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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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