diff options
Diffstat (limited to '44959.txt')
| -rw-r--r-- | 44959.txt | 5994 |
1 files changed, 0 insertions, 5994 deletions
diff --git a/44959.txt b/44959.txt deleted file mode 100644 index d8a10de..0000000 --- a/44959.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,5994 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Tales of My Time, Vol. II (of 3), by William -Pitt Scargill - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - - - - - -Title: Tales of My Time, Vol. II (of 3) - Who Is She; The Young Reformers - - -Author: William Pitt Scargill - - - -Release Date: February 18, 2014 [eBook #44959] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-646-US (US-ASCII) - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK TALES OF MY TIME, VOL. II (OF 3)*** - - -E-text prepared by Heather Clark, Les Galloway, and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made -available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -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 evenemens de la Vie sont quelquefois, beaucoup plus - incroyable que ceux que l'Imagination presente a l'Esprit." - - L'ABBE PREVOT. - - -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 -Parvenu 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 _lie_, 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 _tete-a-tete_; 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 Zoe -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 personae_ 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 Zoe. - -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 -Zoe. 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 Zoe 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 Caesar 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 _tete bornee_, -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 _prima 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 _tete-a-tete_ -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 expose, 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 _desagremens_ 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 _tete-a-tete_, 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 -Caesar 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 Chaudiere. 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 Chaudiere, 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 TALES OF MY TIME, VOL. II (OF 3)*** - - -******* This file should be named 44959.txt or 44959.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/4/4/9/5/44959 - - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, -set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to -copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to -protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project -Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you -charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you -do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the -rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose -such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and -research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do -practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is -subject to the trademark license, especially commercial -redistribution. - - - -*** START: FULL LICENSE *** - -THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE -PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK - -To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free -distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work -(or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project -Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project -Gutenberg-tm License available with this file or online at - www.gutenberg.org/license. - - -Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic works - -1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to -and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property -(trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all -the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy -all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. -If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the -terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or -entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. - -1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be -used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who -agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few -things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works -even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See -paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement -and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. See paragraph 1.E below. - -1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" -or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the -collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an -individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are -located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from -copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative -works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg -are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project -Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by -freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of -this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with -the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by -keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project -Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. - -1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern -what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in -a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check -the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement -before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or -creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project -Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning -the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United -States. - -1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: - -1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate -access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently -whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the -phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project -Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, -copied or distributed: - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org - -1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived -from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is -posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied -and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees -or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work -with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the -work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 -through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the -Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or -1.E.9. - -1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted -with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution -must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional -terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked -to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the -permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. - -1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this -work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. - -1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this -electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without -prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with -active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project -Gutenberg-tm License. - -1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, -compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any -word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or -distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than -"Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version -posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.org), -you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a -copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon -request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other -form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm -License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. - -1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, -performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works -unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. - -1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing -access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided -that - -- You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from - the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method - you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is - owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he - has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the - Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments - must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you - prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax - returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and - sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the - address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to - the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." - -- You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies - you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he - does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm - License. You must require such a user to return or - destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium - and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of - Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -- You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any - money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the - electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days - of receipt of the work. - -- You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free - distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. - -1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm -electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set -forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from -both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael -Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the -Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. - -1.F. - -1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable -effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread -public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm -collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain -"Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or -corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual -property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a -computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by -your equipment. - -1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right -of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project -Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project -Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all -liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal -fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT -LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE -PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE -TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE -LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR -INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH -DAMAGE. - -1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a -defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can -receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a -written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you -received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with -your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with -the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a -refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity -providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to -receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy -is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further -opportunities to fix the problem. - -1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth -in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS', WITH NO OTHER -WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO -WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. - -1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied -warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. -If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the -law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be -interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by -the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any -provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. - -1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the -trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone -providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance -with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, -promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, -harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, -that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do -or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm -work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any -Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. - - -Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm - -Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of -electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers -including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists -because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from -people in all walks of life. - -Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the -assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's -goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will -remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project -Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure -and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. -To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation -and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 -and the Foundation information page at www.gutenberg.org - - -Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive -Foundation - -The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit -501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the -state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal -Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification -number is 64-6221541. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent -permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. - -The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. -Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered -throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at 809 -North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887. Email -contact links and up to date contact information can be found at the -Foundation's web site and official page at www.gutenberg.org/contact - -For additional contact information: - Dr. Gregory B. Newby - Chief Executive and Director - gbnewby@pglaf.org - -Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg -Literary Archive Foundation - -Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide -spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of -increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be -freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest -array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations -($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt -status with the IRS. - -The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating -charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United -States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a -considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up -with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations -where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To -SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any -particular state visit www.gutenberg.org/donate - -While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we -have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition -against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who -approach us with offers to donate. - -International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make -any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from -outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. - -Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation -methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other -ways including checks, online payments and credit card donations. -To donate, please visit: www.gutenberg.org/donate - - -Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic -works. - -Professor Michael S. Hart was the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm -concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared -with anyone. For forty years, he produced and distributed Project -Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. - -Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed -editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. -unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily -keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. - -Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: - - www.gutenberg.org - -This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, -including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary -Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to -subscribe to our email newsletter to hear about new eBooks. |