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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..73118c9 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #53356 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/53356) diff --git a/old/53356-8.txt b/old/53356-8.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 4dc1005..0000000 --- a/old/53356-8.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,6128 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of Kate Vernon, Vol. 2 (of 3), by Mrs. Alexander - -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: Kate Vernon, Vol. 2 (of 3) - A Tale. In three volumes. - -Author: Mrs. Alexander - -Release Date: October 24, 2016 [EBook #53356] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KATE VERNON, VOL. 2 (OF 3) *** - - - - -Produced by Suzanne Shell, Christopher Wright and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -POPULAR NEW WORKS - -_PUBLISHED_ - -BY MR. T. C. NEWBY. - - * * * * * - -In 1 Vol. 9_s._ - -FROM BABYLON TO JERUSALEM. - -BY THE COUNTESS HAHN-HAHN. - -"This book is neither more nor less than the life of the Countess -Hahn-Hahn, a lady of great literary celebrity, and the history of her -conversion from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism: it will be read -with deep interest."--_Evening Post._ - - * * * * * - -In 1 Vol. 7_s._ 6_d._ - -FROM JERUSALEM. - -BY THE COUNTESS HAHN-HAHN. - - * * * * * - -In 1 Vol. 10_s._ 6_d._ - -CIRCASSIA; - -OR, A TOUR TO THE CAUCASUS. - -BY G. L. DITSON, ESQ. - -"Give us a number of glimpses of countries not in the common track of -tourists."--_Literary Gazette._ - -"Mr. Ditson has embraced in his actual survey all that the -ancient poets fixed as the boundary of the ancient world, and -more."--_Spectator._ - - * * * * * - -In 2 Vols. post 8vo. £1 1_s._ - -SEVEN YEARS' SERVICE ON THE SLAVE COAST OF AFRICA. - -BY SIR HENRY HUNTLEY. - -"The Author's views of the Slave Trade and its results are borne out -by the facts which have been adduced. We could fill our pages with -the horrors which stare us in the face almost in every page of his -book."--_Naval and Military Gazette._ - - - - -KATE VERNON. - -A Tale. - -_IN THREE VOLUMES._ - -VOL. II. - -LONDON: - -THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER, - -30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE - -1854. - - - - -KATE VERNON. - - - - -CHAPTER I - -CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON. - - -It would give a very false idea of Kate Vernon's character, were we -to say that Captain Egerton's departure did not leave a blank in the -quiet routine of her life. Indeed, she was rather surprised to find how -closely he had linked himself with the pleasures and occupations of the -secluded little circle amongst whom accident had thrown him. She missed -his ready companionship, and the amusing contrariety of his opinions -and prejudices; she missed the interested attention with which he -listened to every word that fell from her lips, and her eye, peculiarly -alive to beauty in every form, missed his distinguished, soldierly -figure, and bold, frank, open face. But her regrets did not even border -on the sentimental, and were spoken as openly as her grandfather's, -who every hour in the day, for a week, at least, after his departure, -might be heard to say--"If Fred Egerton was here, he would do this, or -that, for me." In short, Kate had never dreamt of Egerton as a lover. -Marriage was to her a distant possibility--desirable, certainly, in -due time, as she always considered it, if happy, the happiest state -of life; but marriage with a soldier, who could not be always near -her grandfather, was something so utterly beyond the powers of her -imagination to conceive, that it gave her all the ease and security she -might have felt with a brother. - -So the winter wore steadily away. The morning's study--the afternoon -walk with her grandfather--often to visit the sick and needy--the -interchange of contrasting thought with Winter and the organist, kept -Miss Vernon too wholesomely active both in mind and body to permit the -pleasant monotony of her life to degenerate into stagnation. - -But the half-hour in the evening, while her grandfather dosed, was -the happiest portion of the day to her; when she leaned back in her -chair gazing at the fire-light as it danced upon the wall and cast -uncouth shadows, and, following some train of thought suggested by -the reading, or occurrences of the day, dreamed of the future, or -conjured up the past! And often did she feel surprise, at the frequent -recurrence of the ball at Carrington--of Egerton's farewell--among -these visions--though, at this point, she ever turned resolutely away. - -Then Colonel Vernon was laid up for a month with a feverish cold, which -made Kate rather anxious, and banished every thought not connected -with the invalid. - -So-came on the lengthening days' warmer sun, and more piercing winds of -early spring; and one morning, towards the end of March, Mrs. O'Toole -laid two letters before the Colonel; one directed to him in a clear, -bold hand, bearing the Marseilles' post-mark, the other to Kate. - -"I really think this is from Fred Egerton," said the Colonel, feeling -in every pocket for glasses. "Kate, my dear! they were hanging round my -neck before breakfast?" - -"Oh! here they are, dear grandpapa," exclaimed she, eagerly; "do not -mind looking at the outside--open it." - -And she laid aside her own. - -With many a break, and many a tantalising pause, the Colonel slowly -doled forth Egerton's letter, it was short, and contained little more -than a report of his safe arrival, after a tedious journey, many -expressions of sincere regard, and kind enquiries for his friends -at A----, but breathed an indefinable tone of despondency, and -restlessness of spirit, unlike anything they had hitherto observed in -him. - -The Colonel, at length, concluded, in a sort of surprised accent, as -though he expected something more; and Kate exclaimed-- - -"Is that all? Do you know, grandpapa, I expected much greater things -from Captain Egerton's first letter from India. Do you not think he -writes dejectedly." - -"I cannot quite make him out," he replied, in an absent manner; "but I -am obliged to him for his kind remembrance of us. We must tell Winter -and Gilpin--he was such a favorite with them. Now open your despatch, -my dear. I see it is from Georgina." - - * * * * * - -"Dearest Kate," began Miss Vernon, in obedience to his commands, "your -last letter is now so ancient, I am ashamed to mention it--your first I -did not answer because I was too much vexed at your absurd opposition -to all my plans for your benefit. Time has cooled my resentment, and -accident has revived my affection for my pretty, loveable god-child, -while it has, I hope, awakened in your mind proper regret for the -folly of preferring a life of seclusion in a dull country town to the -brilliant lot you might have secured. I forgive you, as I am sure you -have punished yourself enough. The immediate cause of this letter is -as follows. Mrs. Wentworth, one of my closest allies at Naples, told -me, a brother of hers met a most exquisite personage, called Colonel -Vernon, and an equally exquisite Miss Vernon at A----, I recognised -the description, and immediately a vision of my happy girlish days at -Dungar, and of all I owed to my kind and venerated cousin, rose before -my mind; and deep was the self-reproach, with which I thought of my -long unpardonable neglect! It is the life of unchecked prosperity -I lead, that makes me thus thoughtless, thus inferior to you, my -bright-eyed recluse, in whose name I once promised and vowed the three -things you have practised. I am what I am, and will feign nothing. I -acknowledge, that tardy as this letter is, I doubt if I should have -penned it, had not certain fleeting catspaws ruffled the smooth -surface of my life, and showed me how slight are the bands that hold -back the "dogs of war," doubt, emptiness, and dissatisfaction! I -fear I am selfish, but nothing will do my heart so much good as the -sight of your calm, sweet face, and the sound of your noble-hearted -grandfather's well-remembered voice--forgive me, I know how guilty I -am, I feel I am most unworthy--yet, forgive me, and come; leave the -seclusion nature never intended for either. D'Arcy Vernon never refused -me a request in those old times when I was all but a dependent on his -bounty--I trust he will not now prevent me from employing some of the -filthy lucre fortune has thrown in my way, in administering to my -own enjoyment, by accelerating your journey here. I have written so -much longer than usual, I can add nothing of the charms intrinsic or -extrinsic of fair Florence, to me it will be nothing if you refuse to -come. - - "Yours as warmly as ever, - - "G. DESMOND. - -"P.S.--Moore writes me word there has been a great search for some -papers relating to the Knockdrum farm, I do not exactly understand what -they want them for; some lawsuit that a Mr. Taaffe is engaged in, but -you had better tell your grandfather." - -"What a charming letter!" cried Kate, as she concluded. "Is it not -delightful, to read such a candid, warm-hearted acknowledgement of -error? I am so glad to have heard from her at last. It is so dreadful -to feel that any chilling cloud of doubt intervenes between you and -one you love!" - -"Yes, indeed," said the Colonel; "what a rash impulsive creature Georgy -has ever been! rushing into injustice one moment, and atoning for it -with such graceful self-abasement the next; it would be better if she -could steer clear of both extremes; but let me look at that postscript -again; she is as distinct as ladies usually are on legal subjects." - -Kate handed him the letter, and he continued to read and re-read the -postscript for some minutes, with a look of concentrated attention, -then, raising his eyes and speaking more to himself than to his -grand-daughter-- - -"I am astonished, that Moore has not written to me on this matter," -he said, in a displeased tone. "If this Taaffe, be the nephew of old -Arthur Taaffe, and the papers required, those connected with that -judgment;" he stopped abruptly, and sat for a few moments in deep -thought, looking very grave. Kate also kept a respectful silence, -feeling little interest in any legal matter, till her grandfather -rousing himself, and with his old contented look returning, observed, -"no, no! no man could act such a villanous part, he must be perfectly -aware it was paid years ago." - -"What was paid, grandpapa?" - -"That debt to old Taaffe; he advanced my father money on Knockdrum, and -got me to join in the bond, on which, of course judgments were entered -against us both. I paid it years ago, and simply got an acknowledgement -from him, but did not go through some other form, satisfying the -judgment, I think they term it." - -"Well, I am sure no one would ever doubt your word," cried Kate, "even -if these papers cannot be found." - -"I am afraid, my dear child, the great mass of legal and money-lending -people do not come within the category of christians, who 'believe all -things.' I must write to Moore this very day, I'll be in time for the -Irish post, give me my desk, Kate." - -"But suppose this man insists on the production of these papers, and -you cannot satisfy him?" asked Kate, as she was leaving the room after -arranging the Colonel's writing materials. - -He looked up with a sudden expression of pain in his noble, benevolent -countenance. - -"We shall be beggars, my child! that's all." - -Miss Vernon walked into the drawing-room, and opened the piano -mechanically; while her thoughts were busily engaged in conjecturing -whether the lingering debility of indisposition, rather than justly -grounded fears, prompted her grandfather's gloomy view of Lady -Desmond's intelligence. - -"Shall we then really know the poverty, nurse talks of? Shall I be -strong enough to say, in sincerity, '_Thy will be done!_'" - -But soon these gloomy speculations gave place to the pleasanter -topic of her cousin's invitation, which seemed to have escaped her -grandfather's notice. - -She had been _thus_ meditating for some time, when nurse entered with a -letter in her hand. - -"The master's love, Miss Kate, and if it's not too early he'd like you -to go out wid him, he says he does not feel so well!" - -"Yes, nurse, I will go and get my bonnet and shawl, when I have settled -this music." - -"Faith now, alannah, I'm not plaised at all with the looks iv him!" - -"How?" said Kate, suspending her occupation of replacing the books in -the music-stand, and looking up anxiously in Mrs. O'Toole's face, which -wore an unusual look of care, especially about the depressed corners of -her expressive mouth. - -"Sorra one iv me can tell why, but he looks like as when a big black -cloud is beginin' to be dhrawn over the sun in a fine summer's day; -he just sits in the chair tired like; an ses he, 'only one letther -for the post, nurse,' ses he, 'but be sure it's in time for the Irish -maal,' and then he give me the message, I gave yes. The Cross iv Christ -betune us an harum, ses I, as soon as I see 'J. Moore, Esquire,' on the -letther; how are we to have luck or grace when we have any thing to say -to the man that sould Dungar, an give it up to the spalpeen that has it -now; look Miss Kate, thim's the Esquires that's going now! Faith an I -remember Paddy Moore, his father, carrying sacks iv corn to the mill, -an meself own maid up at the big house! Ay, then, J. Moore, Esquire, -ye'r the first esquire in yer family, any ways, an there was ever an -always sorra to sup when there was letthers goin back an forward betune -you an the masther!" - -"But, nurse, I have always heard that Mr. Moore was an upright -honourable man, and I hope grandpapa's letter will be only productive -of good." - -"Well, well, may be so, but I'd a mighty quare dhrame both last night -an the night afore. Oh, ye may laugh now, Miss Kate, but no matther! -I seen the masther as plain as I see yer own sweet face forenent me, -slippin, slippin down a steep slim place wid the say roarin mad ondher, -an you houlding him for the dear life, an yer round white arms all -strained an tremblin wid the weight that was too much for yez, an I -couldn't help yez, tho' I struve an struve to run to yez; an in the -struggle I woke up, all in a shake; an God forgive the word, but it's a -mighty bad dhrame intirely!" - -"No, Nurse--you say dreams go by contraries, so it is grandpapa that -will be ascending some lofty eminence and dragging me after him." - -"It was in the mornin', asthore, in the mornin' I dhreamt it." - -"Never mind, nurse, if so, God will lend these slight arms strength for -all that may be required of them--do not tell me any more dreams now, -I must go to grandpapa." - -"Sweet Mary, shield ye darlint!" ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole, as she looked -after her nursling, "but we've rested so long widout them thieving -attorneys, I don't like to see them beginin' their letthers agin. _J. -Moore, esquire!_ the divil go wid such esquires! amen." - -Fearful and wonderful indeed is our spiritual organisation. Reason -may smile at fears, unsubstantiated by any tangible motive, but the -instant her accents of reproof have ceased, lo! the same formless and -gnawing terror steals back, undiminished by one iota of its influence, -to depress the soul, until again routed by reason's disciplined troops; -a true guerilla warfare in which the irregular forces, ever ready to -disperse and reassemble, always repulsed, but never conquered, are sure -to wear out resistance in the end. - -So Kate Vernon, in spite of her clear and cultivated intellect, -her sound judgment, and her sense of the ridiculous, could not keep -nurse's evil omen from dwelling on her mind; more, ay, a thousand times -more, than her grandfather's apparent anxiety about the intelligence -communicated by Lady Desmond, and they accomplished the circuit of the -walls, silently, or, exchanging occasional remarks very foreign from -the subject occupying both their minds. - -At length the Colonel said abruptly-- - -"Kate, my child, what do you think of Lady Desmond's invitation?" - -"Oh! I think it a delightful plan; but you, grandpapa, do you think we -shall be able to accept it?" - -"At present decidedly not. I must not be farther from Dublin than I -am--I fear I shall have much letter writing, if indeed I am not obliged -to go to Ireland myself; if matters come right again, I shall certainly -endeavour to let the Priory, and take you to Italy; this complete -retirement is not good or safe." - -"Safe!" said Kate, laughing. "Why I thought it was quite _selon les -regles_, of all romances, that a dethroned prince, and his lovely and -interesting daughter, like you and I, should be safe only while in -obscurity." - -"According to old romances, I grant; but according to reality, there is -more danger in the strong contrasts which the occasional breaks in a -life of retirement present, in the tone of mind it engenders, than in -the action of society, at least to you, Kate." - -"Danger! Oh, tempt me not to boast," cried Kate, endeavouring to -draw her grandfather from his moralising mood. "You may despise old -romances, but you are nevertheless assuming the tone of some melancholy -Count Alphonso, warning a sensitive and angelic Lady Malvina, against -the world in general: dearest and best," she continued, in graver and -tenderer tones, "I must swim down the troubled current of life, as you -have done before me, and meet its difficulties and trials--leave me -then to the same guide by whose aid, you have passed many a dangerous -rapid safely, to float in a smooth, though diminutive haven at last." - -"You are right, Kate, quite right; but how much longer the smoothness -will last, God only knows." - -"Well, there _is_ a God, to know all, and direct all, and that -consciousness, must rob the future of all apprehension. Shall I write -to Lady Desmond, on our return, and tell her of our indecision and its -causes?" - -"By all means. Yet, dear child, I wish _you_ would accept her -invitation, you want change, and I could remain quite comfortably with -nurse and--" - -"Do not utter such treason! Leave you! and to amuse myself in Italy, -when there is a chance that so far from being able to do without me, -you may peculiarly want me." - -"My dear, dear, unselfish child." - -"Not a bit unselfish--_tout au contraire_. I should be miserable away, -besides--but here are our friends, Winter and Gilpin, so, dearest -grandpapa, leave the future to take care of itself; all will be -arranged for the best." - -There was no time to say more, as the painter and organist approached; -but though the Colonel made no reply, some unexplained current of -feeling induced him to pass his arm through Kate's, instead of offering -it, as was his habit, for her support. - -"Ha! Miss Vernon, I see you have taken advantage of a stray gleam of -sun, to seduce the Colonel into risking another cold--the wind is truly -detestable, but as I could not keep Gilpin in doors, I came out with -him, he has not a grain of prudence!" - -"My dear Winter, it is a remarkable fine day for March, I am glad, -Gilpin, you felt equal to a walk." - -"I think you look better," observed Kate. - -"Yes: I think I am better, I feel to revive at the approach, however -boisterous, of spring." - -"_Cospetto!_ three months in Italy would make you a new man; but here, -the great mystery to me is, how any one who catches a cold ever loses -it." - -"The remedy is worse than the disease; imagine a depressed invalid in -a strange country, without a single friend, or, even acquaintance, and -ignorant of its language," returned Gilpin. - -"Wretched indeed! but wait for me, Mr. Gilpin, we have some thoughts of -taking a flight to Italy, this summer," said Miss Vernon. - -"_Corpo di Baccho!_ I'll not be left behind: to act as Miss Vernon's -_cicerone_, would be something more than commonly delightful--what a -state of enjoyment you would be in; but what put such a move into your -head, Colonel?" - -"An invitation from Lady Desmond, who is at Florence," said Colonel -Vernon, "Our acceptance of it however is very uncertain, though I see -Kate is full of the project. I had another letter, Messieurs, which I -think will give you pleasure--here; read it, Winter." - -"Bombay--Fred Egerton--_che gusto_." - -A quick glance at Kate. The whole party moved slowly towards Abbey -Gardens, the Colonel and Winter, who read the letter aloud, and Gilpin -close behind with Kate. - -"_Ad ogni uccello suo nido é bello_," said Winter, as he concluded -the epistle, "here am I shivering and pining for a warm sun, which -many years' custom has made natural to me, and there is that young -scape-grace, revelling in baths; and slaves, and sunshine, dying to be -back among east winds and consumption!" - -"Captain Egerton does not forget his friends--as soldiers are said to -do," said Gilpin. - -"Pooh, pshaw!" cried Winter, "he was bored by a bad sea voyage; -sea-sickness is at the bottom of half the sentimental adieus to my -native shores, that you read in albums and annuals, wait until he gets -among his tiger-shooting brother officers, or the Bombay belles, he'll -soon forget the sum-total of all he left behind--stuff!" - -"I do not quite agree with you, Mr. Winter," replied Kate. "I think -Captain Egerton will always remember our little circle, kindly, and be -delighted to see any member of it again. Beyond this we have no right -to expect; he would not charge his memory with regrets for people, who -do not let his absence interfere with their pleasures or occupations." - -"Bravo, Miss Vernon! if he was some worthy curate, in a white tie and -spectacles, you would not bustle up so warmly in his defence; but a -handsome light dragoon, with moustache, and a long sword and spurs, -and saucy 'make way for me look,' is another affair." - -"Wrong again, Mr. Winter," said Kate. "I see no reason why a Lancer's -cap may not cover as good qualities, as a clerical broad-brim--and I -have been too long your pupil, not to appreciate form and color." - -"Good; and if every Lancer was like Captain Egerton, I, for one, would -prefer trusting them, even in a confessional, to the white neck-clothed -curates," chimed in the organist. - -"In truth, though Egerton is the type of a class I have always -disliked, I cannot help liking him--especially when I think of -his--pooh, pooh--I was forgetting--" And Winter stopped abruptly. - -"You are mysterious," said the Colonel. "But let me see the _Times_, at -your house; I want to read the Indian news, that came by the last mail; -and to see Mrs. Winter." - -"Do you really think you will go to Italy, Miss Vernon?" asked Gilpin. - -"I fear it is problematical. I long to travel; but grandpapa has some -business, and nurse has had a dream, which bodes evil for my wishes." - -"Oh, the dream ought not to be classed with the business." - -"I dare confess to you, and to you only," returned Kate, with a smile, -"that it seems to shake my hopes far more than the business." - -"The philosophic Miss Vernon--superstitious!" - -"No, no! yet, you know-- - - 'It may be a sound, - A tone of music, summer's eve, or spring; - A flower, the wind, the ocean, which shall wound, - Striking the electric chain wherewith we're darkly bound.'" - -"Winter would say it was the east wind." - -"Perhaps so," said Miss Vernon, "for alas! how ignominiously physical -are the causes of many a tenderly poetic mood! not that I am at all -addicted to such, but--" - -"I think it is a mistake to consider everything physical, as -despicable," observed Gilpin; "we hear of mere physical force, mere -physical wants; but the same hand made and blended our two natures, and -we shall be happy and healthy, in proportion as we train both to work -in harmony, without giving undue preference to either." - -"I often think we have a species of trinity within us," said Miss -Vernon. "We have sense with all its powerful tendencies in one -direction, and spirit with its aspirations in another, while the heart -and its affections seem to be neutral ground, where the claims of both -may be adjusted." - -"I like the fancy; but sense gets the upper hand in many a heart." - -"No," interrupted Kate, "the heart may be destroyed in the struggle, -but while it exists, the spirit always has fair play." - -"Your sentence is too sweeping; in all such warfare, the variations are -so delicately shaded that--" - -"Walk in, Colonel," broke in Winter; "never mind if Mrs. Winter is in -or not; Gilpin, we'll have some Scotch broth for luncheon, that will -set you up. I give you no choice--in you must come." - -"Sense must carry the day, Mr. Gilpin," said Kate, smiling. - - * * * * * - -Some days elapsed after this conversation before a reply from Mr. Moore -reached the Colonel; and the anxiety he and Kate had experienced, died -away into a half-forgetfulness. - -It is strange how events, which at first strike us with such keen -force, lose their sharpness of outline as the mind becomes accustomed -to what was at first a novel aspect of affairs; and, as nothing fresh -arises, we gradually sink back into our former frame of mind, or recur -to that which distressed it, in momentary spasms of anxiety. - -So Kate and her grandfather had quite recovered their usual serenity, -and the former had written to Lady Desmond, long and affectionately; -rejoicing that the cloud which had for a while interposed between them, -had been dispersed; merely mentioning the obstacle to their journey, -as a temporary annoyance, and speaking of its removal as a matter of -certainty. - -But she did not allude to it when in conversation with the Colonel, as -she fancied he avoided the subject. - -Such was their frame of mind when, at the usual post hour, one morning, -Mrs. O'Toole entered. - -"A letther for the masther," a large, blue, pitiless looking envelop, -such as emanate from attorneys' and merchants' offices, implacable -places, sacrificial alters, where youth and joy, tenderness and the -pleasant amenities of life are immolated at the shrine of the English -juggernaut "business." - -The Colonel, keeping his eye fixed on it, felt in his pockets for his -spectacles, silently, with a certain determination of manner, very -different from the joyous confusion with which he sought for them, when -opening Fred Egerton's letter; then with a loud hem, as if he wished to -clear both throat and brains, he tore open the missive. - -Kate sat opposite gazing at him, as if she could read the contents -through his countenance; and although that morning she had risen with -the full conviction that the anticipated letter would only prove their -anxiety to be groundless, she now felt the terrible, creeping, gnawing, -sickening sensation of doubt and dread which makes the hand so cold, -and the eye so dim, when felt in its full force. - -This however was her first and but slight experience of care, so -she sat quite still, not knowing of what she thought, until her -grandfather had turned over the second page of the rather lengthy -epistle; and she could see the flourishing signature at the end of -it. Still the Colonel did not speak, but turned back to re-read some -passage, and Kate was surprised to find she had not courage to ask -"what news?" - -At last her grandfather without looking up, handed her the letter, -observing-- - -"Much what I ought to have anticipated; read it, my dear." - -Kate, with a sensation of extreme repugnance, took the letter and read -as follows:-- - - "_Dublin, March 27th_, 18--. - - "MY DEAR SIR, - - "In reply to yours of the 21st inst., on the subject of Lady Desmond's - communication to Miss Vernon, it is true that the present Mr. Taaffe - has raised the question as to whether the debt to his uncle was paid; - seeing, on searching the records, that the judgments securing it - remain unsatisfied on the roll. But, as I concluded you got warrants - to satisfy them, at the time of the payment, I was not uneasy on the - subject, and thought it unnecessary to trouble you until I should - first search amongst your papers in my possession for them, which, as - yet, I have not done, as the matter was not pressing. If, however, you - did not get the necessary warrants to satisfy, as I begin to apprehend - was the case from the tenor of your letter, I fear we shall have some - trouble, as the present Mr. Taaffe affects to consider himself bound - to conclude the debt was not paid; and obliged, in his character - as executor of his late uncle, to call it in, altho' he knows, in - his heart, (as I firmly believe), the contrary. I trust, however, - although you may not, (from your unacquaintance with law terms and - forms) recollect what sort of acknowledgment you got at the time, it - will turn up to be a warrant to satisfy, or, if not, some docu-ment - sufficient to induce a court of equity to stay any proceedings Mr. - Taaffe may be advised to institute at law, on foot of the judgment. - - "You had better search diligently among your papers and send me - whatever you find, at all affecting this matter, and in the mean time - I will search also amongst those of yours in my possession. - - "With respectful compliments to Miss Vernon, I remain, my dear sir, - your faithful and obedient servant, - - "J. MOORE. - - - "To Colonel Vernon, &c." - - Kate's first feeling was that of indignant scorn at such, to her - imagination, unheard of villany as that recorded in the letter she had - just perused; but she suppressed the expression of it, in order to - put the least gloomy view of the matter, her simple sense presented, - before her grandfather. - - "After all it is not so bad," she said, "you see, Mr. Moore, only - anticipates, 'some trouble,' and surely there can be no doubt your - word would be taken, especially in Ireland, before any other man's - oath!" - - "My dear Kate, '_some trouble_,' has a very vague meaning from a - solicitor; it may be a month's quibbling or forty years' litigation; - and in law there is no such thing as honour; every thing must be - proved; and though judge and jury may believe me incapable of wronging - Mr. Taaffe of one sou; yet, if I cannot bring _legal proof_, he must - succeed." - - "What a dishonest wretch he must be! but I always had a horror of the - name of Taaffe!" cried Kate, the proud, indignant blood mounting to - her forehead. - - "Some association of ideas with Taffy's thieving propensities?" - observed the Colonel, with an effort to be cheerful. - - "But, dear grandpapa, what is to be done? this letter leaves us just - in the same state of uncertainty we were in before." - - "We must search amongst all my papers, dear child, as Moore advises; - if I find any thing bearing on the subject, I will send it to him; but - I much fear I shall find nothing; I destroyed a great many papers, - as useless, on leaving Dungar, and although I do not recollect any - connected with Taaffe's business among them, there may have been; for - I considered it so completely settled beyond dispute, that I should - have burnt them, unhesitatingly, had I come across any. And then, - Kate, we must bide our time." - - "And are there no more active steps to be taken? Could you not write - to this nephew; assure him you have paid the money, and advise him not - to expose himself to universal opprobrium by acting so base a part." - - "Ah, Kate, my own warm hearted child!" said her grandfather, sadly, - "God grant you may not have to struggle with the world of which you - are so ignorant. "Universal opprobrium," is an expression frequently - and flourishingly put forth by newspaper editors; and it may be - occasionally drawn down by the singularly flagrant acts of some - public characters, but the dread of it never yet withheld any man, so - inclined, from preying on his fellows in private life; and it will - take many more years' experience to convince you how utterly fruitless - and unorthodox such a proceeding would be." - - "Well, grandpapa, if I am useless as a counsellor can I not be an - agent and assist you in your search." - - "Yes, send away the breakfast things and tell nurse to bring me the - tin box, and oak brass-bound cabinet that are in my room; make Susan - help her, they are too heavy for her unassisted strength." - - True to his character, D'Arcy Vernon had room in his heart to think - for another, though borne down by the weight of a deeper anxiety - than he had ever felt before. His former reverse of fortune, obliged - him to renounce the pomps and vanities of high life, and soon custom - proved them to be, trifles indeed; but here was a question involving - the possibility, nay he could scarcely hide it from himself, the - probability of beggary. - - "Athen, mavourneen; it's the sore heart's within me this day to be - carryin down thim onlooky boxes; sure, I ses to meself the minit I set - eyes on that big baste iv a blue letther, faith mee dhrame's out sure - enough; an it's not for the likes iv mee to be spaken to quolity, but - it was just on the tip iv mee tongue to say 'throw it in the fire, - Kurnel jewel, an don't meddle or make with the likes iv it at all, at - all.' Sure I knew at oncet it kem from Moore's place, be the look iv - it. Oh, what was in it, good or bad Miss Kate, avourneen?" - - Nurse was too old and devoted a friend to be excluded from the - family councils, and Miss Vernon was too well acquainted with her - affectionate self-forgetful nature to consider her question intrusive. - - "Only some business, dear nurse; it may be troublesome or may not, but - cannot be avoided, even by your good advice; so just bring down the - boxes, and you shall hear more when I have more to tell, and, nurse," - turning back from the dining-room door, "should Mr. Winter or Mr. - Gilpin, or any one call, you had better say that grandpapa and I are - particularly engaged." - - "The Lord look down on me!" soliloquised Mrs. O'Toole, as she crossed - herself, with an air of alarm, "not see Winther nor the crather iv an - Organist. Faith there is throuble gotherin sure enough, I knew be the - darlint's two eyes there was throuble in her heart this week past; - sure we were too long quiet an happy, that thim divils iv attorneys - should remember us. I'll go bail, it was thim that druv the captin - off to that murtherin hot counthry, an I thinkin he an mee sweet - child id make it up betune thim. The masther's as innocent as a lamb, - but lave ould nurse alone for seein as far into a mill stone as her - naybors ow wow; many a time, I seen him takin the full iv his eye, - out iv her, an I removin the tay things. Och! bud it's the wearisome - world! Susy yer idle gowk, are ye goin to lave me to pull the arrums - out of mee, liftin a ton weight here, widout puttin a finger to help - me?" - - And diligently did the Colonel and his granddaughter untie, read, and - examine, and re-tie the numerous bundles of papers and letters. - - Now a packet in Lady Desmond's clear firm writing was laid aside, now - a smaller one in Kate's own hand; rapturous letters, describing the - enjoyments of her memorable visit to London, the only time she had - ever been away from her grandfather; now turning over large yellow - parchments, with red seals hanging from them, now eagerly examining a - pile of papers whose crabbed writing bespoke business. It was weary - work; Kate, with all the hopeful energy of youth, rapidly searching - through each of the packets at all likely to contain a solicitor's - letter, and handing them to her grandfather, who, latterly, leaned - wearily back in his chair, and examined them languidly. Once his arm - stole round her, as she knelt beside the pile of papers on the floor, - and she felt how eloquent of despondency, was the close embrace with - which he held her to him; but she constrained herself to receive it - in silence, and took no further notice than to kiss, warmly, the hand - which pressed her to his heart, as the last and best treasure left him. - - "You are tired and cold," said she, rising, "I will stir the fire, and - then, come and put your feet on the fender, and I will replace these - packets we have examined in the box, and open all Lady Desmonds' - letters, some such paper may have got among them." - - "As you like, as you like, my dear child." - - There was a long silence, broken only by the rustling of the papers. - Half an hour elapsed, and at length Vernon, rousing himself, said-- - - "Do not tire yourself longer, give me my desk, I had better tell Moore - there is not a symptom here of what we want." - - "Wait a very little longer, there is only one packet more, of - Georgina's; let us not give up too soon, dear grandpapa." A few - minutes after she came over to him with an old-looking letter in her - hand. "This is signed, 'A. Taaffe,' look at it." - - Vernon took it eagerly. - - "Ha, this may be useful, how could it have got among Georgina's - letters?" - - Kate read over his shoulder. - - "_Anne Street, June, 23, 18--._ - - "DEAR SIR, - - "I have just received yours of the 21st, with its enclosure, many - thanks for your obliging efforts to comply with my wishes. - - "I have directed my solicitor to prepare the necessary warrants, they - will be ready by Monday or Tuesday at farthest, when I will execute - them and send them to you, - - "Your obliged and obedient servant, - - "A. TAAFFE. - - "To Colonel Vernon, &c." - -"Victoria! Dearest of grandfathers will not that utterly annihilate Mr. -Taaffe?" - -"Well, I think it must be sufficient; thank Heaven, my love, you -thought of searching among Georgy's letters; now I must write -immediately, to Moore, and I have scarce time. You can put away all -these papers." - -With a lightened heart Kate prepared to obey, and so visible was -the change from darkness to light, in her countenance, that nurse -exclaimed, on receiving from her the letter for the post. - -"Faith, an sure, Miss Kate, you've been makin the masther tell Misther -Moore to hold his prate an lave off pinin' any more of his three an -four pinnys to him." - -"No; not exactly that nurse, but I think we shall soon have done with -him." - -"The Lord send! And I forgot to tell ye, Mr. Winther called; an faith, -I could hardly keep him from walkin' in, widout 'by yer lave or wid yer -lave,' an thin he kim back wid that bit iv a note." - -"Thank you, now run to the post-office, dear nurse. An invitation to -tea from Mr. Winter," said Kate, returning to the dining-room, where -the Colonel was putting away his writing materials. "Do you feel equal -to it?" - -"Decidedly, my dear--I want to have a little kindly, honesty, after -having had a scoundrel before my mind's eye all the morning; we will -go and have a rubber, and a song. How poor Egerton used to enjoy our -little parties." - -"And how much more he would enjoy horse-whipping, Mr. Taaffe," cried -Kate, as she locked the tin box. - -"I believe he would," said the Colonel, laughing. "You and Egerton -certainly understood each other." - - - - -CHAPTER II. - -UNCERTAINTY. - - -Welcome indeed was the gleam of hope, afforded by this discovery, to -the Colonel and Kate. - -To their non-legal minds, it appeared that any acknowledgment of money -received, was sufficient, although no sum was mentioned; and Kate even -felt remorse for her hasty condemnation of Mr. Taaffe; as she concluded -the production of the newly found letter, would settle the question at -once, and for ever, and draw forth an humble apology from the offender; -her spirits rose even above their usual height, and overleaping, -with the sanguine vivacity of her age and race, all intervening -probabilities, she revelled in her anticipated visit to Italy, and -spent many a pleasant half-hour in endeavouring to overcome nurse's -inveterate antipathy to "thim rampagin divils, the Frinch" (under which -name she classed all foreign nations and foreigners), and in exercising -her powers of persuasion to induce the Winters and Gilpin to join in -the pilgrimage. - -"You know we would not travel in any extravagant style, _Caro -Maestro_," she said, to Winter, as they were enjoying an April day, -which seemed to have borrowed the balmy air of early summer. They had -crossed the ferry, and were strolling side by side, her tall, graceful -form, and elastic step, contrasting strongly with his stout puffy -figure. - -"You had better tie a knapsack on your shoulder at once, and trudge -it--humph! ha! not so fast if you please--you walked me up that hill at -a killing pace. - -"But seriously--let us consider the best method of setting to work, for -you cannot think how eagerly I look forward to the journey; and if we -go cheaply to work, Mr. Gilpin might join us, and--" - -"_Signorina Carrissima_, yes! I want to speak seriously," replied -Winter, in a kinder accents than usual. "Are you not too sanguine -about this journey, You make too little of the law's uncertainties. -Mr. Moore's letters seem to promise well, as you read them. Your -grandfather and I see only, and at best, the promise of a long, perhaps -ruinous litigation. I felt so convinced that this will be the case, -that, from the first, I strongly advised Colonel Vernon to endeavour -to effect a compromise. It is true you have not much to divide, but -remember _chi lascia il poco per haver l'assai nè l'uno nè l'altro -avera mai_,". I see I am acting as usual like a brute," he continued, -thickly. "I intended to say all this by degrees, and tenderly--but I -plunged into it at last too abruptly. My dear child, it cuts me to the -heart, to hear you anticipating such unalloyed enjoyment, and forming -such plans, when perhaps the reverse is before you; and I fancy your -grandfather feels somewhat as I do, though he is more sanguine than I -am." - -They walked on a few paces, in silence--Kate's color varying, and her -heart, after feeling, for a second or two, to stand still (at this -sudden and rude shock, to her bright dreams), throbbing as though it -would burst its prison. - -"_Bella mia_, dear child, are you angry with me?" cried Winter -anxiously. "Why do you not speak?" - -"Simply, kind friend," returned she, putting her arm through his, -"because I could not--angry with you? no; I am obliged to you," she -added, with an effort to smile. "And now tell me all you think, and -what we ought to do." - -"Humph! you _are_ a good girl; you see, my dear, it is more than -a month since this business began; if it could have been settled -quickly, it would be settled before this, and successful or -unsuccessful, a chancery suit is ruin. There, you had better know it -all." - -"And are we absolutely embarked in this ruinous course?" asked Kate, -faintly. - -"I fear so. Did you not see Moore's last letter." - -"No; grandpapa said there was nothing new in it." - -"Ha! a mistaken tenderness; there certainly was nothing new in it; but -the plot thickens; and, I fear there is no case at present, to preven -Mr. Taaffe proceeding to revive the judgment, and ultimately obtain a -receiver over your grandfather's remaining property." - -"A receiver--what for?" - -"To receive the rents in payment of the debt, if debt there be." - -"What, all of them?" - -"Yes all; but, do not be too much cast down, remember you have, few, -but friends sincere; who will stick by you, and--" - -"Dear Mr. Winter, let us be silent for a moment, I want to collect my -thoughts." - -They walked on in silence for some time. - -"Then from what you tell me, before long we may be left quite -penniless! Are you sure that this is a true picture of our case? and -that your hatred of law does not color it!" - -"Heaven grant your conjecture may be right," cried Winter. "I only tell -you my own, and I think your grandfather's, real view of the matter. -I have been long wishing for an opportunity to do so. I dreaded the -effect of the shock on your sensitive and imaginative nature, and -intended to have broken it to you gradually." - -"But," continued Kate, not noticing the latter part of his speech, -"shall we have nothing left? no money at all! good God! And grandpapa, -what am I to do for him--and nurse? Do not think me very weak, but I -cannot help the terror I feel." - -"Miss Vernon, I vow to Heaven, I only intended just to prepare you a -little for the worst; perhaps matters may not be so bad as your alarmed -imagination paints. My great object in speaking thus to you is to show -the necessity for endeavouring to effect a compromise, or at least, to -come to some understanding with your grandfather as to future plans, -you cannot look about you too soon; I know the first shock of a thing -of this kind is terrible--but you are not one of those cowards who -defer looking danger in the face, until it is too late." - -"Yes, I know, but what plan can we possibly think of, if we are to have -all our money taken from us, what are we to do?" - -"Dear child, be prepared for it. I would in the first place, begin at -once to curtail every possible outlay--look out for a tenant for the -Priory. Take a smaller, humbler abode, or, a thousand times better, -make our house your home, till matters are more decided." - -"Always kind and good," murmured Kate, "and there is nothing more you -would suggest?" - -"No; except to speak freely of it all to the Colonel, and, by so doing, -creep into his complete confidence." - -"Oh! Mr. Winter," cried Kate, with an irrepressible burst of tears, -"and is this to be his end? I always hoped that something, I knew -not what would happen to restore him to his old position; and now to -think of his being obliged to live and end his days in some mean and -unsightly place." - -"Courage Kate--you know not what good may be hidden up in store for -you, behind this sterner dispensation; I have experienced severe -poverty, and I tell you, none but those who have felt it, can know how -few, how simple, and yet, how satisfying are the wants and pleasures of -life." - -"For you and I, yes; but for grandpapa, at his age, after youth -and manhood spent in the possession and enjoyment of wealth and a -dignified proposition." - -"If I mistake not, Colonel Vernon's greatest concern will be on your -account, and if he sees you content, or at least, resigned, he will be -the same." - -"Well, we can say no more now; I feel how necessary it was, I should -be roused from my false security, and that you have acted as a true -friend in undertaking, what I know, must have been so painful a task. -I must try and think clearly and deeply; and will speak to you about -my cogitations; meanwhile, as we shall soon be home, let us change the -subject, and I will endeavour to recover my serenity before I meet -grandpapa." - -Winter pressed the hand she held out to him, with a feeling of sincere -respect and admiration, for the manner in which she had borne his -communications, and an earnest wish that the platform, at the next -Jews' meeting, might prove insecure, and so open the ranks of the -peerage to Fred Egerton-- - -"Though," he added, mentally, "there is no knowing the effects of -prosperity on him." - -"Is grandpapa at home, nurse?" asked Kate. - -"No, miss, he said he felt lonesome, and walked out to see Mr. Gilpin." - -Thankful for a few minutes' solitary reflection, she ran to her room, -and hastily fastening the door, threw herself into a chair--not to -think, that would be by no means a correct term to apply to the -confusion of ideas, and images, which presented themselves to her mind; -some most foreign to the subject of the conversation with Winter. -Dungar, and her early days, with their bright anticipations rose -painfully clear before her eyes--the dreadful possibility of seeing her -grandfather in poverty--and the insurmountable difficulty of making -nurse understand the necessity for retrenchment--the distressing -consciousness of the necessity to think deeply, struggling with -the impossibility of fixing her thoughts; and a dim feeling that an -impassable barrier was about to be raised between her and the class of -which Fred Egerton was a representative. - -All these and a thousand more undefined, shadowy, outlines swept across -her mind, while she sat so still that she felt the throbbing of her -heart, as if echoed in her head, and she could almost almost hear the -pulses that vibrated through her slight frame. - -Frightened at this continued rebellion of her thoughts, against her -will, she threw herself on her knees, silently laying the painful chaos -before the Almighty ruler and searcher of hearts! - -"If accepted as coming from God," she murmured, "and therefore good, -nothing is unbearable, Mr. Gilpin says, and he is right; perhaps we -may succeed in this business after all, though I feel quite hopeless, -after what Mr. Winter has said--but if we have no money, could I not -earn it? I have a good knowledge of music--ah, delightful! how proud I -should be, to earn it for grandpapa, who has always taken such care of -me; and nurse would not mind it much. I like teaching. Ah! we may be -happy yet--I must speak to Mr. Winter about it. Ah! nurse's dream may -come true, but by contraries, after all; who can tell what strength -love, and God's good help may lend even to these weak arms," and she -stretched them out. "Enough to support dear grandpapa, perhaps--that -would be a proud achievement!" she said almost aloud, as a feeling of -quiet courage swelled her heart. - -She proceeded to bathe her eyes and make her simple toilette, -interrupted, it is true, by a delicious vision that would intrude -itself, of Fred Egerton wealthy and powerful, flying to save her and -hers, and interposing the shield of his affectionate care between them -and every earthly ill; in vain she chided herself for so far-fetched -a thought; instinctively she felt how readily and rapturously he would -perform such a part; and however impressively she told herself she was -absurd and visionary the idea would return. It was the nearest approach -to love that had ever connected itself with him in her mind, and his -image, once invested with this hue, never again lost it. - -There has been so much said, and said with eloquence, pathos and truth, -of the heroism of every day life, that I fear to approach ground -already so well occupied; yet I cannot pass, in silence, the resolution -with which Kate calmed herself to meet her grandfather at dinner; and, -her attention now fully roused, preserved that composure even while -observing a thousand minute indications of despondency, which cut her -to the heart. - -"Shall I speak to him of business to-night?" she asked herself more -than once; anxious to begin that line of conduct which Winter had -pointed out to be her duty; and, each time as she looked at the worn -expression of that beloved and venerated face, her heart answered, -"No, not to-night, let him have a good night's rest, and to-morrow, -to-morrow, I will unflinchingly approach the subject." - -So she brought him his footstool and moved his chair to the right angle -with the fire. - -"Are you quite well darling?" said he, gazing up at her as she arranged -a cushion at his back, "I thought you looked pale at dinner." - -Ah! Fred Egerton, dashing and fearless as you are, could you brave -danger and death with nobler courage than that which steadied Kate's -voice, when, instead of yielding to the almost irresistible inclination -to throw herself into her grandfather's arms and pour forth passionate -and tearful assurances, that, come what may, there was a world of -inexhaustible love and energy, all his own in her heart, she said -gently, but with a certain cheering steadiness-- - -"Well, always quite well, dear grandpapa. Now take a nice sleep." - -"God bless you, Kate." - -Seating herself, book in hand, in the window, away from the fire, for -which the evening was almost too warm, but which the Colonel could -not bear to give up, she gazed long and fixedly at the river, and -the broken bank, the fields, the copse, and an orchard to the right, -now one sheet of blossom; the sturdy old oak, which had looked like -a rugged skeleton all the winter, now bursting into leaf; at the -general flush of delicate, yellowish green which seemed to pervade -all vegetable nature; yet the gradual close of evening, beautiful as -it was, impressed her with a feeling of sadness, partly caused by the -emotions of the day, and partly by the mournful tenderness, which is so -often and so strangely induced, by the contemplation of coming night in -early spring. - -As Kate sat leaning her head against the window frame, her book hanging -negligently from her hand, thinking of the rich autumn scene this -view had presented, when Fred Egerton sketched it for her, some little -bustle outside the drawing-room door attracted her attention, it was -opened, and nurse announced, - -"Misther and Missis Winther, Miss Kate." - -Seldom had visitors been more heartily welcome, their coming was an -inexpressible relief to Kate, and helped her well over the evening she -had almost dreaded. - -Few in this trying world of ours, do not know that there are times -when a _tête-à-tête_ with the person we love most on earth is an -ordeal we would fain escape; when we shun the slightest expression of -tenderness, lest it should betray the deep and yearning affection which -swells the heart with sadness, not for ourselves, but for those for -whom no sacrifice would seem painful, could we but save them them from -suffering. - - * * * * * - -"Shall I brush yer hair asthore?" said Mrs. O'Toole, as she followed -Kate into her room. - -"No, dear nurse, only I want a little rest." - -"There's a shadow on yer face, darlint, an wont ye spake it out to -yer own ould nurse, that held ye in her arms an ye a dawshy little -craythure, widout a mother. May be, it's bad news of the Captin?" - -"Of the Captain! No, we have heard nothing of him; but, good night, I -will tell you all to-morrow, dear nurse--I am weary now." - -Kate might have spared herself the anxious thoughts that kept her -waking, as to how she should approach the painful subject of their -difficulties with her grandfather. It was done for her rudely enough, -by a letter from Mr. Moore, announcing in legal terms, the appointment -of a receiver over their remaining property. - -She knew by the rigidity with which the Colonel's left hand grasped the -arm of his chair as he read; that some more than usual bad news was -contained in the letter. - -"I must see Winter," said he, after a short pause, "I must see him -immediately," he repeated, rising. - -"If there is bad news, had you not better tell me first, dear -grandpapa," said Kate, boldly and calmly. - -"My dear child, you are unfit for such discussions, they would only -fret you." - -"Grandpapa, I am surely old enough to be your confidante, if not wise -enough to be your counsellor; if we are to meet with reverses, it is -only in union we can find strength to bear them. Oh, dear grandpapa, -come what may, let us avoid the pangs of concealment; let me read that -letter." - -With a mute expression of surprise, at the tone she had assumed, he -handed her the letter, which but for Winter's communications the day -before, would have enlightened her but little; as it was, she felt -a curious sensation of relief, that the dreaded moment was no longer -to be anticipated, and that from the present hour a mutual confidence -would be established between her and her grandfather. - -"We must leave this house of course," she said, musingly, as she -returned the letter. "Shall we receive any more money from Ireland?" - -"Not a shilling! Resistance is, I fear, useless, except for my -character's sake; my child, my bright Kate, what will become of you? I -can do nothing." - -Never before had she seen the old man's firmness shaken. The low moan, -with which he turned away, covering his face with both his hands, as -if oppressed with the sense of his own helplessness, struck terror -into her heart, while it seemed to arm her with indomitable resolution -to uphold and cherish her beloved parent, round whose declining years -such heavy shadows were gathering. Steadying her voice by an immense -effort, and striving to still the throbbing pulses that shook her -frame, she raised and tenderly kissed the hand that hung, in nerveless -despondency, over the back of a chair near which the Colonel stood. - -"My own dear grandpapa, I know how sad all this is, but for my sake -do not be so cast down, do not give way to despair. You have been my -guide, my model all my life! show me how to bear misfortune now!" - -She paused to regain command over her traitor voice, that would tremble. - -"But, Kate, we are beggars; in another month I shall not know where -to find the price of our daily food; and though Georgina Desmond is -wealthy and generous, dependency is wretchedness." - -"Right, dear grandpapa," she replied, almost gladly, at this opening -to the proposition she feared to make, "and we will scorn it. See, I -can play well, and I love to teach, oh, very much; you will let me try -and be so happy as to earn a little for you--I should be so proud! -Not here, but in London, and then we shall be always together, and so -happy! and independent, and--" - -"You teach! never," cried the old man, turning from her, excitedly. -"You were born for a different fate. Would to God you had married that -wealthy Englishman, as Georgy wished, but--" - -"No, no," interrupted Kate, "is poverty, is earning one's own bread so -miserable a lot, that one should prefer the unutterable wretchedness of -a marriage without affection? But why, dearest and best, am I not to -teach? how many, born to as good a position as mine, have done so, and, -if I do not, what is to become of us?" - -"What indeed!" groaned Vernon. - -There was a mournful pause. Kate, not daring to break the thread of her -grandfather's thoughts, and silently pressing her smooth, soft cheek -against his wrinkled hand. - -"My own consoling angel!" said he at last. "It is a sad lot for you, at -your age, to sink at once into oblivion, and--" - -"How do you know that I am to sink into oblivion? how can you tell to -what brilliant destiny this dark passage may be but an entrance? Dear -grandpapa, 'Time and the hours run through the darkest day,' let us -bear the present expecting a brighter future, and now, shall I send for -Mr. Winter?" - -"Yes," with a deep sigh, "we cannot act too quickly." - -Trembling in every nerve, yet not without a feeling of relief, that the -dreaded explanation was over. Kate penned a hasty note to Mr. Winter, -which he quickly responded to in person. - -The long conference that followed placed Winter, '_au fond_,' of the -position of his friend. - -The farms of Knockdrum, worth little over two hundred pounds per annum, -were all that was left to the Colonel, of the wreck of his property, -and this poor remainder was barely sufficient to meet the claim of Mr. -Taaffe. - -We will not follow the long, desultory conversation that ensued; nor -record the energy with which Winter poured forth proverbs, Spanish, -French, and Italian, to prove the Satanic origin of law; nor the sweet -endurance with which Kate endeavoured to accustom her grandfather's -mind to her project of her teaching. - -It was decided that the Priory house and its furniture should be -disposed of at once, and that the Colonel and Kate should take up their -abode at Winter's, till matters could be a little more arranged, and an -answer received from Lady Desmond to Kate's last letter, which informed -her of the delay occasioned by Taaffe's proceedings. - -"Remember, Colonel, though I think it too soon to consider Miss -Vernon's proposition, when the time comes I shall be on her side. -Kate, we must have a talk about it--and pray dine with us; when -thinking is of no use it is better to have a rubber; do not be too -much cast down; this '_diluvio_' has shown you the crown jewel you -have still left; it is only the diamond that sparkles in the dark. And -now, come and see poor Gilpin with me. You may as well, when you have -answered that confounded letter. Here's your desk." Aside to Kate, as -the old man settled himself to write. "We must not leave him too much -by himself." - -Light and pleasant is the task to paint the the various phases of -joy, for whatever light touches it beautifies; but rare is the skill -that can truly depict the gloom of sorrow, and fascinate the eye, by -a depth of shadow that admits of little variation! For those who are -gliding along on the smooth waters of prosperity, turn from a picture -with which they cannot sympathise, and whose most exquisite touches, -uninstructed by care or adversity, they pronounce overdrawn; and even -the treaders of rough paths, wearied with 'the burden and heat of the -day,' give but a reluctant glance, at what only reminds them of their -own griefs, and exclaim; "this we know, this we have felt, tell us of -joy, of hope, of true friends, and tender hearts; cheat us into a happy -dream, even though it lull us but for a moment, even though the waking -be bitter, and our souls will bless you." - - - - -CHAPTER III. - -PREPARATIONS. - - -The day but one after the above conversation, another summons brought -Winter to the little dining-room of the Priory, the scene of so many -consultations. - -The Colonel welcomed him with his usual _empressement_, but a tremour -of the hands, as he waved towards a seat, with an old-fashioned and -urbane grace, which scarcely the shock of an earthquake could have made -him forget, indicated some excitement; Kate's color too was heightened, -and her eyes, though bright, had an anxious expression. - -"You see we cannot get on without you, my dear sir," began the Colonel, -"your prompt compliance with my request for an interview, is most -gratifying--ah! The subject I wish to speak to you on is far from -unpleasant, I want your opinion on a rather momentous question. In -short, show Mr. Winter that letter, Kate." - -"Ha, hum! Lady Desmond, I see. What a firm hand the woman writes." - -It was hurriedly written, and short; after a few desultory remarks, -apparently in reply to Kate's last letter, it concluded thus, "Of law -and its probable delays, I can form no judgment, but why they should -prevent your visit to me I cannot and will not understand; they are -additional reasons, I think, why you should at once take up your abode -with me, at least until affairs are arranged, and that low-bred knave's -vile scheme is defeated; I know not, dearest Kate, how far these -proceedings may affect the great tidal wave, which ebbs and flows in -men's pockets. Therefore, whatever you may decide upon, and whenever -you require it, I trust your dear grandfather will not refuse, to fill -up the enclosed check on my banker for whatever sum he may want; it -will be a gratification to his old _protégée_ to think she can be of -use to him, and if you will use it to facilitate your journey here, you -will leave scarce a wish unfulfilled to yours, as ever.--G. D." - -"Ha! done like a princess! a generous, headstrong woman, I'll lay my -life; and now a journey or not a journey, that's the question; let me -hear your opinion, Kate?" - -"Oh! Mr. Winter, I have none; my only clear idea is, that this world is -not such a bad, unhappy world, where we have a Lady Desmond and a Mr. -Winter to leaven the whole lump. It is a most tempting offer; but you -will call me perverse; I do not feel half so inclined to accept it as -when--as when we were more independent of it." - -"And you, Colonel Vernon?" - -"I am very anxious," said the Colonel, in a hesitating manner, not -usual with him, "at all events, that Kate should avail herself of such -an invitation. Nurse might travel with her, I shall probably visit -Dublin, look in upon you, and--" - -"Pray where is the money to come from to do all this?" said Winter, -bluntly. - -"My dear sir, you forget we shall sell our furniture, and let this -house." - -"And when that is all gone you will be just where you were, except that -your chief comforter will be many a league away, and Lady Desmond's -gratitude immersed in that lethe in which impulsive people's noblest -sentiments most frequently lose themselves." - -"You wrong my cousin," cried Miss Vernon. - -"In truth I feel incapable of deciding," said the Colonel. "I do not -like the idea of throwing ourselves on Lady Desmond; but, Winter, -you cannot comprehend the horror with which I contemplate my Kate's -teaching--walking out alone, meeting insolence--Great God!" - -He covered his face with his hands, and Kate, half appalled by the -dismal picture he had drawn, clasped hers together with an appealing -look to Winter, who said, huskily and oracularly, - -"Hear me, Colonel. I can easily comprehend your feelings, though I -am a plebeian; but I tell you there is another side of the picture. -At present you are in perfect sympathy with your cousin, and the -electricity of mutual obligation and kindness runs freely back and -forward between you; but when you have been for six months her inmate, -feeling yourself dependent on her bounty for the bread you eat; when a -wish for variety may tempt her to covet the rooms you occupy for some -more amusing guest, less weighed down by care; and when the freshness -and excitement of a generous act, shall have ceased to interest; a -thousand mortifying slights, a thousand unimportant trifles, will make -your life wretched, and wear away the links that now seem to bind you -so close together." - -"Oh, no, no, Georgy could never act unkindly," cried Kate. - -"My dear young lady," resumed Winter, "there are few in this curious -world of ours that cannot, once or twice in their lives, do a kind and -a generous action; but there is not one in a thousand, or a hundred -thousand, that can act with uniform kindness, courtesy and justice to -a dependent, a creature in their power--power! it is the forcing house -of evil! The woman who could quarrel with you because you would not -be happy her way, is not one of these exceptions; she would wound you -one day, and beg your forgiveness, in abject terms, the next; and you, -doubly sensitive from feeling the impossibility of freedom, would live -in a state of slavery! Pah! never shut yourselves out from the chance -of earning independence here, for such a prospect, however _riant_, -the aspect at present." - -"Ha!" said Colonel Vernon, walking up and down. "There is a great deal -of truth in what you say, but Lady Desmond is a woman of warm and -generous feeling, and Kate, at least, would be safe with her, so--" - -"You know, grandpapa, I will never leave you--it is useless and cruel -to talk about it!" - -"It is both, my dear Colonel," urged Winter, "Kate would be wretched -without you; nor do I think this a fitting time for you to separate; -and, be warned by me, live on a crust and cold water, if you can earn -no more, rather than doom yourselves to a life of dependence." - -"Dear Mr. Winter, you are right," said Kate, earnestly, "my own -grandpapa, let us make up our minds, to bear all hardships, provided -we are together. If I must teach, do not make my path more difficult -by taking it so much to heart. We have long lived independent of any -pleasures but those of our home; these we can still have; the worst -pang will be to bid this kind friend farewell; but he will come and see -us sometimes. And after all we may win the lawsuit and enjoy our little -fortune doubly. I will write to dear Georgy, and affectionately decline -her kind offer; and then let us set to work at once about what must be -done--shall we, dearest and best?" kissing his hand. - -"It must be so," said the Colonel, after a pause. "It must be so, and -I will never fret you more, my love, by opposition to your wishes; -I thought it right, at all events, to consider the advantages Lady -Desmond's invitation might offer for you, though I shrink from the idea -of living on any one--and to think of parting with you! ah!" - -"Now you talk like a man of sense," said Winter. "I will tell you, what -I think you ought to write; I think Lady Desmond will be affronted if -you reject all her offers, and justly; so split the difference, keep -that blank check, (she has sent it unconditionally) against a rainy -day; tell her, though you have no want of it, at present, you may, and -do not mention your intention of teaching; she would be hurt at your -preferring such an alternative to residing with her; next year she may -return, and find you happy, comfortable and independent; I trust things -will wear a very different aspect from that presented by the bare -announcement, 'I am going to teach.' Hum," he added, musingly. "Langley -used to keep up a good connection in the musical world, and Herman, he -bears an excellent character, and holds a good place; you must look up -your old music-master, my dear. Then, Colonel, I have known so many -people ruined before they could make the necessary changes; they get -into a procrastinating habit, waiting for this to be sold, and that to -be paid, before the totally new system of life can be commenced, which -is so essential. Now I'll tell you what I'll do. Leave the Priory and -its furniture in my hands; I'll get a tenant for it, or make the fat -Rector take it off your hands. The furniture shall be disposed of by -auction, and I'll advance you a hundred pounds upon it; if it sells -for more, I'll remit you the difference, if for less, you can pay me -when you have pitched Taaffe to the '_Inferno_;' but I am quite certain -it will bring more. Then you can start when you please, quietly; and -when you begin to like London, direct me to sell your belongings. Hey! -anything to stop the infernal chatter of Miss Araminta Cox--the Mrs. -Grundy of A----. What say you, Colonel?" - -"That you are a friend indeed! I will be entirely guided by your -counsels; but remember, you must not wrong yourself. I must have all -the auctioneer's accounts forwarded to me. I can hardly describe to you -the relief your thus smoothing matters affords me." - -"You give me strength and courage," said Kate. - -"Hum," resumed Winter. "Langley--yes, he can engage lodgings for you -where you are going. When do you think you can start?" - -"Oh!" said Kate, shrinkingly, "not sooner than a fortnight or three -weeks." - -"A fortnight or three weeks," cried the Colonel, "impossible!" - -"You are a real, earnest worker, Miss Vernon," interposed Winter. "I -expected a much longer date; what will become of me when you are gone? -and gone on such an errand. '_Dio buono! le sciagure e le allegrezza -non vengono mai sole_;' but what do you think of doing with Mrs. -O'Toole?" - -"Oh, she goes with us, of course," replied Kate. - -"Well, you know best how much you pay her, and whether you can afford -it?" returned Winter. - -"But nurse is not like a servant, she is a friend, she could never live -with any people but us? Oh, do not tell me, we must leave nurse!" said -Miss Vernon. - -"We cannot accept her services for nothing," observed the Colonel. - -"I will gladly engage her as cook and house-keeper, at whatever wages -you give her." - -"Her wages are small," said Kate, "she would not accept higher, since -we left Dungar!" - -"Well, you must settle all that with her," returned Winter. "I am ready -to ratify any arrangement you may make; and now write to Lady Desmond, -as I suggested, Kate; _ma belle et bonne enfant_, you are wearied by -this long, gloomy talk, and I am an old bear. I know it, Colonel; but -my heart is like the coat of my prototype, rough and warm." - -After some more general conversation, they separated, Winter and the -Colonel, to visit some land the former wished to purchase, and about -which he affected great anxiety to have the Colonel's opinion. Kate -to walk in solitary meditation by the river, to try and collect her -thoughts, before the dreaded explanation with nurse. Mournfully she -gazed at all the well-known objects she had learned to love, in her -tranquil, happy retirement; and her bright, quick, fancy painted in -strong contrast the life she was henceforth to lead. - -"Even if I am successful, grandpapa will be so much alone," she -thought; "and what a crowded, busy, terrifying place London is! I am -glad Fred Egerton is in India, I could not bear that he should meet me, -perhaps, walking alone in London." - -And the large tears stole down her cheeks, at the mixture of feelings -this vision aroused. Turning slowly round, she approached the little -landing place, intending to speak a few words to Elijah Bush; a little, -rosy, curly-headed boy, was seated in the boat instead of its shaggy -owner; he rose, as Kate stopped at the end of the landing. - -"Where is Elijah?" she enquired. - -"Please, ma'am, he's been sick these three days back." - -"I am sorry to hear it; what is the matter with him?" - -"Oh, ma'am, he's got the rheumatics drefful bad." - -"And is there no one to mind the boat but you, my little man?" - -"No, ma'am." - -"You cannot row it?" - -"No, ma'am; but whiles the men rows the'selves, and gives me the money." - -"And have you had many passengers?" - -"One yesterday, ma'am; and none at all the day." - -"Then poor Elijah must be but badly off; has he any money?" - -"Oh dear no, ma'am." - -"Where does he live?" - -"In the Piper's lane, nigh St. Winefred's Tower, ma'am." - -"Will you show me the way to him?" - -"Oh yes, ma'am; I often hear him speak of ye, ma'am; he'll be main glad -to see ye, ma'am." - -"What is your name, my little man?" - -"Willy Bush, ma'am." - -"Are you Elijah's grandson?" - -"No, ma'am, he's my gran-uncle." - -"Well, I will just go up to the Priory, and return to you immediately; -and then you shall show me the way to him." - -Called away from the contemplation of her own trials, Kate, feeling -her usual elasticity return, ran lightly up the steep path, and called -nurse, to arm herself with broth and flannel for the invalid. - -"Is it Piper's lane? Now, Miss Kate, I cannot let you go to sich a -place. Set up the old Methody, to have Miss Vernon nurse and tending -iv him--I can take the tay and the broth, and them flannels just as -well." - -"But, nurse, he would like to see me." - -"I'll go bail he would." - -"And I would like to see him; besides, I want to talk to you, dear -nurse." - -"Faix, it's a wax modial I am in yer hands, ye turn an' twist me what -way ye will; but to think iv yer takin' the illigant mutton broth I was -cooking for the masther's own self, bangs Banaher." - -"There will be quite enough left for us," laughed Kate; "and I am -afraid the poor man wants it much more than we do." - -"It's not the likes iv me 'ud begrudge him a taste iv broth," said -nurse, tying a capacious tin-can up very carefully. "Now are yes ready, -avourneen. It's yerself has the heart for the poor! an' the Lord 'ill -remimber it to you in the hour of need, amin." - -The little boy guided them through many narrow, winding ways, to -a wretched habitation outside the walls, and almost under the -half-ruined tower of St. Winefred. It was a miraculous place, for -although all the pools seemed to be, at least partly, composed of soap -suds, nothing looked as if it had ever been washed. - -Here, in a tolerably clean room, at least by comparison, they found -Elijah, looking more shaggy than ever, stretched on some straw, and -covered with a tattered pea-jacket. After a little kindly talk and -friendly enquiries as to the old man's resources, which proved to be -indeed scanty, Kate left him, telling the small boy to call at the -Priory, in half an hour, when she said she would give him a note to the -doctor. - -"So good bye, Elijah, I hope you will be better to-morrow; in the mean -time take this, till you are able to earn some more yourself." - -"I'm a poor hand at returning thanks, Miss Vernon," said Elijah, with -evident feeling, "but," he added, solemnly, "The Lord hear thee in the -day of trouble, the name of the God of Jacob defend thee!" - -"Amen," said Kate, fervently, bending her head to the benediction. - -Mrs. O'Toole, pausing in her occupation of transferring the broth to -an earthen vessel, crossed herself, and the next moment they left the -place silently. - -"He's a mighty quare man," said Mrs. O'Toole, meditatively, after they -had almost reached the river side, without breaking a pause of unusual -duration. "Faith, he blessed ye like a clargy." - -"And well he might, he little knows how soon his kindly wishes may be -required." - -"Why, avourneen?" - -"Nurse," said Kate, after a minute of troubled thought, "we must leave -this place." - -"Is it to go sthreelin' over thim furrin' parts, among dirt and flays, -an' the Lord knows what?" - -"No, nurse, nothing half so agreeable." - -"Ah! thin, what is it, agrah? spake out to your poor ould nurse." - -"Ah, dear nurse, there are sad times coming; poor, dear grandpapa, -through some terrible law business, has no money left, none at all!" - -"Miss Kate, is it the truth yer afther tellin' me?" - -"Too, too true! I cannot explain, indeed I cannot understand, but there -is a Mr. Taaffe, who says grandpapa owes him a great deal of money, -which was really paid long ago; but which, as we have lost some papers, -we cannot prove, and he has got Knockdrum, and we--we have nothing!" - -"Oh, blessed queen of heaven! that iver I should live to see the day; -not even the next gale?" - -Kate shook her head, and Mrs. O'Toole, placing the can beside her, sat -down on a log of timber by the river, as if unable to support herself -under such intelligence. - -"An' you so tinderly rared, an' the masther! Ah! sweet Mary, what'ill -become iv us at all, at all? Taaffe, sure I remimber him, the desavin' -vagabone, ye wor Arthur Taaffe, wid a hard word for the poor, an' -yer cap in yer hand to the quolity ye wor ruinatin'; faith, it's a -miserable pity the masther let it go so asy; sure the wind iv a word -to my sisther's husband's son, Denny Doolan 'ud have riz the boys on -Knockdrum; an' I'd like to see the process sarver that 'ud get the tip -of his toe on the lands." - -"You know, nurse, that is a sort of thing happily gone by." - -"More's the pity if it is; how are yez to deal with thaves an' ruffins, -if it is'nt with the sthrong hand?" - -There was a pause, during which, nurse, her hands clasped and embracing -her knees, rocked herself to and fro, and Kate, leaning against an old -thorn, (now bursting into primeval youth and beauty,) gazed sadly down -upon her. - -"Six an' four is ten, an' four is fourteen," now burst out Mrs. -O'Toole, abruptly. "Ye see, Miss Kate, me daughther is doin' well in -Ameriky, wid her husband; an' Denis in the hoigth iv grandure wid the -Captin in Ingee, an' I, aitin' an' dhrinkin' iv the best iv vittles, -an' doin' just what I like in the Curnel's house, wid shawls, an' -gowns, an' lace caps, guve me by the thrunkful; faith, me wages is just -so much dhross; I'd as lieve light the candles with the notes; so, -Miss Kate, avick! if the Masther ud keep the money for me till betther -times, I'd be greatly behoulden to him, he'd save me from bein' chated; -any ways it's a murtherin' shame to have it lyin' there useless." - -"Nurse, my own, dear nurse," said Kate, clasping her arms round her, -"where is there so true a heart as yours? No, no, this will not do." -Then, (as nurse reddened a little,) "should we want it you shall be the -first I apply to; but we shall have a hundred pounds to go on with; -and Lady Desmond has offered us all we want; and besides, (approaching -the last dreaded communication, with a desperate attempt at gaiety) -besides, I am going to earn quite a fortune." - -"Airn a fortune, Miss Kate! ah, how, jewel?" - -"I am, you know, a good musician, and in London there is money to be -got for teaching music, and--" - -"Miss Vernon, is it a tacher ye'd be afther makin' iv yerself? You that -was born iv as ould a stock as any in all Ireland, ay oulder. Och! -what's come to ye at all, at all, you that used to be like a princess -wid yer aiquals, an' a angel wid yer infariors? I niver thought I'd -live to see the day I could say, I'm ashamed iv ye! ochone! ochone!" - -"Nor will you, if you will think for a moment," said Kate, -affectionately taking Mrs. O'Toole's hand between both her own. "Listen -to me: suppose I had been born your own daughter, instead of your -having adopted me, would you think me mean if I worked for the support -of my grandfather, or, would you approve of my leaving him and myself -to live on what we could get from the charity of others? No, I thought -not. Will the good and gracious God regard me with less favour, for -endeavouring to submit and bow before the sentence He has, in His -wisdom, pronounced on our first parents? 'In the sweat of thy brow -shall thou eat thy bread.'" - -"No, ochone no, alanah!" sobbed nurse, "sure I'm the unfortunate ould -woman to live to this day--to see mee beautiful child, that shu'd have -married to a prence, tachin' thim thaves iv English the piania--an the -masther! what 'ill become iv him? The Lord look down on him! Sweet -Jesus pity us!" - -"Now, nurse," resumed Kate, tremulously, "I know how you could do -me a service--I will tell you, how you may be my support; I shall -have enough to do with grandpapa--help me to cheer him--make light -of our troubles to him; and--" clasping her hand, "Oh, dear! old -friend, do not scare away the courage so necessary to me--by these sad -lamentations. There is one thing more I must say to you; we have no -right to induce you to come along with us in ignorance, and, God knows, -if we shall be able to pay you, even the small wages you so generously -insisted on, when we left Dungar. Mr. Winter offers you higher terms, -and a comfortable home, and--" - -"Och! what have I done, that ye should think I'm not desarvin' iv being -wid yez, in throuble? Is id at this time of day ye want to be tould -that I'd lave thousands to beg through the world wid yez--lave ye! och, -where would I go? Sure yez the whole world to ould nurse! Lave ye, an -ye in throuble. Oh! what have I done that ye would spake that way to -me?" And covering her face in the folds of her cloak--poor nurse sobbed -aloud! - -"Hear me, my own dear, earliest friend," cried Kate, kneeling beside -her, and endeavouring to take her hand, "I have said this, simply, -because I was told to do so--I never dreamt--I never _could_ dream of -parting from you, and that subject is at rest between us for ever--come -what may, we will be together. Do you hear me? Put your arms round me, -and say you forgive your own Kate." - -And nurse folded her to her heart fervently, exclaiming-- - -"The blessin' iv Christ on ye, avourneen!" - -There was a pause for some moments--broken at length by the sound of -footsteps, seldom heard in that unfrequented spot. - -"We must go home now," said Kate, wiping away her tears. Nurse, still -silent, rose, and lifted her can. - -"An where is it yer going to tache? that iver I should say the word!" -she asked with a fresh burst of grief. "In London--in London, musha, -but it's a big place, and sure the house o' Lords is there, an I'll go -bail the masther--'ill meet many a one that heard tell iv D'Arcy Vernon -in Dungar--who knows Miss Kate; but some iv thim 'ill spake to the -Queen, to make him a jidge or a gineral, or the like, any ways; it's -sich a tunderin' big place, that ye might be tachin' in one corner, and -livin' like a prencess in another, an no one a bit the wiser; sure, yer -right hand wouldn't know what the lift was doin', in a big place like -that." - -"Very true, nurse, I dare say no one will know what I am about." - -"The Lord send!" said Mrs. O'Toole, heartily, as the fact of Kate's -teaching for money began to lose half its horrors in the fancied -possibility of concealing the inglorious occupation. - -"Now, nurse," said Kate, pausing at the gate of their little domain, -"remember our agreement, you must not make bad worse to grandpapa." - -"Niver you fear, darlint, I'd bite the tongue out iv me head, afore I'd -spake the word, that id vex yer; only dont send me from ye, mavourneen." - -True to her word, when the Colonel, after dinner--in consequence of -Kate's having intimated that nurse knew how affairs stood--said-- - -"Bad times, Nelly--bad times--worse than I ever thought I should live -to see." - -She replied cheerfully, and steadily-- - -"Thrue, for ye, sir; but there's good luck afore yez, for all that--an' -Miss Kate an meself's goin' to be as bould as lions, so we are faith, -I'll see yez give the go-bye to thim thavin' attornies, yet." - -Swiftly sped the interval that remained before they left their peaceful -dwelling; numerous were the arrangements to be made before the final -move, and the selections of those peculiarly sacred treasures, that -could not be left behind, the number of which was daily swelled. Winter -took charge of the Colonel's picture, but, "John Anderson," was packed -for removal--music and drawings--a pet vase or two--her books, and some -cushions for the Colonel, was all that Kate could take with her of -her pleasant, pretty home; but the sofa and _prie dieu_, at which she -had so diligently worked, to give an air of greater elegance to their -little drawing-room--the arm chair, so associated in her mind's eye -with the noble, venerable form of her grandfather--the flower garden, -now bursting into radiant beauty, and which Fred Egerton used so much -to admire, even in its autumn garb--all these must pass away into -strange hands; she must not only leave her ark, but ever think of it as -desecrated! And, Elijah Bush, too, he must be left; and the navigator's -little orphan; and the keeper's sickly boy--all her poor people--the -various objects to which her full, rich sympathies so freely flowed. - -Yes; many a link that bound her, closely and pleasantly, to her calm -and quiet life, in their ecclesiastical retreat, she was compelled to -break; and still through all the saddening occupations which preceded -their dreaded journey, Kate endeavoured to keep her mind fixed upon -the future she had laid down for herself, with a steadiness which, -exhibited in some more high sounding and attractive cause than the mere -common-place duty of earning bread for her parent, would have drawn -forth odes and laudations from many a potent pen. - -Nurse's conduct was beyond all praise; not even when alone with Kate, -did she indulge in anything beyond a passing condemnation of attorneys, -generally; and good little Mrs. Winter, only half enlightened as to the -real motives of her friends' departure, was invulnerable to the prying -of Miss Araminta Cox. - -Matters stood thus and time had run by, to within a week of the removal -to London, when Gilpin, now very weak, interrupted Kate's practice one -morning. - -"My dear Mr. Gilpin," said she, rising to receive him, with some -surprise, "this is most imprudent!" - -"I could not let you go without paying one more visit to the Priory." -His cough interrupted him. - -"But we should have called on you, I intended doing so with grandpapa; -indeed you were wrong to venture out, but, as you are here, how glad I -am to see you, and the day is so fine." - -"When do you start?" he asked, feebly; sinking back exhausted into an -arm chair Kate had drawn forward. - -"Ah, do not talk of that; Tuesday or Wednesday. Now the time draws near -I feel my heart sink at the idea of leaving all we are accustomed to, -to cast ourselves like ship-wrecked mariners on the great troubled -ocean of London." - -"And I have almost prayed that you might remain a little longer; but -it is not to be so. I have crawled out to-day, my dear Miss Vernon, -for I knew I should find you alone, and I wanted to speak a few quiet -words with you. I almost feared to meet you after this sad change in -all our hopes for you; I have so deplored it, that, judging by myself, -I dreaded its effects on you, but your face re-assures me, there is no -grief, scarce a grave look there. I have so much wished to speak with -you." - -"And I with you, dear Mr. Gilpin, I feel it is so long since I saw you." - -"But let us speak at once of all that has occurred, I shall soon be so -weary. How is it that there is none of the languor of sorrow, the fever -of anxiety in your face?" - -"Because I feel neither--do you know, I am half surprised to find how -the first feeling of dread at the idea of earning money, has worn away -by steadfastly looking at it. It reminds me of those double pictures -which appear wintry when you first look at them, but, hold them to -the light, and the deeper, richer colors of summer, painted beneath, -shine forth! Then, dear grandpapa has borne up so wonderfully, and poor -nurse has been so manageable, and you and Mr. Winter so--so kind, that -I should be an ungrateful coward to let myself feel sad, except," she -added, as the tears sprang to her eyes, "at the thought of parting from -you all." - -Gilpin was silent, for a few moments, and then said, - -"My dear young lady, forgive me, for not knowing your noble nature -better! I ought to have been certain you would be above the common -grief that mourns the possibility of losing caste, as the worst of -earthly woes; my chief anxiety to see you, and to see you alone, was to -hear fully, from your own lips, all the plans of which I do not like to -question the Colonel too closely, and to offer you a few hints, which, -(excuse me if I presume too far) may be useful to you." - -"Our plans are simple enough. To remove to London, where, through the -interest of my old music master and one or two friends, to whom Mr. -Winter offers me introductions, I hope to obtain pupils in music, who -will pay me for instruction, that is all." - -"If you will allow me I will add one, to an old master of mine. And -these are all the introductions you will take with you?" - -"Yes, all. Mr. Winter mentioned the bishop's wife as likely to be of -use; but, to say the truth, I shrunk from the idea of asking her; I -do not like to have the matter talked over at the little clerical -tea-parties of A----. So much for my high-mindedness." - -"Very natural, and a few good professional introductions are worth -scores of mere recommendations to fashionable ladies, who consider they -fulfil their promise if they mention your name to any acquaintance -who may happen to make enquiries for an instructress. Now if Herman, -(I think he was your master,) will really back you up, and give -you his junior pupils, you may be very successful. I am afraid my -recommendation will not prove very effectual, but try it." - -"And, Mr. Gilpin, what should you--that is have you any idea what I -ought to ask for my services?" - -"You must learn all that from Herman, or Winter's friends; as to -the terms on which you and your pupils' families will meet, accept -some hints, which experience enables me to give; God knows you will -teach under very different circumstances from what I did. Novels -and magazines teem with the most revolting instances of the slights -shown to lady teachers. In my opinion all this may be very much, if -not altogether avoided, except by the resident governess; occasional -teachers have only to observe this rule; treat those with whom you -come in contact, professionally, as men of business do those whom they -encounter on 'Change, or in their offices; once a lesson is given, -the relations between pupil and teacher are at an end, and you have -no more to say to each other; for this purpose resist any advance -towards intimacy, which may--which will be sure to be made to you. Am I -speaking too freely, Miss Vernon, in thus placing the reality of your -future before you?" - -"No," said Kate, firmly, and holding out her hand to him. "No, I feel -the need of such suggestions, and I like to talk of what must be; it -is good for me, and there is no use in making grandpapa think of it at -all more than necessary; I hope to manage so as often to cheat him into -forgetfulness of my occupation; only I do trust Mr. Winter's friend may -not engage apartments for us in a wretched, narrow street. Lady Desmond -used to live in Berkeley street, and it was reckoned a good situation, -I thought it horrible." - -"You might try the Kensington or Bayswater side." - -"Any trees or flowers to be seen there?" - -"Oh, yes, plenty." - -"Then I will beg of Mr. Winter to suggest that locale." - -"Mrs. O'Toole of course goes with you?" - -"Of course. Dear nurse, she is so true and self-forgetful!" - -"And Cormac, what will you do with him? You can hardly take that huge -animal with you." - -"Not just yet; he remains with the Winters; but will follow us when we -can arrange to have him. Mr. Winter said no one would take us in, at -first, with so formidable a looking companion." - -"I should fear not, but--" - -The entrance of the Colonel here cut short their private conference; -he, like his granddaughter, expressed surprise and pleasure, not -unmingled with uneasiness, at the organist's appearance, and, after -some discussion, he agreed to dine with them, at a somewhat earlier -hour than usual; as the softness of a June evening could not possibly, -they all agreed, be more injurious than the morning air. - -"And let us send for Winter and his wife," concluded the Colonel. - -Once more the little circle met round the hospitable board in the -Priory dining-room, and though the absence of many familiar ornaments, -already packed, gave a look of barrenness to the pretty sitting room, -and bespoke the approaching departure, the party was not a sad one; -each tried to cheer the others, and in so doing roused himself. - -So ended the last dinner at the Priory, and never again did the same -party meet under the same roof. - -Some such presentiment touched Kate's heart, and gave a tenderness -to her attentions, an under current of feeling even to the fanciful -sallies and playful arguments with which she strove to enliven her -guests, which, gracefully as she ever played the part of hostess, -lent an inexpressible charm to all she uttered; and even Mrs. Winter, -usually unobservant, seemed impressed by the peculiar sweetness of -her voice and manner; and often, in after life, did Kate look back to -that last evening as singularly agreeable, despite the approaching -separation. - -The last! Oh, how much of tenderness clings round that word--the last -word or look, the last even of suffering, what a grasp, they take of -the memory; as though the soul, in itself immortal, cannot familiarise -its faculties with any thing so finite, so sad, so passing as the last. - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - -A NEW WORLD. - - -However kind and true by nature, a man who has risen to, can never -quite understand the feeling, of one who has fallen from higher -fortunes; the seeming trifles which can elate, or depress, are but -trifles to the former; nor can any amount of sincere friendship ever -reveal to him the saddening effect which some insignificant occurrence, -he would scarcely perceive, produces on the other; he cannot dream -with what terrible and intense conviction, the sudden consciousness -of total change, flashes on the mind that had happily half-forgotten -it, at some accident of daily life, to him, nothing, in itself, a -mere "_contretemps_," which, in brighter days would have only raised a -smile, but which is now too sure an indication of the current; straw -though it be. - -And Winter, with all his real, steady affection, for Kate, felt -half angry with her for the obstinacy with which she adhered to her -intention of travelling by the first class in the railway. He could not -comprehend, what she could so well feel, that the moral effect produced -on her grandfather, by a long journey in a conveyance, which would, -every moment, bring the utter change of his fortunes and position, so -forcibly before him, would far more than counterbalance the few pounds -saved. - -"But," reiterated Winter, "the colonel is well and remarkably strong -for his age, he would not find the journey in the least fatiguing by -the second class; and, my dear girl, I want to impress on you the -necessity of conforming, at once, to the changes Heaven has been -pleased to send you. Procrastination is always bad, but in the present -case peculiarly injurious." - -"Yes, Mr. Winter, I know all that, and as to the fatigue, that is not -what I think of; but imagine how wretched grandfather would feel--no, -you cannot imagine--but would it be worth while, for the sake of the -difference, to let him receive so bad an impression of his new position -at the very outset, and so rudely. He will have enough to suffer. Let -him have an easy start; in short this is one of the very few points on -which I cannot accept of your guidance; and all I will add is, I hope -you will, though unconvinced, acquiesce in my decision, and not mention -this controversy to grandpapa." - -"'Pon my word, Miss Vernon, you put me down, right royally," said he, -laughing, and yet surprised at the air of quiet firmness with which she -announced her determination. - -"My own, dear, kind master! Ah, when shall I have an argument with you -again? But you will write to me often, and sometimes come to London." - -"I will, I will indeed. Ah, Kate, I did not know how much you had -twined yourself round this tough old heart of mine, till I found I was -to lose my bright pupil. You had better make over Cormac to me, till -you have a house of your own?" - -"Oh, no, no, we should be incomplete without my dear old dog! Besides, -I promised him he should join us as soon as possible." - -"Promised the dog; and you look as grave as a judge." - -"Yes, I said to him yesterday, 'I am not going to leave you long -behind, dear Cormac,' and he looked up at me with his honest eyes, as -though he trusted me so implicitly; I could not deceive him." - -"Kate, you have too much imagination for the battle of life, get rid -of some of it, I advise you." - -"Get rid of it! And shall I pursue my way more successfully, if I clip -the wings that might sometimes help to waft me over rough places." - -"You are incorrigible! You see your fancy is going to cheat you out -of nearly five pounds in this railroad business. I wish you would be -advised by me; and, indeed, strictly speaking, it is your duty to -conform as soon as possible to circumstances." - -"My strict duty! Oh, Mr. Winter, I abjure strictness, it is a thing -of mathematical precision, gone, vanished with the old dispensation; -which, providing rules for all and every thing, left no room for those -exquisite shades and tints without which, life, as well as pictures, -would have neither truth nor beauty. I never like to think how much -or how little I ought to do; there is one maxim on this point, that -supplies to me the absence of every other. 'Freely ye have received, -freely give,' Why should I pain another, to fulfil to the letter, an -unimportant duty? But, I have settled that point." - -"Well, well, you are right in intention at all events, and now I must -say good morning, what are you going to do?" - -"Why, I have finished my preparations; and as grandpapa is going with -you about the luggage, I intend hearing the evening service in the -Cathedral; vespers, (I like the name, popish though it be) for the last -time. Ah, _Maestro mio_, to-morrow." - -"Don't talk of it, but I'll tell Mrs. Winter she may expect you in an -hour. _Au revoir._" - -Kate strolled slowly through the churchyard, and mounted the steps; -stood for some minutes gazing at the well-known scene from the city -wall, thinking, "how and when shall I see it again! What awaits me -in the new world into which I am about to plunge!" Then turning -to the right, she followed the rather tortuous way, formed by the -time worn ramparts, until she reached the narrow alley which led to -the cathedral. The entrance to the cloisters at this spot, was a -low vaulted passage, which communicated, in ancient times, with the -servants' offices, and formed an angle with a lofty chapel, now used -as an ante-room; and here Kate again paused, as if to take the scene -into her memory. To the Chapter house, opposite the end opening on -the cloisters, was a beautiful window, showing through its lace-like -and still perfect tracery, the soft, green grass which clothed the -quadrangle formed by the cloisters, and a thorn tree grew close against -its mullions, and even thrust its branches, so delicately green, with -the first fresh and unspeakable tints of spring, through their many -openings; contrasting its fair youth, with the solemn grey and massive -stones around it. A bright gleam of sunshine, which fell slanting, it -up one half the chapel, through which Kate advanced, leaving the other -in shadow. The unbroken stillness, the air of deep repose, which -pervaded the old pile, gave something of its own calm to her feelings, -which had been a little ruffled by the thousand anticipations her -argument with Winter had called up. The hour of evening prayer was not -yet arrived, and she stood for a while gazing at the exquisite effects -of light and shade, till the perfect silence woke up her fancy, and she -smiled to think, that it would scarce surprise her, to see a plumed -and helmetted shadow fall on the stream of sunshine, which bathed the -pavement with a flood of gold, and even were the shadow followed by a -substantial mailed form, with knightly spurs, and cross-hilted sword, -it would seem but natural, here. - -The distant sound of the organ warned her that the service was about to -begin, and she was soon kneeling in the quiet nook she usually occupied. - -The next morning they left A----. - -"The last journey I made by rail-road was with you to Carrington," said -Kate to Winter. - -She was looking a little pale, and a certain anxious nervousness made -her tremble in every limb; but she kept up very cheerfully. - -They were standing on the platform at the railway station, waiting for -the train, which, starting from some newer and more important place, -only gave a few hurried, breathless moments to poor old anti-locomotive -A----. - -The Colonel was looking a shade more elegant even than usual, in a -large cloak, which hung gracefully round his tall, erect form. There -was their luggage all ticketed and piled up, all of home that could be -packed into trunks; and Kate felt singularly desolate at the idea of -being thus, for the first time, without any sanctuary, however humble, -to which, as to an ark, she might retreat, when the fountains of the -great deep, of sorrow or of disappointment, were broken up; and Mrs. -Winter was there with a well-packed basket of sandwiches, and wine and -water; but poor Gilpin had been so unwell since his imprudent visit -to the Priory, that he had been obliged to leave the Winters to do -the parting honours, alone, to their valued friends. Nor can we omit -to mention Mrs. O'Toole, who, in a black silk bonnet, snowy cap, and -substantial cloth cloak, albeit it was early June, looked the very -model of a respectable old family-servant; over one arm hung Miss -Vernon's shawl, and, in her left hand, she carried a blue band-box, -containing divers and sundry articles thrust into it, at the last -moment, and secured by a red silk handkerchief. - -"Yes," returned Winter, in reply to Kate's observation, "we were a -merry trio; but we little anticipated the adventure you contrived to -get up." - -"It was all very curious," said Kate, with a sigh, as her thoughts flew -back to that pleasant evening, and its still pleasanter _dénouément_. - -A shrill, piercing whistle! The porters stood, not to their arms, but -to their trunks. - -"Up-train coming," said one of them, warningly, to our little party. - -"Now then, don't be in a hurry, Colonel--get the tickets all right," -said Winter; and the huge, hissing, relentless monster of an engine, -rushed panting by the platform. "Do you get in and settle yourselves, -Colonel; Mrs. O'Toole and I will see to the luggage." - -The Colonel obeyed; but Kate stood by the carriage door. Winter soon -bustled back, and in more than usually husky tones, observed-- - -"All right--there goes the bell." - -"Dearest Mrs. Winter," cried Kate, clasping that worthy little woman -in her arms; "good bye;" and the tears she had long, with difficulty, -restrained, poured down her cheeks; then turning to the kind, rough -artist, she, somewhat to his surprise, bestowed an equally affectionate -embrace on him, with such childlike simplicity and sincere feeling, -that he was inexpressibly touched. "My kind love to Mr. Gilpin; and, I -need hardly say, take care of Cormac." - -"God bless you, dear Kate," from both the Winters, and she was hurried -into the carriage, where nurse was already seated. A jerk back, and -then forward, and they were swept away from the kind faces that looked -so eagerly after them. - -As long as the neighbouring scenery presented any familiar features, -Kate looked mournfully and wistfully through the window; but soon, too -soon, they were flying beyond the limits of her longest walks; and -when the distant height, crowned by Mowbray Castle, longest visible, -because the highest point in the surrounding country, disappeared, she -dismissed her regrets, turned resolutely from the contemplation of -past happiness, and determined to let no selfish grief, no personal -consideration whatever intervene between her heart and its great task. -Comforting and supporting her grandfather. - -"And you feel quite well, quite comfortable, dear grandfather." - -"Yes, love. Why, this is as good as any private carriage; you know I am -quite a novice in rail-road travelling. How do you like it, Nelly?" - -"Faith, an' it's an illigant coach intirely; but, Miss Kate, jewel, did -iver ye see anything so fast as the hedges do be runnin'?" - -"Yes," laughed the Colonel, "London will be down here presently!" - -There is little ever to relate of a journey by rail--at least, at the -time of which we write, when excursion trains and concussions were -not quite such every-day events as in 1851-2. Little occurred to vary -the even tenor of their course. Speed was slackened, bells rung, and -incomprehensible names bawled out at the due number of stations. One -or two companions were added to, and diminished from their number, -with whom the Colonel entered, urbanely, into conversation, and, about -two o'clock, offered them refreshment, from Mrs. Winter's well-stored -basket, which was thankfully accepted by his fellow-travellers, who set -him down, in their private opinions, as some condescending nobleman -of philanthropic habits, and enjoyed his sandwiches and sherry with -redoubled goût. Could they have known, he was a broken gentleman, -and an Irish one to boot, how soon "urbane condescension" would have -changed, to pushing forwardness, and the gracious offer of a sandwich, -to some deep design of getting up an acquaintance, with ulterior -objects possibly still more dreadful. - -At length, the closer ranks of houses and increasing hubbub of hissing -engines, and departing trains, warned them, they were fast approaching -the great metropolis. - -The quiet and ease of their journey was at an end, the moment -they stepped from the retirement of the carriage into the bustling -confusion of the platform, beyond which a line of cabs were drawn -up, the length of which positively appalled Kate, as indicative of -the immense crowd amongst whom they would have to struggle for their -luggage. The additional difficulty of darkness was superadded to those -already arising from crowd and hurry; for they had not left A---- until -considerably past noon. - -"Och, Holy Virgin! how are we iver to get the thrunks in sich a -scrimmige!" ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole. - -"We must look for the van they put them in at A----," said Kate, who -was trembling with nervous anxiety, and depressed, at feeling how -unfitted she was for so bustling a scene. - -"Jest don't be walkin off wid the masther's portmanty," said Mrs. -O'Toole, laying a vigorous grasp on the arm of a railway porter. - -"Is this here yer's?" - -"Yes, an' so is the black wan, an' the wan wid the leather cover in the -van, &c." - -And soon the civil and expeditious porters had placed all their luggage -in a goodly pile. - -"Now," said the Colonel, "for the transit to Bayswater." - -"Cab, sir?" - -"Yes, two." - -The Colonel and Kate led the way with their light parcels, and nurse -followed with an overflowing cargo. - -It is a strange sensation, that of whirling through unknown streets by -gas light. The complete ignorance of where you are going, the seemingly -miraculous facility with which you are whisked round innumerable -turnings, the flaring gas-light before the meaner shops, and short -intervals of gloomy, respectable quarters. - -Kate felt all this strongly, and sat gazing at the busy crowded -streets, holding her grandfather's hand, and scarcely breathing. It -seemed as though she had never felt the changes that had occurred in -their lot before, and wearied by the journey, and the busy days that -preceded it, she experienced that dread fluttering sensation, half -fear, half excitement that made her long, oh, how intensely, for some -familiar face to welcome them, some strong calm friend into whose arms -she might throw herself, and feel _safe_. - -But, "fate forbid such things to be," and a curtseying landlady -received them in all the glories of an "afternoon toilette," with an -elaborate front, cunningly secured with three rows of narrow black -velvet round the head, and a profusion of cherry-colored ribbons in her -cap. - -"Here, Hester, carry up the carpet bags; Mr. Langley was here to-day -ma'am, and said we might hexpect you about height o'clock, but it's -near nine now; what would you please to take? I'll have candles lighted -in a moment." - -And she ushered them into a small parlour, furnished with a most -obdurate looking horse-hair sofa, six horse hair chairs, ranged round -the walls, an impracticable arm chair, and a small round table, -covered with a bright red cloth; a diminutive looking glass over the -mantel-piece, on which were displayed a few cheap ornaments, and -a chiffonnier of mock rose-wood, with warped doors, completed the -inventory. - -"Tea, I think, Kate, will be the most acceptable refreshment. If you -will be so good as to let us have some tea, Mrs. Mrs. ----." - -The Colonel paused. - -"Crooks," said the amiable lady. - -"Ah, yes, Mrs. Crooks." - -"Certainly, sir," and she retired, as the servant entered, with two -tall candles, unsteadily thrust into very short candlesticks. - -It is unnecessary to describe the wretchedness of such an arrival, the -total derangement of all established comforts, and London lodging-house -tea and milk! and the professional rapidity, with which the servant -clatters down the plates, and deals out the knives, the ill-cleaned -Britannia metal tea-pot, the pale, market looking butter, all, all so -unlike home. - -Nurse, who had taken Miss Vernon's _sac de nuit_, to her room, now came -to the rescue. - -"Ah, don't be breakin yer heart sthrivin to make tay, an' the wather -not half biled. There," smelling the tea which Kate had put out, and -setting it down with a look of disgust. "Athen, 'tis little iv ye kem -from Chayney, any how. Sure I put a dust iv the rale sort into me -ban-box the last thing, an it's well them villains at that moiderin -Station, didn't lose it an' me box' an all, have a taste iv buthered -toast, here, me good girl, just bile up that kittle, an when it's bilin -mad, run up wid it; stay, I'll go down meself." - -And Mrs. O'Toole prepared them a very refreshing cup of tea, which they -insisted on her sharing; and largely did she contribute to enliven -their first repast in the mighty metropolis, by her shrewd, caustic -remarks on the various little events of their journey. - -"Sure it's so quiet, we might think ourselves in the Priory," she said, -after a pause. "Another bit of toast, Miss Kate, ye'r white wid the -journey, and the scrimmage, alanah." - -"Yes," replied the Colonel, "it is singularly quiet here." - -"But listen to that distant, continuous roar," said Kate, "what is it?" -she asked of the girl, who was removing the tea things. - -"Plase ma'am it's the 'busses." - -They were located in one of the numerous "Albert Groves," or "Victoria -Terraces," which congregate near, and diverge from the main Bayswater -Road. - -After some more desultory conversation, the little party retired to -the rest they so much needed. Kate and nurse first carefully arranging -the Colonel's room; but long after she had laid her head on the hard -and diminutive lodging-house pillow, Kate's busy fancy kept sleep -aloof--the fact that she was actually in London, was almost incredible, -that the dreaded parting with the Winters, and the Priory--the terrible -exchange of all the sweet sanctities of home, for the uncertainties -and insecurity of lodgings--that all this so long anticipated, was -absolutely accomplished; and that from this time forward, a new world -of action--of reality--of sober, stern existence, lay before her. Such -thoughts as these were potent enemies to sleep. Then her last visit to -the great city, and its gaieties, and studies presented themselves; -and Lady Desmond's probable return--followed by a natural chain of -associations; and finally, the Priory, with its pretty garden; and the -neighbouring woods, in all their glories of autumn--as they looked the -day she found Fred Egerton seated with her grandfather, rose before her -mind's eye; and all the pleasant incidents of that happy time, unrolled -themselves before her--clearly at first, but, at length strangely -mingled with memories of Dungar, and older days still. Once or twice -she strove to reunite the broken chain of thought; but slowly they all -faded, and the hours of a short summer's night sped on their way; and -gradually her spirit woke from the first, deep sleep that fell upon it; -and wearied by the heaviness that had of late weighed it down, fled -joyously to the scenes of its early childhood; and summoned to its -side, the friends it loved--until a flood of morning sunshine pouring -into her room, woke her; and her eyes fell upon the broad comely -countenance of Mrs. O'Toole. - -"Athen, the blessin' iv Christ on ye, jewel; sure the angels was -whisperin' to ye in Heaven--ye wor smilin' so swate in your sleep." - -"Oh, nurse, why did you awake me? so soon I mean." - -"Soon," ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole, "sure it's nine o'clock, so it is, an' -you that was always up at seven--" - -"Nine! is it possible? But, nurse, are morning dreams always true?" - -"Sure, I told ye so a hundred times, an' ye always laughed at me, was -it dreamin' ye wor, alanah?" - -"Yes; of Dungar, and of such strange--but go, dear nurse--I will ring -soon for you. Have you seen grandpapa this morning? How did you sleep -yourself?" - -"He's not rung his bell yet; an' I was as snug as any duchess." - -To Kate's infinite delight, morning displayed a garden, some ten feet -square, in front of their new abode, sufficient to satisfy the elastic -conscience of the builder, in calling the row of houses, in which it -was situated, "Victoria Gardens." True, it was not in that perfection -of keeping, so grateful to eyes susceptible of the beautiful; but still -the green of a few ragged lilacs, and laburnums, with the perfume of a -mignionette bed, was most refreshing; and so much better than anything -she had ventured to hope for--that she felt inexpressibly cheered. - -The Colonel too, had slept well--at least, till daylight, when he had -been rather disturbed by the screams of a parrot, a great pet, Mrs. -O'Toole informed them, of their landlady. Breakfast over, and the -_Times_, secured for her grandfather, Kate was soon immersed in a long, -confidential letter to Winter and his wife. - -Their late breakfast had encroached, more than she thought, upon the -morning, and she felt surprise when the landlady announced Mr. Langley; -and Winter's old friend entered. He was a long, pale man, with lightish -hair, and whey coloured whiskers; his manners, cold and shy, impressed -Kate with an uneasy feeling, that it would be impossible to set him at -ease. - -"Very much obliged by your early visit," said the Colonel, rising, with -his usual suave cordiality. "We have to thank you for procuring for -us, such comfortable apartments--my granddaughter, Miss Vernon." - -Mr. Langley bowed, and in so doing, upset a ricketty chair, whereupon, -he endeavoured to restore it to its former position, and in the -struggle, dropped his hat and gloves; at last his composure a little -restored, by the graciousness of his new acquaintances, he gathered -courage to ask, coldly, after Winter, and still more slightly for his -wife, to which the Colonel replied, by giving very copious details, -of their friends, and Kate thought he listened with more interest -than he ventured to express in words; some general conversation then -ensued--their journey, and the old city of A----, were discussed. Mr. -Langley glanced once or twice at his hat, which had unfortunately got -into an inaccessible corner, and Kate began to fear that this first -interview, to which she had looked, as to a mine of information, -whereby to form her plans, and guide her future proceedings, would pass -away in the vain repetition of polite nothings; while the Colonel, in -his high-bred anxiety to entertain his visitor, seemed to forget there -was any more serious subject to discuss, beyond the decline of the -drama, or the prospects of the ministry. - -It was always with extreme reluctance that Kate, ever broached any -subject, connected with the realities of their position, in the -presence of her grandfather, now that all the necessary changes had -been made; and to this natural difficulty, was added the awkwardness -of introducing important queries, apropos to nothing. At last, taking -advantage of a pause in the Colonel's eloquence, of which Mr. Langley -seemed inclined to avail himself, to depart, she plunged boldly, -because desperately, into the subject uppermost in her thoughts. - -"I am most anxious to lose no time in endeavouring to get pupils. Mr. -Winter mentioned to you, I suppose?" - -"Yes;" said Langley, turning to her with more of complacency, than his -manner had hitherto exhibited, his painter's eye, probably caught by -her expressive countenance, and graceful figure. "Yes, he mentioned -your intention--and I--that is, I hope you will not disapprove; I told -some friends of mine, professors of music, and they wish to hear you -play; and then they will be able to judge how far they can forward your -views." - -"Thank you," cried Kate, glancing nervously at the Colonel, to whose -high and usually pale forehead the color rose at this proposed -exhibition of his refined, noble, and graceful grandchild; "you are -most kind to have anticipated my arrival; but," she added, covering her -face playfully with her hands, "I never shall have courage for such an -exhibition, such an ordeal!" - -"But if they never hear you perform, how can they recommend you?" asked -Langley, in a matter-of-fact tone. - -"I did but jest," replied Kate, "and am ready to do whatever you may -recommend." - -"Of course, if it is repugnant to Miss Vernon, however friendly and -judicious your suggestion, Mr. Langley, I cannot permit her," began the -Colonel, in disturbed accents. - -"Dearest grandpapa, this matter is between Mr. Langley and myself--you -may listen--but are not to interfere. Am I not right, Mr. Langley?" - -He bowed, startled into silent admiration, by the extreme beauty of her -smile. - -"I am silenced," said the Colonel. - -"Winter mentioned," resumed Langley, after a moment's pause, "that -you were a pupil of Hermann's; I would advise your renewing your -acquaintance with him; he is one of the first masters, in the -fashionable world, at present." - -"I fully intend writing to him to-morrow, and--" - -"Why not to-day?" interposed Langley, with increasing warmth. "And -merely ask him to appoint an interview--be sure you see him--writing is -of little use--besides he has a daughter--I mean two--amiable girls, -I am told--indeed I know one of them. Miss Vernon," addressing the -Colonel, "can, therefore, call on him with perfect propriety, for he -could never otherwise see her, his time is so much occupied." - -The Colonel, again reddening to the roots of his hair, made a silent -inclination of his head, too much overcome at the idea of Kate's -being compelled to call on any man, to be able to infringe upon her -injunction. - -"Unfortunately," resumed Langley, "I have no one to do the honors of my -house; but my sister, who lives close by here, intends to do herself -the pleasure of calling on you, Miss Vernon, and hopes to fix some -evening, when I can introduce you to some professional friends--but I -see you have no piano." - -"We shall be most happy to make your sister's acquaintance; my piano -is still at A----; but I hope to have it early next week--only I am -sure I cannot think where it can stand in this diminutive chamber." - -"But it is essential; you so soon lose the facility of execution. -Winter tells me, you play well; and he is no mean judge." - -"I trust you may be of the same opinion; but the degree of perfection -required from musicians appals me!" - -"Nothing mediocre goes down now," returned Langley, with an emphasis, -not very encouraging. "And as I believe I have paid you a long visit," -rising nervously; "my sister would have accompanied me, but one of her -little boys is ill. I hope she may soon be released--I mean, be able -to call on you. She knows several people about here, all with young -families. Ah, good morning, Miss Vernon, good morning, sir." - -"I shall take an early opportunity of returning your visit," said the -Colonel, accompanying him to the door. - -"Pray do; and as Mr. Winter tells me, Miss Vernon is a lover of -paintings, perhaps she might like to take a look at my studio?" - -"Oh, thank you," cried Kate, who had followed them. "I shall be -delighted." - -"Good morning, then." - -"This seems promising, dear grandpapa," said Kate, settling back to her -writing, with a sunny smile. "I am so glad I saw Mr. Langley, before I -closed my letter; he appears friendly, though certainly not brilliant." - -"Promising, Kate," cried the Colonel, playing nervously with his -glasses, and holding the paper aside in one hand, "promising! It is -unutterably repugnant to my feelings to think, that you will have -to exhibit your _paces_, or your performance rather, to secure the -suffrages of a set of fiddlers, and to wait upon a fat German, who, -I remember, used to seem to abjure water, and wore a ring on his -thumb. This Mr. Langley seems to forget what is due to a gentlewoman -altogether, or to be totally ignorant of it. And, only that I was -afraid of vexing you, my love, I would have told him so. Cold-blooded -John Bull!" - -"I should indeed have been greatly distressed had you done so," said -Kate. "You know, dearest and best, I am only known to him in my new -character; and is it not unreasonable to be displeased with him, -because he endeavours, according to his judgment, which I believe to be -the true one, to forward my views!" - -"Instinct might have told him, yours was a peculiar case! to tell you -to call on a German music-master!" - -"Pooh, grandpapa, as Mr. Winter would say, if you and I were staying -at the 'Clarendon,' _en route_ to Paris, you would be the first to -encourage me in paying a visit to my old master, why--" - -"It is a totally different thing, this old German--" - -"True, and it may be prejudice; but, under the circumstances, I would -prefer visiting a German to an English music-master. My own, dear -grandpapa, we must be content to lose the shadow, if we can secure the -substance; and now I must proceed to finish my letter." - -Hastily finishing her long, crossed epistle to the Winters, she -proceeded to pen a billet to Hermann, recalling herself to his -recollection, and expressing a strong desire for an interview with -him; this was placed _selon les règles_ in an envelop, when a grand -difficulty presented itself--the address--"He used to live in Baker -Street, but I forget the number." She rung. - -"Would Mrs. Crooks be so good as to let me see a directory?" - -"Please 'em, she's not got one." - -"How provoking! and it is just post hour!" - -"Send that note on chance," suggested the Colonel; "and we can get the -right address from Langley, if it fails." - -"Good," she replied; and sent both her epistles at once to the post. - -The day, notwithstanding the promise of the morning, proved wet; but -Langley's long visit, and her long letter, made it pass quickly to -Kate. She now put away her writing materials, singing snatches of her -favourite songs, to her grandfather's surprise, and looking bright as -an embodied gleam of sunshine; the idea of speedy action was cheering -beyond measure, to her energetic, earnest spirit; and though it may -lower her in the estimation of sentimentalists and evangelicals, she -was too young and too light-hearted, not to feel considerable pleasure, -at the idea of a _soirée_ at Langley's sister's. - -"Are ye ready for yer dinner, Miss Kate? an' would the masther mind the -girl layin' the cloth?" enquired Mrs. O'Toole, putting in her head. - -"Certainly not," replied the Colonel. - -"I have not seen you all day, nurse," said Kate, "what have you been -doing." - -"I wint out to get some chops for yer dinners, an' the thief iv a -butcher asks me nine-pince a pound for thim. 'Is it jokin' ye are,' -ses I, 'mum,' ses he, as if he was bothered. 'Is it plum cake ye do -be feedin' yer sheep on,' ses I, 'to go be afther askin' nine-pince a -pound for thim chops,' ses I, wid that he ups and he ses, his mate was -the best an' the chapest in the place, an' I'd get nothin' ondher it; -an' sure enough I wint to ivery butcher widin' two miles, an' sorra one -iv thim ud give the chops for less, an' some asked more; there's London -for ye! But it ud break yer heart to see the woman sthrivin' to brile -thim on the hanful iv coals in wan corner iv the grate, I wish ye'd -spake to her to let me cook for yes, but--" Nurse suddenly paused, and -held up her hand to enforce silence, as an approaching jingle announced -the coming dinner apparatus. - -"Have you dined yourself, dear nurse?" asked Kate. - -"Sure I tuck a cup iv tay, an' an egg, sorra sich an egg iver I seen! -Ye know it's a fast day, Miss Kate." - -Their dinner was soon despatched; the half cold, half raw chops, so -different from their simple yet tempting fare at home, offering little -to induce its prolongation. After its removal, Kate looked wistfully -from the window. - -"It does not rain now, grandpapa, would you not like a stroll into -Kensington Gardens? I should like so much too, to find out some -library, for how shall we get over this evening without music, or work, -or books, or chess. Oh, I forgot, nurse has unpacked the chess-board." - -"I am not inclined for walking, or chess, either, my love; indeed I am -singularly knocked up; I should like a book, however." - -"But I am sure a little walk would do you good, dear grandpapa." - -"No, my dear, I will take a sleep, and, if you like to go out, nurse -can go with you, it will be a pleasure to her too." - -After settling the Colonel to the best of her ability in the -impracticable arm-chair; Kate summoned Mrs. O'Toole, who most readily -obeyed her call, heartily tired of the society of Mrs. Crooks, for, as -she said emphatically, "there's no divarshin in thim English!" - -After enquiring their way to the nearest circulating library, Kate -and Mrs. O'Toole set out on their exploring expedition. The rain had -ceased, and a rich, yellow, evening sun shone out in full lustre. - -"How new everything looks here, nurse," said Kate, when they had walked -a few minutes in silence, "how different from dear old A----." - -"In troth it does, Miss Kate; but thim gardens, as they call thim, -is mighty fine, an' did ye iver see sich dawshy little houses, wid -balconies afore?" - -"Never, indeed, they give me the idea of handsomely ornamented -mansions, seen through an inverted telescope, for there is a little of -everything about them." - -"Athen wan, good, ould, red stone house, like what was in A----, is -worth a score iv thim." - -The extreme newness of everything, notwithstanding its prettiness and -neatness, was displeasing to Kate's eye, accustomed, as it had been, to -the mellow tints and picturesque irregularity of A----. - -It is remarkable how much more congenial, both to heart and mind, are -indefinite and irregular outlines; as if the more perfect finish, -was all too cramped, too finite to satisfy the boundless and formless -imaginations of man's heart; as Tupper beautifully says, - - "Thinkest thou the thousand eyes that shine with rapture on a ruin, - Would have looked with half their wonder on a perfect pile? - And wherefore not--but that light tints, suggesting unseen beauties, - Fill the complacent gazer with self grown conceits?" - -The library was, without much difficulty, found, and the demure damsel, -who there represented the muses, in reply to Kate's enquiries, handed -her a catalogue, in which she soon lost herself, as one usually does in -the vain attempt to discover favorite authors, widely separated by an -inexorable alphabetical arrangement. - -"Have you nothing by the authoress of 'The Cup and the Lip?'" asked -Kate. - -"Yes, ma'am, but it's out; this work is a good deal called for," -presenting a volume open at the title page. - -Kate glanced at it, 'Zarifa, a Tale of the Passions.' - -"No, thank you," said Miss Vernon. - -"Just got this in, ma'am; 'Trials and Trifles, by one who has -experienced both.'" - -"Let me look at it, if you please. Ah, this is rather too sentimental. -Have you the 'Knight of Gwynne'?" - -"Yes'm." - -"Then I will take it; and pray send the 'Times' every morning, to No. --- Victoria Gardens, for Colonel Vernon, if you please." - -A rather stout gentleman, with longish fair hair, and an umbrella under -his arm, who had entered the shop a few minutes before, and stood with -two letters in his hand, waiting until the shopwoman was at leisure to -attend to him, and in a position that commanded an excellent view of -Kate's profile; started at these words. - -"Vernon,!" said he, in good English, but with a foreign accent. "Do I -speak to my gentle pupil? Ah, you remember." - -"Mr. Herman!" she exclaimed, after a moment's hesitation, "how -fortunate! how happy I am to have met you; I have just written to you." - -"It is most curious," resumed her _ci-devant_ master, shaking her hand -warmly and respectfully, "I do not think I ever entered a shop in -this neighbourhood before, but I have just come from Madame M----'s -establishment, where I, for my sins, give lessons once a-week; and you, -have you been long in town? How is the Graffin, your cousin? I suppose -with you?" - -"No, she is at Florence, I am with grandpapa, close to this. We only -arrived in London, yesterday, and I have already written a note to -you, though I had forgotten your precise address." - -"Oh, the old place, Baker Street, No. 33. And you want lessons again? -Well, you did me great credit, and though I have not one moment in the -day disengaged, except to snatch a hasty meal, I'll break through my -regulations, and give you the evening hour." - -"Thank you very much," said Kate, interrupting, with difficulty, the -flow of his eloquence, "but I do not want to take lessons; I wrote to -ask you to appoint a day and hour, when I might call on you--any hour -will suit me--then I will tell you the object of my visit." - -"Call upon me!" repeated Hermann, with surprise, "well, well, I am -afraid I must not offer to save you that trouble, for I am in such -request just at present. Ah, if you would not mind calling so early as -twelve o'clock, I generally snatch a hasty lunch, at that hour. If I am -not at home when you come, my daughter will endeavour to entertain you -until my return, and now I must run away." - -"But what day, Mr. Herman?" cried Kate, anxiously. - -"Oh, the day after to-morrow, I shall have a little more time; -infinitely pleased to have met you, dear lady, and to perceive you have -the same appearance of good health as----. Hey! ho!" shouted the good -natured musico, rushing breathlessly after an omnibus, into which an -active conductor, rapidly crammed him, and he was swept off. - -This little adventure quite excited Kate, and although capable of -exerting great self-command, her temperament was too finely organised, -not to be both nervous and sensitive; so the arm she passed through -nurse's was not the steadiest, as they turned to leave the shop. - -"Och, what makes ye thrimble so, agra?" - -"Do I tremble, nurse? I suppose it must be the surprise of meeting Mr. -Herman; how fortunate? I accept it as a good omen!" - -"Faith, he's mighty like a pear--so big at one end, an' small at the -other. Sure he's like the side iv a house round the shoulders, an' his -two little feet u'd stand in a tay cup, an' what wide throwsers he has!" - -"Do you not remember him when we were at Lady Desmond's three years -ago?" - -"Och now, was that the Garman that used to be tachin ye the piania?" - -Kate nodded. - -"Och then, my gracious, but he's grawn very fat." - -Miss Vernon was too much engrossed by her own reflections on the -probable result of this rencontre, to encourage nurse's garrulity, till -the beauty of the magnificent old trees in Kensington, drew her from -her thoughts, and she pointed her companion's attention to the long -alleys, with their graceful leafy arches, that stretch along each side -of the broad walk from the Bayswater entrance. - -And deeply did Mrs. O'Toole enjoy the confidential chat in which her -idolized nurseling indulged her, especially the perspective of an -evening party. - -"Sure it's taydious to be always alone with an ould gintleman like the -master. God bless him any how, though faith it's himself is the height -of good company." - -"I never tire of him, nurse." - -"No, in coorse not; but, Miss Kate, jewel, ye'll be lavin him some day, -with some grand lord, ye'll see at thim parties." - -"I do not fancy lords are so very plentiful at the Bayswater -_soirées_," replied Kate, laughing at nurse's simplicity. - -"A then, ye'll never see wan that's grander or pleasanter, nor the -Captin; I niver tuck to any one as I tuck to him; to see the illigant -bould step iv him, an the bright face iv him, an' he as tindher -hearted as an infant. Och sure, Miss Kate, there's some fairy gift -about a rale gentleman! Jist hear wan say, 'how are ye,' an ye feel the -better iv it, as if he was in airnest, an plaised to see ye. But wan iv -thim squireens! faith it's like rubbin the coat iv a cat the wrong way, -to hear wan iv thim sthrivin to spake civil!" - -"Very true nurse, there is some mysterious charm about good manner, -but it must spring from the heart, and I believe when all are true -christians, all will be real gentlemen." - -"Athin, is it sarious ye are, Miss Kate?" - -After a little more conversation, they returned to the Colonel, whom -they found awake, but still reclining with an air of lassitude, in -the arm chair. Kate at once, and with much animation, commenced an -account of her meeting with Herman, but the indifference with which her -grandfather received the intelligence, so important in her estimation, -checked her ardour, and seemed to throw her back on herself; it is -indeed wonderful the effect which sympathy or no sympathy produces. - -The Colonel's coldness did not alter the fact of the lucky rencontre, -or of Herman's kindness of manner, and yet it seemed to dissolve her -air castles, about numerous pupils, friendly associates, and a happy -busy life of useful occupation, not unmingled with amusement, into a -chilling mist, as night winds condense the vapours, which have been -spread by the sun's heat. - -"Well let us have tea my dear, what book did you get?" - -"'The Knight of Gwynne,' grandpapa." - -"Ah, I suppose that is meant for my old friend, Maurice Fitzgerald, it -will remind me forcibly of days I had better forget." - -"I hope it will amuse you," said poor Kate, the tears springing to her -eyes, at such unwonted depression and contrariety, on her grandfather's -part. - -Tea over; and the remaining day-light of a summer's evening--which, in -town, has anything but a cheering effect--shut out, Miss Vernon lit the -candles, and, after a diligent search, unearthed a small and rather -delapidated footstool, from beneath the sofa, which she placed under -the Colonel's feet, endeavouring, with unwearied sweetness, to cheer -him, and draw him from himself, and his position, till, at length, he -gave the wished-for command-- - -"Read some of that book for me, my dear." - -"Yes, dearest grandpapa; and as poor nurse is all alone, among -strangers, may I ask her to bring in her work, and listen too?" - -"Certainly--certainly." - -This was quickly done; and Kate's object, to provide amusement for -the Colonel, fulfilled, as nurse's shrewd remarks on whatever subject -was brought before her, were sure to interest and amuse her indulgent -master. - -He leaned back his head, and closed his eyes, as if but half inclined -to listen; soon, however, the varied modulations of Kate's musical, -intellectual voice, and the sound of familiar names, fixed his -attention, and transported him, in imagination, to other scenes and -other times; and, at length, fully drawn from the contemplation of -the present, it was with something of his old brightness of eyes, and -lightness of step, that the Colonel retired for the night. - -"Well, Nelly, those were pleasant times, and right good fellows. I -think Lever has hit off some of them capitally; yet I could give him a -few hints, hey? Kate, good night, my love--I will take a walk with you -to-morrow." - -And Kate laid her head on her pillow, blessing Lever for having -effected by his light-hearted, familiar style, what no writer, -however profound, or grand, pathetic, or even religious, would in all -probability have accomplished. - - - - -CHAPTER V. - -THE NEW WORLD CONTINUED. - - -The morning of Miss Vernon's visit to her _ci-devant_ music-master -rose bright and clear; and smiling at her own care, it was with rather -more than usual attention to her appearance, she arranged her simple -toilette; for, thought she, "I am to meet his daughter--and women judge -so much more critically of dress than men." - -The Colonel's announcement of his intention to accompany her, called -forth all her tact to avoid the escort. She remembered keenly, -the effect produced on him, by Mr. Langley's plain, unvarnished -communications; and, as he had now apparently forgotten them, and -returned to his usual happy, easy frame of mind, she dreaded the -renewal of those unpleasant sensations, which had so disturbed him, by -the discussion of the important questions of pounds, shillings, and -pence, which she was nerving herself to approach boldly; besides, she -did not feel quite certain, how Herman would take the intelligence she -had to communicate. Then she dreaded that the kind old man might fancy -himself _de trop_. - -"I am afraid, dear grandpapa, we must start so early, you will not have -time to read the paper comfortably." - -"It cannot take more than half-an-hour to drive from this to Baker -Street?" - -"I intended walking. Cabs are so expensive." - -"Why, Kate, my love, you are grown quite miserly." - -Finally, she managed to insinuate a strong necessity that he should -return Mr. Langley's call, and fix a day for her to visit his studio, -and carried her point, that she and Mrs. O'Toole should walk to Baker -Street, by the Park, while the Colonel was pacified, by the paper, and -the projected visit to Langley. - -"Good bye, my own, dear grandpapa--am I looking nice?" - -"Yes, darling, like a rose-bud, as you are." - -And he gazed proudly at her, over his glasses, as she stood before him -in her simple, elegant, muslin dress, straw bonnet, with plain white -ribbon, and large, soft _barège_ shawl. - -"There isn't the like iv her in Buckingham Palace!" said Mrs. O'Toole, -with a confidential nod, as she followed her out of the room. - -"Keep to the Parks, till you come to the Marble Arch, then down Oxford -Street--any one will show you the way to Portman Square, and--" - -"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Crooks, once I am in Portman Square, I shall know -my way." - -Kate was not quite so agreeable a companion as usual during this walk, -as she felt considerable nervousness about the approaching interview. - -Nurse, too, greatly disliking the errand on which they were bound, -spoke little, except an occasional ejaculation of pious discontent, or -a growl at the various conductors, who kindly invited them to ride in -their omnibusses. - -Their walk was, therefore, silent and fatiguing; but Baker Street was -gained at last. - -"Not at home, 'm," said a smart girl, with a cap at the back of her -head, in reply to Miss Vernon's enquiries. - -"And Miss Herman?" - -"Oh, Miss Herman is at home, 'm--please walk this way." - -"Nurse, will you wait for me." - -And Kate followed the servant up a handsomely carpeted stair-case. - -Miss Herman was working something in a frame; she was more -English-looking than her father, with a profusion of fair hair, and in -a very handsome morning costume. - -"I have expected to see Miss Vernon," she said, rising to receive her -visitor, with much graciousness, and rather too much ease. "My father -told me, he expected a visit from one of his former pupils." - -"I was so fortunate as to meet him accidentally, the day before -yesterday, and was delighted to renew my acquaintance with him." - -"I have often heard my father speak of you, and of your great taste -for music; you were quite one of his pet pupils. I expect him in -immediately." - -And the two young ladies were soon excellent friends, the more so, as -Kate's new acquaintance was quite able to make up for any silence or -pre-occupation, on her part, caused by the nervous anxiety with which -we watch for an important interview. - -Miss Herman was evidently rather curious as to the object of Kate's -visit to her father; and Kate saw no reason why she should not gratify -her curiosity; for, pre-occupied as she was, any other topic was -irksome; and though not exactly of the stamp she had been accustomed -to, it was so long since she had enjoyed a conversation with a lady, at -all near her own age, that she found it a pleasant variety. Yet it was -with a sensation of relief, that poor Kate hailed her exclamation-- - -"There is my father's knock." - -In another moment, he bustled into the room. - -"Rather late, dear lady; but much pleased to see you." - -"Luncheon directly, Gertrude." - -Then seating himself by Kate, as his daughter left the room-- - -"Now let me hear in what I can serve you, my dear Miss Vernon, for I -got your note all safe." - -Kate hesitated a moment, and then, her color rising, yet with a certain -playfulness, and without any preface, said-- - -"You thought I wanted to take lessons from you, my dear sir--no; I want -pupils myself." - -Herman uttered a slight groan. - -"I was apprehensive of something of the kind, when I read your note; -yet I turned from the idea, as quite preposterous; and your noble -relative!" - -"She knows nothing of my intention. But my dear Mr. Herman," continued -Kate, with a firmness and decision, that surprised even herself, "let -us not waste time in deploring what is inevitable; believe me, there -is a strong necessity for the step I am about to take, which does not, -considered in the abstract, offer any great attractions; the question -is, can you, and will you, kindly put me in the way of carrying out my -views; to say that I have been your pupil, would, I am sure be greatly -in my favour; but I want more than that; to introduce me, in my new -career." - -"Dear lady: I happen, it is true, to be rather the fashion as a musical -teacher, just at present; and I should be most happy to serve you; -but, though I gave you lessons for three or four months, I cannot say -I trained you; and I have some pupils, brought up to music as their -profession, whom I must consider first; besides though you had great -talent, as an amateur, it is a different thing for a teacher, ah--have -you kept up your music?" - -"Yes, most diligently," replied Kate, who felt her cheeks hot, and her -hands cold, during this speech of Herman's. - -"Well then," rising, and opening a grand piano, "let me hear you play, -and I will tell you exactly what I think; now you must hear the truth." - -"It is all ask." - -Miss Vernon, threw aside her bonnet and shawl, and seated herself -at the piano; but her memory seemed suddenly clouded, by the very -necessity for clearness, nay, her physical vision, by the intense -anxiety to acquit herself well, and while the room swam before her, -the only distinct image she could perceive, was Hermann, standing -opposite, with a look of severe criticism on his countenance; but -this moment of suffering did not last--Kate was making rapid strides -in the acquirement of that self-command, without which, the empire -of the world is but a wider range for the sceptred slave. "I must be -calm--I will not be false to myself," she thought, and pressing her -hands to her eyes for an instant, she conjured up the organist's pale, -benevolent face, as it used to look, when he listened to her playing, -and thus placed her spirit once more within the calm influence of -her old cloistered home; then with a true and steady finger, began -a fantasia, composed by Hermann himself. He started at the first -notes--and listened with wrapt attention, quite as much the effect of -her performance, as his own will. His daughter entered--he held up -a warning finger, to enjoin silence--she came to listen; but whether -there was one listener or a thousand, was now a matter of indifference -to Kate, who absorbed in the music, and revelling in the tones of -a magnificent instrument, after nearly a week's fast, poured forth -the really beautiful composition, with a fervour of feeling, and a -perfection of execution, that quite astonished her hearers; and when -at length, after some beautiful and difficult runs, the piece ended -with sustained chords, the German burst into exclamations of delight, -in his native tongue--echoed by his daughter; while Kate, agitated by -her success, stood quite still--silent from her utter inability to -articulate. - -"But it is wonderful how well you have remembered my instructions, I -shall certainly mention you everywhere, as my pupil--my advanced pupil. -And now we will have our luncheon--let me offer you my arm. Do you -sing?" - -"Yes." - -"Ah, then, we will first have a song." - -"No, no, Mr. Herman, I was foolishly nervous about playing, and now I -feel hardly able to speak much less to sing." - -"Well then, you must come and have a glass of wine to restore you." - -During the progress of the luncheon, Kate learned many particulars, as -to the usual rates of remuneration, &c.; and was surprised to find it -so low. - -"As a beginner you can hardly hope to get much," said Hermann, who was -devouring veal pie and pickled cabbage, with great appetite; "but I -hope to be of use to you here too; I will try to get you the best terms -I can, and you will agree to whatever I arrange?" - -"Of course; you are most kind, my dear sir; but how soon do you think -you will be able to get me some pupils?" - -"We shall see--we shall see--you must not be in a hurry; and Gertrude, -give me that portfolio. Here," said he, "here is a simple air, -harmonise it in four parts, at your leisure, and enclose it to me, that -will show me what you know of theory; if you would consent to play and -sing at private concerts, you might make a very good thing of it; and -with your figure and face, I--" - -"Hush, hush," cried Kate, with an involuntary action, and holding up -her hand, as if to repel by physical force, the idea suggested by -Herman, "it is useless to mention such a plan." - -"Well well, as you like--but it is the pleasantest and most lucrative -line by far; and now, dear lady, I must run away--I am beyond my time, -and the old Duchess of L---- is as sharp as a needle about a minute -more or less of the lesson. God bless you--write your address in my -book, I might lose your note--you are a pupil I may well be proud of. -Good bye," and he bustled off. - -After a few more civil words with Miss Herman; and writing her name and -address in the book, Herman kept for the purpose, Kate took her leave. - -"I hope to have the pleasure of calling on you," said Miss Herman. - -"I shall be most happy to see you, and to introduce you to grandpapa." - -"If I do not call soon, pray excuse me, as I have many engagements. Are -there any omnibusses pass near your house?" - -"Oh, yes, several. I think I had better take one going back--they are -not very disagreeable--are they?" - -"Why, have you never been in an omnibus?" said Miss Herman, with some -surprise. - -"Never as yet." - -And (nurse having appeared from the lower regions,) Kate shook hands -once more with her lively, good-humoured, new acquaintance, and -departed in high spirits at the result of her visit. - -"I am very tired, nurse, and I am sure so are you." - -"Is it tired, Miss Kate? not a bit iv it; sure was'nt I aitin the -best iv cauld beef, an' dhrinkin' the best iv ale, down in the -house-keeper's parlour, they seem mighty nice kind of people, an' there -was wan of thim with the quarest cap." - -"There, dear nurse, call that omnibus." - -"Och, sure, Miss Kate, ye would'nt be afther goin' into wan iv the like -iv thim; its nothin's but the counter-jumpers goes in thim." - -"No matter, the sooner I get used to them the better," said Miss -Vernon, resolute not to do things by halves but to descend freely, and, -therefore, gracefully. "So do not let another pass, nurse, for indeed I -am very tired." - -"Oh, blessed Bridget! Oh, marciful Moses, look at this! did iver I -think to--Stop, will ye, have ye no eyes in yer head, ye thief? ye wor -niver tired bawlin' to us to go wid yez whin we did'nt want ye." - -"Bayswater, mum--yes, mum," and Kate and Mrs. O'Toole were crammed -into a vehicle, apparently full to overflowing; at least so Kate -thought, though the conductor assured them he had not got his number. -The occupants, as usual, would not at first open their ranks, and it -was not until after some moments of uneasy balancing and staggering, -that our two novices in omnibus travelling, were accommodated with -seats, as far as possible from the door of the carriage. Nurse, who -was of tolerable dimensions, reducing two angular old maiden ladies -to scarcely visible lines; while poor Kate, with a feeling of deep -repugnance, was squeezed between a fat, elderly man and the upper end -of the conveyance; the road appeared interminable, and, owing to their -unacquaintance with it, and their inexperience of omnibus travel, they -were carried far beyond their destination. - -Never had the sight of her grandfather's face been so welcome to Kate, -as when she saw him looking from the window on their return; after the -various small, but not the less trying, trials of the day; and joyous -was the tone, in which she exclaimed--"victoria, dearest grandpapa," as -she threw off her bonnet and shawl. - -"Come and tell me all about it, dearest," said he, holding out his hand -to her. - -She seated herself beside him, and detailed her interview with Herman, -brightening the brighter parts, and subduing the darker, with exquisite -pious tact; and then, turning from the subject of her own plans, which -always fretted the old gentleman, enquired what his movements had been, -and if there was a letter from the Winters? - -"No, none," said the Colonel. - -"Well, I will go and get ready for dinner, and afterwards we will have -a short stroll in the gardens. Perhaps this evening's post may bring us -a letter from our friends. Nurse is a capital chaperone, and I am glad -you did not go, dear grandpapa, it would have been quite too much for -you." - -After this nothing could surpass the unbroken but rather gloomy quiet, -in which Kate's days slipped by; her piano having arrived, was a great -source of enjoyment to her, and lent wings to many a heavy hour. - -Winter, though kind, was like most men, a tardy correspondent, and Kate -was ashamed of writing as often as her heart dictated. Lady Desmond, -too, engrossed by some new pleasure or occupation, wrote, though -affectionately, but seldom; and at times the sad feeling, that to the -friends who are afar, we are as nothing, scarcely missed, and merely -remembered, through the importunate efforts of our own pen, would -steal over Kate's mind in spite of every effort of reason and common -sense; for hers was a nature too noble, too unexacting, to doubt the -kindness or the truth of those who professed either. Yet it is hard, -very hard, not to become restless and complaining, when, day after -day, the letter carrier hurries past, or worse still, his startling, -though hoped for, knock, thrills every pulse, and there is nothing for -you. Oh, you who are still left in peace and security, amongst all that -has been endeared to you in childhood and in youth; amongst kindred and -familiar faces; and scenes of beauty associated with happiness, and -disregarded in the full certainty of possession; think well before you -charge the absent with querulous avidity for letters; you cannot know, -you cannot dream the intense longing with which we turn from the looks -and tones, the places and the people around us, and conjure up old -scenes and voices, long unheard; and then ask again, and again, with a -mournful tenderness, unspeakable in its depth, "Shall I never see them -more?" while a gloomy echo from our own unspoken presage answers, "they -are gone--they are all passed by;" ay, passed indeed, for what is gone -is eternally passed by. "Speak to them that they go forward," is the -message of God to mankind, as to the Israelites of old; forward we must -go, on--on, in sin or in righteousness; there is no pause, and what is -left is left for ever! - -Kate felt an extraordinary longing to have the old hound, Cormac, with -her once more, and wrote on the subject to Mr. Winter. As usual, when -any positive question was to be answered, his reply was prompt. - -"Cannot you leave the dog where he is?" wrote the testy little artist, -"I tell you he will be a troublesome customer; even here he is quite -savage, and we have to throw him his meat from a civil distance." - -"Poor Cormac!" sighed Kate, who was reading the letter aloud to her -grandfather, "how unhappy he must be, when he is so cross; he will -become irretrievably savage if we do not remove him; may I write about -him, dear grandpapa, at once?" - -"Oh, yes, my dear," said the Colonel. - -"Besides," resuming the letter, "your lodgings are too dear already, -and Cormac will be an addition to them. I dare say you find your money -slipping away fast enough; I hope you remember you have a balance of -thirty pounds in my hands, after the sale of the furniture, so do not -think about Cormac at present. Poor Gilpin is very ill, and cannot last -long. What is Herman about? I think he is a humbug; and what's become -of Langley's sister, that was to have called on you. I remember her a -good humoured woman, that murdered the King's English, her husband is -very well off, she ought to have some girls to be taught." - -The letter ended with a kind message from Mrs. Winter, who seldom -wrote, and left an uneasy unpleasant impression on Kate's mind. - -"Well, I will write about Cormac, I so long to have him to walk with -me," she said, after a moment's thought. Beginning her letter with -excuses for so imprudent a proceeding, to her terrible mentor, she -continued-- - -"The complete disappearance of all the agents through whom I hoped to -achieve, such great things from the little stage of my life, is indeed -marvellous, and so dispiriting that I felt inclined to most unbecoming -impatience when I read your letter, in which you, as usual, set forth, -so forcibly, important points; but second thoughts are best _maestro -mio_. Let us give them the benefit of our doubts; both Miss Herman and -Mrs. Storey may be out of town, or unwell, or any thing you like, and -while it is better for my heart and spirits to fancy my _ci-devant_ -music-master moving heaven and earth, though unsuccessful in my behalf, -than to imagine him playing me false, by culpable negligence, let me -think so; I must wait; so let the imagination I so often indulged, in -happier days, show her gratitude by lightening the interval of wretched -doubt. Is this right? If you think so, say it, for I am not, heaven -knows, so strong that I can dispense with the wholesome encouragement -of friendly approbation; and though there is great support in the -whisperings of an approving conscience, yet it is wonderfully -comforting to have its accents echoed by a voice one loves. By the -arrangements I have made here, Cormac's advent will add nothing to our -expenses, and I am sure his absence will be a relief to you." - -Miss Vernon went to Euston Square, accompanied by Mrs. O'Toole, to meet -him, and the joy of the old hound, at sight of her, was quite touching. - -"We are afraid to go near him, ma'am," said the porter, who led them to -where he was chained, "he's the fiercest dog we ever had charge on." - -But Kate fearlessly went up to him, and unfastened his chain, while -he almost overpowered her by his uncouth caresses, to the dread of -the beholders. Then sitting close by her, his head stretched up that -he might look in her face, and only noticing Mrs. O'Toole, by an -occasional lick, he remained as docile as a lamb. - -Kate and nurse walked gaily home with him, feeling they had gained the -addition of a friend to their society; indeed Cormac conducted himself -with so much discretion, that the smiling, because regularly paid, -landlady observed, he was, "a perfect hangel in disposition." - -As if pleasures and pains were equally gregarious, Mr. Langley called -just as they were going to tea. He was livelier than usual, and -explained his own and his sister's apparent inattention, by informing -them that she had been obliged to take her little boy to the Isle of -Wight, for change of air; that he had accompanied them for the same -purpose, and had there met Miss Herman, who was on a visit to her -married sister. Thus were all Kate's doubts satisfactorily cleared up, -and the very lightness of heart which these few words of explanation -produced, proved to her how heavily their silence and apparent neglect -had preyed upon her spirits. It was no wonder therefore that Langley -felt surprised he had not before been struck by the brilliancy as well -as the sweetness of her face; she played, and sang for him too, for the -first time, and although he said little, was evidently charmed by a -degree of excellence he was in no wise prepared for. - -He left them at an early hour (after an offer of books from his -collection), considerably cheered by his visit. He had been much more -agreeable than usual, indeed there was something in the noble manner -of Colonel Vernon, in the grace and piquancy of his grandchild, in -her perfect freedom from all idea of self; and spirited intelligent -assumption of her right to think _for_ herself--that attracted the -taciturn, though well informed, Langley, in no common degree. He had a -bad opinion of women in general--like many men, he divided them into -two classes, fools and knaves; and could not imagine the combination of -heart and intellect--yet Kate's original observations, surprised him -by their freshness, while it was impossible to look upon her sweet, -but noble countenance--and doubt that if ever the spirit of truth had -stamped its impress on a human soul, that soul was hers. - - - - -CHAPTER VI. - -RESIGNATION. - - -Nearly two months had elapsed since the Vernons left A----; and affairs -wore much the same aspect as the first days of their arrival in town. -Miss Herman had called on Kate, on her return from the Isle of Wight, -and Kate had, _selon les regles_, returned the visit; and not liking -to trespass on Herman's time, unnecessarily, had written merely to ask -some trifling question, and thus, remind him of his promise; in reply -to which, she received a vague assurance of his readiness to serve her, -and a recommendation to patience. - -Meantime, parliament was within a few days of its prorogation--town -fast thinning--and the season, to all intents and purposes, over. This -was indeed a trying time; and no portion of it so trying, as when the -Colonel sunk into his evening sleep. Kate then ventured to release her -thoughts from the books, or work, on which she always endeavoured to -fix them, in his presence, lest he should think her pre-occupied or -depressed; and sometimes gazing from the window, at the slowly closing -evening--sometimes fixing her eyes on the beloved face, which, freed -from constraint, bore a pained expression--too truly indicative of -internal feeling--occasionally an uneasy sigh would escape him, or some -muttered word; and, oh! the inexpressible tenderness and anguish that -would then swell his grandchild's heart. - -Did you ever watch one you loved, asleep? if not, you never knew of -how much love your nature was capable; yet these communings with self, -like Jacob's wrestling with the angel, left a blessing behind--though -the frequent, bitter, passionate questions--"Why is it so? Why is he, -who would turn aside, rather than tread upon a worm; whose strong, -warm heart, was chiefly pleased in shewing mercy and pity--why is he -thus tried, and left desolate, now when the years are come in which -he has no pleasure?" would rise to her lips; and, hard, hard was it -to suppress them, for Kate Vernon's heart beat with too strong, too -passionate a pulse, not to feel that chastening was very grievous; nor -could she frame unreal words of resignation--when the strong turmoil of -her breast, lay open to the All-seeing--she could but cry, from out its -troubled depths--"Behold, O Lord, and see!" - -One morning, her grandfather was reading aloud to her--she sometimes -made him do so--it fixed his attention more--when the door was -opened suddenly, and a lady presented herself, unannounced. She was -richly dressed in rather showy colors, and held a large embroidered -lace-edged handkerchief in her hand. The Colonel and Kate both rose. - -"Miss Vernon, I presume!" - -"Yes," she replied, advancing. - -The visitor presented a card; and Kate, glancing at it, exclaimed-- - -"Ah! Mrs. Storey--grandpapa--Mr. Langley's sister." - -And mutual civilities were exchanged. - -The new comer was slightly consequential, inclined to talk of her -husband's firm, as of a subject of universal and recognized interest; -she was a little patronising too; but evidently charmed and subdued by -the inexpressible tone of deference and esteem which characterised the -Colonel's manner to women, and to which few ladies, connected with even -the most eminent firms, are accustomed. - -"I am come on a double errand," said she, to Kate, after explaining -about her long delayed visit--"one, to hand you this note; the other, -to beg you and Colonel Vernon will kindly consent to join a small -circle of friends, at my house, on Thursday evening, though I have made -the request rather unceremoniously." - -"You are very kind; I am sure, grandpapa, and myself will have great -pleasure--" - -"Yes, certainly," chimed in the Colonel; "though I seldom do so gay a -thing, as to appear at a _soiree_." - -"Then I shall expect you at half-past eight, as it is to be an early -party, of a few friends only; and now, Miss Vernon, read that note." - -Kate opened it, and read as follows-- - - "DEAR MRS. STOREY, - - "I should like to see the young person of whom your brother spoke to - me, as I wish Mary and Angelina to begin music, without any further - delay; they have quite forgotten what they learned at Mrs. Birch's. - Can Miss Vernon teach singing? I shall be at home for her at one - o'clock, on Tuesday next. - - "With kind regards to Mr. S----, - - "I am yours, very sincerely, - - "A. POTTER." - - "_St. Cecilia Terrace_, - "_Brompton, Saturday evening_." - -"I am very glad to get a summons, at last," said Kate, smiling. "I was -beginning to fear pupils were an unattainable good. The note is from a -friend of Mrs. Storey's, grandpapa," she continued, anxious to prevent -the old gentleman from reading it, as, she justly thought, the wording -of it might ruffle his pride, "who requires instruction in music for -her two daughters, and wishes me to call upon her on Tuesday. How do -you go to Brompton from hence, Mrs. Storey?" - -"The most agreeable way is through Kensington Gardens, then across the -Knightsbridge Road." - -"Thank you; that sounds as if it would be a pleasant walk." - -"Oh, very pleasant, indeed; will you excuse me for running away very -abruptly? but I do not think I should have made time to call only -for Mrs. Potter's note; another time, I hope we shall be able to -improve our acquaintance, Miss Vernon. Good morning; pray don't come -to the door. Half-past eight, Miss Vernon; a few friends; my brother -brings some professors of music;" and she chattered out of the room, -overpowering Kate's every effort to thank her for her kindness. - -Nurse was in readiness to open the hall door, with a look of extreme -displeasure on her countenance. - -"I niver seen the like iv thim English," she said, indignantly. -"Hesther was washin' the steps whin she come up--'Is Miss Vernon at -home?' ses she. 'Yes,' ses Hesther; 'I'll call Mrs. O'Toole.' An' away -she runs for me; but me lady couldn't wait, I suppose; so in she walks -widout--'By yer lave, or with yer lave,' instead of waiting to be -announced like a christian." - -"No matter, nurse, she brought me good news," replied Kate. - -"Well, my love, I congratulate you, that your pious wishes are likely -to be accomplished," said the Colonel, as she returned to the room. -"This Mrs. Storey appears to be a good sort of woman." - -"Oh, I am delighted with her! and no wonder; she has rekindled the -almost extinct flame of hope; I do trust I may succeed with her friend. -Do come out, dearest grandpapa, I feel too glad to stay in the house." - -The next day was Tuesday, and Kate, escorted by Mrs. O'Toole and -Cormac, started at an early hour--to keep Mrs. Potter's appointment--as -they had to explore their way--this they accomplished without much -difficulty; and, leaving nurse and Cormac to wait her return, Kate -followed a rather seedy man-servant, in plain clothes, up a dingy -stair-case, into a very handsomely-furnished, but uninhabited-looking -drawing-room, with richly-bound books, geometrically placed on round -tables, vases filled with wax flowers, alabaster Cupids, and a grand, -rosewood piano. She had hardly glanced at all this finery, when the -door was opened hastily, and a fat and rather red-faced woman, her hair -done up into little round, flat curls, secured with pins, who breathed -audibly, after mounting the stairs, came quickly into the room. - -"Ah, I beg pardon," she involuntarily exclaimed, as Kate's slight, -elegant figure met her eye; "I understood Miss Vernon was here." - -"I am Miss Vernon," replied Kate, quietly. - -"Oh!" or, as she pronounced it, 'ho,' "indeed! then will you just step -down to the front parlour? that stupid man did not know who you were." - -"Indeed!" - -The front parlour at No. ----, St. Cecilia Terrace, was like all other -front parlours of its class; there were horse-hair chairs and sofa, -dyed moreen curtains, and the cast off furniture of humbler days, a -former and less splendid house; no books, and a large work-basket; -two young ladies that might be twelve and sixteen years of age, rose -on their entrance; but did not long suspend the labours of their busy -needles. There was a third person, whose semi-genteel dress, and -hurried, anxious expression of face, and surrounding circle of shreds, -of every hue and texture, declared her to be--"The very reasonable girl -who goes out dress-making." - -"Now, Miss Vernon," began Mrs. Potter, rapidly, almost before she was -seated, "I want these two young ladies to be taught music. I understand -you were a pupil of Herman's?" - -"I was." - -"And can you teach singing?" - -"Yes." - -"Well?" - -"Why," said Kate, "I cannot possibly be considered a fair judge." - -"Well, I should like some reference as to your capabilities." - -"I have none to offer, if you are not satisfied with Mr. Langley's -opinion." - -"Oh, yes; he is a very good judge." - -"Perhaps you will let me hear you play," returned Mrs. Potter, sweeping -off a mingled pile of silk merino and fringe, from a very antique piano. - -"Of course," replied Kate, drawing off her gloves. - -"Ah!" she exclaimed, shrinking back at the discordant tones, which her -first touch drew forth. "This is rather out of tune, and has not got -the additional keys; I could not play anything on this instrument." - -"Well, there's the grand up-stairs," said Mrs. Potter, with more -respect than her manner had yet testified, at this raising of -difficulties on the part of Kate. "Come along, girls." - -They ascended to the decorated apartment before described; and there, -although she found the "grand rose-wood," as it was termed by the -family, to be deplorably out of tune also, Kate performed a noisy -introduction and march, which she guessed would be most likely to suit -her auditors; a song was then demanded, and given; and mother and -daughters exchanged glances, which said very plainly--"We've drawn a -prize!" - -"Well, I'm sure that's very nice," began Mrs. Potter. "I have no -objection to engage you." - -Then came the discussion of terms; the greatest trial poor Kate had yet -encountered. It was so difficult to name her price, so hard to bear -the attempt to beat her down; yet all things must have an end; and, at -length, she was finally engaged. Then, with what a feeling of relief -she walked briskly on to meet Mrs. O'Toole, who was loitering about in -waiting for her young mistress. - -"How valuable poor Mr. Gilpin's hints have been to me," thought she; -"what exquisite torture that whole interview would have been, had I -not, by his advice, made up my mind to treat and think of the whole -affair as a business transaction, which could not touch me really." - -Nurse was less curious than usual--the subject was one that could -only give her pain and grief, so she contented herself with Kate's -general assurance that all was satisfactorily settled. The Colonel, -notwithstanding all his consideration for his loving, self-forgetting -child, could not suppress a groan, when he heard all the particulars -she thought fit to give. - -"Ah, dear Kate! what costs us so dear, brings but little into our -exchequer." - -"But I shall get more pupils, you know, and then--" - -"Well, God's will be done!" - -The lessons at Brompton began the next day; and Kate was surprised -to find how rapidly the time flew in the endeavour to convey her own -knowledge to her pupils; then the walk back, accompanied by Cormac, who -lay outside the hall door, like a chiselled effigy of watchfulness, all -the time the lesson lasted, was charming. The welcome from nurse and -grandpapa! how grateful the task to work for them. "All I ask of Thee, -oh Mighty Parent! is abundance of work!" she often murmured, almost -aloud. - -Thus cheered, she wrote in a strain of unwonted gaiety to Winter, -promising him an account of Mrs. Storey's _soirée_, at which nurse -was determined her darling should appear in most _recherché_ costume; -but, to her dismay, the object of all this care, refused to appear in -anything but "a demi-toilette." - -"An' why won't ye show yer illigant white neck, an' arums, just to let -them see what we've got in ould Ireland?" - -"You see, it will be a small party, nurse; and, at all events, I would -rather look too little, than too much, dressed; besides, it is of no -consequence; yet, that is not quite true," she added, with a frank -smile, "I should not like to look frightful." - -So she had her own way, and wore the style of dress she preferred. -Nurse produced a very handsome bouquet, just at the critical moment -when the toilette was "_un fait accompli_," and Kate was thinking how -unfinished her costume looked without what had hitherto been, with her, -an invariable accompaniment. - -"Oh, nurse, how lovely! and you have got these for me! Ah, you spoil -your child! but I am so glad to have them! Now I am indeed _mise a -ravir_; and shall value them a thousand times more as your gift, than -if they were from--" - -"The Captin?" put in Mrs. O'Toole, slily. - -"Yes, far more," said Kate, and she spoke the truth, for the moment. - -Some slight delay in procuring a cab, rendered their appearance at Mrs. -Storey's later than they had intended, and her rooms were more than -half full when they entered. There was the usual group of gentlemen -near the door, conversing in under tones with each other; there was -the same spare sprinkling of broad cloth, amongst the silks, satins, -and muslins, seated stiffly round the walls, or rigidly enthroned on -ottomans; the same half dozen of bolder spirits, more at home with the -company than those about the door, amongst whom the _facetious man_, -(for there is always such at third rate parties), shone conspicuous, -entreating the ladies to teach him the language of flowers, or -propounding far-fetched conundrums, ending, invariably, with, "do you -give it up?" - -Tea and coffee was being handed round by two most respectable-looking -men, whose faces seemed strangely familiar to Kate, until she -remembered that she saw them almost daily, at the gate of Kensington -Gardens, mounting guard over the Bath chairs, which they had there for -hire; and young ladies were gently nibbling small squares of cake, and -then depositing them in their saucers, as if ashamed of being guilty of -so sublunary an occupation; in short, there was every thing that could -possibly be expected at a _soirée_ of the class we are describing. - -The appearance of Colonel Vernon, with his elegant-looking -granddaughter, drew general attention; and a whisper of curiosity ran -round the room, as each one felt, instinctively, there was something -in the newly arrived guests, different from themselves. Miss Vernon -advanced through the numerous company, to her total strangers, with -the quiet self-possession which so peculiarly distinguished her, and -which had struck Egerton so forcibly, at the memorable ball, where they -had first met. It was so different from the assured manner of a veteran -society hunter, or the "look at me," air of a professed beauty, and -seemed to say, "there is no position so lofty, where I should be out of -place." - -Mrs. Storey welcomed her new acquaintance with great warmth, advancing -rapidly to meet them, with a huge bouquet held fiercely in her hand -like a Lancer charging the foe. - -"Very glad to see you, Miss Vernon, and your grandpa, looking so -well--Mr. Storey, Colonel Vernon, Miss Vernon, &c." - -Mr. Storey was a rubicund, jolly looking man, not yet absolutely fat, -but promising well for the time to come; slightly bald, with small -twinkling eyes, and an inveterate affection for the letter R; moreover, -he constantly held his hands in his trowsers' pockets; laughed often a -fat laugh, had an unmistakeable air of prosperity, and was altogether -what Mrs. Storey, called, "very good company." - -"Happy to see you, Miss Vernon, happy to see you, sir; just a few -friends, what my friend Jones calls a "tea fight," that's his -interpretation of "a _soirée_." - -Langley here disengaged himself, rather abruptly, from a group of two -or three bold, confident-looking girls, and pale dishevelled men, -evidently artistic, to greet the Vernons, very warmly for him. - -"Let me get you a seat, Miss Vernon," said Mrs. Storey, drawing Kate -towards the group Mr. Langley had just left. "Sorry I was out when you -called yesterday. Did you arrange with Mrs. Potter?" - -"Yes, and I have to thank you and Mr. Langley for procuring me my first -pupils." - -"Oh, I was very glad." - -"Miss Dent," said Mrs. Storey to one of the dashing looking young -ladies, before mentioned, "let me introduce Miss Vernon, you are both -very musical; Miss Vernon plays beautifully, I am told; we hope to hear -her farther on in the evening--Miss Charlotte Dent." - -And Kate, to her dismay, was left to the tender mercies of these -evidently "very fashionable," girls, who were, "_en grande tenue_," -with the lowest cut dresses, and shortest sleeves permissible in -society. - -"Been long in town?" said the eldest, (after a deliberate survey of -Miss Vernon's simple costume,) in a bold and rather deep toned voice. - -Kate replied courteously, and turned to see what had become of the -Colonel; he was engaged, apparently, in interesting conversation with -Mr. Langley, and satisfied that he did not feel lonely, she gave her -attention to the people round her. - -"Were you ever in town before?" continued her examiner. - -"Oh, yes, for some time, three years ago." - -"Horrid place at this time of year. I am counting the days until I -start for Germany." - -Here one of Langley's dishevelled friends, from some change in the -surrounding group (for the rooms were now almost crowded), suddenly -stepped back, and in so doing, trod on Miss Vernon's dress; he begged -pardon with much empressement, in a manner which bespoke him to be no -common man; he was pale, thin and foreign-looking, with deep sunk, -flashing eyes, wild hair, and an unsteady expression of countenance. - -"I am always doing these sort of things, and have vowed a hundred times -never to brave the dangers of a _soirée_ again; but," he shrugged his -shoulders. - -"_Passato l'pericolo gabbato l'santo_," said Kate, gaily and archly; -judging from his air and manner, that this scrap of poor Winter's lore -would be understood. - -"_La Signorina parla l'Italiano_," he exclaimed, joyously. - -"So little that I dare not venture to begin a conversation in it," she -replied, as she did not consider it impossible to speak to a stranger -without a formal introduction. - -"Yet you pronounce it correctly," said the wild looking man. - -"You think so?" - -"Yes, and although it is not my native tongue, I love it, as if it -were." - -"So did the friend from whom I learned what little I know of it, and -the proverb I have just said; yet no; not quite so well as his own -tongue, for _he_ was English." - -"Your emphasis would imply that you think I am not, nor am I." - -"Mr. Winter used to say----" - -"Winter!" he interrupted, "is he the painter who has buried himself so -strangely in some monastic tomb, some old city, "_en Province_?"" - -"The same." - -"Then you are the young lady Langley spoke of?" - -"Yes." - -"_Maraviglia!_" - -"Why are you surprised?" asked Kate, smiling. - -He only repeated, "_maraviglia!_" - -"Miss Dent, will you kindly play us something," said Mrs. Storey, -sailing up, bouquet in hand. - -"With pleasure, Mrs. Storey, but really you must send for my music, for -Mr. Jones has been making me laugh so, I could not remember a note if I -was to die for it; it is in the cloak room." - -While Miss Dent was making numerous preparations for the proposed -exhibition, Langley for the first time, left Vernon, and came over to -Kate, who, feeling pleased to speak to her only acquaintance, at least -of any standing, received him with a brilliant smile, making room for -him beside her on the sofa, with her usual unpremeditated grace. - -"I see my friend Galliard has made your acquaintance, Miss Vernon, -without my assistance." - -"Ah, out of evil cometh good, thanks to Mademoiselle!" said the man he -called Galliard, gaily. "Tore her dress, she pardoned the penitent, and -permitted him to speak, _voilà tout_." - -A warning hus-sh-sh silenced him, and taking a large pinch of snuff, -he assumed a critical air as Miss Dent struck a powerful blow on an -unfortunate chord, and started off at a brisk gallop up the keys; her -execution was really remarkable, and the music she performed full of -physical difficulties; there were interminable shakes, and thundering -chords; crossing of the hands and rushing from one extreme of the keys -to the other; at last the performance, amid a crash of chords, came to -a sudden end, upon which the talkers, startled at hearing their own -voices, all at once, so loud, stopped too, and clapped their hands. - -Miss Dent rose with a triumphant air, gathered together her gloves, fan -and bouquet, and stood at the end of the "instrument," as Mrs. Storey -called it, laughing and talking noisily, with the numerous beaux who -surrounded her. - -"Now, Miss Vernon, may I call upon you?" said the lady of the house, -approaching. - -Kate rose with a smile, and addressing Langley, in a low tone, said-- - -"Will you kindly stay with grandpapa, while I play, and do not let him -come near me." - -She took Mr. Storey's arm, as she spoke, and moved to the piano. -Galliard and two or three more of Langley's friends followed, -with every appearance of interest, very different from the degree -of attention they bestowed on Miss Dent. Kate felt little or no -nervousness; her trial and success, at Herman's, had set her mind at -ease, and she at once began a very lovely Fantasia, composed by Gilpin, -at her request, and meant to convey the feeling of sweet peacefulness -she had described to him, as often stealing over her heart, when, after -the last notes of the evening service had scarce died away, she stood -in the Priory church yard, where it overlooked the river, and saw its -waters silvered by the moonbeams. - -The music was of the Mendelssohn school, of which the organist was a -great admirer, and Kate played it well; she knew every note by heart, -from the first solemn sustained chords, to the noble march and tender -aria with which it concludes. - -The talkers frequently begun, but were as frequently hushed by the -indignant "chut, chut" of the connoisseurs; and when she quietly -rose from the piano, the emphatic "good, very good!" "she can play!" -"a remarkable composition!" testified the satisfaction of Langley's -professional friends; while they left the task of noisy plaudits to -the indiscriminating multitude. - -Kate now in her turn, the centre of a little group, had to answer many -questions as to the author of the music she had played, and, with her -usual eagerness to exalt a friend, she pronounced a glowing eulogium on -the organist as a man, and a musician. - -"He has genius, undoubtedly," said Galliard, "but can genius be -satisfied with the obscurity of a little provincial town?" - -"He is happy there," said Kate. - -"Happy!" Galliard repeated, with a cynical accent. - -"A man must be very happy when he allows it," replied Miss Vernon. - -"_E vero_," cried Galliard, laughing. - -"Or so very proud that he will not admit the contrary," suggested -Langley. - -"If you knew Mr. Gilpin," began Kate, when their hostess advancing, -interrupted her, and begged for a song, to which request Kate at once -acceded. - -Then the hostess proposed a quadrille, and introduced a young -gentleman, redolent of _eau de mille feurs_, with an elaborately -worked shirt front, lined with pink, and a white pastry face, to Kate, -whispering, in a jocose manner, "is quite a catch, junior partner -in the great firm of Jones, Brown and Tuckett;" and, with a knowing -nod, she walked away, leaving Kate half amused at the extraordinary -confidences of her communicative hostess; but feeling through all that, -had she still been heiress of Dungar, and any strange chance had thrown -Mrs. Storey in her way, the acquaintanceship would have been conducted -on very different terms. - -She stood up very good-humouredly, however, and replied to all her -partner's vapid remarks, very readily; yet, somehow, Tuckett, junior, -though he was "the glass of fashion and the mould of form," to -Hammond-court, Mincing-lane, did not feel at his ease with her; and -she, in the innocence of her heart, believing that all firms dwelt in -the city, and never dreaming that a man could be so silly as to blush -because he was a worker instead of an idler, put him to torture by her -unconscious questions. - -"I am anxious to explore the city," she said, while the side couples -were dancing _La Poule_. "I suppose you know all its charming nooks by -heart." - -"Aw, no, indeed, it's a place I have too great a distaste for, to stay -in, except when obliged." - -"For shame," said Kate, "A citizen of 'famous London Town,' ought -to know, and prize the various interesting 'locales' in the mighty -capital." - -"Shall I get you an ice?" said her partner, sullenly. - -"No, no, thank you," replied Kate, shaking her head rather mournfully, -as she remembered the last time a similar question had been put to -her; and taking her seat near the Colonel, who was standing with -Langley and Galliard; she dismissed Tuckett, junior, with a gracious -inclination of the head. - -Soon after, the Colonel complaining of fatigue, and Kate, glad to -escape her good-humoured host's frequently expressed wish that she -would 'polkar,' took her leave of the _soirée_. Langley and Galliard -attended them to the carriage, which awaited them. - -"Mr. Langley tells me he saw our friend Egerton's name, in some paper, -promoted to a majority," said the Colonel. - -"Did he! oh, where?" cried Kate. - -"It was in the Gazette, I took it up while waiting for Lord H-- --, -whose portrait I am painting." - -"What did it say?" asked Kate, folding her shawl round her. - -"Oh,--'The Honourable Frederic Egerton to be Major in the Lancers, -without purchase, vice,' some one, I forget the name, 'deceased.'" - -"I dare say it cost him some hard cash, though it is there stated -'without purchase;' I understand all that. Come, Kate. Good night, -Mr. Langley. _Bon soir, monsieur, au plaisir de vous voir_," said the -Colonel. - -The Frenchman bowed profoundly, and they drove away. - -The Colonel was not animated after this piece of gaiety, as he used to -be in former days; it seemed to have depressed him, and he complained -of slight cold. Mrs. O'Toole was woefully disappointed to find that -there was "ne'er a lord, nor even an honourable, good or bad, at the -party." - -"To think iv yer playin' an' singin' for the likes iv thim!" she -exclaimed, indignantly. - -"What have I said to make you think so contemptuously of the very -respectable people, amongst whom we have spent (I confess) 'a rather -slow evening,' as my eloquent partner would term it?" - -"Och no matther, sure it's thim that's the only quolity goin' now; -well, niver mind, Miss Kate, we'll lave thim all yet." - -"I hope so," sighed Kate. - - - - -CHAPTER VII. - -LETTERS. - - -The next morning, just as Kate was preparing to write a long letter to -the Winters, one from the kind-hearted little artist was put into her -hand. It was sealed with black wax, and announced the death of poor -Gilpin. He had suffered a good deal; but, towards the last, fell into a -calm, sweet sleep, out of which he suddenly awoke with a look of bright -happiness, such as they had never seen on his face before, as if had -heard a summons inaudible to their ears. - -"I come," he said, and, feebly laying his hand on Winter's, passed to -"where his treasure was," without a sigh. - -There was little in the letter besides the account of the good man's -death; he had left a memorandum of the persons amongst whom his books -and music were to be distributed. He had desired, kindly messages, -to one or two friends, and the last name he uttered was that of Kate -Vernon. - -She read the letter aloud, calmly, but the intonation of her voice -indicated deep emotion; at its conclusion there was a pause, which -neither the Colonel nor his granddaughter were inclined to break; both -were hushed and awed by this description of their friend's passage to -the World of Spirits. - -The large, round, pearly tears weighed down Kate's long lashes, and -slowly rolled over her cheeks, without any effort on her part to -restrain them. She was unconscious that she wept. - -At last the old man broke the silence, saying, - -"Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like -his!" - -"Amen," replied his granddaughter. "Oh, dearest grandpapa," she -continued at length, "he has entered into his rest, and though it is -an awful thought to us, that he still exists, but where no mortal eye -can see him; what an exchange from the many woes and struggles of his -warfare here, to the boundless bliss of heaven! He had many sorrows, -and yet surely the coming shadow of a great deliverance rested on -his spirit, long before he was freed! How sensitive he was--about -his appearance I mean--how keenly alive to every glance, and yet how -resolutely he used to brace up his soul to love, and to endure!" - -"I suppose we shall soon hear from Winter again," said the Colonel, -after another pause. - -"I suppose so," returned Kate, dreamily. "Ah, nurse," she exclaimed, -a few moments after, as Mrs. O'Toole entered, about some household -matter, "he is gone--he is happy--our kind, gentle friend, Mr. Gilpin." - -"The heavens be his bed," said Mrs. O'Toole, crossing herself. "Och, -whin was he taken, Miss Kate?" - -"Two days ago." - -"Athin 'twas he was fit to go! faith, he was worth a score iv clargy to -the poor; an', at the first goin' to A--, I used to think it beneath -ye, to be talkin' an' walkin, wid a poor crathure iv an organist; but -I was proud to spake to him aftherwards meself; for he always looked -as if he'd a taste iv heaven inside iv him, so he did. Sure, it's no -wondher, this is such a miserable place to be in, wid sich min as -Misther Gilpin an' the masther, whipt off like--like a pooff, or robbed -iv their own; an' sich chaps as Taaffe an' Moore, or thim in their -coaches, an' desavin' the world! faith, it's beyant me entirely, so it -is." - -"And beyond many a wiser head than either yours or mine, Nelly," said -the Colonel, kindly. "We must leave all that to God." - -"Thrue for ye, sir." And she retired, murmuring--"Och, blessed Jasus! -resave yer soul, mee poor Gilpin! It's a saint on airth ye wur!" - -So Kate's letter was written, in a very different strain from what she -had intended; and then she strolled with her grandfather in Kensington -Gardens. The old man seemed feeble and depressed; he took Kate's arm, -as he often did of late, and spoke much of his own advancing years, -and his anxiety, in the event of his death, for her in a tone that -thrilled her heart with fear and anguish. She strove to turn the -conversation--but it would not do. - -"I have no doubt, that you alone would find a happy home under -Georgina's roof; but I wish I might see you happily married, and in -a house of your own, before I am called away. I fear from Moore's -intelligence, brief and scanty as it is, there is no chance of our -gaining this fatal lawsuit, so that you will be totally unprovided -for;" and he sighed deeply. "Our relations are so few, and--" - -"Oh, hush, hush, dearest and best!" cried Kate; "you cannot dream what -pain you inflict on me, by such words; do not fear for me; I never -know dread on my own account, for the future; you do not know the -strong courage of my heart--I did not know it myself till of late; we -cannot provide against future ills; why then darken the present by -anticipating them. Let us leave it all to God, as you told nurse this -morning; believe me, I fear nothing, except hearing you speak in this -manner." - -The old man was silent for a while, and then resumed-- - -"We little thought, the day Fred Egerton rushed back so gallantly to -rescue our poor friend, how soon that pleasant little party would be -scattered." - -"Little indeed," echoed Kate; "next week it will be a year since the -ball at Carrington, where I first met him." - -The Colonel smiled, and sighed. - -"He will be sorry to hear of poor Gilpin's death. I wonder he has not -written." - -"Good morning, Miss Vernon," said Langley, coming up behind them. "I -hope you caught no cold last night? How do you do, Colonel Vernon?" - -The Colonel informed him of Gilpin's death; and he seemed rather -interested, as the compositions of the organist, which Kate had played -the night before, had pleased him greatly. Then they talked of great -musicians, and Mozart's Requiem, and the strange circumstances under -which it is said to have been composed. - -"How much I love those wild, mysterious German stories, they have an -indescribable charm for me," said Kate. - -"Why?" asked Langley, in his blunt manner. - -"That is exactly what I cannot answer." - -"I never like what I do not understand." - -"How is it you are a painter then?" asked Kate, in her turn. - -"I do not see what that has to do with the subject on which we were -speaking," he returned, startled at this attack. - -"How is it that you can give expression to a face with your pencil, -which you could not convey in words? Even a landscape may speak the -painter's soul, far more than the most eloquent description; so it is -that glimpses of what is far beyond our nature to comprehend, faint -though they be, give us an idea of space and might far more than any -even perfectly comprehended explanation, as mist-wreaths hide but -magnify the depths seen from a mountain." - -"A very poetical definition, Miss Vernon." - -"I speak but my thoughts," said Kate, steadily, though she blushed, and -felt uneasy; as enthusiasts always do, when the quick current of their -imagination is checked by some son of earth, who dignifies his dulness -by the name of strong common sense. - -"Well, Miss Vernon, I must think of what you say about painting." - -"Ah, you must have enthusiasm and imagination to be a painter, though -you are too English not to be ashamed of your better self." - -"That is what Galliard says." - -"Who is this Monsieur Galliard?" asked the Colonel. - -"Oh, a very curious medley--his father was French, his mother -English--and his life has been divided between France, Italy, and -England--he is half a musician, half a painter, but wholly a writer for -newspapers and reviews, foreign and domestic; he is well thought of, -however, notwithstanding some vulnerable points--knows lots of people, -and is a very likely person to push you on well, Miss Vernon." - -The Colonel winced at this conclusion. - -"You are very kind," said Kate; "I quite begin to think you a real -friend, now I am more accustomed to you." - -Langley stared, astonished! Old enough to be Miss Vernon's father, it -was extraordinary the influence this fair, bright, noble creature, -whose every word and thought were so at variance with the maxims of his -work-a-day world, was gaining over him. - -Meanwhile, they had reached the Vernon's lodgings before he had -recovered the fit of musing into which Kate's words had thrown him. - -"I am glad you think me your friend," he said, at length, interrupting -an exposition of the state of the _Ancienne Regime_, as it existed -when he was in France, into which the Colonel had diverged, apropos to -Galliard. - -"I am quite sure you are 'no humbug,' as my partner of last night -would say," returned Kate, laughing. - -And they parted. - -Lady Desmond's letters were rather more frequent at this time, and -though they evinced, as usual, warm affection and sincere interest in -the fortunes of her relatives, there was a restlessness and despondency -in their tone which spoke of a spirit ill at ease. She frequently said -she would return to them, as they would not come to her; but months -flew by, and still she was among the "distinguished English at present -in Florence." And Kate, who, in spite of herself, yearned for her -return, as for the first beam of the rising sun, as something that -would create a change for the better in the face of affairs, and also -longed to see the fair face of a much loved relative, felt that the -only reason why she did not quite despair of seeing Lady Desmond's -promises fulfilled, was because she dared not deprive herself of that -hope. The Colonel, too, clung to it, with an eagerness almost painful, -at times; and it was evident, this feverish anxiety was connected with -some intention of putting Kate under her guardianship. - -And so their life rolled on--the only break in its monotony was a -slight difference between Mrs. Crooks, the landlady, and Mrs. O'Toole, -which arose from their mutual affection for the parrot. Nurse asserted -"it was a mighty knowledgeable craythur iv a bird;" and Poll verified -the statement of her admirer, by repeating various phrases she learnt -from Mrs. O'Toole, in a rich County Clare brogue. The poverty of the -kitchen fire was a constant source of vexation to Mrs. O'Toole. - -"Hesther, och! girl alive--will ye rouse up that fire a bit," was her -constant cry; and Poll never beheld the much enduring handmaid of Mrs. -Crooks, without screaming. "Hesther, Hesther, rouse up the fire a bit." -"Hesther ye divil!" "Ah, speak pretty, Poll," Mr. Crooks would then -exclaim, "don't say such ugly words--say dear mistress." "Ye divil," -Poll would reply. - -"Faith it would make ye break yer heart laughing, sir," said nurse, -who was detailing the events of their warfare, to the Colonel and -Kate, one evening. 'Spake pretty,' ses she, 'an don't be hollowin' -out thim vulgar Hirish words,' ses she. 'Och, God help ye woman,' ses -I, 'it's little ye know the differ between what's vulgar, an what's -genteel in this counthry,' ses I. 'Ye'd lave a poor Queen, to go sarve -a rich tinker, any hour of the twinty-four; an ye'd rummage through the -blackest dirt iv London for a halfpenny, though yer pocket was full iv -goold guineas, all the time--that's yer gintility in England,' sis I; -'an as for style, an rale quolity, faith it's so little--'" - -"Dear nurse," interrupted Kate, gravely, "I wish you had not made such -a long and irritating speech, to Mrs. Crooks; you must let me settle -your differences, and in future turn a deaf ear to any casual remarks -that may hurt your national vanity--they are not worth noticing." - -"Och, my gracious, Miss Kate, is an impident thief iv a lodging-house -keeper, to be let to have her talk about her betthers an--be the -powers! there's the post," cried nurse interrupting herself, "an I -dhreamt, I had a letther from--" she ran out hastily, and returned -almost immediately, with a disappointed look, "It's for the masther." - -"From Winter," said he, opening it. An enclosed letter, with the -Indian post-mark fell from it. "From Egerton, I do believe," cried the -Colonel; but no--within that again was another enclosure, the address, -written in an intoxicated looking hand, and much blotted. "For Mrs. -O'Toole, at the Kurnel's in England." - -"It's for you, nurse," said Kate, with a heavy sensation of deep -disappointment weighing down her heart. - -"I'll engage it's from Dinny; athin read it for me, jewil!" - -So Kate, disengaging its folds from the stiff adhesion of a large -red wafer, and taking the liberty of correcting some very prominent -errors of orthography, and transferring small into capital I's, read as -follows:-- - - "Deer mother, I'm quite well, an it's little I thought I'd ever get - a letther sent to ye; bud this is the way iv it; last April the - new Captin, iv throop, No. 1, kem into Cantoonments, an' he half - dead--havin' been kilt be robbers, an' murthered entirely be the - faver. Well this was the beginnin' iv luck, fur ye see, what with the - hate iv the climat', an' the druth an' me, I was gettin' accustomed - to punishmint drill an' the like, an' to spake God's thruth, I was'nt - sober over wanct in a week--though many's the sore heart I had about - that same, thinkin' iv you mother, an' the green glens iv Dungar, an' - father O'Dris-coll, bud ye see I'd got a bad name, an' it was no use." - - "Och! God help ye--ye onfortunate boy--many's the sowl that same, 'bad - name,' has ruinated," ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole. "Go on, asthore." - - "Captin Egerton comes on parade--lookin' like a ghost iv a fine man, - an' sittin' his horse illegant--and ses he, afther praade, ridin' up, - jist as we wor dispersin'--'Is there a man among ye's, me lads, iv - the name iv Dinnis O'Toole?" ses he, quite cheerful like. 'Yes, sir,' - ses Sargant Mills--'he's in throop, No. 3.' 'Let me see him,' ses the - Captin'.' 'Dennis O'Toole, if yer sober, stand out,' ses the Sarjant.' - 'Ha!' ses the Captin, quite quick like--'that's bad.' An' I niver felt - so ashamed iv meself afore nor since; wid that he tells me to come - up to his quarthers in the afthernoon. So I wint--an' he give me yer - letther, that Miss Kate wrote for ye, God bless her! an' sure me hart - was in me mouth, whin I got the word iv home; bud faith it 'ud take - a month's time to write all the good he done me--he discoarsed me - like--no not like a clargy--like a man. 'Don't let the dhrink get the - betther of ye,' ses he; 'fight it, as ye would a rascally Sikh--give - it no quarther; an' don't let the people at home, say ye showed the - white feather,' ses he; an' thin he walks up an' down, an' ses to - hisself--'I will not have Kate Vernon's foster brother a dhrunkard, - an' disgraced'--I hard him say it. Well, the ind iv it was, I was put - in his throop, No. 1, an' iv taken the pledge; that's to the Captin; - an' I'll be a corplar in a week or so; an' I'm as sober as a jidge, - barin' the pipe--an' it's many a ride we do be takin--the Captin an' - meself. He's not a bit like the other officers; but, always reading, - whin he is'nt shootin' tigers or pullin' unfortunate women out iv the - fire, or any divilment that way. Iv all the dashin' young min iver I - seen, I'll back the Captin--there's nothin' good, bad, nor indifferent - he would'nt face--jist as if he was goin' to his dinner; an' many a - time we do be talkin' iv you, an' how ye nursed him; and he's niver - tired of hearin' tell iv Miss Kate, whin she was a beautiful little - darlin' iv a child; an' iv Dungar an' the masther; an' I'm improvin' - me writin'--an' Corplar Morrisson's writin' this letther for me like a - rale pinman as he is; an' so I hope yer well--an he ses he's a trifle - iv money with the Captin; an' indeed Mrs. O'Toole yer son's another - man, intirely, an' I'm proud to tell ye that same; an' me duty to Miss - Kate, an' the Kurnel. Sure, I never can forget Dungar, an' ould times, - nor you, mother; an' if we are not to meet here again, I hope we may - in Heaven, amin! - - "Your dutiful an' lovin' son, - "DINNIS O'TOOLE. - "Throop, No. 1, an' own man to the Captin. - - "_Cantoonment._ - "_Junglepore, Ingy._" - -"The Queen in Heaven reward ye, Captin," cried Mrs. O'Toole, the tears -rolling down her cheeks. "Och, Dinny, it's you's in luck--an' he's the -Captin's own man; an' give up dhrink--glory be to God!" - -"Well, it's a very pleasing, satisfactory letter, Nelly," said the -Colonel, "and I am heartily glad to hear so good an account from your -son. Eh, Kate, is there a postscript?" - -"No; but I was reading over the concluding part--it is rather -confused--Corporal Morrisson, appears to write for Dennis in the third -person, and then Dennis himself comes in again, in the first person; -but, dear nurse, I congratulate you, with all my heart, I think my -foster-brother will now get on remarkably well." - -"Sorra fear iv him now. Sure there was always luck in the Captin's -face, an' he'll be back yet wid a pocket full iv goold, and set us all -right, I pray, God, amin. Now I'll just get the specks, an' read it all -over meself, sure I can make it out beautiful afther Miss Kate readin' -it." - -And so after a few more ejaculations, nurse retired. - -"It is very curious," began the Colonel. - -"That Captain Egerton did not write himself," interrupted Kate, quickly. - -"Yes, I cannot understand it, that letter indicates the kindliest -feelings towards us, and yet I wonder he would not wish for some more -direct communication with us, than through Dennis O'Toole." - -"Do letters ever go astray?" - -"Oh, scarcely; this one you see has arrived safe, but what surprises me -is that he enclosed it without a line." - -"Indolence about writing, I suppose," said Kate, with a sigh. - -"But now I have the address, I shall certainly write." - -"Will you, dear grandpapa?" - -"Well, perhaps it would be better, decidedly--let me see what days the -Indian mail leaves, we can find it out at the post-office; you must -remind me, my love." - -"Yes, grandpapa." - -Then she went to the piano, and played dreamily for a long time, seeing -neither notes or music, but a tableau--Dennis O'Toole and Captain -Egerton, while the words of the latter "I will not have Kate Vernon's -foster brother, a drunkard," seemed to meet her eye, wherever she -turned it, and brought the speaker too vividly before her. One of -Egerton's most distinguishing characteristics was a chivalrous delicacy -of feeling towards women, generally; Kate had often observed it, with -silent, but profound approbation, and she could well imagine the tender -consideration with which he would treat even a dog that had belonged to -one he loved, and something whispered to her that she was this one--it -was but very rarely that such a thought flashed across her mind. Yet -although she felt that the course of probabilities held out little -or no chance of their again meeting till the lapse of many years had -fixed their destinies wide apart, still the conviction that she was -loved and not forgotten, thrilled through her heart, with an ecstasy so -exquisite, so strange that she shrunk from it, startled at the depths -of her own nature, thus revealed, even while she thanked God that he -had never become necessary to her happiness. - -"No, there is much of joy in life for me, and much of peace, though, -in all human probability, we shall never meet again. No, I do not love -him, but I could, ah, heavens, yes, how much!" - -And she lay down to sleep perfectly resigned that their lots in life -should be cast widely separate; yet the vision conjured up by Denny's -letter, of Egerton's evidently unaltered interest in all that concerned -her, contributed largely to the dilation of heart with which she poured -forth her prayers and thanksgivings to her "Father which is in heaven." - - - - -CHAPTER VIII. - -AN ADVENTURE AND A SURPRISE. - - -Autumn was now rapidly merging into winter, the unbroken routine of -Kate's life only lent swifter wings to time, for events like marked -distances serve often but to show our tardy progress. Sometimes -Langley would look in for half an hour's chat, and Galliard still more -rarely; but though formerly so fond of society, their visits seemed -now more than the Colonel wished for, or was equal to; and although -she never permitted the dreadful thought to dwell on her mind, yet the -consciousness that he was unusually silent, and averse to move, that -his cheek had lost its firm, round, ruddy look; and that he often sent -his dinner away untouched, would seize her, with a sense of anguish. -Nurse, with love's quick perception, always stoutly denied that any -thing ailed him. - -"It 'ill do nayther iv thim any good to be thinkin that a way," she -would say to herself. "Miss Kate the crayther, has enough to put up -with, an' as to me poor darlin' masther, it 'ud take a better cordial -than iver kem out iv a 'poticary's shop to do him any good." - -These apprehensions about her grandfather were weighing heavily on -Kate's heart. One humid, gloomy afternoon she was returning home after -giving some music lessons, escorted, as usual, by her faithful Cormac; -as she hurriedly crossed the road, (for it was late), at Kensington -Gore, to enter the gardens by the gate near the ancient and diminutive -barrack, usually occupied by a small party of Light Dragoons, two -gentlemen stopped opposite to it. One a large, heavy, man, mounted on -a splendid, dark chesnut horse, whose broad chest and clean, strong -muscular limbs showed him to be a weight carrier; the rider's back -was to the gardens, and his eyes fell on Kate and her companion, as -she came up; the other, about middle height, slight, distinguished -looking, but simply dressed, stood on the footway leaning his right -arm on the neck of his friend's horse, and occasionally waving his -left hand as if to enforce his words; the peculiar turn of this last -described individual's head, and the careless arrangement of his wavy -hair reminded Kate of Egerton, or rather stamped him as belonging to -Egerton's class; for one of the indications of gentlemanlike appearance -is the turn of the head and the manner of wearing the hat. - -"By George! what a splendid dog!" exclaimed the equestrian, -interrupting his companion, who turning slowly round, caught a glimpse -of Kate, as she passed; her color heightened by her rapid walk, and -Cormac, as usual, keeping close to her side. A new keeper was standing -at the gate, as she was about to enter, and said, civilly, though -authoritatively-- - -"No dogs admitted, ma'am." - -"But he always accompanies me," said Kate, "and never frightens any -one, not even the birds, the last keeper never objected to his coming -through." - -"But my orders are strict; and he is such a large dog." - -"Well, I really cannot go back again," continued Miss Vernon, smiling, -and shaking her head. "I saw a lady go in just before me, with a dog." - -"Yes, but she had a string to him." - -"Oh, I can soon manage that," cried Kate, fastening one end of her -handkerchief to Cormac's collar. "Now may I go through?" - -The man smiled, and made way for her. - -While stooping, to fasten the handkerchief, the gentleman we have -above described, as leaning across the neck of his friend's horse, -walked past, glancing at Kate, quickly and keenly; she did not observe -him, but turning up the broad walk proceeded towards home, lost in a -wandering maze of sweet and bitter thought. As she approached the water -near the Palace, she paused a moment to notice a peripatetic duck of -large dimensions, and brilliant plumage, for whom she generally carried -a bit of bread or biscuit, and who made long marches in quest of -dainties, that might possibly be missed by adhering closely to his more -natural element. Cormac sat down gravely, while his mistress addressed -a few words of apology to her feathered pensioner. - -"No bread or biscuit to-day, poor duck, but I will not forget you -to-morrow." - -And she stood looking at the creature, as it waddled awkwardly round -and round her, quite regardless of the dog. At that moment the -gentleman before mentioned came up beside her, and slightly raising -his hat, said, politely and easily-- - -"How is it that you are alone?" - -Kate turned quickly, and met a piercing gaze from a pair of deep -set, but stern looking black eyes. She was naturally courageous, and -the idea of any one intentionally insulting her never occurred to -her mind; the stranger's tone too, was perfectly well-bred, and his -words, such as might be addressed to some familiar acquaintance; so, -without hesitation, or the slightest apprehension or embarrassment, and -meeting his bold glance steadily, she replied, calmly, with a slight -inclination of the head-- - -"You mistake me, I do not know you," and moved on towards home. To her -surprise, however, the stranger kept by her side, and after a moment's -silence, apparently somewhat surprised at her composure, he resumed, -softening still more a very musical and refined voice-- - -"You are both right and wrong; I do not mistake you for any other -person, but I am unfortunately unacquainted with you, and unless I take -a bold step, such as I have now done, may remain so; therefore, pray -forgive me." - -Kate walked on in silence, her heart throbbing with indignation; to be -addressed by a stranger, and one too, apparently, of her own rank in -life; one whom, under different circumstances, would, perhaps, have -been presented by some smiling or dignified hostess. These thoughts -flashed liked lightning through her brain, and left no room for fear, -as she kept a resolute silence. After another short pause, the stranger -again turning his cold, sallow, but intellectual countenance towards -hers resumed-- - -"It is absurd your persevering in this unbroken silence; I generally -carry out my resolves; and to exchange a few sentences with a person -not formally introduced to you, cannot possibly be an injury; speak, I -entreat you, give me but the slightest clue to your name and position, -and I will speedily contrive the necessary introduction--will not that -satisfy you?" he added, in a slightly sarcastic tone, and suddenly -placing himself in her way: she stopped, and keeping still silent, for -a moment more, to collect her thoughts, and get the fiery indignation -that swelled her heart under controul. - -"Sir," said she, deliberately, and with a determination of tone and -manner that surprised him, "unless your appearance sadly belies you, -you should be too much a gentleman not to feel by instinct that I -am a lady; your excuses for your presumptuous insolence only adds -to it, but," she continued, with a curl of the lip, and a flash -of indignant contempt from her dark grey eyes, that deepened them -to blue, "I laugh at your attempt to stop me! Here, Cormac," to -the hound, who had already uttered one or two ominous growls, she -untied the handkerchief; "watch him, good dog, and if he stirs--" she -stopped, and looking once more full in the stranger's face, turned -suddenly, so as to place the hound between them, and walked lightly -away, yet not too fast. The stranger, thus left planted, bit his lip, -then laughing slightly, attempted to pass the dog, who, in heraldic -attitude 'couchant,' kept his fierce eyes fixed on his charge, at whose -slightest movement he displayed his sharp, white fangs. - -"Pshaw! what a mistake, to address such a girl, _sans ceremonie_; what -an awkward predicament! It would be absurd to enter into a contest with -such a brute, unarmed, for nothing," muttered Kate's admirer, who did -not look like a man deficient in courage. "Here, good dog, I say," and -he again attempted to pass, but Cormac sprang to his feet with a savage -growl, and again the haughty looking 'elegant' was baffled. - -Meantime Kate's slight figure disappeared in the distance, and, a -moment after, Cormac pricking his ears at some sound, unheard by his -opponent, with a final growl, darted at full speed down the walk by -which his mistress had vanished. She was waiting a few paces beyond -the gate, where she had, to the best of her ability, uttered the -whistle, which had recalled her faithful guardian; and now hurrying her -pace almost to a run, they speedily reached home, but not before the -persevering stranger had caught sight of the flutter of her dress, as -she turned the corner of Victoria Gardens. - -"How late you are, my child! you seem flushed and breathless." - -"Yes, dear grandpapa, I was detained at Mrs. Potter's, and of course -that made me late with my other pupils; then I walked so fast; but I -will run up stairs and take off my bonnet." - -"Oh, nurse!" she exclaimed, throwing herself into Mrs. O'Toole's arms, -"I have had such a fright--no, not a fright, but I am so indignant to -think that he should dare to--" - -"Och, what is it, good or bad? take breath, asthore!" - -And Kate, with many charges not to tell her grandfather, recounted her -adventure to nurse. - -"Och, bad manners to him," exclaimed that sympathising confidante. -"The rale divil he was to go spake that away to a lady like you; bad -luck to his impidence; did he think ye'd thank him for wantin' to know -ye? I wish I come across him, faith I'd make his hair stand on ind, -the schamin' vagabone. But why are ye cryin', avick, about a thief -iv a pickpocket? I'll go bail it's yer purse he wanted; sure a rale -gintleman ud know betther!" - -"I can't help it, nurse! they are the bitterest tears I ever shed, not -on account of that wretched man, but to think that such a thing ever -occurred, and may occur again." - -"Sorra bit iv it, I'll go wid ye me own self ivery day to Potter's an' -the other place, an' let me see if me gintleman dare say pays to ye! -Whist! och, jewel, there's the masther callin--dhry yer eyes." - -For several days the faithful Nelly escorted her young mistress in her -walks, but the adventurous stranger never appeared; and, by degrees, -Kate began to look upon her fright and indignation as an unpleasant but -unreal phantom. - -One evening Kate had yielded to the entreaties of Mrs. Storey and her -juvenile olive branches, to join a birth-day merry-making, in honor -of the son and heir having attained his eighth year; and for once she -left her grandfather to read alone. Nurse, of course, guarded her -during her short transit between their abode and that of her host's, -and having carefully removed her nursling's shawl and bonnet, plodded -slowly homeward, to make the 'masther's tay,' for the birth-day fête -began at half-past six; thinking sadly enough of the past, and of her -dear master's sinking strength and spirits, she turned into the little -street or terrace in which they lived. - -"Pray," said a very languid, gentlemanlike voice, close beside her. -"Pray, do you not live at No. -- down here?" - -"May be I do, may be I don't," replied Mrs. O'Toole, eyeing the speaker -sharply, and with, what she considered, consummate caution. - -"Well," returned her interrogator, whom, it is needless to say, was the -same individual whose insolence had so annoyed Kate, and whose really -elegant appearance would have enlisted her in his favour, but for her -prepossessions against him; "I presume you know your own residence; -at all events I shall feel obliged to you if you will let me know the -name of the young lady, whom you sometimes escort through Kensington -Gardens? Of course, as the utterance of it will cause considerable wear -and tear of your lungs, accept this remuneration." - -"What is it ye want with her name?" asked Mrs. O'Toole. - -"That cannot possibly concern you; tell it to me, and take this." - -"Keep yer money," replied Mrs. O'Toole, with supreme disdain, "divil -another word, good nor bad, will ye get from me, till ye tell me what -ye want her name for." - -"Ah," said the gentleman, musingly, "you seem so respectable a person, -I have no objection to tell you, that having unfortunately offended -the lady, by speaking to her in the Gardens, I am anxious this apology -should reach her hand," and he showed a note he held, "will you be the -bearer of it?" he continued, insinuatingly. - -"I'll tell ye what it is," returned nurse, firing up in spite of her -determination to be cool and cautious, "I'll bear nayther yer notes nor -yer impidince; I'd like to see the man, woman, or child that daur be -carryin' notes for ye to Miss-- No matther," she continued, hastily -checking herself, "it's not the likes iv ye, an oudacious chap, that -daured to spake to yer betthers, widout, 'by yer lave or wid yer lave,' -she'd so much as look at. Faith, if I see a sign iv ye about the place, -to frighten me darlint, I'll just give ye up to the polis; I'll go bail -it's the spoons ye'r more used to be lookin' afther than the ladies, -though ye have a good coat on yer back, an' look as if it wasn't a -stranger to ye." - -"My good woman," said the object of this tirade, with a half-surprised, -half-amused air, as Mrs O'Toole paused for breath, "You are the most -impracticable person I ever met; I do not understand you." - -"Well then, I'll spake plain enough for ye. If ye were a gintleman, -ye'd niver have gone to spake to me darlin' young lady, in the way ye -did, the other day--ye'd have known yer own sort, an' the differ betune -a bit iv a dressmaker, and a raale lady; an' ye may look as fine, an' -as proud as ye like, but I'll see ye yet, gettin' up stairs to the -tune of Turn the Mill--so good-by te ye, an' ye may put yer note in -the fire; but if I see ye about here, be this book," kissing her hand, -"I'll give ye up to the polis, for a suspicious _characther_, that -has his eye on the plate!" And off walked Mrs. O'Toole, glowing with -triumph and honest indignation. - -The stranger muttered something very like a curse; then, laughing -slightly, he said, half aloud, as if in the habit of speaking his -thoughts-- - -"The most extraordinary specimen of indignant virtue I ever -encountered--why, she is as incorruptible as the hound, and just as -fierce. So adieu, _ma belle_," tearing the note. "A Houri would not be -worth the trouble such guardianship entails; besides the ridicule of -appearing to the charges her eloquent duenna threatens." He thought -a moment, turned, and walked slowly back to the main road, where a -plainly appointed cab, with a horse of great beauty and value, and an -irreproachable tiger awaited him. - -Kate thought nurse's movements unusually rapid, as they returned from -Mrs. Storey's, but that considerate personage said not a syllable of -her interview with the unknown, until that most confidential moment, -when the stiffness of drawing-room manner and costume is exchanged for -a _robe de chambre_, and Kate's long rich, brown tresses were submitted -to Mrs. O'Toole, and the brush. - -"Sure, that dark browed divil was spyin' about whin I kem back fum -Storey's." - -"What that dreadful man? who spoke?" - -"Yes, agra, an', Miss Kate, fur all I tould him, I thought him a -pick-pocket--faith, I believe he's a gran' gintleman; I know be the -look iv him; see now, if he is'nt a lord, I never seen one, an' they -were as thick as parsley at Dungar. I was frightened to have the likes -iv him ramblin' about here, so I jist spoke up bould, an' pretended to -think he was a pick-pocket or the like, an' threatened him wid the -polis, an' I think I settled him any how." - -"I have no doubt you acted quite right, dearest nurse, and I should -like to have heard you giving him 'his tag,' as you would term it; but -surely he will never take the trouble to come here again. I thought -it was only a passing impertinence--perhaps he was really sorry, and -wished to apologise--let us give him 'the benefit of a doubt;'" and so -they dismissed the subject, which slumbered for many months before--but -we must not anticipate. - -Not many days after this break in the routine of their lives, as Kate -and the Colonel were one evening talking by the fire-light, of A----, -and the Winters--the sound of approaching wheels, broke the stillness, -which generally settled over Victoria-gardens, at the close of day. The -sound drew nearer, and suddenly ceased at their house. - -"Some mistake," said Miss Vernon, as both she and her grandfather -paused in their conversation, to listen to that vague watchfulness, so -often felt by those whose hearts are full of the future, because the -present is sad; then the garden-gate creaked on its hinges, and heavy -steps approached rapidly, the bell was rung loudly, and though she -could not tell why, Kate's heart beat more quickly, as she listened -for the next sounds, for each movement, is clearly audible through the -slight walls of a modern built house in the outlets of London. The -door was opened, and a husky whispering ensued, to which the servant's -voice replied--"Yes, Mr. Vernon's at home;" and in another moment Mrs. -O'Toole's hearty tones were heard in joyous welcome. - -"Athen, is it yerself that's in it? Masha, but it's the masther, an' -Miss Kate, will be proud to see ye. Walk in, ma'am--I'll settle the -cabman." Then the parlour-door was thrown wide open, and in walked -Mrs. Winter, in a large, plaid cloak--followed by a mass of coats and -comforters, over which twinkled joyously, the artist's little bead-like -eyes. - -Then came the joyous confusion of question and answer, and wonder and -welcome; and Kate felt a sudden accession of life and strength. - -"But to what do we owe this happy surprise?" she reiterated, as she -knelt at Mrs. Winter's feet, to change her boots, for a pair of warm -slippers. - -"Indeed, my dear, it is one of Winter's fits; he would not let me -write, nor write himself--he said we might disappoint you, and -ourselves." - -"Yes," broke in Winter, disencumbering himself of his numerous -wrappings, "I knew you--you would have been killing the fatted calf, -and roasting turkeys, and all sorts of things; and we should have been -late, and teased you with expectation, so I said, leave your pen -alone, Sue, and here we are; stopped at the first house with "furnished -apartments," on it, engaged them--then all right, ready for a dish -of tea, and chat; and then turn in--close here--Albert-place. Why, -Colonel, you do not look as if London agreed with you, but you _bella -miâ_, you look quite yourself." - -"But what has induced you to visit the great Babylon?" said the -Colonel, when the first hubbub of welcome was over, and they were -assembled round the tea-table. - -"We are going on the continent," said Mrs. Winter, with some importance. - -"Is it possible?" cried Kate. - -"You do not speak seriously?" said the Colonel. - -"Why not? I've got a cold, and I've no idea of remaining to be cut off, -like poor Gilpin, by the east winds," returned Winter. - -"Is that your only reason?" asked Kate. - -"Why not exactly; but A---- has become such a desert, now that you and -Gilpin are gone; life is not worth having there." - -"I do not like the idea of having the sea between us," said the Colonel. - -"Nor I," added his grand-daughter, - -"Nor I; but we will not be long away, and I intend to paint, while -abroad, such a picture, as will make the Royal Academicians die of -envy," said Winter. - -"And," added Mrs. Winter, "we have let our house very advantageously to -a cousin of Canon Jones's, who commands the new regiment." - -"But you will not run away too soon?" asked Kate. - -"No, we shall remain three or four weeks in London." - -"I am rejoiced to hear it," said the Colonel. - -"Oh, delightful," cried Kate. - -"We will talk over our plans to-morrow," said Winter, to-night, let us -hear of your own proceedings. How do you like my friend Langley?" - -"Oh, I like him very much," returned Kate, "I am sure there is much -good in him, though he won't show it, and seems so cold and cautious -even with himself, that I dare not take it upon myself to say he will -be glad to see even you." - -"Well, I can tell you he writes enthusiastically of you," replied -Winter. - -"_Non e possibile!_" - -And so the conversation flowed on in a thousand interrogative channels, -all indicative of the same warm and friendly interest, which, still -unabated, linked the _quartette_. Oh, how much more closely than the -ties of blood. - -Winter, in obedience to a warning glance from Kate, reserved his -questionings, as to her success in teaching, for a _tête-à-tête_, -and his good little wife followed his example on this, as on all -other subjects. The poor organist's deathbed was re-described, and -the "grand following," as Mrs. O'Toole would term it, that graced -his funeral, discussed, and, in spite of the, to them, unaccustomed -fatigue of a journey, the interchange of intelligence was prolonged to -a late hour for travellers, and when they parted for the night, Kate -felt her own hopeful joyous self again; to think that such true and -tried friends were near, that she should meet them in the morning, and -once more be able to pour out the fears and anxieties which no want -of confidence in her grandfather, but a tenderness of affection too -considerate to grieve him, kept pent up within her own bosom, till -their weight oppressed her. Once more she would take counsel of that -clear, strong, warm-heart, which no self-interest, no conventional -falsity clouded or obscured. "And though their stay is but short," was -her concluding thought, as sleep closed her snowy lids, with its downy -weight, "thank God they _are_ come, I will enjoy their presence, and -not think of the sorrow of parting, until it comes." - -But a young spirit must be somewhat initiated in grief, before it can -attain this philosophy, if it ever can be attained, for however the -heart may purpose to enjoy the present, and disregard the future, -there is still something of omnipresence in its nature, that gives an -actuality to anticipated joy or sorrow, it cannot wile away. - -The period of the Winters' stay in London was one of great enjoyment -to Kate, for though what is termed the dead season, there were quite -enough of pictures to be seen and concerts to be heard to employ the -mornings, and sometimes the evenings, most agreeably, and until their -arrival, Kate had seen nothing of the Great Metropolis. - -It seemed as if the advent of the warm-hearted, practical little artist -had broken the sad depressing spell which had been gathering closer -and closer round her spirit since she had left A----. Winter was a -stout and active pedestrian, and leaning on his arm, Kate bade defiance -to the most persevering and mysterious stranger that ever crossed -heroine's path. The Colonel too was wonderfully revived by the presence -of his kind and valued friends, and, strange to say, even Cormac, who -when left at A---- was too savage to be approached by his temporary -keeper, was most sociable and condescending with him in London. - -One morning, Mr. Langley called, and after sitting in a sort of -preoccupied silence for some time, with some hesitation and much -awkwardness, suggested that he wished to invite his friend Winter and -his wife to dinner, and as the Colonel and Miss Vernon were so fond of -their society, perhaps they would consent to encounter the discomfort -of a bachelor's _ménage_ and meet them. - -The Colonel and Kate assented most graciously, and the party, -reinforced by Galliard and Mr. and Mrs. Story, met the next day at -what Winter termed "grub hour." - -Contrary to her expectations Kate spent a most agreeable day; Langley, -like many shy persons, shone in his own house, Winter was most -amusingly argumentative, Galliard witty, and the Colonel cheerful -and urbane as usual; while Mrs. Storey's repeated apologies for the -irregularities of a bachelor's _ménage_, and Mr. Winter's reiterated -assurances that every thing was in admirable order, kept up an under -current of polite common-place, that amused Kate exceedingly, by its -contrast to the prevailing tone of the conversation. - -"You have visited the British Museum?" enquired Galliard. - -"Only, once," said Kate, "and that hurriedly, I long to go again." - -"There is a great lot of trash there," observed Winter. - -"What treason," returned Galliard, "it has all cost money, and John -Bull is content." - -"Of course," said Langley, "you will have your sneer at John Bull." - -"Why not? I am, you know, half English." - -"Come, Mr. Langley," said Kate, "the English you will admit, are not -very sparing of their neighbours." - -"They do not make much allowance for any peculiarities, except their -own, certainly," remarked Colonel Vernon. - -"You are in such a decided minority, you Celts, you had better hold -your tongues," cried Winter. - -"But what is it you call trash, at the British Museum?" asked Kate. - -"Oh, the mummies, and the wigs, and all that; such an _embarras_ of -mummies can hardly be conceived!" said Winter. - -"I wish we could bring the Gheber mode of disposing of the dead into -fashion again; I shall certainly leave a clause in my will that my body -shall be burned," observed Galliard. - -"Law, Mr. Galliard, what an idea," said Mrs. Storey. - -"Why not? my dear madam." - -"I always liked Zoroaster and the fire worshippers," said Kate, "their -system appears to me the least degrading of all ancient religions." - -"Humph! Miss Vernon used to insist that the round towers of Ireland -were built by the Western Ghebers," remarked Winter. - -"It is quite possible!" responded Galliard. - -"Any thing so far beyond our historical period may be possible," -observed Langley. - -"Ah," said Galliard, "you consider them anterior to the Celtic -invasions, Miss Vernon?" - -"The author, whose writings on the subject I have read, thought so," -replied Kate. - -"Galliard's strong point is Celtic antiquity," said their host. - -"It is a subject full of profound and melancholy interest," he replied. - -"Why melancholy?" asked Winter. - -"Because," rejoined Galliard, "of the contrast between their past and -present." - -"The strongest proof they were an inferior race," said Langley, -"otherwise they would not have given way so rapidly before the Saxons." - -"A thoroughly English observation," cried Galliard. "You are poor and -powerless, therefore you deserve to be so." - -"That's not a fair commentary," said Langley. - -"There are two causes, which, to a reflective mind, sufficiently -explain, the deterioration of the Celtic race, morally and physically," -observed Galliard, thoughtfully. - -"And they are?" asked Kate. - -"Their quick fancy, and unselfish nature." - -"How do you make that out?" said Winter. - -"First, the Saxon sees distinctly but one end or object, to the -attainment of which his every faculty is devoted. The Celt's livelier -imagination presents him with half a dozen, at all of which he grasps -with equal eagerness, and thus his powers are divided and dispersed. -Secondly, a Saxon's first thought is of himself, and in this he is -consistent; while, owing to the peculiarity of fallen humanity, the -Celt's self-forgetfulness is inconsistent; thus, place a Saxon where -you will, he possesses in himself a nucleus round which all his -energies, hopes, and projects centre; and having a centre, stands. -While the Celt works one day for himself, the next for a friend, the -next to spite an enemy, the next to do him a service, and so he is, -finally, nowhere. Your Saxon will have no objection to do all this in -a lump, if it does not interfere with his own interests," and Galliard -leaned back and took snuff. - -"So," said Colonel Vernon, "our greatest errors spring from our noblest -qualities!" - -"The noblest qualities of mankind! It is man's fate!" returned -Galliard. - -"You argue ingeniously; but--" said Langley. - -"But truly," interrupted Galliard. "What was it chained the French -nation to Napoleon? Imagination! What enabled Bruce to conquer Edward -at Bannockburn? Imagination! What rivets the heart of the Irish peasant -to the flattering demagogue, or arms his hand against his landlord? -Imagination!" - -"And the want of a Cogitative nose," put in Winter. - -"There's an upset for you, mounseer," said Mr. Storey. - -"Really," said Mrs. Storey, "I think, Mrs. Winter, we had better leave -the gentlemen to fight it out." - -They all rose. - -"And," continued Galliard, as he opened the door, "though the want of -imagination may render the Saxon successful, its presence always makes -the Celt beloved." - -"You are right," said Miss Vernon, as she passed him, with a bow. - -But pleasant intervals soon come to an end, and the last week of Mr. -and Mrs. Winter's intended stay approached. Before it arrived, however, -Miss Herman paid Kate a visit, and introduced her to some additional -pupils, with whom, however, she agreed not to begin her lessons until -after her friends' departure. - -"I cannot bear to think of losing you," said Kate, one cold, sharp -evening, Winter had walked to meet her, on her way back from Brompton. -"Do pray put off your departure till after Christmas, I have so dreaded -Christmas, alone in London, and you have nothing to hurry you away." - -"Hum, let me see; I have already delayed a fortnight longer than I -intended, another week will not make much difference. Ha, you little -witch, I cannot say you nay; but after that not an hour." - -"Ten thousand, thousand thanks, dear, kind friend; you have made me so -happy." - -"Now we are _tête-à-tête_, tell me how affairs go on; any news of the -lawsuit?" - -"Why yes, grandpapa gets frequent letters from Mr. Moore, who, it -seems, is always filing bills, and making motions, very slow ones, I -fear, for they never seem to produce any result." - -Winter groaned. - -"And yourselves? how is--how is--you know I am a bear--how is the -purse?" - -Marvellously, considering how fast your hundred went; but nurse has -got quite into the London ways, and quite saves us a fortune now; and -my pupils, and the new ones! Oh, we shall do very well--if--if dear -grandpapa only could look like his own old self." - -"Well, I have thirty pounds of his I must not run away with. Have you -Lady Desmond's cheque?" - -"Yes, quite safe." - -"Well, be sure you keep it; sickness may come, a thousand things. How -is your lady cousin?" - -"Quite well; always, in her letters, talking of coming home, and never -coming." - -"Just as I expected." - -"And you are bent on wintering at Pau?" - -"Yes, and in the spring we intend crossing the Pyrenees; I long to see -more of Spain; but, Kate, if you want me really, if, in short, illness -should--that is, should the time ever come, you might want a home, Sue -and myself look upon you as a daughter, write to me, at once, wherever -I may be." - -"Good God! Mr. Winter, do you think grandpapa so ill? do you -anticipate--" - -"Dear child, no, a thousand times no; but at parting I should like you -to feel that it is only distance that can separate us, and that at -any, and every time, I shall feel as a father towards you, and a proud -father!" - -"My dear, dear friend! surely God has been very gracious to me; I will -not try to thank you in words, they sound so cold!" - -They walked on in silence, which Winter broke, by exclaiming abruptly. - -"That letter of nurse's son was most characteristic! There is some good -stuff in the writer." - -Then, after another pause, as if he had expected some remark from Kate. - -"It is odd Egerton should send it without a line; I cannot make it -out; only that letters seldom miscarry, I should say he had written a -despatch himself, independent of the other; but pooh, that is highly -improbable. Has Mrs. O'Toole replied to her son's epistle?" - -"Yes, that is I acted as her secretary, last week; when do you think -the letter will reach Dennis?" - -"Oh, heaven knows, they are up the country, and, I fancy, not very -settled; perhaps in two or three months." - -Kate sighed. - -"Hey! Miss Vernon, what was that sigh for?" - -"Oh, I was thinking of last Christmas, we were a very pleasant party, -though poor Captain, I mean Major Egerton, was so terribly in the -blues about leaving England; and now how different everything is! how -silently and gradually a great gulf has been opened between the past -and the present!" - -"Well, well, it is melancholy enough, not to be either a pleasant or a -profitable subject of cogitation. Forward, forward, as your favourite, -Longfellow, says, - - 'Let the dead past, bury it's dead, - Act, act, in the living present, - Heart within, and God o'er head!'" - -"A word in season, how good it is!" returned Miss Vernon, smiling -pensively. - -"Well, here we are, I wonder what Mrs. Winter will say to your powers -of persuasion?" - -"She will be delighted--she dreads the journey." - -"Pooh, not she; as long as I am with her, she thinks all must go well." - -"A pattern wife!" sighed Kate. - -"Yes; no wife can be happy if she does not feel this. Ah, Kate, Kate, I -wish you had a good husband!" - -"Like yourself! eh, Mr. Winter! but alas!" - -"Now, no quizzing, if you please! I'm glad we are at the end of our -_trajet_, if you are going to laugh at me." - -The gradually silent change in the Colonel's health and spirits, -which had escaped the every-day watchfulness of even Kate's tender -guardianship, struck Winter, whose perception was quickened by the, to -him, unshaded transition from light to gloom, caused by the cessation -of their daily intercourse, with grief and dismay; nor did he rest -until he had persuaded his venerated friend to accompany him to an -eminent physician, though the Colonel protested, he had not a single -symptom of which he could reasonably complain. The doctor felt his -pulse, looked at his tongue, and tried his lungs, asked a good many -questions, seemingly irrelevant, as to his spirits, &c., wrote a short -prescription, recommended horse exercise, took his fee, and bowed them -out. Winter looked dissatisfied; and as he handed the Colonel into the -cab, which was waiting for them, suddenly recollected he had forgotten -his snuff-box, he returned to the room, but in vain, for the bland -physician merely repeated--"Nothing physical, I assure you, sir--mental -depression--imaginative disorder." - -"Have you found your box?" asked the Colonel, with a significant smile, -at least, to Winter's conscience it appeared so. The worthy artist -reddened, and replied, gruffly, in the affirmative. - -Kate never before felt so profoundly sad, as the day the Winters -started for Dover. When she had parted from them at A----, there was -the bustle and excitement of the journey, and the expected arrival at a -new place, to divert her thoughts. Now she had full time to feel, how -much alone she was, how much dependent on her own judgment, her own -strength, her own efforts. - -The travellers did not leave till after an early dinner, and the long, -desolate evening, its usual occupations broken in upon and deranged, -dragged its weary length slowly by, though the Colonel, by a brave -effort, seemed more cheerful than usual, and talked of Paris, and the -people he had known there, and of Bordeaux, and how the claret used -to be smuggled into the west of Ireland, of Hoche, and of the French -invasion. And Mrs. O'Toole brought in her work, and both endeavoured to -keep up their darling's heart. - -She could only remember that it was the anniversary of Egerton's -departure for India, and that to-morrow she was to give an early lesson -to her new pupils. - -"Good night, dearest grandpapa, and do not forget to take your bottle, -you coughed a great deal to-day." - - - - -CHAPTER IX. - -TRIALS. - - -Before entreating the reader to imagine the lapse of some months, -unbroken by any event, we must record one which was a fertile theme -of conversation and conjecture to our recluses. Kate was met by Mrs. -O'Toole, almost at the garden gate, one morning, about a fortnight -after the Winters had left them, as she returned from her daily -perambulations. - -"Och! come in, Agra! sure there's great news entirely! there's -the Captin's been murthuring all afore him, in Ingee, an' such a -tundherin' battle! the masther's tired waitin' for ye." - -"What's all this nurse is telling me, grandpapa?" - -"Oh, the Indian mail is in, and has brought an account of a hard-fought -battle between our fellows and those desperate Sikhs. Egerton's name is -most honourably mentioned. Langley has very kindly sent me the second -edition of the "Times," there it is, read it for yourself." - -And Kate, untying her bonnet, seized the paper, and throwing herself -into the nearest chair, read the official account, which, dry as it -was, sufficed to flush her cheek, and set all her pulses throbbing. - - "Lieutenant Colonel A----, having been severely wounded in the - beginning of the action, Major Egerton led the ---- Lancers, in - repeated charges on the enemies' guns, which were defended with a - courage and determination indicative of European training; but they - were in the possession of the Lancers before four o'clock. I have - great pleasure in drawing your lordship's attention to the conduct - of this regiment generally, and in particular to that of the gallant - officer in command, whom I beg to recommend to your lordship's notice." - -"Ah, that is delightful; I dare say Captain Egerton does not regret -having gone to India now! It does not say if he was wounded? Are there -any private letters?" turning the paper in every direction. - -"No, not until next mail, I fancy." - -"What news for Mr. and Mrs. Winter," she continued; "how he will -rejoice, and grumble, and pooh, pooh, over it." - -"Och, the crathure!" exclaimed Mrs. O'Toole, who, as usual, on any -occasion of excitement, was always at hand; "his soul 'ud niver rouse -up at the word iv a fight; he's not got the blood in his vains for it. -Sure, it's only the ould stock that's niver to say in rale pleasure, if -they're not in the middle iv divilmint an' danger, jest look at Miss -Kate's eyes, like two dimints, this minit. Though I'll go bail she's -as white as a sheet at the sight iv a cut-finger, her heart's chargin -the Sicks with the Captin. Sicks indeed! faith, he sickened thim sure -enough; but it was on a boy's milk ye wor rared, avourneen, so it's no -wondher." - -"I do feel excited," said Kate, laughing; "some strange sympathy -with--I do not know what! for in how many things I am a coward?" - -"I believe it _is_ the blood in your veins, Kate," returned the -Colonel. "Nurse is right." - -"Athen, if poor little Misther Gilpin, (the heavens be his bed,) was -alive now, what a power iv rale sinse he'd talk about it; wouldn't -he lay all the battles to the divil's door; well, they're terrible -heart-breakin' things, entirely; an' the dear knows where me poor -Dinny is this blessed night--may be, asleep in a ditch, or--but faith, -any ways he's alive, I feel that as sure as if I seen him livin' -fornent me!" - -The great news occupied many a circle beside that which we are -attempting to describe, and day after day brought further particulars, -private letters, and all the copious information so abundantly supplied -by that fourth estate of the British Empire, the public press. In many -of these, Egerton's name was mentioned, always with praise, often -with enthusiasm; his coolness and undaunted gallantry in some hand -to hand encounters; and the desperate stand made by the regiment he -commanded, under great disadvantages, left an impression of something -chivalrous and heroic, even on the minds of strangers. Kate, indeed, -calling to mind the maxims of Winter, and the organist, sometimes felt -that she ought not to feel so much delight in a courage that, after -all, is generally shared by every healthy man; still, in spite of her -reasoning, Egerton's image, invested with a prestige it never before -possessed, constantly occupied her mind. Perhaps she did not know how -dauntless was her own nature, and that there is irresistible attraction -even to the most intellectual, in the courage, physical though it be, -than can face death and danger, as if at home and at ease in the midst -of both--this contempt of what it is natural to dread must partake more -of the soul than philosophers allow, and is one certain element of -greatness. - -And so the winter slipped rapidly over; there was little to mark its -flight; the constant sameness of occupation, without any incident to -mark it, lent its wings to time; yet was it not all heaviness. A day of -somewhat lighter spirits, and greater strength, would sometimes lend -its brightening influence to the Colonel; and Kate revelled in the -unwonted sunshine; or Langley would lend her some new work suggestive -of much thought; and clearing, for the moment, the mist which wraps -itself round spiritual things, granting a passing glimpse, catching -a faint echo of the glorious harmony with which all nature blends in -the Great Creator's scheme of happiness; and then the sameness or -obscurity, which an hour before seemed oppressive in its meanness, -acquired dignity from the thought, that it had its place allotted in -the mighty whole. And she would turn with perfect content to bend -her bright intelligence to the perfect comprehension and performance -of those every-day duties which act to society as mortar to a wall, -filling up the crevices, binding the unadhesive parts, and keeping the -whole together. - -Two months had fully elapsed, since the news of the battle of ---- had -reached England; letters from the Winters had announced them safely -settled at Pau, and charmed with it. And one cold, bleak evening, Kate -was engaged arranging some lines she had selected from amongst many, -written by Gilpin's sister, to a very beautiful air bequeathed to her -by the organist; the work did not progress as rapidly as it seemed, as -her thoughts were divided by many mundane subjects, principally the -necessity for looking out for cheaper lodgings. - -"Nurse says it is so hard to manage; I must ask her to meet me -to-morrow on my way home, and look for some other house--I mean rooms. -I am afraid to mention it to dear grandpapa, he is so ill, and worn out -with that dreadful cough--it is much worse to-day. How I wish Georgina -would write! it is nearly a year since she invited us to join her at -Florence, and talked of returning. Oh! how alone we are! I wonder shall -I ever, ever live near my old friends, or among my own people again! -God forgive the murmuring thought." - -And here her reflections were broken by the Colonel, who suddenly -starting from an uneasy slumber, coughed with more than usual -violence; then as Kate, with some vague idea of assisting him, flew to -his side, it suddenly stopped, with a choking sound, and he fell back, -the blood pouring from his mouth. - -To summon nurse, to send for a doctor, was the work of a moment; and -before their anxious efforts to recall the Colonel to consciousness -were successful, he arrived; then there were innumerable questions to -answer, and various restoratives to be procured; and Kate had literally -no time to feel the terror and dismay which afterwards rushed upon her -mind. - -The old man lay long insensible; and it was during a pause, occasioned -by the exhaustion of every remedy that could possibly be applied in -haste, that he breathed faintly, at last, and opening his eyes, smiled, -when he met those of his beloved grandchild. The doctor immediately -forbad his speaking, and directed that every precaution for the -preservation of extreme quiet around him should be taken. - -"This is the great point," he observed, when, after a lengthened visit, -he was about to take leave. "I will write a prescription, and see it -made up myself; he must take it every two hours, in a glass of port -wine; but if he should be very sound asleep, do not disturb him; his -strength must be kept up." - -Kate took her station by her grandfather's bed-side. Nurse stationed -herself in the next room; and the long watches of the night passed -slowly over. - -The Colonel lay motionless and deadly pale; but he did not sleep; for -whenever Kate stole softly to his side, at the appointed times for his -taking the medicine, he always, as if by instinct, opened his eyes; and -who can tell, who can venture to depict the crowd of images, too vague -for thought, too clear for dreams, which thronged Kate's mind, as she -sat listening now to each scarce audible breath, from the invalid, now -to the loud beating of her own heart; it was not fear or sorrow that -seemed to hold her faculties in a strange tension, but an agonised -absorption in the present danger, a dread, none the less intense -because it was vague, that her darkest hour was at hand! connected -prayer was out of the question; but frequent ejaculations for help, for -strength, rose unconsciously to her lips. Towards morning, the Colonel -sank into a quiet, profound sleep, and leaving nurse in charge of him, -with directions to call her the moment he awoke, Kate threw herself -into his vacant chair, and strove to still her throbbing pulses, and -hush her troubled spirit to repose. - -When she had left her grandfather's room, she thought sleep was too -effectually frightened away by the terrors of the past night; but the -strength and vigor of youth cannot be so soon unstrung, rest is too -natural to that age; and, though it was disturbed, slumber stole over -her unconsciously, and day had dawned fully, when, waking with a start, -and feeling as though her short absence from him was a neglect of a -sacred duty, she stole softly and quickly to his room. - -He had but just awoke, Mrs. O'Toole said; and now lay gazing with a -troubled expression in his eyes, towards the door. He smiled when he -saw Kate, and his lips moved; she stooped to hear, and he whispered, -faintly but earnestly--"Write--Georgina," with a pause between each -word. - -"I understand, dearest grandpapa," said Kate, quickly, to relieve his -evident anxiety. "I will write to Georgina Desmond by this day's post." - -And a look of greater contentment gradually composed the invalid's -countenance, which appeared so worn and haggard, that Kate's eyes -filled with tears every time she looked at him. - -The doctor called early, and expressed himself quite satisfied with -Kate's account of the patient's past night; his pulse, too, was a -little stronger. - -"Endeavour to keep him quiet, and free from anxiety; he is at present -free from fever, and I should find some difficulty had we both fever -and weakness to contend with; do not let him talk much." - -The day wore slowly over, like the night, diversified only by the -writing of the promised letter to Lady Desmond; and the Colonel seemed -much easier when he was told it had been despatched. - -Soon the cares and duties of the sick-room became matters of course; -the Colonel decidedly gathered strength. He was able to converse a -little with his grandchild without much exhaustion; and frequently made -her read aloud to him. He never wearied of the Gospel of St. John, of -the Psalms, and the seventh and concluding chapters of Revelation. - -Nurse and Kate divided the night into two watches, the former taking -the first watch, when the Colonel was most likely to sleep, and Kate, -the remainder, to be ready with a few sympathising words, when, after -his broken sleep, his restless weakness caused him to move uneasily -on his pillow; or to repeat in her low, soft tones, his favorite -Psalms, and passages of the Gospels, when his eyes met hers with that -anxious gaze which made her heart ache, so well did she understand -its source. As for the apprehension of losing him, it was a thought -on which she never dwelt for an instant. She felt instinctively, how -utterly it would unfit her for the preservation of that calm, cheerful -aspect so necessary to her beloved grandfather's well being; yet the -terror-striking thought would press upon her mind in spite of all her -efforts to repel it, when that troubled glance met hers by the dim, -uncertain watch-light, and her lips almost of themselves whispered the -words of comfort and of strength to which her heart turned, as much to -still its own dread, as to calm the anxiety she feared would injure her -grandfather! - -Poor, faithful Mrs. O'Toole never told her beads so fervently, and -so often before; for loving both master and nurseling, she could fear -for the future, to which Kate never gave a thought; her round, comely -face faded from its bright rose to a yellowish tinge, and the corners -of her mouth were drawn down lower than ever, while her aspirations to -"Hesther," and her denunciations of "Hesther's stupidity," were rather -encreased than lessened in acerbity, as if to make up for the enforced -softness with which they were whispered. - -It was about a fortnight after the Colonel was first taken ill, and he -had begun to ask anxiously for letters, when he astonished the doctor, -by expressing a desire to get up, and go into the sitting-room. - -"My dear sir, it is much too soon; do you feel greater strength?" - -"Sometimes I think I am stronger, and sometimes weaker," replied the -old man, with a sigh; "but I feel I should be quite as comfortable and -quiet in my arm-chair, as in bed, and more cheerful, more like myself; -you may as well humour me," he added, with a sad smile, and paused, -exhausted by so long a speech. - -"Well," returned the doctor, after a prolonged feeling of his pulse, -in order to give himself time to think, "perhaps, as you feel in this -way, it may do you no harm; wait till the day after to-morrow; and take -plenty of arrow-root, and wine, and beef tea, in the interval." - -Kate could scarcely believe her ears, when she heard the welcome -permission given; she was not present when the Colonel asked for it, -and considered it an undoubted proof of amendment. She looked so -bright, and spoke so cheerily, when she announced the fact to nurse, -that Mrs. O'Toole took courage to make a disclosure, she had withheld -for several days. - -"Ye know, Miss Kate," she began, her apron folded round one arm, and -rubbing the other hand confusedly up and down the table, "it's three -days since last Sathurday." - -"Yes, nurse. Well, what then?" - -"Sathurday's rint day, alanah." - -"Well, didn't you pay Mrs. Crooks?" - -"Why ye see, Miss Kate, what wid the sickness, an' the arra-root, an' -the beef tay, an' all that, though maisther Langley, the queen iv -Heaven remimber it to him, sent in a sight of wine, what couldn't be -bought for money, the purse is niver out iv yer hand; an' to spake -the thruth, Miss Kate, last Sathurday, there was a fortnight's rint -due; I niver thought a Christhian would go botherin' about sich a -thrifle iv rint, an' sickniss an' sorra in the place; but they're quare -Christhians here! Sure they'd hand you their 'little account,' if ye -were sayin' mass for yer mother's sawl; it's a long account some iv -thim will have to settle yet, any ways! an' that's the way it is, Miss -Kate." - -"But, nurse, why did you let it go so far without----." - -"Sure," interrupted, Mrs. O'Toole, in a whisper, and pointing her -finger towards the door, as a caution to extreme secresy, "sure I -hadn't it, agrah! d' ye think I'd be wastin yer money payin that naggur -iv a woman, an' the dear masther wantin every thing? 'Och, keep yer -bills to yerself, woman,' ses I, 'don't be tasing Miss Vernon, an' she -breakin' her heart, sure ye'll be paid over an over as soon as she has -time to write an ordher on the bank,' ses I, an' she kept quite a whole -week, but to-day, she ses, 'The ould gentleman's better,' ses she, -spakin small, as if she begrudged the words that would bring her 'no -return,' as they say, 'an' I'll spake to Miss Vernon meeself,' ses she. -Och, if I had mee own notes ye made Mr. Winter put in the savins' bank -out iv the way, I'd have paid her at wancet, an' not be botherin ye." - -"Show me what you have," said Kate, rather nervously. - -Mrs. O'Toole emptied the purse, she always kept; a half sovereign and -some silver was all that appeared. - -"Ah," said Miss Vernon, compressing her lips; "and I have only five -shillings. We must fill up that cheque! How glad I am I kept it in my -own desk!" - -"What cheque, jewel?" - -"Oh, I forgot you did not know." - -And Kate hurriedly told Mrs. O'Toole of Lady Desmond's generosity. - -"Och! then there's the raale lady for ye! none iv yer naggurs, sure -it's she has the right to do it any how. Wasn't the Kurnel like a -father to her, an it's not every wan would remember it; may the blessin -iv heaven go with her! faith we're made up now, agrah, an how 'ill ye -turn it into money?" - -"I will enclose it with a note to Mr. Langley, and he is so kind, I am -sure he will get it cashed (that is the word,) for me; but, nurse, how -much money ought I to write down, I do not like to put too much--twenty -pounds?" - -"Och! botheration, Miss Kate, sure ye'r a babby about money. Twenty -pounds is just a dhrop in the say, an' sickness in the house, write -fifty pounds asthore, when ye're about it, God knows it's not so easy -to get the money." - -"But fifty pounds, nurse, is such a large sum, I am afraid--besides, -I am certain Georgy herself will be here immediately, as she does not -write, she must be on the road home, and twenty pounds, I am sure, will -do 'till she arrives." - -"Bother, be on the sure side, Miss Kate, an' if she comes so soon, -give her what's left; just do as I bid ye, asthore; sure I know what's -wantin better than you do." - -"Well, I suppose so, put on your bonnet, I will write to Mr. Langley at -once." - -"Wait a bit," said Mrs. O'Toole, with an air of intense meaning; she -rung the bell; "Hesther," as that functionary appeared, "bring Miss -Vernon her desk, out iv her room, I was tellin her, yer mistress wants -her rint, an she's goin to write an ordher on the bank; I'll post it -meself. That 'ill do for Mrs. Crooks, I think, an' I'll give her a -piece iv me mind to-morrow, about her English ways, as----." - -"No, no, pray do not, it would be both wrong and foolish, I am sure we -have met such true friendship from English people, we may well have -patience with a poor woman, who, after all, may want her money." - -"Musha, God help yer heart! She has twicet as much as you have, an' -what's more, she needn't be payin for what she can do for herself, an' -a lady mustn't do; well, well, it's a quare world; but any ways, the -masther's better, glory be to God." - -The Colonel persisted in his intention of getting up, on the -appointed day, and though he almost fainted, when the transit to -the sitting-room was accomplished, he seemed more cheerful, at -least he listened with more seeming attention and interest to Kate's -conversation, for he was too weak to converse himself. - -From this period, he rose, each day, about noon, and Kate was grieved -to observe how much his anxiety about the past exhausted his little -strength; she asserted her conviction that Lady Desmond was on her -homeward road, and though that generally quieted him for the moment, it -was only to be done over again the next day. - -Nurse kept watch at the hall door, to anticipate that dreadful short -sharp knock, that has made, and will make, many a heart stand still -with nameless dread; and still Kate's daily report was-- - -"The post has just come, dear grandpapa, no letters for us." - -So time slipped by, and both nurse and Kate began to share the -Colonel's uneasiness, at Lady Desmond's silence and non-appearance, -though, of course, they suppressed all expression of it, before him. - -At length, the post did bring a letter for Colonel Vernon, but it was -from Winter, a few lines only, expressing surprise at Kate's long -silence, and enclosing one directed to his care, for the Colonel. -It bore the Southampton post-mark, and was from Fred Egerton. The -Colonel was at first so much affected by the extreme disappointment he -experienced at not receiving any letter from Lady Desmond, that was -some before he desired to have Egerton's despatch read to him, not -until he was fairly established in his easy chair, and recovered from -the fatigue of dressing, which Kate noticed, sadly, continued the same -from day to day, no visible improvement of strength taking place. - -"Now, my love, let me hear this disappointing letter, though it is very -ungracious in me to call it so." - -And Kate, who had had no time of late to think of Fred Egerton, felt -her voice trembling with the strange gush of delight that filled her -whole heart with a sudden and delicious life, when the long looked for -writing met her eye, and which she had not yet succeeded in stilling. - -The letter was too long for a full insertion here; after expressing a -hope that the Colonel's silence did not proceed from any intention to -repudiate his acquaintance, and that he would not consider a _third_ -attempt at a correspondence importunate, Fred Egerton proceeded to -give a short but clear description of the country round him, alluding -briefly to the battle of ----, an account of which he supposed had -reached them. He enquired kindly for the Winters, and said he had heard -from Burton, (who had passed through A----, in the summer) of Gilpin's -death, and that they (Colonel and Miss Vernon) had left the old city. -I presume therefore that my last letter, as well as one I enclosed -for Mrs. O'Toole, from her son, were delayed in reaching you, if they -ever did reach you. Pray remember me kindly to my good nurse; many a -time I have longed to hear her rich brogue near me, when I lay parched -with fever. By the way, will you tell Miss Vernon, I am busily engaged -training her foster-brother in the way he should go. I'll not say any -thing of his past, but I anticipate great things for his future. - - "Well, the excitement of a battle is intense, and its horrors intense - also; should I meet Miss Vernon again, though, perhaps, she is no - longer Miss Vernon, I shall be able to satisfy her curiosity about a - battle. - - "Poor Colonel A---- died of his wounds, a fortnight ago. He was as - fine fellow as ever breathed; I was close by him when he fell, and I - felt that a thousand of those infernal Sikhs would not make up for - such a life. They say I am sure of the Lieutenant Colonelcy. Heaven - and the Horse Guards only know. If they will give it I will take it, - and be thankful, but I have no money to purchase, and I will not ask - Egerton's interest. - - "May I hope you will answer _this_ letter, if it is not too much - trouble; perhaps Winter, if he is near you, will act as your - amanuensis; dare I suggest Miss Vernon? I long for some news from - my friends, for I feel anxious, somehow, since I heard you had left - A----, and the old Priory. I have a sketch of it which I often set - up before me as I smoke my last cigar, before turning in, to ensure - pleasant dreams. Once more, my dear sir, pray write: - - "With the warmest esteem, - "Faithfully yours, - "Fred. B. Egerton." - -"A kind, warm-hearted letter," said the Colonel, at its conclusion, in -the slow, faint tone, now usual with him. "I am gratified to find him -so thoughtful of the past. Ah! if--" he stopped. - -"If what?" asked Kate, carelessly, as she was re-reading the letter. - -"Nothing, dear child," he returned, despondingly. "You had better tell -nurse, she will like to hear of Denny." - -"Glory be to God!" ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole, as Kate read the passage -relating to her son, aloud. "An' so they're comin' home?" - -"No, dear nurse, Captain Egerton says, '_if_ I ever re-visit England.'" - -"Well, sure it's all the same; whin people niver intend a thing they -niver talk iv it, but whin they begin to wish for it, they begin to -talk iv it, an' whin they've talked a bit, they must do it." - -The Colonel smiled at Mrs. O'Toole's logic. And not many minutes after -the Doctor came in. - -"Pulse very unsteady," said he, gravely and interrogatively to Kate, -"any disturbing cause?" - -"He has been disappointed about a letter, he hoped to receive." - -"Ah, these letters are bad, very bad; he is not getting on as I could -wish," added the doctor to Mrs. O'Toole, as she followed him to the -hall door to receive his parting instructions, "could you not get up -some pious fraud about this letter? invent one, eh?" - -"Oh, God bless ye, docther, it's not possible, any ways, sure if it was -I'm the woman would do it." - -"Well, I suppose so; but, I tell you, I dread another bursting of a -blood vessel, and then." The doctor paused, shook his head, drew on his -glove, and departed in the teeth of a bitter March wind, and a cloud of -dust. - -"It seems a very cold, wretched day," said the Colonel, as Kate took up -her work; "is poor Cormac never let into the house now?" - -"Oh, yes, grandpapa, he generally lies outside the door, but I did not -like to let him in for fear of disturbing you?" - -"He would not disturb me, I wish to see him." - -Miss Vernon rose, and opening the door, admitted Cormac, who testified -his joy at beholding his master, in a quiet, subdued manner, and the -Colonel welcomed his faithful follower with a warmth, that Kate feared -would be too much for his strength, stroking the dog's head, feebly, -from time to time, and gazing at him abstractedly, as if his spirit -had flown back to the scenes and time, when he was still vigorous, and -Cormac gambolled with all the vivacity of youth. Now the old hound -sat grave and still, his dull, filmy eye returning his master's gaze; -and Kate suppressed the deep sighs which rose from her heart, as she -saw these old companions, side by side, thus changed, thus sinking in -the unequal conflict with time and adversity! And behind them memory -raised the dark curtain of the present, and the bright, happy past -broke forth with more than its pristine freshness; she saw those two -languid forms, instinct with life, glowing with animation; she heard -her grandfather's clear musical laugh, ring forth as he sprang upon -his favourite horse, and held him steady with a powerful hand; she -heard the hound's deep, joyous bark, as, after a few gambols round the -impatient horse, he bounded forward in a swift and sudden race, only -to return with headlong speed; she saw her grandfather's stately form, -with those of his high-born, gay companions, sweep round a bend of the -avenue, and as the sound of their voices and the tramp of their horses -died away in the distance, she heard the dash and roar of the restless -Atlantic against the cliffs; she saw the park-like lawn, the stately -wood, the bold, blue hills and--a faint voice, like the echo of her -grandfather's, from another world recalled her to the present. - -"Give Cormac, poor fellow, some bread and milk before he goes away." - -A few days passed, and still no letter. One evening, pleased to see the -Colonel sleeping peacefully in his chair, Kate dropped her work and -gave herself up to reverie. She had hardly had time to think of Fred. -Egerton's letter, and the tone of warm remembrance it breathed. - -"I wonder shall I ever see him again! Ah, no, what folly to think of -it! Yet if he was here, he would give grandpapa hope and courage, and -to me! He is so bright and strong. But thank God his letter came, with -its cheering words, just when I most wanted something to raise my heart -a little! Nurse thinks he will come back, but that is only a dream; -and, after all, if he did, it would make no difference to me!" - -Her thoughts rambled on in this way for some time, over many a varied -topic, till she was roused by Cormac's very unusual efforts to gain -admittance without leave. "Well come in, good dog, but be quiet," and -the hound immediately placed himself by his master's chair; and Kate -was speaking to him in a low voice, when the postman's knock, they had -so long guarded against, but did not expect at that unaccustomed hour, -shook the frail walls of the habitation, and Kate rose from her chair, -trembling for her grandfather. - -He woke suddenly, startled, but not so much as Kate had feared, and at -the same moment nurse entered with a letter. - -"From Georgina," cried Kate, opening it with trembling haste; she read -aloud. - -"'Good heavens, dearest Kate, how unfortunate that I should have come -here.' - -"She writes from Lucca. - -"'Your letter was not forwarded to me for ten days after I left -Florence. I start to-morrow for England, and God grant the passes -may not be snowed up; I hope to reach you as soon almost as this -does; keep up your spirits; tell the Colonel I know his wishes, I -fully understand his anxiety for your writing. The courier waits for -my letter. God bless you--Yours in haste and much affliction.--G. -Desmond.'" - -"What is the date?" asked the Colonel, feebly. - -"It has none, except the place; she evidently writes in the greatest -haste." - -"Look at the cover." - -"It is so rubbed and soiled I can make nothing out, but a 'Fir' and -'Marzo.'" - -"She will be here to-morrow," said the Colonel, with sudden decision. -"My God, I thank thee!" he murmured. "Kate, my love, I feel exhausted, -some wine." - -She flew to get it, and, after taking a little, he leaned back, -drowsily, she settled the cushions for his head, and knelt down to feel -if his feet were cold; he stretched out his hand feebly, and laid it on -her head; the old hound, whom they had not noticed, drew closer, and -licked the hand that had so often caressed him. - -"God bless you darling, from the hour of your birth, you have been an -unalloyed blessing to me." - -Kate rose, and kissed him fondly-- - -"Go to sleep, dearest grandpapa." - -"Yes, for she will be here to-morrow. I feel so happy, Kate!" - -"Thank Heaven!" she ejaculated; and returning to her seat, watched -the sleeper for some time, rejoicing to see an expression of almost -heavenly happiness and calm gradually stealing over his features. -The old hound, too, shared her vigil, laying his head couched on his -fore-paws, his eyes fixed on his master. So she sat, sometimes, raising -her heart to God, with a feeling of thankfulness, though she knew not -why, except that she ever looked, in spite of her cooler reason, to -Lady Desmond's return as to a great deliverance. - -The evening closed in, and still her grandfather lay in calm, unbroken -repose. The old dog, at length, grew restless, he raised his head, and -half rose up, as if to approach his master, and when Kate spoke to him, -lay down again, with a low, complaining whine. Miss Vernon rung-- - -"I wish," said she, as Mrs. O'Toole entered, "you would take Cormac -away, I never saw him so troublesome before. I am afraid he will -disturb grandpapa from that sweet sound sleep." - -"Come with me, Cormac." - -The hound wagged his tail, turning his dull eyes on her for a moment, -but immediately refixing them on his master, with a watchful air, -his ears erected, as if in expectation. Mrs. O'Toole crossed the -room quickly, and stooping to look into the old man's face, started -back, clasping her hands, with an expression of awe and terror on her -countenance. - -"Nurse!" exclaimed Kate, springing to her side; "what, what is the -matter?" - -"Hush, hush, mee own darlint child," whispered Mrs. O'Toole. "He's not -there--he's with the blessed saints in Heaven!" - - -END OF VOL. II. - - - * * * * * - -Transcriber's Notes: - -Italic text is denoted by _underscores_. - -Minor punctuation and printer errors repaired. - -Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully -as possible, including retaining obsolete and variant spellings, -inconsistent hyphenation, and other inconsistencies, especially within -dialect speech. - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Kate Vernon, Vol. 2 (of 3), by Mrs. Alexander - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KATE VERNON, VOL. 2 (OF 3) *** - -***** This file should be named 53356-8.txt or 53356-8.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/3/5/53356/ - -Produced by Suzanne Shell, Christopher Wright and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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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: Kate Vernon, Vol. 2 (of 3) - A Tale. In three volumes. - -Author: Mrs. Alexander - -Release Date: October 24, 2016 [EBook #53356] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KATE VERNON, VOL. 2 (OF 3) *** - - - - -Produced by Suzanne Shell, Christopher Wright and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<p class="ph1">POPULAR NEW WORKS</p> - -<p class="ph4"><i>PUBLISHED</i></p> - -<p class="ph2 bold">BY MR. T. C. NEWBY.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph5">In 1 Vol. 9<i>s.</i></p> - -<p class="ph3">FROM BABYLON TO JERUSALEM.</p> - -<p class="ph4">BY THE COUNTESS HAHN-HAHN.</p> - -<p class="blockquot">"This book is neither more nor less than the life of the Countess -Hahn-Hahn, a lady of great literary celebrity, and the history of her -conversion from Protestantism to Roman Catholicism: it will be read -with deep interest."—<cite>Evening Post.</cite></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph5">In 1 Vol. 7<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<p class="ph3 gesperrt">FROM JERUSALEM.</p> - -<p class="ph4">BY THE COUNTESS HAHN-HAHN.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph4">In 1 Vol. 10<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<p class="ph3 gesperrt">CIRCASSIA;</p> - -<p class="ph4">OR, A TOUR TO THE CAUCASUS.</p> - -<p class="ph5">BY G. L. DITSON, ESQ.</p> - -<p class="blockquot">"Give us a number of glimpses of countries not in the common track of -tourists."—<cite>Literary Gazette.</cite></p> - -<p class="blockquot">"Mr. Ditson has embraced in his actual survey all that the ancient poets -fixed as the boundary of the ancient world, and more."—<cite>Spectator.</cite></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p class="ph5">In 2 Vols. post 8vo. £1 1<i>s.</i></p> - -<p class="ph3">SEVEN YEARS' SERVICE ON THE -SLAVE COAST OF AFRICA.</p> - -<p class="ph4">BY SIR HENRY HUNTLEY.</p> - -<p class="blockquot">"The Author's views of the Slave Trade and its results are borne out by -the facts which have been adduced. We could fill our pages with the horrors -which stare us in the face almost in every page of his book."—<cite>Naval and -Military Gazette.</cite></p> - - -<hr class="chap" /> -<div class="break-before"> - <h1>KATE VERNON.</h1> - - <p class="ph2 oldeng mt2">A Tale.</p> - - <p class="ph3"><i>IN THREE VOLUMES.</i></p> - - <p class="ph2">VOL. II.</p> - - <p class="ph3 mt4">LONDON:<br /> - - THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER,</p> - - <p class="ph4">30, WELBECK STREET, CAVENDISH SQUARE</p> - - <p class="ph4">1854.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="ph2">KATE VERNON.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<h2>CHAPTER I</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">CLOUDS ON THE HORIZON.</p> - - -<p>It would give a very false idea of Kate Vernon's -character, were we to say that Captain -Egerton's departure did not leave a blank in -the quiet routine of her life. Indeed, she was -rather surprised to find how closely he had -linked himself with the pleasures and occupations -of the secluded little circle amongst -whom accident had thrown him. She missed -his ready companionship, and the amusing<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> -contrariety of his opinions and prejudices; she -missed the interested attention with which he -listened to every word that fell from her lips, -and her eye, peculiarly alive to beauty in every -form, missed his distinguished, soldierly figure, -and bold, frank, open face. But her regrets -did not even border on the sentimental, and -were spoken as openly as her grandfather's, -who every hour in the day, for a week, at -least, after his departure, might be heard to -say—"If Fred Egerton was here, he would -do this, or that, for me." In short, Kate had -never dreamt of Egerton as a lover. Marriage -was to her a distant possibility—desirable, certainly, -in due time, as she always considered -it, if happy, the happiest state of life; but -marriage with a soldier, who could not be -always near her grandfather, was something -so utterly beyond the powers of her imagination -to conceive, that it gave her all the ease -and security she might have felt with a -brother.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span></p> - -<p>So the winter wore steadily away. The -morning's study—the afternoon walk with her -grandfather—often to visit the sick and needy—the -interchange of contrasting thought with -Winter and the organist, kept Miss Vernon too -wholesomely active both in mind and body to -permit the pleasant monotony of her life to degenerate -into stagnation.</p> - -<p>But the half-hour in the evening, while her -grandfather dosed, was the happiest portion of -the day to her; when she leaned back in her -chair gazing at the fire-light as it danced upon -the wall and cast uncouth shadows, and, following -some train of thought suggested by the -reading, or occurrences of the day, dreamed of -the future, or conjured up the past! And often -did she feel surprise, at the frequent recurrence -of the ball at Carrington—of Egerton's -farewell—among these visions—though, at this -point, she ever turned resolutely away.</p> - -<p>Then Colonel Vernon was laid up for a -month with a feverish cold, which made Kate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> -rather anxious, and banished every thought -not connected with the invalid.</p> - -<p>So-came on the lengthening days' warmer -sun, and more piercing winds of early spring; -and one morning, towards the end of March, -Mrs. O'Toole laid two letters before the Colonel; -one directed to him in a clear, bold hand, bearing -the Marseilles' post-mark, the other to -Kate.</p> - -<p>"I really think this is from Fred Egerton," -said the Colonel, feeling in every pocket for -glasses. "Kate, my dear! they were hanging -round my neck before breakfast?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! here they are, dear grandpapa," exclaimed -she, eagerly; "do not mind looking -at the outside—open it."</p> - -<p>And she laid aside her own.</p> - -<p>With many a break, and many a tantalising -pause, the Colonel slowly doled forth Egerton's -letter, it was short, and contained little more -than a report of his safe arrival, after a tedious -journey, many expressions of sincere regard,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -and kind enquiries for his friends at A——, -but breathed an indefinable tone of despondency, -and restlessness of spirit, unlike anything -they had hitherto observed in him.</p> - -<p>The Colonel, at length, concluded, in a sort -of surprised accent, as though he expected -something more; and Kate exclaimed—</p> - -<p>"Is that all? Do you know, grandpapa, I -expected much greater things from Captain -Egerton's first letter from India. Do you not -think he writes dejectedly."</p> - -<p>"I cannot quite make him out," he replied, -in an absent manner; "but I am obliged to him -for his kind remembrance of us. We must -tell Winter and Gilpin—he was such a favorite -with them. Now open your despatch, my dear. -I see it is from Georgina."</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p>"Dearest Kate," began Miss Vernon, -in obedience to his commands, "your last letter -is now so ancient, I am ashamed to mention -it—your first I did not answer because I was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -too much vexed at your absurd opposition to -all my plans for your benefit. Time has cooled -my resentment, and accident has revived my -affection for my pretty, loveable god-child, -while it has, I hope, awakened in your mind -proper regret for the folly of preferring a life -of seclusion in a dull country town to the brilliant -lot you might have secured. I forgive -you, as I am sure you have punished yourself -enough. The immediate cause of this letter is -as follows. Mrs. Wentworth, one of my -closest allies at Naples, told me, a brother of -hers met a most exquisite personage, called -Colonel Vernon, and an equally exquisite Miss -Vernon at A——, I recognised the description, -and immediately a vision of my happy girlish -days at Dungar, and of all I owed to my kind -and venerated cousin, rose before my mind; -and deep was the self-reproach, with which I -thought of my long unpardonable neglect! It -is the life of unchecked prosperity I lead, that -makes me thus thoughtless, thus inferior to -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span>you, my bright-eyed recluse, in whose name I -once promised and vowed the three things you -have practised. I am what I am, and will -feign nothing. I acknowledge, that tardy as -this letter is, I doubt if I should have penned -it, had not certain fleeting catspaws ruffled the -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span>smooth surface of my life, and showed me -how slight are the bands that hold back the -"dogs of war," doubt, emptiness, and dissatisfaction! -I fear I am selfish, but nothing will -do my heart so much good as the sight of your -calm, sweet face, and the sound of your noble-hearted -grandfather's well-remembered voice—forgive -me, I know how guilty I am, I feel I -am most unworthy—yet, forgive me, and come; -leave the seclusion nature never intended for -either. D'Arcy Vernon never refused me a -request in those old times when I was all but -a dependent on his bounty—I trust he will not -now prevent me from employing some of the -filthy lucre fortune has thrown in my way, in -administering to my own enjoyment, by accelerating -your journey here. I have written -so much longer than usual, I can add nothing -of the charms intrinsic or extrinsic of fair -Florence, to me it will be nothing if you refuse -to come.</p> - -<p class="right"> -"Yours as warmly as ever,<br /> -<br /> -"<span class="smcap">G. Desmond</span>.<br /> -</p> - -<p>"P.S.—Moore writes me word there has been -a great search for some papers relating to the -Knockdrum farm, I do not exactly understand -what they want them for; some lawsuit that -a Mr. Taaffe is engaged in, but you had better -tell your grandfather."</p> -</div> - -<p>"What a charming letter!" cried Kate, as -she concluded. "Is it not delightful, to read -such a candid, warm-hearted acknowledgement -of error? I am so glad to have heard -from her at last. It is so dreadful to feel that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -any chilling cloud of doubt intervenes between -you and one you love!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, indeed," said the Colonel; "what a -rash impulsive creature Georgy has ever been! -rushing into injustice one moment, and atoning -for it with such graceful self-abasement the -next; it would be better if she could steer -clear of both extremes; but let me look at that -postscript again; she is as distinct as ladies -usually are on legal subjects."</p> - -<p>Kate handed him the letter, and he continued -to read and re-read the postscript for -some minutes, with a look of concentrated attention, -then, raising his eyes and speaking -more to himself than to his grand-daughter—</p> - -<p>"I am astonished, that Moore has not -written to me on this matter," he said, in a -displeased tone. "If this Taaffe, be the -nephew of old Arthur Taaffe, and the papers -required, those connected with that judgment;" -he stopped abruptly, and sat for a few moments -in deep thought, looking very grave. Kate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -also kept a respectful silence, feeling little -interest in any legal matter, till her grandfather -rousing himself, and with his old contented -look returning, observed, "no, no! no man -could act such a villanous part, he must be -perfectly aware it was paid years ago."</p> - -<p>"What was paid, grandpapa?"</p> - -<p>"That debt to old Taaffe; he advanced my -father money on Knockdrum, and got me to -join in the bond, on which, of course judgments -were entered against us both. I paid it -years ago, and simply got an acknowledgement -from him, but did not go through some -other form, satisfying the judgment, I think -they term it."</p> - -<p>"Well, I am sure no one would ever doubt -your word," cried Kate, "even if these papers -cannot be found."</p> - -<p>"I am afraid, my dear child, the great mass -of legal and money-lending people do not come -within the category of christians, who 'believe -all things.' I must write to Moore this very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -day, I'll be in time for the Irish post, give me -my desk, Kate."</p> - -<p>"But suppose this man insists on the production -of these papers, and you cannot satisfy -him?" asked Kate, as she was leaving the -room after arranging the Colonel's writing -materials.</p> - -<p>He looked up with a sudden expression of -pain in his noble, benevolent countenance.</p> - -<p>"We shall be beggars, my child! that's -all."</p> - -<p>Miss Vernon walked into the drawing-room, -and opened the piano mechanically; while her -thoughts were busily engaged in conjecturing -whether the lingering debility of indisposition, -rather than justly grounded fears, prompted her -grandfather's gloomy view of Lady Desmond's -intelligence.</p> - -<p>"Shall we then really know the poverty, -nurse talks of? Shall I be strong enough to say, -in sincerity, '<em>Thy will be done!</em>'"</p> - -<p>But soon these gloomy speculations gave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -place to the pleasanter topic of her cousin's -invitation, which seemed to have escaped her -grandfather's notice.</p> - -<p>She had been <em>thus</em> meditating for some time, -when nurse entered with a letter in her hand.</p> - -<p>"The master's love, Miss Kate, and if it's -not too early he'd like you to go out wid him, -he says he does not feel so well!"</p> - -<p>"Yes, nurse, I will go and get my bonnet -and shawl, when I have settled this music."</p> - -<p>"Faith now, alannah, I'm not plaised at all -with the looks iv him!"</p> - -<p>"How?" said Kate, suspending her occupation -of replacing the books in the music-stand, -and looking up anxiously in Mrs. -O'Toole's face, which wore an unusual look of -care, especially about the depressed corners of -her expressive mouth.</p> - -<p>"Sorra one iv me can tell why, but he -looks like as when a big black cloud is beginin' -to be dhrawn over the sun in a fine summer's -day; he just sits in the chair tired like; an ses<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -he, 'only one letther for the post, nurse,' ses -he, 'but be sure it's in time for the Irish maal,' -and then he give me the message, I gave yes. -The Cross iv Christ betune us an harum, ses I, -as soon as I see 'J. Moore, Esquire,' on the -letther; how are we to have luck or grace when -we have any thing to say to the man that -sould Dungar, an give it up to the spalpeen -that has it now; look Miss Kate, thim's the -Esquires that's going now! Faith an I remember -Paddy Moore, his father, carrying -sacks iv corn to the mill, an meself own maid -up at the big house! Ay, then, J. Moore, -Esquire, ye'r the first esquire in yer family, -any ways, an there was ever an always sorra to -sup when there was letthers goin back an forward -betune you an the masther!"</p> - -<p>"But, nurse, I have always heard that Mr. -Moore was an upright honourable man, and I -hope grandpapa's letter will be only productive -of good."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, may be so, but I'd a mighty<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -quare dhrame both last night an the night -afore. Oh, ye may laugh now, Miss Kate, -but no matther! I seen the masther as plain -as I see yer own sweet face forenent me, -slippin, slippin down a steep slim place wid -the say roarin mad ondher, an you houlding -him for the dear life, an yer round white -arms all strained an tremblin wid the weight -that was too much for yez, an I couldn't help -yez, tho' I struve an struve to run to yez; an -in the struggle I woke up, all in a shake; an -God forgive the word, but it's a mighty bad -dhrame intirely!"</p> - -<p>"No, Nurse—you say dreams go by contraries, -so it is grandpapa that will be ascending -some lofty eminence and dragging me after -him."</p> - -<p>"It was in the mornin', asthore, in the -mornin' I dhreamt it."</p> - -<p>"Never mind, nurse, if so, God will lend -these slight arms strength for all that may be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> -required of them—do not tell me any more -dreams now, I must go to grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"Sweet Mary, shield ye darlint!" ejaculated -Mrs. O'Toole, as she looked after her nursling, -"but we've rested so long widout them thieving -attorneys, I don't like to see them beginin' -their letthers agin. <em>J. Moore, esquire!</em> the -divil go wid such esquires! amen."</p> - -<p>Fearful and wonderful indeed is our spiritual -organisation. Reason may smile at fears, unsubstantiated -by any tangible motive, but the -instant her accents of reproof have ceased, lo! -the same formless and gnawing terror steals -back, undiminished by one iota of its influence, -to depress the soul, until again routed by reason's -disciplined troops; a true guerilla warfare in -which the irregular forces, ever ready to disperse -and reassemble, always repulsed, but -never conquered, are sure to wear out resistance -in the end.</p> - -<p>So Kate Vernon, in spite of her clear and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -cultivated intellect, her sound judgment, and -her sense of the ridiculous, could not keep -nurse's evil omen from dwelling on her mind; -more, ay, a thousand times more, than her -grandfather's apparent anxiety about the intelligence -communicated by Lady Desmond, -and they accomplished the circuit of the walls, -silently, or, exchanging occasional remarks -very foreign from the subject occupying both -their minds.</p> - -<p>At length the Colonel said abruptly—</p> - -<p>"Kate, my child, what do you think of Lady -Desmond's invitation?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! I think it a delightful plan; but you, -grandpapa, do you think we shall be able to -accept it?"</p> - -<p>"At present decidedly not. I must not be -farther from Dublin than I am—I fear I shall -have much letter writing, if indeed I am not -obliged to go to Ireland myself; if matters -come right again, I shall certainly endeavour<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -to let the Priory, and take you to Italy; this -complete retirement is not good or safe."</p> - -<p>"Safe!" said Kate, laughing. "Why I -thought it was quite <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">selon les regles</i>, of all romances, -that a dethroned prince, and his lovely -and interesting daughter, like you and I, -should be safe only while in obscurity."</p> - -<p>"According to old romances, I grant; but -according to reality, there is more danger in -the strong contrasts which the occasional -breaks in a life of retirement present, in the -tone of mind it engenders, than in the action -of society, at least to you, Kate."</p> - -<p>"Danger! Oh, tempt me not to boast," -cried Kate, endeavouring to draw her grandfather -from his moralising mood. "You may -despise old romances, but you are nevertheless -assuming the tone of some melancholy Count -Alphonso, warning a sensitive and angelic -Lady Malvina, against the world in general: -dearest and best," she continued, in graver and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span> -tenderer tones, "I must swim down the troubled -current of life, as you have done before -me, and meet its difficulties and trials—leave -me then to the same guide by whose aid, you -have passed many a dangerous rapid safely, -to float in a smooth, though diminutive haven -at last."</p> - -<p>"You are right, Kate, quite right; but how -much longer the smoothness will last, God -only knows."</p> - -<p>"Well, there <em>is</em> a God, to know all, and -direct all, and that consciousness, must rob the -future of all apprehension. Shall I write to -Lady Desmond, on our return, and tell her of -our indecision and its causes?"</p> - -<p>"By all means. Yet, dear child, I wish <em>you</em> -would accept her invitation, you want change, -and I could remain quite comfortably with -nurse and—"</p> - -<p>"Do not utter such treason! Leave you! -and to amuse myself in Italy, when there is a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span> -chance that so far from being able to do without -me, you may peculiarly want me."</p> - -<p>"My dear, dear, unselfish child."</p> - -<p>"Not a bit unselfish—<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tout au contraire</i>. I -should be miserable away, besides—but here -are our friends, Winter and Gilpin, so, dearest -grandpapa, leave the future to take care of itself; -all will be arranged for the best."</p> - -<p>There was no time to say more, as the -painter and organist approached; but though -the Colonel made no reply, some unexplained -current of feeling induced him to pass his arm -through Kate's, instead of offering it, as was -his habit, for her support.</p> - -<p>"Ha! Miss Vernon, I see you have taken -advantage of a stray gleam of sun, to seduce -the Colonel into risking another cold—the -wind is truly detestable, but as I could not -keep Gilpin in doors, I came out with him, he -has not a grain of prudence!"</p> - -<p>"My dear Winter, it is a remarkable fine<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -day for March, I am glad, Gilpin, you felt -equal to a walk."</p> - -<p>"I think you look better," observed Kate.</p> - -<p>"Yes: I think I am better, I feel to revive -at the approach, however boisterous, of -spring."</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Cospetto!</i> three months in Italy would -make you a new man; but here, the great -mystery to me is, how any one who catches a -cold ever loses it."</p> - -<p>"The remedy is worse than the disease; -imagine a depressed invalid in a strange -country, without a single friend, or, even acquaintance, -and ignorant of its language," returned -Gilpin.</p> - -<p>"Wretched indeed! but wait for me, Mr. -Gilpin, we have some thoughts of taking a -flight to Italy, this summer," said Miss Vernon.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Corpo di Baccho!</i> I'll not be left behind: -to act as Miss Vernon's <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">cicerone</i>, would be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -something more than commonly delightful—what -a state of enjoyment you would be in; -but what put such a move into your head, -Colonel?"</p> - -<p>"An invitation from Lady Desmond, who -is at Florence," said Colonel Vernon, "Our -acceptance of it however is very uncertain, -though I see Kate is full of the project. I -had another letter, Messieurs, which I think -will give you pleasure—here; read it, Winter."</p> - -<p>"Bombay—Fred Egerton—<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">che gusto</i>."</p> - -<p>A quick glance at Kate. The whole party -moved slowly towards Abbey Gardens, the -Colonel and Winter, who read the letter aloud, -and Gilpin close behind with Kate.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Ad ogni uccello suo nido é bello</i>," said Winter, -as he concluded the epistle, "here am I -shivering and pining for a warm sun, which -many years' custom has made natural to me, -and there is that young scape-grace, revelling -in baths; and slaves, and sunshine, dying to be -back among east winds and consumption!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Captain Egerton does not forget his friends—as -soldiers are said to do," said Gilpin.</p> - -<p>"Pooh, pshaw!" cried Winter, "he was -bored by a bad sea voyage; sea-sickness is at -the bottom of half the sentimental adieus -to my native shores, that you read in albums -and annuals, wait until he gets among his -tiger-shooting brother officers, or the Bombay -belles, he'll soon forget the sum-total of all he -left behind—stuff!"</p> - -<p>"I do not quite agree with you, Mr. Winter," -replied Kate. "I think Captain Egerton -will always remember our little circle, kindly, -and be delighted to see any member of it -again. Beyond this we have no right to -expect; he would not charge his memory with -regrets for people, who do not let his absence -interfere with their pleasures or occupations."</p> - -<p>"Bravo, Miss Vernon! if he was some -worthy curate, in a white tie and spectacles, -you would not bustle up so warmly in his defence; -but a handsome light dragoon, with<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -moustache, and a long sword and spurs, and -saucy 'make way for me look,' is another affair."</p> - -<p>"Wrong again, Mr. Winter," said Kate. -"I see no reason why a Lancer's cap may not -cover as good qualities, as a clerical broad-brim—and -I have been too long your pupil, not to -appreciate form and color."</p> - -<p>"Good; and if every Lancer was like Captain -Egerton, I, for one, would prefer trusting -them, even in a confessional, to the white neck-clothed -curates," chimed in the organist.</p> - -<p>"In truth, though Egerton is the type of -a class I have always disliked, I cannot help -liking him—especially when I think of his—pooh, -pooh—I was forgetting—" And Winter -stopped abruptly.</p> - -<p>"You are mysterious," said the Colonel. -"But let me see the <cite>Times</cite>, at your house; I -want to read the Indian news, that came by -the last mail; and to see Mrs. Winter."</p> - -<p>"Do you really think you will go to Italy, -Miss Vernon?" asked Gilpin.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I fear it is problematical. I long to -travel; but grandpapa has some business, and -nurse has had a dream, which bodes evil for -my wishes."</p> - -<p>"Oh, the dream ought not to be classed with -the business."</p> - -<p>"I dare confess to you, and to you only," -returned Kate, with a smile, "that it seems to -shake my hopes far more than the business."</p> - -<p>"The philosophic Miss Vernon—superstitious!"</p> - -<p>"No, no! yet, you know—</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">'It may be a sound,</div> - <div class="verse">A tone of music, summer's eve, or spring;</div> - <div class="verse">A flower, the wind, the ocean, which shall wound,</div> - <div class="verse">Striking the electric chain wherewith we're darkly bound.'"</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>"Winter would say it was the east wind."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," said Miss Vernon, "for alas! -how ignominiously physical are the causes of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -many a tenderly poetic mood! not that I am -at all addicted to such, but—"</p> - -<p>"I think it is a mistake to consider everything -physical, as despicable," observed Gilpin; -"we hear of mere physical force, mere -physical wants; but the same hand made and -blended our two natures, and we shall be happy -and healthy, in proportion as we train both to -work in harmony, without giving undue preference -to either."</p> - -<p>"I often think we have a species of trinity -within us," said Miss Vernon. "We have -sense with all its powerful tendencies in one -direction, and spirit with its aspirations in -another, while the heart and its affections seem -to be neutral ground, where the claims of both -may be adjusted."</p> - -<p>"I like the fancy; but sense gets the upper -hand in many a heart."</p> - -<p>"No," interrupted Kate, "the heart may -be destroyed in the struggle, but while it -exists, the spirit always has fair play."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Your sentence is too sweeping; in all such -warfare, the variations are so delicately shaded -that—"</p> - -<p>"Walk in, Colonel," broke in Winter; -"never mind if Mrs. Winter is in or not; -Gilpin, we'll have some Scotch broth for luncheon, -that will set you up. I give you no -choice—in you must come."</p> - -<p>"Sense must carry the day, Mr. Gilpin," -said Kate, smiling.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>Some days elapsed after this conversation -before a reply from Mr. Moore reached the -Colonel; and the anxiety he and Kate had -experienced, died away into a half-forgetfulness.</p> - -<p>It is strange how events, which at first -strike us with such keen force, lose their -sharpness of outline as the mind becomes accustomed -to what was at first a novel aspect of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span> -affairs; and, as nothing fresh arises, we gradually -sink back into our former frame of mind, -or recur to that which distressed it, in momentary -spasms of anxiety.</p> - -<p>So Kate and her grandfather had quite recovered -their usual serenity, and the former had -written to Lady Desmond, long and affectionately; -rejoicing that the cloud which had for a -while interposed between them, had been dispersed; -merely mentioning the obstacle to their -journey, as a temporary annoyance, and speaking -of its removal as a matter of certainty.</p> - -<p>But she did not allude to it when in conversation -with the Colonel, as she fancied he -avoided the subject.</p> - -<p>Such was their frame of mind when, at the -usual post hour, one morning, Mrs. O'Toole -entered.</p> - -<p>"A letther for the masther," a large, blue, -pitiless looking envelop, such as emanate -from attorneys' and merchants' offices, implacable -places, sacrificial alters, where youth and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -joy, tenderness and the pleasant amenities of -life are immolated at the shrine of the English -juggernaut "business."</p> - -<p>The Colonel, keeping his eye fixed on it, -felt in his pockets for his spectacles, silently, -with a certain determination of manner, very -different from the joyous confusion with which -he sought for them, when opening Fred Egerton's -letter; then with a loud hem, as if he -wished to clear both throat and brains, he tore -open the missive.</p> - -<p>Kate sat opposite gazing at him, as if she -could read the contents through his countenance; -and although that morning she had -risen with the full conviction that the anticipated -letter would only prove their anxiety to -be groundless, she now felt the terrible, creeping, -gnawing, sickening sensation of doubt and -dread which makes the hand so cold, and the -eye so dim, when felt in its full force.</p> - -<p>This however was her first and but slight experience -of care, so she sat quite still, not know<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span>ing -of what she thought, until her grandfather -had turned over the second page of the rather -lengthy epistle; and she could see the flourishing -signature at the end of it. Still the Colonel -did not speak, but turned back to re-read -some passage, and Kate was surprised to find -she had not courage to ask "what news?"</p> - -<p>At last her grandfather without looking up, -handed her the letter, observing—</p> - -<p>"Much what I ought to have anticipated; -read it, my dear."</p> - -<p>Kate, with a sensation of extreme repugnance, -took the letter and read as follows:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p class="right"> - -"<i>Dublin, March 27th</i>, 18—.<br /> -<br /> -"<span class="smcap">My Dear Sir</span>, -</p> - -<p>"In reply to yours of the 21st -inst., on the subject of Lady Desmond's communication -to Miss Vernon, it is true that the -present Mr. Taaffe has raised the question as to -whether the debt to his uncle was paid; seeing,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -on searching the records, that the judgments -securing it remain unsatisfied on the roll. -But, as I concluded you got warrants to satisfy -them, at the time of the payment, I was not -uneasy on the subject, and thought it unnecessary -to trouble you until I should first search -amongst your papers in my possession for them, -which, as yet, I have not done, as the matter -was not pressing. If, however, you did not -get the necessary warrants to satisfy, as I begin -to apprehend was the case from the tenor -of your letter, I fear we shall have some -trouble, as the present Mr. Taaffe affects to -consider himself bound to conclude the debt -was not paid; and obliged, in his character as -executor of his late uncle, to call it in, altho' -he knows, in his heart, (as I firmly believe), -the contrary. I trust, however, although you -may not, (from your unacquaintance with law -terms and forms) recollect what sort of acknowledgment -you got at the time, it will turn up -to be a warrant to satisfy, or, if not, some docu-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span>ment -sufficient to induce a court of equity to -stay any proceedings Mr. Taaffe may be advised -to institute at law, on foot of the judgment.</p> - -<p>"You had better search diligently among -your papers and send me whatever you find, at -all affecting this matter, and in the mean time -I will search also amongst those of yours in my -possession.</p> - -<p>"With respectful compliments to Miss Vernon, -I remain, my dear sir, your faithful and -obedient servant,</p> - -<p class="right"> -"<span class="smcap">J. Moore.</span><br /> -</p> - - -<p class="center">"To Colonel Vernon, &c."</p> -</div> - -<p>Kate's first feeling was that of indignant -scorn at such, to her imagination, unheard of -villany as that recorded in the letter she had -just perused; but she suppressed the expression -of it, in order to put the least gloomy view -of the matter, her simple sense presented, before -her grandfather.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span></p> - -<p>"After all it is not so bad," she said, "you -see, Mr. Moore, only anticipates, 'some trouble,' -and surely there can be no doubt your word -would be taken, especially in Ireland, before -any other man's oath!"</p> - -<p>"My dear Kate, '<em>some trouble</em>,' has a very -vague meaning from a solicitor; it may be a -month's quibbling or forty years' litigation; and -in law there is no such thing as honour; every -thing must be proved; and though judge and -jury may believe me incapable of wronging -Mr. Taaffe of one sou; yet, if I cannot bring -<em>legal proof</em>, he must succeed."</p> - -<p>"What a dishonest wretch he must be! -but I always had a horror of the name of -Taaffe!" cried Kate, the proud, indignant blood -mounting to her forehead.</p> - -<p>"Some association of ideas with Taffy's -thieving propensities?" observed the Colonel, -with an effort to be cheerful.</p> - -<p>"But, dear grandpapa, what is to be done?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -this letter leaves us just in the same state of -uncertainty we were in before."</p> - -<p>"We must search amongst all my papers, -dear child, as Moore advises; if I find any thing -bearing on the subject, I will send it to him; -but I much fear I shall find nothing; I destroyed -a great many papers, as useless, on -leaving Dungar, and although I do not recollect -any connected with Taaffe's business among -them, there may have been; for I considered -it so completely settled beyond dispute, that I -should have burnt them, unhesitatingly, had I -come across any. And then, Kate, we must bide -our time."</p> - -<p>"And are there no more active steps to be -taken? Could you not write to this nephew; -assure him you have paid the money, and -advise him not to expose himself to universal -opprobrium by acting so base a part."</p> - -<p>"Ah, Kate, my own warm hearted child!" -said her grandfather, sadly, "God grant you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -may not have to struggle with the world of -which you are so ignorant. "Universal -opprobrium," is an expression frequently -and flourishingly put forth by newspaper -editors; and it may be occasionally drawn -down by the singularly flagrant acts of -some public characters, but the dread of it -never yet withheld any man, so inclined, from -preying on his fellows in private life; and it -will take many more years' experience to convince -you how utterly fruitless and unorthodox -such a proceeding would be."</p> - -<p>"Well, grandpapa, if I am useless as a -counsellor can I not be an agent and assist you -in your search."</p> - -<p>"Yes, send away the breakfast things and -tell nurse to bring me the tin box, and oak -brass-bound cabinet that are in my room; -make Susan help her, they are too heavy for -her unassisted strength."</p> - -<p>True to his character, D'Arcy Vernon had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -room in his heart to think for another, though -borne down by the weight of a deeper anxiety -than he had ever felt before. His former reverse -of fortune, obliged him to renounce the -pomps and vanities of high life, and soon custom -proved them to be, trifles indeed; but here -was a question involving the possibility, nay -he could scarcely hide it from himself, the -probability of beggary.</p> - -<p>"Athen, mavourneen; it's the sore heart's -within me this day to be carryin down thim -onlooky boxes; sure, I ses to meself the minit -I set eyes on that big baste iv a blue letther, -faith mee dhrame's out sure enough; an it's not -for the likes iv mee to be spaken to quolity, -but it was just on the tip iv mee tongue to -say 'throw it in the fire, Kurnel jewel, an -don't meddle or make with the likes iv it at all, -at all.' Sure I knew at oncet it kem from -Moore's place, be the look iv it. Oh, what was -in it, good or bad Miss Kate, avourneen?"</p> - -<p>Nurse was too old and devoted a friend to be<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -excluded from the family councils, and Miss -Vernon was too well acquainted with her affectionate -self-forgetful nature to consider her -question intrusive.</p> - -<p>"Only some business, dear nurse; it may be -troublesome or may not, but cannot be avoided, -even by your good advice; so just bring down -the boxes, and you shall hear more when I -have more to tell, and, nurse," turning back -from the dining-room door, "should Mr. -Winter or Mr. Gilpin, or any one call, you had -better say that grandpapa and I are particularly -engaged."</p> - -<p>"The Lord look down on me!" soliloquised -Mrs. O'Toole, as she crossed herself, with an -air of alarm, "not see Winther nor the crather -iv an Organist. Faith there is throuble -gotherin sure enough, I knew be the darlint's -two eyes there was throuble in her heart this -week past; sure we were too long quiet an -happy, that thim divils iv attorneys should remember -us. I'll go bail, it was thim that druv -<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span>the captin off to that murtherin hot counthry, -an I thinkin he an mee sweet child id make it -up betune thim. The masther's as innocent -as a lamb, but lave ould nurse alone for seein -as far into a mill stone as her naybors ow -wow; many a time, I seen him takin the full -iv his eye, out iv her, an I removin the tay -things. Och! bud it's the wearisome world! -Susy yer idle gowk, are ye goin to lave me to -pull the arrums out of mee, liftin a ton weight -here, widout puttin a finger to help me?"</p> - -<p>And diligently did the Colonel and his -granddaughter untie, read, and examine, and -re-tie the numerous bundles of papers and -letters.</p> - -<p>Now a packet in Lady Desmond's clear firm -writing was laid aside, now a smaller one in -Kate's own hand; rapturous letters, describing -the enjoyments of her memorable visit to London, -the only time she had ever been away -from her grandfather; now turning over large<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -yellow parchments, with red seals hanging -from them, now eagerly examining a pile of -papers whose crabbed writing bespoke business. -It was weary work; Kate, with all the -hopeful energy of youth, rapidly searching -through each of the packets at all likely to contain -a solicitor's letter, and handing them to -her grandfather, who, latterly, leaned wearily -back in his chair, and examined them languidly. -Once his arm stole round her, as she knelt beside -the pile of papers on the floor, and she -felt how eloquent of despondency, was the -close embrace with which he held her to him; -but she constrained herself to receive it in -silence, and took no further notice than to -kiss, warmly, the hand which pressed her to -his heart, as the last and best treasure left -him.</p> - -<p>"You are tired and cold," said she, rising, -"I will stir the fire, and then, come and put your -feet on the fender, and I will replace these<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span> -packets we have examined in the box, and -open all Lady Desmonds' letters, some such -paper may have got among them."</p> - -<p>"As you like, as you like, my dear child."</p> - -<p>There was a long silence, broken only by -the rustling of the papers. Half an hour -elapsed, and at length Vernon, rousing himself, -said—</p> - -<p>"Do not tire yourself longer, give me my -desk, I had better tell Moore there is not a -symptom here of what we want."</p> - -<p>"Wait a very little longer, there is only one -packet more, of Georgina's; let us not give up -too soon, dear grandpapa." A few minutes -after she came over to him with an old-looking -letter in her hand. "This is signed, 'A. -Taaffe,' look at it."</p> - -<p>Vernon took it eagerly.</p> - -<p>"Ha, this may be useful, how could it have -got among Georgina's letters?"</p> - -<p>Kate read over his shoulder.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span></p> - -<div class="blockquot"> -<p class="right"> -"<i>Anne Street, June, 23, 18—.</i><br /> -<br /> -"<span class="smcap">Dear Sir</span>, -</p> - -<p>"I have just received yours of -the 21st, with its enclosure, many thanks for -your obliging efforts to comply with my -wishes.</p> - -<p>"I have directed my solicitor to prepare the -necessary warrants, they will be ready by -Monday or Tuesday at farthest, when I will -execute them and send them to you,</p> - -<p class="right"> -"Your obliged and obedient servant,<br /> -<br /> -"<span class="smcap">A. Taaffe</span>.</p> -<p class="center">"To Colonel Vernon, &c." -</p></div> - -<p>"Victoria! Dearest of grandfathers will -not that utterly annihilate Mr. Taaffe?"</p> - -<p>"Well, I think it must be sufficient; thank -Heaven, my love, you thought of searching -among Georgy's letters; now I must write im<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span>mediately, -to Moore, and I have scarce time. -You can put away all these papers."</p> - -<p>With a lightened heart Kate prepared to -obey, and so visible was the change from darkness -to light, in her countenance, that nurse -exclaimed, on receiving from her the letter for -the post.</p> - -<p>"Faith, an sure, Miss Kate, you've been -makin the masther tell Misther Moore to hold -his prate an lave off pinin' any more of his -three an four pinnys to him."</p> - -<p>"No; not exactly that nurse, but I think -we shall soon have done with him."</p> - -<p>"The Lord send! And I forgot to tell -ye, Mr. Winther called; an faith, I could -hardly keep him from walkin' in, widout 'by -yer lave or wid yer lave,' an thin he kim back -wid that bit iv a note."</p> - -<p>"Thank you, now run to the post-office, -dear nurse. An invitation to tea from Mr. -Winter," said Kate, returning to the dining-room, -where the Colonel was putting away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -his writing materials. "Do you feel equal to -it?"</p> - -<p>"Decidedly, my dear—I want to have a -little kindly, honesty, after having had a -scoundrel before my mind's eye all the morning; -we will go and have a rubber, and a song. -How poor Egerton used to enjoy our little -parties."</p> - -<p>"And how much more he would enjoy -horse-whipping, Mr. Taaffe," cried Kate, as -she locked the tin box.</p> - -<p>"I believe he would," said the Colonel, -laughing. "You and Egerton certainly understood -each other."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">UNCERTAINTY.</p> - - -<p>Welcome indeed was the gleam of hope, -afforded by this discovery, to the Colonel and -Kate.</p> - -<p>To their non-legal minds, it appeared that -any acknowledgment of money received, was -sufficient, although no sum was mentioned; -and Kate even felt remorse for her hasty condemnation -of Mr. Taaffe; as she concluded the -production of the newly found letter, would -settle the question at once, and for ever, and -draw forth an humble apology from the -offender; her spirits rose even above their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -usual height, and overleaping, with the sanguine -vivacity of her age and race, all intervening -probabilities, she revelled in her -anticipated visit to Italy, and spent many a -pleasant half-hour in endeavouring to overcome -nurse's inveterate antipathy to "thim -rampagin divils, the Frinch" (under which -name she classed all foreign nations and -foreigners), and in exercising her powers of -persuasion to induce the Winters and Gilpin to -join in the pilgrimage.</p> - -<p>"You know we would not travel in any extravagant -style, <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Caro Maestro</i>," she said, to -Winter, as they were enjoying an April day, -which seemed to have borrowed the balmy air -of early summer. They had crossed the ferry, -and were strolling side by side, her tall, graceful -form, and elastic step, contrasting strongly -with his stout puffy figure.</p> - -<p>"You had better tie a knapsack on your -shoulder at once, and trudge it—humph! ha! -not so fast if you please—you walked me up -that hill at a killing pace.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But seriously—let us consider the best -method of setting to work, for you cannot think -how eagerly I look forward to the journey; -and if we go cheaply to work, Mr. Gilpin -might join us, and—"</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Signorina Carrissima</i>, yes! I want to -speak seriously," replied Winter, in a kinder -accents than usual. "Are you not too sanguine -about this journey, You make too little of the -law's uncertainties. Mr. Moore's letters seem -to promise well, as you read them. Your grandfather -and I see only, and at best, the promise -of a long, perhaps ruinous litigation. I felt so -convinced that this will be the case, that, from -the first, I strongly advised Colonel Vernon to -endeavour to effect a compromise. It is -true you have not much to divide, but remember -<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">chi lascia il poco per haver l'assai nè l'uno -nè l'altro avera mai</i>,". I see I am acting as -usual like a brute," he continued, thickly. "I -intended to say all this by degrees, and tenderly—but -I plunged into it at last too<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -abruptly. My dear child, it cuts me to the -heart, to hear you anticipating such unalloyed -enjoyment, and forming such plans, when perhaps -the reverse is before you; and I fancy -your grandfather feels somewhat as I do, -though he is more sanguine than I am."</p> - -<p>They walked on a few paces, in silence—Kate's -color varying, and her heart, after feeling, -for a second or two, to stand still (at this -sudden and rude shock, to her bright dreams), -throbbing as though it would burst its prison.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Bella mia</i>, dear child, are you angry with -me?" cried Winter anxiously. "Why do you -not speak?"</p> - -<p>"Simply, kind friend," returned she, putting -her arm through his, "because I could -not—angry with you? no; I am obliged to -you," she added, with an effort to smile. -"And now tell me all you think, and what we -ought to do."</p> - -<p>"Humph! you <em>are</em> a good girl; you see, my -dear, it is more than a month since this busi<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span>ness -began; if it could have been settled -quickly, it would be settled before this, and -successful or unsuccessful, a chancery suit is -ruin. There, you had better know it all."</p> - -<p>"And are we absolutely embarked in this -ruinous course?" asked Kate, faintly.</p> - -<p>"I fear so. Did you not see Moore's last letter."</p> - -<p>"No; grandpapa said there was nothing new -in it."</p> - -<p>"Ha! a mistaken tenderness; there certainly -was nothing new in it; but the plot -thickens; and, I fear there is no case at present, -to preven Mr. Taaffe proceeding to revive -the judgment, and ultimately obtain a receiver -over your grandfather's remaining property."</p> - -<p>"A receiver—what for?"</p> - -<p>"To receive the rents in payment of the -debt, if debt there be."</p> - -<p>"What, all of them?"</p> - -<p>"Yes all; but, do not be too much cast -down, remember you have, few, but friends -sincere; who will stick by you, and—"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Dear Mr. Winter, let us be silent for a -moment, I want to collect my thoughts."</p> - -<p>They walked on in silence for some time.</p> - -<p>"Then from what you tell me, before long -we may be left quite penniless! Are you sure -that this is a true picture of our case? and -that your hatred of law does not color it!"</p> - -<p>"Heaven grant your conjecture may be -right," cried Winter. "I only tell you my -own, and I think your grandfather's, real view -of the matter. I have been long wishing for -an opportunity to do so. I dreaded the effect -of the shock on your sensitive and imaginative -nature, and intended to have broken it to you -gradually."</p> - -<p>"But," continued Kate, not noticing the -latter part of his speech, "shall we have -nothing left? no money at all! good God! -And grandpapa, what am I to do for him—and -nurse? Do not think me very weak, but -I cannot help the terror I feel."</p> - -<p>"Miss Vernon, I vow to Heaven, I only<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span> -intended just to prepare you a little for the -worst; perhaps matters may not be so bad as -your alarmed imagination paints. My great -object in speaking thus to you is to show the -necessity for endeavouring to effect a compromise, -or at least, to come to some understanding -with your grandfather as to future plans, -you cannot look about you too soon; I know -the first shock of a thing of this kind is terrible—but -you are not one of those cowards who -defer looking danger in the face, until it is too -late."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I know, but what plan can we possibly -think of, if we are to have all our money -taken from us, what are we to do?"</p> - -<p>"Dear child, be prepared for it. I would -in the first place, begin at once to curtail -every possible outlay—look out for a tenant -for the Priory. Take a smaller, humbler abode, -or, a thousand times better, make our house -your home, till matters are more decided."</p> - -<p>"Always kind and good," murmured Kate,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -"and there is nothing more you would suggest?"</p> - -<p>"No; except to speak freely of it all to the -Colonel, and, by so doing, creep into his complete -confidence."</p> - -<p>"Oh! Mr. Winter," cried Kate, with an -irrepressible burst of tears, "and is this to be -his end? I always hoped that something, I knew -not what would happen to restore him to his -old position; and now to think of his being -obliged to live and end his days in some mean -and unsightly place."</p> - -<p>"Courage Kate—you know not what good -may be hidden up in store for you, behind -this sterner dispensation; I have experienced -severe poverty, and I tell you, none but those -who have felt it, can know how few, how -simple, and yet, how satisfying are the wants -and pleasures of life."</p> - -<p>"For you and I, yes; but for grandpapa, at -his age, after youth and manhood spent in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span> -possession and enjoyment of wealth and a -dignified proposition."</p> - -<p>"If I mistake not, Colonel Vernon's greatest -concern will be on your account, and if he -sees you content, or at least, resigned, he will -be the same."</p> - -<p>"Well, we can say no more now; I feel how -necessary it was, I should be roused from my -false security, and that you have acted as a -true friend in undertaking, what I know, must -have been so painful a task. I must try and -think clearly and deeply; and will speak to -you about my cogitations; meanwhile, as we -shall soon be home, let us change the subject, -and I will endeavour to recover my serenity -before I meet grandpapa."</p> - -<p>Winter pressed the hand she held out to -him, with a feeling of sincere respect and admiration, -for the manner in which she had -borne his communications, and an earnest wish -that the platform, at the next Jews' meeting,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -might prove insecure, and so open the ranks of -the peerage to Fred Egerton—</p> - -<p>"Though," he added, mentally, "there is -no knowing the effects of prosperity on him."</p> - -<p>"Is grandpapa at home, nurse?" asked Kate.</p> - -<p>"No, miss, he said he felt lonesome, and -walked out to see Mr. Gilpin."</p> - -<p>Thankful for a few minutes' solitary reflection, -she ran to her room, and hastily fastening -the door, threw herself into a chair—not to -think, that would be by no means a correct -term to apply to the confusion of ideas, and -images, which presented themselves to her -mind; some most foreign to the subject of the -conversation with Winter. Dungar, and her -early days, with their bright anticipations rose -painfully clear before her eyes—the dreadful -possibility of seeing her grandfather in poverty—and -the insurmountable difficulty of making -nurse understand the necessity for retrenchment—the -distressing consciousness of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span> -necessity to think deeply, struggling with the -impossibility of fixing her thoughts; and a dim -feeling that an impassable barrier was about to -be raised between her and the class of which -Fred Egerton was a representative.</p> - -<p>All these and a thousand more undefined, -shadowy, outlines swept across her mind, while -she sat so still that she felt the throbbing of -her heart, as if echoed in her head, and she -could almost almost hear the pulses that vibrated -through her slight frame.</p> - -<p>Frightened at this continued rebellion of her -thoughts, against her will, she threw herself -on her knees, silently laying the painful chaos -before the Almighty ruler and searcher of -hearts!</p> - -<p>"If accepted as coming from God," she -murmured, "and therefore good, nothing is -unbearable, Mr. Gilpin says, and he is right; -perhaps we may succeed in this business after -all, though I feel quite hopeless, after what -Mr. Winter has said—but if we have no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -money, could I not earn it? I have a good -knowledge of music—ah, delightful! how -proud I should be, to earn it for grandpapa, -who has always taken such care of me; and -nurse would not mind it much. I like teaching. -Ah! we may be happy yet—I must -speak to Mr. Winter about it. Ah! nurse's -dream may come true, but by contraries, after -all; who can tell what strength love, and God's -good help may lend even to these weak arms," -and she stretched them out. "Enough to -support dear grandpapa, perhaps—that would -be a proud achievement!" she said almost -aloud, as a feeling of quiet courage swelled her -heart.</p> - -<p>She proceeded to bathe her eyes and make -her simple toilette, interrupted, it is true, by a -delicious vision that would intrude itself, of -Fred Egerton wealthy and powerful, flying to -save her and hers, and interposing the shield -of his affectionate care between them and -every earthly ill; in vain she chided herself for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -so far-fetched a thought; instinctively she felt -how readily and rapturously he would perform -such a part; and however impressively -she told herself she was absurd and visionary the -idea would return. It was the nearest approach -to love that had ever connected itself with him -in her mind, and his image, once invested with -this hue, never again lost it.</p> - -<p>There has been so much said, and said with -eloquence, pathos and truth, of the heroism of -every day life, that I fear to approach ground -already so well occupied; yet I cannot pass, in -silence, the resolution with which Kate calmed -herself to meet her grandfather at dinner; and, -her attention now fully roused, preserved that -composure even while observing a thousand -minute indications of despondency, which cut -her to the heart.</p> - -<p>"Shall I speak to him of business to-night?" -she asked herself more than once; anxious to -begin that line of conduct which Winter had -pointed out to be her duty; and, each time as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -she looked at the worn expression of that beloved -and venerated face, her heart answered, -"No, not to-night, let him have a good night's -rest, and to-morrow, to-morrow, I will unflinchingly -approach the subject."</p> - -<p>So she brought him his footstool and moved -his chair to the right angle with the fire.</p> - -<p>"Are you quite well darling?" said he, -gazing up at her as she arranged a cushion at -his back, "I thought you looked pale at dinner."</p> - -<p>Ah! Fred Egerton, dashing and fearless as -you are, could you brave danger and death -with nobler courage than that which steadied -Kate's voice, when, instead of yielding to the -almost irresistible inclination to throw herself -into her grandfather's arms and pour forth -passionate and tearful assurances, that, come -what may, there was a world of inexhaustible -love and energy, all his own in her heart, she -said gently, but with a certain cheering steadiness—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, always quite well, dear grandpapa. -Now take a nice sleep."</p> - -<p>"God bless you, Kate."</p> - -<p>Seating herself, book in hand, in the window, -away from the fire, for which the evening -was almost too warm, but which the Colonel -could not bear to give up, she gazed long -and fixedly at the river, and the broken bank, -the fields, the copse, and an orchard to the -right, now one sheet of blossom; the sturdy old -oak, which had looked like a rugged skeleton -all the winter, now bursting into leaf; at the -general flush of delicate, yellowish green which -seemed to pervade all vegetable nature; yet the -gradual close of evening, beautiful as it was, -impressed her with a feeling of sadness, partly -caused by the emotions of the day, and partly -by the mournful tenderness, which is so often -and so strangely induced, by the contemplation -of coming night in early spring.</p> - -<p>As Kate sat leaning her head against the -window frame, her book hanging negligently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span> -from her hand, thinking of the rich autumn -scene this view had presented, when Fred -Egerton sketched it for her, some little bustle -outside the drawing-room door attracted her -attention, it was opened, and nurse announced,</p> - -<p>"Misther and Missis Winther, Miss Kate."</p> - -<p>Seldom had visitors been more heartily -welcome, their coming was an inexpressible -relief to Kate, and helped her well over the -evening she had almost dreaded.</p> - -<p>Few in this trying world of ours, do not -know that there are times when a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tête-à-tête</i> -with the person we love most on earth is an -ordeal we would fain escape; when we shun -the slightest expression of tenderness, lest it -should betray the deep and yearning affection -which swells the heart with sadness, not for -ourselves, but for those for whom no sacrifice -would seem painful, could we but save them -them from suffering.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>"Shall I brush yer hair asthore?" said Mrs. -O'Toole, as she followed Kate into her room.</p> - -<p>"No, dear nurse, only I want a little rest."</p> - -<p>"There's a shadow on yer face, darlint, an -wont ye spake it out to yer own ould nurse, -that held ye in her arms an ye a dawshy little -craythure, widout a mother. May be, it's bad -news of the Captin?"</p> - -<p>"Of the Captain! No, we have heard nothing -of him; but, good night, I will tell you -all to-morrow, dear nurse—I am weary now."</p> - -<p>Kate might have spared herself the anxious -thoughts that kept her waking, as to how she -should approach the painful subject of their -difficulties with her grandfather. It was done -for her rudely enough, by a letter from Mr. -Moore, announcing in legal terms, the appointment -of a receiver over their remaining -property.</p> - -<p>She knew by the rigidity with which the -Colonel's left hand grasped the arm of his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -chair as he read; that some more than usual -bad news was contained in the letter.</p> - -<p>"I must see Winter," said he, after a short -pause, "I must see him immediately," he repeated, -rising.</p> - -<p>"If there is bad news, had you not better -tell me first, dear grandpapa," said Kate, -boldly and calmly.</p> - -<p>"My dear child, you are unfit for such discussions, -they would only fret you."</p> - -<p>"Grandpapa, I am surely old enough to be -your confidante, if not wise enough to be your -counsellor; if we are to meet with reverses, it -is only in union we can find strength to bear -them. Oh, dear grandpapa, come what may, -let us avoid the pangs of concealment; let me -read that letter."</p> - -<p>With a mute expression of surprise, at the -tone she had assumed, he handed her the letter, -which but for Winter's communications the -day before, would have enlightened her but<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -little; as it was, she felt a curious sensation of -relief, that the dreaded moment was no longer -to be anticipated, and that from the present -hour a mutual confidence would be established -between her and her grandfather.</p> - -<p>"We must leave this house of course," she -said, musingly, as she returned the letter. "Shall -we receive any more money from Ireland?"</p> - -<p>"Not a shilling! Resistance is, I fear, -useless, except for my character's sake; my -child, my bright Kate, what will become of -you? I can do nothing."</p> - -<p>Never before had she seen the old man's -firmness shaken. The low moan, with which -he turned away, covering his face with both -his hands, as if oppressed with the sense of his -own helplessness, struck terror into her heart, -while it seemed to arm her with indomitable -resolution to uphold and cherish her beloved -parent, round whose declining years such heavy -shadows were gathering. Steadying her voice<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -by an immense effort, and striving to still the -throbbing pulses that shook her frame, she -raised and tenderly kissed the hand that hung, -in nerveless despondency, over the back of a -chair near which the Colonel stood.</p> - -<p>"My own dear grandpapa, I know how sad -all this is, but for my sake do not be so cast -down, do not give way to despair. You have -been my guide, my model all my life! show -me how to bear misfortune now!"</p> - -<p>She paused to regain command over her -traitor voice, that would tremble.</p> - -<p>"But, Kate, we are beggars; in another -month I shall not know where to find the price -of our daily food; and though Georgina Desmond -is wealthy and generous, dependency is -wretchedness."</p> - -<p>"Right, dear grandpapa," she replied, almost -gladly, at this opening to the proposition -she feared to make, "and we will scorn it. -See, I can play well, and I love to teach, oh, -very much; you will let me try and be so<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -happy as to earn a little for you—I should be -so proud! Not here, but in London, and then -we shall be always together, and so happy! and -independent, and—"</p> - -<p>"You teach! never," cried the old man, -turning from her, excitedly. "You were born -for a different fate. Would to God you had -married that wealthy Englishman, as Georgy -wished, but—"</p> - -<p>"No, no," interrupted Kate, "is poverty, -is earning one's own bread so miserable a lot, -that one should prefer the unutterable wretchedness -of a marriage without affection? But -why, dearest and best, am I not to teach? how -many, born to as good a position as mine, have -done so, and, if I do not, what is to become of -us?"</p> - -<p>"What indeed!" groaned Vernon.</p> - -<p>There was a mournful pause. Kate, not -daring to break the thread of her grandfather's -thoughts, and silently pressing her smooth, -soft cheek against his wrinkled hand.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My own consoling angel!" said he at last. -"It is a sad lot for you, at your age, to sink -at once into oblivion, and—"</p> - -<p>"How do you know that I am to sink into -oblivion? how can you tell to what brilliant -destiny this dark passage may be but an -entrance? Dear grandpapa, 'Time and the -hours run through the darkest day,' let us bear -the present expecting a brighter future, and -now, shall I send for Mr. Winter?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," with a deep sigh, "we cannot act -too quickly."</p> - -<p>Trembling in every nerve, yet not without a -feeling of relief, that the dreaded explanation -was over. Kate penned a hasty note to Mr. -Winter, which he quickly responded to in -person.</p> - -<p>The long conference that followed placed -Winter, '<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">au fond</i>,' of the position of his -friend.</p> - -<p>The farms of Knockdrum, worth little over -two hundred pounds per annum, were all that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> -was left to the Colonel, of the wreck of his -property, and this poor remainder was barely -sufficient to meet the claim of Mr. Taaffe.</p> - -<p>We will not follow the long, desultory conversation -that ensued; nor record the energy -with which Winter poured forth proverbs, -Spanish, French, and Italian, to prove the -Satanic origin of law; nor the sweet endurance -with which Kate endeavoured to accustom -her grandfather's mind to her project -of her teaching.</p> - -<p>It was decided that the Priory house and -its furniture should be disposed of at once, and -that the Colonel and Kate should take up their -abode at Winter's, till matters could be a little -more arranged, and an answer received from -Lady Desmond to Kate's last letter, which informed -her of the delay occasioned by Taaffe's -proceedings.</p> - -<p>"Remember, Colonel, though I think it too -soon to consider Miss Vernon's proposition, -when the time comes I shall be on her side.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span> -Kate, we must have a talk about it—and pray -dine with us; when thinking is of no use it is -better to have a rubber; do not be too much -cast down; this '<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">diluvio</i>' has shown you the -crown jewel you have still left; it is only the -diamond that sparkles in the dark. And now, -come and see poor Gilpin with me. You may -as well, when you have answered that confounded -letter. Here's your desk." Aside to -Kate, as the old man settled himself to write. -"We must not leave him too much by himself."</p> - -<p>Light and pleasant is the task to paint the -the various phases of joy, for whatever light -touches it beautifies; but rare is the skill that -can truly depict the gloom of sorrow, and fascinate -the eye, by a depth of shadow that -admits of little variation! For those who are -gliding along on the smooth waters of prosperity, -turn from a picture with which they -cannot sympathise, and whose most exquisite -touches, uninstructed by care or adversity, they<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -pronounce overdrawn; and even the treaders -of rough paths, wearied with 'the burden and -heat of the day,' give but a reluctant glance, -at what only reminds them of their own griefs, -and exclaim; "this we know, this we have -felt, tell us of joy, of hope, of true friends, -and tender hearts; cheat us into a happy dream, -even though it lull us but for a moment, even -though the waking be bitter, and our souls -will bless you."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">PREPARATIONS.</p> - - -<p>The day but one after the above conversation, -another summons brought Winter to the little -dining-room of the Priory, the scene of so -many consultations.</p> - -<p>The Colonel welcomed him with his usual -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">empressement</i>, but a tremour of the hands, as he -waved towards a seat, with an old-fashioned -and urbane grace, which scarcely the shock of -an earthquake could have made him forget, -indicated some excitement; Kate's color too -was heightened, and her eyes, though bright, -had an anxious expression.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You see we cannot get on without you, -my dear sir," began the Colonel, "your -prompt compliance with my request for an -interview, is most gratifying—ah! The subject -I wish to speak to you on is far from unpleasant, -I want your opinion on a rather -momentous question. In short, show Mr. -Winter that letter, Kate."</p> - -<p>"Ha, hum! Lady Desmond, I see. What -a firm hand the woman writes."</p> - -<p>It was hurriedly written, and short; after -a few desultory remarks, apparently in reply -to Kate's last letter, it concluded thus, "Of -law and its probable delays, I can form no -judgment, but why they should prevent your -visit to me I cannot and will not understand; -they are additional reasons, I think, why you -should at once take up your abode with me, -at least until affairs are arranged, and that low-bred -knave's vile scheme is defeated; I know -not, dearest Kate, how far these proceedings -may affect the great tidal wave, which ebbs<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -and flows in men's pockets. Therefore, whatever -you may decide upon, and whenever you -require it, I trust your dear grandfather will -not refuse, to fill up the enclosed check on my -banker for whatever sum he may want; it will -be a gratification to his old <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">protégée</i> to think -she can be of use to him, and if you will use -it to facilitate your journey here, you will -leave scarce a wish unfulfilled to yours, as -ever.—G. D."</p> - -<p>"Ha! done like a princess! a generous, -headstrong woman, I'll lay my life; and now -a journey or not a journey, that's the question; -let me hear your opinion, Kate?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! Mr. Winter, I have none; my only -clear idea is, that this world is not such a bad, -unhappy world, where we have a Lady Desmond -and a Mr. Winter to leaven the whole -lump. It is a most tempting offer; but you -will call me perverse; I do not feel half so -inclined to accept it as when—as when we -were more independent of it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p>"And you, Colonel Vernon?"</p> - -<p>"I am very anxious," said the Colonel, in -a hesitating manner, not usual with him, "at -all events, that Kate should avail herself of -such an invitation. Nurse might travel with -her, I shall probably visit Dublin, look in upon -you, and—"</p> - -<p>"Pray where is the money to come from to -do all this?" said Winter, bluntly.</p> - -<p>"My dear sir, you forget we shall sell our -furniture, and let this house."</p> - -<p>"And when that is all gone you will be just -where you were, except that your chief comforter -will be many a league away, and Lady -Desmond's gratitude immersed in that lethe in -which impulsive people's noblest sentiments -most frequently lose themselves."</p> - -<p>"You wrong my cousin," cried Miss Vernon.</p> - -<p>"In truth I feel incapable of deciding," said -the Colonel. "I do not like the idea of throwing -ourselves on Lady Desmond; but, Winter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -you cannot comprehend the horror with which -I contemplate my Kate's teaching—walking -out alone, meeting insolence—Great God!"</p> - -<p>He covered his face with his hands, and -Kate, half appalled by the dismal picture he -had drawn, clasped hers together with an appealing -look to Winter, who said, huskily and -oracularly,</p> - -<p>"Hear me, Colonel. I can easily comprehend -your feelings, though I am a plebeian; -but I tell you there is another side of the -picture. At present you are in perfect sympathy -with your cousin, and the electricity of -mutual obligation and kindness runs freely back -and forward between you; but when you have -been for six months her inmate, feeling yourself -dependent on her bounty for the bread -you eat; when a wish for variety may tempt -her to covet the rooms you occupy for some more -amusing guest, less weighed down by care; -and when the freshness and excitement of a -generous act, shall have ceased to interest; a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -thousand mortifying slights, a thousand unimportant -trifles, will make your life wretched, -and wear away the links that now seem to -bind you so close together."</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, no, Georgy could never act unkindly," -cried Kate.</p> - -<p>"My dear young lady," resumed Winter, -"there are few in this curious world of ours -that cannot, once or twice in their lives, do a -kind and a generous action; but there is not -one in a thousand, or a hundred thousand, that -can act with uniform kindness, courtesy and -justice to a dependent, a creature in their -power—power! it is the forcing house of evil! -The woman who could quarrel with you because -you would not be happy her way, is not -one of these exceptions; she would wound -you one day, and beg your forgiveness, in abject -terms, the next; and you, doubly sensitive -from feeling the impossibility of freedom, would -live in a state of slavery! Pah! never shut -yourselves out from the chance of earning in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span>dependence -here, for such a prospect, however -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">riant</i>, the aspect at present."</p> - -<p>"Ha!" said Colonel Vernon, walking up -and down. "There is a great deal of truth in -what you say, but Lady Desmond is a woman -of warm and generous feeling, and Kate, at -least, would be safe with her, so—"</p> - -<p>"You know, grandpapa, I will never leave -you—it is useless and cruel to talk about it!"</p> - -<p>"It is both, my dear Colonel," urged Winter, -"Kate would be wretched without you; -nor do I think this a fitting time for you to -separate; and, be warned by me, live on a -crust and cold water, if you can earn no more, -rather than doom yourselves to a life of dependence."</p> - -<p>"Dear Mr. Winter, you are right," said Kate, -earnestly, "my own grandpapa, let us make -up our minds, to bear all hardships, provided -we are together. If I must teach, do -not make my path more difficult by taking it -so much to heart. We have long lived inde<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span>pendent -of any pleasures but those of our -home; these we can still have; the worst pang -will be to bid this kind friend farewell; but he -will come and see us sometimes. And after all -we may win the lawsuit and enjoy our little fortune -doubly. I will write to dear Georgy, and -affectionately decline her kind offer; and then -let us set to work at once about what must be -done—shall we, dearest and best?" kissing his -hand.</p> - -<p>"It must be so," said the Colonel, after a -pause. "It must be so, and I will never fret -you more, my love, by opposition to your -wishes; I thought it right, at all events, to -consider the advantages Lady Desmond's invitation -might offer for you, though I shrink -from the idea of living on any one—and to -think of parting with you! ah!"</p> - -<p>"Now you talk like a man of sense," said -Winter. "I will tell you, what I think you -ought to write; I think Lady Desmond will -be affronted if you reject all her offers, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span> -justly; so split the difference, keep that blank -check, (she has sent it unconditionally) against -a rainy day; tell her, though you have no -want of it, at present, you may, and do -not mention your intention of teaching; she -would be hurt at your preferring such an -alternative to residing with her; next year she -may return, and find you happy, comfortable -and independent; I trust things will wear a -very different aspect from that presented -by the bare announcement, 'I am going -to teach.' Hum," he added, musingly. "Langley -used to keep up a good connection in -the musical world, and Herman, he bears -an excellent character, and holds a good -place; you must look up your old music-master, -my dear. Then, Colonel, I have known -so many people ruined before they could -make the necessary changes; they get into -a procrastinating habit, waiting for this -to be sold, and that to be paid, before the -totally new system of life can be commenced,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -which is so essential. Now I'll tell you what -I'll do. Leave the Priory and its furniture in -my hands; I'll get a tenant for it, or make the -fat Rector take it off your hands. The furniture -shall be disposed of by auction, and I'll -advance you a hundred pounds upon it; if it -sells for more, I'll remit you the difference, if -for less, you can pay me when you have pitched -Taaffe to the '<cite>Inferno</cite>;' but I am quite certain -it will bring more. Then you can start when -you please, quietly; and when you begin to like -London, direct me to sell your belongings. -Hey! anything to stop the infernal chatter of -Miss Araminta Cox—the Mrs. Grundy of -A——. What say you, Colonel?"</p> - -<p>"That you are a friend indeed! I will be -entirely guided by your counsels; but remember, -you must not wrong yourself. I must -have all the auctioneer's accounts forwarded to -me. I can hardly describe to you the relief -your thus smoothing matters affords me."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You give me strength and courage," said -Kate.</p> - -<p>"Hum," resumed Winter. "Langley—yes, -he can engage lodgings for you where you -are going. When do you think you can -start?"</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Kate, shrinkingly, "not sooner -than a fortnight or three weeks."</p> - -<p>"A fortnight or three weeks," cried the -Colonel, "impossible!"</p> - -<p>"You are a real, earnest worker, Miss -Vernon," interposed Winter. "I expected a -much longer date; what will become of me -when you are gone? and gone on such an -errand. '<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Dio buono! le sciagure e le allegrezza -non vengono mai sole</i>;' but what do you think -of doing with Mrs. O'Toole?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, she goes with us, of course," replied -Kate.</p> - -<p>"Well, you know best how much you pay -her, and whether you can afford it?" returned -Winter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But nurse is not like a servant, she is a -friend, she could never live with any people -but us? Oh, do not tell me, we must leave -nurse!" said Miss Vernon.</p> - -<p>"We cannot accept her services for nothing," -observed the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"I will gladly engage her as cook and -house-keeper, at whatever wages you give -her."</p> - -<p>"Her wages are small," said Kate, "she -would not accept higher, since we left Dungar!"</p> - -<p>"Well, you must settle all that with her," -returned Winter. "I am ready to ratify any -arrangement you may make; and now write to -Lady Desmond, as I suggested, Kate; <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ma belle et -bonne enfant</i>, you are wearied by this long, -gloomy talk, and I am an old bear. I know it, -Colonel; but my heart is like the coat of my -prototype, rough and warm."</p> - -<p>After some more general conversation, they -separated, Winter and the Colonel, to visit<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> -some land the former wished to purchase, -and about which he affected great anxiety -to have the Colonel's opinion. Kate -to walk in solitary meditation by the -river, to try and collect her thoughts, before -the dreaded explanation with nurse. Mournfully -she gazed at all the well-known objects -she had learned to love, in her tranquil, happy -retirement; and her bright, quick, fancy -painted in strong contrast the life she was -henceforth to lead.</p> - -<p>"Even if I am successful, grandpapa will -be so much alone," she thought; "and what a -crowded, busy, terrifying place London is! I -am glad Fred Egerton is in India, I could not -bear that he should meet me, perhaps, walking -alone in London."</p> - -<p>And the large tears stole down her cheeks, -at the mixture of feelings this vision aroused. -Turning slowly round, she approached the -little landing place, intending to speak a few -words to Elijah Bush; a little, rosy, curly-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span>headed -boy, was seated in the boat instead of -its shaggy owner; he rose, as Kate stopped at -the end of the landing.</p> - -<p>"Where is Elijah?" she enquired.</p> - -<p>"Please, ma'am, he's been sick these three -days back."</p> - -<p>"I am sorry to hear it; what is the matter -with him?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, ma'am, he's got the rheumatics drefful -bad."</p> - -<p>"And is there no one to mind the boat but -you, my little man?"</p> - -<p>"No, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"You cannot row it?"</p> - -<p>"No, ma'am; but whiles the men rows -the'selves, and gives me the money."</p> - -<p>"And have you had many passengers?"</p> - -<p>"One yesterday, ma'am; and none at all -the day."</p> - -<p>"Then poor Elijah must be but badly off; -has he any money?"</p> - -<p>"Oh dear no, ma'am."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Where does he live?"</p> - -<p>"In the Piper's lane, nigh St. Winefred's -Tower, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"Will you show me the way to him?"</p> - -<p>"Oh yes, ma'am; I often hear him speak -of ye, ma'am; he'll be main glad to see ye, -ma'am."</p> - -<p>"What is your name, my little man?"</p> - -<p>"Willy Bush, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"Are you Elijah's grandson?"</p> - -<p>"No, ma'am, he's my gran-uncle."</p> - -<p>"Well, I will just go up to the Priory, and -return to you immediately; and then you shall -show me the way to him."</p> - -<p>Called away from the contemplation of her -own trials, Kate, feeling her usual elasticity -return, ran lightly up the steep path, and called -nurse, to arm herself with broth and flannel -for the invalid.</p> - -<p>"Is it Piper's lane? Now, Miss Kate, I -cannot let you go to sich a place. Set up the -old Methody, to have Miss Vernon nurse and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -tending iv him—I can take the tay and the -broth, and them flannels just as well."</p> - -<p>"But, nurse, he would like to see me."</p> - -<p>"I'll go bail he would."</p> - -<p>"And I would like to see him; besides, I -want to talk to you, dear nurse."</p> - -<p>"Faix, it's a wax modial I am in yer hands, -ye turn an' twist me what way ye will; but to -think iv yer takin' the illigant mutton broth I -was cooking for the masther's own self, bangs -Banaher."</p> - -<p>"There will be quite enough left for us," -laughed Kate; "and I am afraid the poor -man wants it much more than we do."</p> - -<p>"It's not the likes iv me 'ud begrudge him -a taste iv broth," said nurse, tying a capacious -tin-can up very carefully. "Now are yes -ready, avourneen. It's yerself has the heart -for the poor! an' the Lord 'ill remimber it to -you in the hour of need, amin."</p> - -<p>The little boy guided them through many -narrow, winding ways, to a wretched habita<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span>tion -outside the walls, and almost under the -half-ruined tower of St. Winefred. It was a -miraculous place, for although all the pools -seemed to be, at least partly, composed of -soap suds, nothing looked as if it had ever been -washed.</p> - -<p>Here, in a tolerably clean room, at least by -comparison, they found Elijah, looking more -shaggy than ever, stretched on some straw, -and covered with a tattered pea-jacket. After -a little kindly talk and friendly enquiries as to -the old man's resources, which proved to be -indeed scanty, Kate left him, telling the small -boy to call at the Priory, in half an hour, -when she said she would give him a note to -the doctor.</p> - -<p>"So good bye, Elijah, I hope you will be -better to-morrow; in the mean time take this, -till you are able to earn some more yourself."</p> - -<p>"I'm a poor hand at returning thanks, Miss -Vernon," said Elijah, with evident feeling, -"but," he added, solemnly, "The Lord hear<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -thee in the day of trouble, the name of the -God of Jacob defend thee!"</p> - -<p>"Amen," said Kate, fervently, bending her -head to the benediction.</p> - -<p>Mrs. O'Toole, pausing in her occupation of -transferring the broth to an earthen vessel, -crossed herself, and the next moment they left -the place silently.</p> - -<p>"He's a mighty quare man," said Mrs. -O'Toole, meditatively, after they had almost -reached the river side, without breaking a -pause of unusual duration. "Faith, he blessed -ye like a clargy."</p> - -<p>"And well he might, he little knows how -soon his kindly wishes may be required."</p> - -<p>"Why, avourneen?"</p> - -<p>"Nurse," said Kate, after a minute of -troubled thought, "we must leave this place."</p> - -<p>"Is it to go sthreelin' over thim furrin' -parts, among dirt and flays, an' the Lord knows -what?"</p> - -<p>"No, nurse, nothing half so agreeable."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah! thin, what is it, agrah? spake out -to your poor ould nurse."</p> - -<p>"Ah, dear nurse, there are sad times -coming; poor, dear grandpapa, through some -terrible law business, has no money left, none -at all!"</p> - -<p>"Miss Kate, is it the truth yer afther -tellin' me?"</p> - -<p>"Too, too true! I cannot explain, indeed I -cannot understand, but there is a Mr. Taaffe, -who says grandpapa owes him a great deal of -money, which was really paid long ago; but -which, as we have lost some papers, we cannot -prove, and he has got Knockdrum, and we—we -have nothing!"</p> - -<p>"Oh, blessed queen of heaven! that iver I -should live to see the day; not even the next -gale?"</p> - -<p>Kate shook her head, and Mrs. O'Toole, -placing the can beside her, sat down on a log -of timber by the river, as if unable to support -herself under such intelligence.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span></p> - -<p>"An' you so tinderly rared, an' the masther! -Ah! sweet Mary, what'ill become iv -us at all, at all? Taaffe, sure I remimber him, -the desavin' vagabone, ye wor Arthur Taaffe, -wid a hard word for the poor, an' yer cap in -yer hand to the quolity ye wor ruinatin'; faith, -it's a miserable pity the masther let it go so -asy; sure the wind iv a word to my sisther's -husband's son, Denny Doolan 'ud have riz the -boys on Knockdrum; an' I'd like to see the -process sarver that 'ud get the tip of his toe -on the lands."</p> - -<p>"You know, nurse, that is a sort of thing -happily gone by."</p> - -<p>"More's the pity if it is; how are yez to -deal with thaves an' ruffins, if it is'nt with the -sthrong hand?"</p> - -<p>There was a pause, during which, nurse, -her hands clasped and embracing her knees, -rocked herself to and fro, and Kate, leaning -against an old thorn, (now bursting into pri<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span>meval -youth and beauty,) gazed sadly down -upon her.</p> - -<p>"Six an' four is ten, an' four is fourteen," -now burst out Mrs. O'Toole, abruptly. "Ye -see, Miss Kate, me daughther is doin' well in -Ameriky, wid her husband; an' Denis in the -hoigth iv grandure wid the Captin in Ingee, -an' I, aitin' an' dhrinkin' iv the best iv -vittles, an' doin' just what I like in the Curnel's -house, wid shawls, an' gowns, an' lace -caps, guve me by the thrunkful; faith, me -wages is just so much dhross; I'd as lieve light -the candles with the notes; so, Miss Kate, -avick! if the Masther ud keep the money for -me till betther times, I'd be greatly behoulden -to him, he'd save me from bein' chated; any -ways it's a murtherin' shame to have it lyin' -there useless."</p> - -<p>"Nurse, my own, dear nurse," said Kate, -clasping her arms round her, "where is there -so true a heart as yours? No, no, this will not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -do." Then, (as nurse reddened a little,) -"should we want it you shall be the first I -apply to; but we shall have a hundred pounds -to go on with; and Lady Desmond has offered -us all we want; and besides, (approaching the -last dreaded communication, with a desperate -attempt at gaiety) besides, I am going to earn -quite a fortune."</p> - -<p>"Airn a fortune, Miss Kate! ah, how, -jewel?"</p> - -<p>"I am, you know, a good musician, and in -London there is money to be got for teaching -music, and—"</p> - -<p>"Miss Vernon, is it a tacher ye'd be afther -makin' iv yerself? You that was born iv as -ould a stock as any in all Ireland, ay oulder. -Och! what's come to ye at all, at all, you that -used to be like a princess wid yer aiquals, an' -a angel wid yer infariors? I niver thought -I'd live to see the day I could say, I'm -ashamed iv ye! ochone! ochone!"</p> - -<p>"Nor will you, if you will think for a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -moment," said Kate, affectionately taking Mrs. -O'Toole's hand between both her own. "Listen -to me: suppose I had been born your own -daughter, instead of your having adopted me, -would you think me mean if I worked for the -support of my grandfather, or, would you approve -of my leaving him and myself to live on -what we could get from the charity of others? -No, I thought not. Will the good and gracious -God regard me with less favour, for -endeavouring to submit and bow before the -sentence He has, in His wisdom, pronounced on -our first parents? 'In the sweat of thy brow -shall thou eat thy bread.'"</p> - -<p>"No, ochone no, alanah!" sobbed nurse, "sure -I'm the unfortunate ould woman to live to this -day—to see mee beautiful child, that shu'd -have married to a prence, tachin' thim thaves -iv English the piania—an the masther! what -'ill become iv him? The Lord look down on -him! Sweet Jesus pity us!"</p> - -<p>"Now, nurse," resumed Kate, tremulously,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -"I know how you could do me a service—I -will tell you, how you may be my support; I -shall have enough to do with grandpapa—help -me to cheer him—make light of our troubles -to him; and—" clasping her hand, "Oh, dear! -old friend, do not scare away the courage so -necessary to me—by these sad lamentations. -There is one thing more I must say to you; we -have no right to induce you to come along -with us in ignorance, and, God knows, if we -shall be able to pay you, even the small wages -you so generously insisted on, when we left -Dungar. Mr. Winter offers you higher terms, -and a comfortable home, and—"</p> - -<p>"Och! what have I done, that ye should -think I'm not desarvin' iv being wid yez, in -throuble? Is id at this time of day ye want -to be tould that I'd lave thousands to beg -through the world wid yez—lave ye! och, -where would I go? Sure yez the whole -world to ould nurse! Lave ye, an ye in -throuble. Oh! what have I done that ye<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -would spake that way to me?" And covering -her face in the folds of her cloak—poor -nurse sobbed aloud!</p> - -<p>"Hear me, my own dear, earliest friend," -cried Kate, kneeling beside her, and endeavouring -to take her hand, "I have said this, -simply, because I was told to do so—I never -dreamt—I never <em>could</em> dream of parting from -you, and that subject is at rest between us -for ever—come what may, we will be together. -Do you hear me? Put your arms round me, -and say you forgive your own Kate."</p> - -<p>And nurse folded her to her heart fervently, -exclaiming—</p> - -<p>"The blessin' iv Christ on ye, avourneen!"</p> - -<p>There was a pause for some moments—broken -at length by the sound of footsteps, -seldom heard in that unfrequented spot.</p> - -<p>"We must go home now," said Kate, wiping -away her tears. Nurse, still silent, rose, and -lifted her can.</p> - -<p>"An where is it yer going to tache? that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -iver I should say the word!" she asked with a -fresh burst of grief. "In London—in London, -musha, but it's a big place, and sure the -house o' Lords is there, an I'll go bail the -masther—'ill meet many a one that heard tell -iv D'Arcy Vernon in Dungar—who knows Miss -Kate; but some iv thim 'ill spake to the -Queen, to make him a jidge or a gineral, or -the like, any ways; it's sich a tunderin' big -place, that ye might be tachin' in one corner, -and livin' like a prencess in another, an no -one a bit the wiser; sure, yer right hand -wouldn't know what the lift was doin', in a big -place like that."</p> - -<p>"Very true, nurse, I dare say no one will -know what I am about."</p> - -<p>"The Lord send!" said Mrs. O'Toole, -heartily, as the fact of Kate's teaching for -money began to lose half its horrors in -the fancied possibility of concealing the inglorious -occupation.</p> - -<p>"Now, nurse," said Kate, pausing at the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -gate of their little domain, "remember our -agreement, you must not make bad worse to -grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"Niver you fear, darlint, I'd bite the -tongue out iv me head, afore I'd spake the -word, that id vex yer; only dont send me from -ye, mavourneen."</p> - -<p>True to her word, when the Colonel, after -dinner—in consequence of Kate's having intimated -that nurse knew how affairs stood—said—</p> - -<p>"Bad times, Nelly—bad times—worse than -I ever thought I should live to see."</p> - -<p>She replied cheerfully, and steadily—</p> - -<p>"Thrue, for ye, sir; but there's good luck -afore yez, for all that—an' Miss Kate an meself's -goin' to be as bould as lions, so we are -faith, I'll see yez give the go-bye to thim -thavin' attornies, yet."</p> - -<p>Swiftly sped the interval that remained -before they left their peaceful dwelling; numerous -were the arrangements to be made before<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span> -the final move, and the selections of those -peculiarly sacred treasures, that could not be -left behind, the number of which was daily -swelled. Winter took charge of the Colonel's -picture, but, "John Anderson," was packed -for removal—music and drawings—a pet vase -or two—her books, and some cushions for the -Colonel, was all that Kate could take with her -of her pleasant, pretty home; but the sofa and -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">prie dieu</i>, at which she had so diligently -worked, to give an air of greater elegance to -their little drawing-room—the arm chair, so -associated in her mind's eye with the noble, -venerable form of her grandfather—the flower -garden, now bursting into radiant beauty, and -which Fred Egerton used so much to admire, -even in its autumn garb—all these must pass -away into strange hands; she must not only -leave her ark, but ever think of it as desecrated! -And, Elijah Bush, too, he must be left; -and the navigator's little orphan; and the -keeper's sickly boy—all her poor people—the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -various objects to which her full, rich sympathies -so freely flowed.</p> - -<p>Yes; many a link that bound her, closely -and pleasantly, to her calm and quiet life, in -their ecclesiastical retreat, she was compelled -to break; and still through all the saddening -occupations which preceded their dreaded -journey, Kate endeavoured to keep her mind -fixed upon the future she had laid down for -herself, with a steadiness which, exhibited in -some more high sounding and attractive cause -than the mere common-place duty of earning -bread for her parent, would have drawn forth -odes and laudations from many a potent pen.</p> - -<p>Nurse's conduct was beyond all praise; not -even when alone with Kate, did she indulge in -anything beyond a passing condemnation of -attorneys, generally; and good little Mrs. -Winter, only half enlightened as to the real -motives of her friends' departure, was invulnerable -to the prying of Miss Araminta -Cox.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span></p> - -<p>Matters stood thus and time had run by, to -within a week of the removal to London, when -Gilpin, now very weak, interrupted Kate's -practice one morning.</p> - -<p>"My dear Mr. Gilpin," said she, rising to -receive him, with some surprise, "this is most -imprudent!"</p> - -<p>"I could not let you go without paying one -more visit to the Priory." His cough interrupted -him.</p> - -<p>"But we should have called on you, I intended -doing so with grandpapa; indeed you -were wrong to venture out, but, as you are -here, how glad I am to see you, and the day is -so fine."</p> - -<p>"When do you start?" he asked, feebly; -sinking back exhausted into an arm chair Kate -had drawn forward.</p> - -<p>"Ah, do not talk of that; Tuesday or Wednesday. -Now the time draws near I feel my -heart sink at the idea of leaving all we are -accustomed to, to cast ourselves like ship-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span>wrecked -mariners on the great troubled ocean of -London."</p> - -<p>"And I have almost prayed that you might -remain a little longer; but it is not to be so. -I have crawled out to-day, my dear Miss Vernon, -for I knew I should find you alone, and I -wanted to speak a few quiet words with you. -I almost feared to meet you after this sad -change in all our hopes for you; I have so deplored -it, that, judging by myself, I dreaded -its effects on you, but your face re-assures me, -there is no grief, scarce a grave look there. -I have so much wished to speak with you."</p> - -<p>"And I with you, dear Mr. Gilpin, I feel it -is so long since I saw you."</p> - -<p>"But let us speak at once of all that has -occurred, I shall soon be so weary. How is it -that there is none of the languor of sorrow, -the fever of anxiety in your face?"</p> - -<p>"Because I feel neither—do you know, I -am half surprised to find how the first feeling -of dread at the idea of earning money, has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -worn away by steadfastly looking at it. It reminds -me of those double pictures which appear -wintry when you first look at them, but, -hold them to the light, and the deeper, richer -colors of summer, painted beneath, shine -forth! Then, dear grandpapa has borne up so -wonderfully, and poor nurse has been so manageable, -and you and Mr. Winter so—so kind, -that I should be an ungrateful coward to let -myself feel sad, except," she added, as the -tears sprang to her eyes, "at the thought of -parting from you all."</p> - -<p>Gilpin was silent, for a few moments, and -then said,</p> - -<p>"My dear young lady, forgive me, for not -knowing your noble nature better! I ought -to have been certain you would be above the -common grief that mourns the possibility of -losing caste, as the worst of earthly woes; my -chief anxiety to see you, and to see you alone, -was to hear fully, from your own lips, all the -plans of which I do not like to question the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -Colonel too closely, and to offer you a few -hints, which, (excuse me if I presume too far) -may be useful to you."</p> - -<p>"Our plans are simple enough. To remove -to London, where, through the interest of my -old music master and one or two friends, to -whom Mr. Winter offers me introductions, I -hope to obtain pupils in music, who will pay -me for instruction, that is all."</p> - -<p>"If you will allow me I will add one, to -an old master of mine. And these are all the -introductions you will take with you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, all. Mr. Winter mentioned the -bishop's wife as likely to be of use; but, -to say the truth, I shrunk from the idea -of asking her; I do not like to have the matter -talked over at the little clerical tea-parties of -A——. So much for my high-mindedness."</p> - -<p>"Very natural, and a few good professional -introductions are worth scores of mere recommendations -to fashionable ladies, who consider -they fulfil their promise if they mention your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -name to any acquaintance who may happen to -make enquiries for an instructress. Now if -Herman, (I think he was your master,) will -really back you up, and give you his junior -pupils, you may be very successful. I am -afraid my recommendation will not prove very -effectual, but try it."</p> - -<p>"And, Mr. Gilpin, what should you—that -is have you any idea what I ought to ask for -my services?"</p> - -<p>"You must learn all that from Herman, or -Winter's friends; as to the terms on which -you and your pupils' families will meet, accept -some hints, which experience enables me to -give; God knows you will teach under very -different circumstances from what I did. Novels -and magazines teem with the most revolting -instances of the slights shown to lady teachers. -In my opinion all this may be very much, if -not altogether avoided, except by the resident -governess; occasional teachers have only to -observe this rule; treat those with whom you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> -come in contact, professionally, as men of -business do those whom they encounter on -'Change, or in their offices; once a lesson is -given, the relations between pupil and teacher -are at an end, and you have no more to say to -each other; for this purpose resist any advance -towards intimacy, which may—which will be -sure to be made to you. Am I speaking too -freely, Miss Vernon, in thus placing the reality -of your future before you?"</p> - -<p>"No," said Kate, firmly, and holding out -her hand to him. "No, I feel the need of -such suggestions, and I like to talk of what -must be; it is good for me, and there is no use -in making grandpapa think of it at all more -than necessary; I hope to manage so as often -to cheat him into forgetfulness of my occupation; -only I do trust Mr. Winter's friend may -not engage apartments for us in a wretched, -narrow street. Lady Desmond used to live in -Berkeley street, and it was reckoned a good -situation, I thought it horrible."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You might try the Kensington or Bayswater -side."</p> - -<p>"Any trees or flowers to be seen there?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, plenty."</p> - -<p>"Then I will beg of Mr. Winter to suggest -that locale."</p> - -<p>"Mrs. O'Toole of course goes with you?"</p> - -<p>"Of course. Dear nurse, she is so true -and self-forgetful!"</p> - -<p>"And Cormac, what will you do with him? -You can hardly take that huge animal with -you."</p> - -<p>"Not just yet; he remains with the Winters; -but will follow us when we can arrange -to have him. Mr. Winter said no one would -take us in, at first, with so formidable a looking -companion."</p> - -<p>"I should fear not, but—"</p> - -<p>The entrance of the Colonel here cut short -their private conference; he, like his granddaughter, -expressed surprise and pleasure, not -unmingled with uneasiness, at the organist's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -appearance, and, after some discussion, he -agreed to dine with them, at a somewhat -earlier hour than usual; as the softness of a -June evening could not possibly, they all -agreed, be more injurious than the morning -air.</p> - -<p>"And let us send for Winter and his wife," -concluded the Colonel.</p> - -<p>Once more the little circle met round the -hospitable board in the Priory dining-room, -and though the absence of many familiar ornaments, -already packed, gave a look of barrenness -to the pretty sitting room, and bespoke -the approaching departure, the party was not -a sad one; each tried to cheer the others, and -in so doing roused himself.</p> - -<p>So ended the last dinner at the Priory, and -never again did the same party meet under -the same roof.</p> - -<p>Some such presentiment touched Kate's -heart, and gave a tenderness to her attentions, -an under current of feeling even to the fanciful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span> -sallies and playful arguments with which she -strove to enliven her guests, which, gracefully -as she ever played the part of hostess, lent an -inexpressible charm to all she uttered; and -even Mrs. Winter, usually unobservant, seemed -impressed by the peculiar sweetness of her -voice and manner; and often, in after life, did -Kate look back to that last evening as singularly -agreeable, despite the approaching separation.</p> - -<p>The last! Oh, how much of tenderness -clings round that word—the last word or look, -the last even of suffering, what a grasp, they -take of the memory; as though the soul, in -itself immortal, cannot familiarise its faculties -with any thing so finite, so sad, so passing as -the last.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">A NEW WORLD.</p> - - -<p>However kind and true by nature, a man who -has risen to, can never quite understand the -feeling, of one who has fallen from higher -fortunes; the seeming trifles which can elate, -or depress, are but trifles to the former; nor -can any amount of sincere friendship ever -reveal to him the saddening effect which some -insignificant occurrence, he would scarcely -perceive, produces on the other; he cannot dream -with what terrible and intense conviction, the -sudden consciousness of total change, flashes on -the mind that had happily half-forgotten it, at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -some accident of daily life, to him, nothing, -in itself, a mere "<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">contretemps</i>," which, in -brighter days would have only raised a smile, -but which is now too sure an indication of the -current; straw though it be.</p> - -<p>And Winter, with all his real, steady affection, -for Kate, felt half angry with her for -the obstinacy with which she adhered to her -intention of travelling by the first class in the -railway. He could not comprehend, what she -could so well feel, that the moral effect produced -on her grandfather, by a long journey -in a conveyance, which would, every moment, -bring the utter change of his fortunes and -position, so forcibly before him, would far -more than counterbalance the few pounds -saved.</p> - -<p>"But," reiterated Winter, "the colonel is -well and remarkably strong for his age, he -would not find the journey in the least fatiguing -by the second class; and, my dear girl, I want -to impress on you the necessity of conforming,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -at once, to the changes Heaven has been -pleased to send you. Procrastination is always -bad, but in the present case peculiarly injurious."</p> - -<p>"Yes, Mr. Winter, I know all that, and as -to the fatigue, that is not what I think of; but -imagine how wretched grandfather would feel—no, -you cannot imagine—but would it be worth -while, for the sake of the difference, to let him -receive so bad an impression of his new -position at the very outset, and so rudely. He -will have enough to suffer. Let him have an -easy start; in short this is one of the very few -points on which I cannot accept of your guidance; -and all I will add is, I hope you will, -though unconvinced, acquiesce in my decision, -and not mention this controversy to grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"'Pon my word, Miss Vernon, you put me -down, right royally," said he, laughing, and -yet surprised at the air of quiet firmness with -which she announced her determination.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My own, dear, kind master! Ah, when -shall I have an argument with you again? -But you will write to me often, and sometimes -come to London."</p> - -<p>"I will, I will indeed. Ah, Kate, I did -not know how much you had twined yourself -round this tough old heart of mine, till I -found I was to lose my bright pupil. You -had better make over Cormac to me, till you -have a house of your own?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, no, no, we should be incomplete without -my dear old dog! Besides, I promised -him he should join us as soon as possible."</p> - -<p>"Promised the dog; and you look as grave -as a judge."</p> - -<p>"Yes, I said to him yesterday, 'I am not -going to leave you long behind, dear Cormac,' -and he looked up at me with his honest eyes, -as though he trusted me so implicitly; I could -not deceive him."</p> - -<p>"Kate, you have too much imagination for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -the battle of life, get rid of some of it, I advise -you."</p> - -<p>"Get rid of it! And shall I pursue my way -more successfully, if I clip the wings that -might sometimes help to waft me over rough -places."</p> - -<p>"You are incorrigible! You see your -fancy is going to cheat you out of nearly five -pounds in this railroad business. I wish you -would be advised by me; and, indeed, strictly -speaking, it is your duty to conform as soon as -possible to circumstances."</p> - -<p>"My strict duty! Oh, Mr. Winter, I abjure -strictness, it is a thing of mathematical -precision, gone, vanished with the old dispensation; -which, providing rules for all and every -thing, left no room for those exquisite shades -and tints without which, life, as well as -pictures, would have neither truth nor beauty. -I never like to think how much or how little -I ought to do; there is one maxim on this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> -point, that supplies to me the absence of every -other. 'Freely ye have received, freely give,' -Why should I pain another, to fulfil to the -letter, an unimportant duty? But, I have -settled that point."</p> - -<p>"Well, well, you are right in intention at -all events, and now I must say good morning, -what are you going to do?"</p> - -<p>"Why, I have finished my preparations; -and as grandpapa is going with you about the -luggage, I intend hearing the evening service -in the Cathedral; vespers, (I like the name, -popish though it be) for the last time. Ah, -<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Maestro mio</i>, to-morrow."</p> - -<p>"Don't talk of it, but I'll tell Mrs. Winter -she may expect you in an hour. <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Au revoir.</i>"</p> - -<p>Kate strolled slowly through the churchyard, -and mounted the steps; stood for some -minutes gazing at the well-known scene from -the city wall, thinking, "how and when shall -I see it again! What awaits me in the new -world into which I am about to plunge!"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -Then turning to the right, she followed the rather -tortuous way, formed by the time worn ramparts, -until she reached the narrow alley which -led to the cathedral. The entrance to the -cloisters at this spot, was a low vaulted passage, -which communicated, in ancient times, with -the servants' offices, and formed an angle with -a lofty chapel, now used as an ante-room; -and here Kate again paused, as if to take the -scene into her memory. To the Chapter house, -opposite the end opening on the cloisters, was -a beautiful window, showing through its lace-like -and still perfect tracery, the soft, green grass -which clothed the quadrangle formed by the -cloisters, and a thorn tree grew close against -its mullions, and even thrust its branches, so -delicately green, with the first fresh and unspeakable -tints of spring, through their many -openings; contrasting its fair youth, with the -solemn grey and massive stones around it. A -bright gleam of sunshine, which fell slanting, -it up one half the chapel, through which Kate -advanced, leaving the other in shadow. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -unbroken stillness, the air of deep repose, -which pervaded the old pile, gave something -of its own calm to her feelings, which had -been a little ruffled by the thousand anticipations -her argument with Winter had called up. -The hour of evening prayer was not yet arrived, -and she stood for a while gazing at the -exquisite effects of light and shade, till the -perfect silence woke up her fancy, and she -smiled to think, that it would scarce surprise -her, to see a plumed and helmetted shadow -fall on the stream of sunshine, which bathed -the pavement with a flood of gold, and even -were the shadow followed by a substantial -mailed form, with knightly spurs, and cross-hilted -sword, it would seem but natural, here.</p> - -<p>The distant sound of the organ warned her -that the service was about to begin, and she -was soon kneeling in the quiet nook she usually -occupied.</p> - -<p>The next morning they left A——.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The last journey I made by rail-road was -with you to Carrington," said Kate to Winter.</p> - -<p>She was looking a little pale, and a certain -anxious nervousness made her tremble in every -limb; but she kept up very cheerfully.</p> - -<p>They were standing on the platform at the -railway station, waiting for the train, which, -starting from some newer and more important -place, only gave a few hurried, breathless moments -to poor old anti-locomotive A——.</p> - -<p>The Colonel was looking a shade more -elegant even than usual, in a large cloak, -which hung gracefully round his tall, erect -form. There was their luggage all ticketed -and piled up, all of home that could be packed -into trunks; and Kate felt singularly desolate -at the idea of being thus, for the first time, -without any sanctuary, however humble, to -which, as to an ark, she might retreat, when -the fountains of the great deep, of sorrow or of -disappointment, were broken up; and Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> -Winter was there with a well-packed basket -of sandwiches, and wine and water; but poor -Gilpin had been so unwell since his imprudent -visit to the Priory, that he had been obliged -to leave the Winters to do the parting honours, -alone, to their valued friends. Nor can -we omit to mention Mrs. O'Toole, who, in a -black silk bonnet, snowy cap, and substantial -cloth cloak, albeit it was early June, looked -the very model of a respectable old family-servant; -over one arm hung Miss Vernon's -shawl, and, in her left hand, she carried a blue -band-box, containing divers and sundry articles -thrust into it, at the last moment, and secured -by a red silk handkerchief.</p> - -<p>"Yes," returned Winter, in reply to Kate's -observation, "we were a merry trio; but we -little anticipated the adventure you contrived -to get up."</p> - -<p>"It was all very curious," said Kate, with a -sigh, as her thoughts flew back to that pleasant -evening, and its still pleasanter <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">dénouément</i>.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> - -<p>A shrill, piercing whistle! The porters -stood, not to their arms, but to their trunks.</p> - -<p>"Up-train coming," said one of them, warningly, -to our little party.</p> - -<p>"Now then, don't be in a hurry, Colonel—get -the tickets all right," said Winter; and the -huge, hissing, relentless monster of an engine, -rushed panting by the platform. "Do you -get in and settle yourselves, Colonel; Mrs. -O'Toole and I will see to the luggage."</p> - -<p>The Colonel obeyed; but Kate stood by the -carriage door. Winter soon bustled back, and -in more than usually husky tones, observed—</p> - -<p>"All right—there goes the bell."</p> - -<p>"Dearest Mrs. Winter," cried Kate, clasping -that worthy little woman in her arms; -"good bye;" and the tears she had long, with -difficulty, restrained, poured down her cheeks; -then turning to the kind, rough artist, she, -somewhat to his surprise, bestowed an equally -affectionate embrace on him, with such childlike -simplicity and sincere feeling, that he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span> -inexpressibly touched. "My kind love to Mr. -Gilpin; and, I need hardly say, take care of -Cormac."</p> - -<p>"God bless you, dear Kate," from both the -Winters, and she was hurried into the carriage, -where nurse was already seated. A jerk back, -and then forward, and they were swept away -from the kind faces that looked so eagerly after -them.</p> - -<p>As long as the neighbouring scenery presented -any familiar features, Kate looked -mournfully and wistfully through the window; -but soon, too soon, they were flying -beyond the limits of her longest walks; and -when the distant height, crowned by Mowbray -Castle, longest visible, because the highest -point in the surrounding country, disappeared, -she dismissed her regrets, turned resolutely -from the contemplation of past happiness, and -determined to let no selfish grief, no personal -consideration whatever intervene between her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -heart and its great task. Comforting and supporting -her grandfather.</p> - -<p>"And you feel quite well, quite comfortable, -dear grandfather."</p> - -<p>"Yes, love. Why, this is as good as any -private carriage; you know I am quite a -novice in rail-road travelling. How do you -like it, Nelly?"</p> - -<p>"Faith, an' it's an illigant coach intirely; -but, Miss Kate, jewel, did iver ye see anything -so fast as the hedges do be runnin'?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," laughed the Colonel, "London will -be down here presently!"</p> - -<p>There is little ever to relate of a journey by -rail—at least, at the time of which we write, -when excursion trains and concussions were -not quite such every-day events as in 1851-2. -Little occurred to vary the even tenor of their -course. Speed was slackened, bells rung, and -incomprehensible names bawled out at the due -number of stations. One or two companions<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -were added to, and diminished from their -number, with whom the Colonel entered, urbanely, -into conversation, and, about two -o'clock, offered them refreshment, from Mrs. -Winter's well-stored basket, which was thankfully -accepted by his fellow-travellers, who set -him down, in their private opinions, as some -condescending nobleman of philanthropic -habits, and enjoyed his sandwiches and sherry -with redoubled goût. Could they have known, -he was a broken gentleman, and an Irish one -to boot, how soon "urbane condescension" -would have changed, to pushing forwardness, -and the gracious offer of a sandwich, to some -deep design of getting up an acquaintance, -with ulterior objects possibly still more dreadful.</p> - -<p>At length, the closer ranks of houses and -increasing hubbub of hissing engines, and departing -trains, warned them, they were fast -approaching the great metropolis.</p> - -<p>The quiet and ease of their journey was at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -an end, the moment they stepped from the retirement -of the carriage into the bustling confusion -of the platform, beyond which a line of -cabs were drawn up, the length of which positively -appalled Kate, as indicative of the immense -crowd amongst whom they would have -to struggle for their luggage. The additional -difficulty of darkness was superadded to those -already arising from crowd and hurry; for they -had not left A—— until considerably past -noon.</p> - -<p>"Och, Holy Virgin! how are we iver to get -the thrunks in sich a scrimmige!" ejaculated -Mrs. O'Toole.</p> - -<p>"We must look for the van they put them -in at A——," said Kate, who was trembling -with nervous anxiety, and depressed, at feeling -how unfitted she was for so bustling a scene.</p> - -<p>"Jest don't be walkin off wid the masther's -portmanty," said Mrs. O'Toole, laying a vigorous -grasp on the arm of a railway porter.</p> - -<p>"Is this here yer's?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, an' so is the black wan, an' the wan -wid the leather cover in the van, &c."</p> - -<p>And soon the civil and expeditious porters -had placed all their luggage in a goodly pile.</p> - -<p>"Now," said the Colonel, "for the transit -to Bayswater."</p> - -<p>"Cab, sir?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, two."</p> - -<p>The Colonel and Kate led the way with their -light parcels, and nurse followed with an overflowing -cargo.</p> - -<p>It is a strange sensation, that of whirling -through unknown streets by gas light. The -complete ignorance of where you are going, -the seemingly miraculous facility with which -you are whisked round innumerable turnings, -the flaring gas-light before the meaner shops, -and short intervals of gloomy, respectable -quarters.</p> - -<p>Kate felt all this strongly, and sat gazing at -the busy crowded streets, holding her grandfather's -hand, and scarcely breathing. It<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -seemed as though she had never felt the changes -that had occurred in their lot before, and -wearied by the journey, and the busy days that -preceded it, she experienced that dread fluttering -sensation, half fear, half excitement that -made her long, oh, how intensely, for some -familiar face to welcome them, some strong -calm friend into whose arms she might throw -herself, and feel <em>safe</em>.</p> - -<p>But, "fate forbid such things to be," and a -curtseying landlady received them in all the -glories of an "afternoon toilette," with an -elaborate front, cunningly secured with three -rows of narrow black velvet round the head, -and a profusion of cherry-colored ribbons in -her cap.</p> - -<p>"Here, Hester, carry up the carpet bags; -Mr. Langley was here to-day ma'am, and said -we might hexpect you about height o'clock, -but it's near nine now; what would you please -to take? I'll have candles lighted in a moment."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span></p> - -<p>And she ushered them into a small parlour, -furnished with a most obdurate looking horse-hair -sofa, six horse hair chairs, ranged round -the walls, an impracticable arm chair, and a -small round table, covered with a bright red -cloth; a diminutive looking glass over the mantel-piece, -on which were displayed a few cheap -ornaments, and a chiffonnier of mock rose-wood, -with warped doors, completed the inventory.</p> - -<p>"Tea, I think, Kate, will be the most acceptable -refreshment. If you will be so good -as to let us have some tea, Mrs. Mrs. ——."</p> - -<p>The Colonel paused.</p> - -<p>"Crooks," said the amiable lady.</p> - -<p>"Ah, yes, Mrs. Crooks."</p> - -<p>"Certainly, sir," and she retired, as the -servant entered, with two tall candles, unsteadily -thrust into very short candlesticks.</p> - -<p>It is unnecessary to describe the wretchedness -of such an arrival, the total derangement -of all established comforts, and London lodging-house -tea and milk! and the professional ra<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span>pidity, -with which the servant clatters down -the plates, and deals out the knives, the ill-cleaned -Britannia metal tea-pot, the pale, market -looking butter, all, all so unlike home.</p> - -<p>Nurse, who had taken Miss Vernon's <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">sac -de nuit</i>, to her room, now came to the rescue.</p> - -<p>"Ah, don't be breakin yer heart sthrivin to -make tay, an' the wather not half biled. There," -smelling the tea which Kate had put out, and -setting it down with a look of disgust. -"Athen, 'tis little iv ye kem from Chayney, any -how. Sure I put a dust iv the rale sort into -me ban-box the last thing, an it's well them -villains at that moiderin Station, didn't lose it -an' me box' an all, have a taste iv buthered -toast, here, me good girl, just bile up that -kittle, an when it's bilin mad, run up wid it; -stay, I'll go down meself."</p> - -<p>And Mrs. O'Toole prepared them a very refreshing -cup of tea, which they insisted on her -sharing; and largely did she contribute to -enliven their first repast in the mighty metro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span>polis, -by her shrewd, caustic remarks on the -various little events of their journey.</p> - -<p>"Sure it's so quiet, we might think ourselves -in the Priory," she said, after a pause. -"Another bit of toast, Miss Kate, ye'r white -wid the journey, and the scrimmage, alanah."</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied the Colonel, "it is singularly -quiet here."</p> - -<p>"But listen to that distant, continuous roar," -said Kate, "what is it?" she asked of the girl, -who was removing the tea things.</p> - -<p>"Plase ma'am it's the 'busses."</p> - -<p>They were located in one of the numerous -"Albert Groves," or "Victoria Terraces," which -congregate near, and diverge from the main -Bayswater Road.</p> - -<p>After some more desultory conversation, the -little party retired to the rest they so much -needed. Kate and nurse first carefully arranging -the Colonel's room; but long after she -had laid her head on the hard and diminutive -lodging-house pillow, Kate's busy fancy kept<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -sleep aloof—the fact that she was actually in -London, was almost incredible, that the dreaded -parting with the Winters, and the Priory—the -terrible exchange of all the sweet sanctities -of home, for the uncertainties and insecurity -of lodgings—that all this so long anticipated, -was absolutely accomplished; and -that from this time forward, a new world of -action—of reality—of sober, stern existence, -lay before her. Such thoughts as these were -potent enemies to sleep. Then her last visit -to the great city, and its gaieties, and studies -presented themselves; and Lady Desmond's -probable return—followed by a natural chain -of associations; and finally, the Priory, with -its pretty garden; and the neighbouring -woods, in all their glories of autumn—as they -looked the day she found Fred Egerton seated -with her grandfather, rose before her mind's -eye; and all the pleasant incidents of that -happy time, unrolled themselves before her—clearly -at first, but, at length strangely mingled<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -with memories of Dungar, and older days -still. Once or twice she strove to reunite -the broken chain of thought; but slowly they -all faded, and the hours of a short summer's -night sped on their way; and gradually her -spirit woke from the first, deep sleep that fell -upon it; and wearied by the heaviness that -had of late weighed it down, fled joyously to -the scenes of its early childhood; and summoned -to its side, the friends it loved—until a -flood of morning sunshine pouring into her -room, woke her; and her eyes fell upon the -broad comely countenance of Mrs. O'Toole.</p> - -<p>"Athen, the blessin' iv Christ on ye, -jewel; sure the angels was whisperin' to ye -in Heaven—ye wor smilin' so swate in your -sleep."</p> - -<p>"Oh, nurse, why did you awake me? so -soon I mean."</p> - -<p>"Soon," ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole, "sure -it's nine o'clock, so it is, an' you that was always -up at seven—"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Nine! is it possible? But, nurse, are -morning dreams always true?"</p> - -<p>"Sure, I told ye so a hundred times, an' ye -always laughed at me, was it dreamin' ye wor, -alanah?"</p> - -<p>"Yes; of Dungar, and of such strange—but -go, dear nurse—I will ring soon for you. -Have you seen grandpapa this morning? How -did you sleep yourself?"</p> - -<p>"He's not rung his bell yet; an' I was as -snug as any duchess."</p> - -<p>To Kate's infinite delight, morning displayed -a garden, some ten feet square, in front of their -new abode, sufficient to satisfy the elastic conscience -of the builder, in calling the row of -houses, in which it was situated, "Victoria -Gardens." True, it was not in that perfection -of keeping, so grateful to eyes susceptible of -the beautiful; but still the green of a few -ragged lilacs, and laburnums, with the perfume -of a mignionette bed, was most refreshing; -and so much better than anything she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -had ventured to hope for—that she felt inexpressibly -cheered.</p> - -<p>The Colonel too, had slept well—at least, -till daylight, when he had been rather disturbed -by the screams of a parrot, a great pet, -Mrs. O'Toole informed them, of their landlady. -Breakfast over, and the <cite>Times</cite>, secured -for her grandfather, Kate was soon immersed in -a long, confidential letter to Winter and his -wife.</p> - -<p>Their late breakfast had encroached, more -than she thought, upon the morning, and she -felt surprise when the landlady announced Mr. -Langley; and Winter's old friend entered. He -was a long, pale man, with lightish hair, and -whey coloured whiskers; his manners, cold -and shy, impressed Kate with an uneasy feeling, -that it would be impossible to set him at -ease.</p> - -<p>"Very much obliged by your early visit," -said the Colonel, rising, with his usual suave -cordiality. "We have to thank you for pro<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span>curing -for us, such comfortable apartments—my -granddaughter, Miss Vernon."</p> - -<p>Mr. Langley bowed, and in so doing, upset -a ricketty chair, whereupon, he endeavoured -to restore it to its former position, and in the -struggle, dropped his hat and gloves; at last -his composure a little restored, by the graciousness -of his new acquaintances, he gathered -courage to ask, coldly, after Winter, and still -more slightly for his wife, to which the -Colonel replied, by giving very copious details, -of their friends, and Kate thought he listened -with more interest than he ventured to express -in words; some general conversation -then ensued—their journey, and the old city -of A——, were discussed. Mr. Langley -glanced once or twice at his hat, which had -unfortunately got into an inaccessible corner, -and Kate began to fear that this first interview, -to which she had looked, as to a mine of -information, whereby to form her plans, and -guide her future proceedings, would pass away<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -in the vain repetition of polite nothings; while -the Colonel, in his high-bred anxiety to entertain -his visitor, seemed to forget there was any -more serious subject to discuss, beyond the -decline of the drama, or the prospects of the -ministry.</p> - -<p>It was always with extreme reluctance that -Kate, ever broached any subject, connected -with the realities of their position, in the presence -of her grandfather, now that all the -necessary changes had been made; and to this -natural difficulty, was added the awkwardness -of introducing important queries, apropos to -nothing. At last, taking advantage of a -pause in the Colonel's eloquence, of which Mr. -Langley seemed inclined to avail himself, to -depart, she plunged boldly, because desperately, -into the subject uppermost in her -thoughts.</p> - -<p>"I am most anxious to lose no time in endeavouring -to get pupils. Mr. Winter mentioned -to you, I suppose?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes;" said Langley, turning to her with -more of complacency, than his manner had hitherto -exhibited, his painter's eye, probably -caught by her expressive countenance, and -graceful figure. "Yes, he mentioned your intention—and -I—that is, I hope you will not -disapprove; I told some friends of mine, professors -of music, and they wish to hear you -play; and then they will be able to judge how -far they can forward your views."</p> - -<p>"Thank you," cried Kate, glancing nervously -at the Colonel, to whose high and -usually pale forehead the color rose at this proposed -exhibition of his refined, noble, and -graceful grandchild; "you are most kind to -have anticipated my arrival; but," she added, -covering her face playfully with her hands, -"I never shall have courage for such an exhibition, -such an ordeal!"</p> - -<p>"But if they never hear you perform, how -can they recommend you?" asked Langley, in -a matter-of-fact tone.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I did but jest," replied Kate, "and am -ready to do whatever you may recommend."</p> - -<p>"Of course, if it is repugnant to Miss Vernon, -however friendly and judicious your suggestion, -Mr. Langley, I cannot permit her," -began the Colonel, in disturbed accents.</p> - -<p>"Dearest grandpapa, this matter is between -Mr. Langley and myself—you may listen—but -are not to interfere. Am I not right, Mr. -Langley?"</p> - -<p>He bowed, startled into silent admiration, -by the extreme beauty of her smile.</p> - -<p>"I am silenced," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Winter mentioned," resumed Langley, -after a moment's pause, "that you were a -pupil of Hermann's; I would advise your renewing -your acquaintance with him; he is one -of the first masters, in the fashionable world, -at present."</p> - -<p>"I fully intend writing to him to-morrow, -and—"</p> - -<p>"Why not to-day?" interposed Langley,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> -with increasing warmth. "And merely ask -him to appoint an interview—be sure you see -him—writing is of little use—besides he has -a daughter—I mean two—amiable girls, I am -told—indeed I know one of them. Miss Vernon," -addressing the Colonel, "can, therefore, -call on him with perfect propriety, for he could -never otherwise see her, his time is so much -occupied."</p> - -<p>The Colonel, again reddening to the roots of -his hair, made a silent inclination of his head, -too much overcome at the idea of Kate's being -compelled to call on any man, to be able to infringe -upon her injunction.</p> - -<p>"Unfortunately," resumed Langley, "I -have no one to do the honors of my house; but -my sister, who lives close by here, intends to -do herself the pleasure of calling on you, Miss -Vernon, and hopes to fix some evening, when -I can introduce you to some professional friends—but -I see you have no piano."</p> - -<p>"We shall be most happy to make your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -sister's acquaintance; my piano is still at -A——; but I hope to have it early next week—only -I am sure I cannot think where it can -stand in this diminutive chamber."</p> - -<p>"But it is essential; you so soon lose the -facility of execution. Winter tells me, you -play well; and he is no mean judge."</p> - -<p>"I trust you may be of the same opinion; -but the degree of perfection required from -musicians appals me!"</p> - -<p>"Nothing mediocre goes down now," returned -Langley, with an emphasis, not very -encouraging. "And as I believe I have paid -you a long visit," rising nervously; "my -sister would have accompanied me, but one of -her little boys is ill. I hope she may soon be -released—I mean, be able to call on you. She -knows several people about here, all with -young families. Ah, good morning, Miss -Vernon, good morning, sir."</p> - -<p>"I shall take an early opportunity of re<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span>turning -your visit," said the Colonel, accompanying -him to the door.</p> - -<p>"Pray do; and as Mr. Winter tells me, -Miss Vernon is a lover of paintings, perhaps -she might like to take a look at my studio?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, thank you," cried Kate, who had followed -them. "I shall be delighted."</p> - -<p>"Good morning, then."</p> - -<p>"This seems promising, dear grandpapa," -said Kate, settling back to her writing, with a -sunny smile. "I am so glad I saw Mr. Langley, -before I closed my letter; he appears -friendly, though certainly not brilliant."</p> - -<p>"Promising, Kate," cried the Colonel, playing -nervously with his glasses, and holding -the paper aside in one hand, "promising! It -is unutterably repugnant to my feelings to -think, that you will have to exhibit your -<em>paces</em>, or your performance rather, to secure -the suffrages of a set of fiddlers, and to wait -upon a fat German, who, I remember, used to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -seem to abjure water, and wore a ring on his -thumb. This Mr. Langley seems to forget -what is due to a gentlewoman altogether, or to -be totally ignorant of it. And, only that I was -afraid of vexing you, my love, I would have -told him so. Cold-blooded John Bull!"</p> - -<p>"I should indeed have been greatly distressed -had you done so," said Kate. "You -know, dearest and best, I am only known to -him in my new character; and is it not unreasonable -to be displeased with him, because -he endeavours, according to his judgment, -which I believe to be the true one, to forward -my views!"</p> - -<p>"Instinct might have told him, yours was a -peculiar case! to tell you to call on a German -music-master!"</p> - -<p>"Pooh, grandpapa, as Mr. Winter would -say, if you and I were staying at the 'Clarendon,' -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en route</i> to Paris, you would be the -first to encourage me in paying a visit to my -old master, why—"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It is a totally different thing, this old -German—"</p> - -<p>"True, and it may be prejudice; but, under -the circumstances, I would prefer visiting a -German to an English music-master. My own, -dear grandpapa, we must be content to lose the -shadow, if we can secure the substance; and -now I must proceed to finish my letter."</p> - -<p>Hastily finishing her long, crossed epistle to -the Winters, she proceeded to pen a billet to -Hermann, recalling herself to his recollection, -and expressing a strong desire for an interview -with him; this was placed <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">selon les -règles</i> in an envelop, when a grand difficulty -presented itself—the address—"He used to -live in Baker Street, but I forget the number." -She rung.</p> - -<p>"Would Mrs. Crooks be so good as to let -me see a directory?"</p> - -<p>"Please 'em, she's not got one."</p> - -<p>"How provoking! and it is just post -hour!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Send that note on chance," suggested the -Colonel; "and we can get the right address -from Langley, if it fails."</p> - -<p>"Good," she replied; and sent both her -epistles at once to the post.</p> - -<p>The day, notwithstanding the promise of the -morning, proved wet; but Langley's long -visit, and her long letter, made it pass quickly -to Kate. She now put away her writing materials, -singing snatches of her favourite songs, -to her grandfather's surprise, and looking -bright as an embodied gleam of sunshine; the -idea of speedy action was cheering beyond -measure, to her energetic, earnest spirit; and -though it may lower her in the estimation of -sentimentalists and evangelicals, she was too -young and too light-hearted, not to feel considerable -pleasure, at the idea of a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirée</i> at Langley's -sister's.</p> - -<p>"Are ye ready for yer dinner, Miss Kate? -an' would the masther mind the girl layin'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -the cloth?" enquired Mrs. O'Toole, putting in -her head.</p> - -<p>"Certainly not," replied the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"I have not seen you all day, nurse," said -Kate, "what have you been doing."</p> - -<p>"I wint out to get some chops for yer dinners, -an' the thief iv a butcher asks me nine-pince -a pound for thim. 'Is it jokin' ye are,' -ses I, 'mum,' ses he, as if he was bothered. -'Is it plum cake ye do be feedin' yer sheep -on,' ses I, 'to go be afther askin' nine-pince a -pound for thim chops,' ses I, wid that he ups -and he ses, his mate was the best an' the -chapest in the place, an' I'd get nothin' ondher -it; an' sure enough I wint to ivery butcher -widin' two miles, an' sorra one iv thim ud give -the chops for less, an' some asked more; there's -London for ye! But it ud break yer heart to -see the woman sthrivin' to brile thim on the -hanful iv coals in wan corner iv the grate, I -wish ye'd spake to her to let me cook for yes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -but—" Nurse suddenly paused, and held up -her hand to enforce silence, as an approaching -jingle announced the coming dinner apparatus.</p> - -<p>"Have you dined yourself, dear nurse?" -asked Kate.</p> - -<p>"Sure I tuck a cup iv tay, an' an egg, sorra -sich an egg iver I seen! Ye know it's a fast -day, Miss Kate."</p> - -<p>Their dinner was soon despatched; the half -cold, half raw chops, so different from their -simple yet tempting fare at home, offering -little to induce its prolongation. After its removal, -Kate looked wistfully from the window.</p> - -<p>"It does not rain now, grandpapa, would -you not like a stroll into Kensington Gardens? -I should like so much too, to find out some -library, for how shall we get over this evening -without music, or work, or books, or chess. -Oh, I forgot, nurse has unpacked the chess-board."</p> - -<p>"I am not inclined for walking, or chess,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> -either, my love; indeed I am singularly -knocked up; I should like a book, however."</p> - -<p>"But I am sure a little walk would do you -good, dear grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"No, my dear, I will take a sleep, and, if -you like to go out, nurse can go with you, it -will be a pleasure to her too."</p> - -<p>After settling the Colonel to the best of her -ability in the impracticable arm-chair; Kate -summoned Mrs. O'Toole, who most readily -obeyed her call, heartily tired of the society -of Mrs. Crooks, for, as she said emphatically, -"there's no divarshin in thim -English!"</p> - -<p>After enquiring their way to the nearest circulating -library, Kate and Mrs. O'Toole set out -on their exploring expedition. The rain had -ceased, and a rich, yellow, evening sun shone -out in full lustre.</p> - -<p>"How new everything looks here, nurse," -said Kate, when they had walked a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -minutes in silence, "how different from dear -old A——."</p> - -<p>"In troth it does, Miss Kate; but thim -gardens, as they call thim, is mighty fine, an' -did ye iver see sich dawshy little houses, wid -balconies afore?"</p> - -<p>"Never, indeed, they give me the idea of -handsomely ornamented mansions, seen through -an inverted telescope, for there is a little of -everything about them."</p> - -<p>"Athen wan, good, ould, red stone house, -like what was in A——, is worth a score iv -thim."</p> - -<p>The extreme newness of everything, notwithstanding -its prettiness and neatness, was -displeasing to Kate's eye, accustomed, as it -had been, to the mellow tints and picturesque -irregularity of A——.</p> - -<p>It is remarkable how much more congenial, -both to heart and mind, are indefinite and irregular -outlines; as if the more perfect finish,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -was all too cramped, too finite to satisfy the -boundless and formless imaginations of man's -heart; as Tupper beautifully says,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">"Thinkest thou the thousand eyes that shine with rapture on a ruin,</div> - <div class="verse">Would have looked with half their wonder on a perfect pile?</div> - <div class="verse">And wherefore not—but that light tints, suggesting unseen beauties,</div> - <div class="verse">Fill the complacent gazer with self grown conceits?"</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>The library was, without much difficulty, -found, and the demure damsel, who there represented -the muses, in reply to Kate's enquiries, -handed her a catalogue, in which she -soon lost herself, as one usually does in the -vain attempt to discover favorite authors, -widely separated by an inexorable alphabetical -arrangement.</p> - -<p>"Have you nothing by the authoress of -'The Cup and the Lip?'" asked Kate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, ma'am, but it's out; this work is a -good deal called for," presenting a volume -open at the title page.</p> - -<p>Kate glanced at it, 'Zarifa, a Tale of the -Passions.'</p> - -<p>"No, thank you," said Miss Vernon.</p> - -<p>"Just got this in, ma'am; 'Trials and -Trifles, by one who has experienced both.'"</p> - -<p>"Let me look at it, if you please. Ah, this -is rather too sentimental. Have you the -'Knight of Gwynne'?"</p> - -<p>"Yes'm."</p> - -<p>"Then I will take it; and pray send the -'Times' every morning, to No. — Victoria -Gardens, for Colonel Vernon, if you please."</p> - -<p>A rather stout gentleman, with longish fair -hair, and an umbrella under his arm, who had -entered the shop a few minutes before, and -stood with two letters in his hand, waiting -until the shopwoman was at leisure to attend -to him, and in a position that commanded an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -excellent view of Kate's profile; started at -these words.</p> - -<p>"Vernon,!" said he, in good English, but -with a foreign accent. "Do I speak to my -gentle pupil? Ah, you remember."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Herman!" she exclaimed, after a -moment's hesitation, "how fortunate! how -happy I am to have met you; I have just -written to you."</p> - -<p>"It is most curious," resumed her <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ci-devant</i> -master, shaking her hand warmly and respectfully, -"I do not think I ever entered a shop in -this neighbourhood before, but I have just -come from Madame M——'s establishment, -where I, for my sins, give lessons once a-week; -and you, have you been long in town? How -is the Graffin, your cousin? I suppose with -you?"</p> - -<p>"No, she is at Florence, I am with grandpapa, -close to this. We only arrived in London, -yesterday, and I have already written a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span> -note to you, though I had forgotten your precise -address."</p> - -<p>"Oh, the old place, Baker Street, No. 33. -And you want lessons again? Well, you did -me great credit, and though I have not one -moment in the day disengaged, except to -snatch a hasty meal, I'll break through my -regulations, and give you the evening hour."</p> - -<p>"Thank you very much," said Kate, interrupting, -with difficulty, the flow of his eloquence, -"but I do not want to take lessons; I wrote to -ask you to appoint a day and hour, when I might -call on you—any hour will suit me—then I will -tell you the object of my visit."</p> - -<p>"Call upon me!" repeated Hermann, with -surprise, "well, well, I am afraid I must not -offer to save you that trouble, for I am in such -request just at present. Ah, if you would not -mind calling so early as twelve o'clock, I generally -snatch a hasty lunch, at that hour. If I -am not at home when you come, my daughter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -will endeavour to entertain you until my return, -and now I must run away."</p> - -<p>"But what day, Mr. Herman?" cried Kate, -anxiously.</p> - -<p>"Oh, the day after to-morrow, I shall have -a little more time; infinitely pleased to have -met you, dear lady, and to perceive you have -the same appearance of good health as——. -Hey! ho!" shouted the good natured musico, -rushing breathlessly after an omnibus, into -which an active conductor, rapidly crammed -him, and he was swept off.</p> - -<p>This little adventure quite excited Kate, and -although capable of exerting great self-command, -her temperament was too finely organised, -not to be both nervous and sensitive; -so the arm she passed through nurse's was -not the steadiest, as they turned to leave the -shop.</p> - -<p>"Och, what makes ye thrimble so, agra?"</p> - -<p>"Do I tremble, nurse? I suppose it must<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> -be the surprise of meeting Mr. Herman; how -fortunate? I accept it as a good omen!"</p> - -<p>"Faith, he's mighty like a pear—so big at -one end, an' small at the other. Sure he's like -the side iv a house round the shoulders, an' -his two little feet u'd stand in a tay cup, an' -what wide throwsers he has!"</p> - -<p>"Do you not remember him when we were -at Lady Desmond's three years ago?"</p> - -<p>"Och now, was that the Garman that used -to be tachin ye the piania?"</p> - -<p>Kate nodded.</p> - -<p>"Och then, my gracious, but he's grawn -very fat."</p> - -<p>Miss Vernon was too much engrossed -by her own reflections on the probable result -of this rencontre, to encourage nurse's -garrulity, till the beauty of the magnificent -old trees in Kensington, drew her from -her thoughts, and she pointed her companion's -attention to the long alleys, with their graceful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> -leafy arches, that stretch along each side of -the broad walk from the Bayswater entrance.</p> - -<p>And deeply did Mrs. O'Toole enjoy the confidential -chat in which her idolized nurseling -indulged her, especially the perspective of an -evening party.</p> - -<p>"Sure it's taydious to be always alone with -an ould gintleman like the master. God bless -him any how, though faith it's himself is the -height of good company."</p> - -<p>"I never tire of him, nurse."</p> - -<p>"No, in coorse not; but, Miss Kate, jewel, -ye'll be lavin him some day, with some grand -lord, ye'll see at thim parties."</p> - -<p>"I do not fancy lords are so very plentiful -at the Bayswater <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirées</i>," replied Kate, -laughing at nurse's simplicity.</p> - -<p>"A then, ye'll never see wan that's grander -or pleasanter, nor the Captin; I niver tuck to -any one as I tuck to him; to see the illigant -bould step iv him, an the bright face iv him,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span> -an' he as tindher hearted as an infant. Och -sure, Miss Kate, there's some fairy gift about a -rale gentleman! Jist hear wan say, 'how -are ye,' an ye feel the better iv it, as if he was -in airnest, an plaised to see ye. But wan iv -thim squireens! faith it's like rubbin the coat -iv a cat the wrong way, to hear wan iv thim -sthrivin to spake civil!"</p> - -<p>"Very true nurse, there is some mysterious -charm about good manner, but it must spring -from the heart, and I believe when all are true -christians, all will be real gentlemen."</p> - -<p>"Athin, is it sarious ye are, Miss Kate?"</p> - -<p>After a little more conversation, they returned -to the Colonel, whom they found awake, -but still reclining with an air of lassitude, in -the arm chair. Kate at once, and with much -animation, commenced an account of her -meeting with Herman, but the indifference -with which her grandfather received the intelligence, -so important in her estimation, -checked her ardour, and seemed to throw her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -back on herself; it is indeed wonderful the -effect which sympathy or no sympathy produces.</p> - -<p>The Colonel's coldness did not alter the fact -of the lucky rencontre, or of Herman's kindness -of manner, and yet it seemed to dissolve her -air castles, about numerous pupils, friendly -associates, and a happy busy life of useful -occupation, not unmingled with amusement, -into a chilling mist, as night winds condense -the vapours, which have been spread by the -sun's heat.</p> - -<p>"Well let us have tea my dear, what book -did you get?"</p> - -<p>"'The Knight of Gwynne,' grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"Ah, I suppose that is meant for my old -friend, Maurice Fitzgerald, it will remind me -forcibly of days I had better forget."</p> - -<p>"I hope it will amuse you," said poor Kate, -the tears springing to her eyes, at such unwonted -depression and contrariety, on her -grandfather's part.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span></p> - -<p>Tea over; and the remaining day-light of a -summer's evening—which, in town, has anything -but a cheering effect—shut out, Miss -Vernon lit the candles, and, after a diligent -search, unearthed a small and rather delapidated -footstool, from beneath the sofa, which -she placed under the Colonel's feet, endeavouring, -with unwearied sweetness, to cheer him, -and draw him from himself, and his position, -till, at length, he gave the wished-for command—</p> - -<p>"Read some of that book for me, my dear."</p> - -<p>"Yes, dearest grandpapa; and as poor nurse -is all alone, among strangers, may I ask her -to bring in her work, and listen too?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly—certainly."</p> - -<p>This was quickly done; and Kate's object, -to provide amusement for the Colonel, fulfilled, -as nurse's shrewd remarks on whatever subject -was brought before her, were sure to interest -and amuse her indulgent master.</p> - -<p>He leaned back his head, and closed his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -eyes, as if but half inclined to listen; soon, -however, the varied modulations of Kate's musical, -intellectual voice, and the sound of -familiar names, fixed his attention, and transported -him, in imagination, to other scenes and -other times; and, at length, fully drawn from -the contemplation of the present, it was with -something of his old brightness of eyes, and -lightness of step, that the Colonel retired for -the night.</p> - -<p>"Well, Nelly, those were pleasant times, and -right good fellows. I think Lever has hit off -some of them capitally; yet I could give him -a few hints, hey? Kate, good night, my love—I -will take a walk with you to-morrow."</p> - -<p>And Kate laid her head on her pillow, blessing -Lever for having effected by his light-hearted, -familiar style, what no writer, however -profound, or grand, pathetic, or even -religious, would in all probability have accomplished.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER V.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">THE NEW WORLD CONTINUED.</p> - - -<p>The morning of Miss Vernon's visit to her -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ci-devant</i> music-master rose bright and clear; -and smiling at her own care, it was with -rather more than usual attention to her appearance, -she arranged her simple toilette; for, -thought she, "I am to meet his daughter—and -women judge so much more critically of -dress than men."</p> - -<p>The Colonel's announcement of his intention -to accompany her, called forth all her -tact to avoid the escort. She remembered -keenly, the effect produced on him, by Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -Langley's plain, unvarnished communications; -and, as he had now apparently forgotten them, -and returned to his usual happy, easy frame of -mind, she dreaded the renewal of those unpleasant -sensations, which had so disturbed -him, by the discussion of the important questions -of pounds, shillings, and pence, which -she was nerving herself to approach boldly; -besides, she did not feel quite certain, how -Herman would take the intelligence she had -to communicate. Then she dreaded that the -kind old man might fancy himself <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">de trop</i>.</p> - -<p>"I am afraid, dear grandpapa, we must -start so early, you will not have time to read -the paper comfortably."</p> - -<p>"It cannot take more than half-an-hour to -drive from this to Baker Street?"</p> - -<p>"I intended walking. Cabs are so expensive."</p> - -<p>"Why, Kate, my love, you are grown quite -miserly."</p> - -<p>Finally, she managed to insinuate a strong<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> -necessity that he should return Mr. Langley's -call, and fix a day for her to visit his studio, -and carried her point, that she and Mrs. -O'Toole should walk to Baker Street, by the -Park, while the Colonel was pacified, by the -paper, and the projected visit to Langley.</p> - -<p>"Good bye, my own, dear grandpapa—am -I looking nice?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, darling, like a rose-bud, as you are."</p> - -<p>And he gazed proudly at her, over his -glasses, as she stood before him in her simple, -elegant, muslin dress, straw bonnet, with plain -white ribbon, and large, soft <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">barège</i> shawl.</p> - -<p>"There isn't the like iv her in Buckingham -Palace!" said Mrs. O'Toole, with a confidential -nod, as she followed her out of the room.</p> - -<p>"Keep to the Parks, till you come to the -Marble Arch, then down Oxford Street—any -one will show you the way to Portman Square, -and—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, thank you, Mrs. Crooks, once I am in -Portman Square, I shall know my way."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - -<p>Kate was not quite so agreeable a companion -as usual during this walk, as she felt -considerable nervousness about the approaching -interview.</p> - -<p>Nurse, too, greatly disliking the errand on -which they were bound, spoke little, except -an occasional ejaculation of pious discontent, -or a growl at the various conductors, who -kindly invited them to ride in their omnibusses.</p> - -<p>Their walk was, therefore, silent and fatiguing; -but Baker Street was gained at last.</p> - -<p>"Not at home, 'm," said a smart girl, with -a cap at the back of her head, in reply to Miss -Vernon's enquiries.</p> - -<p>"And Miss Herman?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, Miss Herman is at home, 'm—please -walk this way."</p> - -<p>"Nurse, will you wait for me."</p> - -<p>And Kate followed the servant up a handsomely -carpeted stair-case.</p> - -<p>Miss Herman was working something in a -frame; she was more English-looking than her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span> -father, with a profusion of fair hair, and in a -very handsome morning costume.</p> - -<p>"I have expected to see Miss Vernon," she -said, rising to receive her visitor, with much -graciousness, and rather too much ease. "My -father told me, he expected a visit from one -of his former pupils."</p> - -<p>"I was so fortunate as to meet him accidentally, -the day before yesterday, and was -delighted to renew my acquaintance with him."</p> - -<p>"I have often heard my father speak of -you, and of your great taste for music; you -were quite one of his pet pupils. I expect him -in immediately."</p> - -<p>And the two young ladies were soon excellent -friends, the more so, as Kate's new acquaintance -was quite able to make up for any -silence or pre-occupation, on her part, caused -by the nervous anxiety with which we watch -for an important interview.</p> - -<p>Miss Herman was evidently rather curious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -as to the object of Kate's visit to her father; -and Kate saw no reason why she should not -gratify her curiosity; for, pre-occupied as she -was, any other topic was irksome; and though -not exactly of the stamp she had been accustomed -to, it was so long since she had enjoyed -a conversation with a lady, at all near her own -age, that she found it a pleasant variety. Yet -it was with a sensation of relief, that poor -Kate hailed her exclamation—</p> - -<p>"There is my father's knock."</p> - -<p>In another moment, he bustled into the -room.</p> - -<p>"Rather late, dear lady; but much pleased -to see you."</p> - -<p>"Luncheon directly, Gertrude."</p> - -<p>Then seating himself by Kate, as his daughter -left the room—</p> - -<p>"Now let me hear in what I can serve you, -my dear Miss Vernon, for I got your note all -safe."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span></p> - -<p>Kate hesitated a moment, and then, her -color rising, yet with a certain playfulness, and -without any preface, said—</p> - -<p>"You thought I wanted to take lessons -from you, my dear sir—no; I want pupils myself."</p> - -<p>Herman uttered a slight groan.</p> - -<p>"I was apprehensive of something of the -kind, when I read your note; yet I turned -from the idea, as quite preposterous; and your -noble relative!"</p> - -<p>"She knows nothing of my intention. But -my dear Mr. Herman," continued Kate, with -a firmness and decision, that surprised even -herself, "let us not waste time in deploring -what is inevitable; believe me, there is a -strong necessity for the step I am about to -take, which does not, considered in the abstract, -offer any great attractions; the question -is, can you, and will you, kindly put me -in the way of carrying out my views; to say -that I have been your pupil, would, I am sure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span> -be greatly in my favour; but I want more -than that; to introduce me, in my new career."</p> - -<p>"Dear lady: I happen, it is true, to be -rather the fashion as a musical teacher, just at -present; and I should be most happy to serve -you; but, though I gave you lessons for three or -four months, I cannot say I trained you; and I -have some pupils, brought up to music as their -profession, whom I must consider first; besides -though you had great talent, as an amateur, it -is a different thing for a teacher, ah—have you -kept up your music?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, most diligently," replied Kate, who -felt her cheeks hot, and her hands cold, during -this speech of Herman's.</p> - -<p>"Well then," rising, and opening a grand -piano, "let me hear you play, and I will tell -you exactly what I think; now you must hear -the truth."</p> - -<p>"It is all ask."</p> - -<p>Miss Vernon, threw aside her bonnet and -shawl, and seated herself at the piano; but her -memory seemed suddenly clouded, by the very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span> -necessity for clearness, nay, her physical -vision, by the intense anxiety to acquit herself -well, and while the room swam before her, the -only distinct image she could perceive, was -Hermann, standing opposite, with a look of -severe criticism on his countenance; but this -moment of suffering did not last—Kate was -making rapid strides in the acquirement of that -self-command, without which, the empire of -the world is but a wider range for the sceptred -slave. "I must be calm—I will not be false -to myself," she thought, and pressing her -hands to her eyes for an instant, she conjured -up the organist's pale, benevolent face, as it -used to look, when he listened to her playing, -and thus placed her spirit once more within -the calm influence of her old cloistered home; -then with a true and steady finger, began a -fantasia, composed by Hermann himself. He -started at the first notes—and listened with -wrapt attention, quite as much the effect of her -performance, as his own will. His daughter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span> -entered—he held up a warning finger, to enjoin -silence—she came to listen; but whether -there was one listener or a thousand, was now -a matter of indifference to Kate, who absorbed -in the music, and revelling in the tones of a -magnificent instrument, after nearly a week's -fast, poured forth the really beautiful composition, -with a fervour of feeling, and a perfection -of execution, that quite astonished her hearers; -and when at length, after some beautiful and -difficult runs, the piece ended with sustained -chords, the German burst into exclamations -of delight, in his native tongue—echoed by -his daughter; while Kate, agitated by her -success, stood quite still—silent from her utter -inability to articulate.</p> - -<p>"But it is wonderful how well you have -remembered my instructions, I shall certainly -mention you everywhere, as my pupil—my advanced -pupil. And now we will have our -luncheon—let me offer you my arm. Do you -sing?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Ah, then, we will first have a song."</p> - -<p>"No, no, Mr. Herman, I was foolishly -nervous about playing, and now I feel hardly -able to speak much less to sing."</p> - -<p>"Well then, you must come and have a -glass of wine to restore you."</p> - -<p>During the progress of the luncheon, Kate -learned many particulars, as to the usual rates -of remuneration, &c.; and was surprised to find -it so low.</p> - -<p>"As a beginner you can hardly hope to get -much," said Hermann, who was devouring -veal pie and pickled cabbage, with great -appetite; "but I hope to be of use to you -here too; I will try to get you the best -terms I can, and you will agree to whatever I -arrange?"</p> - -<p>"Of course; you are most kind, my dear -sir; but how soon do you think you will be -able to get me some pupils?"</p> - -<p>"We shall see—we shall see—you must not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -be in a hurry; and Gertrude, give me that -portfolio. Here," said he, "here is a simple -air, harmonise it in four parts, at your leisure, -and enclose it to me, that will show me what -you know of theory; if you would consent to -play and sing at private concerts, you might -make a very good thing of it; and with your -figure and face, I—"</p> - -<p>"Hush, hush," cried Kate, with an involuntary -action, and holding up her hand, as if to -repel by physical force, the idea suggested by -Herman, "it is useless to mention such a -plan."</p> - -<p>"Well well, as you like—but it is the pleasantest -and most lucrative line by far; and -now, dear lady, I must run away—I am beyond -my time, and the old Duchess of L—— -is as sharp as a needle about a minute more or -less of the lesson. God bless you—write your -address in my book, I might lose your note—you -are a pupil I may well be proud of. Good -bye," and he bustled off.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> - -<p>After a few more civil words with Miss -Herman; and writing her name and address -in the book, Herman kept for the purpose, -Kate took her leave.</p> - -<p>"I hope to have the pleasure of calling on -you," said Miss Herman.</p> - -<p>"I shall be most happy to see you, and to -introduce you to grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"If I do not call soon, pray excuse me, as -I have many engagements. Are there any -omnibusses pass near your house?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, several. I think I had better -take one going back—they are not very disagreeable—are -they?"</p> - -<p>"Why, have you never been in an omnibus?" -said Miss Herman, with some surprise.</p> - -<p>"Never as yet."</p> - -<p>And (nurse having appeared from the lower -regions,) Kate shook hands once more with -her lively, good-humoured, new acquaintance, -and departed in high spirits at the result of her -visit.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I am very tired, nurse, and I am sure so are -you."</p> - -<p>"Is it tired, Miss Kate? not a bit iv it; -sure was'nt I aitin the best iv cauld beef, an' -dhrinkin' the best iv ale, down in the house-keeper's -parlour, they seem mighty nice kind -of people, an' there was wan of thim with the -quarest cap."</p> - -<p>"There, dear nurse, call that omnibus."</p> - -<p>"Och, sure, Miss Kate, ye would'nt be -afther goin' into wan iv the like iv thim; its -nothin's but the counter-jumpers goes in thim."</p> - -<p>"No matter, the sooner I get used to them -the better," said Miss Vernon, resolute not to -do things by halves but to descend freely, and, -therefore, gracefully. "So do not let another -pass, nurse, for indeed I am very tired."</p> - -<p>"Oh, blessed Bridget! Oh, marciful Moses, -look at this! did iver I think to—Stop, will -ye, have ye no eyes in yer head, ye thief? ye -wor niver tired bawlin' to us to go wid yez -whin we did'nt want ye."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Bayswater, mum—yes, mum," and Kate -and Mrs. O'Toole were crammed into a vehicle, -apparently full to overflowing; at least so Kate -thought, though the conductor assured them -he had not got his number. The occupants, as -usual, would not at first open their ranks, and -it was not until after some moments of uneasy -balancing and staggering, that our two novices -in omnibus travelling, were accommodated -with seats, as far as possible from the door of -the carriage. Nurse, who was of tolerable dimensions, -reducing two angular old maiden -ladies to scarcely visible lines; while poor -Kate, with a feeling of deep repugnance, was -squeezed between a fat, elderly man and the -upper end of the conveyance; the road appeared -interminable, and, owing to their unacquaintance -with it, and their inexperience of -omnibus travel, they were carried far beyond -their destination.</p> - -<p>Never had the sight of her grandfather's face<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -been so welcome to Kate, as when she saw him -looking from the window on their return; after -the various small, but not the less trying, trials -of the day; and joyous was the tone, in which -she exclaimed—"victoria, dearest grandpapa," -as she threw off her bonnet and shawl.</p> - -<p>"Come and tell me all about it, dearest," -said he, holding out his hand to her.</p> - -<p>She seated herself beside him, and detailed -her interview with Herman, brightening the -brighter parts, and subduing the darker, with -exquisite pious tact; and then, turning from -the subject of her own plans, which always -fretted the old gentleman, enquired what his -movements had been, and if there was a letter -from the Winters?</p> - -<p>"No, none," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Well, I will go and get ready for dinner, -and afterwards we will have a short stroll in -the gardens. Perhaps this evening's post may -bring us a letter from our friends. Nurse is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -a capital chaperone, and I am glad you did not -go, dear grandpapa, it would have been -quite too much for you."</p> - -<p>After this nothing could surpass the unbroken -but rather gloomy quiet, in which -Kate's days slipped by; her piano having arrived, -was a great source of enjoyment to her, -and lent wings to many a heavy hour.</p> - -<p>Winter, though kind, was like most men, a -tardy correspondent, and Kate was ashamed of -writing as often as her heart dictated. Lady -Desmond, too, engrossed by some new pleasure -or occupation, wrote, though affectionately, -but seldom; and at times the sad feeling, that -to the friends who are afar, we are as nothing, -scarcely missed, and merely remembered, -through the importunate efforts of our own -pen, would steal over Kate's mind in spite of -every effort of reason and common sense; for -hers was a nature too noble, too unexacting, -to doubt the kindness or the truth of those -who professed either. Yet it is hard, very<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> -hard, not to become restless and complaining, -when, day after day, the letter carrier hurries -past, or worse still, his startling, though hoped -for, knock, thrills every pulse, and there is -nothing for you. Oh, you who are still left in -peace and security, amongst all that has been -endeared to you in childhood and in youth; -amongst kindred and familiar faces; and scenes -of beauty associated with happiness, and disregarded -in the full certainty of possession; -think well before you charge the absent with -querulous avidity for letters; you cannot know, -you cannot dream the intense longing with -which we turn from the looks and tones, the -places and the people around us, and conjure -up old scenes and voices, long unheard; and -then ask again, and again, with a mournful -tenderness, unspeakable in its depth, "Shall I -never see them more?" while a gloomy echo from -our own unspoken presage answers, "they are -gone—they are all passed by;" ay, passed indeed, -for what is gone is eternally passed by.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span> -"Speak to them that they go forward," is the -message of God to mankind, as to the Israelites -of old; forward we must go, on—on, in sin -or in righteousness; there is no pause, and -what is left is left for ever!</p> - -<p>Kate felt an extraordinary longing to have -the old hound, Cormac, with her once more, -and wrote on the subject to Mr. Winter. As -usual, when any positive question was to be -answered, his reply was prompt.</p> - -<p>"Cannot you leave the dog where he is?" -wrote the testy little artist, "I tell you he will -be a troublesome customer; even here he is -quite savage, and we have to throw him his -meat from a civil distance."</p> - -<p>"Poor Cormac!" sighed Kate, who was -reading the letter aloud to her grandfather, -"how unhappy he must be, when he is so -cross; he will become irretrievably savage if we -do not remove him; may I write about him, -dear grandpapa, at once?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, my dear," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Besides," resuming the letter, "your -lodgings are too dear already, and Cormac will -be an addition to them. I dare say you find -your money slipping away fast enough; I hope -you remember you have a balance of thirty -pounds in my hands, after the sale of the furniture, -so do not think about Cormac at present. -Poor Gilpin is very ill, and cannot last long. -What is Herman about? I think he is a -humbug; and what's become of Langley's -sister, that was to have called on you. I remember -her a good humoured woman, that -murdered the King's English, her husband is -very well off, she ought to have some girls to -be taught."</p> - -<p>The letter ended with a kind message from -Mrs. Winter, who seldom wrote, and left an -uneasy unpleasant impression on Kate's mind.</p> - -<p>"Well, I will write about Cormac, I so -long to have him to walk with me," she said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -after a moment's thought. Beginning her -letter with excuses for so imprudent a proceeding, -to her terrible mentor, she continued—</p> - -<p>"The complete disappearance of all the -agents through whom I hoped to achieve, such -great things from the little stage of my -life, is indeed marvellous, and so dispiriting -that I felt inclined to most unbecoming impatience -when I read your letter, in which you, -as usual, set forth, so forcibly, important points; -but second thoughts are best <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">maestro mio</i>. Let -us give them the benefit of our doubts; both -Miss Herman and Mrs. Storey may be out of -town, or unwell, or any thing you like, and -while it is better for my heart and spirits to -fancy my <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ci-devant</i> music-master moving heaven -and earth, though unsuccessful in my behalf, -than to imagine him playing me false, by culpable -negligence, let me think so; I must -wait; so let the imagination I so often indulged, -in happier days, show her gratitude by lightening -the interval of wretched doubt. Is this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span> -right? If you think so, say it, for I am not, -heaven knows, so strong that I can dispense -with the wholesome encouragement of friendly -approbation; and though there is great support -in the whisperings of an approving conscience, -yet it is wonderfully comforting to -have its accents echoed by a voice one loves. -By the arrangements I have made here, Cormac's -advent will add nothing to our expenses, -and I am sure his absence will be a relief to -you."</p> - -<p>Miss Vernon went to Euston Square, accompanied -by Mrs. O'Toole, to meet him, and the -joy of the old hound, at sight of her, was quite -touching.</p> - -<p>"We are afraid to go near him, ma'am," -said the porter, who led them to where he was -chained, "he's the fiercest dog we ever had -charge on."</p> - -<p>But Kate fearlessly went up to him, and -unfastened his chain, while he almost overpowered -her by his uncouth caresses, to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -dread of the beholders. Then sitting close by -her, his head stretched up that he might look -in her face, and only noticing Mrs. O'Toole, by -an occasional lick, he remained as docile as a -lamb.</p> - -<p>Kate and nurse walked gaily home with -him, feeling they had gained the addition of a -friend to their society; indeed Cormac conducted -himself with so much discretion, that -the smiling, because regularly paid, landlady -observed, he was, "a perfect hangel in disposition."</p> - -<p>As if pleasures and pains were equally gregarious, -Mr. Langley called just as they were -going to tea. He was livelier than usual, and -explained his own and his sister's apparent inattention, -by informing them that she had been -obliged to take her little boy to the Isle of -Wight, for change of air; that he had accompanied -them for the same purpose, and had -there met Miss Herman, who was on a visit to -her married sister. Thus were all Kate's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> -doubts satisfactorily cleared up, and the very -lightness of heart which these few words of -explanation produced, proved to her how -heavily their silence and apparent neglect had -preyed upon her spirits. It was no wonder -therefore that Langley felt surprised he had -not before been struck by the brilliancy as -well as the sweetness of her face; she played, -and sang for him too, for the first time, and -although he said little, was evidently charmed -by a degree of excellence he was in no wise -prepared for.</p> - -<p>He left them at an early hour (after an offer -of books from his collection), considerably -cheered by his visit. He had been much -more agreeable than usual, indeed there was -something in the noble manner of Colonel -Vernon, in the grace and piquancy of his -grandchild, in her perfect freedom from all idea -of self; and spirited intelligent assumption of -her right to think <em>for</em> herself—that attracted -the taciturn, though well informed, Langley, -in no common degree. He had a bad opinion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -of women in general—like many men, he divided -them into two classes, fools and knaves; -and could not imagine the combination of -heart and intellect—yet Kate's original observations, -surprised him by their freshness, -while it was impossible to look upon her -sweet, but noble countenance—and doubt -that if ever the spirit of truth had stamped -its impress on a human soul, that soul was -hers.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER VI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">RESIGNATION.</p> - - -<p>Nearly two months had elapsed since the Vernons -left A——; and affairs wore much the same -aspect as the first days of their arrival in town. -Miss Herman had called on Kate, on her return -from the Isle of Wight, and Kate had, -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">selon les regles</i>, returned the visit; and not -liking to trespass on Herman's time, unnecessarily, -had written merely to ask some -trifling question, and thus, remind him of his -promise; in reply to which, she received a -vague assurance of his readiness to serve her, -and a recommendation to patience.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span></p> - -<p>Meantime, parliament was within a few days -of its prorogation—town fast thinning—and -the season, to all intents and purposes, over. -This was indeed a trying time; and no portion -of it so trying, as when the Colonel sunk into his -evening sleep. Kate then ventured to release her -thoughts from the books, or work, on which -she always endeavoured to fix them, in his -presence, lest he should think her pre-occupied -or depressed; and sometimes gazing from the -window, at the slowly closing evening—sometimes -fixing her eyes on the beloved face, -which, freed from constraint, bore a pained expression—too -truly indicative of internal feeling—occasionally -an uneasy sigh would -escape him, or some muttered word; and, oh! -the inexpressible tenderness and anguish that -would then swell his grandchild's heart.</p> - -<p>Did you ever watch one you loved, asleep? -if not, you never knew of how much love your -nature was capable; yet these communings -with self, like Jacob's wrestling with the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -angel, left a blessing behind—though the frequent, -bitter, passionate questions—"Why is -it so? Why is he, who would turn aside, -rather than tread upon a worm; whose strong, -warm heart, was chiefly pleased in shewing -mercy and pity—why is he thus tried, and left -desolate, now when the years are come in -which he has no pleasure?" would rise to her -lips; and, hard, hard was it to suppress them, -for Kate Vernon's heart beat with too strong, too -passionate a pulse, not to feel that chastening -was very grievous; nor could she frame unreal -words of resignation—when the strong turmoil -of her breast, lay open to the All-seeing—she -could but cry, from out its troubled depths—"Behold, -O Lord, and see!"</p> - -<p>One morning, her grandfather was reading -aloud to her—she sometimes made him do so—it -fixed his attention more—when the door -was opened suddenly, and a lady presented -herself, unannounced. She was richly dressed -in rather showy colors, and held a large em<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span>broidered -lace-edged handkerchief in her hand. -The Colonel and Kate both rose.</p> - -<p>"Miss Vernon, I presume!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," she replied, advancing.</p> - -<p>The visitor presented a card; and Kate, -glancing at it, exclaimed—</p> - -<p>"Ah! Mrs. Storey—grandpapa—Mr. Langley's -sister."</p> - -<p>And mutual civilities were exchanged.</p> - -<p>The new comer was slightly consequential, -inclined to talk of her husband's firm, as of a -subject of universal and recognized interest; -she was a little patronising too; but evidently -charmed and subdued by the inexpressible -tone of deference and esteem which characterised -the Colonel's manner to women, and -to which few ladies, connected with even the -most eminent firms, are accustomed.</p> - -<p>"I am come on a double errand," said she, -to Kate, after explaining about her long delayed -visit—"one, to hand you this note; the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -other, to beg you and Colonel Vernon will -kindly consent to join a small circle of friends, -at my house, on Thursday evening, though I -have made the request rather unceremoniously."</p> - -<p>"You are very kind; I am sure, grandpapa, -and myself will have great pleasure—"</p> - -<p>"Yes, certainly," chimed in the Colonel; -"though I seldom do so gay a thing, as to appear -at a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soiree</i>."</p> - -<p>"Then I shall expect you at half-past eight, -as it is to be an early party, of a few friends -only; and now, Miss Vernon, read that note."</p> - -<p>Kate opened it, and read as follows—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - <p> - "<span class="smcap">Dear Mrs. Storey</span>, - </p> - - <p>"I should like to see the young - person of whom your brother spoke to me, as - I wish Mary and Angelina to begin music, - without any further delay; they have quite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> - forgotten what they learned at Mrs. Birch's. - Can Miss Vernon teach singing? I shall be - at home for her at one o'clock, on Tuesday - next.</p> - - <p class="right"> - "With kind regards to Mr. S——,<br /> - <br /> - "I am yours, very sincerely,<br /> - <br /> - "<span class="smcap">A. Potter</span>."<br /> - </p> - - <p class="center"> - "<i>St. Cecilia Terrace</i>,<br /> - <br /> - "<i>Brompton, Saturday evening</i>." - </p> -</div> - -<p>"I am very glad to get a summons, at last," -said Kate, smiling. "I was beginning to fear -pupils were an unattainable good. The note -is from a friend of Mrs. Storey's, grandpapa," -she continued, anxious to prevent the old gentleman -from reading it, as, she justly thought, -the wording of it might ruffle his pride, "who -requires instruction in music for her two -daughters, and wishes me to call upon her on -Tuesday. How do you go to Brompton from -hence, Mrs. Storey?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The most agreeable way is through Kensington -Gardens, then across the Knightsbridge -Road."</p> - -<p>"Thank you; that sounds as if it would be -a pleasant walk."</p> - -<p>"Oh, very pleasant, indeed; will you excuse -me for running away very abruptly? but -I do not think I should have made time to call -only for Mrs. Potter's note; another time, I -hope we shall be able to improve our acquaintance, -Miss Vernon. Good morning; pray don't -come to the door. Half-past eight, Miss Vernon; -a few friends; my brother brings some -professors of music;" and she chattered out of -the room, overpowering Kate's every effort to -thank her for her kindness.</p> - -<p>Nurse was in readiness to open the hall -door, with a look of extreme displeasure on her -countenance.</p> - -<p>"I niver seen the like iv thim English," -she said, indignantly. "Hesther was washin' -the steps whin she come up—'Is Miss Vernon<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> -at home?' ses she. 'Yes,' ses Hesther; 'I'll -call Mrs. O'Toole.' An' away she runs for me; -but me lady couldn't wait, I suppose; so in -she walks widout—'By yer lave, or with yer -lave,' instead of waiting to be announced like -a christian."</p> - -<p>"No matter, nurse, she brought me good -news," replied Kate.</p> - -<p>"Well, my love, I congratulate you, that -your pious wishes are likely to be accomplished," -said the Colonel, as she returned to -the room. "This Mrs. Storey appears to be -a good sort of woman."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I am delighted with her! and no -wonder; she has rekindled the almost extinct -flame of hope; I do trust I may succeed with -her friend. Do come out, dearest grandpapa, -I feel too glad to stay in the house."</p> - -<p>The next day was Tuesday, and Kate, escorted -by Mrs. O'Toole and Cormac, started at -an early hour—to keep Mrs. Potter's appointment—as -they had to explore their way—this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -they accomplished without much difficulty; -and, leaving nurse and Cormac to wait her -return, Kate followed a rather seedy man-servant, -in plain clothes, up a dingy stair-case, -into a very handsomely-furnished, but uninhabited-looking -drawing-room, with richly-bound -books, geometrically placed on round -tables, vases filled with wax flowers, alabaster -Cupids, and a grand, rosewood piano. -She had hardly glanced at all this finery, when -the door was opened hastily, and a fat and -rather red-faced woman, her hair done up into -little round, flat curls, secured with pins, who -breathed audibly, after mounting the stairs, -came quickly into the room.</p> - -<p>"Ah, I beg pardon," she involuntarily exclaimed, -as Kate's slight, elegant figure met -her eye; "I understood Miss Vernon was -here."</p> - -<p>"I am Miss Vernon," replied Kate, quietly.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" or, as she pronounced it, 'ho,' -"indeed! then will you just step down to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -front parlour? that stupid man did not know -who you were."</p> - -<p>"Indeed!"</p> - -<p>The front parlour at No. ——, St. Cecilia -Terrace, was like all other front parlours of its -class; there were horse-hair chairs and sofa, -dyed moreen curtains, and the cast off furniture -of humbler days, a former and less -splendid house; no books, and a large work-basket; -two young ladies that might be twelve -and sixteen years of age, rose on their entrance; -but did not long suspend the labours -of their busy needles. There was a third -person, whose semi-genteel dress, and hurried, -anxious expression of face, and surrounding -circle of shreds, of every hue and texture, declared -her to be—"The very reasonable girl -who goes out dress-making."</p> - -<p>"Now, Miss Vernon," began Mrs. Potter, -rapidly, almost before she was seated, "I want -these two young ladies to be taught music. I -understand you were a pupil of Herman's?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I was."</p> - -<p>"And can you teach singing?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"Well?"</p> - -<p>"Why," said Kate, "I cannot possibly be -considered a fair judge."</p> - -<p>"Well, I should like some reference as to -your capabilities."</p> - -<p>"I have none to offer, if you are not satisfied -with Mr. Langley's opinion."</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes; he is a very good judge."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps you will let me hear you play," -returned Mrs. Potter, sweeping off a mingled -pile of silk merino and fringe, from a very -antique piano.</p> - -<p>"Of course," replied Kate, drawing off her -gloves.</p> - -<p>"Ah!" she exclaimed, shrinking back at -the discordant tones, which her first touch -drew forth. "This is rather out of tune, and -has not got the additional keys; I could not -play anything on this instrument."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, there's the grand up-stairs," said -Mrs. Potter, with more respect than her -manner had yet testified, at this raising of -difficulties on the part of Kate. "Come along, -girls."</p> - -<p>They ascended to the decorated apartment -before described; and there, although she -found the "grand rose-wood," as it was -termed by the family, to be deplorably out of -tune also, Kate performed a noisy introduction -and march, which she guessed would be most -likely to suit her auditors; a song was then -demanded, and given; and mother and daughters -exchanged glances, which said very -plainly—"We've drawn a prize!"</p> - -<p>"Well, I'm sure that's very nice," began -Mrs. Potter. "I have no objection to engage -you."</p> - -<p>Then came the discussion of terms; the -greatest trial poor Kate had yet encountered. -It was so difficult to name her price, so hard<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -to bear the attempt to beat her down; yet all -things must have an end; and, at length, she -was finally engaged. Then, with what a feeling -of relief she walked briskly on to meet -Mrs. O'Toole, who was loitering about in waiting -for her young mistress.</p> - -<p>"How valuable poor Mr. Gilpin's hints have -been to me," thought she; "what exquisite -torture that whole interview would have been, -had I not, by his advice, made up my mind to -treat and think of the whole affair as a business -transaction, which could not touch me -really."</p> - -<p>Nurse was less curious than usual—the subject -was one that could only give her pain and -grief, so she contented herself with Kate's -general assurance that all was satisfactorily -settled. The Colonel, notwithstanding all his -consideration for his loving, self-forgetting -child, could not suppress a groan, when he -heard all the particulars she thought fit to -give.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ah, dear Kate! what costs us so dear, -brings but little into our exchequer."</p> - -<p>"But I shall get more pupils, you know, -and then—"</p> - -<p>"Well, God's will be done!"</p> - -<p>The lessons at Brompton began the next -day; and Kate was surprised to find how -rapidly the time flew in the endeavour to -convey her own knowledge to her pupils; then -the walk back, accompanied by Cormac, who -lay outside the hall door, like a chiselled effigy -of watchfulness, all the time the lesson lasted, -was charming. The welcome from nurse and -grandpapa! how grateful the task to work for -them. "All I ask of Thee, oh Mighty Parent! -is abundance of work!" she often murmured, -almost aloud.</p> - -<p>Thus cheered, she wrote in a strain of unwonted -gaiety to Winter, promising him an -account of Mrs. Storey's <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirée</i>, at which nurse -was determined her darling should appear in -most <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">recherché</i> costume; but, to her dismay,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span> -the object of all this care, refused to appear in -anything but "a demi-toilette."</p> - -<p>"An' why won't ye show yer illigant white -neck, an' arums, just to let them see what -we've got in ould Ireland?"</p> - -<p>"You see, it will be a small party, nurse; -and, at all events, I would rather look too -little, than too much, dressed; besides, it is of -no consequence; yet, that is not quite true," -she added, with a frank smile, "I should not -like to look frightful."</p> - -<p>So she had her own way, and wore the style -of dress she preferred. Nurse produced a very -handsome bouquet, just at the critical moment -when the toilette was "<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">un fait accompli</i>," and -Kate was thinking how unfinished her costume -looked without what had hitherto been, with -her, an invariable accompaniment.</p> - -<p>"Oh, nurse, how lovely! and you have got -these for me! Ah, you spoil your child! but -I am so glad to have them! Now I am indeed -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">mise a ravir</i>; and shall value them a thou<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span>sand -times more as your gift, than if they -were from—"</p> - -<p>"The Captin?" put in Mrs. O'Toole, -slily.</p> - -<p>"Yes, far more," said Kate, and she spoke -the truth, for the moment.</p> - -<p>Some slight delay in procuring a cab, rendered -their appearance at Mrs. Storey's later -than they had intended, and her rooms were -more than half full when they entered. There -was the usual group of gentlemen near the -door, conversing in under tones with each -other; there was the same spare sprinkling of -broad cloth, amongst the silks, satins, and -muslins, seated stiffly round the walls, or -rigidly enthroned on ottomans; the same half -dozen of bolder spirits, more at home with the -company than those about the door, amongst -whom the <em>facetious man</em>, (for there is always -such at third rate parties), shone conspicuous, -entreating the ladies to teach him the language -of flowers, or propounding far-fetched conun<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span>drums, -ending, invariably, with, "do you give -it up?"</p> - -<p>Tea and coffee was being handed round by -two most respectable-looking men, whose faces -seemed strangely familiar to Kate, until she remembered -that she saw them almost daily, at -the gate of Kensington Gardens, mounting -guard over the Bath chairs, which they had -there for hire; and young ladies were gently -nibbling small squares of cake, and then depositing -them in their saucers, as if ashamed of -being guilty of so sublunary an occupation; in -short, there was every thing that could possibly -be expected at a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirée</i> of the class we are describing.</p> - -<p>The appearance of Colonel Vernon, with his -elegant-looking granddaughter, drew general -attention; and a whisper of curiosity ran round -the room, as each one felt, instinctively, there -was something in the newly arrived guests, -different from themselves. Miss Vernon advanced -through the numerous company, to her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -total strangers, with the quiet self-possession -which so peculiarly distinguished her, and -which had struck Egerton so forcibly, at the -memorable ball, where they had first met. It -was so different from the assured manner of a -veteran society hunter, or the "look at me," -air of a professed beauty, and seemed to say, -"there is no position so lofty, where I should -be out of place."</p> - -<p>Mrs. Storey welcomed her new acquaintance -with great warmth, advancing rapidly to meet -them, with a huge bouquet held fiercely in -her hand like a Lancer charging the foe.</p> - -<p>"Very glad to see you, Miss Vernon, and -your grandpa, looking so well—Mr. Storey, -Colonel Vernon, Miss Vernon, &c."</p> - -<p>Mr. Storey was a rubicund, jolly looking -man, not yet absolutely fat, but promising -well for the time to come; slightly bald, with -small twinkling eyes, and an inveterate affection -for the letter R; moreover, he constantly held -his hands in his trowsers' pockets; laughed<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span> -often a fat laugh, had an unmistakeable air of -prosperity, and was altogether what Mrs. -Storey, called, "very good company."</p> - -<p>"Happy to see you, Miss Vernon, happy to -see you, sir; just a few friends, what my friend -Jones calls a "tea fight," that's his interpretation -of "a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirée</i>."</p> - -<p>Langley here disengaged himself, rather abruptly, -from a group of two or three bold, confident-looking -girls, and pale dishevelled men, -evidently artistic, to greet the Vernons, very -warmly for him.</p> - -<p>"Let me get you a seat, Miss Vernon," said -Mrs. Storey, drawing Kate towards the group -Mr. Langley had just left. "Sorry I was out -when you called yesterday. Did you arrange -with Mrs. Potter?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and I have to thank you and Mr. -Langley for procuring me my first pupils."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I was very glad."</p> - -<p>"Miss Dent," said Mrs. Storey to one of the -dashing looking young ladies, before mentioned,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> -"let me introduce Miss Vernon, you are both -very musical; Miss Vernon plays beautifully, -I am told; we hope to hear her farther on in -the evening—Miss Charlotte Dent."</p> - -<p>And Kate, to her dismay, was left to the -tender mercies of these evidently "very fashionable," -girls, who were, "<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en grande tenue</i>," -with the lowest cut dresses, and shortest -sleeves permissible in society.</p> - -<p>"Been long in town?" said the eldest, -(after a deliberate survey of Miss Vernon's -simple costume,) in a bold and rather deep -toned voice.</p> - -<p>Kate replied courteously, and turned to see -what had become of the Colonel; he was engaged, -apparently, in interesting conversation -with Mr. Langley, and satisfied that he did -not feel lonely, she gave her attention to the -people round her.</p> - -<p>"Were you ever in town before?" continued -her examiner.</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, for some time, three years ago."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Horrid place at this time of year. I am -counting the days until I start for Germany."</p> - -<p>Here one of Langley's dishevelled friends, from -some change in the surrounding group (for the -rooms were now almost crowded), suddenly -stepped back, and in so doing, trod on Miss -Vernon's dress; he begged pardon with much -empressement, in a manner which bespoke him -to be no common man; he was pale, thin and -foreign-looking, with deep sunk, flashing eyes, -wild hair, and an unsteady expression of countenance.</p> - -<p>"I am always doing these sort of things, -and have vowed a hundred times never to -brave the dangers of a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirée</i> again; but," he -shrugged his shoulders.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Passato l'pericolo gabbato l'santo</i>," said -Kate, gaily and archly; judging from his air -and manner, that this scrap of poor Winter's -lore would be understood.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">La Signorina parla l'Italiano</i>," he exclaimed, -joyously.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span></p> - -<p>"So little that I dare not venture to begin -a conversation in it," she replied, as she did -not consider it impossible to speak to a stranger -without a formal introduction.</p> - -<p>"Yet you pronounce it correctly," said the -wild looking man.</p> - -<p>"You think so?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and although it is not my native -tongue, I love it, as if it were."</p> - -<p>"So did the friend from whom I learned -what little I know of it, and the proverb I -have just said; yet no; not quite so well as his -own tongue, for <em>he</em> was English."</p> - -<p>"Your emphasis would imply that you think -I am not, nor am I."</p> - -<p>"Mr. Winter used to say——"</p> - -<p>"Winter!" he interrupted, "is he the -painter who has buried himself so strangely in -some monastic tomb, some old city, "<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">en -Province</i>?""</p> - -<p>"The same."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Then you are the young lady Langley -spoke of?"</p> - -<p>"Yes."</p> - -<p>"<em>Maraviglia!</em>"</p> - -<p>"Why are you surprised?" asked Kate, -smiling.</p> - -<p>He only repeated, "<em>maraviglia!</em>"</p> - -<p>"Miss Dent, will you kindly play us something," -said Mrs. Storey, sailing up, bouquet in -hand.</p> - -<p>"With pleasure, Mrs. Storey, but really you -must send for my music, for Mr. Jones has -been making me laugh so, I could not remember -a note if I was to die for it; it is in the -cloak room."</p> - -<p>While Miss Dent was making numerous -preparations for the proposed exhibition, Langley -for the first time, left Vernon, and came over to -Kate, who, feeling pleased to speak to her only -acquaintance, at least of any standing, received -him with a brilliant smile, making room for -him beside her on the sofa, with her usual -unpremeditated grace.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I see my friend Galliard has made your -acquaintance, Miss Vernon, without my assistance."</p> - -<p>"Ah, out of evil cometh good, thanks to -Mademoiselle!" said the man he called Galliard, -gaily. "Tore her dress, she pardoned the -penitent, and permitted him to speak, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">voilà -tout</i>."</p> - -<p>A warning hus-sh-sh silenced him, and -taking a large pinch of snuff, he assumed a -critical air as Miss Dent struck a powerful -blow on an unfortunate chord, and started off -at a brisk gallop up the keys; her execution -was really remarkable, and the music she performed -full of physical difficulties; there were -interminable shakes, and thundering chords; -crossing of the hands and rushing from one -extreme of the keys to the other; at last the -performance, amid a crash of chords, came to a -sudden end, upon which the talkers, startled at -hearing their own voices, all at once, so loud, -stopped too, and clapped their hands.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span></p> - -<p>Miss Dent rose with a triumphant air, -gathered together her gloves, fan and bouquet, -and stood at the end of the "instrument," as -Mrs. Storey called it, laughing and talking -noisily, with the numerous beaux who surrounded -her.</p> - -<p>"Now, Miss Vernon, may I call upon you?" -said the lady of the house, approaching.</p> - -<p>Kate rose with a smile, and addressing -Langley, in a low tone, said—</p> - -<p>"Will you kindly stay with grandpapa, -while I play, and do not let him come near -me."</p> - -<p>She took Mr. Storey's arm, as she spoke, -and moved to the piano. Galliard and two or -three more of Langley's friends followed, with -every appearance of interest, very different -from the degree of attention they bestowed on -Miss Dent. Kate felt little or no nervousness; -her trial and success, at Herman's, had set her -mind at ease, and she at once began a very -lovely Fantasia, composed by Gilpin, at her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> -request, and meant to convey the feeling of -sweet peacefulness she had described to -him, as often stealing over her heart, when, -after the last notes of the evening service -had scarce died away, she stood in the -Priory church yard, where it overlooked the -river, and saw its waters silvered by the moonbeams.</p> - -<p>The music was of the Mendelssohn school, -of which the organist was a great admirer, -and Kate played it well; she knew every note -by heart, from the first solemn sustained -chords, to the noble march and tender aria -with which it concludes.</p> - -<p>The talkers frequently begun, but were as -frequently hushed by the indignant "chut, -chut" of the connoisseurs; and when she -quietly rose from the piano, the emphatic -"good, very good!" "she can play!" "a remarkable -composition!" testified the satisfaction -of Langley's professional friends; while<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span> -they left the task of noisy plaudits to the indiscriminating -multitude.</p> - -<p>Kate now in her turn, the centre of a little -group, had to answer many questions as to the -author of the music she had played, and, with -her usual eagerness to exalt a friend, she pronounced -a glowing eulogium on the organist -as a man, and a musician.</p> - -<p>"He has genius, undoubtedly," said Galliard, -"but can genius be satisfied with the -obscurity of a little provincial town?"</p> - -<p>"He is happy there," said Kate.</p> - -<p>"Happy!" Galliard repeated, with a cynical -accent.</p> - -<p>"A man must be very happy when he -allows it," replied Miss Vernon.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">E vero</i>," cried Galliard, laughing.</p> - -<p>"Or so very proud that he will not admit -the contrary," suggested Langley.</p> - -<p>"If you knew Mr. Gilpin," began Kate, -when their hostess advancing, interrupted her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -and begged for a song, to which request Kate -at once acceded.</p> - -<p>Then the hostess proposed a quadrille, and -introduced a young gentleman, redolent of -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">eau de mille feurs</i>, with an elaborately worked -shirt front, lined with pink, and a white pastry -face, to Kate, whispering, in a jocose manner, -"is quite a catch, junior partner in the great -firm of Jones, Brown and Tuckett;" and, with -a knowing nod, she walked away, leaving Kate -half amused at the extraordinary confidences -of her communicative hostess; but feeling -through all that, had she still been heiress of -Dungar, and any strange chance had thrown -Mrs. Storey in her way, the acquaintanceship -would have been conducted on very different -terms.</p> - -<p>She stood up very good-humouredly, however, -and replied to all her partner's vapid remarks, -very readily; yet, somehow, Tuckett, -junior, though he was "the glass of fashion -and the mould of form," to Hammond-court,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -Mincing-lane, did not feel at his ease with -her; and she, in the innocence of her heart, -believing that all firms dwelt in the city, and -never dreaming that a man could be so silly as -to blush because he was a worker instead of -an idler, put him to torture by her unconscious -questions.</p> - -<p>"I am anxious to explore the city," she -said, while the side couples were dancing <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">La -Poule</i>. "I suppose you know all its charming -nooks by heart."</p> - -<p>"Aw, no, indeed, it's a place I have too -great a distaste for, to stay in, except when -obliged."</p> - -<p>"For shame," said Kate, "A citizen of -'famous London Town,' ought to know, and -prize the various interesting 'locales' in the -mighty capital."</p> - -<p>"Shall I get you an ice?" said her partner, -sullenly.</p> - -<p>"No, no, thank you," replied Kate, shaking -her head rather mournfully, as she remembered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -the last time a similar question had been put -to her; and taking her seat near the Colonel, -who was standing with Langley and Galliard; -she dismissed Tuckett, junior, with a gracious -inclination of the head.</p> - -<p>Soon after, the Colonel complaining of -fatigue, and Kate, glad to escape her good-humoured -host's frequently expressed wish -that she would 'polkar,' took her leave of the -<i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">soirée</i>. Langley and Galliard attended them -to the carriage, which awaited them.</p> - -<p>"Mr. Langley tells me he saw our friend -Egerton's name, in some paper, promoted to a -majority," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Did he! oh, where?" cried Kate.</p> - -<p>"It was in the Gazette, I took it up while -waiting for Lord H— —, whose portrait I am -painting."</p> - -<p>"What did it say?" asked Kate, folding -her shawl round her.</p> - -<p>"Oh,—'The Honourable Frederic Egerton -to be Major in the Lancers, without purchase,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -vice,' some one, I forget the name, 'deceased.'"</p> - -<p>"I dare say it cost him some hard cash, -though it is there stated 'without purchase;' -I understand all that. Come, Kate. Good -night, Mr. Langley. <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Bon soir, monsieur, au -plaisir de vous voir</i>," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>The Frenchman bowed profoundly, and they -drove away.</p> - -<p>The Colonel was not animated after this -piece of gaiety, as he used to be in former -days; it seemed to have depressed him, and -he complained of slight cold. Mrs. O'Toole -was woefully disappointed to find that there -was "ne'er a lord, nor even an honourable, -good or bad, at the party."</p> - -<p>"To think iv yer playin' an' singin' for the -likes iv thim!" she exclaimed, indignantly.</p> - -<p>"What have I said to make you think so -contemptuously of the very respectable people, -amongst whom we have spent (I confess) 'a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -rather slow evening,' as my eloquent partner -would term it?"</p> - -<p>"Och no matther, sure it's thim that's the -only quolity goin' now; well, niver mind, -Miss Kate, we'll lave thim all yet."</p> - -<p>"I hope so," sighed Kate.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER VII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">LETTERS.</p> - - -<p>The next morning, just as Kate was preparing -to write a long letter to the Winters, one from -the kind-hearted little artist was put into her -hand. It was sealed with black wax, and -announced the death of poor Gilpin. He had -suffered a good deal; but, towards the last, -fell into a calm, sweet sleep, out of which he -suddenly awoke with a look of bright happiness, -such as they had never seen on his face -before, as if had heard a summons inaudible to -their ears.</p> - -<p>"I come," he said, and, feebly laying his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -hand on Winter's, passed to "where his treasure -was," without a sigh.</p> - -<p>There was little in the letter besides the -account of the good man's death; he had left -a memorandum of the persons amongst whom -his books and music were to be distributed. -He had desired, kindly messages, to one or -two friends, and the last name he uttered was -that of Kate Vernon.</p> - -<p>She read the letter aloud, calmly, but the -intonation of her voice indicated deep emotion; -at its conclusion there was a pause, which -neither the Colonel nor his granddaughter were -inclined to break; both were hushed and awed -by this description of their friend's passage to -the World of Spirits.</p> - -<p>The large, round, pearly tears weighed down -Kate's long lashes, and slowly rolled over her -cheeks, without any effort on her part to restrain -them. She was unconscious that she -wept.</p> - -<p>At last the old man broke the silence, saying,</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Let me die the death of the righteous, and -let my last end be like his!"</p> - -<p>"Amen," replied his granddaughter. "Oh, -dearest grandpapa," she continued at length, -"he has entered into his rest, and though it is -an awful thought to us, that he still exists, -but where no mortal eye can see him; what -an exchange from the many woes and struggles -of his warfare here, to the boundless bliss of -heaven! He had many sorrows, and yet -surely the coming shadow of a great deliverance -rested on his spirit, long before he was -freed! How sensitive he was—about his appearance -I mean—how keenly alive to every -glance, and yet how resolutely he used to brace -up his soul to love, and to endure!"</p> - -<p>"I suppose we shall soon hear from Winter -again," said the Colonel, after another pause.</p> - -<p>"I suppose so," returned Kate, dreamily. -"Ah, nurse," she exclaimed, a few moments -after, as Mrs. O'Toole entered, about some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> -household matter, "he is gone—he is happy—our -kind, gentle friend, Mr. Gilpin."</p> - -<p>"The heavens be his bed," said Mrs. -O'Toole, crossing herself. "Och, whin was he -taken, Miss Kate?"</p> - -<p>"Two days ago."</p> - -<p>"Athin 'twas he was fit to go! faith, he -was worth a score iv clargy to the poor; an', at -the first goin' to A—, I used to think it beneath -ye, to be talkin' an' walkin, wid a poor crathure -iv an organist; but I was proud to spake -to him aftherwards meself; for he always -looked as if he'd a taste iv heaven inside iv -him, so he did. Sure, it's no wondher, this is -such a miserable place to be in, wid sich min as -Misther Gilpin an' the masther, whipt off like—like -a pooff, or robbed iv their own; an' -sich chaps as Taaffe an' Moore, or thim in -their coaches, an' desavin' the world! faith, -it's beyant me entirely, so it is."</p> - -<p>"And beyond many a wiser head than either<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span> -yours or mine, Nelly," said the Colonel, kindly. -"We must leave all that to God."</p> - -<p>"Thrue for ye, sir." And she retired, murmuring—"Och, -blessed Jasus! resave yer -soul, mee poor Gilpin! It's a saint on airth -ye wur!"</p> - -<p>So Kate's letter was written, in a very different -strain from what she had intended; and -then she strolled with her grandfather in Kensington -Gardens. The old man seemed feeble -and depressed; he took Kate's arm, as he -often did of late, and spoke much of his own -advancing years, and his anxiety, in the event -of his death, for her in a tone that thrilled -her heart with fear and anguish. She strove -to turn the conversation—but it would not do.</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt, that you alone would -find a happy home under Georgina's roof; but -I wish I might see you happily married, and -in a house of your own, before I am called -away. I fear from Moore's intelligence, brief<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> -and scanty as it is, there is no chance of our -gaining this fatal lawsuit, so that you will be -totally unprovided for;" and he sighed deeply. -"Our relations are so few, and—"</p> - -<p>"Oh, hush, hush, dearest and best!" cried -Kate; "you cannot dream what pain you inflict -on me, by such words; do not fear for -me; I never know dread on my own account, -for the future; you do not know the strong -courage of my heart—I did not know it myself -till of late; we cannot provide against -future ills; why then darken the present by -anticipating them. Let us leave it all to God, -as you told nurse this morning; believe me, I -fear nothing, except hearing you speak in this -manner."</p> - -<p>The old man was silent for a while, and -then resumed—</p> - -<p>"We little thought, the day Fred Egerton -rushed back so gallantly to rescue our poor -friend, how soon that pleasant little party -would be scattered."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Little indeed," echoed Kate; "next week -it will be a year since the ball at Carrington, -where I first met him."</p> - -<p>The Colonel smiled, and sighed.</p> - -<p>"He will be sorry to hear of poor Gilpin's -death. I wonder he has not written."</p> - -<p>"Good morning, Miss Vernon," said Langley, -coming up behind them. "I hope you -caught no cold last night? How do you do, -Colonel Vernon?"</p> - -<p>The Colonel informed him of Gilpin's death; -and he seemed rather interested, as the compositions -of the organist, which Kate had -played the night before, had pleased him -greatly. Then they talked of great musicians, -and Mozart's Requiem, and the strange circumstances -under which it is said to have been -composed.</p> - -<p>"How much I love those wild, mysterious -German stories, they have an indescribable -charm for me," said Kate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why?" asked Langley, in his blunt -manner.</p> - -<p>"That is exactly what I cannot answer."</p> - -<p>"I never like what I do not understand."</p> - -<p>"How is it you are a painter then?" asked -Kate, in her turn.</p> - -<p>"I do not see what that has to do with the -subject on which we were speaking," he returned, -startled at this attack.</p> - -<p>"How is it that you can give expression to -a face with your pencil, which you could not -convey in words? Even a landscape may speak -the painter's soul, far more than the most -eloquent description; so it is that glimpses of -what is far beyond our nature to comprehend, -faint though they be, give us an idea of space -and might far more than any even perfectly -comprehended explanation, as mist-wreaths -hide but magnify the depths seen from a mountain."</p> - -<p>"A very poetical definition, Miss Vernon."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I speak but my thoughts," said Kate, -steadily, though she blushed, and felt uneasy; -as enthusiasts always do, when the quick current -of their imagination is checked by some -son of earth, who dignifies his dulness by the -name of strong common sense.</p> - -<p>"Well, Miss Vernon, I must think of what -you say about painting."</p> - -<p>"Ah, you must have enthusiasm and imagination -to be a painter, though you are too -English not to be ashamed of your better self."</p> - -<p>"That is what Galliard says."</p> - -<p>"Who is this Monsieur Galliard?" asked -the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Oh, a very curious medley—his father was -French, his mother English—and his life has -been divided between France, Italy, and England—he -is half a musician, half a painter, but -wholly a writer for newspapers and reviews, -foreign and domestic; he is well thought of, -however, notwithstanding some vulnerable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> -points—knows lots of people, and is a very -likely person to push you on well, Miss Vernon."</p> - -<p>The Colonel winced at this conclusion.</p> - -<p>"You are very kind," said Kate; "I quite -begin to think you a real friend, now I am -more accustomed to you."</p> - -<p>Langley stared, astonished! Old enough to -be Miss Vernon's father, it was extraordinary -the influence this fair, bright, noble creature, -whose every word and thought were so at -variance with the maxims of his work-a-day -world, was gaining over him.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, they had reached the Vernon's -lodgings before he had recovered the fit of musing -into which Kate's words had thrown him.</p> - -<p>"I am glad you think me your friend," he -said, at length, interrupting an exposition of -the state of the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">Ancienne Regime</i>, as it existed -when he was in France, into which the Colonel -had diverged, apropos to Galliard.</p> - -<p>"I am quite sure you are 'no humbug,' as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> -my partner of last night would say," returned -Kate, laughing.</p> - -<p>And they parted.</p> - -<p>Lady Desmond's letters were rather more -frequent at this time, and though they evinced, -as usual, warm affection and sincere interest in -the fortunes of her relatives, there was a restlessness -and despondency in their tone which -spoke of a spirit ill at ease. She frequently said -she would return to them, as they would not -come to her; but months flew by, and still she -was among the "distinguished English at present -in Florence." And Kate, who, in spite -of herself, yearned for her return, as for the -first beam of the rising sun, as something that -would create a change for the better in the -face of affairs, and also longed to see the fair -face of a much loved relative, felt that the only -reason why she did not quite despair of seeing -Lady Desmond's promises fulfilled, was because -she dared not deprive herself of that -hope. The Colonel, too, clung to it, with an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> -eagerness almost painful, at times; and it was -evident, this feverish anxiety was connected -with some intention of putting Kate under her -guardianship.</p> - -<p>And so their life rolled on—the only break -in its monotony was a slight difference between -Mrs. Crooks, the landlady, and Mrs. O'Toole, -which arose from their mutual affection for the -parrot. Nurse asserted "it was a mighty knowledgeable -craythur iv a bird;" and Poll verified -the statement of her admirer, by repeating -various phrases she learnt from Mrs. O'Toole, -in a rich County Clare brogue. The poverty -of the kitchen fire was a constant source of -vexation to Mrs. O'Toole.</p> - -<p>"Hesther, och! girl alive—will ye rouse up -that fire a bit," was her constant cry; and -Poll never beheld the much enduring handmaid -of Mrs. Crooks, without screaming. -"Hesther, Hesther, rouse up the fire a bit." -"Hesther ye divil!" "Ah, speak pretty, -Poll," Mr. Crooks would then exclaim, "don't<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -say such ugly words—say dear mistress." "Ye -divil," Poll would reply.</p> - -<p>"Faith it would make ye break yer heart -laughing, sir," said nurse, who was detailing -the events of their warfare, to the Colonel and -Kate, one evening. 'Spake pretty,' ses she, -'an don't be hollowin' out thim vulgar Hirish -words,' ses she. 'Och, God help ye woman,' -ses I, 'it's little ye know the differ between -what's vulgar, an what's genteel in this counthry,' -ses I. 'Ye'd lave a poor Queen, to go -sarve a rich tinker, any hour of the twinty-four; -an ye'd rummage through the blackest -dirt iv London for a halfpenny, though yer -pocket was full iv goold guineas, all the time—that's -yer gintility in England,' sis I; 'an -as for style, an rale quolity, faith it's so -little—'"</p> - -<p>"Dear nurse," interrupted Kate, gravely, -"I wish you had not made such a long and -irritating speech, to Mrs. Crooks; you must -let me settle your differences, and in future<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -turn a deaf ear to any casual remarks that may -hurt your national vanity—they are not worth -noticing."</p> - -<p>"Och, my gracious, Miss Kate, is an impident -thief iv a lodging-house keeper, to be -let to have her talk about her betthers an—be -the powers! there's the post," cried nurse interrupting -herself, "an I dhreamt, I had a -letther from—" she ran out hastily, and returned -almost immediately, with a disappointed -look, "It's for the masther."</p> - -<p>"From Winter," said he, opening it. An -enclosed letter, with the Indian post-mark fell -from it. "From Egerton, I do believe," cried -the Colonel; but no—within that again was -another enclosure, the address, written in an -intoxicated looking hand, and much blotted. -"For Mrs. O'Toole, at the Kurnel's in England."</p> - -<p>"It's for you, nurse," said Kate, with a -heavy sensation of deep disappointment weighing -down her heart.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I'll engage it's from Dinny; athin read it -for me, jewil!"</p> - -<p>So Kate, disengaging its folds from the stiff -adhesion of a large red wafer, and taking the -liberty of correcting some very prominent -errors of orthography, and transferring small -into capital I's, read as follows:—</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - - <p>"Deer mother, I'm quite well, an it's - little I thought I'd ever get a letther sent to - ye; bud this is the way iv it; last April the - new Captin, iv throop, No. 1, kem into Cantoonments, - an' he half dead—havin' been kilt - be robbers, an' murthered entirely be the - faver. Well this was the beginnin' iv luck, fur - ye see, what with the hate iv the climat', an' - the druth an' me, I was gettin' accustomed to - punishmint drill an' the like, an' to spake - God's thruth, I was'nt sober over wanct in a - week—though many's the sore heart I had - about that same, thinkin' iv you mother, an' - the green glens iv Dungar, an' father O'Dris-<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span>coll, - bud ye see I'd got a bad name, an' it was - no use."</p> - - <p>"Och! God help ye—ye onfortunate boy—many's - the sowl that same, 'bad name,' has - ruinated," ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole. "Go on, - asthore."</p> - - <p>"Captin Egerton comes on parade—lookin' - like a ghost iv a fine man, an' sittin' his - horse illegant—and ses he, afther praade, - ridin' up, jist as we wor dispersin'—'Is there - a man among ye's, me lads, iv the name iv - Dinnis O'Toole?" ses he, quite cheerful like. - 'Yes, sir,' ses Sargant Mills—'he's in throop, - No. 3.' 'Let me see him,' ses the Captin'.' - 'Dennis O'Toole, if yer sober, stand out,' ses - the Sarjant.' 'Ha!' ses the Captin, quite - quick like—'that's bad.' An' I niver felt - so ashamed iv meself afore nor since; wid that - he tells me to come up to his quarthers in the - afthernoon. So I wint—an' he give me yer - letther, that Miss Kate wrote for ye, God bless - her! an' sure me hart was in me mouth, whin<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> - I got the word iv home; bud faith it 'ud take - a month's time to write all the good he done - me—he discoarsed me like—no not like a clargy—like - a man. 'Don't let the dhrink get the - betther of ye,' ses he; 'fight it, as ye would a - rascally Sikh—give it no quarther; an' don't - let the people at home, say ye showed the - white feather,' ses he; an' thin he walks up - an' down, an' ses to hisself—'I will not have - Kate Vernon's foster brother a dhrunkard, an' - disgraced'—I hard him say it. Well, the ind - iv it was, I was put in his throop, No. 1, an' iv - taken the pledge; that's to the Captin; an' I'll - be a corplar in a week or so; an' I'm as sober as - a jidge, barin' the pipe—an' it's many a ride we - do be takin—the Captin an' meself. He's not - a bit like the other officers; but, always reading, - whin he is'nt shootin' tigers or pullin' - unfortunate women out iv the fire, or any - divilment that way. Iv all the dashin' young - min iver I seen, I'll back the Captin—there's - nothin' good, bad, nor indifferent he would'nt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> - face—jist as if he was goin' to his dinner; an' - many a time we do be talkin' iv you, an' how - ye nursed him; and he's niver tired of hearin' - tell iv Miss Kate, whin she was a beautiful - little darlin' iv a child; an' iv Dungar an' the - masther; an' I'm improvin' me writin'—an' - Corplar Morrisson's writin' this letther for me - like a rale pinman as he is; an' so I hope yer - well—an he ses he's a trifle iv money with the - Captin; an' indeed Mrs. O'Toole yer son's - another man, intirely, an' I'm proud to tell ye - that same; an' me duty to Miss Kate, an' the - Kurnel. Sure, I never can forget Dungar, an' - ould times, nor you, mother; an' if we are not - to meet here again, I hope we may in Heaven, - amin!</p> - - <p class="right"> - "Your dutiful an' lovin' son,<br /> - <br /> - "<span class="smcap">Dinnis O'Toole</span>.<br /> - <br /> - "Throop, No. 1, an' own man to the Captin.</p> - <p class="center">"<i>Cantoonment.</i><br /> - <br /> - "<i>Junglepore, Ingy.</i>" - </p> -</div> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span></p> - -<p>"The Queen in Heaven reward ye, Captin," -cried Mrs. O'Toole, the tears rolling down her -cheeks. "Och, Dinny, it's you's in luck—an' -he's the Captin's own man; an' give up dhrink—glory -be to God!"</p> - -<p>"Well, it's a very pleasing, satisfactory -letter, Nelly," said the Colonel, "and I am -heartily glad to hear so good an account from -your son. Eh, Kate, is there a postscript?"</p> - -<p>"No; but I was reading over the concluding -part—it is rather confused—Corporal Morrisson, -appears to write for Dennis in the third -person, and then Dennis himself comes in -again, in the first person; but, dear nurse, I -congratulate you, with all my heart, I think -my foster-brother will now get on remarkably -well."</p> - -<p>"Sorra fear iv him now. Sure there was -always luck in the Captin's face, an' he'll be -back yet wid a pocket full iv goold, and set us -all right, I pray, God, amin. Now I'll just -get the specks, an' read it all over meself, sure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> -I can make it out beautiful afther Miss Kate -readin' it."</p> - -<p>And so after a few more ejaculations, nurse -retired.</p> - -<p>"It is very curious," began the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"That Captain Egerton did not write himself," -interrupted Kate, quickly.</p> - -<p>"Yes, I cannot understand it, that letter indicates -the kindliest feelings towards us, and -yet I wonder he would not wish for some more -direct communication with us, than through -Dennis O'Toole."</p> - -<p>"Do letters ever go astray?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, scarcely; this one you see has arrived -safe, but what surprises me is that he enclosed -it without a line."</p> - -<p>"Indolence about writing, I suppose," said -Kate, with a sigh.</p> - -<p>"But now I have the address, I shall certainly -write."</p> - -<p>"Will you, dear grandpapa?"</p> - -<p>"Well, perhaps it would be better, decidedly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span>—let -me see what days the Indian mail leaves, -we can find it out at the post-office; you must -remind me, my love."</p> - -<p>"Yes, grandpapa."</p> - -<p>Then she went to the piano, and played -dreamily for a long time, seeing neither notes -or music, but a tableau—Dennis O'Toole and -Captain Egerton, while the words of the latter -"I will not have Kate Vernon's foster brother, -a drunkard," seemed to meet her eye, wherever -she turned it, and brought the speaker too -vividly before her. One of Egerton's most -distinguishing characteristics was a chivalrous -delicacy of feeling towards women, generally; -Kate had often observed it, with silent, but -profound approbation, and she could well -imagine the tender consideration with which -he would treat even a dog that had belonged -to one he loved, and something whispered to -her that she was this one—it was but very rarely -that such a thought flashed across her mind. -Yet although she felt that the course of proba<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span>bilities -held out little or no chance of their -again meeting till the lapse of many years had -fixed their destinies wide apart, still the conviction -that she was loved and not forgotten, -thrilled through her heart, with an ecstasy so -exquisite, so strange that she shrunk from it, -startled at the depths of her own nature, thus -revealed, even while she thanked God that he -had never become necessary to her happiness.</p> - -<p>"No, there is much of joy in life for me, -and much of peace, though, in all human probability, -we shall never meet again. No, I do -not love him, but I could, ah, heavens, yes, -how much!"</p> - -<p>And she lay down to sleep perfectly resigned -that their lots in life should be cast widely -separate; yet the vision conjured up by Denny's -letter, of Egerton's evidently unaltered interest -in all that concerned her, contributed largely -to the dilation of heart with which she poured -forth her prayers and thanksgivings to her -"Father which is in heaven."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">AN ADVENTURE AND A SURPRISE.</p> - - -<p>Autumn was now rapidly merging into -winter, the unbroken routine of Kate's life only -lent swifter wings to time, for events like -marked distances serve often but to show our -tardy progress. Sometimes Langley would -look in for half an hour's chat, and Galliard -still more rarely; but though formerly so fond -of society, their visits seemed now more than -the Colonel wished for, or was equal to; and -although she never permitted the dreadful -thought to dwell on her mind, yet the consciousness -that he was unusually silent, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span> -averse to move, that his cheek had lost its firm, -round, ruddy look; and that he often sent his -dinner away untouched, would seize her, -with a sense of anguish. Nurse, with love's -quick perception, always stoutly denied that -any thing ailed him.</p> - -<p>"It 'ill do nayther iv thim any good to be -thinkin that a way," she would say to herself. -"Miss Kate the crayther, has enough to put up -with, an' as to me poor darlin' masther, it 'ud -take a better cordial than iver kem out iv a -'poticary's shop to do him any good."</p> - -<p>These apprehensions about her grandfather -were weighing heavily on Kate's heart. One -humid, gloomy afternoon she was returning -home after giving some music lessons, escorted, -as usual, by her faithful Cormac; as she hurriedly -crossed the road, (for it was late), at -Kensington Gore, to enter the gardens by the -gate near the ancient and diminutive barrack, -usually occupied by a small party of Light -Dragoons, two gentlemen stopped opposite to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> -it. One a large, heavy, man, mounted on a -splendid, dark chesnut horse, whose broad chest -and clean, strong muscular limbs showed him -to be a weight carrier; the rider's back was to -the gardens, and his eyes fell on Kate and her -companion, as she came up; the other, about -middle height, slight, distinguished looking, -but simply dressed, stood on the footway leaning -his right arm on the neck of his friend's -horse, and occasionally waving his left hand as -if to enforce his words; the peculiar turn of -this last described individual's head, and the -careless arrangement of his wavy hair reminded -Kate of Egerton, or rather stamped him as belonging -to Egerton's class; for one of the indications -of gentlemanlike appearance is the turn -of the head and the manner of wearing the -hat.</p> - -<p>"By George! what a splendid dog!" exclaimed -the equestrian, interrupting his companion, -who turning slowly round, caught a -glimpse of Kate, as she passed; her color<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> -heightened by her rapid walk, and Cormac, as -usual, keeping close to her side. A new -keeper was standing at the gate, as she was -about to enter, and said, civilly, though -authoritatively—</p> - -<p>"No dogs admitted, ma'am."</p> - -<p>"But he always accompanies me," said -Kate, "and never frightens any one, not even -the birds, the last keeper never objected to his -coming through."</p> - -<p>"But my orders are strict; and he is such -a large dog."</p> - -<p>"Well, I really cannot go back again," continued -Miss Vernon, smiling, and shaking her -head. "I saw a lady go in just before me, -with a dog."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but she had a string to him."</p> - -<p>"Oh, I can soon manage that," cried Kate, -fastening one end of her handkerchief to Cormac's -collar. "Now may I go through?"</p> - -<p>The man smiled, and made way for her.</p> - -<p>While stooping, to fasten the handkerchief,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> -the gentleman we have above described, as -leaning across the neck of his friend's horse, -walked past, glancing at Kate, quickly and -keenly; she did not observe him, but turning -up the broad walk proceeded towards home, -lost in a wandering maze of sweet and bitter -thought. As she approached the water near -the Palace, she paused a moment to notice a -peripatetic duck of large dimensions, and -brilliant plumage, for whom she generally carried -a bit of bread or biscuit, and who made -long marches in quest of dainties, that might -possibly be missed by adhering closely to his -more natural element. Cormac sat down -gravely, while his mistress addressed a few -words of apology to her feathered pensioner.</p> - -<p>"No bread or biscuit to-day, poor duck, but -I will not forget you to-morrow."</p> - -<p>And she stood looking at the creature, as it -waddled awkwardly round and round her, quite -regardless of the dog. At that moment the gentleman -before mentioned came up beside her,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> -and slightly raising his hat, said, politely and -easily—</p> - -<p>"How is it that you are alone?"</p> - -<p>Kate turned quickly, and met a piercing -gaze from a pair of deep set, but stern looking -black eyes. She was naturally courageous, -and the idea of any one intentionally insulting -her never occurred to her mind; the stranger's -tone too, was perfectly well-bred, and his -words, such as might be addressed to some -familiar acquaintance; so, without hesitation, -or the slightest apprehension or embarrassment, -and meeting his bold glance steadily, -she replied, calmly, with a slight inclination of -the head—</p> - -<p>"You mistake me, I do not know you," and -moved on towards home. To her surprise, however, -the stranger kept by her side, and after a -moment's silence, apparently somewhat surprised -at her composure, he resumed, softening -still more a very musical and refined -voice—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are both right and wrong; I do not -mistake you for any other person, but I am -unfortunately unacquainted with you, and unless -I take a bold step, such as I have now -done, may remain so; therefore, pray forgive -me."</p> - -<p>Kate walked on in silence, her heart throbbing -with indignation; to be addressed by a -stranger, and one too, apparently, of her own -rank in life; one whom, under different circumstances, -would, perhaps, have been presented -by some smiling or dignified hostess. -These thoughts flashed liked lightning through -her brain, and left no room for fear, as she -kept a resolute silence. After another short -pause, the stranger again turning his cold, -sallow, but intellectual countenance towards -hers resumed—</p> - -<p>"It is absurd your persevering in this unbroken -silence; I generally carry out my resolves; -and to exchange a few sentences with -a person not formally introduced to you, cannot<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> -possibly be an injury; speak, I entreat you, -give me but the slightest clue to your name -and position, and I will speedily contrive the -necessary introduction—will not that satisfy -you?" he added, in a slightly sarcastic tone, -and suddenly placing himself in her way: she -stopped, and keeping still silent, for a moment -more, to collect her thoughts, and get the fiery -indignation that swelled her heart under controul.</p> - -<p>"Sir," said she, deliberately, and with a -determination of tone and manner that surprised -him, "unless your appearance sadly -belies you, you should be too much a gentleman -not to feel by instinct that I am a lady; -your excuses for your presumptuous insolence -only adds to it, but," she continued, with a -curl of the lip, and a flash of indignant contempt -from her dark grey eyes, that deepened -them to blue, "I laugh at your attempt to -stop me! Here, Cormac," to the hound, who -had already uttered one or two ominous growls,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> -she untied the handkerchief; "watch him, -good dog, and if he stirs—" she stopped, and -looking once more full in the stranger's face, -turned suddenly, so as to place the hound -between them, and walked lightly away, -yet not too fast. The stranger, thus left -planted, bit his lip, then laughing slightly, attempted -to pass the dog, who, in heraldic -attitude 'couchant,' kept his fierce eyes fixed -on his charge, at whose slightest movement he -displayed his sharp, white fangs.</p> - -<p>"Pshaw! what a mistake, to address such -a girl, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">sans ceremonie</i>; what an awkward predicament! -It would be absurd to enter into a -contest with such a brute, unarmed, for nothing," -muttered Kate's admirer, who did not -look like a man deficient in courage. "Here, -good dog, I say," and he again attempted to -pass, but Cormac sprang to his feet with a -savage growl, and again the haughty looking -'elegant' was baffled.</p> - -<p>Meantime Kate's slight figure disappeared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> -in the distance, and, a moment after, Cormac -pricking his ears at some sound, unheard by -his opponent, with a final growl, darted at full -speed down the walk by which his mistress -had vanished. She was waiting a few paces -beyond the gate, where she had, to the best -of her ability, uttered the whistle, which had -recalled her faithful guardian; and now hurrying -her pace almost to a run, they speedily -reached home, but not before the persevering -stranger had caught sight of the flutter of her -dress, as she turned the corner of Victoria -Gardens.</p> - -<p>"How late you are, my child! you seem -flushed and breathless."</p> - -<p>"Yes, dear grandpapa, I was detained at -Mrs. Potter's, and of course that made me late -with my other pupils; then I walked so fast; -but I will run up stairs and take off my bonnet."</p> - -<p>"Oh, nurse!" she exclaimed, throwing herself -into Mrs. O'Toole's arms, "I have had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span> -such a fright—no, not a fright, but I am so -indignant to think that he should dare to—"</p> - -<p>"Och, what is it, good or bad? take breath, -asthore!"</p> - -<p>And Kate, with many charges not to tell her -grandfather, recounted her adventure to nurse.</p> - -<p>"Och, bad manners to him," exclaimed that -sympathising confidante. "The rale divil he -was to go spake that away to a lady like you; -bad luck to his impidence; did he think ye'd -thank him for wantin' to know ye? I wish I -come across him, faith I'd make his hair stand -on ind, the schamin' vagabone. But why are ye -cryin', avick, about a thief iv a pickpocket? -I'll go bail it's yer purse he wanted; sure a -rale gintleman ud know betther!"</p> - -<p>"I can't help it, nurse! they are the bitterest -tears I ever shed, not on account of that -wretched man, but to think that such a thing -ever occurred, and may occur again."</p> - -<p>"Sorra bit iv it, I'll go wid ye me own self -ivery day to Potter's an' the other place, an'<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> -let me see if me gintleman dare say pays to -ye! Whist! och, jewel, there's the masther -callin—dhry yer eyes."</p> - -<p>For several days the faithful Nelly escorted -her young mistress in her walks, but the adventurous -stranger never appeared; and, by -degrees, Kate began to look upon her fright -and indignation as an unpleasant but unreal -phantom.</p> - -<p>One evening Kate had yielded to the entreaties -of Mrs. Storey and her juvenile olive -branches, to join a birth-day merry-making, in -honor of the son and heir having attained his -eighth year; and for once she left her grandfather -to read alone. Nurse, of course, guarded -her during her short transit between their -abode and that of her host's, and having carefully -removed her nursling's shawl and bonnet, -plodded slowly homeward, to make the 'masther's -tay,' for the birth-day fête began at half-past -six; thinking sadly enough of the past,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -and of her dear master's sinking strength and -spirits, she turned into the little street or terrace -in which they lived.</p> - -<p>"Pray," said a very languid, gentlemanlike -voice, close beside her. "Pray, do you -not live at No. — down here?"</p> - -<p>"May be I do, may be I don't," replied -Mrs. O'Toole, eyeing the speaker sharply, and -with, what she considered, consummate caution.</p> - -<p>"Well," returned her interrogator, whom, -it is needless to say, was the same individual -whose insolence had so annoyed Kate, and -whose really elegant appearance would have -enlisted her in his favour, but for her prepossessions -against him; "I presume you know -your own residence; at all events I shall feel -obliged to you if you will let me know the -name of the young lady, whom you sometimes -escort through Kensington Gardens? Of -course, as the utterance of it will cause considerable -wear and tear of your lungs, accept -this remuneration."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span></p> - -<p>"What is it ye want with her name?" asked -Mrs. O'Toole.</p> - -<p>"That cannot possibly concern you; tell it -to me, and take this."</p> - -<p>"Keep yer money," replied Mrs. O'Toole, -with supreme disdain, "divil another word, -good nor bad, will ye get from me, till ye tell -me what ye want her name for."</p> - -<p>"Ah," said the gentleman, musingly, "you -seem so respectable a person, I have no objection -to tell you, that having unfortunately -offended the lady, by speaking to her in the -Gardens, I am anxious this apology should -reach her hand," and he showed a note he -held, "will you be the bearer of it?" he continued, -insinuatingly.</p> - -<p>"I'll tell ye what it is," returned nurse, -firing up in spite of her determination to be -cool and cautious, "I'll bear nayther yer notes -nor yer impidince; I'd like to see the man, -woman, or child that daur be carryin' notes -for ye to Miss— No matther," she continued,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> -hastily checking herself, "it's not the likes iv -ye, an oudacious chap, that daured to spake to -yer betthers, widout, 'by yer lave or wid yer -lave,' she'd so much as look at. Faith, if I -see a sign iv ye about the place, to frighten -me darlint, I'll just give ye up to the polis; -I'll go bail it's the spoons ye'r more used to be -lookin' afther than the ladies, though ye have -a good coat on yer back, an' look as if it wasn't -a stranger to ye."</p> - -<p>"My good woman," said the object of this -tirade, with a half-surprised, half-amused air, -as Mrs O'Toole paused for breath, "You are -the most impracticable person I ever met; I do -not understand you."</p> - -<p>"Well then, I'll spake plain enough for ye. -If ye were a gintleman, ye'd niver have gone -to spake to me darlin' young lady, in the way -ye did, the other day—ye'd have known yer -own sort, an' the differ betune a bit iv a dressmaker, -and a raale lady; an' ye may look as -fine, an' as proud as ye like, but I'll see ye<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> -yet, gettin' up stairs to the tune of Turn the -Mill—so good-by te ye, an' ye may put yer -note in the fire; but if I see ye about here, be -this book," kissing her hand, "I'll give ye up -to the polis, for a suspicious <em>characther</em>, that -has his eye on the plate!" And off walked -Mrs. O'Toole, glowing with triumph and -honest indignation.</p> - -<p>The stranger muttered something very like -a curse; then, laughing slightly, he said, half -aloud, as if in the habit of speaking his -thoughts—</p> - -<p>"The most extraordinary specimen of indignant -virtue I ever encountered—why, she is as -incorruptible as the hound, and just as fierce. -So adieu, <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ma belle</i>," tearing the note. "A -Houri would not be worth the trouble such -guardianship entails; besides the ridicule of -appearing to the charges her eloquent duenna -threatens." He thought a moment, turned, -and walked slowly back to the main road, -where a plainly appointed cab, with a horse of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> -great beauty and value, and an irreproachable -tiger awaited him.</p> - -<p>Kate thought nurse's movements unusually -rapid, as they returned from Mrs. Storey's, but -that considerate personage said not a syllable -of her interview with the unknown, until that -most confidential moment, when the stiffness -of drawing-room manner and costume is exchanged -for a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">robe de chambre</i>, and Kate's long -rich, brown tresses were submitted to Mrs. -O'Toole, and the brush.</p> - -<p>"Sure, that dark browed divil was spyin' -about whin I kem back fum Storey's."</p> - -<p>"What that dreadful man? who spoke?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, agra, an', Miss Kate, fur all I tould -him, I thought him a pick-pocket—faith, I -believe he's a gran' gintleman; I know be the -look iv him; see now, if he is'nt a lord, I -never seen one, an' they were as thick as -parsley at Dungar. I was frightened to have -the likes iv him ramblin' about here, so I jist -spoke up bould, an' pretended to think he was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> -a pick-pocket or the like, an' threatened him -wid the polis, an' I think I settled him any -how."</p> - -<p>"I have no doubt you acted quite right, -dearest nurse, and I should like to have heard -you giving him 'his tag,' as you would term -it; but surely he will never take the trouble -to come here again. I thought it was only a -passing impertinence—perhaps he was really -sorry, and wished to apologise—let us give -him 'the benefit of a doubt;'" and so they -dismissed the subject, which slumbered for -many months before—but we must not anticipate.</p> - -<p>Not many days after this break in the -routine of their lives, as Kate and the Colonel -were one evening talking by the fire-light, of -A——, and the Winters—the sound of approaching -wheels, broke the stillness, which -generally settled over Victoria-gardens, at the -close of day. The sound drew nearer, and suddenly -ceased at their house.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Some mistake," said Miss Vernon, as both -she and her grandfather paused in their conversation, -to listen to that vague watchfulness, -so often felt by those whose hearts are full of -the future, because the present is sad; then -the garden-gate creaked on its hinges, and -heavy steps approached rapidly, the bell was -rung loudly, and though she could not tell -why, Kate's heart beat more quickly, as she -listened for the next sounds, for each movement, -is clearly audible through the slight -walls of a modern built house in the outlets of -London. The door was opened, and a husky -whispering ensued, to which the servant's -voice replied—"Yes, Mr. Vernon's at home;" -and in another moment Mrs. O'Toole's hearty -tones were heard in joyous welcome.</p> - -<p>"Athen, is it yerself that's in it? Masha, -but it's the masther, an' Miss Kate, will be -proud to see ye. Walk in, ma'am—I'll settle -the cabman." Then the parlour-door was -thrown wide open, and in walked Mrs. Winter,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> -in a large, plaid cloak—followed by a mass of -coats and comforters, over which twinkled joyously, -the artist's little bead-like eyes.</p> - -<p>Then came the joyous confusion of question -and answer, and wonder and welcome; and -Kate felt a sudden accession of life and -strength.</p> - -<p>"But to what do we owe this happy surprise?" -she reiterated, as she knelt at Mrs. -Winter's feet, to change her boots, for a pair of -warm slippers.</p> - -<p>"Indeed, my dear, it is one of Winter's fits; -he would not let me write, nor write himself—he -said we might disappoint you, and ourselves."</p> - -<p>"Yes," broke in Winter, disencumbering -himself of his numerous wrappings, "I knew -you—you would have been killing the fatted -calf, and roasting turkeys, and all sorts of -things; and we should have been late, and -teased you with expectation, so I said, leave<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span> -your pen alone, Sue, and here we are; stopped -at the first house with "furnished apartments," -on it, engaged them—then all right, -ready for a dish of tea, and chat; and then -turn in—close here—Albert-place. Why, -Colonel, you do not look as if London agreed -with you, but you <i lang="it" xml:lang="it">bella miâ</i>, you look quite -yourself."</p> - -<p>"But what has induced you to visit the -great Babylon?" said the Colonel, when the -first hubbub of welcome was over, and they -were assembled round the tea-table.</p> - -<p>"We are going on the continent," said Mrs. -Winter, with some importance.</p> - -<p>"Is it possible?" cried Kate.</p> - -<p>"You do not speak seriously?" said the -Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Why not? I've got a cold, and I've no -idea of remaining to be cut off, like poor Gilpin, -by the east winds," returned Winter.</p> - -<p>"Is that your only reason?" asked Kate.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why not exactly; but A—— has become -such a desert, now that you and Gilpin are -gone; life is not worth having there."</p> - -<p>"I do not like the idea of having the sea -between us," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Nor I," added his grand-daughter,</p> - -<p>"Nor I; but we will not be long away, and -I intend to paint, while abroad, such a picture, -as will make the Royal Academicians die of -envy," said Winter.</p> - -<p>"And," added Mrs. Winter, "we have let -our house very advantageously to a cousin of -Canon Jones's, who commands the new regiment."</p> - -<p>"But you will not run away too soon?" -asked Kate.</p> - -<p>"No, we shall remain three or four weeks -in London."</p> - -<p>"I am rejoiced to hear it," said the Colonel.</p> - -<p>"Oh, delightful," cried Kate.</p> - -<p>"We will talk over our plans to-morrow,"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span> -said Winter, to-night, let us hear of your own -proceedings. How do you like my friend -Langley?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I like him very much," returned Kate, -"I am sure there is much good in him, though -he won't show it, and seems so cold and cautious -even with himself, that I dare not take it upon -myself to say he will be glad to see even -you."</p> - -<p>"Well, I can tell you he writes enthusiastically -of you," replied Winter.</p> - -<p>"<i lang="it" xml:lang="it">Non e possibile!</i>"</p> - -<p>And so the conversation flowed on in a -thousand interrogative channels, all indicative -of the same warm and friendly interest, which, -still unabated, linked the <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">quartette</i>. Oh, how -much more closely than the ties of blood.</p> - -<p>Winter, in obedience to a warning glance -from Kate, reserved his questionings, as to her -success in teaching, for a <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tête-à-tête</i>, and his -good little wife followed his example on this, -as on all other subjects. The poor organist's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -deathbed was re-described, and the "grand -following," as Mrs. O'Toole would term it, -that graced his funeral, discussed, and, in spite -of the, to them, unaccustomed fatigue of a -journey, the interchange of intelligence was -prolonged to a late hour for travellers, and -when they parted for the night, Kate felt her -own hopeful joyous self again; to think that -such true and tried friends were near, that she -should meet them in the morning, and once -more be able to pour out the fears and anxieties -which no want of confidence in her grandfather, -but a tenderness of affection too considerate to -grieve him, kept pent up within her own bosom, -till their weight oppressed her. Once more -she would take counsel of that clear, strong, -warm-heart, which no self-interest, no conventional -falsity clouded or obscured. "And -though their stay is but short," was her concluding -thought, as sleep closed her snowy -lids, with its downy weight, "thank God -they <em>are</em> come, I will enjoy their presence, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> -not think of the sorrow of parting, until it -comes."</p> - -<p>But a young spirit must be somewhat initiated -in grief, before it can attain this philosophy, -if it ever can be attained, for however the -heart may purpose to enjoy the present, and -disregard the future, there is still something -of omnipresence in its nature, that gives an -actuality to anticipated joy or sorrow, it cannot -wile away.</p> - -<p>The period of the Winters' stay in London -was one of great enjoyment to Kate, for though -what is termed the dead season, there were -quite enough of pictures to be seen and concerts -to be heard to employ the mornings, and -sometimes the evenings, most agreeably, and -until their arrival, Kate had seen nothing of -the Great Metropolis.</p> - -<p>It seemed as if the advent of the warm-hearted, -practical little artist had broken the -sad depressing spell which had been gathering -closer and closer round her spirit since she had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -left A——. Winter was a stout and active -pedestrian, and leaning on his arm, Kate bade -defiance to the most persevering and mysterious -stranger that ever crossed heroine's path. -The Colonel too was wonderfully revived by -the presence of his kind and valued friends, -and, strange to say, even Cormac, who when -left at A—— was too savage to be approached -by his temporary keeper, was most sociable -and condescending with him in London.</p> - -<p>One morning, Mr. Langley called, and after -sitting in a sort of preoccupied silence for some -time, with some hesitation and much awkwardness, -suggested that he wished to invite his -friend Winter and his wife to dinner, and as -the Colonel and Miss Vernon were so fond of -their society, perhaps they would consent to encounter -the discomfort of a bachelor's <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ménage</i> -and meet them.</p> - -<p>The Colonel and Kate assented most graciously, -and the party, reinforced by Galliard and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -Mr. and Mrs. Story, met the next day at what -Winter termed "grub hour."</p> - -<p>Contrary to her expectations Kate spent a -most agreeable day; Langley, like many shy -persons, shone in his own house, Winter was -most amusingly argumentative, Galliard witty, -and the Colonel cheerful and urbane as usual; -while Mrs. Storey's repeated apologies for the -irregularities of a bachelor's <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">ménage</i>, and Mr. -Winter's reiterated assurances that every thing -was in admirable order, kept up an under current -of polite common-place, that amused -Kate exceedingly, by its contrast to the prevailing -tone of the conversation.</p> - -<p>"You have visited the British Museum?" -enquired Galliard.</p> - -<p>"Only, once," said Kate, "and that hurriedly, -I long to go again."</p> - -<p>"There is a great lot of trash there," observed -Winter.</p> - -<p>"What treason," returned Galliard, "it has -all cost money, and John Bull is content."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Of course," said Langley, "you will have -your sneer at John Bull."</p> - -<p>"Why not? I am, you know, half English."</p> - -<p>"Come, Mr. Langley," said Kate, "the -English you will admit, are not very sparing -of their neighbours."</p> - -<p>"They do not make much allowance for any -peculiarities, except their own, certainly," -remarked Colonel Vernon.</p> - -<p>"You are in such a decided minority, you -Celts, you had better hold your tongues," -cried Winter.</p> - -<p>"But what is it you call trash, at the British -Museum?" asked Kate.</p> - -<p>"Oh, the mummies, and the wigs, and all -that; such an <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">embarras</i> of mummies can hardly -be conceived!" said Winter.</p> - -<p>"I wish we could bring the Gheber mode -of disposing of the dead into fashion again; I -shall certainly leave a clause in my will that -my body shall be burned," observed Galliard.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Law, Mr. Galliard, what an idea," said -Mrs. Storey.</p> - -<p>"Why not? my dear madam."</p> - -<p>"I always liked Zoroaster and the fire -worshippers," said Kate, "their system appears -to me the least degrading of all ancient religions."</p> - -<p>"Humph! Miss Vernon used to insist that -the round towers of Ireland were built by the -Western Ghebers," remarked Winter.</p> - -<p>"It is quite possible!" responded Galliard.</p> - -<p>"Any thing so far beyond our historical -period may be possible," observed Langley.</p> - -<p>"Ah," said Galliard, "you consider them -anterior to the Celtic invasions, Miss Vernon?"</p> - -<p>"The author, whose writings on the subject -I have read, thought so," replied Kate.</p> - -<p>"Galliard's strong point is Celtic antiquity," -said their host.</p> - -<p>"It is a subject full of profound and melancholy -interest," he replied.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why melancholy?" asked Winter.</p> - -<p>"Because," rejoined Galliard, "of the contrast -between their past and present."</p> - -<p>"The strongest proof they were an inferior -race," said Langley, "otherwise they would -not have given way so rapidly before the -Saxons."</p> - -<p>"A thoroughly English observation," cried -Galliard. "You are poor and powerless, therefore -you deserve to be so."</p> - -<p>"That's not a fair commentary," said Langley.</p> - -<p>"There are two causes, which, to a reflective -mind, sufficiently explain, the deterioration of -the Celtic race, morally and physically," observed -Galliard, thoughtfully.</p> - -<p>"And they are?" asked Kate.</p> - -<p>"Their quick fancy, and unselfish nature."</p> - -<p>"How do you make that out?" said Winter.</p> - -<p>"First, the Saxon sees distinctly but one -end or object, to the attainment of which his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span> -every faculty is devoted. The Celt's livelier -imagination presents him with half a dozen, -at all of which he grasps with equal eagerness, -and thus his powers are divided and dispersed. -Secondly, a Saxon's first thought is of himself, -and in this he is consistent; while, owing to -the peculiarity of fallen humanity, the Celt's -self-forgetfulness is inconsistent; thus, place -a Saxon where you will, he possesses in himself -a nucleus round which all his energies, -hopes, and projects centre; and having a -centre, stands. While the Celt works one day -for himself, the next for a friend, the next to -spite an enemy, the next to do him a service, -and so he is, finally, nowhere. Your Saxon -will have no objection to do all this in a lump, -if it does not interfere with his own interests," -and Galliard leaned back and took snuff.</p> - -<p>"So," said Colonel Vernon, "our greatest -errors spring from our noblest qualities!"</p> - -<p>"The noblest qualities of mankind! It is -man's fate!" returned Galliard.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You argue ingeniously; but—" said -Langley.</p> - -<p>"But truly," interrupted Galliard. "What -was it chained the French nation to Napoleon? -Imagination! What enabled Bruce to conquer -Edward at Bannockburn? Imagination! What -rivets the heart of the Irish peasant to the -flattering demagogue, or arms his hand against -his landlord? Imagination!"</p> - -<p>"And the want of a Cogitative nose," put -in Winter.</p> - -<p>"There's an upset for you, mounseer," said -Mr. Storey.</p> - -<p>"Really," said Mrs. Storey, "I think, Mrs. -Winter, we had better leave the gentlemen to -fight it out."</p> - -<p>They all rose.</p> - -<p>"And," continued Galliard, as he opened -the door, "though the want of imagination -may render the Saxon successful, its presence -always makes the Celt beloved."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You are right," said Miss Vernon, as she -passed him, with a bow.</p> - -<p>But pleasant intervals soon come to an end, -and the last week of Mr. and Mrs. Winter's -intended stay approached. Before it arrived, -however, Miss Herman paid Kate a visit, -and introduced her to some additional pupils, -with whom, however, she agreed not to begin -her lessons until after her friends' departure.</p> - -<p>"I cannot bear to think of losing you," said -Kate, one cold, sharp evening, Winter had -walked to meet her, on her way back from -Brompton. "Do pray put off your departure -till after Christmas, I have so dreaded Christmas, -alone in London, and you have nothing to -hurry you away."</p> - -<p>"Hum, let me see; I have already delayed -a fortnight longer than I intended, another -week will not make much difference. Ha, -you little witch, I cannot say you nay; but -after that not an hour."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Ten thousand, thousand thanks, dear, kind -friend; you have made me so happy."</p> - -<p>"Now we are <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">tête-à-tête</i>, tell me how affairs -go on; any news of the lawsuit?"</p> - -<p>"Why yes, grandpapa gets frequent letters -from Mr. Moore, who, it seems, is always filing -bills, and making motions, very slow ones, I -fear, for they never seem to produce any result."</p> - -<p>Winter groaned.</p> - -<p>"And yourselves? how is—how is—you -know I am a bear—how is the purse?"</p> - -<p>Marvellously, considering how fast your -hundred went; but nurse has got quite into -the London ways, and quite saves us a fortune -now; and my pupils, and the new ones! Oh, -we shall do very well—if—if dear grandpapa -only could look like his own old self."</p> - -<p>"Well, I have thirty pounds of his I must -not run away with. Have you Lady Desmond's -cheque?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, quite safe."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Well, be sure you keep it; sickness may -come, a thousand things. How is your lady -cousin?"</p> - -<p>"Quite well; always, in her letters, talking -of coming home, and never coming."</p> - -<p>"Just as I expected."</p> - -<p>"And you are bent on wintering at Pau?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, and in the spring we intend crossing -the Pyrenees; I long to see more of Spain; -but, Kate, if you want me really, if, in short, -illness should—that is, should the time ever -come, you might want a home, Sue and myself -look upon you as a daughter, write to me, -at once, wherever I may be."</p> - -<p>"Good God! Mr. Winter, do you think -grandpapa so ill? do you anticipate—"</p> - -<p>"Dear child, no, a thousand times no; but -at parting I should like you to feel that it is -only distance that can separate us, and that at -any, and every time, I shall feel as a father -towards you, and a proud father!"</p> - -<p>"My dear, dear friend! surely God has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> -been very gracious to me; I will not try to -thank you in words, they sound so cold!"</p> - -<p>They walked on in silence, which Winter -broke, by exclaiming abruptly.</p> - -<p>"That letter of nurse's son was most characteristic! -There is some good stuff in the -writer."</p> - -<p>Then, after another pause, as if he had expected -some remark from Kate.</p> - -<p>"It is odd Egerton should send it without -a line; I cannot make it out; only that letters -seldom miscarry, I should say he had written a -despatch himself, independent of the other; but -pooh, that is highly improbable. Has Mrs. -O'Toole replied to her son's epistle?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, that is I acted as her secretary, last -week; when do you think the letter will reach -Dennis?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, heaven knows, they are up the country, -and, I fancy, not very settled; perhaps in -two or three months."</p> - -<p>Kate sighed.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Hey! Miss Vernon, what was that sigh -for?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I was thinking of last Christmas, we -were a very pleasant party, though poor Captain, -I mean Major Egerton, was so terribly in -the blues about leaving England; and now -how different everything is! how silently and -gradually a great gulf has been opened between -the past and the present!"</p> - -<p>"Well, well, it is melancholy enough, not -to be either a pleasant or a profitable subject of -cogitation. Forward, forward, as your favourite, -Longfellow, says,</p> - -<div class="poetry-container"><div class="poetry"><div class="stanza"> - <div class="verse">'Let the dead past, bury it's dead,</div> - <div class="verse">Act, act, in the living present,</div> - <div class="verse">Heart within, and God o'er head!'"</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>"A word in season, how good it is!" returned -Miss Vernon, smiling pensively.</p> - -<p>"Well, here we are, I wonder what Mrs.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> -Winter will say to your powers of persuasion?"</p> - -<p>"She will be delighted—she dreads the -journey."</p> - -<p>"Pooh, not she; as long as I am with her, -she thinks all must go well."</p> - -<p>"A pattern wife!" sighed Kate.</p> - -<p>"Yes; no wife can be happy if she does -not feel this. Ah, Kate, Kate, I wish you had -a good husband!"</p> - -<p>"Like yourself! eh, Mr. Winter! but -alas!"</p> - -<p>"Now, no quizzing, if you please! I'm -glad we are at the end of our <i lang="fr" xml:lang="fr">trajet</i>, if you -are going to laugh at me."</p> - -<p>The gradually silent change in the Colonel's -health and spirits, which had escaped the -every-day watchfulness of even Kate's tender -guardianship, struck Winter, whose perception -was quickened by the, to him, unshaded transition -from light to gloom, caused by the cessation -of their daily intercourse, with grief and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> -dismay; nor did he rest until he had persuaded -his venerated friend to accompany him -to an eminent physician, though the Colonel -protested, he had not a single symptom of -which he could reasonably complain. The -doctor felt his pulse, looked at his tongue, and -tried his lungs, asked a good many questions, -seemingly irrelevant, as to his spirits, &c., -wrote a short prescription, recommended horse -exercise, took his fee, and bowed them out. -Winter looked dissatisfied; and as he handed -the Colonel into the cab, which was waiting -for them, suddenly recollected he had forgotten -his snuff-box, he returned to the room, but in -vain, for the bland physician merely repeated—"Nothing -physical, I assure you, sir—mental -depression—imaginative disorder."</p> - -<p>"Have you found your box?" asked the -Colonel, with a significant smile, at least, to -Winter's conscience it appeared so. The worthy -artist reddened, and replied, gruffly, in the -affirmative.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span></p> - -<p>Kate never before felt so profoundly sad, as -the day the Winters started for Dover. When -she had parted from them at A——, there -was the bustle and excitement of the journey, -and the expected arrival at a new place, to -divert her thoughts. Now she had full time -to feel, how much alone she was, how much -dependent on her own judgment, her own -strength, her own efforts.</p> - -<p>The travellers did not leave till after an -early dinner, and the long, desolate evening, -its usual occupations broken in upon and deranged, -dragged its weary length slowly by, -though the Colonel, by a brave effort, seemed -more cheerful than usual, and talked of Paris, -and the people he had known there, and of -Bordeaux, and how the claret used to be -smuggled into the west of Ireland, of Hoche, -and of the French invasion. And Mrs. O'Toole -brought in her work, and both endeavoured to -keep up their darling's heart.</p> - -<p>She could only remember that it was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> -anniversary of Egerton's departure for India, -and that to-morrow she was to give an early -lesson to her new pupils.</p> - -<p>"Good night, dearest grandpapa, and do not -forget to take your bottle, you coughed a great -deal to-day."</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span></p> - - - - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2>CHAPTER IX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class="ph3">TRIALS.</p> - - -<p>Before entreating the reader to imagine the -lapse of some months, unbroken by any event, -we must record one which was a fertile theme -of conversation and conjecture to our recluses. -Kate was met by Mrs. O'Toole, almost at the -garden gate, one morning, about a fortnight -after the Winters had left them, as she returned -from her daily perambulations.</p> - -<p>"Och! come in, Agra! sure there's great -news entirely! there's the Captin's been murthuring -all afore him, in Ingee, an' such a<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> -tundherin' battle! the masther's tired waitin' -for ye."</p> - -<p>"What's all this nurse is telling me, grandpapa?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, the Indian mail is in, and has brought -an account of a hard-fought battle between -our fellows and those desperate Sikhs. Egerton's -name is most honourably mentioned. -Langley has very kindly sent me the second -edition of the "Times," there it is, read it for -yourself."</p> - -<p>And Kate, untying her bonnet, seized the -paper, and throwing herself into the nearest -chair, read the official account, which, dry as it -was, sufficed to flush her cheek, and set all her -pulses throbbing.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"Lieutenant Colonel A——, having been -severely wounded in the beginning of the -action, Major Egerton led the —— Lancers, -in repeated charges on the enemies' guns, which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> -were defended with a courage and determination -indicative of European training; but they -were in the possession of the Lancers before -four o'clock. I have great pleasure in drawing -your lordship's attention to the conduct of -this regiment generally, and in particular to -that of the gallant officer in command, whom I -beg to recommend to your lordship's notice."</p></div> - -<p>"Ah, that is delightful; I dare say Captain -Egerton does not regret having gone to India -now! It does not say if he was wounded? -Are there any private letters?" turning the -paper in every direction.</p> - -<p>"No, not until next mail, I fancy."</p> - -<p>"What news for Mr. and Mrs. Winter," she -continued; "how he will rejoice, and grumble, -and pooh, pooh, over it."</p> - -<p>"Och, the crathure!" exclaimed Mrs. -O'Toole, who, as usual, on any occasion of excitement, -was always at hand; "his soul 'ud -niver rouse up at the word iv a fight; he's not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> -got the blood in his vains for it. Sure, it's -only the ould stock that's niver to say in rale -pleasure, if they're not in the middle iv divilmint -an' danger, jest look at Miss Kate's eyes, -like two dimints, this minit. Though I'll go -bail she's as white as a sheet at the sight iv a -cut-finger, her heart's chargin the Sicks with -the Captin. Sicks indeed! faith, he sickened -thim sure enough; but it was on a boy's milk -ye wor rared, avourneen, so it's no wondher."</p> - -<p>"I do feel excited," said Kate, laughing; -"some strange sympathy with—I do not -know what! for in how many things I am a -coward?"</p> - -<p>"I believe it <em>is</em> the blood in your veins, -Kate," returned the Colonel. "Nurse is -right."</p> - -<p>"Athen, if poor little Misther Gilpin, (the -heavens be his bed,) was alive now, what a -power iv rale sinse he'd talk about it; wouldn't -he lay all the battles to the divil's door; well, -they're terrible heart-breakin' things, entirely;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> -an' the dear knows where me poor Dinny is -this blessed night—may be, asleep in a ditch, -or—but faith, any ways he's alive, I feel that -as sure as if I seen him livin' fornent me!"</p> - -<p>The great news occupied many a circle -beside that which we are attempting to describe, -and day after day brought further particulars, -private letters, and all the copious information -so abundantly supplied by that -fourth estate of the British Empire, the public -press. In many of these, Egerton's name was -mentioned, always with praise, often with enthusiasm; -his coolness and undaunted gallantry -in some hand to hand encounters; and -the desperate stand made by the regiment he -commanded, under great disadvantages, left an -impression of something chivalrous and heroic, -even on the minds of strangers. Kate, indeed, -calling to mind the maxims of Winter, and -the organist, sometimes felt that she ought not -to feel so much delight in a courage that, after -all, is generally shared by every healthy man;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> -still, in spite of her reasoning, Egerton's -image, invested with a prestige it never before -possessed, constantly occupied her mind. Perhaps -she did not know how dauntless was her -own nature, and that there is irresistible attraction -even to the most intellectual, in the -courage, physical though it be, than can face -death and danger, as if at home and at ease in -the midst of both—this contempt of what it -is natural to dread must partake more of the -soul than philosophers allow, and is one certain -element of greatness.</p> - -<p>And so the winter slipped rapidly over; -there was little to mark its flight; the constant -sameness of occupation, without any incident -to mark it, lent its wings to time; yet -was it not all heaviness. A day of somewhat -lighter spirits, and greater strength, would -sometimes lend its brightening influence to the -Colonel; and Kate revelled in the unwonted -sunshine; or Langley would lend her some -new work suggestive of much thought; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> -clearing, for the moment, the mist which -wraps itself round spiritual things, granting a -passing glimpse, catching a faint echo of the -glorious harmony with which all nature blends -in the Great Creator's scheme of happiness; -and then the sameness or obscurity, which an -hour before seemed oppressive in its meanness, -acquired dignity from the thought, that it had -its place allotted in the mighty whole. And -she would turn with perfect content to bend -her bright intelligence to the perfect comprehension -and performance of those every-day -duties which act to society as mortar to a wall, -filling up the crevices, binding the unadhesive -parts, and keeping the whole together.</p> - -<p>Two months had fully elapsed, since the -news of the battle of —— had reached England; -letters from the Winters had announced -them safely settled at Pau, and charmed with -it. And one cold, bleak evening, Kate was -engaged arranging some lines she had selected -from amongst many, written by Gilpin's sister,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> -to a very beautiful air bequeathed to her by -the organist; the work did not progress as -rapidly as it seemed, as her thoughts were -divided by many mundane subjects, principally -the necessity for looking out for cheaper lodgings.</p> - -<p>"Nurse says it is so hard to manage; I -must ask her to meet me to-morrow on my -way home, and look for some other house—I -mean rooms. I am afraid to mention it to -dear grandpapa, he is so ill, and worn out -with that dreadful cough—it is much worse to-day. -How I wish Georgina would write! it -is nearly a year since she invited us to join -her at Florence, and talked of returning. Oh! -how alone we are! I wonder shall I ever, ever -live near my old friends, or among my own -people again! God forgive the murmuring -thought."</p> - -<p>And here her reflections were broken by the -Colonel, who suddenly starting from an uneasy -slumber, coughed with more than usual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> -violence; then as Kate, with some vague idea -of assisting him, flew to his side, it suddenly -stopped, with a choking sound, and he fell -back, the blood pouring from his mouth.</p> - -<p>To summon nurse, to send for a doctor, was -the work of a moment; and before their -anxious efforts to recall the Colonel to consciousness -were successful, he arrived; then -there were innumerable questions to answer, -and various restoratives to be procured; and -Kate had literally no time to feel the terror -and dismay which afterwards rushed upon her -mind.</p> - -<p>The old man lay long insensible; and it was -during a pause, occasioned by the exhaustion -of every remedy that could possibly be applied -in haste, that he breathed faintly, at last, and -opening his eyes, smiled, when he met those of -his beloved grandchild. The doctor immediately -forbad his speaking, and directed that -every precaution for the preservation of extreme -quiet around him should be taken.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span></p> - -<p>"This is the great point," he observed, -when, after a lengthened visit, he was about -to take leave. "I will write a prescription, -and see it made up myself; he must take it -every two hours, in a glass of port wine; but -if he should be very sound asleep, do not disturb -him; his strength must be kept up."</p> - -<p>Kate took her station by her grandfather's -bed-side. Nurse stationed herself in the next -room; and the long watches of the night -passed slowly over.</p> - -<p>The Colonel lay motionless and deadly pale; -but he did not sleep; for whenever Kate stole -softly to his side, at the appointed times for -his taking the medicine, he always, as if by -instinct, opened his eyes; and who can tell, -who can venture to depict the crowd of -images, too vague for thought, too clear for -dreams, which thronged Kate's mind, as she -sat listening now to each scarce audible breath, -from the invalid, now to the loud beating of -her own heart; it was not fear or sorrow that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> -seemed to hold her faculties in a strange tension, -but an agonised absorption in the present -danger, a dread, none the less intense because -it was vague, that her darkest hour was at -hand! connected prayer was out of the question; -but frequent ejaculations for help, for -strength, rose unconsciously to her lips. Towards -morning, the Colonel sank into a quiet, -profound sleep, and leaving nurse in charge of -him, with directions to call her the moment he -awoke, Kate threw herself into his vacant -chair, and strove to still her throbbing pulses, -and hush her troubled spirit to repose.</p> - -<p>When she had left her grandfather's room, -she thought sleep was too effectually frightened -away by the terrors of the past night; but the -strength and vigor of youth cannot be so soon -unstrung, rest is too natural to that age; and, -though it was disturbed, slumber stole over -her unconsciously, and day had dawned fully, -when, waking with a start, and feeling as -though her short absence from him was a neg<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span>lect -of a sacred duty, she stole softly and -quickly to his room.</p> - -<p>He had but just awoke, Mrs. O'Toole said; -and now lay gazing with a troubled expression -in his eyes, towards the door. He smiled when -he saw Kate, and his lips moved; she stooped -to hear, and he whispered, faintly but earnestly—"Write—Georgina," -with a pause between each word.</p> - -<p>"I understand, dearest grandpapa," said -Kate, quickly, to relieve his evident anxiety. -"I will write to Georgina Desmond by this -day's post."</p> - -<p>And a look of greater contentment gradually -composed the invalid's countenance, which appeared -so worn and haggard, that Kate's eyes -filled with tears every time she looked at him.</p> - -<p>The doctor called early, and expressed himself -quite satisfied with Kate's account of the -patient's past night; his pulse, too, was a little -stronger.</p> - -<p>"Endeavour to keep him quiet, and free<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> -from anxiety; he is at present free from fever, -and I should find some difficulty had we both -fever and weakness to contend with; do not -let him talk much."</p> - -<p>The day wore slowly over, like the night, -diversified only by the writing of the promised -letter to Lady Desmond; and the Colonel -seemed much easier when he was told it had -been despatched.</p> - -<p>Soon the cares and duties of the sick-room -became matters of course; the Colonel decidedly -gathered strength. He was able to -converse a little with his grandchild without -much exhaustion; and frequently made her -read aloud to him. He never wearied of the -Gospel of St. John, of the Psalms, and the -seventh and concluding chapters of Revelation.</p> - -<p>Nurse and Kate divided the night into two -watches, the former taking the first watch, -when the Colonel was most likely to sleep, and -Kate, the remainder, to be ready with a few<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> -sympathising words, when, after his broken -sleep, his restless weakness caused him to move -uneasily on his pillow; or to repeat in her -low, soft tones, his favorite Psalms, and passages -of the Gospels, when his eyes met hers -with that anxious gaze which made her heart -ache, so well did she understand its source. -As for the apprehension of losing him, it was -a thought on which she never dwelt for an instant. -She felt instinctively, how utterly it -would unfit her for the preservation of that -calm, cheerful aspect so necessary to her beloved -grandfather's well being; yet the terror-striking -thought would press upon her mind in -spite of all her efforts to repel it, when that -troubled glance met hers by the dim, uncertain -watch-light, and her lips almost of themselves -whispered the words of comfort and of strength -to which her heart turned, as much to still its -own dread, as to calm the anxiety she feared -would injure her grandfather!</p> - -<p>Poor, faithful Mrs. O'Toole never told her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> -beads so fervently, and so often before; for -loving both master and nurseling, she could -fear for the future, to which Kate never gave -a thought; her round, comely face faded from -its bright rose to a yellowish tinge, and the -corners of her mouth were drawn down lower -than ever, while her aspirations to "Hesther," -and her denunciations of "Hesther's stupidity," -were rather encreased than lessened -in acerbity, as if to make up for the enforced -softness with which they were whispered.</p> - -<p>It was about a fortnight after the Colonel -was first taken ill, and he had begun to ask -anxiously for letters, when he astonished the -doctor, by expressing a desire to get up, and -go into the sitting-room.</p> - -<p>"My dear sir, it is much too soon; do you -feel greater strength?"</p> - -<p>"Sometimes I think I am stronger, and -sometimes weaker," replied the old man, with -a sigh; "but I feel I should be quite as com<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span>fortable -and quiet in my arm-chair, as in bed, -and more cheerful, more like myself; you may -as well humour me," he added, with a sad -smile, and paused, exhausted by so long a -speech.</p> - -<p>"Well," returned the doctor, after a prolonged -feeling of his pulse, in order to give -himself time to think, "perhaps, as you feel -in this way, it may do you no harm; wait till -the day after to-morrow; and take plenty of -arrow-root, and wine, and beef tea, in the interval."</p> - -<p>Kate could scarcely believe her ears, when -she heard the welcome permission given; she -was not present when the Colonel asked for it, -and considered it an undoubted proof of amendment. -She looked so bright, and spoke so -cheerily, when she announced the fact to nurse, -that Mrs. O'Toole took courage to make a disclosure, -she had withheld for several days.</p> - -<p>"Ye know, Miss Kate," she began, her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> -apron folded round one arm, and rubbing the -other hand confusedly up and down the table, -"it's three days since last Sathurday."</p> - -<p>"Yes, nurse. Well, what then?"</p> - -<p>"Sathurday's rint day, alanah."</p> - -<p>"Well, didn't you pay Mrs. Crooks?"</p> - -<p>"Why ye see, Miss Kate, what wid the -sickness, an' the arra-root, an' the beef tay, -an' all that, though maisther Langley, the -queen iv Heaven remimber it to him, sent in a -sight of wine, what couldn't be bought for -money, the purse is niver out iv yer hand; -an' to spake the thruth, Miss Kate, last -Sathurday, there was a fortnight's rint due; I -niver thought a Christhian would go botherin' -about sich a thrifle iv rint, an' sickniss an' -sorra in the place; but they're quare Christhians -here! Sure they'd hand you their -'little account,' if ye were sayin' mass for yer -mother's sawl; it's a long account some iv -thim will have to settle yet, any ways! an' -that's the way it is, Miss Kate."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span></p> - -<p>"But, nurse, why did you let it go so far -without——."</p> - -<p>"Sure," interrupted, Mrs. O'Toole, in a -whisper, and pointing her finger towards the -door, as a caution to extreme secresy, "sure I -hadn't it, agrah! d' ye think I'd be wastin -yer money payin that naggur iv a woman, an' -the dear masther wantin every thing? 'Och, -keep yer bills to yerself, woman,' ses I, 'don't -be tasing Miss Vernon, an' she breakin' her -heart, sure ye'll be paid over an over as soon -as she has time to write an ordher on the -bank,' ses I, an' she kept quite a whole week, -but to-day, she ses, 'The ould gentleman's -better,' ses she, spakin small, as if she begrudged -the words that would bring her 'no -return,' as they say, 'an' I'll spake to Miss -Vernon meeself,' ses she. Och, if I had mee -own notes ye made Mr. Winter put in the -savins' bank out iv the way, I'd have paid her -at wancet, an' not be botherin ye."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Show me what you have," said Kate, -rather nervously.</p> - -<p>Mrs. O'Toole emptied the purse, she always -kept; a half sovereign and some silver was all -that appeared.</p> - -<p>"Ah," said Miss Vernon, compressing her -lips; "and I have only five shillings. We must -fill up that cheque! How glad I am I kept it -in my own desk!"</p> - -<p>"What cheque, jewel?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, I forgot you did not know."</p> - -<p>And Kate hurriedly told Mrs. O'Toole of -Lady Desmond's generosity.</p> - -<p>"Och! then there's the raale lady for ye! -none iv yer naggurs, sure it's she has the right -to do it any how. Wasn't the Kurnel like a -father to her, an it's not every wan would remember -it; may the blessin iv heaven go with -her! faith we're made up now, agrah, an how -'ill ye turn it into money?"</p> - -<p>"I will enclose it with a note to Mr. Langley, -and he is so kind, I am sure he will get it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> -cashed (that is the word,) for me; but, nurse, -how much money ought I to write down, I do -not like to put too much—twenty pounds?"</p> - -<p>"Och! botheration, Miss Kate, sure ye'r a -babby about money. Twenty pounds is just a -dhrop in the say, an' sickness in the house, -write fifty pounds asthore, when ye're about it, -God knows it's not so easy to get the money."</p> - -<p>"But fifty pounds, nurse, is such a large -sum, I am afraid—besides, I am certain Georgy -herself will be here immediately, as she does -not write, she must be on the road home, and -twenty pounds, I am sure, will do 'till she -arrives."</p> - -<p>"Bother, be on the sure side, Miss Kate, an' -if she comes so soon, give her what's left; just -do as I bid ye, asthore; sure I know what's -wantin better than you do."</p> - -<p>"Well, I suppose so, put on your bonnet, I -will write to Mr. Langley at once."</p> - -<p>"Wait a bit," said Mrs. O'Toole, with an -air of intense meaning; she rung the bell;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> -"Hesther," as that functionary appeared, -"bring Miss Vernon her desk, out iv her -room, I was tellin her, yer mistress wants her -rint, an she's goin to write an ordher on the -bank; I'll post it meself. That 'ill do for Mrs. -Crooks, I think, an' I'll give her a piece iv me -mind to-morrow, about her English ways, -as——."</p> - -<p>"No, no, pray do not, it would be both -wrong and foolish, I am sure we have met such -true friendship from English people, we may -well have patience with a poor woman, who, -after all, may want her money."</p> - -<p>"Musha, God help yer heart! She has -twicet as much as you have, an' what's more, -she needn't be payin for what she can do for -herself, an' a lady mustn't do; well, well, it's -a quare world; but any ways, the masther's -better, glory be to God."</p> - -<p>The Colonel persisted in his intention of -getting up, on the appointed day, and though -he almost fainted, when the transit to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> -sitting-room was accomplished, he seemed -more cheerful, at least he listened with more -seeming attention and interest to Kate's conversation, -for he was too weak to converse -himself.</p> - -<p>From this period, he rose, each day, about -noon, and Kate was grieved to observe how -much his anxiety about the past exhausted -his little strength; she asserted her conviction -that Lady Desmond was on her homeward -road, and though that generally quieted him -for the moment, it was only to be done over -again the next day.</p> - -<p>Nurse kept watch at the hall door, to anticipate -that dreadful short sharp knock, that -has made, and will make, many a heart stand -still with nameless dread; and still Kate's -daily report was—</p> - -<p>"The post has just come, dear grandpapa, -no letters for us."</p> - -<p>So time slipped by, and both nurse and Kate -began to share the Colonel's uneasiness, at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> -Lady Desmond's silence and non-appearance, -though, of course, they suppressed all expression -of it, before him.</p> - -<p>At length, the post did bring a letter for -Colonel Vernon, but it was from Winter, a few -lines only, expressing surprise at Kate's long -silence, and enclosing one directed to his care, -for the Colonel. It bore the Southampton -post-mark, and was from Fred Egerton. The -Colonel was at first so much affected by the -extreme disappointment he experienced at not -receiving any letter from Lady Desmond, that -was some before he desired to have Egerton's -despatch read to him, not until he was fairly -established in his easy chair, and recovered -from the fatigue of dressing, which Kate -noticed, sadly, continued the same from day to -day, no visible improvement of strength taking -place.</p> - -<p>"Now, my love, let me hear this disappointing -letter, though it is very ungracious in me -to call it so."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span></p> - -<p>And Kate, who had had no time of late to think -of Fred Egerton, felt her voice trembling with -the strange gush of delight that filled her -whole heart with a sudden and delicious life, -when the long looked for writing met her eye, -and which she had not yet succeeded in stilling.</p> - -<p>The letter was too long for a full insertion -here; after expressing a hope that the Colonel's -silence did not proceed from any intention to repudiate -his acquaintance, and that he would -not consider a <em>third</em> attempt at a correspondence -importunate, Fred Egerton proceeded to give a -short but clear description of the country round -him, alluding briefly to the battle of ——, -an account of which he supposed had reached -them. He enquired kindly for the Winters, -and said he had heard from Burton, (who had -passed through A——, in the summer) of -Gilpin's death, and that they (Colonel and -Miss Vernon) had left the old city. I presume -therefore that my last letter, as well as one I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> -enclosed for Mrs. O'Toole, from her son, were -delayed in reaching you, if they ever did -reach you. Pray remember me kindly to my -good nurse; many a time I have longed to -hear her rich brogue near me, when I lay -parched with fever. By the way, will you -tell Miss Vernon, I am busily engaged training -her foster-brother in the way he should go. -I'll not say any thing of his past, but I anticipate -great things for his future.</p> - -<div class="blockquot"> - -<p>"Well, the excitement of a battle is intense, -and its horrors intense also; should I meet -Miss Vernon again, though, perhaps, she is no -longer Miss Vernon, I shall be able to satisfy -her curiosity about a battle.</p> - -<p>"Poor Colonel A—— died of his wounds, -a fortnight ago. He was as fine fellow as ever -breathed; I was close by him when he fell, -and I felt that a thousand of those infernal -Sikhs would not make up for such a life. -They say I am sure of the Lieutenant Colonelcy. -Heaven and the Horse Guards only know. If<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> -they will give it I will take it, and be thankful, -but I have no money to purchase, and I -will not ask Egerton's interest.</p> - -<p>"May I hope you will answer <em>this</em> letter, -if it is not too much trouble; perhaps Winter, -if he is near you, will act as your amanuensis; -dare I suggest Miss Vernon? I long for some -news from my friends, for I feel anxious, somehow, -since I heard you had left A——, and -the old Priory. I have a sketch of it which I -often set up before me as I smoke my last -cigar, before turning in, to ensure pleasant -dreams. Once more, my dear sir, pray write:</p> - -<p class="right"> -"With the warmest esteem,<br /> -<br /> -"Faithfully yours,<br /> -<br /> -"Fred. B. Egerton."</p> -</div> - -<p>"A kind, warm-hearted letter," said the -Colonel, at its conclusion, in the slow, faint -tone, now usual with him. "I am gratified to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> -find him so thoughtful of the past. Ah! if—" -he stopped.</p> - -<p>"If what?" asked Kate, carelessly, as she -was re-reading the letter.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, dear child," he returned, despondingly. -"You had better tell nurse, she -will like to hear of Denny."</p> - -<p>"Glory be to God!" ejaculated Mrs. O'Toole, -as Kate read the passage relating to her -son, aloud. "An' so they're comin' home?"</p> - -<p>"No, dear nurse, Captain Egerton says, '<em>if</em> -I ever re-visit England.'"</p> - -<p>"Well, sure it's all the same; whin people -niver intend a thing they niver talk iv it, but -whin they begin to wish for it, they begin to -talk iv it, an' whin they've talked a bit, they -must do it."</p> - -<p>The Colonel smiled at Mrs. O'Toole's -logic. And not many minutes after the Doctor -came in.</p> - -<p>"Pulse very unsteady," said he, gravely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> -and interrogatively to Kate, "any disturbing -cause?"</p> - -<p>"He has been disappointed about a letter, -he hoped to receive."</p> - -<p>"Ah, these letters are bad, very bad; he is -not getting on as I could wish," added the -doctor to Mrs. O'Toole, as she followed him to -the hall door to receive his parting instructions, -"could you not get up some pious fraud about -this letter? invent one, eh?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, God bless ye, docther, it's not possible, -any ways, sure if it was I'm the woman would -do it."</p> - -<p>"Well, I suppose so; but, I tell you, I -dread another bursting of a blood vessel, and -then." The doctor paused, shook his head, -drew on his glove, and departed in the -teeth of a bitter March wind, and a cloud of -dust.</p> - -<p>"It seems a very cold, wretched day," said -the Colonel, as Kate took up her work; "is -poor Cormac never let into the house now?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh, yes, grandpapa, he generally lies outside -the door, but I did not like to let him in -for fear of disturbing you?"</p> - -<p>"He would not disturb me, I wish to see him."</p> - -<p>Miss Vernon rose, and opening the door, -admitted Cormac, who testified his joy at beholding -his master, in a quiet, subdued manner, -and the Colonel welcomed his faithful -follower with a warmth, that Kate feared -would be too much for his strength, stroking -the dog's head, feebly, from time to time, and -gazing at him abstractedly, as if his spirit had -flown back to the scenes and time, when he -was still vigorous, and Cormac gambolled -with all the vivacity of youth. Now the old -hound sat grave and still, his dull, filmy eye -returning his master's gaze; and Kate suppressed -the deep sighs which rose from her -heart, as she saw these old companions, side -by side, thus changed, thus sinking in the -unequal conflict with time and adversity! And -behind them memory raised the dark curtain -of the present, and the bright, happy past<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> -broke forth with more than its pristine freshness; -she saw those two languid forms, instinct -with life, glowing with animation; she heard -her grandfather's clear musical laugh, ring -forth as he sprang upon his favourite horse, -and held him steady with a powerful hand; -she heard the hound's deep, joyous bark, as, -after a few gambols round the impatient horse, -he bounded forward in a swift and sudden -race, only to return with headlong speed; she -saw her grandfather's stately form, with those -of his high-born, gay companions, sweep round -a bend of the avenue, and as the sound of -their voices and the tramp of their horses died -away in the distance, she heard the dash and -roar of the restless Atlantic against the cliffs; -she saw the park-like lawn, the stately wood, -the bold, blue hills and—a faint voice, like the -echo of her grandfather's, from another world -recalled her to the present.</p> - -<p>"Give Cormac, poor fellow, some bread and -milk before he goes away."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p> - -<p>A few days passed, and still no letter. -One evening, pleased to see the Colonel -sleeping peacefully in his chair, Kate dropped -her work and gave herself up to reverie. She -had hardly had time to think of Fred. Egerton's -letter, and the tone of warm remembrance -it breathed.</p> - -<p>"I wonder shall I ever see him again! Ah, -no, what folly to think of it! Yet if he was -here, he would give grandpapa hope and -courage, and to me! He is so bright and strong. -But thank God his letter came, with its cheering -words, just when I most wanted something -to raise my heart a little! Nurse thinks he -will come back, but that is only a dream; and, -after all, if he did, it would make no difference -to me!"</p> - -<p>Her thoughts rambled on in this way for -some time, over many a varied topic, till she -was roused by Cormac's very unusual efforts -to gain admittance without leave. "Well<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> -come in, good dog, but be quiet," and the -hound immediately placed himself by his master's -chair; and Kate was speaking to him in -a low voice, when the postman's knock, they -had so long guarded against, but did not expect -at that unaccustomed hour, shook the -frail walls of the habitation, and Kate rose -from her chair, trembling for her grandfather.</p> - -<p>He woke suddenly, startled, but not so much -as Kate had feared, and at the same moment -nurse entered with a letter.</p> - -<p>"From Georgina," cried Kate, opening it -with trembling haste; she read aloud.</p> - -<p>"'Good heavens, dearest Kate, how unfortunate -that I should have come here.'</p> - -<p>"She writes from Lucca.</p> - -<p>"'Your letter was not forwarded to me for -ten days after I left Florence. I start to-morrow -for England, and God grant the passes -may not be snowed up; I hope to reach you -as soon almost as this does; keep up your -spirits; tell the Colonel I know his wishes,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> -I fully understand his anxiety for your writing. -The courier waits for my letter. God bless -you—Yours in haste and much affliction.—G. -Desmond.'"</p> - -<p>"What is the date?" asked the Colonel, -feebly.</p> - -<p>"It has none, except the place; she evidently -writes in the greatest haste."</p> - -<p>"Look at the cover."</p> - -<p>"It is so rubbed and soiled I can make -nothing out, but a 'Fir' and 'Marzo.'"</p> - -<p>"She will be here to-morrow," said the -Colonel, with sudden decision. "My God, -I thank thee!" he murmured. "Kate, my -love, I feel exhausted, some wine."</p> - -<p>She flew to get it, and, after taking a little, -he leaned back, drowsily, she settled the -cushions for his head, and knelt down to feel if -his feet were cold; he stretched out his hand -feebly, and laid it on her head; the old hound, -whom they had not noticed, drew closer, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span> -licked the hand that had so often caressed -him.</p> - -<p>"God bless you darling, from the hour of -your birth, you have been an unalloyed blessing -to me."</p> - -<p>Kate rose, and kissed him fondly—</p> - -<p>"Go to sleep, dearest grandpapa."</p> - -<p>"Yes, for she will be here to-morrow. I feel -so happy, Kate!"</p> - -<p>"Thank Heaven!" she ejaculated; and returning -to her seat, watched the sleeper for -some time, rejoicing to see an expression of -almost heavenly happiness and calm gradually -stealing over his features. The old hound, -too, shared her vigil, laying his head -couched on his fore-paws, his eyes fixed on -his master. So she sat, sometimes, raising her -heart to God, with a feeling of thankfulness, -though she knew not why, except that she -ever looked, in spite of her cooler reason, to -Lady Desmond's return as to a great deliverance.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span></p> - -<p>The evening closed in, and still her grandfather -lay in calm, unbroken repose. The old -dog, at length, grew restless, he raised his -head, and half rose up, as if to approach his -master, and when Kate spoke to him, lay -down again, with a low, complaining whine. -Miss Vernon rung—</p> - -<p>"I wish," said she, as Mrs. O'Toole entered, -"you would take Cormac away, I never saw -him so troublesome before. I am afraid he -will disturb grandpapa from that sweet sound -sleep."</p> - -<p>"Come with me, Cormac."</p> - -<p>The hound wagged his tail, turning his dull -eyes on her for a moment, but immediately refixing -them on his master, with a watchful air, -his ears erected, as if in expectation. Mrs. -O'Toole crossed the room quickly, and stooping -to look into the old man's face, started back, -clasping her hands, with an expression of awe -and terror on her countenance.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Nurse!" exclaimed Kate, springing to her -side; "what, what is the matter?"</p> - -<p>"Hush, hush, mee own darlint child," whispered -Mrs. O'Toole. "He's not there—he's -with the blessed saints in Heaven!"</p> - - -<p class="ph3">END OF VOL. II.</p> - -<div class='transnote'><h3>Transcriber's Notes:</h3> - <ul> - <li>Minor punctuation and printer errors repaired.</li> - - <li>Every effort has been made to replicate this text as faithfully - as possible, including retaining obsolete and variant spellings, - inconsistent hyphenation, and other inconsistencies, especially within - dialect speech.</li> - </ul> -</div> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of Project Gutenberg's Kate Vernon, Vol. 2 (of 3), by Mrs. Alexander - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK KATE VERNON, VOL. 2 (OF 3) *** - -***** This file should be named 53356-h.htm or 53356-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/3/3/5/53356/ - -Produced by Suzanne Shell, Christopher Wright and the -Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net -(This file was produced from images generously made -available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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