Arnold; but now that he drew upon his own
+resources, I found the case considerably altered. We talked politics,
+indeed, as usual, but my companion suppressed the tirades against
+worldliness, and calculation, with which he used to interlard his
+discourse; and muttered a hint that charity begins at home, and that
+liberality might be carried too far, upon a request for a little
+goat's milk for a sick sailor. In short, a more narrow minded niggardly
+being could not exist than Clarke, and I was glad to have discovered
+his character _au fond_, before we touched _terra firma_.
+
+During the voyage, I pleased myself afresh, with visions of the scene
+upon which I was soon to enter. My vexations in Liverpool did not
+extinguish my hope of being thought a shining light at Quebec. Vanity
+is an elastic quality and will bear many rebuffs. She, with ever ready
+unguents, poured soothing on the bitter waters of disappointment,
+and whispered that though I failed in Boeotia, I should flourish
+at Athens. Though Liverpool might be absorbed by vulgar traffic, the
+glorious field of America was in prospect, and _there_ I should be more
+justly appreciated.
+
+Youth stands many a shock ere it is discouraged, and ignorance is
+not easily foiled in its anticipations. I was all elate, and when
+we entered the St. Laurence upbraided time with taking a nap, so
+slowly did it appear to travel, till we cast anchor. My uncle, whose
+physiognomy impressed me very favourably, gave me the kindest
+reception. In high spirits at finding myself on shore, I accompanied
+him to his house, which was pleasantly situated, and was speedily made
+acquainted with the map of the interior; but I must confess that I
+felt my vivacity somewhat checked at the sight of a room not more than
+twelve or fourteen feet square, furnished with a deal writing-desk
+painted oak colour, shelves divided into compartments alphabetically
+numbered, and a few rush-bottom chairs.
+
+This I was informed was to be my _sanctum_, and I certainly did not
+fall in love with it, neither did I feel much overjoyed at hearing,
+that on the following day I was to be regularly installed in office,
+and introduced to ledgers and letter-books. My uncle's dinner hour was
+three o'clock, and as I went to prepare for our primitive repast, I
+laid my little plan for making a figure in our first _tête-à-tête_, and
+securing his good opinion. I meditated what I should say, and resolved
+to give him a highly interesting account of our Irish proceedings; but
+when the bell rang, I was excessively mortified to find that a West
+Indian Captain was to be of our party.
+
+Nothing could be more _mal-a-propos_. Since we were not to be alone, a
+few cheerful people would have been second best, but the number three,
+which is at all times and in all places considered unlucky in point of
+society, was peculiarly so upon the present occasion. I was totally
+excluded, and sat silently listening to the most tiresome discussion
+respecting freights and cargoes, unenlivened by a single remark in
+which I could participate. Captain Thompson was a square built stump
+of a man, who seemed to care very little about modes of government,
+provided that the carrying trade were not injured. He talked
+incessantly of crops and colonies, and my uncle, though evidently a
+man of superior intellect, seemed not averse to indulge his guest, by
+allowing him to start his own topics and dwell upon them as long as he
+liked.
+
+When Marplot took his departure it was bedtime. Candles were called
+for, and as my uncle bid me good night, he added, "Albert, I fear
+that this was a dull day for you, but I could not avoid asking Captain
+Thompson. He is a worthy man, and sails to-morrow, so I had no other
+opportunity of shewing him some civility." I was glad to hear that I
+should see no more of the Captain, and retired to my chamber with a
+heavy heart.
+
+It is amazing how we deceive ourselves at a distance from the objects
+of our contemplation! But as we go on doing so to the end of our lives,
+it was no great wonder that my fancy had been engaged, at between
+eighteen and nineteen, in drawing pictures very unlike the truth. I
+was now in that land of strangers which, till the present moment, had
+been a region of imagination. The vague rapture which I had painted to
+myself in the novelty of a foreign clime had dissolved in air, and I
+found nothing to stimulate curiosity, or justify an excitement, which
+was now followed by the antagonist feeling of chill and dislike. The
+notions of young people are seldom of a negative kind, because while
+life is in its spring, pain has not taught them that its mere absence
+is a pleasure. All their ideas of good are positive, and therefore
+the more vivid anticipation, the more certain is disappointment. In
+this sanguine temperament, I suppose that I expected to see the goddess
+of liberty seated on a triumphal car, and the Canadians running about
+_delirious_ with freedom.
+
+Whatever were the phantoms raised by my enthusiasm, the reality bore
+no resemblance to them; and I was surprised by the common-place manner
+in which the inhabitants of Quebec appeared to be employed in pursuing
+vulgar interests like other men. I read my mother's letter again, and
+passed a miserable night.
+
+On meeting next morning, my uncle accosted me with much good nature,
+and after breakfast, conducting me to a very well furnished library,
+said, "Here, Albert, you will find a tolerable collection of the best
+standard works in all the European languages, and you need not forget
+your Greek and Latin, as I have got a capital edition of the Classics.
+I do not desire that you should, in becoming a merchant, cease to be a
+gentleman. You shall therefore have free ingress here, as often as you
+like to look in upon your old friends."
+
+"They would be new acquaintances, not old friends, Sir," answered I. "I
+have read very little of late, and scarcely know any of these authors
+who adorn your book shelves."
+
+"And pray," said my uncle, "may I beg to ask what you _do_ know. I
+should have thought that you were at _home_ in literary matters. Your
+parents inform me that you had been designed for a learned profession."
+
+"Why, Sir," replied I, "history and the belles lettres are very well
+when one has leisure for them, but matters have been ripening into
+action with us in Ireland. The march of mind has been making rapid
+progress, and is performing wonders amongst our brave and gifted
+people. It is not easy, as I am sure you will acknowledge, to sit down
+amid a heap of musty volumes, filled with antiquated learning, when
+the living energies of a nation invite our sympathies. The truth is,
+that politics have occupied my head and heart so entirely that I have
+thought of little else."
+
+"The subject is one of deep interest and importance," answered my
+uncle; "though I am at a loss to know what a boy at your age, who
+is not in the army, can have to do with active measures, as much as
+it puzzles me to imagine how any but statesmen or journalists find
+employment in the science of government. All indeed may read the
+newspapers, and whoever considers the features of the present time with
+attention, has cause for inquietude. The age we live in is big with
+event, and many of its presages are alarming to a sober mind. But, my
+young friend, what have _you_ to do with national affairs, and where
+did you discover that men may jump into political knowledge without
+reading, though remember I do not say in '_musty volumes_.' I do not
+advocate mildew. I love a clean cover."
+
+I felt a little annoyed by this half satirical, half jocular, mode
+of treatment, but throwing back my head and shoulders, with what I
+intended should be a dignified air, and express confidence in my
+strength, I replied, "The reign of authority you know, Sir, is past,
+and the enfranchised mind, disdaining to be held in thrall by the
+shackles of prescription, has burst the fetters which retained it in
+captivity. Mysteries are abolished. We are not imposed on by sounds--we
+must have sense; we have banished the cumbrous machinery of learning,
+which, like the heavy horse of Prussia, served only to impede, not
+assist the operations of a campaign--precedent is out of date, monopoly
+is abolished. The unchartered intellect ranges at liberty, and we have
+thrown open the barriers; words no longer deceive--we study _things_;
+freedom has provided _short cuts_ through the wearisome wastes of
+religion and morals--utility is our test; and men may worship the Deity
+as they please. Priestcraft is exposed, the altars of superstition are
+razed to the dust, and the temple of nature is held to be our only
+sanctuary. Religion is thus stripped of her mask, while morals have
+undergone a similar reform. The jargon of the old school is declared to
+be obsolete, and the absurd doctrine of restraint is superseded. The
+master spirits of France have also carried the genius of reform into
+the social compact, and simplified our political views. The rubbish of
+antiquity is shovelled away. We no longer require folios of worm-eaten
+erudition to teach us, but justice, with her even scales, is accessible
+to all. It is the folly of learning which has obscured her decisions,
+and rendered that which is plain and straight forward crooked and
+complicated. We do not now inquire how our ancestors understood such
+and such points, for the mists of darkness are clearing away, and the
+human mind, borne upward by conscious strength, will rise into the
+glorious sunshine of liberty and become a law unto itself. What has a
+Cæsar or an Alexander to do with us? What need have we to wade through
+the jargon of the economists, and break down the soaring spirit to the
+low level of sordid calculation? Why should we revive the old fashioned
+stuff of national resources, balance of power, and such useless
+nonsense? Reason, Heaven descended, has resumed her sway, and man dares
+to be free."
+
+A hearty fit of laughter, accompanied by "well done, bravo," somewhat
+disconcerted me, and my uncle's reply when his merriment would
+allow him to speak, was not encouraging. "Come," said he, seeing
+me look confused, "I must remember that ridicule is not the test
+of truth, though we have heard the contrary. We will be serious.
+My idea of judgment is, that it depends on comparison, and facts
+are requisite to this process. I confess myself a sceptic as to the
+merit of many new inventions, and cannot avoid auguring ill of their
+consequences. Believe me, nephew, that some of the opinions which,
+unhappily for yourself, you have adopted, lead to every species of
+disorganization--but do not suppose that I mean to say, of either
+things or people, that they must necessarily be good _because_ they are
+old. Let youthful genius bud forth and blossom. I love to see young
+intellect aspiring, and would do all in my power to assist its flight.
+Fancy, too, has its charms, and the flowers of eloquence are worthy of
+cultivation; but the wisdom of experience may be allowed its place,
+though these lighter graces have their play. Nature performs all things
+in season, and the swelling pride of spring is as lovely in its own
+time as the ripened stores of autumn at a later period--but beware of
+what you are doing. These raw politicians will effect much harm, but no
+good. Only that you tell me you are no reader, I might ask whether you
+are acquainted with a verse in a certain volume which warns us against
+breaking yokes of wood and making in their stead yokes of iron?
+
+"If you doubt," said I, "that the son of a clergyman has read the
+bible, may I not hope that it is because you approve that liberty of
+conscience which I uphold?"
+
+"I uphold liberty of conscience, my young friend, _perhaps_, as much as
+you do," answered Mr. Fitzmaurice. "Let _conscience_ be the supplicant,
+and I could trust freedom in her hands. 'In all that may become a man,'
+I would protect the exercise of free will, but your schemes are founded
+upon license, not liberty, and so far from imparting power, would soon
+circumscribe its energies within a straightened compass. One of _your_
+freemen would require shackles to be placed on many, ere scope and
+verge sufficient could be found for his restless activities. I tell
+you, young man, that you must surrender a part of your natural liberty
+to preserve the rest, in every civilized state of society. Your modern
+republicans are playing a sad game."
+
+"But, Sir, surely there is no magic in the word 'King:' kings may be
+fools, and where there is no monarchy of mind, idols of wood and stone
+are more convenient and less costly than those of flesh and blood." I
+spoke with vehemence, and met with a rebuke which my flippancy well
+deserved.
+
+"Nephew, I cannot waste my time in talking nonsense. When you take the
+trouble of qualifying yourself for debate, I shall be happy to enter
+upon an argument with you. In the meantime you must excuse me if I
+decline what I consider 'vain jangling,' and assure you that I should
+no more dream of taking your present opinion on law and politics, than
+on a cargo of sugars; you must study the one, and the other, before I
+abide by your counsel."
+
+My uncle spoke well, and delivered his sentiments with a calm force
+which overawed me. There was neither foaming at the mouth nor any of
+the gesticulations to which I had been accustomed in our harangues of
+the "_Slat house_," where the principal orators were Mr. Talbot and
+Mr. Lovett. I felt abashed, yet trying to rally, I ventured to add
+something about intellect being given for individual exertion, and that
+grateful for the boon we should employ our own, and not trust to other
+people.
+
+"I am not apt," replied my uncle, "to look for gratitude as the fruit
+of pertness; and as for authority, I shall take leave to prefer
+_my_ oracles to yours. You refer to Paine and Volney; I have other
+standards, and I believe were the measure of our obsequiousness
+weighed, you might be found as implicit a subject to _your_ rulers, as
+I am to mine; but come, Sir, _tret_ and _tare_ must have its day, and
+my political, poetical, and oratorical nephew must be nailed to the
+desk for the next three hours."
+
+Though not an angry frown was scowled upon me, I felt that there was a
+sober firmness in the manner of these half playful words, which left
+me no option; so, like a sheep to the slaughter, I was led away, and
+ordered to my post.
+
+The conversation which I have detailed put the finishing stroke to
+all my castle-building, and brought my palmy hopes to the dust. My
+favourite creeds had not only been opposed, but in such a way as forbid
+any farther trial on my part to sustain them. The contempt with which
+my opinions were treated, irritated my temper, and galled my spirit,
+beyond expression. There was a something like pity in my uncle's eye
+under which I writhed and fretted a thousand times more than if I had
+been met with ferocious conflict, and been called upon to summon all
+my strength. I was humbled; my self-love was wounded, and a sullen
+despondency succeeded my presumptuous elevation.
+
+Deprived of my old companions, and cut off from my former pursuits,
+I was denied the blessing of solitude, in which I might have mourned
+my fate without spectators. A few feet of that rocky precipice at
+Glendruid from which I used to chide the heavy hours, and wish that
+every sail would bear me away, seemed now the Paradise of memory, and
+the whole world would I have given to transport myself once more to the
+craggy cliffs of my birth-place.
+
+I was immured in an apartment or office in which six other desks ranged
+with mine, and as many clerks, who seemed not to possess a single idea
+beyond the bounds of their occupation, were seated in rank and file, as
+I took my station. While busied at home in forwarding insurrection, I
+used to associate familiarly with the neighbouring peasants, and never
+felt the dignity of a gentleman compromised in such intercourse. There
+was nothing lowering to pride in such communion, because the _end_
+appeared to ennoble the means, and the grandeur of the purpose in which
+all were concerned, gave a character to the actors which did not belong
+to them in a private capacity.
+
+So I argued at least, but _these_ men were mere accountants; little
+better than machines of wood, and divested of every pretension to
+the distinguishing type of gentleman. I could not bear to hold the
+slightest fellowship with them, and after a cold salutation, which was
+answered by each with, "Good morrow, Sir," I was accustomed to take my
+seat close to a window which looked out upon an immense paved yard,
+surrounded by storehouses. A monstrous watchdog was sole tenant of
+this inclosure, and the entrance or departure through its gateway, of
+sledges filled with merchandise, the only variety which its dismal area
+presented.
+
+What a scene to be contrasted daily with the magnificent expanse of
+ocean over which my eye was used to wander from my native shores! How
+different my present prison from the rocky caves in which I was wont to
+contemplate the sea's ebb and flow, soothed by the curlieu's wild wail,
+and refreshed by the fragrant breezes wafted from the heath-covered
+hills, or the gardens of the deep! The towers of La Trappe would have
+been a welcome prospect to my imagination in comparison with the
+destiny upon which I had fallen. "In that desert region of eternal
+silence," said I, "thought would at least be free, and my wretchedness
+would be allowed repose."
+
+Tears which had ceased to flow from tenderness of heart, now nightly
+moistened my pillow. I was without resource; the stimulus of activity
+no longer braced my nerves, and the excitement of vanity had ceased to
+operate on my spirits. I found my boasted patriotism beginning to flag
+for want of sympathy; and I had so long depended upon its animating
+influences, that I could not force my mind into any new occupation.
+
+Those only who have felt the horrors of vacuity can enter into the
+sufferings which I endured. There is something more repugnant to the
+mind in being despised than hated, and more painful in the absence of
+every excitement than the presence of great misfortune. A thousand
+times did I form the resolution of snapping my chain, but whither
+should I fly; how subsist? To return home would have been, if possible,
+worse than to remain at Quebec, and I could not expect to be received,
+laden with the weight of my uncle's displeasure. The only alternative
+was an endeavour to submit to my fate.
+
+At first the effort was intolerable, and for some time attended
+with little success; but time was beginning to familiarize me to my
+situation, and I plodded for some hours of every day at my unwelcome
+task, more like an automaton than a sentient being, when all my former
+energy was revived by an accidental circumstance.
+
+
+
+
+CHAPTER VII.
+
+
+It may easily be imagined that with my feelings I had not much
+inclination for the society of my uncle. I did not, it is true, dare to
+offend, but I tried as much as possible to avoid him; and have often
+wondered since at the kindness of his forbearance. When the business of
+the day was over, it was my only comfort to take long walks, in which
+I enjoyed the luxury of ruminating unmolested on the events of my past
+life. I had been several months in America, when I asked permission to
+avail myself of two or three holidays in the counting-house, to visit
+the celebrated falls of La Chaudière. Leave was granted; and I set out
+by myself, carrying a small basket, containing such refreshment as
+might enable me to take the longest advantage of my _furlough_.
+
+Having left the boat in which I was conveyed up the river, at a
+convenient distance, I quickly gained the deepest recesses of the dark
+massy woods that surround that beautiful cataract, to see which was
+my ostensible motive for this excursion; my real object was to give a
+free course to my sorrows, and obtain a short interval of undisturbed
+leisure, to consider whether there existed any practicable mode of
+relieving them. The grandeur of the pines, and the solemn cadence of
+the waters soothed my mind, and brought consolation, without suggesting
+a remedy for my unhappiness. In the depth of this leafy seclusion, I
+poured out my complaints, without dread of interruption, and repined
+aloud at the severity of my lot.
+
+"Why," murmured I, "am I gifted with talents which must remain
+unexercised? Why endowed with activity which is to lie dormant? Why
+have birth, habits, and education, formed me for higher things, while
+I am condemned to the vulgar cares of loss and gain, in which I have
+no interest, and obliged to confine my understanding to the sordid
+purposes of accumulating wealth, which is to line the coffers of
+another, and not even reward my labours by enriching me?"
+
+Tired at length by self-directed questions such as these, which I could
+not answer to my satisfaction, I lay down under the shelter of a hut
+formed with stakes and covered with branches, which had been probably
+raised by some artist, who perhaps remained at the Chaudière, to take
+sketches, beyond the necessary time for seeing the water-fall.
+
+Here I fell asleep, and dreamed of home. I thought that I had landed
+in the Bay, and had toiled my way over the cliffs to Kelly's cottage,
+where I found my mother pale and weeping, as she gazed on the ocean,
+and exclaimed, "Better is it to shed tears over the grave of those we
+love, than mourn the living!" The voice which seemed to pronounce these
+words was so faithfully echoed by memory, that I started up, and broke
+into a passionate invocation to my country: "Oh, my dear native skies!
+beloved Island of the emerald's hue! nursery of freedom, land of the
+generous and the brave, when shall I revisit your coasts? Glendruid,
+thou lovely scene of infant joys, shall I ever look upon thy rocky
+shore again?"
+
+As I uttered these words, a slight rustling amongst the leaves behind
+me caught my ear; but ere I had time to turn round, my arm was seized
+with an eager grasp, and my eyes were met by those of Henry Talbot. No
+language could convey the rapture and astonishment of this unexpected
+meeting. A second figure, which had been concealed by the thick foliage
+from my view, now advanced, and I perceived a youthful stranger, of the
+most prepossessing appearance.
+
+Such was the agitation caused by this sudden, this unlooked for
+rencounter, that Talbot and I stood mute and breathless from emotion,
+and during some minutes were incapable of speaking. Such was the
+impetuosity of my feelings, that I was quite overwhelmed, and for a
+short space resisted the evidence of my senses, determined rather
+to believe that a vision had appeared to my disordered fancy than
+that what I saw could indeed be true. At length we recovered from our
+surprise, and mutual inquiry quickly followed.
+
+I now learned that the stranger who accompanied my Captain of the
+Mountain Muster, was the person for whose apprehension so much
+diligence had been employed, and such large rewards offered. So
+critical was his escape, that the violence of that storm under which
+he embarked, alone prevented the activity of his pursuers from being
+successful, and Kelly, whose secret services had often been useful,
+confiding in his skill, volunteered in conveying the fugitive to a
+vessel which lay off the bay hovering on the coast to receive him.
+Talbot had no design of accompanying the stranger's flight, but the
+melancholy catastrophe which occurred on the return of the boat towards
+the land, altered his purpose. He swam on shore, and aware of the
+consequences which would ensue from investigation, resolved to make his
+way to Dublin, travelling by night, and lying in concealment all day.
+From thence he easily contrived, with the aid of people who were ready
+to abet every scheme that favoured the cause of rebellion, to procure a
+passage on board an American trader, and it so chanced that the young
+man who now stood before me, did not arrive till after Talbot had
+reached Quebec.
+
+Ferney had been for some weeks the place of this young man's retreat
+before he left Ireland. He had suffered the greatest bodily fatigue,
+as well as agonizing uneasiness of mind, and even after he had taken
+refuge in the mountains, could not venture to rest his weary limbs
+in the same cavern for two successive nights. The last preceding his
+departure, had been passed in the rock-surrounded cottage of poor
+Kelly, and the following witnessed that sad catastrophe which it was
+supposed had engulphed its inhabitants, together with Albinia Talbot,
+who would not be deterred from the enterprize, her youngest brother,
+and Richard Lovett, in the depths of ocean!
+
+The two friends whom it was my fortune to meet this day, were now
+preparing to return secretly to Ireland, and were to leave Quebec on
+the next day. They obtained from me a promise of the most profound
+silence respecting our interview. We agreed to correspond, and I
+engaged their warmest interest in endeavouring to procure my liberation
+from a profession which was irksome to me beyond measure. The young
+stranger was deeply affected at sight of the seal and ring which I
+restored to him along with the case in which I found them.
+
+The impression made by this interesting youth upon my mind was
+indelible. Brief as was my acquaintance with that ill fated, but
+highly gifted being, the memory of it will never be effaced from my
+heart, and even now, when my whole character has undergone a change,
+I recollect him with the same vivid enthusiasm which this romantic
+meeting inspired. He and I appeared to be drawn towards each other by
+some mutual attraction, which brought us at once into contact, while
+I observed that towards Talbot there was an involuntary restraint of
+manner which seemed to say, "leagued as we are by similar fortunes, and
+bound as I am in chains of gratitude, we cannot unite in the bonds of
+friendship, so different are the materials of which we are formed."
+
+Truth had placed her throne on that countenance, which wore a noble
+expression of mildness and sincerity. A natural grace marked every
+movement, while candour and moderation characterized every word which
+flowed from the lips of one, who in this transient glimpse, when I
+beheld him for the first moment in my life, infused into my soul such
+assurance of his worth, that I would have followed him to the limits
+of creation, and trusted more implicitly to a "yes" or "no" pronounced
+by his lips, than to all the oaths which could have been sworn upon a
+thousand altars. "Here," said I to myself, "is the effect of integrity.
+Here is the triumph of a _single_ heart over all the arts and ingenuity
+of dissimulation."
+
+I did not wonder now at my brother's devotion to such a leader, whose
+judgment only led him astray. My leave of absence drew to a close,
+and every moment was so precious to the fugitives as well as so
+dangerous while we lingered together, that taking a hasty farewell we
+parted, with a promise to meet if possible at night on the heights of
+Montmorenci. I regained my boat in a state of spirits very unlike that
+in which I had left it. My mind was filled with bright hopes, and my
+uncle, mistaking my cheerfulness for the effect of beautiful scenery
+and healthful recreation, rejoiced benevolently in the indulgence which
+he had granted, while I encouraged the error that I might profit by it
+again.
+
+The vessel in which my friends were to sail was delayed for some days
+by contrary winds. During this interval of anxiety they dared not
+appear abroad in day-light; but we held a nightly congress, and I gave
+myself much credit for the skill with which, as I imagined, I evaded
+all suspicion in my various contrivances for quitting our house after
+the doors and windows were barred and bolted, but I deceived myself, as
+I had often done before.
+
+At length the parting scene approached, and my feelings were not to
+be envied when I bid farewell for ever to one who had taken complete
+possession of my mind, and who professed the warmest attachment to me
+not only for Harold's sake but my own. He promised to see my family
+when he conveyed the ring to my brother, and I gazed on the sail which
+bore him away till it was lost in distance.
+
+An aching void now succeeded, I became absent and abstracted, blotted
+the letters which I was desired to copy, made mistakes in the accounts
+which I was ordered to look over, and manifested in every way how far
+my thoughts were wandering from the work of my hands. One day I had
+been more careless than usual, and after committing several shameful
+blunders, was going as usual to ruminate in a solitary walk, when
+my uncle entered the room, and with an air of gravity which marked
+displeasure, addressed me in the following words:
+
+"Albert, your nightly meetings with two young Irishmen on the heights
+of Montmorenci, are known to me. I am not a spy, but it is my duty
+to watch over your conduct while you remain under my charge. Take
+my advice. The choice is placed before you, between honourable
+independence and destruction. The puny attempts of an undisciplined
+rabble, and their hot-headed leaders, will recoil upon the agitators
+who will not subvert the Empire, but be crushed themselves in ruin.
+Begin your reforms in the right way, each with himself, and you will
+find work enough to do, I promise you. We have more talent than
+principle, now-a-days; virtue is becoming a mere theatrical quality;
+modern patriotism is a scenic display; our liberality consists in
+profusion of words; and feelings are cultivated for the sake of a
+passive impression, not for practical use. The noble exertions, and
+still nobler privations arising from self-denial, which elevate man
+in the scale of existence, are rarely to be found, and will be more
+scarce, I fear, every day. The present fermentation will be suppressed,
+but there is a secret adversary silently, yet busily, at work in the
+minds of men, which will carry on its operations unseen, till all the
+mass is leavened, if the enemy be not exposed before the mischief is
+completed. Seek contentment and respectability where they may be found.
+I am going, if you will, to make trial of your ability in rather a
+delicate business, and send you to Delaware, where I have reason to
+think that a man who has possessed himself of some property belonging
+to me, is hiding at present. He has stolen papers of great importance,
+and if on my explaining the particulars of your mission, you have a
+mind to undertake it, and acquit yourself satisfactorily, I shall be
+glad to reward your zeal. Perform the journey promptly and diligently,
+and it may be the earnest of future advantage to you. To-morrow morning
+every thing will be ready, and you will be provided with all the
+necessary instructions for your guidance."
+
+I had taken leave of my friends, and as some time must elapse before
+I could benefit by their exertions to release me, I was glad of this
+temporary diversion to my thoughts, and with my usual self-conceit
+resolved immediately on making a great character for cleverness and
+dispatch, which might bring pecuniary recompense, and thus set me free.
+The person who had absconded, and taken some deeds of consequence
+belonging to my uncle away with him, owed him also a large sum of
+money. If successful in recovering the booty, I might be presented
+with part of it for my pains. Overjoyed with this prospect, fancy set
+her loom again at work, and soon wove a golden tissue, which reanimated
+my hopes.
+
+
+ END OF VOL. II.
+
+ J. B. Nichols, and Son, 25, Parliament-street.
+
+
+
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+Transcriber's note:
+
+  Variations in spelling, punctuation and hyphenation have been retained
+  except in obvious cases of typographical errors.
+
+  A Table of Contents was not included in the original text. This has
+  been added.
+
+*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 44959 ***