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diff --git a/old/52375-8.txt b/old/52375-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index fac76b9..0000000 --- a/old/52375-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6123 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Blue-Stocking Hall, Vol. II of III, by -William Pitt Scargill - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world 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. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: Blue-Stocking Hall, Vol. II of III - -Author: William Pitt Scargill - -Release Date: June 19, 2016 [EBook #52375] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLUE-STOCKING HALL, VOL. II OF III *** - - - - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, David K. Park, Heather Clark -and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images -generously made available by The Internet Archive) - - - - - - - - - -[Illustration: Front Cover] - - - - -BLUE-STOCKING HALL. - - - - -J. B. NICHOLS, 25, PARLIAMENT STREET. - - - - -BLUE-STOCKING HALL. - - "From woman's eyes this doctrine I derive: - They sparkle still the right Promethean fire; - They are the books, the arts, the academes, - That show, contain, and nourish all the world." - LOVE'S LABOUR LOST. - - - IN THREE VOLUMES. - - VOL. II. - - LONDON: - HENRY COLBURN, NEW BURLINGTON STREET. - - 1827. - - - - -BLUE-STOCKING HALL. - - - - -LETTER XII. - -MR. OTWAY TO GENERAL DOUGLAS. - -[In point of _time_, this letter should not appear till later in the -series; but as it is an answer to the preceding, the Editor judged it -expedient to insert it in this place.] - - -My dear General, _Lisfarne_. - -It gave me sincere pleasure to see your hand-writing once more; and if -I had required any thing beyond the gratification of an assurance that -you had not forgotten your old friend, to put me in good humour, the -commission which you have given me would secure all the benevolence -of which I am possessed in excusing your long silence. Most readily -do I accept the trust which you confide in me, and happy shall I be -if my exertions facilitate the event of your return to your native -land, there to enjoy the _otium cum dignitate_ to which every man -naturally aspires who has passed the best of his days in toiling for -and realizing an honorable independence. - -It is one of the sophisms of this paradoxical age in which we live, to -prove that the absentee commits no crime against either patriotism, -or political economy; but I rejoice that you have not fallen into the -snare, and are coming to repose your mind, and spend your money, where -every honest man ought to bring himself to anchor; namely, in his own -country, and amongst his own people. By a lucky coincidence there is -a splendid mansion with highly finished grounds and plantations, just -offered for sale in Hampshire; and if I am fortunate enough to conclude -a bargain for the sum which I have offered in your name, I shall think -myself no ordinary diplomatist. The present possessor, Sir Reginald -Barnes, is like yourself, a _nabob_, but after rendering his demesne -at Marsden a fit residence for a prince, he is grown weary of it, and -is so anxious to dispose of the whole as it stands, that I am not -without hope of procuring all you want at a single stroke. - -This letter shall be sent through Ingoldsby, to catch you at the Cape, -and of my farther negociation with Mr. Snubb, Sir Reginald's agent, you -shall have due notice. I know the place for which I am in treaty, and -therefore, if I succeed, my _trouble_ will be as _zero_. If not, I must -look elsewhere, and you shall have reports of progress. - -With respect to your relations, I have the pleasure to give you -satisfactory intelligence. Your eldest brother, poor man, was -rapidly advancing towards "that bourne from which no traveller -returns," when Mr. Howard died and left him a fine estate, though -very heavily burthened, in Buckinghamshire, together with his house -in Grosvenor-square, plate, books, etcætera. To substitute the name -of Howard for that of Douglas was all the qualification required to -enable the family to take possession, and this was soon arranged. -Your brother was taken to his grave without ever having visited any -part of his new property, of which young Arthur is the heir, and a -very fine youth he is: he will soon be of age, and is now on a visit -in this neighbourhood to his aunt, Mrs. Henry Douglas, who lives at a -sweet spot which you may remember that I purchased for my invaluable -friend. A legacy of £20,000 left to your sister-in-law, by her great -aunt, old Mrs. Norton, has enabled that first of women and mothers to -reside at Glenalta, where she lives adored by her children, and by all -who surround her dwelling. I have the happiness to enjoy the beloved -society which her family affords, from which I am not more than half -a mile distant, and here I shall hope to see you, ere long, added to -the circle. Of Mrs. Howard and her daughters I only know by report: -they live _in_ the world, and I _out_ of it; but of Caroline and her -children I can venture to affirm, that had independence (beyond which -their wishes never appear to extend) been withheld by Providence, you -would never have known them in the character of needy suppliants, or -cringing sycophants. They are as much above any people with whom I am -acquainted in every noble principle of heart, as they excel all others -that I have met with in their powers of pleasing. Your nephew is likely -to make a distinguished figure at the University, and is as amiable as -he is clever. - -There are three girls, all pretty and accomplished; and as to your -sister, she is such a woman as, when you have once been in her company, -will no longer permit you to remain in astonishment that our dear -lamented Henry should have preferred poverty itself in Caroline's -society, to the wealth of Potosi without her. - -I trust to your own taste and discrimination for this tribute to your -departed brother when you become acquainted with the object of his -tenderest and unceasing affection; and will not take up any more time -in describing the characters of your family, nor anticipate the delight -which you will feel in exercising your own judgment as they develope -themselves to your penetrating eye. - -The family of Glenalta beg to send you, through me, their affectionate -greetings, and old Bentley, who is likewise a neighbour of mine, and as -_caustic_ as ever, desires me to say how much he rejoices in the hope -of shaking you by the hand. - -Farewell, my dear General! may you have a prosperous voyage, and be -permitted, ere long, to set your foot on British ground once more! -Believe me very - - Sincerely and faithfully yours, - ED. OTWAY. - - - - -LETTER XIII. - -MRS. ELIZA SANDFORD TO MRS. DOUGLAS. - - -My beloved Friend, - -Your kind affection has anticipated all that I have to say: it has -pleaded for me more powerfully than I could do for myslf, and has -surely told you how much I have been engaged on returning after so -long an absence, to Checkley. At last I begin to breathe; and my -little Agnes makes such rapid advance to returning health, that I can -now, without self-reproach, indulge in the dearest pleasure of life -except that of conversing with you, and begin once more to pour out -my heart into your faithful bosom. I may now in full security of our -punctual English posts give you undisguised details of every thing -most interesting, and expect the same from you, till the happy season -arrive which will, I trust, re-unite us, and give me the delight of -re-visiting Glenalta. I must obey you before I follow the dictates of -my own feelings, and answer your questions ere I touch upon matter of -another description. "Describe your girls," you say. Well, then, in a -few words, they are dear children: Julia is a charming creature, and -if I do not take the _mother too much upon me_ in saying so, is worthy -of that friendship which is the boast and pride of her life, and which -is bestowed upon her by your Emily. _Such_ a letter as she has lately -received, describing _the retreat_! but I must not digress. Julia, -then, is really, at seventeen, a most interesting character. She is -docile as possible, singularly artless and innocent, yet possessed of -admirable faculties, which appear capable of application to a great -variety of different pursuits. In short, whatever Julia attempts she -accomplishes, and performs well, but without the slightest vanity -that I have been able to detect. Bertha is handsomer, _quicker_, and -more striking, though not nearly so solid nor reflecting as her elder -sister. She commits more faults in a week than Julia in a year, from -an impetuosity of temper which was not corrected while she was a -little one; but her contrition is so genuine, and her nature so frank, -that I always find myself loving her better than I did before whenever -she has offended. She will be fifteen, you know, her next birth-day, -and is certainly much improved since we went abroad. - -The extreme youth of my dear girls, my particular _object_ in leaving -England being _truly_ the recovery of health for one of them; the -recent losses which they had sustained, and my dislike of company, all -conspired to preserve _us_ from the contagion of foreign influence; -while I was enabled, by taking my young charge entirely from home, to -break at once through a thousand ties which would have perplexed me -exceedingly had I remained at Checkley. What I should have found much -difficulty in _gradually_ unloosening, I have now boldly dissevered, -I shall not hold myself under any obligation to resume the thread of -acquaintance with any whose society may not be advantageous to my young -people, who at present furnish me with ample excuse for declining -_all_ invitations, and thus avoiding _jealousy_ on the part of our -neighbours. Julia has never been in company, and is the only one of my -girls whose age makes it _expected_ that she should go out. Bertha will -suffer no _persecution_ as yet, and my little dear Agnes is _hors de -combat_. Her delicate state affords me a reason, as genuinely sincere -as it is opportune, for lying by in perfect tranquillity; and during -this happy _interregnum_ I shall profit by your advice, and learn to -act with decision when I am forced out of my retirement. - -As I consider myself only in the light of _guardian_, and have really -no _stake_ in this country myself, even the most calculating of the -neighbouring gentry must perceive that I am not bound to any particular -style of life; and the more discriminating amongst them, I may hope, -will give me credit for acting upon principle. This is all that I -want. I know how impossible it is to _please_ every body, and indeed I -wonder how an upright mind should desire the approval of a multitude -made up of the most discordant elements; but I am much puzzled, -notwithstanding, what course to steer, and shall require all your -pilotage to keep me steadily in the right track. To give you an idea of -my dilemma, I must tell you what sort of people we are living amongst, -and present you with a survey of our vicinage, before you can be of use -in directing my steps. - -The Burleys, who are our nearest neighbours, are people of large -fortune, and decidedly children of this world. They have sons and -daughters all brought up in luxury. They have a house in London, go to -town every year, have large expectancies, and _so_ no doubt are full -of the present "life's futurities;" but while they are in the country, -they are inclined to be very friendly, and it will not be _their_ fault -if the inhabitants of their splendid hall and those of humbler Checkley -are not allied in close intimacy. I am quite aware how the homely adage -of "for want of company, welcome trumpery," applies upon many occasions -when fine people leave the "flaunting crowd," and come to rusticate for -a season in their country seats. But the Burleys, to do them justice, -seem to wish for a familiar acquaintance on truer principles. Sir -Thomas is a complete Englishmen, worthy, hospitable, open-hearted, up -to the eyes in county politics, and when the affairs of this _wider_ -range are so balanced as not to call forth the extent of his powers, -the parish cabals supply an under plot, which is sure to keep them in -full practice for larger matters when they may arrive. At present, the -game laws absorb all that is not given to conviviality, in the circuit -of his head and heart, _without_ the pale of his own family, _in_ which -he is deservedly beloved, and _of_ which he is the sun-beam. Lady B. is -simply vapid. She is neither ill-natured nor unkind, but so exceedingly -insipid, that were not a log as troublesome as a wasp, though not -so active, you might be justified in forgetting that she makes one -of the family group. Devoured by _ennui_ herself, she operates on -all around her till the whole mass would be _vaporized_, were it not -for the broad good-humour of her spouse, who is as alert as she is -inanimate. They do not _quarrel_, however, and the young people, though -very uninteresting, are sufficiently alive to keep up something like -cheerfulness, though not of that species which the French appropriately -denominate _gaieté du coeur_. The _talk_ at Burley Hall is so -entirely of fashion, and _supposes_ such a sympathy of pursuit, as well -as conversancy with topics of which Julia is ignorant, that I question -the honesty of permitting her to associate amongst those whose thoughts -and feelings are so much at variance with her own, and of such a nature -that I never desire to see her approximate to increased congeniality -with them. - -A mile farther off, we have the Henleys; excellent people, who are -from morning till night engaged in doing good. They are rich and -bountiful, friendly and good-humoured, but so strict, and so devoted -to the _letter_ of their particular sect, that if you agreed to -travel with them over a line which had been divided into a hundred -distinct measures, of a cubit length in each, and that after performing -ninety-nine steps in the series, you were to stop at the hundredth, -your former task would go for nothing, and you would be as completely -distanced as if you had never attempted to walk the course. These good -people are anxious in the greatest degree to enlist my young folks, -and like the nuns think it no harm to employ every art of affectionate -inveiglement to persuade them into an adoption of a certain distinctive -phraseology, and _form_ of thinking which I do not like, and therefore -shall endeavour to avoid without wishing to repel the kind fellowship -which is proffered, though I conclude that _our_ religion will be at -once condemned, when it is discovered that I do not disapprove of many -things which are proscribed at the Priory. I heard it rumoured the -other day, that I am considered one of the _pie-bald_ race. What am I -to do? - -Well, a third description of neighbour, and by much the most numerous, -I find planted in three or four pretty places at no great distance from -Checkley. There is a family of Liner, another of Peachum, and others -whose names I need not plague you by calling over, who with competent -fortunes enjoy all the comfort of life which money can bestow, and -feel all the title to consideration which belongs to independence; -_but_ who are so intolerably dull, unimproving, and self-complacent, so -vulgar too in a perpetual rivalry of fine dinners, fine furniture, and -fine dress, which have not even the stamp of fashion to recommend them, -that my mind revolts against introducing my nieces into such a society -as they form. - -A fourth order remains to be mentioned, and here my pen could -expatiate, untired of so delightful a theme. There is a family of -Stanley who live six miles from this, and with whom it would be -delightful to live in constant communion, if the distance between our -two houses did not throw a barrier in the way of daily intercourse. -They put me in mind of the Douglas circle, and can I say more to mark -the estimation in which I hold them? Father, mother, and children of -both sexes are superior to almost any people that I have ever met -with, learned, informed, accomplished, the mind is kept in a continual -round of exertion in their company, refreshing from its variety, -and stimulating from its animation. An hour passed at Brandon Court -supplies materials for a week's _rumination_; and, like animals that -chew the cud, we repose day after day, living on the nutriment which -we have collected in the fertile pastures of that attractive spot. -Nature's economy is such, in the midst of her lavish profusion, that -she seldom endows the same individual with very opposite qualities; -and we usually seek for the serenity of contemplation in scenes and -amongst people far remote from the busy practitioner. The Stanleys, -like yourselves, combine all the characteristics so rarely found in -union. At Brandon Court you have meditation, not monastic--seriousness, -not rigid--sentiment, never morbid--and practical energy, neither -coarse nor bustling. Perfect harmony subsists amongst the various -members of the interesting group. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley are truly _one_. -Every thought expressed by either, meets from the other a response -of delighted affection, whilst a joyous band of happy youth disport -around them, whose only rivalry consists in trying who shall contribute -most to the general stock of happiness, and pay most attention to the -cherished authors of their being. - -I fancy that I hear you exclaim, "How can Elizabeth hesitate? Why not -cultivate the Stanleys, and forget that there is a vulgar world to be -passed by?" I will tell you why Elizabeth doubts what path to choose. -These inestimable persons are stigmatized by the paltry and mindless -animals who environ them, and the Miss Stanleys are yclept blues, while -all the rest are called philosophers. - -For _myself_ you know, that I have no possible feeling upon such a -subject. Were I called _Blue_, because I was seen with the Stanleys, -or reading any thing but a novel, it would not signify. _My_ walk in -life has long been determined, and I have outlived (if indeed I ever -felt like the Mimosa upon such occasions) all sensibility to those -nick-names, which are so generously bestowed upon single women. I am -a _veteran_, and can stand fire. I can endure to be called by any -appellation, the _true_ meaning of which, is that I have preferred -remaining unmarried to being encumbered by the cares of wedded life; -and if heaven have granted any measure of understanding, have chosen -to employ, rather than let it lie fallow. But this is my individual -view of the matter. Have I a right to place my _nieces_ in society -which they would certainly love and imitate? am I to incur for them -the obloquy that waits on superior knowledge and acquirements in their -sex? impeding perhaps, also, the chances of that settlement in future -life which, though I have never desired for myself, and am in reality -very indifferent about for them, I am still bound to consider as the -ordinance of nature, besides being the point to which the artificial -laws of the world are universally directed. Many cares will necessarily -spring up in my way as I proceed, but at present, how to steer a middle -course between Scylla and Charybdis is my chief difficulty. With the -inanity of fashion, and its opposite vulgarity on the one hand; a -religion which deals too much in external observances, and the reproach -of female _learning_ on the other, is there any _honest_ method by -which, without sacrificing integrity of principle, I may _skim the -cream_ of _each_ class, and save my children from the evils attendant -upon _all_ the classes that I have described? Be my Cumean Sybil; look -into the page of destiny for me; say what is before me, and how I shall -act. - -The priest in the proverb, "christens his own child first;" you see -that I have adopted the same prudent maxim, and given you nothing as -yet, but my own story; but for this you need no apology my dearest -Caroline. Innumerable interruptions break my purposes, and deprive me -of any command over my time just now. By and by I shall be able to -write less selfishly I trust, and repay your kindness by more agreeable -matter than you will find in a _dish_ of egotism which I have served up -for your this day's fare. Before I release you, however, I must tell -you that I was not a little surprised yesterday, by the appearance of -an Irish acquaintance, Mr. Bentley, whom I have seen frequently at -Lisfarne, and uncle to George, who is, I believe, an intimate still at -your house, and Mr. Otway's. When I was at Glenalta, the young man was, -I suppose, at the University, for I did not see him, but I heard the -girls and Frederick name him familiarly. - -In the midst of giving directions to my work-men, a travelling -carriage drove up to the hall-door, and I was really delighted to see -Mr. Bentley, who is a highly respectable man, but who appeared in a -new light of interest to my eyes, from all the associations which -his presence awakened. I endeavoured to shew how glad I felt to see -him; and though I could not prevail with him to make a longer stay, -he indulged me by remaining, to pass a few hours, and walk round our -pretty grounds. In the course of conversation, I asked for his nephew, -and was answered, that he was at Lisfarne, where he would remain till -Mr. Bentley, senior, returns to the county of Kerry. I spoke of the -advantage which any young person must derive from such society as that -of Mr. Otway, upon whose character I expatiated with my usual warmth. - -"Yes," replied Mr. Bentley, "Otway is a noble fellow, though one -of your _oddities_; and poor George absolutely worships him, but -nevertheless; I am not very sure that his staying at Lisfarne is for -either his happiness or advantage." - -"Pray, how so?" answered I, "with perfect unconsciousness." - -"My dear madam," said the good man, "your friends at Glenalta are -too near I should think, for my poor boy's peace. I do not say that -_it is_ so. I only mean that such things flow naturally from near -neighbourhood, which often brings people into _scrapes_. I have known -many a heart lost through the insensible influence of contiguity. -_Op_portunity is the deadliest foe of the one sex, _Im_portunity of the -other; and between them both, many a match is brought about, to which -an unwilling consent is wrung out of parents and guardians when it is -too late to withhold one's fiat." - -I looked grave, and begged him to be explicit. "Do you speak merely," -said I, "Mr. Bentley, upon a general supposition of what may be -possible, or have you any reason to suppose that your nephew's -happiness is likely to be endangered? Not the remotest suspicion has -ever glanced across _my_ mind, and I should take it as a favour, -if, since you have touched upon the subject, you would enlighten me -farther, by mentioning the ground of your surmise?" - -"My dear ma'am, it is not _actually_ surmise. I may be wrong, and must -acquit George of having given me the slightest insight into his mind. -In fact, he is very close; it is the only fault that I find with him, -and my sole reason for _suspecting_, is derived from my own observation -of his avidity to puzzle his brains about a great many useless things, -such as chemistry, botany, and the like, which never put a guinea into -a young gentleman's pocket. Now, you know that Mrs. Douglas and her -daughters are so learned, that they could sack a grand jury; though I -must do them the justice to add, that no people in the country are more -beloved than they are. Nothing can exceed their unpretending goodness. -But George has no pretensions; he must make his own way in the world, -and cannot afford to waste his precious hours in learning what I call -_fal lals_, that will never help him through life. To tell you the -honest truth, I am a little jealous of both Lisfarne and Glenalta. I -see no business that any young man has to love or like mortal better -than his own flesh and blood; and more time and wits are lavished in -these foolish _episodes_ which just end in nothing, than would put a -man many a mile forward in his professional career. People fall in love -through very idleness and vacuity. A young tenant of my own, excused -himself lately, when I asked him what could possess him to marry a -girl without sixpence, by replying, 'Indeed, sir, she lived _so handy_ -that we were always together, and 'twas the same thing we thought to -get married.' Poor George would be probably dismissed by the Douglas -family if they entertained the least idea of such presumption, as no -doubt, a hope on my nephew's part, would be considered; and you will -therefore not wonder, my dear Mrs. Sandford, that I am anxious to get -my business in London, and a month at Buxton well over, that I may -return home, where it is necessary that George should see after my -affairs during my absence. I have seen a great deal of life, though not -upon a _grand_ scale; and I know the folly of romance. Mrs. Douglas, -I make no question, is as prudent as she is sensible, and has never -given her children so elegant an education, to throw them away upon -paupers. My own opinion is, that money is the only thing that does -not disappoint. I do not say the only thing that is _good_, far from -it; but while mental qualities may be only feigned, sweet tempers -and dispositions assumed but for a season, accomplishments suffered -to languish, beauty doomed to fade, money performs its promise, and -procures all the comfort, and all the happiness that it ever engages to -purchase. I repeat this every week of my life to poor George, but he is -so reserved, that I never have the satisfaction of hearing whether or -not I make any impression upon him." - -To this _exposé_, I listened with the most profound attention, and -could only reply, "my dear sir, it appears to me that you are putting -trouble out to interest, and _compound_ interest, by the view that you -take of your family affairs. I can assure you that the remotest hint -has never reached me, respecting any suspicion of a feeling such as you -ascribe to your nephew, who I dare say, is too much in the habit of -venerating your counsels to fly in your face, by presuming to bestow -his affections without your approbation; though whenever he _does_, at -some distant period of his life, obtain your permission to offer his -hand in marriage, I conclude that you will have no objection to his -loving his wife better than you, as he must make a solemn vow to that -effect, and cleave to her in preference to all created things. But -of one part of your anxiety, I can with certainty relieve you; rest -assured, that if the slightest symptom appeared to warrant my friend, -Mrs. Douglas, in _imagining_ as you do, the most decisive measures -would be instantly adopted to prevent any painful result." - -"I _thought_ so; I always _said_ so," rejoined hastily, Mr. Bentley. -"I knew that Mrs. Douglas had a judgment too profound not to determine -on marrying her daughters to men of fortune. I have told my opinion in -George's presence (not _to_ him, for the last thing I should desire, -would be to convey to _his_ mind, that an idea, such as I have confided -to you, ever entered _mine_), a thousand and a thousand times; and -I feel that my discernment is extremely flattered by your assurance, -that I saw how the land lay so clearly. Your allusion to interest, and -compound interest, is very just and beautiful; and I declare that you -have set my mind quite at rest." - -So enraptured was the poor man, or rather I _suspect, rich_ man, with -his own sagacity, and my illustration, that I found the greatest -possible difficulty in edging in a word or two to undeceive him -respecting your mercenary projects. If none are so blind as those who -will not see, there are certainly none more deaf than such as will not -hear. Full of courtesy, bustle, and acknowledgment, this little worldly, -but goodly _puffin_, bundled himself up in his chaise, and posted -off, lightened of a load of care, and in such buoyant humour, that I -prophecy a fortnight at Buxton will do the needful, and return him in -half the time that he had devoted to his bodily weal, in a state of -perfect restoration, to Mount Prospect and "poor George." - -When he was gone, I resolved on giving you intimation of all that -had passed. It is very evident to me, that this visit, which I took -so kindly, was paid at Checkley, for the sole purpose of _sounding_; -and I think that I can perceive exactly the conflict of his mind. His -vanity would be flattered to the highest degree, by even the remotest -hope that his nephew might be accepted at Glenalta, while he is also -manifestly bent on a rich wife for George with such hearty purpose, -that no disappointment is consequent upon believing, as he now does, -that there is no chance of a Miss Douglas for his niece. I am _sure_ -that he has a very _snug_ store laid up somewhere or other; that being -an old batchelor, George is his object, and that had he found reason -for his conjecture in any confirmation afforded by me, he would have -taught himself to be very well pleased, while he can, as sincerely, -turn the current of his thoughts into another stream, in which he -hopes that a larger quantity of the precious metals may be found. How -comically people who are accustomed to employ a little cunning in -their devices, betray themselves. Old Bentley, however, is a worthy -man; and a very acute, though rather a vulgar observer. You need not -dread the slightest indiscretion on his part, in making the young -man a party in his cogitations. One excellent remark which he made -with much shrewdness, convinced me that you have nothing to fear on -that score. "Madam," said he, "I shall never give George the remotest -hint of what has been passing in my head. No, no, when you want to -keep young people from committing themselves, be very sure of what -you are about, in expressing your fears upon the subject. If you have -reason to _know_ that there is an understanding, why then you _must_ -either sanction or refuse, and of course must speak; but if you have -to deal with timidity, or reserve, be assured that the first word is -half the battle; and in proclaiming your own apprehensions, you have -at one stroke levelled a barrier which might have remained for ever -impregnable but for your incaution." - -Well, dearest friend, here is a long letter. Let me have a speedy -answer, and tell me of George Bentley; is there any foundation for his -uncle's fancy: is he a person of whom you could ever think, for one of -your dear children? My sweet girls unite in all that is affectionate to -their young friends. Farewell. - - I am ever your attached, - ELIZ. SANDFORD. - - - - -LETTER XIV. - -ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND. - - -My dear Falkland, - -Whether I blush or not is not for me to tell; but surely I feel that -I ought to do so. Yes, it is an absolute fact, that I am ashamed to -recollect the date of my last letter; and, therefore, if you please, -we will hush it up. All that I will put forward in extenuation of my -guilt is, that my journal bears weighty evidence to the truth of your -not being forgotten. In that faithful repository you will find, one of -these days, a minute registry of all that passes; and I promise myself -much amusement at some future time in recalling to my own mind, while -I read it to you, this record of the happiest period of my life. Hey -day! here is a downright confession. Even so: and I am not inclined to -retract the avowal. As I am not in love, (at least I do not _believe_ -that I am,) I suppose that I have less hesitation in proclaiming -the state of my feelings than were Dan Cupid to be a witness to the -declaration of my being more at home at Glenalta, and more happy with -the Douglas family, than I ever felt at any place, and amongst any -people, since I was born. I find one great disadvantage in having lost -the thread of my good old diary, for I know not now where to begin or -what to tell you, though I would have you to know that my difficulty -does not arise from paucity of incident. On the contrary, my time -has been so occupied, and so many novelties have varied the scene, -that I am, to use a homely illustration, in the predicament of "not -being able to see the wood for trees." The _ground tint_ of life at -Glenalta is soft and reposing, without being dead; and it has latterly -been _picked_ out (my simile savours, you will say, of Long Acre) by -sundry events which have given contrast to its colouring. You are to -be informed that I am up to the eyes in all the pursuits which afford -constant delight to the Cousins: and would you believe that from -morning till night I am never conscious of time, except by its rapid -flight? Falkland, I am awakened as if from a heavy sleep, which had -dulled my faculties, and my mind seems to take new views of everything. -Will this last? If it should, the age of man is doubled by the -animation of such feelings as have been evolved in this Irish world. I -tread on air--the sun shines into my _heart_--and you will never hear -me again envying an opium-eater while I live. In three days we set out -for Killarney; and, as I will certainly devote a letter exclusively to -the _Lakes_, this shall contain a sketch of some minor exploits in the -way of sight-seeing. - -But I ought not to have proceeded thus far without saying that our -Fred. returned, after his short absence, wreathed with victory; and -I would give more than I am worth to have been able to call back the -shade of Titian by some magical incantation, that his glowing pencil -might have _fixed_ that arrival in perennial freshness. Domestic love, -what an exquisite painter thou art! Not all the most skilful efforts -of factitious refinement can group and touch like this artist of -Nature. - -It was Frederick's plan to be his own messenger; and, therefore, as no -announcement of success or failure preceded his appearance amongst us, -suspense hung upon the carriage-wheels as it drove to the very door, -and only gave way to joyful assurance, from the uncontrolable gladness -of Domine's eye, which sparkled a contradiction, detected at the first -glance by Fanny, to the serious air with which the travellers had -determined on playfully deceiving the sisterhood. "The Science Premium" -presently resounded through the air, and a delighted group of servants, -headed by old Lawrence, wafted the glad tidings to an outer circle, who -stood peeping from behind the holly-hedge, ready to catch the first -contagion that might reach them of joy or sorrow, without understanding -how excited, or for what displayed. - -When the transport seemed at its height, Mr. Oliphant abruptly -exclaimed, "But how easily you are all satisfied! Not a soul has -asked me what became of all _my_ hard work at Greek and Latin." Here -followed the news that Fred. was doubly crowned, and had also borne -away the palm of classical triumph. This was too much; the cup of bliss -was full before, and now it overflowed. No, I never saw any thing like -it; and even _this_ scene, I suppose, could never _again_ produce the -magical sensations which I felt. The intensity of emotion, and the -gradations evinced in its exhibition, from the silent, grateful tear -that trickled down the hectic cheek of aunt Douglas--then passing -through the gentle transports of Emily and Charlotte, the mad delirium -of Fanny, the honest pride of Oliphant, the full, yet chastened glow -of Frederick, the paternal exultation of old Lawrence, down to the -untutored burst of the barefooted mountaineers, reminded me forcibly -of that admirable picture by Le Thiers of the Judgment of Brutus, in -which you and I used to admire the author's tact in apportioning the -varieties of expression in all those numerous countenances, to the -exact measure of refinement in each which accompanied the feeling that -gave it birth. After the first tumult of congratulations had subsided, -I ran to the seashore, to get rid of some unwelcome thoughts, that were -not in unison with the scene which I had witnessed, when I overtook a -little band of young peasants, who were dragging along large bundles -of what we call gorse, but is here yclept furze; and this circumstance -soon turned the current of my musings. - -"Where are you going, my lads?" quoth I. "Plase your honour, to get -ready the bonfires for Maaster Frederick agin the evening." "I am a -stranger in these parts, and should like to know what all this work is -for," said I, turning to a fine, active youth, who led the van. "Why, -indeed, sir, I don't _rightly_ know; but, be what I can larn, Maasther -Fred. is to be King o' the College from this time out." "Och! you fool, -Jack!" cried another, "that isn't it at all. I heard my father say just -now that he was (that's Maasther Fred.) _cheered_ round the city like a -Parliamint man, and that he flogged all the scholars in Ireland." "Well -_you're_ out too, Flurry," vociferated a third; "for Nance Hagerty -tould Kit Lacy and she ought to know, be raison of being about the -cows morning and evening at the big house, that Maaster Fred. got a -power of money for making an illigant spaach about mancipashon." - -I was greatly amused. It was all the same to these poor fellows. Joy -was depicted on every face at Glenalta, and to enquire into whys and -wherefores is quite too tame for the rush of Hibernian sympathy. The -meeting with _Phil._ was another rich repast of mind; and young Bentley -seemed so share the scene like a brother. When I returned to dinner, -I found preparations going forward near the house which ended in a -piper and a dance upon the green turf, in which the young people of -the family took part. A great basket of bread-cakes sweetened with -a little sugar, and a single draught to each of Kerry cider, made -_all_ the entertainment as related to eating and drinking; hilarity -and affection supplied the rest, and I could not help remarking, that -I had never till then seen so many people made supremely happy at -so trifling an expense. With us at Selby it would have required the -winning wiles of at least an ox, and tree tierces of ale, to have -prevailed on so many people to come together. When assembled, they -would neither pipe nor dance: the gladdest tribute would consist in -a few deafening shouts, and, after some coarse and clumsy merriment, -the well-fed sons of England would stagger home, filled to the throat, -regardless of all sentiment which could not be identified with roast -beef and brown stout. Only give an Irish population permission to -share in your feelings, and you may have a crowd at your heels in a -moment, in any part of the kingdom, as I am told; but I can now say -from experience, that, if you _deserve_ affection, you may have an -honest flow of its choicest streams unbought, except by reciprocating -kindness. These poor people would endure anything for my aunt, her -children, and Mr. Otway; and though I have given you a ridiculous -specimen of ignorance, in relating the conversation of the bonfire, I -am bound in justice, as a _set off_, to add, that when the festivities -of the evening were at an end, Mr. Oliphant beckoned to two youths, -who appeared to be about seventeen or eighteen, and whom he called by -the names of Cronin and Riely, saying, "Boys, I know very well that -you are just longing to hear more about Mr. Frederick, so come in the -morning, bring your Homer, and I will show you the part in which he was -examined." The poor fellows seemed overjoyed, and kicking up a bare -heel behind, pulled each a lock of hair on his forehead in token of -thanks, neither of these young men having a hat with which to perform -the ceremony of a bow, and this extra-ordinary mode of salutation -serving as the substitute here for a more civilized mode of obeisance. -To my amazement, I now learned that several individuals are to be found -in these mountains who can read Horace and Virgil familiarly. The Homer -which was brought in the morning was a curiosity too, for so filthy, so -broken, and so disjointed a concern, I suppose you never beheld; and -it astonished me, not only to hear these tattered academicians read -passages with precision which were almost effaced, but translate with -fidelity, of which Cowper would not have been ashamed. Frederick gave -them each a new book, and I presented a trifling sum to be expended -in shoes and hats, sending off our poor scholars as happy as kings are -said to be in fairy tales. When Frederick had been at home a day or -two, he proposed that we should make the first use of his liberty in -extending our excursions both by land and water. "We will begin with -the nearest object," said he, "and as you enter with so much zeal into -our Irish character, I _must_ take you to see a person whom we have -given the name of Wise Ned of the Hill." The next day was appointed, -and we were on horseback at four in the morning, each provided with a -sort of _wallet_, containing an ample supply of sandwiches, a small -bottle of brandy, a canister of snuff for Ned, with a large parcel -of newspapers, and a tin box (which Fanny insisted on adding to our -accoutrements) to be filled with any plants which Glenalta did not -produce. In this rustic guise, accompanied by three fine dogs, one of -which is a noble animal of a species now very scarce, namely, the Irish -wolf dog, we commenced our campaign, halting at Lisfarne, to call for -young Bentley, by whom we were speedily joined. As we rode along, I -begged to know in the true Irish style what it was that we were going -to see, and why "Ned of the Hill," was worthy of a pilgrimage to his -shrine. "He is," said Frederick, "a most uncommon character, and one -who will, I think, reward your trouble in _getting at him_, for I can -tell you that his only neighbours are the eagles. Ned, like the poor -boys of Homeric memory, received an education beyond the vulgar level, -in the days of his youth. He was born of parents who were strict Roman -Catholics; and having an uncle who was priest in a neighbouring parish, -it was intended that young Edmund Burke (a promising name, you will -say) should succeed to his relation's holy office. With this view he -was taught Greek and Latin, though his temporal situation was scarcely -raised above absolute want. His father was an idle profligate, his -mother a bigot, entirely under the control of her brother, the priest. -The boy grew up in the strange jumble of fastings and confessions, -prayers and penances, with swearing, drinking, and all manner of -profaneness, acted continually in his presence, till his father was -suddenly seized with a fit of apoplexy, on recovering from which he -had some 'compunctious visitings,' and desired his son, for the first -time, to read the Bible for him. There was none to be had except one -which had been left in pledge by a poor Protestant woman, who owed -a trifle to the little shop kept by these people. Ned objected to -read out of such an unholy book, but the father insisted, alleging -that his time was hastening to a close, and it was no season to stand -upon ceremonies. A Bible was a Bible; and, if it was good _at all_ to -read it, the Protestant version could not be _very_ far astray. Ned -reluctantly complied, and felt it necessary at first, I dare say, to -perform a sort of quarantine after touching the sacred volume; but his -father desired that neither his wife nor the priest her brother should -hear a word about the matter. The invalid gradually recovered strength, -which he ascribed to the fit of piety that had come upon him; and -though he did not dream of changing his religion, and was punctilious -in his observance of its rites, he still felt a sort of superstitious -respect for the book that had been instrumental in keeping up a serious -impression of divine things upon his mind; and was not displeased at -seeing his son frequently poring over its contents after the daily task -of reading to the old man was ended." - -"At length Ned, through the single and simple force of truth, became -convinced of the errors of the Romish Church; and, afraid to tell -his parents, he quitted home, and sought the aid of an exemplary -clergyman in an adjoining county. From this gentleman he received the -kindest treatment, and the most judicious advice not to be precipitate -in the adoption of a new creed. This good man gave him books, and -protected his destitute youth from persecution, to which the poor -fellow became subject, as soon as it was hinted that he was likely to -renounce Popery; but Heaven had endowed Ned with one of those acute -understandings which are rarely found in any class of men, and the -books which were given him by the excellent pastor under whose tutelage -he had placed himself, did not satisfy his inquiring mind. Contending -between a sense of duty to his family, his temporal benefit, and the -habits of his whole life, on one side, and his newly awakened, and, -as he considered, providentially directed, search after truth on the -other, he roamed about, suffering the greatest privations, sculking -in the mountains, and indebted to charity for his scanty fare, till -accident brought Mr. Otway to the spot where he lay stretched upon the -heath apparently dead, and a ragged Bible clenched in his hands. He -was conveyed to Lisfarne, where he found the asylum after which his -soul panted. When his strength was recruited, he was supplied with -such books as were calculated to meet the sagacity of his doubts, -and a short time made him a fixed and conscientious believer in the -superiority of the Protestant faith over that in which he had been -educated. About this time his father died, leaving him a little -profit-rent of fifteen pounds a year, arising out of a poor tenement -in Tralee. This is Ned's _all_, and as soon as he became possessed of -independence he resolved to quit his benefactor and devote himself to -the good of his fellow creatures. No argument will tempt him to accept -of a salary that would better his condition. A few books, newspapers, -and a little snuff, are all that he will permit any of us to add to his -hermit's fare. You will see his dwelling, and be surprized perhaps by -his remarks. The mountain on which he resides belongs to an absentee -nobleman, and Ned lives there unmolested amongst almost inaccessible -crags. The singularity of his character, its natural force, and the -genuine disinterestedness of conduct which he manifests, combine -to produce unbounded influence on the minds of the people, who, -notwithstanding the charge of heresy against him, seek his advice, and -consider his wisdom as quite oracular. Ned's life is passed in doing -good. He traverses hill and dale on foot in quest of all whom he can -succour by his counsel or sooth by his kindness. His Bible travels -with him, and in spite of the avowed hatred of the priests, and the -heavy denunciations of punishment which two or three of them have -fulminated against any one who shall listen to, or harbour, poor Ned, -he is a universal favourite, and often let in at a back door when his -hosts would not venture to receive him at the front of their miserable -hovels. He reads the scriptures incessantly, expounding and applying -them to the individual necessities of his needy neighbours. He attends -the fairs, and prevents many a quarrel. His talents as an arbitrator -are in such request that he keeps several paltry cases of contention -from the petty sessions, and is even consulted as an almanack, for the -signs of bad or good weather." - -With this outline of Ned's character and history we approached his -extra-ordinary _tabernacle_, which had no appearance whatsoever of -human dwelling, till we reached it close enough to see a little wreath -of blue smoke curling up from an orifice in the rock, and were assailed -by the sharp and angry bark of a terrier, who lay sunning himself, -with a cat lying close by him on a tuft of dried heath. A few great -stones piled one upon the other, at each side of a natural aperture in -the craggy face of the mountain, seemed to indicate the hand of man in -bringing them together, and likewise to afford shelter to the entrance. -A stout wooden door opening inwards appeared the only means of ingress -to admit even the light of heaven, for windows I saw none. - -A few goats were roused from their _meditations_ by our arrival, and -I had just pronounced the name of Robinson Crusoe to my companions, -when, at the end of our scramble, which had occupied three hours -in its performance, Ned himself started from his _lair_, and stood -before us clad in a strong comfortable loose coat of a greyish frize, -manufactured in this country by the poor people. He had shoes and -stockings of coarse but warm materials; and moreover, a hat, which, -though it had seen better days, defended his head from the rude blast -of this desolate wilderness, and was fastened to a button-hole by an -old red worsted garter. Such was his joy at sight of Frederick, that -some minutes elapsed before he seemed sensible that his friend had any -companions. "Oh, sir," said he, "the news came to me just as I was -lying down last night; Tom Collins sent off little Maurice his son to -Tim Scannel, who put his brother across the bay in the fishing-boat; -and he ran every step o'the way over the hills till he brought me _the -account_." - -To have asked _what_ account would have been a direct insult to all -Ned's best feelings, and so Frederick thought, for he replied, "Well, -though I am grateful to poor Collins, and also to Scannel, I am very -sorry that they have been beforehand with me; I thought to have had the -pleasure of telling you myself." "Never mind," answered Ned, "they, -poor fellows, have not so many pleasures as you have, don't _begrudge_ -them _that_, for they had a sore _trot_ of it bare legged over the -stones to bring me the news; and by the same token I had nothing but -two or three potatoes that were cold in the dish after my supper to -give Jack after his long tramp over the mountain, and he was afraid of -being late for work in the morning, so would not wait till I could get -him a drop of milk." - -Here was a journey of at least eight miles, by the shortest route, -across the bay, performed at the end of hard day's work without the -refreshment of food or sleep, and without the expectation of a single -sixpence to reward the toil! La Bruyere, Rochefaucauld, and all the -host of the Machiavelian school to boot, could hardly _concoct_ a -bad motive out of the given materials, with all the maceration and -trituration which they could put this action through in their moral -crucible, which can contrive to disfigure so much of human nature. The -_worst_ incentive to such a deed which ingenuity could extract from -its analysis, might perhaps be discovered in that love of stimulus -common to all lively people, and of which the Irish are peculiarly -susceptible: they love to surprise, and be surprised; but I feel -certain that Tom Collins would have performed the part of _Speaking -Trumpet_ to "Ned of the Hill," without the aid of this excitement. I -am becoming enthusiastic about these Hibernians: but to return to our -mountain sage. He received us with native courtesy: his small deal -table was quickly spread with the sandwiches which we had brought, -to which Ned added a pot of fine smoking potatoes, and a red-herring -or two which he took from a stick on which they were hanging in -the chimney. Brandy and water (the latter from a stream clear as -chrystal that babbled by his door) finished our repast; and, whether -from the effect of novelty, my long ride, the purity of the mountain -air, or all united, I cannot tell, but I never remember to have -thought the best dinner in London half so good as this upon the top -of an almost trackless waste, from which we could see nothing but a -boundless expanse of ocean lying to the west. When we had finished our -luncheon, or whatever you please to call it, Ned invited us to come -and sit by the stream in which he said that we should find the finest -water-cresses that ever were seen; and "Gentlemen," said he, "I will -get you an oaten cake, and new laid eggs, and plenty of milk, before -you quit me." - -In the first part of his invitation we acquiesced, but told him that -my aunt would be uneasy if we were not at home early, and would wait -dinner. "Go, then," said Ned, "and my blessing go with you; for I -would not have her suffer the smallest fretting or vexation for all -the pleasure of your company during a whole week. She is a good mother, -and a good Christian; and deserves all the love and duty that you can -shew her." - -We then walked with poor Ned, and I begged of Frederick to draw him -out in conversation, that I might hear some of his opinions. When we -were about a quarter of a mile from his _fortress_, Ned invited us to -sit down in a sunny nook, formed by the rock, where the stream widened -into a large surface, and here we found the cresses with which our host -had promised to crown our simple repast. "I often," said he, "bring a -handful of potatoes here, with a grain of salt, and gather a few of -these to make out my dinner. It is a fine thing, sir, to think how -easily a man may live, and that too upon food better for him than a -lord mayor's banquet." - -"You are very happy, Ned, I should think," said Bentley, who looked at -him with the most profound admiration.--"No one is happy," answered -the hermit; "but I believe that I am as much so as anybody, for I am -contented with the lot in which Providence has placed me, and would -not desire to exchange it. Man is a poor creature, his life is but a -vapour, and the less that he is in the way of temptation the better is -it for him in time and in eternity." - -"Ned," said Frederick, "you have leisure for meditation, and wish that -you would tell me what you think of public affairs at present?" - -"Why, sir, I should be considered a bad judge of what the public are -about, I who live in the desert; but as every man has his own way of -thinking, I have mine." - -"This is," said I, "a time of great _stir_, and a great deal is _doing_ -that ought to tell either one way or the other for much good or evil." - -"Ned smiled, and answered, "Sir, _you_ might set up for an oracle, for -you are _sure_ to be right, as your prophecy will answer either way: -and that is the method that a great many take to get _over_ a knotty -point, when they do not know how to get _through_ it. No offence, sir, -I hope." - -I really felt a little disconcerted, and my companions laughed; but I -begged Ned to explain what he thought himself of king's ministers, men, -and nations. - -"Why, sir, indeed we all flatter ourselves, even such a poor humble -being as I am, that we can see all the working of the puppets, little -and big, but people are often mistaken who have better means of coming -at the truth than I have: all the way, sir, that I have to know what -is doing in the world is by the newspapers, which my young master -there (looking at Frederick) kindly brings me, and my notion is, from -spelling and putting together, that though I may never live to see the -day when such a matter will come to pass, a revolution is hanging over -these countries as sure as you are sitting there opposite to me." - -"That would be a strange event, Ned," said I, "as the consequences of -those changes to which I alluded, I meant the change from darkness to -light, from ignorance to knowledge." - -"Sir, I mean the same thing, though I do not give such good names to -what I think undeserving of them." - -"Why, Ned," "said Bentley, "I know a place within three miles of this -spot where you go three or four times a-week to teach: how does your -conduct consist with what you have said?"--"It fits like a pea in the -pod, sir," replied Ned; "I go to give what instruction I can to a few -poor things who are longing to know God through His word; and as some -are too young, and others too weak to climb this rugged height, I go to -the foot of the mountain to meet them; and don't you think that I would -teach every man, woman, and child, if I could make them learn the road -to heaven?" I told him that Nature herself seemed to point a finger to -the course of education in Ireland, for that such surprising faculties -as I found in the poor sons and daughters of Erin could never have been -designed by their Creator to lie dormant. "Young man, we know," replied -Ned, "nothing of God's designs, and your reason for teaching right hand -and left, is about as just as if you were to burn a hay-rick in your -neighbour's farm, and when you were asked why you did such mischief, -you were to answer, that a heap of combustibles was lying convenient, -and that as combustibles were by nature made to be burned, you thought -proper to set them on fire. But, sir, my notion is, that the gentry -are, as fast as they can, changing sides with the mob of the country, -for they are winding off at the upper end of the spindle as much as -they are winding on at the bottom, and so it will be only one thing in -the place of another after all. Education seems to be declining amongst -the _heads_ of the community, as much as it is flourishing amongst the -_tails_, and, before long, it will be found that the tails will take -the post where the heads are now." - -"Upon what grounds do you prognosticate this up-side-down, this new -order, or disorder, of things?" said Bentley.--"Why, sir, upon two -grounds: first, upon the ground of my natural reason, which tells me -that it cannot be otherwise; and, secondly, upon the ground of the -newspapers, which shew me that the matter is already coming to pass -under our own eyes. Without any help to my own thoughts, I should be -a fool outright if I did not know that education is bringing out all -the faculties that were rolled up like those daisies there, before you, -in their winter-quarters, till the sun warmed the mountain, and untied -the cords that bound every button of them tight and hard in their green -cases. Now, sir, God is no respecter of persons: His providence has -given understanding to the poor as well as to the rich, which only -wants what it is now receiving to bring it into full bloom, and if -the rich, who are the smaller number, neglect the instruction which -the poor, who are the greater number, are eagerly devouring, you will -find how it will be by-and-by: the lean kine will swallow up the fat; -and when men find out that their hungry wits, sharpened by want, have -gained the power belonging to knowledge, they will use it, and not rest -contentedly upon a wild heath like this, without asking themselves the -question, "Why should not we take those places that are held by men who -do not know how to fill them, and benefit ourselves and the country by -shoving out a set of pampered geese, and coming down upon their snug -nests with all the force, as I may say, of those eagles yonder?' Sir, -when things are ripe for this question, the end is at hand." - -"But, my good Ned, why suppose this neglect in the higher classes? What -should lead you to conclude that, though the blessings of light and -knowledge are spreading over the mass of mankind, the upper ranks are -not holding their own, and cultivating as before, the benefits, which, -with increased liberality, they are now determined to share?" - -"Why, sir, I know very well that 'as the twig is bent the tree's -inclined,' and if I look to your great schools, and your colleges, what -do I see but an undisciplined rabble, doing what they please, and the -masters, who ought to control youthful vice and folly, become like so -many ciphers. At one of your great seminaries I see murder committed -in a boxing-match, and the whole affair hushed up, as if no harm were -done. At another of your great schools, the man to whose care the -morals of your English youth are intrusted, runs away without saying a -word to any one, leaving a debt of £50,000 behind him. - -"Did I not hear young Master Fitzallan tell his father the other day -that after being at a third of your great English establishments he -had never spoken but twice to the head Master of it? Don't I read -of Oxford and Cambridge time after time expelling the young lords -and high gentlemen, for every sort of misconduct and disorder? What -do _they_ learn at the University, but to gamble away their money, -and drink French wines? Sir, my notion is, that the times are out of -joint. Children don't respect their parents and rulers. Parents and -rulers suffer children to get the upper hand, and think themselves -before their time, and without taking the _trouble_ to gain wisdom. The -wholesome restraint of the old school is out of fashion; bit and bridle -are taken off, and all the world scamper in the way they like best; -while, to crown all the folly, the grandees are whetting knives to cut -their own throats. - -"Suppose now, sir, that there was in all England, or any other -country, but one single regiment of men who had arms and ammunition; -and that it was the business of this single regiment to protect the -king, and stand sentry over your banks, and prevent all commotions -in your capital. If neither gun nor pistol, a dust of powder, nor a -grain of shot could get into any other hands, would not that regiment, -of only perhaps a thousand strong, be able to keep down a multitude -that we could hardly reckon? but if the tower is opened, and a hundred -thousand stand of arms taken out, and given to the people with plenty -of balls and cartridges, and they are drilled from morning till night, -learning all the new modes of squaring and filing off, the new _this_ -and the new _that_, while the old regiment does nothing at all, but -stand as if it was cut of paste-board, at the palace gates, and the -gates of your city; where will the rulers be then? Why, to be sure, in -the young and vigorous recruits, who only wanted what you have put into -their hands to knock your train-bands upon their faces on the ground, -like the poppy heads that some ancient warrior cut down for a sign to -let the enemy know what he intended to do." - -"But Ned have we not some long heads in Parliament that will keep watch -over our interests?" - -"Yes, sir, you have a few _long_, and a great many _short_ ones. Lord -Liverpool is an honest man and a sensible man. Mr. Peel is a man that I -believe would not tell a lie to make himself a duke; and the greatest -fault I see in him, is that he is so fond of sporting, and so afraid -that any of poor Dick Martin's feeling for the suffering dumb creation, -should interfere with his diversion, that he stifles the voice of -humanity within his breast; but it will not be so always, I hope, for -the best courage is ever to be found in a tender heart. The lion and -the lamb, sir, make a fine mixture in a man's character." - -"Then you think cruelty to animals a sin, Ned?" - -"Think it a sin!" replied Ned, with an expression of countenance that -would had have brought thunders of applause at Drury-lane; "Yes, sir, -it is a crying sin, and one of the very worst signs of our time. It is -a foul blot upon our scutcheon. When I was a younker, the gentlemen -did not set their poor neighbours such examples as they do now, and -we see the fruits. What right has a man, who is returning home from a -bull-bait himself, though he rides a fine horse, and has ten thousand a -year, to talk to an ignorant savage that he sees on the high road for -goading a jaded bullock to market, or belabouring an overloaded ass up -the hill? or what right has any man who encourages the wicked amusement -of prize fighting, which teaches people to become brutes, and mangle -each other in cold blood, to abuse others for doing the same in hot -blood, when they meet at a fair, and meet too as enemies who think that -they are _bound_ to revenge some real or imagined wrong? No, no, sir, -preachers must be _doers_, or they will only be laughed at." - -"Whom else do you think well of in our great National Assembly, Ned?" -asked Bentley. - -"Sir, I like Mr. Robinson. He knows his business. He found things in a -bad condition, and it is more troublesome to mend than to make. He is -going the right way to work, and he is not frightened by opposition. -Mr. Huskisson too, sir, is a sensible man, and knows what he is about." - -"What say you, Ned, to Mr. Canning?" - -"Why, sir, I think that at all events he can _talk_ well, and I love -him better for one thing that he said the other day, than if he had -given me a hundred pounds in hand. Do you remember, sir, when he defied -the house to shew him any act of liberality, any treaty upon a broad -generous foundation, that was not proposed by the Tories. That was -nuts and apples, to my heart, for it was _truth_, and very well they -all knew it, for not a man dared to contradict him; even Mr. Hume, who -contradicts every thing and every body, let _him_ alone when he threw -that challenge in their teeth." - -"You do not then like Mr. Hume, Ned.?" - -"I should like him better, sir, if he took the trouble of being better -informed. He, sir, is the watch dog in the orchard, but he barks so -often when no harm is at hand, or when he mistakes a crow for a band of -robbers, that when the thieves come in earnest, people do not mind him, -and the uproar that he makes then, passes by unheeded, which is a pity. -However, sir, he does some good, though not so much as he might do, and -the fear of _giving tongue_ keeps many a pilferrer out of the apple -trees." - -"Well, Ned, will it not be a fine thing for Ireland, if we live to see -the day when emancipation is proclaimed, and all animosity, discontent, -and rebellion, are laid in the dust?" - -Ned laughed heartily. "Wait a while," said he, "and if we live to see -that day I am a pickled herring. No, sir, 'tis not because I am no -longer a _Roman_ myself that I say it, but the never a bit of good -would emancipation do in this country. The _name_ of it indeed, would -make the people light fires, and drink a double dose of whiskey, when -they heard of it; and they would shout, and those that have hats would -throw them up into the air. You would have more noise, and drunkenness, -and bloodshed, and battery for a week or so, and when that was over, -and not a rap was to be found in their pockets, or a tatter left on -their backs, they would begin to look about them, and ask one another, -what they had got? Whether the potato-garden was lowered in its rent, -or leather in its price? Whether wages were raised or the necessaries -of life cheaper than they were before; and when they discovered that -all the difference in their condition was, that Daniel O'Connell and -his partner Shiel, might stun the House of Commons in London, with -their blustering speeches as they do now the Catholic Association in -Dublin; the people would find that they had gained nothing but broken -heads." - -"But though it were only a shadow, a mere name," said I, "if the -people's hearts are set upon obtaining it, will they not be happier and -more tranquil, if they succeed in the object of their wishes?" - -"Why, sir, as to _wishes_, you may set an ignorant multitude wishing -for anything you please. You might make them wish, like an infant, for -the moon, though they know no more about it, than that it looks like -a fine big Gloucester cheese; but if the moon dropped down to them, -and they discovered that they could not neither eat, drink, nor wear -it; that it would neither relieve them from tithe, nor cess, pay their -rent, nor manure the ground; nor, in fact do anything but set a few -learned men in the college talking about the length and the breadth -of it; I would not go security for their being satisfied with ther -bargain. Sir, when people are set on wishing, without knowing what they -are wishing for, it is well for them if it ends as well as the fable, -in a yard of good black pudding." - -We were excessively amused by Ned's dry sarcastic manner. Bentley -continued: "I think, however," said he, "that let Parliament decide -as it may, the bonds of affection between landlord and tenant will -be drawn closer by the discussions that have taken place. The poor -will love the rich better from finding the sympathy so general in -their suffering, whether the wrongs of which they complain be real or -imaginary." - -"Not at all, sir," answered Ned, with energy, "the people are poor -and wretched; they have many wants and many grievances to complain -of, but _those_, which their landlords might relieve or redress are -never thought about, unless now and then by such a blessed man as Lord -H. or Mr. Otway. _They_ make their tenants happy, they treat them -like Christians, and among _their_ poor people you hear no cant about -emancipation, they have enough to eat and drink, they are encouraged in -their industry, protected in their rights, they enjoy all the freedom -that they require, and as much as is good for them. But, sir, the -_talking_ landlords spend their breath and spare their purses; and the -people, who are not such fools now-a-days as to be caught in springes, -know the difference between saying and doing; they understand the -_decoy ducks_ much better than you seem to suppose. I know a great man, -not a hundred miles off, who is building a house as fine as Solomon's -temple, and he makes long speeches, and shakes hands with every -ragamuffin who can give him a vote; but he is not a whit the better -loved for all that, and why should he? He is a hard landlord, and they -say that he makes his poor tenants pull down their stone walls, and -raise mud cabins for themselves, that they may bring the materials of -their former habitations to help in constructing his palace Ah, sir, -words cost nothing, and a poor man would depend more upon the kindness -that assisted him with a sack of oatmeal, or a warm blanket, than upon -all the talk, empty and flourishing, that takes up the newspapers, and -gives the county gentlemen the pleasure of seeing themselves in print. -When the people had not so much experience as they have at present, it -was easier to deceive them; but you can hardly now 'find an old weazel -(as we say) asleep on his perch;' and the _true_ characters of the -landholders are very well known." - -Then said I: "Ned, if you have many such landlords, it is the less to -be lamented that they are so fond of going abroad. The absence of such -men is as good as their presence." - -"No, sir, bad as they are, they could not _help_ being of some use if -they stayed at home, and spent their money in their own country. Never -believe any one who tells you that the absentees are not one of poor -Ireland's greatest curses." - -"Ned," said I, "while I listen to you, and hear so many sensible -remarks from your lips, I cannot help thinking what a fine thing is -universal education, and how great a change _must_ be effected by -learning which will enable the mass of any nation to reason with the -force which you can bring to meet every subject that we have discussed -to day." - -"Sir, I thank you," answered Ned, "for the compliment, but I cannot -return it without telling a lie. _Your_ reasoning, sir, is not of the -best, if you will consider the matter again, when you would say, all -as one, as that books make brains. Why should the knowledge of reading -and writing, and casting sums in arithmetic make wisdom amongst the -poor, any more than amongst the rich; and you have plenty of dunces, -sir, in the higher walks of life, who cannot argue a bit the better -for any thing that they ever got hold of in school, or at college. But -even if learning gave understanding, which it does _not_, for that is -God's gift, still, sir, it might be, with all its worth, not fit for -_us_ in our present condition. If you gave me a barrel of the best -seed corn that your rich country ever grew, I could not say but that -it was a good gift, and the grain fine grain; but if I threw it on the -surface of that barren rock yonder there, what return would it make? -Wouldn't it only bring the mag-pies in flocks about me, to eat not only -that, but what little I had before? First, fence in a bit of ground; -then, burn it, and dig it, and clear it; after that, you may sow your -grain, and it will come up and yield increase. In like manner, sir, if -you gentry would make your tenants more comfortable, give them a little -property in their labours, encourage them to decent habits, reward the -sober and peaceable, punish the bad, live amongst them, and employ -them, you would soon find your soil prepared for sowing a crop which at -present is thrown to waste, or only devoured by birds of prey." - -I could have staid till midnight with poor Ned, and Bentley seemed -rivetted in attention to his acute observations and sound common sense; -but Frederick looked at his watch, and gave the signal "to horse." - -As we were moving towards the place where our palfreys were in -waiting, I said to Burke, "tell me how is it that the mass of the -people in Ireland speak so much purer English than we do, though it is -_our_ native tongue, and with you _not_ so?" - -"That is the very reason of it, sir, I suppose," replied this -extra-ordinary man. "You speak English amongst your poor, as we speak -Irish, by ear, and so we speak it badly enough, and differently in -different places; but _our English_ we learn out of books, because it -is _not_ our natural language, and so perhaps we may speak it nearer -to the manner in which it is written than you do at your side of the -water." - -With intelligence thus superior to his humble lot, did this _desert_ -"Hampden" (for "_village_" would not suit with his desolate dwelling) -discourse with us till we were mounted. Frederick made him promise to -come to Glenalta, where he told him that a present of books awaited -his arrival: and we promised to visit him again on our return from -Killarney. With affectionate and mutual adieus, we parted, and left the -wide blank of a deathlike solitude and silence, to contrast with the -merry din of our voices and the cheerful shew of life which had been -produced by the group of men, dogs, and horses, on the gloomy heath. - -I shall never forget Ned of the Hill while I live, and though his -_brogue_ is the _ne plus ultra_ of possible discord to a musical ear, -I would rather listen to him than to _almost_ any _West-Endian_ of -my acquaintance. Bentley is _beside himself_ with admiration of Ned, -and I believe would like nothing better than a cave next door to our -mountain sage, where some future bookmaker, travelling this way, might -set down the neighbours as a settlement of the Troglodites, who, by -some wonderful chance, had been cast on shore upon the coast of Kerry. -I am not yet sure how to classify Bentley. He is very worthy of a place -in my Irish Pantheon, but I have not a niche ready for him, and as I -hardly think that I shall be able to unravel his character without -help, I will ask Mr. Otway about him, some day or other, if I cannot -satisfy myself respecting certain incongruities which I perceive in his -manner. - -As we neared Glenalta, Frederick observed several traces of carriage -wheels on the road, and, on examining them more nearly, prophecied that -we should find company on reaching home. - -"Not at this hour, surely," said Bentley. "Mr. Otway would not drive to -Glenalta when he is able to ride or walk thither; and my uncle being an -absentee at present, _who_ is there that could venture to pay a visit -at five o'clock with any hope of being at their more distant homes in -reasonable time for dinner?" - -"Depend upon it," answered Frederick, "that whoever came to Glenalta -this day, is there still. Like Cacus' den, it exhibits no returning -footsteps. All the marks of the horses' feet are in the same -direction." See what it is to live in this out of the way sort of place! - -The speculation of who could have come in our absence kept our minds -for the last mile in the most animating state of inquiry and suspense. -We rode up directly to the stable-yard, on entering which, a nice -calêche and smart dennett were drawn up in order. The stable-boy could -not tell more than that "_quality_" had come, and old Lawrence, whom we -met, could only add, that they were to stay, and were _English_, but -every body was in such a bustle that, he told us, he could learn no -more. On entering the house, we found the rooms deserted, and Fanny, -who came radiant with excitement, skipping down stairs to meet us, was -the only living thing that presented itself to our view. To our eager -inquiries she would only reply, that we must go and dress, and that -when we appeared in the drawing-room that we should know who were the -guests. There was no use in expostulating, Fanny was inexorable, and to -our toilettes we were sent. As soon as mine was completed, I hurried -down stairs, and Fanny again was the first to me. She took me by the -hand, and throwing open the drawing-room door, I found my aunt, Emily, -and Charlotte all dressed, and looking full of some mystery, respecting -which I was proceeding to ask questions, when two figures bounced from -behind the large Indian screen, and who should stand confessed before -me, but Russell and Annesley. Astonishment was no adequate word to -express what I felt at sight of them. How to account for the vision, -how to express amazement, pleasure, at the unexpected rencontre, I knew -not. What a creature of circumstance is man! Though I am fond of both -Russell and Annesley, and they are the only people besides yourself, -of whom I have spoken as friends since I came here, and introduced -by character to my relations, yet a meeting with either of them in -the Regent's Park, in Bond-street, at the Theatre, or the Opera, how -insipid! Nay, sometimes even a bore. Yet here at Glenalta, county of -Kerry, South of Ireland, it was rapture to behold their faces, though -neither their personal identity nor my own can have undergone any -material alteration since we met last at Cambridge. Is it that I, -without knowing it, have got a drop of Irish blood in my veins, or that -the features of my countrymen, my schoolfellows, my College friends, -operate naturally in a strange place, like the _Ranz des Vaches_ on -Swiss hearts in a foreign land? I must leave you to develope the cause, -I have only to do with effects. - -After the first tumult of surprise was over, I gained in ten minutes -the following outline respecting the hows, whys, and whens of this -sudden incursion into the wilds of Kerry. From the time when first -Russell heard of my being here, he began to devise a scheme for -slipping over in summer, but as his father wanted him to join a party -who were going to the Highlands, he did not find it an easy matter -to accomplish his plan; having been told, however, by my sisters, -that I was _bound_ to Killarney, he determined on coming to Ireland; -and, meeting Annesley, offered him a seat in his dennett. The project -resolved on by these _wags_ was, to keep me in profound ignorance -of their movements, while they watched ours, and to meet us in some -romantic spot of our Lake scenery; but in pursuing their route, they -fell in with a travelling carriage which had just _smashed_ down in -the bog, and, having left all their English _sang froid_ behind them, -they immediately jumped from their own vehicle to make a proffer of -every assistance in their power to bestow. A lady, her maid, and -footman, were the party submerged by fate beneath the murky waves -of Acheron. Literally they were all struggling out of a dyke full of -water as black as if it flowed direct from the forge of Vulcan. The -knights flew to the rescue with all the zeal of chivalric adventure, -and conveyed their fair charge to a neighbouring cabin, where a blazing -fire, for which they were indebted to the same morass that had treated -them so uncourteously, repaired the evil, and set them moralizing on -bogs and bees, which, together with the bane, provide an antidote. -They found the lady very agreeable, and moreover they discovered that -she was steering for Glenalta, upon which they drew up their _visors_, -proclaimed their names, and told her that a friend whom they were -seeking was a guest under that roof. This coincidence pleased the lady, -as savouring of a regular adventure, and she at once invested herself -with the responsibilities of a godmother, and (one good turn deserving -another) prevailed on her deliverers to step into her carriage, and -resign theirs to the charge of her servant, promising to introduce them -to the Douglas family. Well now, you naturally inquire who is the lady -whose intimacy at Glenalta warrants such a stretch of privilege? She is -a Mrs. Fitzroy, with whom my aunt became well acquainted, during her -long sojournment in Devonshire, and whose society beguiled her sorrows -in the deep retirement of Linton. Mrs. Fitzroy is a highly-gifted -person, and a most agreeable addition to our party; but to proceed with -my narrative, her visit was not a surprise to my aunt, though a very -great one to the rest of the family. - -A letter came just about the time when Emily and Frederick had finished -their works in the Glen, and the unlooked for pleasure which they had -prepared for their mother, in introducing her to the rustic temple -which they had with filial fondness dedicated to her, suggested the -idea of concealing Mrs. Fitzroy's intentions, and thus repaying the -young people in _kind_, by a pleasant necromancy. Nothing could be -better managed, and my aunt enjoyed, to use the language of old Du -Deffand, a _grand succès_. I was put in possession of all this before -Mrs. Fitzroy made her appearance. Frederick, who came next into the -drawing-room, was now informed of all that had happened; and as to -my two English comrades, they were at home in a quarter of an hour, -a delightful reception for them having been doubly secured by their -_sponsors_. Mrs. Fitzroy now completed our circle, in which Mr. Otway -and Bentley had previously taken their posts, and a merrier group you -never saw. - -Mrs. Fitzroy deserves to be distinguished by a separate portrait, -and therefore I must prepare my canvass, and endeavour to sketch her -likeness. She appears to be about forty; her features are well defined; -replete with intelligence, and when lit up by a gay expression, -singularly playful and pleasing. Her faculties are strong and clear, -her understanding comprehensive, and her mind apparently equal to -any exercise of its powers which she chooses to put into action. She -is evidently possessed too of considerable sensibility, which makes -her peculiarly alive to whatever is interesting in the character of -others. She and my aunt do not in the least resemble each other, but -the difference between them is not such as to impede the growth of a -very warm friendship. The young people are excessively fond of her, -and her arrival at Glenalta is considered quite a jubilee. Though an -English-woman by birth, and living almost continually amongst people of -her own country, all her sympathies are Hibernian, and she has much of -that _raciness_ in her own composition which she says is so attractive -a composition in the Irish. The delight with which she goes into the -cottages to converse with the peasantry, is something very amusing -to witness. She says that, "Irish thoughts are so _fresh_, and the -expression of them so eloquent," that she feels as if transported amid -a new order of beings. She seizes on every idea, presented in whatever -guise, with such intuitive quickness, that she charms the poor people -in return, and Tom Collins paid her an odd sort of compliment yesterday -which brought tears into her eyes: "Indeed, God bless your honour, -you're just as if you were bred and born in the bog among ourselves." -This is her second visit to Ireland, though her first at Glenalta; and -she runs about in raptures collecting traits of disposition which seem -to have a native affinity with her own. I shall tell you more of her in -a future letter. - -We are to set out, a formidable _muster_, for Killarney, at six o'clock -to-morrow, and I shall not seal this till the last moment, reserving my -next exclusively for a report of our expedition. As I tell you every -thing, I cannot conclude without mentioning a letter which I have -lately received from my eldest sister, and which has caused me much -disquietude; she tells me that my uncle the General is coming home from -India, which is fully confirmed by a letter direct from himself to Mr. -Otway, and it is my mother's wish that I should be in England when he -arrives. What is still worse, there is an evident anxiety expressed -by Louisa, who, I conclude, conveys the general feeling of the family -_conclave_ in this case also, that I should quit Glenalta directly. -The rustication which I am enduring will, she says, totally disqualify -me for polite society; my manners will become boorish, my person -_unsightly_, and, in short, it is _voted_, that as it is supposed -my health is perfectly re-established, I shall quit my banishment, -and revisit the regions of civilization, which it is apprehended I -may forget, if my recal be not speedy and imperative. Then certain -hints are thrown out respecting Adelaide, and that ass Crayton, whose -coronet, were it of ducal form, and decorated with strawberry leaves -imported from Brobdignag, could never hide the length of his ears. How -short a time has elapsed since these things which now perplex would -have given me joy? I should have been thankful for a good excuse to -bid adieu to Ireland for ever; and I should have thought my mother the -first of human manoeuvrers, and Adelaide the most fortunate girl in -London to have succeeded in _hooking_ that first-rate blockhead, who, -it is likely, I am told, may be my brother-in-law. Another subject -of painful reflection is added to these, and it is a relief to my -spirit to tell you _all_ that oppresses it. Such a change has taken -place in my own mind, that I see the character of others with new -organs. My personal identity almost seems doubtful to myself, and I -can hardly believe what is nevertheless true, that Louisa's letter, -independently of the intelligence that it communicates, has shocked -me in a manner difficult to be explained within my _own_ breast, and -scarcely possible to be expressed intelligibly to another. My sister's -language is lively; she speaks of people familiar to me, of amusements -in which a few months ago I used constantly to participate; of fears -and hopes, in all of which I could have sympathized, and of events -which would have excited my vanity and gratified my pride. Surely it is -something savouring of magic that can have converted these things into -their very opposites. You have often said that I was not formed for -the society in which I was placed; that my character would have taken -another direction had it not been _trained_ by habit to a distorted -deviation from its natural bias. Perhaps you were right; but, allowing -that you were so, still I cannot account for the metamorphosis. Apply -a ligature that shall bind the branch of a tree, or a limb of the -human body, in any particular curve, and there it rests. The bark, -the wood, the pith of the one; the muscles, tendons, arteries of -the other, obey the rule of distortion, and the removal of restraint -effects no alteration; the crooked will not become straight. On the -contrary, here I am a changeling in my mother's house; I see all -objects with new powers of vision, and such as, I lament to add, -render me ill satisfied with those who stand in the relations to me -which I have now learned to appreciate. With a mind just awakened -to affection, and a heart just opened to the genial influence of -domestic love and harmony, my feelings, which this soft climate of -Glenalta has unfolded, are blighted by the very thought of Selby. -Yes, I sicken at the bare idea of return, and a consciousness which -I only felt before upon _great_ occasions, now represents the whole -mechanism of that artificial compact sealed by fashion in the most -intolerable view to my imagination. I cannot call things by their old -names; the words no longer appear to suit their purposes, and the new -nomenclature, which now seems most appropriate, disgusts me. How can -I apply the terms bold, indelicate, unfeeling, unaffectionate, to a -_sister_, and not turn with horror from such sounds; or attribute the -base design of selling a child's happiness, carrying a daughter to -market, and disposing of her to the best bidder, with all the cunning -and trickery of professed jockeyism--how _can_ I attach such devices -to the character of a mother, and not shudder as I write the word? -Yet all this is but an unexaggerated picture of those relations, as -I have hitherto known them; an epitome of that world in which I have -had my being, and though a fugitive feeling, perhaps, occasionally -whispered disapprobation, and I _have_ now and then shrunk from certain -violations of modesty or integrity in the conduct of those around -me--such starts were but momentary. I quickly rejoined the beaten -track, and pressed forward with the giddy throng. When I look at my -aunt Douglas, I feel how I could worship such a parent. When I am with -Emily, Charlotte, and Fanny, I say to myself, if I had such sisters how -I could love them; then comes the sting, I _have_ a mother, I _have_ -sisters, and my mind revolts from their society. Poor Ned of the Hill -told Bentley that "man is _never_ happy." He was right, Glenalta would -be Paradise did not the unwelcome intrusion of such reflections disturb -its felicity. - -I was called away, or you might have had more of my melancholy musings. -We have had a charming ride to-day, and seen some _patches_ of scenery -so beautiful, that I can hardly suppose any thing to surpass them at -Killarney, but like the fine beryls which were shewn to you and me, -that had been found in the Kremlin, and looked as if they were set in -a mass of pewter, these favoured spots are surrounded by such savage -wildness as I can scarcely describe. You could hardly imagine any part -of the dominions which own a British Monarch for their Sovereign to -present such desolation to your view as met our eyes in this morning's -excursion; but now and then we lit upon an oasis in the desert, the -fertility and romantic loveliness of which would teach the veriest -wilderness to smile. Annesley, who sketches admirably, took some hints -for his port folio, which will astonish you some time or other. Emily -and Fanny were of our party, and are excellent horsewomen. Our guests -were delighted, and we had another cheerful meeting at dinner, but the -evening was marked by a discovery which has _knocked up_ poor Russell's -repose for _this_ night, I fancy, if not for a longer season. You know -his devotion to music, in which he excels, and you are aware of his -enthusiasm in collecting national airs, amongst which he thinks none so -melodious as the old Irish strain. When the harp and piano-forte were -opened this evening, we were listening to a _descant_ of Russell's on -the favourite theme, when Frederick said, "I _do_ think Charlotte that -you might now accompany yourself. I saw you practising some days ago, -and never heard you touch the strings more sweetly." - -"I am only trying to recover a little of what I have lost," answered -Charlotte, "but, if mamma does not say no, I will do the best that I -can. My old Irish airs are in the dressing-room, will you bring them -here?" - -Till this moment I had never remarked that Emily or Fanny had always -accompanied, and that Charlotte only joined in glees and duets, which -she sings with her brother and sister in excellent style; but just -before I came to Glenalta she fell, as she was dismounting from her -horse, and hurt one arm so much, that it has been ever since regaining -its ordinary strength. In any _other_ family your ears would have -been persecuted from morning till night with the details of such an -accident. At Selby, I know that Eau de Cologne, Arquebusade, and every -nostrum ever invented, would have been arrayed, and there would have -been an incessant demand on the attentions of every mortal throughout -the house, but such is the difference of education, that _self_, in all -its branches, is banished from Glenalta. I had nearly forgotten that -Charlotte was hurt, and as no one boasted of her powers, I never heard -a word of her peculiar talent in music till in this unpremeditated -manner it was called forth by Russell's dissertation on the character -of Irish melody. The book was brought, Emily saved her sister the -labour of tuning, and Charlotte, for the first time, saluted our ears -with such divine enchantment as quite baffles every attempt of mine to -convey a sense of it to your imagination. Russell furnished a _study_ -to Mrs. Fitzroy, who was watching the variety of his emotion with the -deepest interest. His account of Charlotte's music, perhaps, may give -you the best idea of it that words can impart:--"it is not," he says, -"earthly harmony. No mortal finger touches that harp; no human voice -is uttered in the song; that strain floats in mid air, and the soft -southern breeze has sighed through the strings"-- - - "'Twas the Genius of Erin that rose from her cave, - And poured out her lament to the answering wave." - -It is not in nature to conceive any expression of sorrow more -penetrating than that which mourns in the wail of an ancient Irish -ditty. Charlotte has contrived to procure several airs which are not -in Moore's collection, and which carry internal evidence of antiquity -in the irregularity of their _rhythm_, if I may apply such a term to -music. No sea bird's note was ever more sweetly sad; and she has -picked up translations from time to time of some poetical fragments -which she has adapted with great taste, as well as judgment to the -music, for which she has often been indebted to the peasants as they -pursued their daily toil; not that _they_ sing agreeably in almost any -instance, I am told; the extreme barbarism which is induced by such -poverty as reigns in the South of Ireland, is very unfavourable to -the Muses; yet they _will_ linger amongst a people who possess such -uncommon tact in appreciating their charms, notwithstanding the homely -reception with which they are obliged to be contented. A death-song -(_vulg. caöne_ or _keen_), the words of which, I believe, are published -in a late work on the Antiquities of this Kingdom, by Mr. Croker, and -which Charlotte has set to an old _howl_ that she heard a poor woman -uttering (for singing would be a misnomer) with nasal twang, as she -milked her cow, is the most heart-rending melody that I ever heard; -and a march which she plays, to which the famous Brian Boirombh led -his troops forward at the battle of Clontarf, is remarkable for a -character of pathetic grandeur that I never found before in martial -music. Russell's feelings underwent such excitement during the evening, -that had not his sex preserved him from the simile, we should have -compared him to a Sybil in the contortions of forthcoming inspiration. -I now perfectly comprehend the pleasure which, I am informed, some of -our first-rate public performers profess in exhibiting their powers -to an Irish audience. The Irish feel music in the "heart of heart," -and express what they feel with peculiar energy. Our English guests -are _bitten_ I promise you; I heard them both emphatically declare -their gratitude to Mrs. Fitzroy for her introduction to this "charming -family," but I _must_ have a nap before we sally out upon Lake -adventures, so fare thee well. On my return you may expect a budget. - - Vale, vale, yours ever, - A. HOWARD. - - - - -LETTER XV. - -MISS HOWARD TO A. HOWARD, ESQ. - - -Dear Arthur, - -Your letter of the 10th to me, has produced a horrible combustion, and -I am ordered to recal you immediately. Well or not well, you must be -off; and as fast as coaching and steaming can bring you it will be -prudent for you to appear before your angry parent, who will vent all -her bile on us, if you do not come and relieve Adelaide and me from her -ill humour. She accuses us of having persuaded her into consenting to -your Irish expedition, and protests, at the pitch of her voice, that -she would greatly prefer seeing you dead at her feet, to beholding you -return a methodist, which she is convinced you are already become. You -have no time to lose; but lest you should not consider the reception -which I am teaching you to anticipate from your _tender mother_, too -attractive, I have another reason to urge for your speedy appearance, -which will surely turn the scale, if you are in any doubt how to act. -I gave you a hint in my last, which will prevent your being surprised -with the sequel. _La mere_ has played her game so well, that were it -not for the dreams of affrighted fancy, which represent you with parted -locks of greasy sable, mounted on a tub, and haranguing the multitude -_al fresco_--in short, if she did not believe you in the high road to -become a field preacher, unless you are one already, she would have -reason to sound the trumpet, and claim the honours of a triumph. She -gave a splendid ball by way of _clincher_, for which her cards where -out when I wrote last to you. The bait took _à merveille_. Crayton and -Ady waltzed together, after which, mamma sailed round the rooms, and -whispered to three or four friends (good telegraphs), that she wished -Lord C. was not quite so _particular_ in his attentions. "_Le bruit -court_," so rapidly said _la bonne mere_, "that things are _settled_ -by the world before the parties themselves have the slightest idea of -being serious." Of course you know the _eyes of Europe_ were directed -to the pair. The buz went round, and on the following day, old Lady -Bilton bethought her of a _cheap_ return, for at least half a dozen -parties, and sent off a note to the following effect, which mamma -received before six o'clock, at which hour Crayton made his morning -call to ask how we did. Old Bilton's _billet_ was to this effect:-- - -"My dear Mrs. Howard,--As no one can possibly take precedence of me -in the most lively interest for all that concerns you, I have made -it a point to deny myself this morning to some particular friends, -that I may write, to tell you of the rumours which are afloat. To be -_explicit_, Lord Crayton and Adelaide Howard occupy the public mind, -and the _on dit_ of this morning is, that the settlements are _en -train_. Do say, by a line, whether I may congratulate you. To a girl -of Adelaide's expectations, the report cannot be of any disagreeable -consequence if unfounded; but should it be true, I shall long to hear -particulars. - - Yours very truly, - S. BILTON." - -No sooner was Crayton announced, than he was caught and _closeted_ -by _la madre_, who imparted Lady Bilton's intelligence with becoming -gravity, and sundry comments on the pain to _delicate feelings_, -produced by talking people; the necessity of being more circumspect, -her own disinterested sentiments, desire for her daughter's happiness, -dread of Adelaide's affections being engaged; all which matter, -judiciously interlarded with my uncle's great riches, speedy return, -devoted attachment to his brother's children, and her own fears that -his generosity would be so profuse as to bring all the fortune-hunting -tribe to torment us, operated so powerfully on my Lord, added to -the surprise of his _capture_ on entering the house, that the whole -matter was arranged, Ady was sent for, mamma vanished, the proposal -was made, and accepted, the horrid business-people are put in motion, -and you must come over, not only to take your seat amongst the musty -parchments, but likewise to go through the silly form of giving your -sister away. This latter ceremony is much more appropriate to the old -Indian Plutus; but there are two reasons against waiting his arrival. -One is, that we are not sure but he may leave us in the lurch; and, -secondly, he may possibly be such an outlandish sort of animal, that -we shall find it advisable to keep him in the shade. Now, it _may -be_, that if you proclaim all that I am telling you, to the tiresome -_primitives_, whose notions you seem to adopt with a degree of zeal, -which I can assure you gains no credit _here_, I dare say that the -eyes of your pious relatives will turn as naturally to the _new_, as -the sun-flower does to the _old_ light, and the blue, green, grey, -or hazel, which may distinguish the organs of your serious aunt and -cousins from each other, will be lost in the general _field argent_, -as their pupils become heaven-directed, and the white of their eyes -alone remain visible, like the sculptured orbs of so many statues. -You will then hear a volley of methodistic nonsence,--of "fraud," -"take in," "future unhappiness," and such like mawkish stuff, which -I protest makes me feel, while I am writing, as if I had swallowed a -score of ipecacuanha lozenges; _therefore_ it will be wiser of you -to say nothing of what I have mentioned. It will be quite enough to -tell Mrs. Douglas and her gawky lasses, that affairs of importance -demand your presence in England, and that, having been cured of your -cough, the object of your visit to them is accomplished. We are the -more anxious that you should act promptly, because Russell, and that -blockhead Annesley, are gone to see Killarney, the Giant's Causeway, -and whatever other odds and ends, in the way of _lionizing_ that savage -island may offer. Now, if they _poke_ you out from the hole in which -you are buried, or stumble upon you in a bog, the ass, alias Annesley, -will begin to bray; he will tell the antediluvians of Glenalta that -Crayton is not exactly such a puritan as he is himself; that he has -gambled away money enough to build four-and-twenty chapels all in a -row. Every irregularity of his life will be dragged into notice, and -as your _good_ people are stubborn as mules in performing what they -call their "_duty_," we shall have postage to pay for some of your -aunt's homilies, and not only that, but folks who know nothing of the -world, act so entirely without line or compass, that I should not be -surprised if she took up her pen, and committed the monstrous absurdity -of addressing a _tract_ to Crayton himself. - -To prevent such an absurdity must be our care, and silence is the only -plan to pursue with your Kerry relations. If possible, your mother will -write a few lines herself, but lest she should be hindered from doing -so, I may as well mention that Lady Araminta Sandes strongly recommends -a practice of which she has lately set the example, insisting on the -insertion of a clause in every modern marriage settlement, to secure a -proper provision for the lady, in case of a _separation_. I think the -council _so_ good, that whenever it comes to _my_ turn, I am resolved -to stipulate for at least a thousand a year. - -The Duchess of Naresbury has fitted up her _pallazo_ in the best style, -and intends to be very splendid; but she will never _be one of us_, -with all her endeavours. She is to be "at home" on the twenty-first of -next month, and Crayton asked her permission to take young Fancourt, -who is just come back from his travels, along with him to her house. -The Duchess forgot who he was, and when _Cray._ had _ticketed_ him like -a geranium in the conservatory, "honorable Augustus, second son to Lord -Alison, a very fine young man, and my particular friend," her Grace -drew herself up with as much dignity as if she was going to pronounce -sentence, and answered, "Lord Crayton, I make it a point not to give -any encouragement to younger brothers, 'tis a dangerous folly, of which -sooner or later one has to repent. I am sorry for it, but I cannot make -exceptions. I _cannot_ receive Mr. Augustus Fancourt." Now, the rule is -certainly _sound_, though this was rather an extreme case; but you know -that our charming Byron says, somewhere or other,--I forget the lines, - - ----And pious mothers - Inquired had they fortunes, and if they had brothers. - -Well, Crayton was _piqued_, and as he would have felt it quite -a personal thing had he not succeeded in taking Fancourt to -Naresburg-House, he essayed again, and with great presence of mind -calmly replied, "I beg a thousand pardons, for my presumption, but I -thought your Grace liked talents, and Fancourt is an acquisition any -where. He is just come from Greece, and his _book_ comes out in six -weeks." "Oh! that is _toute autre chose_," said the Duchess; "I like -clever people excessively. You know I patronize authors, and have a -host of _protegés_ continually about me. Lord Crayton, this is quite -another view of the matter. Pray bring Mr. Fancourt; I shall be glad -to see him, and wish that he was _out_. He should have brought his -materials all ready for the press. He will be late for the season in -town. Tell him so from me, and bid him print without delay. I will -speak of his book. I will announce it to night at the Duchess of L--'s." - -So ended the dialogue, and Cray. came off with flying colours. I was -interrupted here by his entrance. Poor fellow! he looked pensive I -thought; but I fancy he had a double dose of Burgundy at Lord Morley's -yesterday, and _who_ does not _wince_ at sight of the sable squadron -in perspective, of those terrible law folks with their long bills, -and yellow faces? It was not a week ago since Crayton was laughing -heartily at a monstrous sum which rich Burton of Norfolk had to pay to -his solicitors for some black letter job. Amongst the items in account -was, "To anxiety for my client, March the tenth, two pound fifteen." -How very good! When the affair was nearly at an end, old Burton thought -it would be a clever thing to spur Rosinante, and accordingly ordered -his coach and four to stop, at the "special Attorney's," persuading -Mrs. Burton, that a _friendly call_ on _market-day_, carriage and -liveries at the _door_, would diminish the bill by a cool hundred at -_least_. Mrs. B----waddled out of the coach in a full suit of green -with yellow ribbons, like a walking bank of daffodils, and spoke most -condescendingly to Mr. Pim and Mrs. Pim, and the Miss Pims, and the -Master Pims, but notwithstanding, and nevertheless, the last entry in -the account when it came in was, "To a long and tedious conversation -with Mr. and Mrs. Burton, thirteen and fourpence." Crayton is so funny! -He tells a story when he is in spirits so well! - -Here comes _La Madre_ with her letter, and so _Adio_. Adelaide would -send her love, but we are to _suppose_ that she has none to spare. -_By and by_, I dare say, that she will have plenty on hand; but that -is _selon les regles_. The only danger is, that what goes _out_ love, -may come _back_ hatred. Well, Rochefaucauld says, that "hatred is -distempered love," so 'tis all the same thing in the end. I am growing -_prosy_, but do you know that the foolish story I told you in my former -letter has made such a noise, that I am provoked, and shall begin to -turn _blue_ in earnest to vex the blocks. Old Pagoda is at hand, or -I assure you it is well if my "Ostracism" were not to send _me_ into -banishment. It was rather an unlucky hit, half the young men in town -do not understand it, and it is voted a _poser_. Crayton tells me that -money is lost and won upon it daily in St. James's Street. When my -uncle is fairly come, and I have touched the rupees, and golden maures, -I will positively not keep my wits under _hatches_ any longer. After -all, it is egregious folly to give opiates to one's brains because our -exquisites are unfurnished in the upper story. I must, however, take -the matter quietly, for _under_ a hundred thousand, it will not do to -use a word of more than two syllables in length, or _any_ dimensions -_at all_ in _height_ or _depth_; but you shall see what revenge I will -have when, like the princess in the fairy tale, my "thread-papers are -made of bank-notes, and my favorite spaniel drinks out of a diamond -cup." I will then ransack Johnson's _folio_, and oblige every aspirant -to come to my levees with the pocket Lexicon in his bosom. Remember -what I have said--mum is the word. Let us not have a commission to -try whether we are of sane, or insane mind, nor yet be forced, like -Rodolpho, to seek our wits in the moon, for I promise you we should not -find a Pegasus to mount so high now-a-days. _Encore, adieu._ - - Yours, ever, - L. H. - - - - -LETTER XVI. - -MRS. HOWARD TO ARTHUR HOWARD, ESQ. - -(_Inclosed in the preceding._) - - -My dear Boy, - -I am so full of business that I can only send you a few lines. I -rejoice to hear that you are quite well, and that "Richard is himself -again." Come to me _directly_. Adelaide's approaching marriage -requires your immediate presence, and as you are within a few weeks -of your majority, you will be able to enter into all my views for the -establishment of your sister. You know _what_ a mother I have been--how -entirely devoted to the interests of my children; and I hope, my -dear love, that I shall find you, on the present momentous occasion, -ready to give your best aid in raising money for an immediate supply. -You will feel with me, the propriety of a suitable outfit; and I am -sure that it would be as painful to your mind as to my own, were our -dear girl to want any proper accompaniment of her new dignity. The -Granvilles too (Crayton's sister, you know is Lady G.) are people of -such connection, that we must make an effort extra-ordinary, and I do -not think it will be possible to get through the necessary expenses -for less than five thousand pounds for present use. I want you also -on Louisa's account; and, _entre nous_, feel very uneasy at a silly -flight of her's the other evening. She was in high spirits at our -Thursday's _soirée_, and imprudently _let fly_ a scrap of history. As -_really_ very few young men now read any thing but the Morning Post, -and the Novel of the day, it is not surprising that Louisa's learning -confounded the party. I was much vexed, but it cannot be helped. When -_you_ come, you may be of use, in assuring all your acquaintance that -she has not a particle of _blue_ in her whole composition, and that -the long word which has made such a sensation, was picked up from -Blackwood, or the New Quarterly; that she never reads history, and -knows no more of the Greeks than of a plum-pudding. Nothing alarms me -more, than the apprehension of her taking to literature in a fit of -disgust. You see how much we have for you to do. Commend me to Mrs. -Henry Douglas and her family. They are very good people I am sure, and -I feel much obliged by their attentions to you. It is a great comfort -when folks are doomed to live in retirement, to see them enjoy it; -and nothing can be wiser than your aunt's determination to remain in -her present abode; but I need not, my dear Arthur, I am _convinced_, -impress upon your mind the absurdity of taking up such notions as -are highly commendable as well as suitable to Ireland, and confined -circumstances. You are born in another _sphere_ altogether, and must -leave your Kerry ways behind you. Lady Cantaloupe and the Comtesse de -Soissons just come! I must see them. Dear Arthur, - - Your affectionate mother, - MARIANNE HOWARD. - -P.S. I had a great deal to say of my dear brother the General, but will -postpone. _Au revoir._ - - - - -LETTER XVII. - -ARTHUR HOWARD TO MISS HOWARD. - - -Dearest Louisa, - -On my return from Killarney, I find your packet, and hasten to say -to my mother and you, that I shall obey your summons with as little -delay as possible, consistently with all that I owe to the beloved -friends whom I am about to leave. So many conflicting thoughts press -for utterance, that I know not how or where to begin. Louisa, you will -find me a very different being from the Arthur of your recollection; -and I fear that at first the change which has been wrought in me will -not please you. If you disliked my friendship with Falkland, and less -powerful, yet still strong, regard for Annesley, what will you think -of a devotion which can only end with life for my aunt Douglas, her -children, and her friend Mr. Otway? - -Yes, I own it to you. At Glenalta, in this despised and remote corner -of Ireland, which you and I have so often ignorantly ridiculed, I have -met with the most perfect happiness which it has ever fallen to my lot -to enjoy. At Glenalta I have found the kindest affection, the most -genuine refinement, not confined to mere exterior observance assumed -for strangers, but originating in the heart, and living in every -action. I have been instructed and amused; and while each hour has done -something towards the cultivation of feelings and powers which I did -not imagine I possessed, I have never been once a prey to _ennui_, that -constant and wearisome associate of my former life. - -Dear Louisa, you have a good understanding and your heart is -naturally lively, and even _kind_, if you were not perverted by the -precepts, creeds, and example of that most dogmatizing of all human -teachers--Fashion. Why not break the bonds that shackle your every -thought, as well as action? Why not exchange the coarse, (alas, yes, I -_must_ speak truth) I say the coarse, unfeminine language of your last -letter for that of true delicacy and female softness? My ears are new -strung I suppose, for sounds which scarcely made a passing impression -before I came to Ireland, now grate upon the organs of sense, and -vibrate painfully to my heart. - -When I picture to my mind the scene which is now acting in Grosvenor -Square, I confess that I feel disgusted almost to estrangement from -those who are the chief performers in such a drama; and you are very -right in the belief that were there any means by which without lowering -a mother's character, I could inform that _arch_-blockhead, whom she -has entrapped, of the fraud that has been employed to take him in, I -would certainly, in humbling his vanity, remove his blindness, and -charitably catch him from the brink of a precipice. What a marriage you -are _brewing_ amongst you! Were _you_ the victim about to be sacrificed -on the altar of folly, I could not restrain my feelings, which would -burst into immediate counteraction of a plot to destroy all happiness -and respectability; and I am more quiescent on _this_ occasion, _not_ -because I have always loved you so much better than Adelaide, but that -I question the utility of endeavouring to snatch _her_ from the evil -to come. She has no strength of character: her mind is a mere machine, -ready and willing to be worked upon by the arts of any juggler who can -produce a certificate of skill in the only science respected by a world -holding all things in abhorrence that do not present themselves clad in -the trappings of rank and fortune. - -If Adelaide were saved from falling into the hands of _one_ profligate -coxcomb, she would quickly throw herself into the arms of _another_. -Crayton is not a designing man, and that is the only redeeming -circumstance that I can see in his character--if the word character -have any meaning when applied to a person who has _none_. - -Say to my mother that, as a point of duty, I shall obey her mandate, -and as soon as I am legally empowered to act, will do any thing to -assist her which can be done without injuring a property too heavily -burthened already. But, dear Louisa, you must prepare her, Adelaide, -and yourself for my absence at the marriage ceremony: I cannot perform -the part assigned to me. My mind revolts from participating in a -_trick_, and I will never sanction the fraud by becoming a witness. I -warn you of the evil, and I can do no more. We are totally unacquainted -with my uncle, who may never give us a shilling, who may dislike when -he is acquainted with his relations, and either marry, adopt a stranger -for his heir, or leave his wealth to public charities. In short, we -know nothing about him, and if it should turn out that the golden -dreams with which my mother has dazzled the imagination of a man who -has wasted his patrimony, and involved himself almost in ruin, melt in -empty air, what consequences may not be anticipated? I turn with horror -from the perspective, and dare not tell you _all_ my fears! Crayton -has an uncle too, and one from whom he expects the fortune, upon a -reversionary hope of which, he has, to my knowledge, been trading for a -long time past to supply the exigencies of the gambling table, to which -he is obstinately addicted; and the pale face which you visited on a -double dole of Burgundy, was probably attributable to a loss at play -which, under existing circumstances, it would not be pleasant to reveal. - -I have now said enough to put my mother and Adelaide on their guard. -A little _candour_ would easily bring the matter to a conclusion, -and prevent the mischief which is likely to ensue; but it rests with -them to determine. I am not asked to advise, and do not say that I -am qualified to act as counsel for any one. I trust, however, that -I may be forgiven for this unsolicited interference, on the score -of brotherly feelings, which _shrink_ from the projected alliance, -splendid as it appears. - -Louisa, should the day arrive, in which you become acquainted with the -Douglas family, I am not without hope of your proselytism. What joy it -would give me to see you like these charming girls, and I am the more -impatient that it _should be so_, because you have all the materials -which might promise a rich harvest, were they but used to advantage. I -would stake more than I shall ever be worth, that you will delight in -the society of our aunt and cousins, if you are ever introduced to them. - -Say all that is affectionate to my mother and Adelaide, and add, that I -give them present pain, to avoid for them a severer future pang. Adieu. - - Your affectionate, - ARTHUR HOWARD. - - - - -LETTER XVIII. - -ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND. - - -My dear Falkland, - -I commence my Killarney _advices_ on the first evening of my arrival -there, or I should despair of sending you the promised packet on my -return to Glenalta. We reached our inn in gay spirits, having come -over bad and good roads alternately, and through a barren wild looking -country; but a party, composed of such agreeable ingredients, and -affording so much variety as ours did, is very independent of external -scenery. If beautiful, it affords an additional source of pleasure, -and _one_ topic more for occasional comment; if otherwise, one can -_do without_ it: the latter was our case. Having once exclaimed, How -desolate! we thought no more about the grievance of an ugly country, -but laughed and talked, exchanged places--some riding, some driving, -till we found ourselves at our journey's end, after performing -five-and-thirty miles without any misadventure. Mr. Otway had written -on before to provide "entertainment for man and horse;" so when we -arrived we had the satisfaction of finding ourselves _expected_, which -makes a _difference_ everywhere, but particularly in a situation which -cannot afford to relax in a single instance the discipline which -keeps up some appearance of order and cleanliness; however, I do not -mean to throw aspersions on our _hotelerie_, and am not one of those -who consider it fair to abuse unmercifully whatever we find near -home, while with something _more_ than philosophy, we _revel_ in the -_desagrémens_ of foreign countries, preferring dirt and inconvenience -abroad to all the luxuries of _comfortable_ England. - -In ten minutes after our arrival we were assailed by all sorts of -people; boatmen wishing to engage our large party, musicians desirous -of attending us on the lakes, beggars hoping to receive charity, with -sundry applicants bringing boxes made of the red deer-hoofs, which are -very neatly manufactured here, and various cups, goblets, and other -utensils formed from the arbutus, which grows at this place in lavish -profusion; all anxious to sell their wares, and all clamorous to -recommend them. - -Mr. Otway, who knows the genius of the place, and is well known here -and loved everywhere, undertook to direct our operations; and, singling -out a remarkably fine looking man from the rough personages by whom -we were surrounded, addressed him by the name of M'Carty More, and -ordered him to be ready with all possible punctuality and accommodation -at seven o'clock on the following day at Ross Castle, where we were -to embark. The workers in red deer-hoofs and arbutus, were ordered -to bring large supplies of the toys in which they dealt on the day -preceding our departure, and the beggars were dispersed with a promise -that they should have _a scramble_ when we were going away, for which -these ill-fed, worse clothed, cheerful, and easily-satisfied beings, -were as grateful as if every want had been supplied at the present and -prevented for the future. - -After this _clearance_, we sat down to a repast rendered delightful by -companionship, had it been less intrinsically excellent; but Killarney -salmon ought to have a place in my journal, and should be farther -noticed _here_, were it not not to figure on the scene again. After -dinner we walked to Lord Kenmare's, and amused ourselves in his demesne, -during two or three hours, my aunt having insisted on our leaving her -at the inn, as she complained of being fatigued; and those who were -best acquainted with all her feelings, suspecting that to be left -_alone_ would soothe them, no offer was made to remain with her by any -of the group. - -On our return to the inn, we were surprised to find an elderly -gentleman sitting with her, who proved to be old Bentley, and never -did I see more evident annoyance expressed in a countenance, than was -depicted in the nephew's at sight of his uncle. They met, however, -with cordiality _too_, but the younger of them, though singularly -unexcitable in general, changed colour upon the present occasion, -and appeared suddenly cast down by this accession to our party: -however, we were sufficiently numerous to prevent any _downright_ -awkwardness, whatever might be the existing cause of young Bentley's -uneasy sensations; and his uncle explained his sudden appearance by -telling us, that having reached his home too late on the preceding -evening to disturb the families at Glenalta and Lisfarne, he delayed -announcing his return till the following day, when, having learned our -_elopement_, he resolved on not being left behind. - -You may fancy us rather closely packed in our _dormitories_: Russell, -Annesley, and I, were crammed into a hole just large enough to hold -three small camp-beds, no bigger than births on board a Holyhead -packet: we could neither toss nor tumble, for the best possible reason, -we had not _room_ for such indications of restlessness; but we lay -quietly as sleeplessly we "chewed the cud of sweet and bitter fancy" -upon all that we had seen and heard in company with each other since -the "_English foreigners_," as old Lawrence calls them, had been at -Glenalta. In the pauses which will occur, even in the best supported -colloquy, sundry sighs, which had not quite so far to travel as from -"Indus to the Pole," were borne right into my bed by the _impetus_ -with which they were sent from Russell's, and a certain melancholy -expression, which even a sigh can convey to a _finely constructed_ ear, -convinced me that my friend had lost his heart, or at least _mislaid_ -it since he came amongst us. While exercising my ingenuity a little -farther, to determine the person who had committed grand larceny on -his affections, a few notes whistled from time to time, _sotto voce_, -assured me that Charlotte was the thief, and that her Irish melodies -lived in the memory of my poor _chum_. Annesley is such a sensitive -fellow, that if his heart is anything the worse for the wear since he -came to Ireland, I have it to discover; but from the specimen which I -have given above, I flatter myself that you have already decreed my -sagacity to be worthy of apotheosis, even amongst the North American -Indians. - -This Killarney will be a good test, I think, of our amatory tendencies, -and a romance _a-piece_ must be the result of such "means and -appliances" as a glance from Lord Kenmare's park, across the lower -Lake, promise for our _coup d'essai_ on the morrow. Mine is rather a -situation of responsibility, for, in addition to my _own_ loves, should -these bowers inspire the tender passion, I feel a God-fatherly sort -of security called for on my part, that the new guests shall conduct -themselves so as to return well pleased, and pleasing, to the last. In -short, though, like Mrs. Gilpin we are "on pleasure bent," it must be -to resemble her discretion also, "with a prudent mind," and I clearly -perceive that I shall have to enact the part of a male _duenna_. - -The appointed hour found all ready, and M'Carty More, that noble -_savage_ before-mentioned, who claims to be king of the boatmen, was -the first object that we beheld on issuing from our _malapardis_. This -man is quite a character, and so strikingly fine a specimen of rude, -but manly beauty, that were he a little less weather-beaten, he might -stand for a Hercules to Canova, were he alive again, or to Chauntry. -His _calling_ renders him quite familiar with his superiors, and he -takes the command of his party as a pilot does of the ship, _pro -tempore_. Mrs. Fitzroy, whose animation is very inspiriting, and whose -enthusiasm I told you in a former despatch is glowing for the Irish -character, chose him for her _Cicerone_, and, taking him by the arm, -led the van towards the scene of embarkation. - -If you wish to know, as that mad-cap Melville used to say, "who and who -were together," you may _enfilade_ us as follows. Next to M'Carty More -and Mrs. Fitzroy marched my aunt, leaning on the arm of Frederick, who, -I believe, in the midst of all the beauty that Circassia could boast, -and all the fashion that London and Paris exhibit, would still be found -his mother's prop: on her left side Bentley the elder with his hands -tight in his breeches pockets, as though he feared that their contents -were going to fly away, _paddled_ along, with unequal steps. Mr. Otway -took charge of Emily; and I observed that a simultaneous movement of -that slow and fearful nature that scarcely indicates design, incited -at the same identical moment Bentley the younger and Annesley to wish -that the disengaged hand of my cousin were safely lodged under the -protective care of a right arm belonging to them, though neither had -courage to step forward and offer himself as a candidate for the honour -to which both aspired. Moreover I made a second observation; and though -these sapient remarks were formed _in transitu_ from the threshhold of -the inn to the street, I'll be sworn that I am right. "But what was -your second observation?" quoth you. Why, it was, that the _mauvaise -honte_ which prevented our rival _beaux_ from interfering with Mr. -Otway's exclusive possession of the fair one's attention, arose from -different causes, and produced different effects in the minds of the -disappointed knights. Annesley's timidity lay in his breast, where, if -he has made the confession to himself, he has truly said that Emily's -is the character, of all he has ever seen, which comes nearest to his -abstract of perfection in woman. On this _beau idéal_ I have heard him -dilate, and thus far can decide upon his feelings. _He_ then was moved -by an incipient desire to improve acquaintance, and secure a sort of -prescriptive right to be Emily's _particular_ in our wanderings by -"wood and lake;" but the thought, though proceeding from preference -established since the day of his arrival, was an _impromptu_ of the -instant in its present shape, and the reality of the sentiment which -gave birth to the wish, confounded its ready expression; whereas in -Bentley's manner I could trace more of the guardian than the lover; he -was less anxious to appropriate Emily's society exclusively to himself, -than to prevent its being appropriated by another, and this again was -less dictated by a jealous or churlish feeling, than by a strictness -of opinion on the subject of a young lady's walking arm-in-arm with a -stranger. All this I read at a glance, and perhaps you will tell me -that such profound skill in what the French call _le metaphysique de -l'amour_, could only be learnt in Cupid's court; but the fact is, that -I am _only_ in love with the entire family, and therefore safe for the -_present_, at least, from the imputation of having been a _booby_ till -the blind god had sharpened my penetration. - -Charlotte and Fanny were hooked upon my arms; Russell keeping a steady -eye upon the former's left side, which he contrived to secure as -soon as we had cleared the door; and our brace of _shy_ youths were -presently resolved into _unattached flankers_, who changed sides, fell -back, or pushed forward, as pigs, dogs, children, &c. interrupted our -progress to the water's edge. At length we were seated in our barge, -and Cleopatra on the silver Cydnus could never have swung the oar more -gallantly than we did from Ross Castle. I shall not favour you with the -history of tenfold reverberations, which you will hear when you visit -this scene of enchantment; nor shall I think it necessary to give you -such details as if I were going to raise the wind in these book-making -days by publishing, "A Companion to the Lakes of Killarney," but -hastening to our first _stop_, land you on the exquisite island of -Innisfallen, where we lingered for hours, unable to tear ourselves -from its tiny shores, every little pebbled indenture of which might -represent that where Ellen is described by the northern bard to have -landed from her skiff in Loch Cattrine. - -This Killarney is a centre of legendary lore, and the lovely islet on -which we first touched _terra firma_ from our boat, was the depository -of those annals which bear its name. Domine, who did not appear in our -procession from the inn, because he had walked alone to the castle -that he might try the echo at his leisure before we came up, told us a -thousand interesting particulars of this spot, and entertained us with -various stories, rich in fabulous, as well as real events, of the olden -time. Why does not that wizard Scott, draw from a source so worthy of -his magic pen? He has been here, but passed, I am told, through Ireland -gnerally with such rapidity, that his carriage wheels hardly seemed -to come in contact with the earth. Positively, unless he can endure it -to be thought that with a few lithographic sketches in his hand, he -skimmed over the country, contracting for views _as per sample_, like a -corn merchant bargaining to replenish his stores, the author of Waverly -_must_ shew signs of having visited this little focus of imagery by -dressing one of his matchless casts in the drapery with which Killarney -could furnish his splendid powers of tasteful decoration. - -Will that genius, who can transform into gems the commonest minerals -produced in a desert, and give with African prodigality, the purest -gold in return for rusty nails, and beads of glass; will _he_ permit -Erin to draw the ungracious inference from his silence, that she could -supply _no_ materials for his laboratory? and while so many immortal -records of Scotland's fame and England's glory, have been charmed -from their dark retreats by his necromantic spells, shall Ireland, -the fertile Isle of Emerald glow,--the island of saints,--the land of -heroes,--the fane of learning, piety, and music,--be left to rest -on the divided property in Fingal for all poetical memorial of her -traditional celebrity? Forbid it justice! forbid it gratitude! Let not -a people who have so liberally bestowed their praise on those numbers -in which their neighbours have been so sweetly harmonized, remain -themselves unsung! - -Some of our party eloquently urging the claims of Hibernia to a -niche in the temple of Apollo, Russell, addressing himself to Mr. -Oliphant, said, "I hope that you will not mistake my object in asking -you a question which I have often heard triumphantly asked, and -never answered, namely, if Ireland was really, at a former peroid -distinguished as a seat of learning, virtue, and genius, where are her -credentials? What is become of her buildings? Where are her documents -of proof to support these fond pretensions? Now I echo this inquiry not -in the spirit of a sceptic, but because I can never in future listen to -such interrogatories with the phlegm of indifference, and I wish to be -provided with an argument to rebut the conclusion which is frequently -drawn from silence on this subject." - -"Indeed, my dear sir," answered Mr. Oliphant, "I have always thought -the question very irrelevant, and the triumph very unfair. If we -boasted that Ireland had produced the finest architects in the world, -we might be desired to shew the monuments of their skill. If we -arrogated the fame of wealth, we might be challenged to point out the -palaces in which the splendid of past days had held their revels; but -we lay claim to none of these things. Our pride consists in having -been a learned and pious people. Now piety and scholarship are not so -often allied to worldly distinction in _this_ age of mankind, that we -should associate them in a _past_ time through any existing analogy. -That Ireland was resorted to for education; that she produced men -remarkable for knowledge and virtues; that her _magi_ were held in -repute and invited into other countries, to impart the treasures of -superior light; that her ambassadors took precedence upon different -occasions, of those sent by the sister kingdom, to continental courts -and councils, are matters of historical record which we have no right -to contradict, unless we can prove their falsehood; and as to the -remnants of antiquity, which are insisted upon, we may collect ample -testimony to evince a high state of former cultivation, if we make due -allowance for poverty, subsequent civil wars, and the dilapidating -influence of a damp climate. The language of Ireland bears evidence of -ancient date. Every letter in the alphabet is in itself _the name of a -tree_, which leads to the inference of originality in its design. The -round towers of this country, many of which are in the highest state of -preservation, baffle the utmost skill in research to account for their -purpose, and determine their age. Of one thing only are we certain, -and that is, of their great duration, and that, as far as present -information extends upon the subject, Persia is the only country, -besides Ireland, where buildings of this remarkable structure have been -found. Our Druidical remains are in fine preservation, in various parts -of the island. The names of several of our elevated promontories, -with other circumstances, mark the fire-worship of eastern usage -to have prevailed here. In many parts of the kingdom, ornaments in -gold and silver have been discovered, of the purest metal, and most -elaborate workmanship. I have seen some lately that were dug up in the -neighbourhood of Dublin, which, for beauty in execution and elegance -of device, may vie with any modern manufacture, and which, likewise, -are identified with eastern fashion, as the decorations to which I -allude were exactly similar to the Indian bangles, and must have been -employed as such, to deck the ancles of the wearer. In our search after -mines, we have come upon ancient excavations, and often found tools of -brass which bore testimony to the former working in different places, -and at a period so remote that the instruments used for the purpose -are formed of a material, and exhibit shapes totally unlike any of our -modern implements. In this very county are to be found curious remains -of two spacious amphitheatres which, if discovered in any other country -of the earth, would excite the liveliest competition of industry to -explain; but because these things are discovered in Ireland instead of -Tartary or Siberia, ridicule and contempt are their portion. However, -as the one flows from ignorance, and the other from coldheartedness -or jealousy, and neither affords demonstration, we may hope that they -will cease, and that a land, too fertile of soil, too rich in the -finest harbours in Europe, to have been overlooked in early times, will -regain her character which has been lost through the misfortunes of her -history. You must bear in mind that in the very remote periods of which -our accounts are scanty and imperfect, the religion of this country -was not Roman Catholic. It was a much purer faith, and free altogether -from those superstitions which now disfigure the Popish ritual. The -poor Waldenses in their vallies of Piedmont, though they have lost -much of their original simplicity in a necessary communion from time -to time with the Protestants of Geneva, still preserve, I believe the -nearest approach of any mode of worship extant, to what _was_ our creed -about the time of Saint Patrick, whose _purgatory_ was instituted many -centuries after his death. In _those_ days then, the magnificent piles -which owe their existence to the zeal of papal devotion, would not have -been erected here, whatever might have been the pecuniary abundance of -the people; and at a later time, when abuses crept in, and the pure -faith was exchanged for that inconsistent mass of human invention -appended by bigotry and avarice to gospel truth, Ireland was too poor, -and too savage a nation, to raise such mighty altars as bear witness to -the former wealth and glory of your beautiful England. - -"_Some_ remnants we do possess of ancient grandeur, and we can still -shew you specimens both of Saxon and Gothic architecture, which are -worthy of your highest admiration, though they not numerous, I confess. - -"Lord Elgin has transplanted much of the Athenian Parthenon into the -heart of London; what he left, is daily suffering deterioration, and -diminution. If the pride of Greece, the classic, the inimitable Athens, -should vanish, and, like the Golgotha of Troy, only exhibit the -_place_ where once stood in unrivalled grace and splendor, would you -not still declare that her temples and her statues, though crumbling in -the dust, proclaim that Pericles and Phidias _once_ had being. - -"If but a single column of the once astonishing Pæstum now survived the -decay of time and the barbarism of man, would you suffer incredulity to -take her stand amid the ruins, and fulminate her tasteless anathemas -from the very scene of whilom greatness? _We_ only crave a measure of -the same candour which you liberally employ on other occasions. Let -our round towers and cromlechs, our castles and abbeys, be allowed in -evidence of our not being a nation just sprung from the sea; and suffer -our annals and chronicles to be received in testimony of our having -sent forth pious and learned men, when less favoured countries sought -our assistance. Come now, and I will shew you a fine Saxon arch in this -wee island." - -As we moved on towards the ruin, we found some of our party gazing -on the lake below, from a little rocky eminence on which they were -seated, and here we caught Mrs. Fitzroy and old Bentley in furious -debate. He is an odd sort of _restive_ old fellow; sharp, clear -sighted, and very bitter in his remarks; but withal good-natured, and, -though rough, by no means implacable. Mrs. Fitzroy had been, I suppose, -expressing some sentiment in favour of the Irish peasantry, perhaps in -praise of the Herculean M'Carty; for just as we reached the spot where -the antagonists were contending, Bentley exclaimed with stentorian -vehemence, "Madam, I tell you that they are rascals, one and all. It is -a mere fiction to talk of the Irish as you do. I know them better. They -are a cringing lying race; and as to your admired M'Carty More, he is a -drunken dissolute dog; and you spoil him by letting him prate for your -diversion." - -"Upon my word, Mr. Bentley," answered his adversary, "your abuse is -wholesale, and spreads over too large a surface to cut deeply. I do not -agree with you; and I repeat, that such is my preference for the people -of this country, that I shall beg my friends Mrs. Douglas and Mr. -Otway to be on the look out for a cottage to suit me in their vicinity -at Glenalta." - -"No, no, madam, you will do no such thing," retorted the cynic; "you -are acting more wisely. Believe me, that the most knowing people are -those who _travel about, if society be their object_. By change of -place, you come in for the best of every stage at which you halt. You -skim the cream as it were, and ought never to rest long enough any -where to alter your opinions of people, very few of whom, be assured, -will stand the test of intimacy. There is nothing truer than that -Alexander was no hero to his valet-de-chambre, and the maxim applies as -forcibly to nations as to individuals. You will tire of us, if you know -us better, and look back upon your present judgment as mere poetry. -Every oyster is made up of the fish and its shells. Swallow the one and -get rid of the others as fast as you can: they are not worth keeping, -and you will do well to throw them away." - -"Not with _my_ charitable feelings," said Mrs. Fitzroy, "pounded oyster -shells are a fine corrective of acid. I would reserve them for the -good of all who require alteratives, and you should have a Benjamin's -dose." - -Old Bentley is a merry wight, with all his acerbity, and as this _hit_ -was made with perfect good-humour, and a playful countenance, it had a -happy effect, and seemed to raise his estimation of the powers of mind -opposed to him. - -"Madam," answered he, "I thank you for your desire to make me better, -though your _sweetners_ should not succeed. I pique myself on seeing -things as they _are_, and set my face always steadily against every -species of romance." - -In so saying, he gave a consequential _hem_, and turned his eyes -towards "poor George," his nephew, whose nerves are, luckily for -himself, not externally perturbable, and though I am certain he _felt_ -that "more was meant than met the ear," he continued, as calmly -as possible, to converse with my aunt, whom he had engaged in a -_tête-à-tête_. - -We were now reminded by M'Carthy More that Innisfallen was only the -beginning, not the end of our progress; and, regaining our barge, we -were again embarked. This may be a proper place to tell you, lest I -should forget it here-after, that to prevent any unavailing efforts on -your part at tracing the pedigree of so great a personage as the said -King of our Killarney lake-men, the word _More_, which appears like a -sirname, is in reality the Irish for _Great_, as _Beg_ is for _Little_: -so that M'Carthy More means the great or chief M'Carthy. - -We now bent our course towards Glena. If you were not coming one of -these days to see with your own eyes, and hear with your own ears, the -wonders of this little elysium, I should send you my journal at once, -where almost every tree is registered as if I were an Irish tenant, -and had planted them myself; but of description you will not have much -in my letter, or it would swell to a volume; and, as it is, you would -be bankrupt, were it not for your good luck, which again presents a -private opportunity of sending a packet to you. - -At Glena we landed, and here the arbutus arrested our steps, and fixed -the party for some time in amazement at its quantity and size. Here -too, our _Monarch_ informed us that we should fish for our dinner, -inviting us to watch the process of drawing a net. Broken into groups, -we seated ourselves along the margin of the lake, and I for one could -have believed myself translated into some happier region, _at least_ -intermediate between heaven and earth. As I muttered something to this -effect, I heard a sound behind me resembling the growl of a dog who -is not quite sure whether he should bark or not. I turned round, and -beheld old Bentley at my heels; and this movement had the effect which -it would have operated on one of the canine species in giving voice to -the _grumble_. - -"Aye, aye, poetry and sentiment--romance and delusion! But yours, Mr. -Howard, is the natural age for all these humbugs. You will come to your -senses before your glass runs out, and find that you are mistaken in -your views of happiness." - -"Well, sir," said I, "it is some comfort that at my time of life you -_admit_ of my being deceived into bliss; and as life is short, as -well as precarious, it is a great matter to be delighted even with -_shadows_. But why do you set your face, Mr. Bentley, against nature, -and insist upon forestalling the season of care, and laying burthens -of anxiety on shoulders not fitted to the toil of supporting them? The -colt in the forest is allowed to range at liberty till his strength is -matured, and he can bear the load that is destined for his back. Do -you really think that it is right to anticipate evil, and never enjoy -present good?" - -"No, sir," replied Mr. Bentley; "but a wise man removes the veil from -his eyes as soon as possible, and endeavours to see through the mists -of folly and prejudice which obscure his horizon. He directs all his -energies to the pole star of truth, which will quickly place the things -of this world in their just light to his understanding, and teach him -that what is called society is a foul cheat; a dishonest compact, by -which people agree to jockey each other, and pass, like counterfeit -coin, for the things that they are not; assuming manners, professing -regard, and displaying dispositions the very opposite of those that are -exhibited when the mask is taken off in the privacy of retirement. -Then, as to sunshine, and fine scenery, let people enjoy them for the -_time_ if they will, but not imagine that a cloudless sky or perennial -green would change the heart of man and make him contented. No, sir, -independence is the only positive good of merely earthly origin; it -gives us the power of being useful to others, and of being disengaged -from the trammels of the world ourselves." - -"And pray," said Mrs. Fitzroy, who leaned on my right arm, while Emily -occupied the left, Mr. Otway and George Bentley bringing up the rear -of _our_ division, "are such feelings as you express likely to lead to -your conclusion? Will riches be employed for the relief of others who -want their aid, by a man who thinks of his fellow-creatures as you do, -and looks at creation through a jaundiced medium?" - -"Perhaps not always with _intention_, madam," said old _Crabstick_; -"but the beauty of money is that it works without impulse, and _must_ -do good in spite of its possessor. Even a miser, who expends only -enough to preserve life, is hoarding that which, if useless now, will -circulate here-after for the benefit of mankind. And this is an extreme -case: there are few misers in the community." - -"I conclude then," said Mrs. Fitzroy, "that you approve of money -matches as they are called, and would not readily forgive a son of -yours if you had one, for marrying badly, in a worldly sense?" - -"Certainly, madam," answered old Bentley, with great animation, and -apparently charmed with having an opportunity in this natural manner -of giving out the whole "head and front" of his opinion upon so -important a subject, _perhaps_ with a secret view of regulating the -conduct of his nephew, "You are perfectly right, very right indeed in -your supposition, Mrs. Fitzroy. Money matches are the _only matches_. -Money meets money, there is no deception in that sympathy, all else -is balderdash; and except in a very few remarkable cases of happy -marriage, which like the flowers of the aloë, bloom only once in a -hundred years, you may pick out and select with all your care the -finest ingredients of learning, taste, accomplishments, and so forth. I -give you _carte blanche_ in your choice, but bring them together at the -altar, and in a year you will have a dish of _sour crout_ as the result -of your compound." - -"How _can_ you hold such opinions of your fellow-creatures, Mr. -Bentley? It is surely you yourself that convert all mankind into acids, -by looking on them. I should be afraid if you walked into my dairy, -that the very milk-pans would turn to curds and whey on your entrance," -answered Mrs. Fitzroy; "but were the fact really as you describe, I -should like, for the sake of curiosity, to hear how you account for -this transmuting effect of marriage on the human mind?" - -"Why, madam, in various ways. In the principal number of instances, no -transmutation at all takes place; the only difference is, that people -discover each other's true characters when it is too late to remedy -their want of accordance, and then it is much worse to find yourself -ill yoked in marriage, than suffering disagreement in any other -relation of life. If children live unhappily with parents, there are -all the chances of death, matrimony, and profession, for separating the -discordant elements. If brothers and sisters quarrel, _they_ too are -free to hope at least for better days; and in both these cases the evil -in question is not of a man's own contriving. No one feels lessened -in his own eyes, however he may be otherwise vexed, if he loses at a -game of hazard; but marriage is like chess, if we are _check-mated_ -there, it is our own fault, and proves our want of penetration. This, -madam, is a grand cause of unhappiness in married life. People cannot -forgive themselves for having sacrificed their liberties, and committed -_felo de se_ on their own peace. If you are not satisfied with the -causes already given, of disunion in this generally luckless bond, I -can supply you with fresh impediments to contentment, without going -out of my way in search of them. I see people every day whose wits are -all laid up in ordinary, like ships of war after a battle, which, when -once the conflict is over, are dismantled, and left to their fate. -Intellect, madam, which you ladies of the _Blue school_ make such a -fuss about, is a pretty toy in the hands and heads of single folk, -who turn it to account for pleasure or profit; but in married life, -it is not wanted. People who are buckled together, probably know each -other's sentiments upon most subjects; and no one would ever be at the -trouble of talking upon abstract matters, if the vanity of display, -the pride of triumph and the stimulus of novelty, were put out of the -question. The world of _fashion_ is not troubled with brains in either -_one_ condition or the _other_; and as for your Darbys and Joans, it is -far better for them to nod at each other in a couple of arm-chairs in -the chimney corner, than debate about morals, manners, or 'the Punic -war.' Madam, man is _sui generis_, a pugnacious dogged animal, and -requires all the restraints which public opinion imposes, to prevent -him from being rude and overbearing. Amongst strangers he _must_ not -be so, or if he give way, and outstep the bounds of propriety, he is -sure to get a timely rap over the knuckles, which calls him to order; -but in his own family he is generally a bear without its muzzle on, -and depend upon it, the less _argument_ the better between the sexes, -when once they are noosed in the holy bands. They have enough to do -to get through the daily affairs of life, without fighting in earnest -upon practical subjects; and are foolish if they throw away time in -idle skirmishing on theoretical topics. What signifies it to any man, -or woman either, whether Newton's _Principia_ be founded, or not, -in true philosophy; whether Lock's Essay on the Human Understanding -be or be not unanswerable; whether air and water are simples or -compounds; whether the earths can be turned into metals, and diamonds -be reducible, so as to leave no residuum behind in the crucible. Such -points are very useful and interesting to mathematicians, professors -of moral philosophy and chemists, but what have lawyers, physicians, -officers in the army and navy, merchants, and country gentlemen, to do -with these matters at their fire-sides? No, madam, people must, that -is, the _major part_ of mankind, must marry, for so it is ordained. -The earth must be replenished, and marriage is the nursery to furnish -a succession of young plants, as the old ones die down, and return -to their dust; but _wise_ people (I grant you that they are few in -number), purchase exemption from many of the thorns and vexations of -life by the union of well-lined purses. Prudent parents, by insisting -on good settlements and suitable _pin-money_ (as a separate income -is foolishly called), may secure their daughters against the tyranny -of present power, and future extravagance; while a man who marries a -good fortune, is enabled to relieve both himself and his wife from the -_tedium vitæ_ of each other's society, by keeping a hospitable table at -which cheerful company may beguile the monotony of domestic routine." - -Mrs. Fitzroy smiled, and said, "Well, at least you are candid enough -to throw the principal odium on the male part of creation, and I -believe that many women would heartily thank you for the establishment -of liberal _pin_ money, which, according to your account, is very -_aptly_ named I think, as it is the only arrangement you say, that -attaches the parties to each other, and prevents perpetual flying off?" - -"Yes, madam, in ninety-nine cases out of every hundred, money is at the -_bottom_ of domestic strife. Some women are fools and lavish, others -are cunning and narrow-minded; but, almost _all_ men are devoted to the -_love of power_, and hate to share the dominion over their coffers. -It may perhaps surprise you to hear what I am going to say, coming -from the lips of a rough mortal like myself, but I will confess that I -have never known any thing approaching to happiness or respectability -in married life where, if the woman did not manage all the pecuniary -concerns of the family, she had not at least an equal share in them. I -have a tolerably bad opinion, generally speaking, of _both_ sexes, but -of the _two_, I think yours better than my own. Lord Chesterfield, who -saw human nature in its true colours, though he abuses men and women -without _parsimony_, still allots something of a better character, -because a less selfish one to the ladies, when in his division of -mankind, he asserts that "the former are compounded of vanity and -avarice; the latter of vanity and love.'" - -"I hate these cynics," said Mrs. Fitzroy; "and as to _you_, Mr. -Bentley, I feel certain, that some early disappointment in life might -tell its tale, and account for your cross-grained notions of the world. -Let me hear what Mr. Otway says on this subject." - -"My opinions," said the amiable Lord of Lisfarne, so far agree -with those of my worthy friend, that I feel the imperfection of my -_species_, and have only to turn my thoughts inward to perceive the -depravity and weakness of the human heart. Yet in this motley world -there is _much_ enjoyment, _much_ rational happiness, if we use with -moderation the materials which Providence has bountifully placed -within our reach. The fact is, that this scene is _too_ alluring with -all its errors and misfortunes; and a far greater share of good might -be achieved if we did not mar our own happiness. It has been my lot -to see the finest endowments of human character united in the bonds -of wedded affection, and I have lived to see such perfect harmony in -married life, that I can never charge the preponderance of misery that -we daily witness to the state _itself_. On the contrary, were people -to employ only as much attention in this most important act of life, -as they do in any ordinary traffic, we should not have to deplore the -shipwreck of domestic happiness in ninety-nine instances out of every -hundred: but I am far from thinking that it requires to be highly -gifted to be happy. If the capacity of one vessel be as a pint, that -of another as a gallon, and a third as a hogshead, all may be _full_, -and none can be _more_ than full. I am of opinion, too, that very -unequal measures of intellect may meet both profitably and agreeably -in connubial life, though there can be no doubt of the superior charms -of such companionship as that to which I first alluded; but it is a -singular coincidence, that I should at this moment have a letter in my -pocket from a relation of my own, precisely apposite to our present -argument, which, if you like, I will read to you." - -We had just requested to hear the story, when Frederick came running -out of breath, to summon us all to the beach where the nets were -drawing. We immediately started up, and hurrying towards the shore, -adjourned our debate till after dinner, when _Phil._ engaged to fulfil -his promise. Assembled on the edge of the lake, we saw several of the -finest salmon I ever beheld, brought to land, and M'Carty More having -secured two of the largest, for which he made the bargain himself, he -proposed that we should proceed to Dinas Island, where the fish was to -be roasted after the manner in which the people here are accustomed -to dress it. As we were preparing to go on board the boat, Frederick -whispered to me a remark that M'Carty had made, in his untutored -phrase, upon Bentley the elder, and Mr. Otway, as he saw them walking -forward together. - -"There goes a pair that were never made to walk abreast." - -"How do you mean?" said Fred. - -"Why, sir, that straight and crooked, bitter and sweet, short and long, -are fitter for-harness than those two men." - -"Describe them M'Carty," answered Fred. "I will then," replied the -boatman. "Mr. Otway is just what a _raeal_ gentlemen ought to be, -neither too rough nor too smooth. He knows his _distance_ (meaning, I -conclude, his station), and never mounts above it, nor falls below it; -he is mild and good like a child, though a _raisonable_ man, that has -a why for every wherefore; but Mr. Bentley, Sir, never got out of bed -in his life, that it was'nt with the left foot foremost, and so every -thing goes contrary with him." - -How admirable are these rough sketches by ignorant beings of the lowest -class! Oh the exquisite beauty of Dinas! but I have made a vow not -to entangle you in bowers, nor plunge you in the silver stream. This -island is flat, and of much greater extent than Innisfallen; there is -a pretty cottage upon it, where preparations were made for our repast -by those amphibious animals who live indifferently on land and water, -and who were suddenly metamorphosed into cooks, having previously -performed the parts of rowers, and next of fishermen. They instantly -split the salmon, and having cut some stakes of arbutus, _spitted_ -the fish, and fixed it in the ground, then lighting a fire all round, -completed the operation with culinary skill, and served up, in process -of time, the best dish of fish that I have tasted. This mode of -cooking has a peculiar name, and a salmon dressed in the manner that -I have mentioned, is said to be _kibbobed_, the term, as Mr. Oliphant -informed us, applied to a favourite food in Persia, which is made by -splitting and broiling fowls, as the fish was managed here, and in the -method to which we gave the name of _spatchcock_--another coincidence -between that country and the Island of Saints. When we had finished our -rural banquet, and again _filed off into_ detachments, I found myself -pursuing a beautiful pathway among the trees, along the border of the -Lake, arm-in-arm with Mr. Otway; and, when we had interchanged some -remarks on the loveliness of the surrounding scenery, I begged him to -give me a key to some of the characters that composed our party. - -"Mr. Bentley is a very amusing person to me," said I, "and his _running -bass_ of _ill_ humour so _good_ humouredly expressed, forms an -anomaly in his manner exceedingly diverting. Mrs. Fitzroy too is very -agreeable, and the continual skirmishing sustained with so much spirit -on her side, between that lady and Mr. Bentley, is fully as pleasant -as "Mathews at Home;" but I am not enough acquainted to understand her -completely, and, as for young Bentley, though I _like_ him much, and -_esteem_ him more, I am not familiar with his _style_, and wish, of all -things, for some light into his history." - -"You have set me a task," answered Mr. Otway, "which would require more -time to execute than we have at present to spare; but you are perfectly -right in your conjecture, that they are all three worth knowing _au -fond_ as characters of peculiar though very different construction; -and I look upon every one of them as such a well defined specimen of -its genus, that were I assorting mankind, as a cutler does knives and -scissors, I would stick my three friends on the outside of my parcels, -as indexes to the contents within each paper of the several classes to -which they belong. Though the lady claims precedence, I will tell you -something of my old neighbour to begin with:--Mrs. Fitzroy made a true -hit to-day, when she said that she was certain he had been disappointed -in early life. It was exactly the case. He began the world with humble -expectations, and was intended for the profession of an attorney. -Nature had given him a strong and shrewd understanding, set in one of -those brazen scabbards that defy the inroads of time and bad weather. -He was one of many children, and accustomed, as the sailors say, to -_roughing it_, through life. With a body in which _nerves_ were left -out, and a mind divested of any troublesome sensibilities, he _tackled_ -to his calling, and had not fortune stepped in between him and the -necessity of working for his bread, would not only have been one of -the most active of the busy fraternity with which he was incorporated, -but would also, I believe, have set a praiseworthy example of upright -conduct; for I look upon him as a man of incorruptible integrity. He -had finished his _noviciate_, and was just embarking in this minor -department of the law, with a respectable coadjutor, when he began to -think that a partner of the softer sex might be a proper _coping to -the wall_ of his destiny; and accordingly he made his proposals to a -young lady of some personal attraction, and such a convenient _modicum_ -of wealth as, without rendering it presumptuous to approach her, -flattered his self-complacency with the prospect of meriting, at least, -an _ovation_ for his success. There was no _if_ in the calculation; -a doubt never once insinuated itself into his mind; not that he was -a conceited or overbearing young man by any means; but his opinions, -derived from vulgar sources, were made up in bundles, endorsed, and -stowed away in the various compartments of his pericranium, where -they were alphabetically arranged like papers in the pigeon-holes of -his desk. On looking at number thirteen, letter M, and taking down -the packet, he found it docketed 'Marriage;' and on turning a page, -the following synopsis of contents may, we suppose, have presented -itself to his view:--'Eight and twenty; fair time to look for a -wife--marriage, convenient for man--indispensable for woman--idle to -marry without money--a profession, may reasonably be reckoned against -three or four thousand pounds. Any thing over five feet eight _tells_ -in the appearance of a man; figure of more consequence than face, -with a man _on his preferment_ as touching the other sex.' It was not -needful to seek farther into the documents thus labelled. My worthy -friend, perhaps, heaved a natural sigh, as he involuntarily approached -his faithful mirror for the purpose of smartening his dress, and read -the mortifying sentence of 'hard featured,' which, added to the painful -certainty that he wanted two inches of standard measure, might have -damped the energies of our would-be Benedick, had it not been that -some unseen but friendly spirit so frequently takes compassion on -our humiliation, and whispers comfort in extremity. Such consolatory -unction was poured into Bentley's bosom in this trying moment. If his -optics rested on a snub nose, ferret eyes, and pock-marked cheeks, -his good genius breathed into his ear the words 'quick, intelligent, -droll;' and when the fidelity of a two-foot rule forced the unwelcome -conviction of five feet six as the utmost height to which truth would -permit him to aspire, the soothing sounds of 'well-built, compact, -genteel,' again fell on his organ of hearing, as if sent from Heaven -to encourage his faultering purpose. The toilette ended, Bentley took -his well brushed hat, and catching up a slight rattan, which not only -gave a finish to that _dapper_ activity on which he meant to rest the -character of his appearance, to which _grace_ was unfortunately denied, -but was likewise useful in supplying an object _with_ which to twirl -away an awkward feeling, should such arise, our hero set out, and -walked towards Surgeon Sharp's, with an expression in his gait which, -if called upon to translate, you would have interpreted by the words, -'secure, confiding, and self-satisfied.' Alas! what vicissitudes are -incident to our mortal career! - -"Bentley returned to number one, Mortgage Row, had a rapid vision of -his chop-fallen countenance in the large brass plate upon which was -engraved 'Deeds, Bentley and Co.;' rushed to his apartment, exchanged -his black stock for an easier neck-cloth, and, whistling louder than -he had ever been known to do before, took four steps in every stride -down stairs, and joined his partner, a keen, sarcastic, but sensible -man, from whom I had the greater part of these particulars, at dinner. -But, as every man has his evil, as well as his friendly genius, rumour -has spread to the winds that poor Bentley's thoughts being unpleasantly -occupied, he wished to drown them, and swallowing a more liberal -potation than was his ordinary custom, of native spirit, diluted with -warm water, and seasoned with lemon and sugar, experience confirmed the -proverb of '_in vino veritas_,' the half-muttered sounds of 'rejected -addresses,' and stimulated the curiosity of Mr. Jacob Deeds. The -distressing confession distilled from Bentley's lips, and so entirely -did he lose all prudent controul over his feelings, that the boy who -passed to and fro with the dinner apparatus, heard sufficient of his -misadventure to make a good foundation, and splicing on from his own -invention as much as was requisite to complete the story, he published -his master's disgrace with the diligence of a bell-man that evening. -When Bentley went to court on the following day, he was attacked on all -sides, and to come to the _moral_ of my tale, this _debut_ in _love -affairs_ gave the bias which has influenced the life and character -of my honest neighbour from seven and twenty to sixty years of age. -Had _affection_ been blighted, I could not even _now_ laugh at his -expense, but his pride alone was engaged. The prudential aphorisms -which he had learned of vulgar parents, had established certain points -as fixed principles in his mind, not requiring farther discussion. -Amongst these, was the firm belief that no young woman could possibly -refuse a tolerable match, and _partiality_ having, perhaps, represented -the offer of his own hand as something _beyond_ the average of good -luck in the case of Miss Sharp, it was too much for his philosophy to -find such a flaw in a theory which might have otherwise lasted to the -end of his days, and not only this vexation in the abstract, but the -particular sting of furnishing the contradiction in his own person. -He began with rage, and finding no balsam in his wrath, he turned -on mankind, and revenged, by the poignancy of his satire against the -whole species, this fancied wrong inflicted by a single individual. In -a short time after, an advertisement appeared in the papers, setting -forth the death of a person who possessed considerable property, and -who dying intestate, and without any near relations, the next of kin -were called upon to declare themselves. At the end of a suit which -occupied four or five years, my friend's claim was substantiated, and -he was put in peaceable possession. The progress of time, which mellows -men and wine, together with the healing which affluence brought to his -pride, operated a salutary change, not in kind but degree. His mind had -received a bent which no after circumstances of his life had power to -alter, but every year has produced a softening effect, and he is now, -comparatively, smooth as oil. George, who is the only son of a brother, -who died a few years ago, will probably inherit his uncle's estate, -if he can submit to the penalty of being guided solely by his advice. -Of this I doubt, and, as I have a great regard for the young man, I -cannot help watching him with anxiety." - -I delight so much in Mr. Otway, that I treasure all he says, and have -given you his account of old Bentley as nearly as possible, in his -own words; but just as I pressed him to tell me all that he knew of -the nephew, we were joined by some stragglers of our party, amongst -whom was Bentley himself. The weather was enchanting, the Lake dotted -with boats, and we perceived that our island was not sacred to us. As -we proceeded to explore the intricacies which thickets of the finest -evergreens concealed from our view, several voices assailed us at -once; we saw a number of gay-looking people land from a barge at a -little distance; feathers waved in the air, peals of laughter were -driven by the breeze, and we would gladly have retired, but a sort of -rude curiosity, common to fashionable people, impelled the strangers -to overtake and see _what we were like._ Conceive my astonishment -on hearing my name pronounced, and, in a moment, finding myself in -the midst of a group composed of Lady Matilda Murray, her pretty -daughters, her son Henry, Lord John Craven, young Lewellyn Spencer, -and half a score others, with whom I was slightly, or not at all -acquainted, and who might have been mistaken for figures hired from -a hair dresser's shop window to swell Lady Matilda's train, if it -had not been for the uproar that they made. Conscious, long ago, of -the revolution which has taken place in my mind, I never knew its -full extent till this meeting. Nay, I have often felt at intervals -that opportunity might again betray me into my former participation -in all the follies which used to occupy without interesting me; but -Dinas island has finished my conversion. The place seemed absolutely -profaned by the presence of this silly group of milliners' dolls, and -hair-dressers' dandies. It was so incongruous a sight, that, forgetting -how lately I had been one of themselves; that I too had lived in -London's west end, and that steam packets and post horses had not -ceased to be when _I_ was deposited in the County of Kerry, I wondered -like an idiot how they came to Killarney; and I believe looked as -the savage of Averon might have done, had he suddenly met the _beau -monde_ of Versailles in his forest. The whole set gathered round me at -once, and, totally regardless of the company to which I was attached, -they overwhelmed me with questions all talking together. Even Miss -Murray, whom we used to call the "sleeping beauty," seemed inspired -with animation, and became as obstreperous as her sister. When the din -had in some degree subsided, Lady Matilda, in a languid drawl, said, -"I assure you, Mr. Howard, you should not waste time in these wilds. -Reports are in circulation respecting some members of your family; and -delays are dangerous. The prize may slip out of your sister's fingers -if you are tardy. I speak as a true friend, I do assure you." "Aye, -aye," added her ass of a son, who was standing close to us, "bag the -game Howard as fast as you can, or i' faith it may fly and leave you in -the lurch."--Before I had time to utter a syllable in reply to these -impertinencies, Miss Angelina Murray abruptly exclaimed, "oh! but -would it not be excellent if Mr. Howard were to give us a sermon -_al fresco_. All the world is of opinion that he has turned Methodist, -and it would be charming to tell of this adventure when we go back. Do -dear Mr. Howard, you may make it as short as ever you please; but _do_ -indulge us with a discourse. Here I will send Lord John for my cloak; -you shall put it on, and fancy it a full suit of canonicals. Pray do -not disappoint your congregation." - -This wit, which appeared to be considered quite attic, was received -with bursts of laughter, which intoxicating its vapid author, she would -have gone on plaguing me with her nonsense till now, if I had not -cleared my throat, and, like a canary bird, conquered every other voice -by the vociferation of my own. At length I was heard, and succeeded in -telling Lady Matilda that I had come like herself to see Killarney; -that like her too I intended returning to town, and if arrived there -before her Ladyship, should be happy to execute her commands. - -"Thank you," said she, "I shall return myself as fast as my delicate -health will permit, and shall be happy to take you back in my suite. -You seem to have got into a set of odd-looking people here. _Natives_, -I conclude; and the sooner you leave them the better. As to me, I never -was so weary in my life; and am so frightened too, since I came into -this barbarous country, that I do not attempt to sleep, though I make -two of the servants sit up every night with loaded arms to repel an -attack. It is more than my nerves can endure; and I fear that I have -already suffered in a greater degree than I am aware of." - -"Are you not pleased with this scenery," said I, "Lady Matilda?" -turning a deaf ear to absurdities which I could not answer: "Killarney -is the only place with which, after hearing such encomiums as all -people of taste lavish upon its exquisite beauty, I have not been -disappointed; and the lower Lake is nothing, I am told, in comparison -of what we have to see." "_I_ shall see no more, I promise you," -replied _Miladi_; "I have had enough of this sort of thing. The air is -too damp--it disagrees with me; and besides, the object is achieved. -_We have been at Killarney_, and may pass our travelling examination. -This sort of thing is vastly tiresome, and too fatiguing for my nerves. -Then '_le jeu ne vaut pas la chandelle_," I dread the Trosach, but I -suppose that we must make a tour in Scotland, Lord John is so bent upon -it; and really three days more in this horrible place would kill me." - -Joyful to my ear were the sounds of parting; and having extricated -myself, I scarcely know how, from this "unreal mockery," I took my -leave, with a promise to call upon her Ladyship, and, bidding adieu -to the rest of her _Court_, I bounded over every obstacle of rock or -brush-wood, that separated me from my own party, and never felt the -triumph of nature and good sense to be so complete as when I regained -their society, and listened once more to their refreshing conversation. -We were not molested any farther. I saw some of Lady Matilda's -attendant swains yawn and stretch their arms, as I passed them by; and -it was not long before we discovered them re-embarked, with cloaks -spread across their knees, as a substitute for tables, and engaged in -two regular matches at cards, while their boat returned towards Ross' -Castle. - -_We_ lingered untired till the moon rose upon the water, and never will -the impression of that evening be erased from my imagination. We rowed -round Dinas, we coasted Glena, and again took a view of Innisfallen -wrapped in shadows. We had two bugles on board, and were so fortunate -as to secure a man of the name of Spillane, who is a capital performer, -for our principal musician. Nothing could be more rapturous than the -sensations I experienced when M'Carty, whose fine athletic form, -as he sweeps the oar, is worthy of the canvass, called to Spillane -and his brother bugler, saying, "Come, my hearties, the oars are -flagging--blast up a tune that will make the boat walk of herself." -No sooner had the word been given, than the inspiring air of Stuart -memory, called "Who'll be King but Charley?" was admirably played. The -effect was magical. The sinews that had been flaccid before, from heat -and toil, seemed braced afresh. The men were silent--sat erect--and -appeared endowed with new powers. No longer a set of slouching boors, -mumbling each his quid of tobacco, which the peasants here chew as -the Turks do opium or beetle nut, our boatmen rose in dignity as they -yielded to the talismanic influence of a strain replete with the -expression of spirit and pathos, that _rainbow_ character of music, so -deeply interesting, and of which the Irish are so sensible, that it -seems to speak directly to their hearts, in a language all their own. -The boat really _did_ appear, as M'Carty said, "to walk of herself" -over the Lake, so long, so smooth, so vigorous, was the pull, and -such perfect time did the rowers observe; but Spillane's power of -enchantment was not confined to them. The whole band partook of the -emotion which he excited. My dear aunt turned her face towards the dark -wooded side of Glena, and rivers of gentle tears were silently mingled -with the waves below. Mrs. Fitzroy stood up, fired, as she afterwards -said, with such enthusiasm, that, like Semiramis of antient memory, -she could in that moment have placed herself at the head of a warlike -host, and led them on to death or victory. She absolutely looked pale -with the intenseness of sublime sensation. Russell was, as usual, in a -state of convulsion; and all were silent, till, actuated by an impulse -compounded of all the varied sensibilities of those around me, I gave -utterance to a passing wish that I was Charles-Edward. "And _I_ Flora -M'Donald!" exclaimed dear little Fanny; who seemed delighted at having -her tongue untied, and finding a precedent in my rapture for expressing -her own--but without the most distant idea of paying me a compliment, -by coupling her destiny with mine. _Her_ wish had, in fact, been formed -without reference to me; and, had I said anything else than what I -did say, it would have equally unlocked Fanny's lips, who longed to -speak, but who was withheld by a native modesty, which is inseparable -even from her moments of greatest excitement, from being the _first_ -to do so. It was _her_ turn now to govern our sympathies. She had -touched a new spring, and many a gay smile shone through the tears -that had been flowing. Many a merry peal of hearty laughter brought us -again into cheerful communion. "Miss Fanny Douglas," said Russell, "I -envy Howard, who has received so explicit a declaration of your kind -feelings towards him." Fanny looked _blank_ for a second or two before -she caught his meaning, so _single_ had been the thought that occupied -her mind when she spoke--but seizing on the new idea presented, she -blushed violently, _only_ because it _was_ new; and with that exquisite -_naïveté_ which is worth all the treasures of Golconda, she hastily -answered, "Indeed, no: I did not think of any one except my favourite -Pretender alone; but that makes little difference, for my cousin knows -perfectly well that whatever Flora could accomplish for Charles-Edward -I should desire to perform for Arthur, if he stood in need of my -assistance." - -I must now hurry you to the landing-place, transport you from thence -to the inn, dispatch supper, and distribute the group into their -several apartments. Russell contrived, as I squeezed into mine, which -is hardly large enough to turn about in, to impart his secret to -the faithful _porches_ of mine ear; and I have it now from his own -confession, that he is in the list of _killed and wounded_. I asked -whether he had any reason to expect reciprocity of disposition, but he -said no. "I _hope,_ but I certainly have no reason to _expect_. These -charming Douglasses love each other so much that it is very difficult -to penetrate their sentiments towards strangers. Girls in general think -little of mothers, except as necessary appendages. A _chaperone_ is -indispensable, and therefore young ladies tolerate their mammas in that -character; but these cousins of yours seem to idolize their parent, and -to be almost absorbed in studying her countenance, and reading every -thought as it arises in her soul." Annesley's entrance interrupted our -dialogue, which ended for the present; and the next morning saw us -gliding over the calm expanse which we had traversed the day before, -to visit a new region, of such perfection as, if I had not forsworn -all description, would puzzle me to find words in which to clothe it. -Traits and touches--mere memoranda--are all that I shall give you. Of -the first, I must relate one which is worthy of your moral sketch-book. -There is a narrow strait, of exquisite beauty, dividing the upper from -the lower lake, which, from the shelving nature of the ground, assumes -somewhat the appearance of a rapid. At this place it is customary for -the boatmen to quit their boats, which are dragged up by main force to -a joyous cry, which they raise in concert, as American sailors do in -heaving the anchor. It is a particularly cheerful sound, and pleasing -from the measured cadence in which it is given. While the boatmen, who -strip off their shoes and stockings, jump into the water, and ranging -themselves two and two, perform this feat, the company are always -landed, and pursue a winding path on the verge of the water, till the -boat is drawn into the lake above, and they are ushered into that -aquatic paradise. - -On the night preceding this day, a poor fellow had reached this -narrow pass from the upper country in a tiny skiff. A sudden gust, -which frequently occurs in this amphitheatre of mountains, hurried -him so irresistibly down the watery descent that his little bark was -overset, and no human being living near the spot, his voice was not -heard;--unable to swim, he was drowned, and his lifeless corse was -extricated in the morning from a bed of arbutus, which lay so softly -on the surface of the lake that it appeared more like a Naiad's couch -than the bier of poor Florence O'Neil. Our men were none of them -related to him. They only knew who he was, and that he was unfortunate. -When we reached this little gorge, we were told to prepare for landing, -and M'Carty More standing up in the boat, poising his oar with graceful -ease, and making no more of its weight than if it had been a straw, -addressed himself to us all, and said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, I hope -that your honours will not take it amiss if we draw up the boat silent -and quiet, like the poor fellow himself that lay here this morning." So -saying, he and his comrades, without uttering a sound, pulled our bark -forward in the profoundest stillness; thus paying a tribute of delicate -feeling to the manes of a departed brother, which would have adorned -a far higher class in life. We were all affected by this incident, -which was quickly changed from a merely sentimental occurrence into one -of practical compassion and usefulness, by a proposal from my aunt, -that the same spot which had in the former moment been dedicated to -remembrance of the dead, should now be marked by tender care for the -living. "Here is my subscription," said she, "and when we have made -up a little sum for the widow and orphans of poor Florence, M'Carty -More, if you please, shall have the pleasure of bestowing it." Joy lit -up the countenances which had been just before honestly expressive of -sadness, and showers of choicest blessings were lavished on the mover -of this benevolent project. M'Carty's thanks were as warm, as if he -had been made rich himself; and when Russell good humouredly said to -him, "I suppose that you are flattered, by being chosen to convey glad -tidings to the poor woman and her children, and pleased that Mrs. -Douglas should put such confidence in you;" his noble reply was, "No -your honour. The lady would not have mistrusted _any_ of us; we may -all be bad enough, but there is not a man in the boat, I'll be bound -to say, would rob the widow. Every one of these lads, sir, gave half a -crown this morning to bury poor O'Neil, and while they had a potato -themselves they would not _begrudge_ the half of it to her that's left -desolate." - -Mrs. Fitzroy gave a searching look, and shook her head at old Bentley, -who growled under his breath, but for _once_ did not express his -scepticism in words. We now entered the upper lake, and all language -fails to do justice here. - -Do you remember the happy valley of Abyssinia, described in Rasselas? -Here is in water what that was in land. So completely are you -surrounded with the magnificent range of mountains which inclose this -little world of beauty, that you seem as if separated at once from -all that is external to it. You perceive no means of either egress -or ingress, and but for the recollection of having entered by that -narrow pass which I have described, might fancy yourself let down from -the skies. This lake is sprinkled over thickly with islands, every -one of which would make a picture in itself. These are covered with -the most luxuriant evergreens, the glossy brightness of which might -warrant a belief (were fairies as efficient personages as in the -"olden time") that they had been under water till your approach, and -rose at that moment into air, "dripping odours" in all the freshness -of a new creation. While we gazed in astonishment at the scene before -us, silence again took up her sceptre, and no one appeared willing to -disturb her reign. - -I cannot with accuracy describe any feelings save my own, though I -think I could read several minds amid the group; but for myself, I -felt actually raised above this nether sphere, and as if I was holding -communion with Deity, in this the first hour of my life in which I -beheld his perfect workmanship, unspoiled by the finger of man. I -was in a _trance_, and should have lost every remembrance that human -creatures surrounded me, had not M'Carty More, in a half whisper -directed to Frederick, who wins every heart which was not already his -own, interrupted my musings by saying, "Mr. Douglas, I come from the -rightful kings of this place, and though I am a poor man now, I can -make _you_ king, sir, of one of these _islands_, and, with the help -o'God, you _shall_ be king of it sure enough: pull my hearties for -M'Carty More's Island." - -We were awakened from our reverie. The tear drops were brushed from -aunt Douglas's eye. Mrs. Fitzroy's cheek, which blanches with emotion, -resumed its colour. Emily and Charlotte, whose countenances are the -most pelucid, mirrors of all that passes within, were illuminated by -Frederick's approaching triumph, and Fanny's ready joy sparkled so -brightly in her eyes, as, in a poet's fancy at least, to make the -rippling of the lake, while our bark shot nimbly through its gentle -bosom, shine with more dancing radiance than the sun alone could -have imparted. Now followed a scene of mock heroic, amusing from the -gravity with which it was conducted, and curious from the mixture of -knowledge and ignorance, of law and fiction, which it involved. We -were marshalled by M'Carty in a circle, on this beautiful _spangle_ of -earth, the sovereignty of which was to be bestowed upon our youthful -chief. Frederick was placed in the midst; a sod was cut from the turf, -and an arbutus twig severed from the shrubs which hung over our -heads. With these insignia of feudal investiture, M'Carty approached -the monarch who was to be, and kneeling on one knee presented _seizin_ -of his dominions, with an appropriate enumeration in correct Latin, -of the rights and royalties intended to be conveyed by this Imperial -grant, the boatmen forming a semicircle exterior to the ring already -mentioned. When Frederick received the symbols of his enfeoffment with -a graceful bow, a shout from the men proclaimed the act of acceptance; -and next followed the anointing, which was _here_ performed with -"mountain dew," alias whiskey, which I suspect M'Carty and his fellows -prefer on such occasions to oil. Two or three bottles of this Irish -usquebaugh were brought from the boat, one of them was dashed upon a -rock, and the name of "Frederick's Island," pronounced by M'Carty, who -enacted the part of high-priest. The next step was to quaff a libation -to the honour of the new monarch, in which part of the ceremony he was -obliged to join; and after drinking to the health and happiness of the -crew, Fred. was installed, desired to take his seat on the rude throne -prepared by spirituous unction for his accommodation, and to exercise -his first act of authority, in arresting the arm of Russell, who was -busily employed in cutting a fine walking-stick of arbutus. - -The party were again seated in their boat, when old Bentley repaid -Mrs. Fitzroy's piercing look, of which I told you, _in kind_, and -with his _grimmest_ expression of discontent, turned to her, with, -"_There_ madam! _There_ are cunning rascals for you! Those scoundrels -will elect a king from every boat-load of blockheads that they bring -to the upper lake during the season, and will wheedle money out of the -_royal_ pocket, and guzzle whiskey at the general cost, till they have -not an eye left in their heads." How Mrs. Fitzroy would have turned the -edge of old Bentley's ire if she had been disengaged, I cannot tell, -but she was listening with so much interest to Domine, that Bentley's -tirade passed over her mind, and seemed to be shaken from it like -"dew drops from the lion's mane," while she gave her attention to Mr. -Oliphant, who is really a mine of knowledge, and who possesses the art -of rendering it always pleasing, by his unaffected simple manner, the -accuracy of his information, and the tact with which he imparts it. - -The _investiture_ which we had just witnessed, called forth an -agreeable and instructive account of consecration in all its varieties -of mode, from the field of Luz mentioned in the 28th chapter of -Genesis, to the stone alluded to in the Odyssey, on which Neleus sat -"equal in counsel to the Gods." Pope, I remember, translated this -passage in four lines, which I gave to Mrs. Fitzroy, in pencil on a -scrap of paper, as Domine paused on his tide of learned lore: - - "The old man early rose, walk'd forth and sat - On polished stone, before his palace gate; - With unguent smooth, the lucid marble shone, - Where ancient Neleus sat, a rustic throne." - -From thence Mr. Oliphant adverted to the superstitious accounts of -the Baithylia, or consecrated stones of Phoenicia mentioned in -_Sanchoniatho_, and a great deal more very pleasantly communicated, -which you shall have in my journal, but not _here_. I must, however, -give you the history of the stone which you and I looked at not long -ago, in Westminster Abbey. It lies, you may recollect, under the old -chair on which the Kings of England are crowned in the Chapel of -Edward the First, and a Scotchman who was standing by when you and I -were there took the whole credit of this sacred relique to himself, -declaring that it was originally a supernatural gift to his country, -and had a prophecy attached to it of the highest importance to the -Caledonians. It was called "_Ni fallit Fatum_," and gave rise to the -verses which are translated into English thus: - - "Or Fate's deceived, or Heaven decrees in vain, - Or where they find this stone the Scots shall reign." - -But it seems that this precious morsel of antiquity, said to be the -pillow of Jacob, on which he laid his head, when he slept on the plain -of Luz, and dreamed of the ladder that reached to the skies, was really -wrested from Ireland (whither it had travelled from its original site, -first to Jerusalem, from thence into Spain, and thence again into this -country, where it lay treasured as it deserved to be, in the great -Cathedral on the rock of Cashel) by Fergus the First of Scotland, who -conveyed it to Scone, and on it the Scottish Kings were always placed -to be crowned, till Edward the First transported this "Patriarchal -bolster" to Westminster, where it is still preserved with veneration, -not unmixed perhaps with a certain dread of seeing the dynasty pass -away, should the stone set out again upon a _tour_, as the marriage of -Margaret of Scotland into the Royal Family of England, gave colour to -the fidelity of that prophecy to which I have alluded, when this bone -of contention quitted its Northern abode. - -If Domine had not soon come to the end of his story, we should probably -have been out all night in the lakes, for so intense was the curiosity -of M'Carty and his myrmidons to devour every syllable of the tale, that -they lay upon their oars, and appeared in danger of being metamorphosed -into images of stone themselves, such fixed attention did they bestow -upon a legend which I am certain they quickly made their own. - -To avoid producing a dearth of paper at Tralee, whence I procured -my last supply, I shall now pack you up, and placing you in the car -of a balloon, permit you no longer to loiter your happy hours amid -scenes of enchantment. You must neither land on Ronayve's Island, -nor accompany me to Fure Lake, nor wander by moonlight through the -Abbey of Muccruss, nor toil to the top of the eagle's nest, nor visit -Dunlow-gap, Mangerton punch-bowl, nor any other spot in this region -of fascination. Were I to indulge your passion for romance, and allow -you to linger any longer at Killarney, I should fear your becoming a -hermit, and requesting Lord Kenmare's permission to build a cell, in -which the remainder of your days would be dedicated to solitude and -contemplation. Take then your bird's-eye view of the map, as it lies -spread beneath you; return to your inn; with a mind torn between love -and curiosity, quit the society of our charming female companions, -leaving them under the care of Messieurs Otway, Oliphant, and Bentley -senior, descend from your balloon, mount a rough Kerry poney, and if -you can ride like a Tartar through the desert, you may join Russell, -Annesley, Frederick, Bentley _secundus_, and your humble servant, -in a two day's trip over Kenmare mountain, the Priest's leap, and -through Neddeen to Bantry. Oh Glengariffe, surpassing Glengariffe! thou -"brightest gem of the Western wave," in what words am I to paint thee? - -This transcendent spot was the limit of our excursion, and how can I, -in general terms, more aptly sum up its attractions than in telling -you, that _reeking_, as we were, from Killarney, the matchless -scenery of which was still vibrating on every retina, shadowed in our -imaginations and resting in the hearts of all our party, who felt as -if nature was reposing, admiration drained to its dregs, and language -run out, by all that we had been called upon to see, think, and feel, -so recently, Glengariffe strung each palsied nerve anew. We rose "like -giants refreshed with wine," and experienced that delight which only -the highest excitement of mental or physical excellence occasionally -produces, namely a consciousness of power within ourselves, of which, -till thus extraordinarily elicited, we do not dream of being in -possession. Perhaps this is one of the most pleasurable feelings of the -human mind, and we now enjoyed it rapturously, surprising our own ears -with the awakened flow of eloquence, poured out from fountains which -might have been supposed already exhausted; and admiring beauties in -all around, the greatest charm of which, though sometimes undiscerned, -is the vivid reflection from our own souls. But you must only glance -your eye along that blue expanse, and catch a hasty glimpse of that -splendid bay, where the concentrated powers of France, while menacing -destruction, were themselves destroyed. Before we regain our inn, and -rejoin our friends, you must pause for a moment with me in a scene -which, from its singularity, delayed our retrograde progress. - -Having mounted our shaggy steeds, we turned our faces, like Sir -Bertram, "to the wolds," and conceitedly imagined ourselves able to -retrace, unassisted, the homeward path; but we were mistaken; and after -proceeding for sometime without meeting a living creature of whom to -ask the way, we at length espied a thing scarcely human, naked almost -to the hips, and trotting at a quick, equal pace, holding a staff -horizontally in both hands, and having a tattered weather-beaten bag -that looked like an old Spanish wine skin, strapped upon his back. - -"Who, and what are you?" exclaimed Russel. - -This was not a conciliating address, and accordingly it was rudely -answered: "May be as good as yourself. I am a post; and my father was a -post before me." - -This letter-carrier for so we interpreted him to be, never relaxed his -steady trot, nor condescended to be angry. Calm contempt appeared to be -the feeling which dictated his reply; and he would have passed on his -way with-deigning to look behind him, if Frederick had not said, in his -cheerful manner, "My good fellow, I know that you are the very man to -tell us how we shall get into the track that leads over the mountain to -Killarney, for I have lost my way, and my friends here are strangers?" - -The youth immediately became a _poste restante_, and gazing benignantly -on Frederick, setting his voice to a very different modulation from -that in which he first spoke and resting his chin on the staff which he -now stuck into the ground, he replied, "Why then, indeed, I'd do more -than that for ye. Go down till you see the smoke, then turn to the left -and face north'ards; turn again to the west, and you'll find a track -that will bring you out at the kiln by a short cut, and then you can't -miss your way any more, but will get down into the _illegant_ new road, -along the upper lake which is so lonesome, and smothered in trees, that -you might be _murthered_ there in all aise, and pitched over into the -lake, and no one know what become of you during ash nor oak." - -"And pray," said Frederick, "how am I to find out north and west in -this strange place." - -"Then sure, your honour, I suppose, isn't such a poor scholar as that -you wouldn't know very well by the sun." - -Fred. gave the poor fellow a shilling, and encouraged with this -agreeable notice, of the perfect _convenience_ with which we could -be "_murthered_," we pursued our route; and found the instructions -which he had received, accurate to a tittle. The smoke, which was the -first finger-post in the journey, brought us into a deep ravine, wild, -barren, and silent as the grave, yet judging by the wreaths that seemed -to be sent up from numerous chimnies that were invisible, populous of -human life. We looked for habitations but there was not a single roof -to be seen, nor an individual to be met with. Curiosity prompted us -to approach nearer to this uncommon defile; and here we found numbers -of poor creatures, who, terrified at the sound of so many horses' -feet, and dreading a visit from the police, were employed in hastily -extinguishing their fires. We speedily tranquillized their minds, and -then received that generous welcome and hospitality which the poorest -sons and daughters of Erin, never fail to extend to the stranger. - -To be a _stranger_, far from exciting suspicion here, is a free -passport to the best which these kind people possess. Whiskey was -all which these had to offer, for this was a little colony of illicit -distillers. We tasted their _pottein_ (their name here for the purest -spirit) to oblige our hosts, and scattering a few pieces of silver -amongst them, turned to the left, then to the north, made for the kiln, -and were just descending from the moor, into something resembling a -road, when a figure stalking along the horizon, of apparently gigantic -stature, arrested our attention; we drew up, and as he _neared_ us, we -beheld indeed a prodigious form of at least six feet in height, black -as Erebus, skin, clothes, and all; and armed with a pole of fully ten -feet in length, terminated by an immense bush of holly. Warned by the -former incivility which he had excited, Russell now thought proper -to leave all enquiries to Frederick, who with a kind, "good morrow -my lad," begged to know where this Patagonian was going, and why so -accoutered? - -"Plase your honour," answered the spectre, "I am the sweep o'the -mountains, and I'm going yander to clane some chimblies for the -people." - -What grotesque habits, and how extra-ordinary the mixture in this -country of barbarism and civilization! - -Arrived at length, we found all the pleasure of joining such a circle -as we had left behind, doubled by our short absence. - -An excursion such as this to Killarney, brings the people who are -included in it, so informally and so constantly together as to preclude -the possibility, I should think, of neutral feelings at parting. This -is a strong proof, one would imagine, that a state of life mid-way -between poverty and riches is the surest soil of domestic felicity. -Rise _above_ this middle standard, and you soar beyond the want of -sympathy, and owe your principal gratifications, it may be, to fortune -alone. Fall _below_ the medium, and the anxieties of life press so -painfully as to annihilate, from an opposite cause, that dependence on -each other, which constitutes the perfection of human happiness. - -Falkland, did you ever expect to hear these sentiments from your friend -Arthur Howard? - -We had now passed ten days in an intercourse so intimate, so -intellectual, the tastes, the faculties, of each individual had been -brought into such activity, that, like the manufacturers of soda water -who compress three or four atmospheres into a pint bottle, we seemed to -have condensed into one short fortnight, more solid enjoyment of life, -than would eke out half a century in the vapid inanity of fashionable -routine. During this blissful dream, we had known nothing of factitious -wants, nor artificial accommodations. There was a simplicity, a reality -in our pleasures which deluded us into forgetfulness that the "sweetest -are still the fleetest," because they seemed so natural that one did -not see _why_ they were to cease; and when the last evening actually -arrived, it came with a shock as dreadful, as if entirely unexpected. -The fastidiousness of former habits had vanished. Our apartments were -large, and numerous enough, our cold dinners were eaten with appetite. -We had felt no blank, and we desired no accession to our comforts. -Such are the charms of _that_ society which I reviled, because I did -not comprehend, and was unable at first to appreciate its value. Alas! -I know it now too well; and yet I am better off than my neighbours. I -may hope to pass much of my time with the Douglas family, while poor -Russell and Annesley, who are certainly minus a heart each, may never -see them again. The former will not leave Glenalta, for which place we -set out to-morrow without trying his fate. A few short months ago, and -I should have ridiculed the idea of Russell's being refused by one of -my country cousins. Handsome, gay, musical, sought after, with fair -prospects, and good connections, that Russell could not command any -possible Miss Douglas, or Miss any thing else, possessing no more than -five or six thousand pounds, was I confess what never occurred to me -as matter of doubt. I now feel apprehensions that my friend may suffer -disappointment, as with all the penetration which I can exercise, I -perceive nothing in Charlotte's manner beyond easy kindness and polite -attention. - -Annesley is not a free agent: _his_ views are lost in clouds; and -should little Kepple live to be of age, his father may levy fines, and -cut off the entail which will otherwise give the estate of Compton to -Frank, who will have little or nothing, except in this event, and he -will therefore never betray his feelings towards Emily. Perhaps he may -hope that in absence they will wear away; but were this not the case, -Annesley has great self-command, and would suffer much rather than -commit himself. I know too that he has pride, which would ill brook -defeat, and in his present circumstances he could not expect to be -successful. - -I think that I can perceive a knitting of your brow, and can also tell -the cause of it. I anticipate your question, and reply, before it is -asked, No, there is not the slightest tendency in my cousin's manner -indicating that Annesley's departure will leave a single pang in her -breast. Emily is free as the air of her mountains; so let your forehead -resume its unruffled serenity. - -How various were the feelings of the individuals that composed our -party, and how different from those which accompanied us when we left -that place a fortnight ago. In my aunt's face I read the word _home_ -written in every direction. Spite of all her efforts to be cheerful, -suppressed pain sat on every feature during her stay at Killarney; -and spite of all the natural glow which beamed in the countenances of -her children amid the pure pleasures of that enchanting scene, their -mother's looks so far alloyed their happiness as to make them sometimes -long for return on _her_ account, and therefore on their own. Mr. -Otway, too, retraced the road to Lisfarne with calm satisfaction; but -for the younger members of the group (and I believe that I may also -include Mrs. Fitzroy) the prospect of a _break-up_, the certainty of -parting, and the uncertainty of meeting again, corroded every heart. - -We reached Glenalta in a beautiful sun-set, but the letters which -awaited our return have so completely absorbed my thoughts, that I pass -over sufficient materials, _at our_ rate of corresponding, to furnish -half a quire of paper, and hasten to say that a few lines from Louisa -bring me the disagreeable intelligence that I have offended my mother, -who desires me not to go to town, but to set out directly for the -Continent and join you. This I shall only do in case of finding that my -presence in London is of no use; and thither I must fly. Mrs. Fitzroy -offers me a seat in her caleche if I remain here another week; and as -there is nothing to prevent this short delay, I have arranged to be her -companion. Russell and Annesley leave this in two days, and you will -probably meet them ere long; at all events they will take care that -this packet reaches you in safety. I have inclosed for your amusement -the letter to which Mr. Otway alluded at Glena, when the conversation -between Mrs. Fitzroy and old Bentley induced him to mention having -lately received it. Mrs. Fitzroy desired a copy, and permits me to -send it to you, provided that you return it whenever you have an -opportunity. I inclose you also Louisa's letter. - -You shall hear from me after I reach Grosvenor-square, and will not -envy my feelings in the interim. - - Adieu, my dear Falkland! - I am ever your affectionate, - ARTHUR HOWARD. - - - - -LETTER XIX. - -MISS HOWARD TO A. HOWARD, Esq. - -(_Inclosed in the preceding._) - - -My dear Arthur, - -Your letter has made me gloomy, and my mother's temper does not improve -my spirits: she is very angry with you, and so offended by the style -of your remarks on Adelaide's approaching marriage, that so far from -wishing your presence, I am commissioned to say, it is my mother's -express desire that you should not come to town till the ceremony -is over. As you are not yet _quite_ of age, you could not be of any -absolute use at present; and she will contrive, upon the good faith -of your assistance when you are enabled to give your aid, to supply -the immediate necessity for money by borrowing on bond. This is her -message; but as her anxiety that you should quit your present situation -is fully equal to her wish that you should not come here, she would -be glad if you were to _go_ to the Continent; and as your friend -Falkland is somewhere in Italy, and his company may be an inducement to -_immediate_ arrangements, she has no objection to your joining him and -his tutor wherever they may be. It is my mother's design to hasten the -marriage as quickly as possible. She means to inform Crayton that you -have seriously hurt your leg, which will be sufficient excuse for your -non-appearance; and should he ever discover that you have left Glenalta -to go abroad while it might be supposed that you could not stir from -your sofa, it will be easy to make out a new _version_; or if the -wedding is _over_, as soon as we hope that it _will_ be, we shall not -care much about a slight inconsistency which will not signify a _rush_ -when the deed is done. - -You look grave, but really it cannot be helped. Nothing could be worse -than any interruption to the nuptials of Clayton and Adelaide; it must -not be; and though I _believe_ him to be a gambler, and _know_ him to -be a dunce, our sister is willing to wear his coronet, and excuse his -errors and deficiencies. For myself, I am not sorry that the bustle -of coachmakers, jewellers, milliners, &c. in which we are involved, -prevents my having time to _think_ much, for I am low, and quite out -of humour. What you say of the world is true enough, and no one feels -_how_ true except he is carried round like a fly upon its wheel; but -to stand still is worse: it makes one's head giddy to pause; and the -country after all is so flat, so utterly devoid of interest, that -tiresome as I _confess_ a London life to be, any thing is better than -the cobwebs of retirement. A rural bower sets one to sleep, even in -imagination, and the only part of the system kept _alive_ in retreat is -the muscular apparatus by which we yawn. - -If I could find out any "Royal road" to happiness, I should like to cut -many of my acquaintances; but till I do, they must be endured, idle and -silly as they are. - -Here comes a man with Ady's diamonds, and I am called to council. I -will write a line to Paris, _poste restante_; so as you will probably -make at once for the French capital, as a central point; you will there -receive intelligence of _our advancement_ to _the peerage_. I will send -you the newspapers that you may see how the paragraph _runs_. Old Lord -Hawkston, being our hundred and fiftieth cousin, _La Madre_ applies to -him to act your part in giving the bride away. - -Called again. Coming! coming! - - Yours, ever affectionately, - L. HOWARD. - - - - -LETTER XX. - -[Alluded to by Mr. Otway, addressed to him, and inclosed to Charles -Falkland.] - - -My dear Friend, - -I hasten to obey your injunctions, and give you some account of your -amiable kinswoman, Clara Browne. On reaching York, I found a letter -from her so earnestly praying me to visit at her house, and so warmly -expressive of her wishes to make, as she kindly called me, "one of her -oldest and most valued friends" acquainted with her husband, that I -prepared as soon as I could to accept the invitation, and set out for -Stockton. I found Clara the picture of contentment, and surrounded by -all the substantial comforts and rational elegancies of life. Nothing -could exceed the openness and affection with which she received me; -and I was welcomed by Mr. Browne in such a manner as to assure me, -in the most gratifying language, that I was not a stranger to him. In -a few days after my arrival at his house, a letter on urgent business -required his presence in a distant part of the country; and I yielded -to the united entreaties of my two friends that I would take care of -Clara till his return in two days from D----. - -Clara and her sister were now my only companions; and upon the first -opportunity which occurred in a _tête-à-tête_ walk, the former demanded -of me a full, free, and candid declaration of my opinion respecting -the object of her choice. I told her truly that I liked her husband -extremely, and congratulated her with all my heart on having united -herself to a man of high principle and worth; adding, that the suavity -of his temper, mildness of his manners, and polite acquaintance with -the world, attracted my admiration as sincerely as the graver qualities -of his mind commanded my esteem and respect. - -"Clara," said I, "you know that I was always a plain man, and as I am -an old fellow, too, and used to abuse your fastidiousness in days of -yore, I have the more pleasure in praising now the sensible, excellent -person with whom you have allied yourself. There _was_ a time when -nothing short of a galaxy of light, a constellation of genius and -talent, would have satisfied you. I often told you then that you would -one day or other discover your mistake, and I hoped not experimentally. -I told you that good sense and a sweet disposition were of more value -than all the _brilliants_ upon which you set so high a price. May I not -now wish to hear from your own lips that you have proved the truth of -my doctrine?" - -"Yes," answered Clara, "I glory in my renunciation of the follies which -marked my youth; and, as dear Edward Otway will take the same interest -that you do in my change, I shall egotize a little, and through -you make confession to him of the motives which produced it. You -remember, both of you, how I worshipped intellect, and if I am not too -insignificant to have made so lasting an impression, you may recollect -the silly energy with which I used to descant on moral virtue, and say -that, like air and water, it was certainly indispensably necessary, -but so common--so entirely a thing _of course_, that it slipped out -of calculation, and only served as a vehicle for the ingredients of -happiness, without ever presuming to be an item in the recipe. In -short, all the truly valuable parts of human character were mere -_negatives_ in my flippant creed, while to genius, intellect, and -splendid abilities, did I hold mankind to be indebted for whatever -exalts the human species. Under this delusion I passed my early years, -that period of life which the French call "_La premiere jeunesse_;" and -at five-and-twenty was still as much inclined as ever to be a dreamer, -if the marriage of my two dearest associates to what the world styles -_prodigiously clever men_, had not awakened me to clearer views, and, -by a striking practical lesson, caused me to understand that it was -possible to shine brightly as the glow-worm at a distance, and be a -sightless grub, when brought close to the eye. As one experimental -fact is better than a world of theory, I began to apply the melancholy -instruction which I derived from the unhappiness of my friends, to -my own profit. The result was a firm conviction that plain sense, and -gentle temper, resting on the foundation of a sincerely religious and -moral character, are the very best ingredients to depend upon in the -cup of domestic union; and that with a few beautiful but very rare -exceptions, the worst companion of earth at a family fire-side, is a -_man of genius_. I know that an instance now and then occurs to prove -the _possibility_ of higher things. I know that minds have sometimes -met, bringing the richest gifts of head and heart in heavenly communion -to the altar; such signal deviations, however, from the common history -of mankind, but serve to establish the opposite rule, repressing those -visions of romance, which only entail disappointment. - -"When I had paid a visit of some months to each of my friends, I -perceived that their husbands were men of whom they might be _vain_ -but could not be _fond_. Isabella, the eldest, had married one of your -"admirable Creighton" sort of people. He was a Mr. Mills, and set up -for a person of universal science, taste, and talent. There was nothing -too high or too low for the omnivorous appetite of his ambition; and he -has often reminded me of Johnson's sarcasm directed against Goldsmith, -"Sir, he would be jealous of Punch;" and so would Mr. Mills. There was -no trial of skill, however humble its object, in which he would not -exert his powers for the pleasure of a triumph. He knew every thing, -at least superficially, and astonished every society of which he was -a member. How clever! what talents! such a memory! such universal -information! echoed from room to room whenever he appeared; and the -sweet savour of this incense is the food upon which he lives, it is -his daily bread, and to purchase it his continual employment. How Mr. -Mills should ever have married, would surprise, had it not been that -the general habit of mankind protesting against single blessedness, he -thought it necessary to prove that he possessed superlative powers of -captivation, and accordingly set his eye on my poor friend, who, in an -hour of infatuation, consented to be his bride. That purpose being -accomplished, some newer project succeeded. He lives as if the world -were indeed a stage, and he a player, continually occupied in learning -or rehearsing a part for the next exhibition, and his wife is no better -in his eyes than candle-snuffer to the theatre (though far surpassing -him in all that gives solid dignity to human character), because she is -too wise and too honest to flatter him. - -"My younger friend, Lavinia, is just as miserably yoked as her sister, -though Mr. Dormer does not resemble Mr. Mills. The latter hates -society as much as the former courts it; and _his_ weakness is that of -authorship. He writes for every newspaper, magazine, and review, that -will give a place to his lucubrations. He worries all the members of -parliament with prosing dissertations on political economy, finance, -agriculture, and commerce; he wastes his property in trying experiments -which never come to good. The restless activity of Mr. Dormer never -slumbers, and is exhibited in endless schemes, the utter failure of -which has no influence in deterring him from new attempts. He set -up a school at considerable expense, hired a master and mistress at -a large salary, to teach in a method of his own device, and found at -the end of three years, that the children had not learned to spell. -His sheep were all shorn in the winter to prove the excellence of a -theory on the fineness of wool; but, as might naturally be expected, -the poor animals all died. He plants trees at mid-summer to demonstrate -that those people are mistaken who prefer spring and autumn for the -purpose, but as you may easily anticipate, never beholds a leaf on any -of his ill-fated groves, which, after a few months of "hope deferred," -are consigned to the oven. He drowned a favourite dog the other day -in trying a life-boat of his own construction; and broke his arm last -year by a fall from a balloon which he had inflated with some new gas, -and Icarus-like, would essay himself with _such_ success as attended -the first flight of the Dædalian wings. Though he lives at home, all -the endearing relations of life are despised and neglected. He hates -the sight of two lovely children, because they interrupt him; and -though I passed four months with Lavinia, I never saw her husband -come but twice to the room where she and I sat in the mornings: oh -the first occasion, to ask for one of her harp strings, with which to -make experiment on a new theory of vibration; and upon the second, to -beg a bit of gum from his wife's drawing-box, with which, to secure -one of his retorts. Always in a hurry, he makes a perpetual _breeze_ -through the house, by the rapidity of his motions; and, as his hands -are generally imbrued in chemical compounds, not of Arabian odour, -I cannot say that the gale thus stirred, wafts perfume on its wing. -Nothing can rouse his attention to his own affairs, which would fall -into utter confusion were it not for the good sense of his wife. He -dislikes the neighbouring gentry, because he does not consider them -people of _talent_; and expends his money without any reference either -to ornament or real utility, but simply with the vain-glorious hope of -advancing his individual fame as a man of genius. - -"Thus instructed by the shipwreck of others, I did not dare to fancy -that my bark would escape where goodlier vessels had foundered. I -therefore resolved, that should it be my fate to encounter the voyage -of matrimony, I would try another course; and though sunken rocks might -mar my hopes, I determined that I would steer clear of the quicksands -which had been fatal to my friends. It is but justice to the long -contemned counsel of you and my valuable Edward Otway, to finish my -story with a tribute to _him_ who furnished the comment on your text. - -"Adolphus is remarkable for an excellent understanding and correct -judgment. Others may outshine him in original powers of mind, but none -can surpass him in the tasteful appreciation of merit, whatever be -its form, and wherever it exists. Kind and unselfish, he can praise -in others those attributes which he does not himself possess; and -every scheme in which he is engaged, has for its object the comfort -and advantage of his fellow-creatures. If he find that his views are -erroneous, or detect a flaw in their application, far from becoming -the _advocate_, because he was the _proposer_ of a plan, he resigns -his particular views with a noble ingenuousness, and, confessing that -they were either unfounded, or not suited to the case, seeks farther -light from whatever source is most likely to afford information. This -complete absence of pertinacity has a powerful effect in enhancing -the weight of his opinion in every deliberation, as it is well known, -that he will not adhere to the wrong side because it is that which he -had first adopted. While others pursue the 'bubble reputation' abroad, -Adolphus seeks to be loved at home, and his own fire-side is the scene -in which the best energies of his mind, and the purest affections -of his heart are expanded. I am reclaimed by his virtues from my -visionary absurdities, and shall endeavour to make all the reparation -in my power for having wandered so far from the truth by _preaching_ a -_crusade_ to the youth of my own sex, who may be inclined to deviate -into the labyrinth from which I was myself so happily extricated. If -you have any female friends to whom my tale may be useful, advise -them from the experience of Clara Browne, against an overweening -admiration of talents without due reflection on the manner in which -such talents are associated. Tell them that books, and occasional -conversation may supply all that is necessary of mental variety, while -_nothing_ is capable of compensating for the want of common sense, -disinterestedness, and affection." - -Clara ceased; and as I remained a month at Stockton, after her -husband's return, I am enabled to bear a willing testimony to the -fidelity of her narrative, as well as to the soundness of her views: -and as I know how glad you will be to hear of her happiness, I have -given you this detail without fear of your being fatigued by its -perusal. - - I am, my dear Otway, - - Your sincere friend, - G. L. - - - - -LETTER XXI. - -MRS. DOUGLAS TO MRS. E. SANDFORD. - - -My dearest Elizabeth will believe that Glenalta has charms which even -Killarney cannot boast for me. Yes; though the word _home_ never meets -my eye or ear without producing a _gulp_, which tells of other days, -when that little monosyllable of four letters contained the _world_ -for me, yet repose is so necessary to my existence, that I sighed for -return to my peaceful glen, and the pain of concealing every feeling -that warred against the happiness of my beloved children, from their -acute observation, increased my restraint, and has converted the -enjoyment of my _cell_ into more positive pleasure than I have felt -for years. How gracious are the mercies shed upon our daily path, and -how tender the dispensation which so often renders what we conceive -to be inflictions, conducive to our comfort! Elizabeth, my spirits are -unusually depressed, but you are expecting an answer to your letter, -and I will not suffer my pen to forget its duty, nor wander from the -subject of your inquiry, till I have given you what little aid, my -longer experience of your present cares, may contribute. You think that -my advice would be, that you should resign yourself exclusively to -the charm of such society as you find amongst the Stanleys, No, dear -friend; I would only allow you to _prefer_ them; but there is a net -of kind, expansive benevolence which it would seem as if Nature loved -to throw more widely in scenes of rural life than in any other. "Man -made cities, God formed the country." It is very true, every heart -must acknowledge the distinction, and yours my friend would desire to -emulate, as far as the imperfect creature is enabled to do, the bounty -of that Being who has placed you where all the sweet charities of -fellowship may be called into exercise. I do not mean that you should -mingle indiscriminately, nor _over-much_ in society: I would only say -avoid unkindness; exclusion should be reserved for the unworthy, but -not visited on those who have only the misfortune to be less pleasing -than their neighbours. A judicious _assortment_ will always prevent the -disagreeable effects which sometimes spring from neglect of selecting -such people only as harmonize with each other in manners and modes of -thinking. I should be more diffuse upon this subject, were there the -slightest danger of your supposing for a moment that I could be the -advocate of an _electioneering_ system. You know how I abhor the arts -of popularity, and revere independence; but human virtues and vices -are often separated from each other by such imperceptible shades, that -in giving ourselves credit for the performance of the one, it is too -often our lot to glide into the other. Selfishness is an arch fiend, -and ever at hand to whisper temptation. I know that it is a prevailing -opinion amongst a large number of respectable and worthy people, that -we are bound to make profession of our creeds in the highways, and -in the corners of our streets, that every sentence which we utter -should tell of the sect to which we belong, every article of dress -which we wear be a symbol of distinction; and every person with whom -we converse, every book that we open, be submitted to an ordeal, and -pronounced upon, by a few self-elected judges, before we venture to -pursue acquaintance with the one, or advance in perusal of the other. - -I cannot enter into this system of parcelling out mankind by quite so -restrictive a rule; I see nothing of all this in the inspired precepts -of the great Founder of our faith, whose beautiful simplicity of -doctrine and extensive charity of example, are too little dwelt upon -as matter of imitation, while His name is mingled with disgusting -familiarity in every trifling discourse. - -Oh, my friend, human nature is so frail that we should not _tempt_ -our pride, or our vanity, by putting on external marks that may -deceive even our own hearts, and persuade us that we are better than -others. Let our consistency be seen in our _lives_; our religion shine -through our actions; our tastes be proclaimed by our preferences; and -let us not _profess_ at all, let us not belong _exclusively_ to one -party, or one preacher. Let us catch illumnination from those who -possess more than we do, contributing our own light to such as have -less. Do not suffer your dear girls to assume names or badges. Do not -permit them to be tied down by observances. Let their books, their -society, their opinions, and their tastes, spring from their _habits_ -and their _principles_. It is an _inverted_ method, to begin with -the mere trappings, and argue to the indwelling of the spirit, from -the rigidity of the letter. Set up no sign-posts; use no cabalistic -phraseology; make no premature vows, and adopt no rule but that of -your Bible in matters of religion. In matters of inferior concern, I -would advise equally against precipitancy either in proscribing or -adopting. _Parade_ is of all things to be avoided; be natural, be kind. -You will find that some, of whom you may at first have formed high -expectation, are over-rated, whilst others may rise in your estimation -as you know them better. A little _time_ settles our modes of life, -and regulates our conduct without any _eclat_ much more consistently -than any pre-arrangement of our own, and with a little patience we -may gradually _sift_ people and things, till we find ourselves placed -as nearly as circumstances permit, in the situation most suited to -our characters. My little experience leads me to certain conclusions -which had they been earlier impressed upon my mind I should have been -spared much anxiety. One of them is, that in the beginning of our -career we all _plan_ too much. We take as it were a _survey_ of all the -territory that lies spread before us, and sitting down in the pride of -full possession, we scan the map of futurity, dazzle our imaginations -with mines that are to be dug, and riches that are to be realized, -amuse our fancies with palaces to be built, and forests to be planted, -worshipping within our breasts the idol of self-complacency, while we -contemplate _ourselves_ as the _great_ engineers whose skill is to -operate these mighty improvements. We _assume_ too much, we _trust_ too -little; we know nothing but the present, and the present we despise. -Our limited vision cannot extend beyond a point, and we strain our -eyes over all created space. _Little_ things and _proximate_ purposes, -make up the real sum of happiness and virtue: but we pass by these -in contemptuous disdain, to aim at the great and the distant; the -undefined and generally unattainable. True wisdom is surely to watch -with our best attention, and cultivate with assiduity, the daily, -the hourly circumstances which arise in our path, leaving the widely -spreading consequences of unseen result, to Him who alone is acquainted -with the final issues. - -I have never known a failure in any wish of my own respecting the -good of my family, which I could not resolve into over solicitude -in _looking_ too far, and _doing_ too much in my _own strength_. -Examine your heart; be sure that it is single, that no divided empire -_there_ is likely to split its councils, and lead to compromise or -dissimulation. _Simplicity_ of design is a panoply of power. Clad in -its protective guardianship, put up your prayers with confidence for -that aid, without which all your efforts will be abortive, and rising -from your knees refreshed by the blessed assurance that the sincere -suppliant is _never_ disregarded, go forth to your _daily_ task; as -you are taught to ask for your _daily_ bread. Endeavour to perform the -little duties which are allotted to a _given hour_. Neither perplex -your thoughts, nor weaken your sight by scrutinizing the hidden things, -and pouring through the darksome mists of future time, but leave it to -_become_ the present. At its appointed period your duty is declared, -and its boundary is traced: be that your _practical_ object. What mind -indeed of "lofty pitch" would be contented with the prison that I -prescribe, were I not confining the consideration to that part which we -are individually called upon to _act_ in life; but you do not mistake -my meaning. Ah! who would wish to walk over "the field of Marathon, -or wander amid the ruins of Iona," without desiring to possess the -power of abstracting thought from the fleeting moment that eludes our -grasp, to expatiate in the mighty vast of years gone by? Or who that -has ever loved and lost, would clip the spirit's wing, and stay its -airy flight from stretching beyond this narrow strait of time and -space into the boundless regions of eternal blessedness, where it is -not forbidden to seek amongst the dazzling host, the happy myriads -of the sky, for _one_ bright seraph, dearer than the rest, towards -whom the newly emancipated stranger flies to meet its fondest though -unearthly welcome? _Can_ there be danger--_is_ there impiety--in this -vision which steals with heavenly influence on my solitary musings? Oh, -if there be, speak, my Elizabeth, and I will try to curb my _waking_ -thoughts, and turn imploringly to _sleep_ for the precious imagery -which perhaps my day-light dreams ought not to mingle. - - Sleep! balmy Sleep! thy poppies shed - A pitying respite on my woes; - Bind on thy charm around my head, - And lull my soul to calm repose! - - Yet not those slumbers I implore, - That steep the brain in Lethe's wave, - Tho' such the weary sense restore, - 'Tis not this lifeless boon I crave! - - I woo thee with thy world of dreams, - That o'er the mind in vision play - Thro' mimic shades--by airy streams - Where phantom Hope delights to stray. - - Now gorgon Reason sinks to rest, - And Fancy, with unchartered range, - Soars to the regions of the bless'd; - The transit neither hard, nor strange. - - How radiant the etherial light! - Credulity, companion kind, - Has spread her wing to join the flight-- - The spirit's dungeon left behind. - - Borne upward to the glorious sky, - Crowds of celestial beings throng; - Whose brighter, more inquiring eye, - Is that which beams their ranks among? - - 'Twas his!--no more--the vision's past! - Hark! is that sound the funeral bell? - Raptures too vivid cannot last-- - That dream is but a broken spell! - -There are days so sad, and feelings so overwhelming, that to make war -against their flow is as fruitless as to oppose a barrier to the sea. -Forgive me. _You_ are not one of the unskilful comforters who attempt -to impart consolation by checking the tide of sorrow. _You_ understand -better the nature of the human heart, and are aware that a little kind -sympathy is the truest balm which friendship can bestow. - -I will now impart to you some circumstances which have weighed upon -spirits, at _best_ so tremblingly poised, that the slightest addition -to their usual burthen destroys the balance. As I mentioned to you, my -excursion to Killarney was, in itself, a great effort. _Such_ scenery, -and sweet music, are the most powerful exciters, in my mind, to a train -of association which I dread in company. Memory is so acutely painful, -from the minuteness with which its traces are engraved, and the -fidelity of its pictures, that I fly from whatever is likely to unlock -the stores, and present to my view _much_ that I dare not contemplate, -unless I am alone. The delight, however, of gratifying my dear children -overcame every other consideration: and I accompanied a party composed -of admirable materials, but too numerous and too gay for me. I had -not been long from home before I felt myself, for the first time, -involved in those cares which, as my children grow up, I must expect to -encounter. - -My dear friend Mrs. Fitzroy, whose enlivening society charmed the -whole group, was the first to awaken my attention to the expressions, -both by looks and manner, of feelings in Mr. Russell's mind, which her -quick eye discovered that Charlotte had excited. I have such perfect -confidence in the delicacy of my dear girls, that I was spared all -solicitude on the score of _conduct_; but I watched with uneasiness the -progress of a sentiment which, as it met no return, will I fear be the -cause of pain to an amiable and an accomplished young man. I find that -he is acquainted with you, and, as he talks of going into Derbyshire on -his return from France, you will probably see him, and perchance hear -his story from his own lips. - -The conversation, in which he made known his attachment to Charlotte, -took place on the evening preceding his departure, and was so unlike -the common place dialogues upon such occasions, that I could not, -when it was repeated to me, repress a smile in the midst of more -serious impressions. It was a lovely evening, and the young people -had, as usual, strayed away from the elders, whose more sober views of -happiness, and less active powers of locomotion, happily prepare us, as -time advances, for the final rest. - -As lovers always contrive to find the opportunity which they are -seeking, Russell soon detached Charlotte from the group, by some -appeal to her taste in particular; and when removed from all ears, save -her own, he exclaimed (and, poor fellow, I believe with genuine truth), -"How wretched is the _ending_ of such happiness!" - -"It is indeed," replied my innocent Charlotte, who willingly perhaps -gave her companion a share in the feeling which she echoed. - -Perhaps assured by this encouraging sympathy that all might be as he -wished, Russell continued: "Even inanimate objects interest the heart -when we are about to quit them." - -"Yes," said Charlotte, "and when one lives entirely in retreat, where -the living objects are few, we do _really_ love trees, rocks, and -streams, as if they were human beings. Is it not for this reason that -mountaineers, like the Swiss, Scotch, and Irish, are fonder of their -homes than any other nation?" - -This is not what Russell wanted to know, or cared to inquire -respecting. "To waste love upon trees and rocks, when so many of our -own species are dying for want of the food lavished upon _them_, is -not right," said Russell; "and _you_ are more guilty than any one, -inasmuch as your affection is more prized." - -Charlotte interrupted what she perceived to be a _compliment_, by -answering: "You must not make _speeches_. The love that one feels for -rural objects, long known, and seen with daily interest, can never -interfere with better affections. It is a different thing, and _you_ -must know how _very_ different, as you have a father, mother, and -sisters." The honest air of directness, which I can imagine to have -accompanied this _reasoning_ upon love, was not very favourable to -farther dalliance. - -When the youthful heart is _first_ excited, and hope is felt that -kindred feeling has touched the soul in which it feels an interest, -how exquisite the happiness of developement! Like the beautiful buds -of early spring, the unfolding of each individual scale that binds -the young leaves is in itself delightful, and we do not wish to lose -a single hour of _progressive_ enjoyment, in impatience to behold the -crown of summer foliage. Did you ever meet with an old book called -"_Guadentio di Lucca?_"--It is a story in which, amongst some -primitive race of people in South America, I think the lovers are made -to declare their mutual sentiments by an interchange of buds, and, as -inclinations advance, the full-blown flower. - -But to return. Russell felt that his way was retrograde, and therefore, -making an effort, he bounded over rocks, shrubs, and rivulets, and, -taking my sweet child by the hand, declared, in the spirit of Hector -to Andromache, though with the difference between _is_ and _might -be_, that _all_ relations, however fond, concentrate in the object of -tender and devoted love. To hear a confession of this nature, for the -first time, must necessarily produce confusion in the mind of so gentle -a being as Charlotte, and she told her sister that she felt quite -unable for a few minutes to collect herself. Courage was imparted at -length, by the fear of conveying the opposite of what she intended to -communicate by her silence; and, summoning resolution, she turned to -our young friend, and, thanking him kindly for the preference which he -had just expressed, added: - -"I have many blessings, and I am very young. It has never before -occurred to me even to _think_, in my own case, of parting with such -treasures as I possess; and though I shall always remember your visit -to Glenalta as a period of _great_ pleasure, and _you_ as an agreeable -member of our happy party, I can say no more." - -Russell urged the usual arguments. "Surely she did not mean to devote -herself to a single life. She might still have the society of mother, -sisters, brother. Marriage was the natural object of life: it was the -happiest lot when 'heart met heart.'" - -"And _how_ can heart meet heart," replied Charlotte, "on a three weeks' -acquaintance? _My_ heart would require a much longer time for disposing -of itself, if I could disengage it from the ties that bind it here; and -I cannot imagine how people should be either so vain, or so confiding -as to fancy that the foundation of happiness, for perhaps a long life, -can be laid in a short moment of time." - -Russell assured her that to the quick eye of a lover, moments were -years in bringing people acquainted. - -"Ah then," said Charlotte, "why are so many married people unhappy?" - -"They are just as well off in the end," answered Russell, "as those -who are single, and certainly, till they discover their mistakes, much -happier." - -"Well, my life," replied Charlotte, "is too happy for any change of -my _own_ making, I believe. If heaven deprived me of all that I love, -it is another question, but to deprive _myself_, I cannot. My idea of -marriage is not so favourable as yours. I think it would require the -most powerful affection to render it a relation of real felicity; and -if not _that_, I should think it much worse than even an unfortunate -lot in single life." - -"Have I then _no_ ground of hope," said Russell. - -"Indeed, I feel wholly disinclined to marry any mortal at present," -answered Charlotte. "To you I am scarcely at all known; and I believe -that you are entirely mistaken in supposing for an instant that we are -suited to each other. You and I have been educated in very different -schools, and could never sympathize." - -"Do you then forget our musical sympathies. Am I not devoted to your -sweet melodies, and have we not often admired them in unison?" - -"Oh yes, certainly," said Charlotte, "but music is a very little part -of life.--We must not stay any longer from our party, who, perhaps, are -wondering at our absence." Fanny appeared precisely as Charlotte spoke -the last word, and the latter, seizing her sister's arm, was delighted -to find excuse for terminating the conversation. - -The _last_ evening is always sad, when those who have been pleased in -each other's society are to part; but there is generally also some -degree of bustle, immediately preceding a journey, which prevents the -mind from dwelling on gloomy thoughts, at least in _common_ cases; and -as all were ignorant of what had happened, except the pair immediately -concerned, there was less reserve than might have been anticipated by -any one who knew the fact that a proposal had been made and rejected. - -Mr. Annesley is a very sweet young man, and he too was happy enough in -our friendly circle to leave us with regret, which expressed itself -silently in a fine and speaking countenance. We said farewell. The -morning saw our visitors set out at so early an hour that the track of -their carriage wheels alone reported of them when we met at breakfast. -Is there one bright, breathless, listening joy that ever hung upon -expected happiness which is not familiar to my memory; and is not -that memory too a faithful register of every pang that severed love -could teach the heart? How is it then, I wonder, that a tear is left -for minor griefs? Yet tears _will_ flow; and I felt the difference -between the gladsome merriment of approach, when our young friends were -introduced by Mrs. Fitzroy, and the melancholy of their departing hour. - -Still we are not bereaved of our guests all at once, though I grieve -to add that another week will deprive me of dear Augusta Fitzroy, and -my charming Arthur. I have real pleasure in the hope of presenting -the latter to you one of these days, and in the mean time I prepare -you for finding him _almost_ all that I desire to see him. Such a -change I did not imagine possible, as has taken place in his mind -since he has been with us. The materials were in existence, no doubt, -but a London life has little need of _heart_, and, therefore, _his_ -remained _hermetically sealed_, except when brought into action by -his inestimable friend young Falkland, whose letters, which Arthur -prsserves like "leaves of the Sybil", have rendered me acquainted with -his extra-ordinary virtues. _Now_ in full exercise, my dear nephew's -affections are the source of happiness to himself and delight to all -around. His abilities are shining, and, as habit strengthens the power -of applying them, I feel no doubt of his becoming an ornament to -society, and filling the situation appointed for him by Providence so -as to set an example worthy of imitation. Domestic anxiety at present -weighs upon his spirits, proving at once an acuteness of feeling and -exalted sense of rectitude, which promise a foundation of future -character, delightful to anticipate. - -I must speak of George Bentley before I conclude; and, to answer your -inquiry in the _first_ instance, I am wholly unconscious of any ground -for his uncle's apprehensions, though had I been aware of any such -before we set out, I should not have consented to his being of our -Killarney party; however, as Mr. Bentley followed us, my anxiety was -removed. The young man is a fine and uncommon character: you shall -have a sketch of it as far as I can trace its peculiarities. George -Bentley offers a remarkable instance to prove, that what climate is to -the vegetable kingdom, such to man is the moral atmosphere by which -he is surrounded in early life. The temperature and aspect will not -indeed convert an oak into an elm; but as the sapling of either, or -of _any_ kind may be checked in its growth by the chill north-eastern -blast, and turned aside from the natural tendency of its course; or, -as the tender and languid seedling may be improved in strength by the -care which tempers its exposure, and provides shelter for its weakness, -just so may a particular bias of nature in the human mind be enfeebled -or invigorated by circumstance, that powerful agent in the completion -of its structure. Young Bentley came into the world with excellent -faculties and dispositions, but nothing could be less favourable than -that society in which they were to be unfolded. It is not the tutor's -lessons, it is the manners and opinions which _breathe_ around us, that -impart the _tone_ which distinguishes individuals from each other. -Young Bentley was formed in a different _mould_ of intellect from -all his family, and soon discovered in books, a companionship which -was denied in the circle of his immediate relations. As he advanced -in years, his mind, stimulated by a general sense of hunger, rather -than by any discrimination of appetite, sought food for the cravings -of curiosity in a library of motley mixture, accruing from various -professional hoards, and a medley of novels, annual registers, and -magazines, accumulated in a series of generations, through family -survivorship. He was not met at home by either literary tact or -talent. No, nor by that sort of tact which sometimes supplies in a -great degree, the defect of one and the other. - -Let loose as it were in an immense common, without a guide to direct -him in the choice of his pasture, he devoured with avidity whatever -presented itself. He passed through school and university with -distinguished success, less the meed of brilliant talent than the -reward of diligent application, and, unfortunately for himself, was -emancipated from the trammels of education long before his age would -permit him to enter one of the learned professions for which he was -designed. The interval between the termination of a young man's -first course of scholastic discipline, and the commencement of his -professional career, is perhaps by far the most important period of -existence in determining his future fate, and no prudent parent should -permit that interval to be a long one. The mind, relieved from its -former habitual restraint, and not yet _harnessed_ in a new pursuit, -dashes wildly forward to revel in the charms of liberty, and woe to him -who enjoys such length of holyday as to unfit him for returning to the -toilsome track in which he must plod for daily bread. George Bentley -employed the _chasm_ in _his_ course, chiefly in reading every thing -upon which he could lay his hands in the region of fiction and romance. -His college studies were ended before he had passed that awkward time -of life, when neither child, nor man, the youth not knowing how to -dispose of the disproportioned length of legs and arms by which he -is encumbered, often flies from polished society in which he cannot -expect to receive much notice; and young Bentley was too amiable, too -aspiring a character to seek in low company the ease which he might -have attained at the expense of morality. Thus while he was sliding -into manhood, his days were principally occupied in solitude, amidst -a heterogeneous mass of books, except during the hours of occasional -meeting with his parents, brothers and sisters. - -Inelegant, and unrefined in the habits of domestic economy, the circle -of his relations presented not a single likeness to any of the -pictures of imagination which were promiscuously piled in his memory. -What he _saw_, did not in the least agree with what he _imagined_; but -there where two powerful motives, though of opposite parentage, which -co-operated to prevent him from making the humiliating confession, even -to _himself_, that he could not trace the most distant resemblance -in his mother and sisters, to the portraits which delighted him in -story. These motives were the _vice_ of pride, and the _virtue_ of -filial piety; and these combined, determined him to try every effort -that was practicable in the way of twisting and turning, letting out -and taking in, to fit some of the drapery with which his favourite -novels abounded, on those forms which his affectionate heart would have -gladly invested with whatever he found most attractive. It would not -do: and he has at length given up the attempt, satisfied to respect -and esteem, what he cannot admire; but the effect upon his mind of -this war which I have described between his tastes and his fortunes, -is singular. Let him describe character, whether in actual existence, -or of abstract contemplation; and you would be surprised by the -accuracy of his judgment, and the refinement of his taste; yet from -having studied books more than men, and been debarred in early life -from referring the rules which he learned, to any living examples which -might have afforded a practical illustration of them, he seems at a -loss in society, and gives one the idea of a person who had attained -to a perfect skill in geography by mere inspection of maps, without -ever having stirred from a close room in the heart of London. If such -a person were suddenly brought to the coast, he would be confused, and -quite unable for some time to follow the line of bays and harbours, -creeks and head-lands, with which he was familiar on paper. When George -Bentley, at a later period extended his acquaintance, and quitted home, -a number of new varieties were presented to his view, in which he might -have found specimens of every character; but the most impressible time -of life had passed away, he did never possess, originally, the power -of comparison in any vividness, and the absence of all encouragement -to its exercise in youth, has rendered him slow, now that he is of -maturer age, in adapting objects for the first time to his patterns. -The eye accustomed only to painting, does not come at _once_ to -criticise sculpture; and a surgeon, who knows the whole anatomy of -the living subject, which _either_ is employed to represent, may be a -dunce in _both_. The things are _different_, and will remain so, unless -early habit and natural tact familiarize the mind in applying them to -each other, and seeking similitudes between them. Young Bentley's mind -and manners in fine do not amalgamate; one _layer_ lies upon the other -like a _fineering_, which does not make a part of the plank to which it -is cemented, but is glued on to a material less fine than itself. He -_reasons_ more than he _feels_, is more solid than brilliant, and wants -that beautiful _lightning_ of the mind which plays sometimes round -characters not half so intrinsically valuable as his, with fascinating -illumination. Such is my brief sketch of 'poor George,' as his uncle -calls him. The future is concealed in mist. If a child of mine ever -love young Bentley well enough to marry him, she shall have my full -consent, for I am _sure_ of all the essentials that give security -for substantial peace. The graces which he wants _may_ be dispensed -with. The virtues which he possesses are indispensible; but I shall -avoid giving _direction_ to the inclination of my girl, towards any -particular objects, not because I do not think that many a parent might -choose more wisely than young people do for themselves; but there is -something perhaps inseparable from the human heart, which renders us -more willing to excuse our own blunders, than those of even the people -whom we love best. "Youth is easily deceived;" "love is blind," &c. -Many of these flattering aphorisms occur to extenuate our own errors, -while the question of "how did _your_ experience fail, how did you -commit a mistake?" arises in the heart, though it may not be expressed -by the lips, of every young romancer, who, finding life a chequered -scene in which the _tessalæ_ of black and white, hold perpetual -contrast, attributes to the influence of a friend's advice, the failure -of those _generally_ disappointed hopes that paint the marriage state -in colours bright and fleeting as the imagination which supplies them. - -This moment comes a letter from the India House, to say that my poor -brother, General Douglas, has had so serious an attack of illness, -that his voyage to England is hastened, and we are informed, that his -arrival may be looked for immediately. How this event may operate at -Glenalta, I cannot tell; but though "the noiseless tenour of my way" -should be disturbed, I shall rejoice if it be permitted me to afford -comfort and assistance to the invalid. Adieu, my Elizabeth. - - Your faithful - CAROLINE DOUGLAS. - - - - -LETTER XXII. - -ARTHUR HOWARD TO CHARLES FALKLAND. - - -My dear Charles, - -This letter, if not melancholy in its commencement, will surely be -tinged with a very gloomy colouring ere its close, for the day of -departure is at hand, and to quit Glenalta is no easy matter, I assure -you. Poor Russell and Annesley left us the day before yesterday. I told -you that I expected to be informed of Charlotte's reply to certain -questions which I felt confident would be _put_; but I miscalculated: -however, silence tells _some_ tales, it is said, as well as language, -and so in this case I found it. It was plain to _my_ eyes, and others -too amongst our party, that Russell chose his opportunity while we -were loitering about the Glen, to make his proposals, which were -evidently met in a feeling not _sympathetic_: an increased _activity_ -of countenance told me this. It would be injustice to call it anger, -but there was an expression of eye, and a bright spot on each -cheek-bone, that seemed to indicate a very honest surprise, mingled -with what the peasants here comically call the "least taste in life," -of indignation. If I am _right_, this is all in the strict _keeping_ -with Russell's character. You and I long ago decreed that he would -never die of _love_, notwithstanding all his enthusiasm about soft -music. No; Russell loves his _own_ emotions better than the object -who excites them; and though I just feel sufficient _esprit de corps_ -not in _general_ to like an individual of the other sex better for -having made one of our own look _foolish_, yet I am sincerely glad that -Charlotte has not accepted our friend; first, because she would not be -happy if she married him, and secondly, because I _do_ think that just -such a _hitch_ will do him good. He is a fine honest-hearted fellow, -and has a great deal of taste; but he surely knows it rather too well, -or at least he _shews_ that he does so, too much. Perhaps, more -truth-telling than his neighbours, _he_ only expresses what others have -art enough to conceal. You will say that I am catching infection, and -growing _acrid_ in the society of old Bentley: it may be so; but I tell -you _all_ my remarks. - -Frederick and I got up to see the travellers off at _cock-crow_ on the -morning of their departure, and they left a blank which was felt by -us all. What a sweet contrast was presented in this family with what -I have so often witnessed on similar occasions, when a gay party had -reached its _finale_, and was _crumbling_ away by twos and threes! -I remember at Featherston, when the last shooting-match broke up in -Autumn, Lady Frances and Giorgina Lightfoot, who had been just saying -"_adio_" in the most melting accents to a _brace_ of departing guests -(by the bye, the very Russell of whom we were speaking was one of them) -called to Gifford and me in the moment after the post-boy cracked his -whip and the horses had turned from the hall door, to accompany them -back to the breakfast-parlour. We obeyed; and the ladies, drawing their -chairs close to the fender, and desiring us to do the same, Lady Fanny -said, "For goodness' sake, come, let us talk over those two creatures, -and _cut them up cosily_--I dote on a good _cosé_ when people have -turned their backs; don't you?" To _laugh_ was all that one had for -it; but the feeling that Gifford and I were to be brought under the -_scalpel_ of two such keen operators as our fair hostesses proved -themselves to be anatomizing the _lately defunct_, glanced across my -mind, not certainly to the increase of ease or benevolence. - -How different at Glenalta! With talents ten thousand times superior -to those of the Lightfoot sisterhood, and discrimination which seems -to grow in solitude, and preserve its fineness of edge because it is -not, like a school-boy's penknife, employed to hack and hew at every -chair and table that comes in the way: the truest hospitality protects -all who go out from under this happy roof; and all that is worthy, -pleasing, and amiable, is recollected, while the _contraries_ are -held back in shade by that charity which _desires_ their reform, and -will not render a change less probable by proclaiming to mankind how -much it is required. _Here_ the absent were talked of, and thought of, -with real kindness; and could they have taken a peep amongst us from -their first evening's halt, they would have felt proud and gratified -at seeing the manner in which they were remembered. Is there any -thing so delightful as this feeling of _security_? Charlotte was calm -and unperturbed; but I thought her more pensive than usual. After -breakfast we all appeared, without saying so, as if inclined to pay a -tribute to "the friend that's awa," by not proposing any plan for the -morning; and it so happened, that though not assembled by any agreement -to meet, we had all sauntered in pairs into the wood, and all found -ouselves dropping in two and two at the Moss House, where we were at -length seated together, moralizing in concert, rather sorrowfully upon -meetings and partings, when that very diverting compound, Mr. Bentley, -followed by George, joined our party. He cannot resist the attraction -of Mrs. Fitzroy's society, and I have found out in what consists the -great difference (dearly as they love each other) between her character -and that of my aunt: it is this,--Aunt Douglas is drawn by sympathy, -Mrs. Fitzroy stimulated by opposition. The former lives more in a -region of feeling, though one in which intellect too is continually -busy. The latter, though very affectionate, can exist for a long time -without applying to the stores of her heart; and provided you give her -plenty of brains, she will feed upon them, and keep her affections -like the furniture of a state drawing-room, with the _covers on_. _Par -consequence_, then, Mrs. Fitzroy delights in seeing Mr. Bentley come to -pay a visit, and always rouses to the combat which is sure to ensue, -certain that her antagonist is strong, and feeling that "wit sparkles -in collision." - -"Good morrow, good people," said our rough diamond, "I thought you -would be all as low as 'gib cats' this morning, after the departure of -those two _swains_, (casting a sidelong glance at Charlotte, which she -caught, and blushed immoderately,) and so I thought it might divert you -all, and adorn a page of Madam Fitzroy's Anthologia Hibernia, to bring -you a pretty specimen of Irish impudence which I have had to provoke me -to-day. You must know, that while I was playing the fool, and strolling -about at Killarney instead of minding my business at home, a dozen of -very fine geese were stolen from my farm-yard, by some of those sweet -primitive sentimentalists whom the fair flatterer there has decked in -such fanciful tissues, that when sent forth from the dressing-room of -her imagination, nobody knows who they are. Well, I took proper steps -to trace the thief, and have put the neighbourhood into a deuce of a -fright; but what do you think of the impertinence of some funny dog -(and here he laughed heartily as he drew out from his waistcoat-pocket -a dirty scrap of paper) who sent my large gander _twaddling_ home this -morning by himself, making such plaguy noise that all the servants ran -together to see what was the matter; I found this novel species of -carrier-bird with a small bag tied round his neck, containing a bright -new shilling, and the following ingenious sample of poetry, after -something of the leonine fashion. He then unfolded at arm's length, the -crumpled composition, and read, - - "Squire, dear, I live here, - And you live _yander_; - I bought your geese, for pence a-piece, - The money I send by the gander." - -We were indeed cheated out of our philosophy, and set laughing most -comfortably by the ridiculousness of this adventure of neighbour -Bentley, which, as he anticipated, was seized upon with rapture by Mrs. -Fitzroy, for her "Irish Reminiscences," but poor Charlotte was writhing -under the remembrance of her having _blushed_, and Mrs. Fitzroy, who -is very good-natured, and who saw exactly the cause, which was no -other than that of having been _suspected_ to feel what in reality -she did _not_ feel, endeavoured to relieve her by recurring to the -subject of our conversation, saying, "Oh! Charlotte, you must repeat -your last observation, I scarcely heard it. Were you not saying that -in wild places where there is no great choice of society, the bonds of -fellowship are drawn closer, and people are disposed to like each other -better than in situations which render one fastidious by the variety -they present? If _that_, my dear, was your remark, I think it a very -just one, and I believe that I may apply the rule to our young friends -who are gone to-day; one of whom, had I met him in what is called the -_world_, I should probably never have known, he is so reserved: and the -other is so volatile, that he would have been completely evaporated -over a larger surface." - -Charlotte, who had quite recovered her _nerve_, answered with perfect -ease, "Well, there is great pleasure in liking our fellow-creatures, -and, if retirement produce philanthropy, it is better than the world; -is it not?" "I believe," answered Mrs. Fitzroy, that I shall be -entirely of your opinion some time or other, though we arrive at this -agreement by very opposite paths. _You_, having seen nothing of the -world, and _I_ a great deal too much of it; you inhabitants of Glenalta -are making me long for settlement amongst you; and I feel as if you -were the only set of people living - - "Whose hearts keep the promise I had from the face." - -Old Bentley _fidgeted_; giving one of his rapid glances at George, to -ascertain how he stood _affected_ by Mrs. Fitzroy's panegyric, and -finding "pleased acquiescence" seated on his nephew's countenance, -suddenly clapped his hands on his knees (a favourite movement of his) -and exclaimed, "Pooh, madam! all fal lal sort of talk. You might sit -here till doomsday ringing the changes upon these matters of sentiment, -and _all_ be right and _all_ be wrong. I dare say that Miss Douglas -could say something different from what you and her sister think upon -the subject. Miss Fanny, if we call her from tying up those sweet peas, -would probably tell us something else; and our young gentlemen, all, I -dare say, could produce a different reading of the self-same thought. -The fact is, that each individual character gives its own hue to such -sort of disquisitions. Miss Douglas what do you say?" - -"Indeed, Mr. Bentley, I believe that I do think differently from Mrs. -Fitzroy and Charlotte on this occasion, and so I dare say that I am -wrong; but it strikes me that the more retired the situation in which -we live, the more nice do we grow, and the more necessary do we find -_great_ congeniality in the people with whom we associate; _that_ is if -we want to love them. In the world where every variety of talent and -disposition is to be found, one can choose, and if disappointed in one -instance, try in another; but in retreat, we must make the best of the -given ingredients." - -Bentley chuckled with delight, and rubbed his hands in triumph. This -keen observer knew that Emily's opinion would justify his assertion, -and moreover that it would be favourable to his views of keeping -George's hopes, _if he has any_, down to the ground, Emily being the -person, towards whom I suspect that he thinks his nephew's half averted -eyes, are directed. - -"Aye, there it is," said the uncle, "all right, all wrong; exactly as -I said. Mrs. Fitzroy is social in all her tendencies. Human nature is -the book in which she principally delights to study. Her love even -of fine scenery is coupled with society. She does not like any thing -much, except with a reference to communicating her ideas, and puts me -continually in mind of a passage that I have met with in the works of -Balsac, an old French author, who says, "Que la solitude est un belle -chose, mais qu'il est agréable d'avoir quelque un qui sache répondre, a -qui on puisse _dire_ que la solitude est une belle chose." Now another -thing is, that Mrs. Fitzroy does not require coincidence so much as -intelligence. Her mind is generally in search of a good whetstone, -while Miss Douglas----." - -"Oh, do not paint me, Mr. Bentley," said Emily, "I should fly from a -portrait of myself." - -"And I," said Mrs. Fitzroy, "declare loudly against Mr. Bentley's -rough sketches. I will, however, admit that there is _some_ truth in -what he says, and it exceedingly amuses me to catch glimpses of his -caricatures, though they would terrify if I looked long at them." - -"That is because my caps fit," answered our Diogenes. - -"Your caps are so ugly that no one would _try them on_," replied Mrs. -Fitzroy. "Mr. Otway is _my_ milliner, and to prove that I do not wish -to hoist false colours, I here pledge myself to let you all see, if you -like it, whatever our friend of Lisfarne brings me this day, as answer -of a question, which I proposed to him yesterday evening, while we were -walking, and talking, on this very subject. I then made a complaint and -told him that it has been my fate most unjustly, and most painfully -to my feelings, to be thought insincere, though I know to a positive -certainty, that I err on the other side and speak the truth with less -reserve than is prudent. I told Mr. Otway, for whom I entertain the -highest regard and admiration, that his _review_ of my character might -be very useful, if, as I am, alas! on the wing, he would give me an -explanation of what seems so extra-ordinary to myself, in comparing -causes with effects; and though I shall not be paid any compliments, I -am so sure of not being made worse than I am, that, as I said before, -whatever picture I receive of myself from Lisfarne you shall certainly -see." - -"Come, madam," said old Bentley, "the coroner's inquest will be called -immediately to try the matter, and judge whether you are _murdered_ or -not, for here is Mr. Otway. I see him through the acacias, walking this -way with Mrs. Douglas." - -"Then I will go and meet them," answered Mrs. Fitzroy. "Frederick, you -shall go with me. I will ask for the paper which I expect, and you -shall bring it back to be read here before I look at it myself, but I -cannot stay like a culprit at the bar, while you are all scanning me -according to evidence." - -So saying, she gaily hastened away, joined my aunt, and sent back with -the following account of herself from the pen of Mr. Otway: - -_Answer to Augusta's Question._ - -"Augusta inquires why she, who never feels conscious of desiring to -deceive, should be reckoned insincere by those who do not understand -her; and as this comprehends by far the largest portion of the people -with whom she converses, how it is that the general voice of mankind, -which is usually considered to convey the truth with respect to -individual character, is in her case a false criterion, representing -her as the opposite of what she really is? I think that I can solve the -enigma satisfactorily. Augusta is a woman of decided genius, a word -which comprehends the union of fine talent, and quick perception. She -also possesses that force of understanding which has been commonly, -though not correctly distinguished by the epithet masculine, she -herself furnishing proof that we of the other sex have no right to -the _monopoly_ which we often assume; and that, in seizing on the -_copy-right_ of solid sense, we are guilty of an untenable usurpation. -Augusta is particularly qualified to appreciate merit, for her mind -is penetrating and her taste refined; but _enthusiasm_ is the blind -that interposes to prevent the exercise of her judgment. Eager to -find materials on which to employ her intellect and affections, and -ever in search of objects that may prove worthy of exciting them; her -progress through life has been one continued voyage of discovery. She -dislikes the common track, and avoids those ports where low traffic and -vulgar merchandise are all the allurement that presents itself. She -delights in setting her sails for some _terra incognita_; and in the -true spirit of an animated adventurer, if on landing she find a few -grains of gold in the sands, she imagines rich mines in the distance, -and precipitately announcing the Eldorada of her hopes, hastens forward -to secure the treasure in prospect. Delusion has too frequently mocked -her career: not that Augusta invented a fiction; she had found the -grains of precious metal, and fancied that it was only to follow the -course of the stream, and be rewarded with store of riches; but in -ascending the current no glittering prize repays her toil. Rugged -mountains, barren rocks, and tedious flats, fatigue the eye; returning -weary and disappointed, she trims her bark and invokes a favourable -breeze, and bidding adieu to the region which had exhibited poverty -instead of wealth, she weighs anchor and steers for another coast. -Under this allegory would I present Augusta a mirror in which to behold -herself. Tired of the vapid circle by which she has been encompassed -in the world, and weary of crowds in which she found little congenial -society, she has been perpetually engaged in seeking for what might -interest her better feelings, and fill the vacuum which she experienced -in her mind. In this pursuit it has frequently occurred that some -agreeable quality met her view, and encouraged the activity of her -research; but, mistaking her own energy of anticipation for success, -she proclaims with joy, the _treasure trove_, ere she knows the extent -of its value, and from impetuosity of gratitude, is condemned to the -humiliating confession that the single attribute which she admired is -not associated with others which her own enthusiasm had supplied, but -lies, like the grain of gold upon the surface of the sand, in solitary -insulation. - -The apparent contrariety then, it would seem, which has obtained a -character of caprice for Augusta, is produced by the very excess of -that quality which it is denied that she possesses, and results from -a superabundance rather than a deficiency of sincerity. She speaks -nothing but the truth, when she praises prematurely, and as honestly -condemns when she discovers that her panegyric was misapplied. I -venture to predict the operation of a new process in Augusta's mind, -which if I do not greatly mistake, has been gradually awakening of late -to a sense of the only _true_ estimate. She will never, here-after, be -satisfied I think with tracing character _downwards_ from some light -ornamental decoration at the _top_; but in future only expect that -those wreaths which adorn the capital shall be firmly supported when -the pillar rises from a broad base of solidly established foundation. -The fire of a vivid imagination has prolonged the _youth_ of Augusta, -and it is only now that she is beginning to learn a valuable lesson -in morals, namely, that happiness, like liberty, is often overlooked -in the search after it. Young people, through inexperience, and -sometimes those who are older from sanguineness of temperament, expect -more from life than it has to bestow. They consider happiness as a -precious jewel never hitherto possessed, yet certainly to be found -though in what shape, place, or circumstances, it never occurs to them -to define; it is with them a sort of vague ideal charm, always to be -pursued, and as constantly eluding the grasp. Liberty in like manner, -with the same description of persons, does not consist in the absence -of restraint; in the rational enjoyment of property, or preservation -of rights. It is a loose ungovernable spirit of infringement on the -privileges of others. The mere security derived under a just and -equal administration of the laws is no better than bondage in the -eyes of what are technically known by the name and style of "radical -reformers." All this is flat and tame; they must _kick_ and _fling_, -to be assured that they are not confined; they must be permitted to do -that which has neither reference to pleasure nor utility, merely to -exercise the _power_ which absolute freedom bestows, just as a child in -a garden lays about him, and batters down the flowers on each side with -the stick in his hand, without any need of, or desire for, the things -thus destroyed. We deceive ourselves much in supposing that happiness -of mind any more than health of body depends upon _place_. I do not -say that change of scene is not often both agreeable and convenient; -but if the heart be oppressed, or there be 'a thorn in the flesh,' the -_Mordecai_ travels with us. We cannot run away from ourselves. To be -happy in the limited sense which Providence permits, let us endeavour -to make _home_ the centre of our enjoyments. The fulfilment of those -little duties which are at every moment presenting their claims, may -be thought by many a strange _receipt_ for contentment; yet it is a -very sure one, and if there ever was an axiom on the truth of which we -may rely, it is, that "the mind is its own place." Instead of looking -to new faces, and seeking in new situations for that undiscovered -_something_, we know not what, which upon approaching will, like the -sailor's "Cape fly away," always vanish, or recede from our view; let -us be assured that, in every condition of life, and in every spot of -earth, much may be done with the materials that lie immediately around -us; and if we evince no skill in the manufacture of these, we should -not turn a wider range to profit. My dear friend Augusta begins to feel -these truths, and when they come to be steadily acted upon, she will no -more be a prey to disappointment--no more be accounted insincere. Her -judgments will be slower, and therefore less apt to err; her friends -will be fewer, and chosen not for their brilliancy so much as their -worth, and Augusta will find that all the blessings which do not mock -our grasp, are to be possessed _every where_, if sought upon the only -principles which can never deceive." - -"Excellent sense," exclaimed Bentley, "my opinions are not expressed -in such courtly phrase as my friend Otway uses; but I agree in the -substance of every syllable that he has written. He is quite right, -but, like the prophet who ordered a dip into the river Jordan to cure -the leprosy, your moral physicians who prescribe simples which are -to be met with in the field of our own minds, will never be attended -to. No, no, we must ransack the remotest ends of the earth for our -remedies, because no one is inclined to think his own case a common -one. Mrs. Fitzroy returned at this moment with _another_ paper in her -hand, over which she was laughing heartily. "Oh come," said she, "and -read a most delightful copy of verses written impromptu this moment for -me by 'poet Connor,' who, it appears, having missed us at Killarney, -stepped across the country to Glenalta, that he might do honour in due -form to the strangers. Arthur, he is inquiring for you, and as he is -one of the most grotesque figures I ever saw, I pray that you may look -at him." - -I went in quest of the poet, as I was desired, and you may form some -idea of these Irish _improvisatori_ by the few commencing lines of -Connor's composition in praise of Mrs. Fitzroy, which, if you _admire_, -shall be preserved with their "_tail on_," along with his eulogy on -your humble servant, for a future day. What think you of the following -invocation:-- - - "_Egregious_ Dame! thine ear benignly bend, - And to the Muse of Kerry kindly lend - Attention meet, while he shall aptly sing, - And from Apollo's lyre soft music bring. - The _ægis_ of thy sweet protection grant, - While to thy praise he tunes harmonious chaunt. - Glory of England! here we gladly see, - Renowned epitome arrived in thee. - &c. &c. &c." - -The rude figure who met my eyes on gaining the house, gave a finish -to the poetical treat; and, certainly, in all my travels I have never -seen a person less formed by nature or art to captivate _the nine_, -than this votary of the Castalian choir. He is a man of about sixty, of -Bardolphian physiognomy, who, I rather imagine, is much more frequently -indebted for the fire of inspiration to a glass of whiskey, than to the -fountain of Helicon. A large, battered tin snuff-box also contributed -its aid to enliven those numbers - - "Which warm from the still, and faithful to its fires," - -were dealt out with equal readiness and prodigality to all who looked -as if they were inclined to purchase Parnassian fame; and the same -snuff-box supplied a substitute for sand, with which ever and anon, the -bard sprinkled his effusions. Fancy a large, obtuse red face, curled -head, rough coat, of dark brown cloth, fastened with a cord round his -waist; a hat full of holes, an ink bottle cased over with a _surtout_ -of pack-thread, and tied at a button-hole; a pen stuck behind one -ear, and a roll of the coarsest description of paper sticking out of -his bosom, and you have before you as much of poet Connor as I shall -give till you see his fac simile admirably sketched by Fanny's pencil -in my journal. Mrs. Fitzroy and I, whose perfections had been "theme -of song," gave half a crown each to the verse-vender, and received -another scolding from old Bentley for encouraging these idlers, who, -he says, truly enough I believe, are amongst the most worthless part -of the community. We then dispersed, and went our several ways, for -the first time since the "_English foreigners_" had been at Glenalta -without saying when shall we meet again? I am melancholy I confess. -My heart is full, as the hour of my departure advances. The last week -has brought me more intimately acquainted than ever with the excellence -from which I must tear myself; and I am sorrowful in proportion as I -compare the feelings which I brought to Ireland with those which now on -the eve of separation over-whelm me, as I bid farewell to this happy -abode of all that is best and brightest. Where shall I look for such -affection; where seek such disinterested kindness, mental improvement, -and variety of pleasurable excitement, as I have found in this charming -spot, which I nicknamed Blue-stocking Hall, and believed to be a centre -in which pedantry, dullness, affectation, and presumption, had agreed -to meet and lodge together? - -Glenalta, "I cry you mercy;" if repentance merit pardon, I may hope to -be forgiven. I love even Domine, and down to the very dogs, nothing -is an object of indifference that I leave behind. How painful the -sensation that one experiences when the heart swells as though it -would burst its confine, an unbidden tear starts, and utterance is -palsied? Yet this is what we pay our money for, and delight in the -actor or the actress who can most powerfully call forth such emotion, -by only imitating those passions, and feigning those incidents which -_naturally_ affect our sympathies. Why do we thus liberally bestow our -best feelings on theatrical fiction, while we so frequently withhold -them from the legitimate claims of reality? Old Bentley would give some -reason, I dare say, for this anomaly, not very favourable to human -nature; and if I think of it I will ask him the question before I go. -We are to have strangers at dinner to-day, which is a _bore_, but my -aunt wishes to repay some of the many attentions shewn to Frederick, -since his return from Dublin, by all the neighbouring gentry, who -have been profuse of congratulation, and perhaps she is desirous of -_constraining_ us all to be more cheerful in spite of ourselves, than -the prospect of a parting scene on the day after to-morrow would -permit, were it not for a little gentle compulsion. I shall go on -writing till we set out, and shall not finish this till I reach London, -where I shall hope to find means of sending my packet as _usual_ by -private hand. What a lucky dog you are in receiving such _pounds_ of -stationery free of cost, in a country where epistolary taxation is -calculated by weight? Adieu, till to-morrow. - -Well, yesterday is "numbered with the years before the flood," and -the company which, while in perspective, I thought would be a _gène_, -turned out a resource, and gave us a great deal to talk of when spirits -were flagging, and threatened to fail unless given fresh motion by -some new _impingement_ from without. The ladies who were asked did -not come, and the most prominent features among the gentlemen of the -country who made their appearance were, Mr. Fitzallan, a man of large -fortune, generally an absentee, and Mr. Ridley, another person of good -estate, together with their respective sons. The politics, manners, and -sentiments, in every possible department of conversation between these -neighbours are north and south of each other, but as they met _here_ -on neutral ground, and in a _lady's_ house, all was smooth to outward -seeming. Mr. Fitzallan is a _liberal_, and very eloquent; he talked -admirably on the rights of the people, the errors of Administration, -the total want of honesty in Ministers; the shameful abuse of power, -peculation in every quarter, prostitution of the national purse, and -dereliction of justice. He sat next to Mrs. Fitzroy, whose animated -countenance almost emitted _light_, as she listened to a flow of mind -so congenial with her own. Mr. Ridley, on the opposite side, who took -his seat next my aunt, supported even the very thickest skull to be -found on the Ministerial side of Lords and Commons. To a person not -immediately engaged in conversation with either of our _leaders_, -nothing could be more comical than the effect of opposition in the -chance-medley of sounds that vibrated round the table. It was what -the printers call _a pie_, when the _devils_ have jumbled their types -into confusion. I heard liberty, authority, equal rights, wholesome -rule, universal suffrage, Kingly prerogatives, emancipation, Protestant -ascendancy, the curse of tithes, the blessings of an Established -Church, &c. in the drollest _mess_ that could be imagined. When -the speakers descended from their stilts, and, quitting the arena -of dispute on public affairs, _meandered_ into the paths of private -life, the same remarkable difference was observable in the style of -our orators. Mr. Fitzallan talked with enthusiasm of the peasantry -of Ireland as the finest, but most oppressed, people under Heaven; -declaring that West Indian slavery had nothing to compare, in its -horrors, with the subjugation of this British island; this land of -beauty, this nursery of the brave. He told some striking anecdotes of -his own tenantry, who, he said, would follow him to the confines of -earth, and that were he like Roderick Dhü, only to whistle as he rode -along, the whole country would rise in his defence. When he spoke of -his family, he dwelt on the lovely innocence of childhood, and said -how hard he felt it even to _look_ angrily. All _discipline_ he left -entirely to Mrs. Fitzallan, who was, he acknowledged, so much wiser -than himself, that he willingly relinquished every title to controul, -and gladly confessed that he was _hen-pecked_ and _chicken-pecked_, -and _pecked_ in every possible manner of _pecking_; adding, "I live, -in fact, totally under petticoat government, and find nothing suits -with my temper so pleasantly as to be led in all things by my wife." -Mr. Fitzallan's appearance is very handsome, and his manners are -perfectly polished, which gave the most finished, at the same time -the most playful tone to every thing he said, while Ridley looked as -serious in describing a game of German tactics to Fanny, as if he had -been delivering evidence before a Committee of the House of Commons on -the Corn Laws. Young Fitzallan gave a scowling glance at his father -every time that he spoke; and whenever he could slide in a word, it -was sure to be a _cut_ at the difference between theory and practice. -Young Ridley, on the contrary, seemed to hang with delight on every -word that his father uttered, though with the most perfect freedom and -considerable intelligence, he sometimes ventured a flight in praise -of some of our Opposition men, who met with no quarter from the old -man. When the party broke up in the evening Mrs. Fitzroy burst into -a glowing eulogium on Mr. Fitzallan, "who," she said, "was the most -noble creature she had met for ages. That man has such heart, he is -overflowing with love for his species, and his views upon every subject -are so generous, so exalted, so comprehensive"-- - -"That they comprehend _nothing_, madam," interrupted Mr. Bentley in a -high state of irritation. "I repeat, madam," continued he, "that you -were never so mistaken in the course of your life. This shewy man, -who has attracted so much of your admiration, possesses property to a -large amount in several counties in Ireland. The agent whom he employs -in this part of the country, I know to be one of the most grinding, -heartless, fellows in creation. Mr. Fitzallan is one of the worst -landlords in Ireland, and never does an act that is not dictated by -the grossest self-interest. In private life he is a compound of pride -and laxity. The former governs his conduct with wife and children, to -all of whom he behaves in the most imperious yet capricious manner; -and, _though_ he has too little controul over _himself_ to enforce -subordination in _others_, he is selfish and tyrannical with all whose -actions he can dare to command. You might have observed how small -a degree of credit he has with his son, who dotes on his mother, -and resents, as far as he can, his father's neglect of her. Madam, -Mr. Fitzallan fastened on your ear because you were a stranger, and -he found that he could play off an artillery of _words_ upon your -ignorance of his true character. - -"Now there is honest Jack Ridley, whom you did not condescend to -address, I believe, for the whole day; I would bet a sovereign that -you think every syllable of what I have told you fits him to a _tee_, -and that I am either an idiot or a madman for having given you such -an account of your favourite. The _truth_ is, that you and I may -exchange our portraits, and each will then possess a good likeness, -for my worthy friend Jack is all that you ascribe to Mr. Fitzallan. -If he incline perhaps a little to what is _now_ called bigotry, it -is in defence of his King and his Church, though he would not hurt -the feelings of _any_ man, whatever be his creed. He is an excellent -magistrate, one of the best of landlords, and it is worth going from -this to Fort Ridley to see him in the midst of his family. When he -returns to-night, the smile of welcome will greet his arrival. His son -and he are probably at this moment cheerfully discussing in their way -home the agreeable party at Glenalta; and will make the fire-side group -partakers in every little incident or remark that has occurred during -the absence of two of its members. - -"Were we to accompany the Fitzallans in _their_ homeward course, I -promise you that your enthusiasm would be plunged in an ice-bath ere -you had left this gate three perches behind you. Imagine the father -and son, fitted like corner-cupboards into the extreme angles of their -carriage, asleep, or feigning sleep; knees approximating, but not -_touching_, towards the centre. Arrived at the _Rialta_ (foolish name), -the gentlemen contrive to separate without a mutual "good night,"--no -"blazing hearth," no "crackling fagot;" no beaming open countenance -awaits their return. A silence dark and chill as death pervades the -mansion, and morning's sunny ray has no power over the gloomy hearts -that dwell within it. At the Rialta absenteeism stares you in the face -whichever way you turn. Offices dilapidated, plantations overgrown, -gates off their hinges, walls scolloped into gaps, weeds flourishing in -the very porch, paper hanging about your ears, bell-ropes pulled down -from their cranks, furniture thinly scattered, old fashioned, yet ill -preserved, heavy, but not magnificent: these are the dreary indications -of approach to the residence of a popular orator, who lives beyond his -means, and comes annually amongst his tenants to obtain supplies which -may enable him to pass another year in estrangement from their wants -and their wishes. - -"At Fort Ridley you find tight cottages, whole fences, trim gardens, -clean walks, and warm welcome. You hear no cant about a radical reform; -but you see progressive and constant improvement. Your ears are not -assailed by cataracts of fine words, but your heart acknowledges -a continued flow of kindness and good humour. You encounter no -tirades about liberty and equality, but you find all happy in their -_own places_. Parents walking hand-in-hand, sustaining each other's -authority, not struggling for their own: children respectful and -affectionate: servants orderly and comfortable: the poor protected: -the unhappy consoled. Mrs. Fitzroy, I only say, give me one Ridley, -man, woman, or child, and I will joyfully contract to let you have as -many Fitzallans as you can steam away from us in your packet. Take -an old man's assurance, that there is little _reality_, whenever you -find much _shew_. Good wine (the proverb says) needs no bush; and when -people _do_, they need not _talk_. Things tell their own stories. "Be -not solitary, be not idle," is the conclusion of Johnson's beautiful -fiction on the Search after Happiness; and Voltaire, the very opposite -of our great moralist in all but the possession of superior talent, -finishes his disgusting, but witty, _Candide_, with words to the same -effect, '_Il faut cultiver le jardin_.'" - -"You always set your face against whatever I approve," said Mrs. -Fitzroy; "but Mr. Fitzallan seems _quite_ a practical man," added -she, "and that is the reason that I like him. All his principles -are pure; and, judging by what I have seen, I should say they are -reduced to daily exercise, else how should he know so much of the -Irish peasantry, or be able to relate so many interesting anecdotes -respecting them?"--"Why, madam," replied old Bentley, "you might as -well argue to the original humour of a man who had learned Joe Miller -by heart. Mr. Fitzallan studies stage effect, and has tragedy as well -as comedy at his fingers' ends. An Irish story, well purged from its -yellow clay, and dressed to advantage, is a nice morsel, even in the -heart of London, if you do not stuff your friends with too much of a -good thing; and the gentleman of whom we are speaking knows exactly how -much pudding will choke a dog." - -Mrs. Fitzroy is so genuinely diverted by Mr. Bentley, that they -always part the best friends imaginable. He now shook hands and went -home. When he was gone, Mr. Otway said of him, "There goes one of -the bluntest, and yet the kindest, people I know. It would seem -as if Nature, in forming my worthy neighbour, had been playing at -hide-and-seek with herself; for in his character there is a jumble of -the most heterogeneous materials: rude as a bear, he is gentle as a -lamb; and though sly as a fox in detecting the wiles of his species, -he is one of the most single hearted persons I have ever met with, in -all his own dealings with mankind. The penetration with which he delves -into character, is almost supernatural. He decides on a counterfeit at -a glance; and though it is rarely his habit to indulge a sentimental -vein, you would be astonished by the tenderness of feeling which -sometimes softens that rugged exterior. I know him so intimately that -I am aware of the contradictions in his mind, and he is not ashamed -of being _himself_ with me; but in common society he avoids the least -exhibition of softness, and is generally glad when he has frightened -strangers by his roughness, though upon _occasion_, if he be in the -_humour_, I have known him delighted with individuals, who, not -repelled by his frown, have braved opposition, and surmounted the -obstacles to his friendship. - -"Mrs. Fitzroy is a grand favourite, notwithstanding _appearances_, -and he told me to-day in his own way of expressing sorrow for her -departure, that he expects to be like a fish out of water when she bids -farewell to Ireland." - -The word farewell struck as a knell on every heart: dear Phil. sighed, -and wished us good night; and ere we separated to reap the harvest of -his blessing, Mrs. Fitzroy, in a few words, but most comprehensively -summed up _his_ character.--"Aye," said she, soliloquizing as he left -the room, "and there _you_ go! the reviewer of reviews--the critic of -critics--possessing more of every quality than you find to admire or -value in all the men of your acquaintance, yet bearing your honours so -meekly, with a mind so exquisitely balanced, a temperament so calm, and -humility so lovely, that you allow anybody to get before you and shine -out his short-lived triumph of display, while you in quiet majesty -pursue the equal tenor of your course, and, like a mighty river, -possessed between its banks, and full, 'though not o'erflowing,' wind -onwards to the sea." - -I close my journal here, and shall not open the portfolio which -contains it till I awaken in the unwonted scenery of Grosvenor Square. -Adieu, Glenalta! thou sweetest Glen adieu! As I turn from this beloved -spot I feel inclined to exclaim, "Fate drop the curtain--I can lose no -more." - -London!!! Oh, my dear Falkland, how shall I take to my narrative, and -resume an occupation which _has been_ so delightful, but which loses -its charm in this disgusting round of idleness and dissipation? In any -other mood than that which I now am in, I could dilate with melancholy -pleasure on every step of my journey. I could tell you that I felt as -if my heart would break when I lost sight of the last mountain which -is visible in the distance from Glenalta. While I could gaze upon its -lofty peak, I felt as if some connecting link still bound me to a place -where all my best affections were deposited; and when all trace was -lost of every object that continued the illusion, I could not speak. -The pang was unutterable, and a thousand vague fancies crowded over my -mind, perplexing it "with fear of change," and whispering unwelcome -thoughts that I should not revisit my Irish home. There can be no -_reason_ for this, but I find now by experience what I have _read of_ -before, that low spirits enfeeble the understanding, and make one -start, though at nothing. - - "'Tis only the willows that wave in the wind." - -Yet the imagination conjures up phantoms of ideal existence, and I -worked myself into such a dread of death, separation, misfortune, and -I know not what, that the turning of a straw would have sent me back -again, envious of the very rocks that bent their faces towards the -happy valley which I left behind. - -Mrs. Fitzroy was a charming companion, for she felt as I did; and we -were neither of us inclined to talk on any subject foreign to Glenalta. - -I cannot give you a detail of our progress. We reached Dublin, where -the bustle of a new scene obliged us to turn our thoughts from those -dear friends, whose society we missed so grievously on the preceding -day. We rested only one night, and, after a calm passage of seven -hours, found ourselves at Holyhead. - -Have you ever felt that as long as you are _near_ an object of -attachment, the mind is restless in the direct ratio of proximity, and, -as you recede from it, you become more satisfied, as it would seem, -from a feeling that every mile increases the difficulty of contact, -till impossibility at length stares you in the face, and produces -resignation _per force_. Is not this the reason why people who differ -most widely from each other in religion and politics are more tranquil, -and forbearing than such as are _all but_ agreed? The _little_ -difference, like the _mile_ of separation, seems to have no _right_ to -interpose a barrier, and we are impatient accordingly that what appears -so easily surmountable does not give way to our wishes. Mrs. Fitzroy -and I, in the course of our philosophizing, extended the same principle -to that disgust which is occasioned by an attempt to carry imitation -beyond a certain limit. The painted statue is unpleasing, because it -assumes too much of similarity without reaching identification; and we -are nauseated by the chattering of a monkey, who is _almost_ human, -though we listen with pleasure to the articulations of a parrot. - -Having left my fair charge in Worcestershire, at the house of one of -her friends, I hastened to town, and found every thing here in the -confusion attendant upon hurry. My poor mother, dreading an _explosion_ -on my part, laid her plans so as to circumvent me completely, and, -on the plea of my uncle's sudden illness, which gives us reason to -expect him by the very next ship from Bengal, instead of at the -distance of some months, Adelaide's marriage has been _got up_ without -any of the usual forms, which my mother trusts to her own ingenuity -and generalship for having executed as well _after_, as _before_ -the ceremony. Behold then, on my arrival, the whole house turned -topsy-turvy--servants in new liveries flying to and fro, white and -silver favours glittering on their breasts, and the wedding party just -returned from St. George's Chapel. I could hardly find a place to dress -in, nor a creature to do any thing for me. Having, however, caught -a flying lacquey, I desired that Louisa only should be informed of -my arrival, and she ran for five minutes to bid me welcome. Whether -agitated by my return, or forced into disapprobation of the graceless -contract which had just been solemnized, I cannot tell, but she flew -into my arms with a burst of emotion which I had never seen before, -and which deeply affected me. Louisa is formed for better things than -she lives amongst; but she has had no conductor. Oh may I henceforward -be truly a brother! May I be enabled to cultivate her tenderness, and -obtain an influence over her understanding! We agreed that I should be -allowed to repose in peace, and that the breakfast, departure of the -_nouveaux mariés_, _cake-cutting_, and all the idle mummery of a bridal -day, should go on without me. - -My sister returned to the banquet, and my arrival was concealed from -every body, till a splendid travelling carriage drove off with Lord -and Lady Crayton, and all the _figurantes_, who are brought together -on these occasions to feed the vanity of display, had dispersed. My -mother and Louisa joined the giddy throng, and went to drive about the -park, and exhibit the hymeneal paraphernalia. I looked from a window on -the scene below, and sighed, as I thought how differently a marriage -would be conducted at Glenalta. - -With eyes opened to a new order of things, I could not help musing -heavily on what I saw. A deaf man suddenly introduced for the first -time into the midst of a ball room would think the people all mad, -whom he beheld jumping about, without being able to hear the inspiring -sounds which gave activity to the feet. Perhaps, had I been engaged in -this nuptial pageant, it would have seemed, as it did to those who had -parts to act in it; but to me it appeared, from an upper story of the -house, the most senseless piece of parade that I had ever witnessed, -rendered melancholy by anticipations of events which I perceived in the -vista of Adelaide's futurity. Various analogies started to my mind. I -recollected the gay deception which precedes the sacrifice, when a poor -nun is about to relinquish the natural enjoyments of life, and lay -down her hopes and affections on the altar of superstition. I thought -of her, when dressed in all the trappings of this world's glory, she -is led, more frequently deceived than deceiving, to the temple, there -to resign her liberty and happiness, perhaps her life, and become the -sorrowing victim of an ill-fated vow. - -In the gloomy solitude of a large house, emptied of its inhabitants, I -had scope for much disagreeable meditation, and wandered from room to -room, reflecting with sad foreboding, on what is likely to be the lot -of poor Adelaide, and ruminating on the heavy expenses incurred by my -mother to seal a bond of misery. The furniture of all our principal -apartments is new and sumptuous, of the last Parisian fashion, and -chosen with the best taste. The housekeeper told me that a splendid new -carriage had been purchased, and that every thing connected with this -marriage had been done in the "best-possible manner." - -My mother and Louisa returned late, and much fatigued. With the former -I had but little conversation. She met me with an air of great -displeasure, and I fear that the only way by which I can reinstate -myself in her favour will prove a destructive one. My property is -already burthened to a large amount, and to extricate my mother I must -plunge myself a great deal deeper in debt. This must be done, however, -as I will use my best endeavours to set her mind at ease. - -Poor Louisa and I sat up till morning, and, though her mind is a -complete chaos, she has too much natural strength of character not -to perceive the folly, as well as meanness, of the late arrangement, -in which each side has been trying to outwit the other. I find that -the Craytons set out directly after the ceremony for Dover, and are -on their route to the continent, where their sojournment is to be -regulated by circumstances. "Pecuniary difficulties," though not -defined, are confessed to, _generally_, by my new brother-in-law, who -gives his title in the hope of being paid for it in solid gold; and I -suspect that we shall find, ere long, how much his creditors have been -cajoled by an assurance that between General Douglas and me, all their -demands will be satisfied. If the speculation of my uncle's assistance -should fail, as much as the hope of aid from me must necessarily do, I -see no prospect of aught but beggary for my unfortunate sister. - -Were we in the country, I should not despair of operating a great -change in Louisa's opinions; but I have scarcely an opportunity of -saying a sentence to her in private. My mother does not like to see us -alone, and the interruptions from company are incessant. I proposed -going to Selby, and should have found no difficulty in prevailing, -for in fact we are ridiculously out of season _here_, but my uncle -is certainly coming, and so speedily, that he may land while I am -writing. All the people of _note_ in town at present are, Louisa tells -me, brought together by this marriage, which is flattering to those -who take pride in it; but, not being of that number myself, I long to -be set free, and when I _am_, no time shall be lost in joining you as -quickly as possible. If I do not _soon_ set out for Paris, you shall -hear again from, my dear Falkland, - - Your affectionate, - A. HOWARD. - - - - -LETTER XXIII. - -DR. PANCRAS TO MR. OTWAY. - - -Sir, _Limner's Hotel_. - -I am commissioned to notify the arrival in England of your friend -General Douglas, and to inform you that in the present state of his -health, he feels himself incompetent to any manner of exertion. He has -been so ill on the voyage, as to excite my constant apprehension lest I -might not enjoy the happiness of delivering up my patient alive to his -friends. He has been somewhat better since we arrived in the Channel, -and I have no doubt that a little rest will be of much benefit; but -as he means to remain in town for the arrival of another ship, which -sailed when we did, and on board which is a part of his baggage, he -will have the best medical advice here, and proceed at leisure to -Marsden, the place which you were so good as to purchase for him. -The principal object of this letter is to entreat, that if not very -inconvenient, you will come over, and allow your friend the pleasure -of shaking you by the hand once more. He bids me tell you, that he has -much to say, and that the power of communicating with you upon several -subjects near his heart, would contribute more than any medicine to -his recovery. May it be permitted a stranger to enforce this request, -by adding his testimony to the General's own conviction? It is not the -physician who "can minister unto a mind diseased;" it is the _friend_ -alone who can sooth and sustain the sinking spirits, and I look upon -my patient as requiring _your_ advice as much as he does mine, though -I have had long knowledge of his complaints, and have accompanied -him from India. I will not longer trespass on your attention than to -request an immediate answer, saying whether or not you can comply with -the entreaty of which I am the medium. - - I am, Sir, - your obedient, humble servant, - A. PANCRAS. - - - - -LETTER XXIV. - -FROM MISS DOUGLAS TO MISS SANDFORD. - - -My dearest Julia, - -It is some time since you have heard from me, and in the interval much -has happened to disturb our even course of life. The departure of our -friends, particularly that of Arthur, produced a degree of desolation -at Glenalta, which can only be understood by such as have felt the -pangs of separation from those they love. When _you_ left us, a similar -chasm was made in our happiness, but you could not comprehend our -feelings, though you were very sorry to say farewell. You were _going_, -we were _staying_, and supposing the same measure of affection, there -must be a wide difference between the situation of a mind presented -continually with new objects that force themselves on the observation, -and one that is bound in all the melancholy associations of that -scene which had witnessed its happiness. The fresh air, the constant -movement, the necessity of speaking and interesting oneself in the -details of a journey, must save the heart much bitterness, which is -reserved for the saddened spirits left behind. I never shall forget the -tomb-like silence that pervaded our cheerful abode when the last sound -of the carriage wheels, that bore away dear Mrs. Fitzroy and Arthur, -were no longer to be heard. We _then_ only seemed to feel the full -extent of our deprivation. - -Charlotte and I, unable to occupy ourselves, wandered like ghosts. Oh -the emptiness of a bedchamber from which your friend has just departed! -The pillow still bearing impress of the head which had rested on it -so recently; the spikes of lavender scattered on the floor, which, -perhaps, you had gathered yourself in a happier hour, to give fragrance -to the now vacant wardrobe; the back of a letter inscribed with the -name that now stops your utterance, and the thousand other trifles, -light as air, that take affection by surprise, and make one wretched -through every fibre of the frame! Fanny's grief had quicker vent; she -wept, till like a babe that cries itself to sleep, nature _would_ have -rest; and I envied her the power of listening with rapture, to the -history of some young cygnets, which old Lawrence had got from Bantry -as a present for her. Frederick was sincerely sorrowful, but he was -obliged to attend to Mr. Oliphant, and his mind was relieved by the -necessity of being employed. - -The beloved mother who suffers more than she enjoys society, always -returns to the stillness of retirement, glad to repose after exertion, -and rewarded by the happy feeling of having practised self-denial in -order to make others happy. - -Charlotte and I then were the _miserable_ of our little circle, and the -kind Phil. accordingly gave his principal attention to us. He insisted -on our being _busy_. He drove us to our gardens, to our poor people, -to the schools, all of which had been less carefully watched, while -our friends were with us. How slow is the progress of improvement. -How rapid the growth of whatever is baleful in its nature! We found -much to reclaim, and were ashamed, as well as astonished to find how -things may go astray, and run to ruin, while one is only pursuing what -appears an innocent gratification. Well, it shall not happen again. We -have now restored matters to their former good order, and if we enjoy -less _pleasure_ than we did in the midst of more varied attraction; I -feel more contentment and less self-reproach, since we have resumed our -accustomed course. I now understand that of which it was so difficult -to convince me, namely, that _company_, however delightful, is too -stimulating for a continuance, and that it is very wholesome to be left -alone now and then with one's own heart. - -Letters (that blessed invention) have informed us constantly of all -that is interesting in the lives and adventures of our absent friends; -but the last accounts from Arthur have distressed mamma, and produced -commotion in our tranquil valley. - -My poor uncle is in short arrived, and so ill that his physician has -written to beg Mr. Otway's immediate presence in London. It is thought -right that Frederick should accompany him as a proper mark of respect, -and also to add weight to mamma's request, that should our mild climate -be considered advisable for the invalid, he will repair as soon as -possible to Glenalta. - -To lose Frederick and our friend of Lisfarne at one and the same moment -is a stroke which needs some philosophy to endure; and I am afraid that -we are not bearing it as we ought to do. Then I cannot help feeling -sadly afraid of uncle Douglas, who is, Arthur says, very _repellent_ -in his manners. Poor man! he suffers much, and it is unreasonable to -expect that he should be agreeable in his present circumstances; but -I am so accustomed to the sweet accents of gentleness and affection, -that nothing terrifies me so much as the idea of severity. I feel still -more for mamma than for myself, and as the general has apparently taken -a dislike already, Arthur tells us, to my aunt Howard and Louisa, why -should we expect better at the hands of one, governed, perhaps, by -prejudice against all his family, with whom he has kept up very little -intercourse? - -Mr. Otway and Frederick set out next week, and but for the delight I -have in the hope that they will soon return, and the latter be happy in -his cousin's society, while he is enjoying his first visit to London, I -should be inconsolable. - -We have had intelligence of Lord and Lady Crayton's arrival in Rome, -where young Stanhope has seen them. Lord C. is fond of play, and poor -Adelaide Howard, I am afraid, is destined to be any thing but blessed -in her union with him. What can induce people to make the sacrifice of -liberty and peace for the sake of a paltry title? Perhaps I am careless -about such things only because I am placed in a situation where they -are of little value; but a coronet seems of small estimation in my -eyes, and I wish that my cousin had a husband less extravagant and more -domestic, though plain Mr. instead of Viscount, preceded his name. He -and Adelaide are to pass the winter in Paris. - -You bid me to describe our late visitors. To say that we found them a -very agreeable addition to our party, is saying nothing that will help -you to distinguish one from the other. Yet beyond some such general -description, what can tell of strangers? If you delineate the features -of a landscape, you can speak not only of them as they seem, but as -they _are_; but what a length of time is required to guard against -misrepresentation in painting the human character, of which we can -for a long while only know the _signs_, but may remain in profound -ignorance of the motives which govern them! - -You may remember how much I used to admire Miss Talbot. I saw her -frequently last summer, when she looked so pretty, and was so kind to -me, that I became quite enthusiastic in her praise; and should have -been very foolish about her, if mamma had not damped my energy, by -saying one day, "dearest Emily, do not take so much for granted: wait -to know Miss Talbot better before you give her _all_ your heart." I -felt that there must be good reason for this reproof, or I should not -have received it. I paused, and ceasing to inflate my mind with my own -exaggerations, mistaking them for realities, I _did_ wait to know -Miss Talbot better, and one _look_, though unaccompanied by a word, -darted at her father, who asked for a particular song which she did -not choose to sing, levelled the whole edifice of my admiration to the -dust. The same song which she had refused to a parent's request, she -_volunteered_ when Mr. Mortimer Fitzallan came into the room, saying, -in her sweetest accents, and with her winning smile, "I will now sing -_your_ favourite." To return after a digression, which contains my -apology for not attempting to give you exact portraits of our guests, I -will proceed to say, that as far as I am acquainted with them, I like -Mr. Annesley better than Mr. Russell, and _both_ pleased me, though -not in the same manner. The former is more gentle and reflecting than -his friend, the latter full of music and of merriment; but one is not -always merry, and if _not_, Mr. Russell's animal spirits fatigue. Then, -as to music, I think that he likes it less for its own sake, than as a -subject on which to be eloquent. Mr. Annesley _says_ less, but _does_ -more than the other, in the way of those little polite attentions -which mark a wish to please; and he looks so sincere, that one feels -always ready to _believe_ whatever he utters, while the wandering eye -of his companion would indicate that his thoughts are every where, or -no where, though his tongue be employed in giving to them the liveliest -expression. Mr. Annesley's animation arises out of the occasion, while -Mr. Russell is ever intent on _seeking_ opportunity to exhibit _his_. -In conversing with the one, you find your spirits refreshed by the -natural alternation of stimulus and repose. In talking to the other, -you are made to feel that a certain measure of excitement is to be _run -out_; after which, you must lie by to recruit, ere you commence anew. -They are both polished, and have received all the advantages of modern -education, and thus ends my story of them. - -Mamma will write to dear Mrs. Sandford, when she can tell her of _the -general's_ movements. Have you ever remarked how many people tack an -emphatic _the_ to any admiral, general, colonel, dean, or archdeacon, -accidentally appended to their family, just as if there were no other -of each class in the world beside their own? Adieu, dearest Julia: our -united loves to all at Checkley. - - Believe me, ever your - - Affectionate friend, - EMILY DOUGLAS. - - - - -LETTER XXV. - -FREDERICK DOUGLAS TO HIS MOTHER. - - -Beloved Mother, - -Our dear Phil. insisted on writing the first letter from London, and as -this point was settled before we left Glenalta, you have not charged -me with neglect; forgetful I can never be. You all live continually in -my thoughts; I fancy how you are all employed during every part of the -day, and never see any thing that delights or surprises me, without -wishing that my mother and sisters were to enjoy whatever is worthy of -their admiration. This is to me a scene of wonder, and I have a great -deal of trouble in suppressing too true an exhibition of my rusticity, -and curbing my astonishment at things so common, that no one here could -comprehend my ignorance of them. London is a world full of interest -to a novice like myself, and while the charm of novelty lasts, and -curiosity is kept alive, I shall find as much happiness as I can feel -away from you; but the people with whom I meet at my aunt Howard's, -though I am told that they are of the first circle, have little merit, -I must confess, in my eyes. I ought however, to begin with the _hosts_, -before I describe the company. My aunt is as unlike you, as Louisa is -different from Emily, Charlotte, or Fanny. The former is so rouged, so -dressed, and made up, that a natural emotion, if any such live within -her breast, has no power to reach the surface. Every feature seems -fixed, as though she were a _cast_, and not a real human form of flesh -and blood. Her manners are so cold, and her eye so disdainful, that had -I come to Grosvenor-square _alone_, one glance would have been enough -to settle my resolves not to encounter a second; but she treats Arthur, -her only son, and _certainly_ a favourite, as frigidly as she behaves -to me; and with her daughter, there is a perpetual _sparring_ kept up, -which to my unaccustomed ear is perfectly dreadful, though at the same -time, she is evidently vain of Louisa's beauty and accomplishments. To -Mr. Otway she is _civil_, and towards my poor uncle, _officious_ to -excess, without being _able_ to look kind. My cousin is very handsome, -and if she had been _your_ child, would, I believe, have been very -amiable, for she is good-natured, in spite of every effort to make her -the contrary; and her love for Arthur is genuine, I believe, though -of a species very new to me. Her person is encumbered with ornaments, -and her mind with fashion. Her understanding is excellent, and _will_ -break its bounds, and start forth through all the London fogs that -would obscure its light; but it is only in accidental scintillations -that Louisa's brightness discovers itself, and _then_, sarcasm is -generally the medium through which it shines; nothing can exceed the -stupid inanity of such conversation as I hear at my aunt's, where -_people_ only are ever discussed. It is one eternal round of dress, -public places, and gossip. _Every_ body is said to be out of town, -yet the streets are full. _Nobody_ is ever in London at this season, -yet the Howards live in a crowd of society, and would be very angry -with _any_ body who ventured to affirm that their acquaintance is not -_first-rate_. Mr. Otway reconciles many apparent incongruities through -his explanations, when we reach our lodgings at night, and I am already -bidding fair to part with the nick-name which Louisa has bestowed upon -me of the "novice of Saint Patrick." My _Mentor_ tells me, that London -is in fact, at this moment, full of people who are ashamed of not being -at their country seats, the watering places, or on the continent; and -are detained here _malgrè_ for want of money to go elsewhere, or pay -off the bills which continue daily to increase, while they remain in -town, _shying_ each other. It is true that the people do not imprison -themselves: they meet in the streets, in the shops, in the park, at -the theatres; but there seems to be a conventional agreement to tell -lies, which are permitted, like base metal, to circulate in the place -of sterling coin, though known to be counterfeit by all who use it as -a medium of exchange. There is a sort of _sinister_ honesty in this -compact, as deception is avoided in the universality of the fraud. -One family is detained by Dr.----, who will not suffer his patient to -undertake as yet a journey to Leamington. Another is just _going_ to -France. A third _waits_ for a carriage which has been promised by the -coachmaker, but is not _quite_ finished, and so on. Not a word of truth -in any of the stories. A country bumpkin, however, benefits by all this -_charlatanerie_, and finds food for eyes, ears, and reflection, at a -time when the metropolis ought to be according to the rules of _haut -ton_, a perfect desert. - -The friendship of Arthur sets me at ease. Were it not for him, I should -sneak into a corner I suppose, and not dare to utter a word for fear of -_committing_ some Hibernicism, and bring the eyes of Europe upon me; -but, supported by my faithful Achates, I am bold, and you would perhaps -be astonished to see me _doing the agreeable_ at my aunt's evening -parties. I assure you that I make my way surprisingly, and am beginning -to feel rather triumphant. Louisa put me through a sort of ordeal -which was unpleasant enough for three or four days; but Arthur gave me -a few hints behind the scenes which enabled me to come off victorious, -and now like a _freshman_ at school, who has _boxed_ himself into -character, I am _let alone_, and actually applied to, for my opinions -upon "Shakspeare, taste, and the musical glasses." Some contrivance -is necessary, however, to slide out of a group when it happens that -a cross subject is started; but in general, I find myself _au fait_, -for a grain of intellect, like a grain of gold will hammer out into -surface enough to cover a prodigious field of "worshipful society;" -and if you are quick in picking up names, admiring the right music, -the fashionable singer, the favourite novel, and the _newest_ of every -thing, you need not draw unmercifully on your brains, nor put your -eyes in danger of Opthalmia, by poring over the midnight lamp. I fancy -Emily and Charlotte, with inquiring eyes, pressing forward together, to -ask Frederick whether his soul has not been entranced by the finished -performance of our London _belles_ on the harp and piano-forte. - -Dearest girls, publish it not in Gath, if I whisper the homespun -confession, and tell you in depth of secrecy, that pleasure is a -stranger to me at our concerts. I hear compositions so chromatic, -modulations so unnatural, transitions so violent, and harmony so -entirely divested of the character which I have been in the habit of -attaching to it, that, were it not for information to the contrary, -I should not be aware that I was listening to music at all, but -should imagine myself introduced to a new and wonderful mechanism for -exhibiting the muscular powers to their utmost extent, and also trying -how far it is practicable to exert the licence of caprice without ever -touching on the borders of melody. In the same spirit of confidential -avowal I may add, that there seems to be a strict covenant between the -modern composers and the instrument-makers to murder music, and prevent -a concerto, as well as the piano-forte on which it is performed, from -a longer existence in the fashionable world than will be allotted -to the preposterous flat hats, which only require poles supporting -their circumference, to give the Regent's-park exactly the air of an -encampment. Another musical observation which I have made, is, that -every young lady on first setting down, and running over the keys of -the finest Stoddart or Broadwood, piped, barred, and _dandified_, -according to the very latest vogue, declares the instrument to be -out of tune. Quere, is this to make boast of an exquisite ear, or is -it done to bespeak mercy for imperfect execution? In either case, to -produce _effect_ it should not be a _general_ fashion; and there should -be at least a foundation of truth in the complaint; but it literally -happened yesterday evening, that Louisa's magnificent instrument had -been put into the highest order only half an hour before the company -arrived, and yet the fair competitors for fame were not a whit the -better satisfied. Perhaps after all it is necessary to talk a little -nonsense, and tumble over the leaves of whatever music is open on the -desk, to gain time for shaking back the manacles which load the wrists -of a fashionable lady with such _shekels_ of gold that their weight -is apt to determine the blood towards her finger tops. This is an -inconvenience, and certainly an alloy to the pleasure of exhibiting -richer ornaments than were ever _à la mode_ till now, but what -advantage is there without its counterpoise? It is unlucky too that -necklaces are _out_, as they afforded great opportunity in perpetual -fiddling with them to regulate the _circulation_, and shew off -bracelets and rings in the best possible position for securing white -hands and arms, during the time being. - -Dearest mother, do I see you shake your head, and call this ill nature? -If I thought that a shadow of displeasure glanced over that brow on -which I pray unceasingly that I may never be the means of gathering a -cloud, I would make a vow against opening my eyes to the ridiculous -while I remain in London; but I hope that even _you_ will laugh with -me at the absurdities which we must be blind not to see, and dumb -not to tell of. If the sisters imagine that my heart is likely to be -perforated like a _cullender_, tell them that not a single missile has -reached it as yet, - - "Th' invaders dart their jav'lins from afar." - -Nevertheless, I am safe, and likely to remain _unscathed_ by any -lightning from London eyes. This is fortunate; for what chance would -a poor Kerry _bog-trotter_ have of meeting "sweet return" in this -meridian blaze--this dazzling glare? - - "For sight no obstacle found here, or shade, - But all sunshine; as when his beams at noon - Culminate from the Equator." - -I love our dear Glen better than any scenery that I have met with since -I left its sunny lawns and tangled dells; and, if I may be allowed -to compare the moral with the physical world, there is an enchanting -refreshment in the lights and shades of a refined yet _natural_ -character, beyond all the glow of fashion's artificial splendour to -impart. - -Last night I sat for a short time by a young lady who had something -pensive in her countenance, which brought Emily to my mind: and feeling -a sort of _attraction_ towards her, I listened to her conversation, in -which, hearing some words through the din of voices, that bespoke a -love of painting and sculpture, I determined on getting _alongside_, -as the sailors say. I did so, and we talked of the Exhibition, the -Elgin Marbles, Sir Thomas Lawrence, Chauntry, Canova, &c. but _talk_ -it was, aye, "_vox et preterea nihil_." Not a particle of enthusiasm -had reached her mind, it only flickered round her lips. She had been in -Rome, had seen Naples, visited the Louvre, ransacked every _atelier_ of -every celebrated artist in her travels; and, as a matter of course, is -come back discontented with every thing in England. I sought as vainly -for a single grain of taste in her conversation as I generally do for a -strain of sweetness in the music which I daily hear: no;--terms of art -and fashionable echoes met my ear, but not a sentiment that originated -in feeling: no description drawn by a pencil dipped in the heart. - -I ventured to say something, I know not what, but my remark was my own; -I was not to be found, I suppose, in the common-place book acknowledged -at present, as the reception that it encountered was a rude burst of -laughter, in which my fair antagonist's mamma, who came to present -Lord Oldfield to her daughter, joined immediately, and I should have -been the _butt_ of the company, I conclude, if my happy stars had not -sent a nobleman to my rescue, who so entirely engrossed the attention -of both mother and _ma'mselle_, that a _mouse_ would have been a -greater object than I was. Otway's lines rushed on my memory as I -gazed indignantly on this vulgar pair; for how can I give them any -more appropriate epithet? When I looked around me, and rested my eyes -on the _wool-pack_, matrons lounging in their easy chairs so large and -languid, I could not help mentally exclaiming, - - "Those lazy owls, who, perched near Fortune's top, - Sit only watchful with their heavy wings - To cuff down new-fledged Virtues that would rise - To nobler heights, and make the grove harmonious." - -I suppose that the immense size of the elderly ladies here, must -proceed, from the little exercise they take, and _that_ little in a -carriage which is next to not taking any; but I am told that it is the -fashion to be _monstrous_, and if beauty be reckoned by weight and -measure, the tonnage and poundage of London are prodigious. - -When Lord Oldfield left my aunt's to vapour at another party, the -above-mentioned young lady of pensive mien, seemed to recollect that -she had treated me somewhat cavalierly, or perhaps she was amused -by my _outlandish_ ways of thinking, and returned to look at me, as -people used to do at the Cherokee chiefs, or Sandwich Islanders; but -from whatever motive, so it was, that she called me to her, and with a -smile of such _concentration_ as appeared to say, "_Sauve qui peut_," -she invited me to attend her to-day and look at some statues, at the -house of an Italian newly arrived. Now I had charity enough to believe -that she had only _heard_ of them as fine specimens of sculpture, and -was ignorant altogether of what she was going to see; but before I -could reply, she added that she had begun to model from a Cupid in the -collection, and hoped that I should approve her performance. Arthur and -I had been to see these statues two or three days ago, and all I can -say is, that as I have not yet had the advantage of _case-hardening_ -on the continent, I blushed as I bowed a seeming assent, resolving to -make my excuse this morning, which I have accordingly done. - -If modesty be really one of those cumbrous virtues, which, like the -ponderous armour of former days, is no longer necessary in the high -state of civilization to which we have attained, why is not the word -honestly banished along with the quality which it represents? and why -do we foolishly retain the sign, if we must lose sight of the idea -to which it belongs? It would be wrong, perhaps, to charge a modern -fair one with actual vice because she can walk with perfect unconcern -through files of statues representing the human form in a state of -nudity, and _that_ too in company, it may be, of a profligate man; but -I _must_ say, that to my untutored sense, the thing is very disgusting; -and as London is certainly not the Garden of Eden, I should venture -to add, that the practice is not very safe, unless moral virtue be no -longer considered requisite to the well-being of the community, but -with other antiquities is to be only reserved for the cabinets of the -curious; _there_, as we view it clothed in venerable rust, to excite -our astonishment at the difference between the clumsy accoutrements of -our ancestors, and the convenient accommodations of our own time. - -I am interrupted by Mr. Otway, who sends his love, and bids me say, -that he has a letter on the _anvil_; so I will send mine. But I have -been led into the mazes of this brilliant scene, so far remote from -_domestic_ subjects, that I find not a word in all my prosing of poor -uncle, for whom I feel both tenderness and respect. He suffers much, -and, if I am not greatly mistaken, has "that within which passeth -shew." His mind appears to me as if it had gone out of Nature's loom -a goodly tissue, but has been pulled _bias_ by untoward circumstances -of fortune and ill health. As yet I know very little of him, and he is -so reserved with his relations, that were there not certain loop-holes -through which I peep into the interior, and thence form judgment of -his true texture, the first and second words of Cæsar's _triplicate_ -would answer every purpose of description in my instance; and in saying -_veni vidi_, I should tell you all that is to be known; but I sometimes -see him shake his head, and catch him now and then, his eyes suffused -with tears, and fixed intently on me. The moment of observation is that -of change, and, as a person who has dropped asleep in Church, coughs, -hems, and kicks his heels, to _prove_ how much awake he is, so my uncle -throws a tartness, an abruptness, into his manner after one of these -little affectionate _lapses_, to assure us of the sternness of his -character. My next shall be to Emily. - -Adieu, beloved! My heart is with you all, though the _casket_ be far -from you. I shall have much to tell the three, _Graces_ I _will_ not -call them, Furies I _cannot_ call them: what then _shall_ I call them? -They shall be the _Destinies_, because my fate is in their hands, -and as they love and value me through life, I shall be happy or the -contrary. - -Remember me affectionately, if you please, to dear Mr. Oliphant, and do -not drive your little car from the door without telling Lawrence that I -enquire for him. Farewell! - - Your own - FREDERICK. - - - - -LETTER XXVI. - -MR. OTWAY TO MRS. DOUGLAS. - - -Dearest Friend, - -My former letters have been faithful transcripts from the book of -our lives, and Frederick has filled up all interstices, but before I -proceed to the main purpose which induces me to write to-day, I must -indulge myself, and not _displease you_, by saying a few words of -this dear youth, whom I have hitherto only mentioned incidentally, -because I wished to see how he would bear the whirl of a London scene, -and comport himself in some situations as trying as they were novel -to him, ere I trumpeted his praise. You know how I abhor flattery, -and will therefore give me credit for believing what I express of -admiration for your son, who really astonishes me. Though introduced -for the first time to what is called, certainly not _par excellence_, -the Great World, he is neither awkward nor confused. The easy polish -of _true_ refinement which he learned at home, in the bosom of that -loved retreat where all the best affections of his noble and manly -heart are centered, _frank_ him into a metropolitan drawing-room, -as fearlessly as into your's at Glenalta; and his manners exhibit -the happiest combination of boldness, in which there is no mixture -of presumption, and modesty without _mauvaise honte_. With all the -freshness of curiosity, and the candour of one who disdains subterfuge, -he flies about collecting information--gratifying his good taste, and -honestly confessing his previous ignorance of a thousand objects which -have ceased to stimulate, if they ever did so, the vapid group by which -we are environed. The courage with which Frederick dares to express -his own thoughts, instead of borrowing the hacknied reverberation of -opinions often adopted without discrimination, and rendered current by -an idle multitude, who, contented to follow a fashionable leader, never -exert a faculty for themselves, has something in it that _commands_ -attention, and I continually hear the inquiry of "who is he?" succeed -the avowal of some sentiment on his part at variance with the modish -creed. - -If the novelty of Frederick's remarks occasionally excite a smile, it -is evidently always accompanied with a desire to know more of him. -Even those who would not, for any consideration, imitate his example, -involuntarily respect the _power_ of his valorous intrepidity; and that -which in a vulgar man would be denominated mere boorishness, assuming -a very different character when associated with native elegance and -good breeding, the automaton throng are forced to admit the superiority -which they dare not copy, and venerate the independence to which -they cannot aspire. I assure you also, that he is an object of great -admiration amongst the young ladies, one of whom having heard, I -suppose, that he was an Irishman, sweetly lisped a few evenings ago, -in half articulated accents, "_le bel sauvage!_" Tell Fanny that this -anecdote is _genuine_, which she may be at first inclined to doubt; and -tell her likewise that many a pretty head is half turned round to see -that Frederick lingers near the harp or piano-forte, though he _does_ -come from that - - "Land of bogs, - With ditches fenced--a Heaven fat with fogs." - -_This_ information will not surprise his sisters, who have frequently -experienced his dexterity in turning over the leaves of a music book; -and for his dear mother's particular gratification I must add, that I -know not when I have been more delighted with my young friend since we -left home together, than when any appeal to his free will has elicited -the declaration of his entire dependence on the wishes of a parent. -There is something affectingly beautiful in the generous openness, the -amiable devotion, with which this fine young man, just arrived at the -period of life so trying to the silly pride that struggles against -the semblance of authority, refers to _your_ wishes and opinion, -upon every occasion when he is called upon to enter into projects for -future amusement; and this not in the low tone and creeping attitude of -fear or bashfulness, but with the erect air of honest strength, that -glories in the fond submission, where love and duty bid it yield. His -uncle's discriminating eye has already marked these things without a -prompter's aid; and every little instance which indicates _character_, -is registered with evident pleasure in favour of Frederick, by the -acute discernment of my poor friend, on whom it is now time to say -that I have prevailed, in concert with Dr. Pancras, a very worthy man, -who accompanied him from India, in quality of attending physician, -to give up all thoughts of going to Marsden for the present. He is -totally unfit to undertake a house and establishment of his own, at -this time, and will require a long exemption from care of every kind. -His bodily frame is debilitated to a great degree, and his mind calls -for every strengthener, too, that can be administered to invigorate -its tone. His character is deeply interesting, and his situation -mental, as well as corporeal, extremely critical. The moral atmosphere -in which he is to be placed during the next six months appears, if -possible, more important to his future happiness than the climate -in which he is to breathe is of consequence to his health; and no -part of the globe furnishes such a union of all that he stands in -need of as Glenalta; I have therefore urged his passing the winter -in our valley. Till this morning I could not obtain an answer, but -at length he promises to try an experiment, not, however, _binding_ -himself to any definite period of sojournment amongst us. When truth -and delicacy preside at the helm, there is no danger of steering -a wrong course. It is the manoeuvrer only who requires a pilot; -your guileless nature needs no _hints_ for regulating your conduct -towards this interesting invalid, and it is only to make you in some -measure acquainted with, not to guide you in the _management_ of his -peculiarities, that I dwell upon the description of them. _You_ knew -nothing of your brother before he went to India, and we have all lost -sight of him for many years; I cannot therefore attempt to pursue, in -any concatenated series, the circumstances which have made him what he -is. I can only trace _effects_, and judge from the data furnished by -these to my observations of what the _causes_ may have been. Since we -have been together, a thousand trifling occurrences have assisted me -in developing a character which must be unrolled with as much nicety -as is required to spread open the Pompeïan manuscripts. The slightest -accident would prove fatal in either case, and one rude touch would so -effectually destroy the delicate fabric of one and the other, as to -render fruitless any after attempt at deciphering the contents. I was -engaged in studying whatever had arisen naturally to my view, when I -one day, as usual, went to visit him directly after breakfast; he was -not in the room when I entered, and I found a volume of Shakspeare open -on the table, at which he had been reading. The book was turned on its -face, in the play of Macbeth, and a pencil lay upon the outside, which -had been probably employed the moment before my entrance in marking -with extra-ordinary emphasis the following passage:-- - - "I have lived long enough: my way of life - Is fall'n into the sear, the yellow leaf: - And that which should accompany old age, - As honour, love, obedience, troops of friends - I must not look to have; but, in their stead, - Curses, not loud, but deep, mouth-honour, breath, - Which the poor heart would fain deny, but dare not." - -I instantly replaced the volume, and mused when I left my poor friend -on the singularity of this little incident; for it is actually a fact -that, in rising to something like an abstract of his character the -night before, as I lay awake, and contemplated the several traits -which fell under my remark, these very lines were cast up by memory to -pourtray the man. - -Now, philosophers tell us, that when we arrive at the same result by -the opposite processes of synthesis and analysis, we have good ground -to believe in the correctness of an argument. If so, your brother's -picture is delineated; for these affecting words addressed to Seyton -by the unhappy Thane, whether taken as a text from which to deduce, -or a conclusion at which you arrive by a previous train of induction, -equally "_land_" the observer in that morbid melancholy which has -marked Douglas for her own. His mind is of the finest material, bearing -impress of the race from which he springs. Had he lived at home, and -had his affections been cultivated in those relations which supply -successional _crops_ as it were to feed the heart, when the first -indigenous growth has died away, he would have been a very _different_ -man, whether _happier_ or not we cannot tell. But loosened by distance, -and then dissevered by death from those early bonds of instinct which -"plays the volunteer within us," he formed no new connections to -keep in exercise his best feelings, which having lost the objects -prepared for them by nature, were scattered to the winds till they -became annihilated in diffusion. What a mistake it is to fancy that -a man acquires love for his species in proportion to his becoming -indifferent towards individuals? Yet this is a common error. No, true -philanthropy shines on the circumference from a glowing centre, and the -fond domestic affections are those which send out most commonly the -sweetest charities to mankind. - -Douglas is not a misanthrope, but he has met with many disappointments, -as all men must do who form their early acquaintances--friendships I -will not call them--amongst the multitude who are only bound together -by the casual ties of pleasure and convenience. The temporary purpose -gained, or the transient gratification satisfied, no memory remains of -favour conferred, no gratitude survives for benefits received. While -youth continues we _waste_ our resources, because they are liberally -replenished, and in the abundance and variety of the springs from -whence they flow, we cannot anticipate a season of dearth; but the -cisterns, however bounteously supplied, will become dry at last, and -even _drops_ will, in the end, seem precious of that which we lavished -before with thoughtless prodigality. Your brother, however, is too -just to hate his fellow-creatures because he has neglected to render -himself an object of their love; but, though he does not actually -set his mind in array against them, he is too proud to acknowledge -dependence, and his temper is not sufficiently under controul to prevent -him from involuntarily revenging on society the insulation which he -has imposed on himself, by avoiding rather than courting communion -with the world, for an intercourse with the best and wisest of which -he is peculiarly gifted. It would seem as if he had laid down a law -for himself to be severe and repellent, which the natural kindness of -his character renders impossible, and the _most_ that he can achieve -is an air of uncertainty bordering on caprice, which strangers ascribe -to bad health. I suspect that during the halcyon days of youth, -religion which, in India, has been cruelly neglected, made no part -of his concern, but a mind of such height and depth as his can never -continue careless on the subject of its immortal interests; and, -if my observations be correct, he is at this moment suffering those -_transition pangs_ incident to the awakened conviction of having been -wrong, and desiring to be right, which are rendered more than commonly -poignant in his instance by that scrupulous conscientiousness which -suggests the inquiry whether his motive in searching after truth -may not partly arise from a belief that he feels "the silver cords" -beginning to give way and threaten dissolution. - -You will not think me tedious in thus endeavouring to give you a clue -to the character of one who is formed in no ordinary mould, and for -whom I anticipate all the happiness which he is capable of enjoying -at Glenalta. You will have no difficulty to contend with, no plot to -sustain. Oh! my dear Caroline, it is worth coming into a sophisticated -scene like this, to behold, in all its loveliness, the beauty of a -single heart. The moral like the physical circumstances which surround -us daily, are not half appreciated, because that they want contrast. -We are ungrateful and forget our blessings. I shall have much to tell -you, which I do not like to write. Dear Arthur would furnish materials -for another sheet, but I must not lengthen this letter, already so -voluminous. Frederick's love, with mine, to the _Trias Harmonica_, and -Mr. Oliphant. Adieu, dearest friend. - - Yours ever and sincerely, - E. OTWAY. - - -END OF VOL. II. - - -PRINTED BY J. B. NICHOLS, 25, PARLIAMENT-STREET. - - * * * * * - - - - -Transcriber's note - -Text enclosed by underscores is in italics, e.g. _italics_. - -Spelling and punctuation have been preserved as printed in the -original publication. - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Blue-Stocking Hall, Vol. II of III, by -William Pitt Scargill - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK BLUE-STOCKING HALL, VOL. II OF III *** - -***** This file should be named 52375-8.txt or 52375-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/2/3/7/52375/ - -Produced by Charlene Taylor, David K. 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