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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..1fe2ee5 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #54012 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/54012) diff --git a/old/54012-0.txt b/old/54012-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index f7cc315..0000000 --- a/old/54012-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,9449 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Younger Sister, Volume III - -Author: Catherine Anne Austen Hubback - Jane Austen - -Release Date: January 20, 2017 [EBook #54012] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER *** - - - - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa, Stanford University and -the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (University of Iowa) - - - - - - - - - - THE YOUNGER SISTER. - - - A Novel - - - BY - - MRS. HUBBACK, - - - IN THREE VOLUMES.—VOL. III. - - - - - LONDON: - THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER - 30, WELBECK ST., CAVENDISH SQ. - - 1850. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - THE YOUNGER SISTER. - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - -The afternoon passed away, and Margaret, who had been incessantly -walking from one window to another, to watch for her lover's curricle, -now began to create a new sensation for herself, by a conviction which -suddenly seized on her, that some dreadful accident had happened to him. -It was towards the end of March, and the lengthened days allowed them -plenty of time to dine by daylight, and enjoy a long twilight -afterwards; as the evening began to close in, her alarm and tribulation -increased; when, at length, her fears were dissipated by seeing the -curricle drive up to the door with a most important bustle, followed by -a loud and prolonged knock, which instantly brought twenty heads to the -neighbouring windows. - -Margaret sank on a sofa, and exclaimed in feeble tones, - -"He is there—my heart tells me he is there—support me, my dear -sisters—support me in this trying hour." - -Before any one had time to answer her, his step was heard on the stairs, -and recovering as rapidly as she had appeared to lose her strength, she -flew to the door and was ready to have thrown herself into his arms on -the smallest encouragement. He did not, however, seem to desire her -embraces, but coolly held out his hand, and enquired how she was—then, -without waiting for an answer, turned and paid a similar compliment to -the other ladies. She looked a little disappointed at the want of -tenderness her lover displayed, but consoled herself by smoothing down -the nap of his hat, which she took from his hand, and stretching out the -fingers of his driving gloves—of which she also assumed the care. - -At this moment, Robert Watson and Mr. Morgan, who had been sitting over -their wine in the dining-parlour, appeared up-stairs, and Robert -immediately suggested to Mr. Musgrove that he must want some dinner, to -which the latter readily acceded. - -Jane and Margaret who appeared to be almost equally interested in the -new-comer, both left the room to see after the necessary preparations, -and whilst they were gone George Millar came in and persuaded Elizabeth -to go home with him, to take tea with his sister and mother-in-law. -Robert and his new guest adjourned to the dining-room where the two -ladies joined them, and Emma was left to a _tête-à-tête_ with Mr. -Morgan. - -He had seated himself in a corner, and was looking over the newspaper -during all the bustle attending the arrival of Tom Musgrove, and the -successive entrances and exits of the several members of the party. But -when they were all gone, and Emma was quietly sitting down to work, he -threw away the paper and walking across the room drew a chair close to -hers and seemed inclined to enter into conversation. - -"How happy your sister must be," was his first speech, whilst he fixed -his uncommonly penetrating eyes on her face. - -"Which sister?" replied Emma, without looking up from her embroidery. - -"Both must be happy," replied he; "but at this moment I imagine your -sister Margaret's feelings must be the most agreeable; meeting after a -prolonged absence must be so delightful. Don't you envy her?" - -"I hope not," said Emma, for she was not quite satisfied with his tone -and manner; there was something of sarcasm in it which she did not like. - -"I did not mean envy in the bad sense," he remarked, as if comprehending -her thoughts from her tone; "of that I know you to be incapable; but can -you not fancy how pleasant her emotions must be when again enjoying the -society of an attached and faithful lover like the gentleman in -question?" - -"Perhaps I can—but I must be in her situation thoroughly to enter into -her feelings," said Emma rather wishing to drop the subject. - -"And hitherto you have not been placed in this interesting situation?" - -There was something in the tone in which Mr. Morgan made this comment, -with his eyes fixed on her countenance, that gave it rather the -character of a question than a reply. She felt offended at his manner -and tone, and proudly raised her head with a look which seemed to ask -what right he had to enquire on that subject. He understood her meaning, -but did not seem inclined to take any notice of it, proceeding in the -same way to observe, - -"They whose hearts are untouched cannot of course understand all the -pleasing emotions which the sight of a beloved object raises after a -prolonged absence—nor indeed does it require a _prolonged absence_ to -give occasion to the emotions I speak of. A month, a fortnight, even a -week passed without the intercourse which becomes dear and therefore -necessary, is sufficient to raise a variety of pleasing but most -overpowering feelings in an affectionate heart." - -"Very likely," replied Emma coolly, and then she added immediately an -enquiry as to whether he thought the next change of the moon would bring -them more settled weather. - -He answered that he could not tell, and then added, - -"Do you not think your future brother, Mr. Musgrove, is a very charming -young man?" - -"I have often heard him called so," said Emma; "but you know it is not -my business to be charmed with him," smiling a little as she spoke. - -"You are most discreet," said he, delighted that she appeared inclined -to relax a little from her former gravity; "but to tell you the truth I -should _not_ have expected, from what I know, that you _would_ be -charmed with him." - -"From what you know of _him_ or of _me_?" inquired Emma. - -"Of you both, but especially of _you_: it is not for nothing that I have -been studying your character, and I am convinced that a man who would -attract _you_, Miss Emma, must possess more good qualities than Mr. -Musgrove can boast of." - -"Perhaps I might be a little difficult to please," replied Emma; "but do -you think there is any harm in that?" - -"Harm, no!" replied he with enthusiasm; "minds of a common order cannot -discriminate between what is good or evil in its tendency; they see only -what is evil to their own capacities, and are entirely unaware of the -vast difference between the intellects of one man and another. Whilst -those who by their own intellectual powers are raised above the common -level, take in, at one keen and rapid view, the different mental -altitudes of their companions, and appreciating alone the grand and -elevated turn from more ordinary minds with indifference, contempt or -disgust." - -"I hope," said Emma rather doubtingly, "that your description is not -intended to apply to me: that is, if I understand you rightly. I should -be very sorry to think I am guilty of setting up my understanding as a -measure for that of others, or of despising any of my companions as -thinking them less clever than myself." - -"Indeed I did not mean to accuse you of voluntarily giving way to such -feelings—the sensation I meant to depict is as involuntary as your -perception of light or colour. A person endowed with a superior -understanding could no more help deciding on the different mental -capacities of her companions than she could on the beauty or fitness of -the patterns of their gowns." - -"But the superiority of mental capacities, or our own estimation of them -ought not to be the standard by which we should judge of the merits of -our fellow-creatures, Mr. Morgan. Surely their moral superiority is a -far more important point, and it would be much better to live with a -good but ignorant man, than with a wicked one however clever and -well-informed." - -Mr. Morgan rather curled his lip. - -"I doubt whether you will find your maxim work well in every day life, -however well it may sound in theory. The practice of mankind is against -it universally, and where that is the case it is because the sense of -the world leads them to the conclusion which you reject. Look around, -and see who has most success in life, the clever, unscrupulous, and if -you will the unprincipled man, or the sober, plodding, moral one, -without wit or wisdom to prevent his sinking lower than the condition in -which he was born." - -Emma had not the vanity to suppose that she could be a match for Mr. -Morgan in dispute, she was, therefore, contented to let the subject -drop. Finding she did not reply, he moved his chair a little closer than -before, and said, in a tone of the softest sympathy, - -"Are you quite well this evening? dusk as it is, I am struck with your -looks, and was so at dinner." - -She thanked him, and replied she was pretty well. He did not seem -satisfied. - -"Are you sure you have no head-ache? there is a languor in your -movements, and a heaviness about your eyes, which plainly shows that all -is not quite right with you. Confess the truth—does not your head ache?" - -She owned it did a little. - -"I thought I knew your countenance too well to be misled," said he, -complacently—then taking her hand, without the smallest ceremony, in -both of his, he felt her pulse, and told her she was nervous and -feverish. She smiled, and said she was only a little tired, and that he -must not persuade her she was ill; she had not time for that. - -"I am certain," replied he, still detaining her hand, which she had made -a slight attempt to withdraw, "I am certain, from the tremulous motion -of your little fairy-like fingers that you are suffering from -over-excitement of mind. You have so much to worry and distress you, so -many small privations and never ceasing annoyances, that your nervous -temperament is wrought up to too high a pitch. This little hand is -looking too white and delicate for health. You must indeed, for your own -sake, and for the sake of those that love you, take care of yourself, -and do not tax your constitution too far." - -"I do not mind what you say, Mr. Morgan," replied Emma, playfully, again -attempting to withdraw her hand from a clasp which she felt rather too -tender for a doctor. "I know you only speak professionally, and it is -your business to persuade those who listen to you that they are ill, -that you may have the satisfaction of making them believe you cure them -afterwards." - -"Fie, fie," replied he, tapping her on the arm, "I did not expect such -malice from you, fair Emma!" - -She decidedly drew her hand from his, and moved her chair away towards -the window, saying, as she did so, in a graver tone, - -"Remember _I_ have not placed myself under your power, Mr. Morgan, and -you have no business to attempt to mislead me." - -The rapidly decreasing light prevented his reading the expression of her -countenance; but he felt from her tone and action that _she_ would not -endure the small personal liberties in which some of his patients -permitted him. - -There was a pause, which she broke, by saying, - -"My sisters are a long time away, I must go to see for them." - -"No, pray stay another moment," cried he, rising too, as she rose. -"Allow me one moment more, one other word." - -She stopped; and he was silent for a minute, till she said, - -"Well, Mr. Morgan, what am I to stop for?" - -"Tell me," said he, "why you freeze me with that look and manner—did I -offend you with my remarks? is my friendship—the warm interest I feel -for you—is it unpleasant—or in what way have I sinned to deserve this -sudden check." - -She was excessively embarrassed, and mentally determined not to remain -in the dusk _tête-à-tête_ with a man again, at least, not with Mr. -Morgan: but this resolution, however good for the future, did not help -her at the present moment; when she was thus standing before him, and -under the unpleasant necessity of either admitting that she was -capricious, or allowing that she attached more importance than, perhaps, -it deserved to a trifling action on his part. Seeing that she hesitated, -he continued— - -"I will not press for an answer if it vexes you; and you must own -mentally, if not openly, that you judged me harshly. I forgive you, -convinced when you know me better, you will not do so again." - -He took her hand again, and was just in the act of putting his lips to -it, when the door opened suddenly, and several young ladies—whom in the -dusk she could hardly distinguish—burst into the room. - -"Is that you Margaret?" said one advancing, "that we have caught making -love in the dark—no, upon my honour it's Emma Watson and my brother! ha, -ha; so you are found out, James?" - -"Oh, it's not the first time that Miss Emma Watson has indulged your -brother in a _tête-à-tête_" cried a voice, which Emma recognised as -belonging to Miss Jenkins, a particular friend of Margaret's, towards -whom she felt a strong repugnance. "They have been found _out_ before -now—they are very fond of taking long walks together, aren't you, Mr. -Morgan—and carrying Janetta, too." - -It was too dark for the expression of any one's countenance to be seen, -so that the angry look with which Mr. Morgan received this attack, and -the confusion and distress which Emma betrayed, were alike invisible; -but could he have annihilated the young ladies who thus intruded, -including his sister, he would certainly have done it with pleasure. Any -answer, on his part, was prevented by the entrance of the party from the -dining-room with lights, when a general scene of confusion and -chattering followed, which concluded by a general invitation to the -young visitors to stay for tea, and have a little fun, to which they -readily assented. - -Tom Musgrove having eaten and drank soon made himself very agreeable to -the whole party, and after the tea and bread and butter were removed, he -proposed a game at blind man's buff, or hunt the slipper, to finish the -evening. The former was adopted, and a very noisy party it proved. Tom, -of course, was the first to be blinded, and, unless he contrived to see -out from under the handkerchief, the dexterity with which he avoided -catching Margaret, though she perpetually threw herself in his way, was -quite wonderful. His first victim was the younger Miss Morgan, a pretty, -giggling girl, who laughed so excessively, and twisted about so much, -that he had great difficulty in holding her at all, and it was only by -clasping his arm very tightly round her waist, that he succeeded in -keeping her prisoner. However, he named her rightly, and the -handkerchief was secured on her; her brother was the next—apparently he -threw himself in her way, whether because he disliked her going through -the process of catching and naming Mr. Musgrove was not quite certain. -Perhaps he wished himself to succeed her; he certainly was very -successful in catching prisoners, but made extraordinary blunders in -recognising them; never once hitting on the proper name, and, -consequently, having no right to make over the bandage to another. At -length, after several attempts, he succeeded in catching Emma herself. -She had not been able to avoid joining in the game, though it was not -much to her taste; but she took great pains to move about as quietly and -keep as much out of the way as possible. His ear, however, was quick at -detecting her light footstep, and, unknown to her, he had traced her -into a corner, where she was quietly resting, when he succeeded in -laying hold of her. As she neither struggled nor laughed, he knew -instantly who it was, and whilst he held her hand in his, and made -believe, as usual, to feel her features, and ascertain her identity, he -whispered, under cover of the noise which some of the other girls were -making, - -"Do you wish to be blinded, Emma Watson?" - -"Certainly not," replied she in the same tone, and he immediately -guessed her to be some one else, and with a gentle pressure of her hand -he let her go. - -Emma was very well pleased to escape, but she felt a half scruple at the -manner in which it was done, from the sort of private understanding -which Mr. Morgan assumed to exist between them. On turning away too, she -caught the malevolent eyes of Miss Jenkins fixed on her, and she could -not encounter their look without a feeling of embarrassment. Mr. Morgan -soon afterwards caught and rightly named Mrs. Watson herself, who in her -turn chased with great vigour but little success her different visitors. -The whole affair ended in a complete romp—the table was upset, chairs -thrown over, and Emma's gown narrowly escaped from a lighted candle, -which the dexterity of Mr. Morgan alone succeeded in averting. It was -now judged that they had enjoyed fun enough for one evening, and Emma, -wondering much at the taste which could select such an amusement, -retired to recover from the fatigue it occasioned. She had never seen -anything of the kind before, for the associates of her uncle and aunt -were very quiet people, and she had been quite ignorant of the extent to -which liveliness might be carried when unchecked by the restraints of -good breeding. - -It was a very unexpected pleasure to her, to receive the next morning a -letter from Miss Osborne, containing an announcement that the day for -her wedding was fixed and that it was to be celebrated in about three -weeks. She hoped Emma would be able to keep her promise and spend some -time with them whilst at Osborne Castle, but she did not assign any -particular time as the date of their visit. - -Margaret likewise had her share of excitement and pleasure. It appeared -that Tom Musgrove had come down with serious intentions of persuading -her to marry on the same day as Sir William Gordon and Miss Osborne had -fixed on. To be distinguished, and to appear connected with the great, -was so completely the object of his life, that he did not like even to -fix a day for his own wedding entirely with regard to his own -convenience, and now he was determined to make it as important as the -reflected grandeur of Miss Osborne and her noble family could do. - -The credit of this idea, however, was not entirely due to him; it was -suggested originally by Sir William himself. Miss Osborne, who could not -feel quite happy or at her ease with regard to his steadiness of -purpose, until the ceremony had actually passed, which would make it -certain that her testimony would never be required, induced Sir William -Gordon to question him as to when he intended to marry, and though he -found Tom's ideas rather vague and unsettled on the subject, he had not -much difficulty in persuading him of the advantage of fixing on the same -day as their own. The notion delighted Mr. Musgrove, and he immediately -determined to run down to Croydon and make the proposal at once. - -"Well, Margaret," said he, the morning after his arrival, "since it -seems we must be married sooner or later, do you see any good in delay?" - -Margaret simpered and blushed, and did not know very well which way to -look or what to say. - -"I say," continued he, "there is no use in wasting time, when the thing -must be done—unless, indeed, you have changed your mind." - -"Oh dear no, Tom," cried Margaret, "mine is a mind not lightly to be -changed—you know that much, I am sure, of me." - -"Miss Osborne is to married this day three weeks," observed Tom, "to my -friend Sir William Gordon, and he was proposing to me that we should -celebrate ours on the same day. I should rather like it, I own, as they -are such particular friends of mine, and we are going to the same -county. They come down to Osborne Castle for their honey-moon, and we -_might_; indeed of course we _should_ be asked up there on our wedding." - -"Oh delightful, Tom," cried Margaret, perfectly enchanted at the -prospect, and in the rapture of the view, quite overlooking the coolness -of her lover's manner, and the total absence of even any pretence of -affection. "I should like that of all things, only perhaps I might have -some difficulty in getting my wedding things ready in time; to be sure, -as I must wear mourning I should not want much just at first, but a gown -and hat—what should my gown be, dear Tom?" - -"Hang your gown! what do I know about your gown? or what has that got to -do with it; but women always make such a confounded fuss about their -gowns and their petticoats. I say, will you marry me this day three -weeks?—because, if you will not, you may just let it alone, for any -thing I care." - -"You are always so funny, Tom," said Margaret trying to laugh; "I never -know what you will say next. But you do hurry and flurry one so, asking -in that sort of off-hand way—upon my word I do not know what to -answer—what can I say to him, Jane—is he not odd?" - -"For heaven's sake, Mrs. Watson, do try and persuade Margaret to act -with a little common sense, if she has such a commodity in her brain," -cried Tom, impatiently. - -"Really," simpered Mrs. Watson, "you are the most unlover-like lover -that ever I saw—if I were you, Margaret, I would tease him unceasingly -for these speeches. I would say him nay, and nay, and nay again, before -I would give him his own way." - -"Oh! I am not so very cruel," said Margaret, "he knows my disposition, -and how much he may venture on with me." - -"Well, when you have made up your mind, let me know," said he, settling -himself in an easy chair, and pretending to drop asleep. - -"Upon my word, Margaret," said Mrs. Watson, "he gives himself precious -airs—would I submit to such a thing from any man in the world—no, -indeed—I would see the whole sex annihilated first, that I would." - -"Do not be so dreadfully severe, Mrs. Watson," said Tom, without -unclosing his eyes, "Allow me to enjoy my last few days of liberty; when -I have taken to myself a wife, where will my domestic freedom be?" - -"Impudent fellow," said Mrs. Watson, going up and pretending to pat his -cheek; he caught her hand and told her in return, she was his prisoner -now, and must pay the penalty of the box on the ear, which she had so -deliberately bestowed on him. She giggled exceedingly, and he was -insisting on his right, when Robert entered the room and said, in a cool -off-hand way: - -"I suppose, Margaret, Musgrove has told you he wants to marry this day -three weeks, and as I presume, you have no objection, I have resolved to -get the settlements in hand immediately. I suppose you have not much to -do in the way of preparation, have you?" - -"Well, I suppose, as you all come upon me so suddenly, there is nothing -for me to do but to submit," said Margaret, "and really, I see no harm -in it. Of course you will have the marriage put in the newspapers; it -must be sent to 'The Morning Post,' Tom." - -"I have no objection," observed the ardent lover. - -"Well then, Jane, I suppose I had better be seeing about my gown and -wedding clothes—will you come with me and help me choose some dresses, -Tom?" - -"Not I, by Jove! what do I know about dresses, I tell you!—it's all -woman's nonsense, and I will have nothing to do with it. I believe if a -woman were dying, her only care would be to secure a handsome shawl—and -the idea of a plain funeral would break her heart." - -"Don't be so dreadfully severe, Tom," interposed Mrs. Watson again, "you -are a naughty, spiteful, ill-tempered satirist, and we must teach you -better manners before we have done with you." - -"Beyond a question you will soon do that," returned he, "I already feel -wonderfully humbled and penitent, from sitting with you for the last -hour; and what I shall arrive at, after being your brother for a -twelvemonth, can only be guessed at now." - -Margaret and Jane soon afterwards set off on the important business of -looking for wedding dresses, and purchasing more clothes than she would -know what to do with, whilst obliged to wear her deep mourning—a -circumstance which was particularly distressing to Margaret—who, whilst -anxious to make a very splendid figure in her new establishment, was -perpetually checked in her aspirations by the remembrance that she must, -for many months, continue to wear black. It was, however, a great -delight to her to think that she should be married almost as soon as -Penelope, and before Elizabeth; but, since her own good luck was now -certain, she felt no particular envy of either of her elder sisters; -for, though she could not help seeing that Elizabeth's establishment, -house and carriage, would be more expensive and grand than her own, she -did not think that she would have given up the independence and idleness -of Tom's situation as a gentleman, for the large income and luxuries -accompanying the brewer's occupation. - -Emma looked on and wondered at Margaret's state of contentment under the -indifference and contemptuous treatment which her lover bestowed on her. -_She_ would not have borne it for a single hour; but Margaret seemed to -feel nothing of it—and her own foolish and caressingly fond ways, were -enough to disgust a sensible man altogether. - -He did not mean to remain more than a couple of days; and, during that -time, Mrs. Watson took care to occupy each evening with a party of young -people; a most judicious arrangement, which saved an immense deal of -unwilling labour and unnecessary love-making. The Morgans, the Millars, -and many others, joined them—and they had country dances and reels -enough to tire many indefatigable dancers. Emma continued to refuse to -dance; and, as the ladies out-numbered the gentlemen, she was less -tempted to break her resolution. In consequence of this, she was, on the -second evening, for a good while left quite alone, until Mr. Morgan, -declaring himself quite knocked up, took refuge in the corner where she -was sitting and engaged her in an agreeable conversation. - -They were not discussing any thing very remarkable, but Emma was amused -and lively, when she heard Miss Jenkins say, in reply to something: - -"Oh! no doubt, Emma Watson finds it quite agreeable to sit out—no great -sacrifice there, I fancy! She takes every opportunity of throwing -herself in somebody's way!" - -It was said so loud that there could be no doubt but that it was -intended for them to hear, and from the quick glance round, and the -elevation of eyebrows which followed it on his part, it was evident it -had not failed of its object. Emma wished she could have stopped the -blood which rushed to her face and coloured her cheeks so deeply; but -she could neither conceal her feelings nor command her voice -sufficiently to finish her sentence, for she felt that Mr. Morgan's eyes -were fixed on her with a keen, scrutinizing glance, which seemed to read -her thoughts in a moment. When Miss Jenkins was out of hearing, he -observed very quietly, - -"I think, Miss Emma, you have not been brought up in a country town?" - -"No, indeed," said Emma. - -"You seem peculiarly unfitted to continue in one, with any comfort or -peace of mind," continued he. - -"Indeed—I doubt whether I am to take that as a compliment or the -reverse," replied Emma smiling a little. - -"I never pay compliments," said he, "but if you want to know why I think -so, learn that I can see you mind being talked about, dislike gossip and -scandal, and have no taste for romping or noise: therefore you are -unfitted for a resident in a country town!" - -"You are _not_ complimentary to-night, Mr. Morgan; what has put you out -of humour with your fellow towns-women?" - -"I assure you I feel most amiably disposed towards them all, especially -those who by dancing to-night have left me at liberty to converse with -you. They are all charming chatterers, and delightful dancers, and -equally exquisite, enlightened, eloquent and endearing." - -"Your compliments are rather equivocal, Mr. Morgan, I do not know that I -should like such problematic praises." - -"_You_—you need not be afraid, I should never think of applying such -terms to you—did I not begin with observing that you were not brought up -in a country town." - -"There are some people I have observed," said Emma thoughtfully, "who -always hold the society in which they happen to move very cheap, because -they have an unfortunate power of vision which enables them alone to see -the weak, the ridiculous, the faulty side of things." - -"Thank you—do not find fault with my compliments after that speech—I -never made one more severe." - -"I beg your pardon," replied she colouring deeply. "Perhaps it did sound -a little harsh." - -"Yes, I am deeply indebted to you for your good opinion—you probably -suppose me incapable of appreciating the beautiful and excellent when I -meet it, because I am alive to the follies, the littleness, and the -absurdities of those amongst whom I am forced to mix—some day I trust -you will judge me better." - -He understood Emma's character completely—the idea that she had been -harsh in her speech, and that he felt hurt by her injustice, was -decidedly the most likely thing to produce kindness and conciliatory -manners to make it up. He assumed an air and tone of injured innocence -which quite touched her, for straightforward and artless herself, she -never suspected he was only acting. She wanted him to speak again, but -he was determined to leave it to her to make that effort, and he partly -drew back and turned his chair slightly away, as if he had not courage -again to address her. She renewed the conversation by enquiring whether -he had long been resident in the town—the soft tone of her voice -immediately drew him back to his former position, and he began to tell -her that he had come to Croydon about fifteen years before, that like -herself he had lived in his youth in the country, and the only towns he -had previously been acquainted with were Oxford and London. - -"Like yourself too," continued he, "I came here frank and -open-hearted—ready to place the best construction on anything I saw or -heard, and believing that the neighbourhood would do as much for me. -Experience has taught me a very different lesson; but perhaps nothing -but experience will do. With the consciousness of the amount it cost me -to buy my knowledge with suffering, I sometimes idly think of saving -others by my cautions from a similar expense of feeling, but it is -vain—and I do not think I shall make the attempt again." - -"And so," said Emma, after a short pause, "you think me ungrateful and -self-willed, because I do not like to hear whole-sale depreciation of -your fellow-townspeople." - -"I certainly will be wiser another time, and keep my opinion to myself," -replied he still in a proud and injured tone. - -"Well, I do not like to seem ungracious, and if you really wanted to -give me advice—your superior age and experience certainly entitle you to -form an opinion, and to be listened to with deference. So if you speak -for my good, I will attend—but do not be too bitter, or I shall rebel -again." - -"I only wished to caution you against the spirit of prying curiosity and -foolish censoriousness, which seems indigenous amongst the inhabitants -of a small town." - -"And you thought me likely to fall into a similar error, did you?" -enquired she simply. - -"You, my dear girl, no indeed; but I thought you likely to be the victim -to this spirit, unless you took care and were cautioned against it." - -"If I do nothing wrong," said Emma, "nothing blameworthy, how can there -be any danger that I shall incur censure? I hope I shall not provoke -enmity in any way." - -"That will be a vain and illusive hope," replied he earnestly; "there is -too much about you to provoke ill-will, for your conduct to be regarded -with a friendly eye. Youth and beauty have innumerable enemies in a -place like this; your superior education, your acquaintance, I may say -intimacy, with those very much above your present associates in rank, -your frank and confiding disposition, all expose you to enmity and envy -of the most malignant kind." - -"You will make me quite unhappy, Mr. Morgan, if you talk in that way. I -cannot believe that those I see around me are so very wicked; and why -should any one try to injure a portionless orphan like myself." - -"Because they are not all possessed of the generous feelings and high -principles which form such a charm in that helpless and portionless -orphan—and which, when joined to her personal beauty, endow her more -richly than the wealthiest of all our townsmen's daughters." - -"I cannot help hoping that your warnings are not more sincere than your -compliments, and then I shall have the less to fear, Mr. Morgan," -replied Emma, smiling. - -"I wish you would give me credit for sincerity, Miss Watson; it is -disheartening to find myself constantly doubted. I shall give you up in -despair. Look beautiful and merry—prove yourself lively and amusing—wear -becoming bonnets—pretty gowns—and well-made shoes, and you will soon not -have a female friend in the town." - -"This _must_ be your prejudice—or you are quizzing me. I cannot believe -that bonnets and shoes have anything to do with female friends." - -"You will persist in judging every one by yourself, and you cannot set -up a more erroneous standard. Do you suppose that _your_ wardrobe will -be less commented on than your neighbours. Does Miss Tomson make any one -a new bonnet without its being known and abused by all the owner's most -intimate friends." - -"But you must be wrong," said Emma; "it is impossible that all can be -watched over in that way; we do not know a great many people who live -here; even my sister does not; and why should I suppose that I am so -conspicuous a personage?" - -"The inhabitants of the town," said Mr. Morgan, "are divided into many -different sets, it is true; they move in different circles, and there is -no mixture; but the individuals of each class have their eyes constantly -fixed on those above as well as those equal with themselves; the former, -that they may imitate their actions; the latter, that they may detect -the first symptom of mounting to a higher circle. They have likewise to -detect and repress the first encroachment from the ranks beneath them, -so that you see each individual has her attention fully occupied in this -perpetual watching." - -"You must be exaggerating, Mr. Morgan; I trust you are, at least." - -"Do you want a proof of the jealousy and exclusive spirit which reigns -amongst them? look into the church. There, where men and women ought, if -ever, to meet as equals, what do you see?—the aristocratic classes—those -who have their carriages and horses to bring them to their Sunday -devotions, who have their comfortable and elegant dwellings out of the -town, have likewise their comfortable pews for lounging through their -prayers—their cushions, their carpets, their footstools, that they may -not be too much fatigued by worship—their curtains, too, lest the vulgar -gaze should distress their modesty, or intrude on their privacy. Then -come the townspeople—the higher classes, those in professions, or, -perhaps, in business, on a large scale, like George Millar, or the -Greenes. These have their cushions and carpets, but are forced to forego -the privacy of curtains, for which they make up by the superior -brilliancy of their pew linings, and the elegance of the fringe drapery, -which hangs down in front of the galleries. Inferior classes are forced -to sit on benches without cushions, whilst the poorest of all may enjoy -what comfort they can on the hard open seats in the stone aisle." - -Emma looked thoughtful, but did not answer. - -"You must admit the truth of my description," continued he; "there is -sufficient stuff expended on the galleries of that church to have -clothed half the children in the parish school." - -"I am sorry that you should have the power of saying such things, Mr. -Morgan, or that I cannot contradict them. Have you ever made an effort -to procure a reform?" - -"Reform, no—do you suppose I should even hint at such plain truths to a -native of the town? do you imagine I impart my opinions on the subject -indiscriminately? no, indeed—my popularity, such as it is, would be soon -blown away were I to venture to contradict all their dearest prejudices. -It is a far better plan to tell Miss Jenkins that she looks like an -angel in the sky, when sitting in her blue pew, or to hint to old Mrs. -Adams, that the crimson moreen gives quite a juvenile glow to her -complexion." - -"In short," said Emma, gravely, "to encourage people's weaknesses in -order to gain their good will." - -"Precisely so—it is the only way to live at peace with all the world; at -least, the world of Croydon; why should I risk their repose and mine, by -voluntarily encountering them on their hobbies. Follow my advice, my -dear Miss Watson, and make the best of those you meet with here." - -They were interrupted by the conclusion of the dance; and Mr. Morgan -thought it best to move away. He left Emma thoughtful and dispirited; -and as he watched her from a distance, he was quite satisfied with the -general expression of her countenance. - -Her next neighbour was Mr. Alfred Freemantle, who threw himself into the -chair Mr. Morgan had vacated, and began a series of enquiries as to who -Mr. Tom Musgrove might be, and whether it was really true that her -sister Margaret was on the point of marriage with him? Emma soon grew -tired of his "bald, disjointed chat," and moved away; she was met by -Mrs. Turner. - -"My dear child," cried she, catching hold of both her arms, "I have been -wanting to speak to you this age, but I would not interrupt you whilst -you were talking to that pleasant man, Mr Morgan—yes, what a nice man he -is, ain't he, dear? Now I did not mean to make you blush; but take care, -don't flirt with him too much, because it may mean nothing, you know, -there's no saying. But I wanted to tell you how excessively I am -delighted with your sister, and how glad I am that she is to marry -George. Poor girl, I dare say she is glad of it too; young women like to -be married; but then I don't know where you could find a nicer young -woman than Elizabeth—or one that would suit my son better. Now, I don't -mean that as any reflection upon you, my dear, on the contrary, so never -mind what I say." - -"I assure you, madam, what you say of my sister gives me sincere -pleasure, and I could not, I hope, be so unreasonable as to expect you -to regard us in the same light. It is a great happiness when the friends -on each side are equally satisfied with any projected marriage." - -"Very true, my dear, I agree with what you say; yes, Elizabeth is a -charming girl, and much better suited to my son-in-law than you would be -perhaps—so we ought to be satisfied on all sides, as you say." - -"I am certain she will make a most excellent wife," replied Emma warmly. - -"And who do you mean to marry, my dear? Suppose you were to tell me now, -I would promise not to tell any one." - -"I have not made up my mind yet," said Emma laughing a little; "but I -will let you know as soon as I can." - -"Don't try for Mr. Morgan, my dear, he will only disappoint you—do not -trust him too far; you had better not." - -"Mr. Morgan, my dear madam," repeated Emma almost laughing outright, -"why he is quite an old man! old enough to be my father I am sure. No, -no, I will lay no snares for Mr. Morgan; I am sure if I did the ladies -of Croydon would never forgive me." - -"I dare say not—but indeed I do not think he deserves you, my dear; I -know things of him which I will not tell you; but don't let him make you -in love with him." - -Emma only smiled at this warning, and the breaking up of the party at -the moment prevented her hearing more on the subject from Mrs. Turner. - -Tom Musgrove did not stay longer than he had originally proposed, but -the next time he came everything was to be ready for the wedding, and -Margaret was in such high spirits at the prospect, as plainly showed -that she had quite forgotten the unpleasant difficulties which had -previously interfered with this happy consummation. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - -Emma had often wondered that she had heard no more from Lady Fanny -Allston. She knew she had been ill, but did not apprehend that her -illness was of so serious a nature as necessarily to cause this long -delay. But she was at length surprised one day by receiving from her -ladyship's housekeeper an abrupt and rather uncivil note, completely -breaking off the negotiation. There was something in the tone of the -announcement which hurt her exceedingly, and she was in a very -uncomfortable frame of mind when she walked out that afternoon with -Janetta, for she had lately resumed this custom. She took her little -charge into some meadows to look for primroses and violets on the sunny -banks, and whilst the child was busy plucking all she could find, Emma -herself sat down on the stump of a tree to try and discover the meaning -of this communication. She had nothing, however, to guide her -conjectures; there was no clue in the note, and she was forced to remain -satisfied with the conclusion that her ladyship was capricious and had -changed her mind. - -Whilst occupied in considering this subject, she was startled by -footsteps, and she looked up with a sort of fearful expectation that she -should see Mr. Morgan; it was not however the doctor who presented -himself, but Mr. Bridge, the clergyman, whom she had formerly met at the -Millars'. He took off his hat with a very respectful bow, and addressed -her with an air of politeness and courtesy which pleased her -exceedingly. After a slight remark on the bright day and the beauty of -the scenery, he passed on a few steps, and Emma supposed he was going to -leave her; suddenly however he seemed to change his mind, and surprised -her by returning to her side. He enquired if she was intending to sit -there long, as he feared it must be damp and unsafe. - -"I do not perceive any damp, sir," replied she; "and it is so pleasant I -am unwilling to think it can be dangerous." - -"That is not a rule," he replied smiling a little, and then gravely -shaking his head; "many things extremely agreeable are invisibly -surrounded with risks and dangers. It is a common-place remark I -acknowledge, but one which is as constantly forgotten, as it is -frequently enforced. Young people like yourself are particularly apt to -slight it—but if you would bear with an old man—" - -He paused and regarded her with a look of interest, which she noticed, -and finding he hesitated, she ventured to say with warmth and -earnestness, - -"Pray go on, sir; if you think me in need of caution, I will listen with -the attention and reverence which is every way your due." - -"I have been interested for you, my dear young lady, not only by your -own sweet and ingenuous countenance, your misfortunes and your -unprotected situation, but by the representations of my young friend -Annie Millar, and I feel that whilst you reside under my pastoral care, -I should not be doing my duty were I not to exert myself to save you -from inconveniences which you may perhaps be very innocently entailing -on yourself." - -Emma coloured and felt quite astonished at this address, the purport of -which she could not guess, but after a moment's hesitation, she begged -Mr. Bridge to proceed without ceremony; if he had any censure to bestow -on her, she would listen and feel obliged. - -"It is not censure, it is only a caution I wish to give you—I mean with -regard to your intimacy with Mr. Morgan: you probably do not know his -character, nor is it necessary that you should learn minute particulars; -I am sure it will be enough for you to hear that he is not a safe -companion for a young woman of your age and appearance." - -"I think you must be under some misapprehension," replied Emma -surprised; "there is nothing between us which can warrant the -appellation of intimacy. He visits my sister-in-law, and as her visitor -only I have known him." - -"I had hoped," replied Mr. Bridge gravely, "to have met with more -candour from you; I am under a very great mistake, if you have not on -several occasions met him when walking only with that little girl, and -allowed him to walk with you for a long time. Is it not so?" - -"That is perfectly true—but the meetings were quite accidental," said -Emma. - -"So far as you were concerned, I can believe it; but the world will only -know that you were seen walking _tête-à-tête_ with a man of known bad -principles and immoral conduct; and more than that, he has been found -with you in the drawing-room alone, and you have passed many hours in -his company when visiting in other houses." - -"I was not aware," said Emma, perfectly astonished at the charge; "that -my actions could have thus been the subject of comment and inspection; -but what you say, though perfectly true in itself, is capable of a very -different interpretation—will you listen to my defence?" - -"Certainly, my dear child," replied he, pleased at the frank and -respectful manner with which she addressed him. - -"I met Mr. Morgan at Mr. Millar's, and there I saw him received into the -society of respectable women—he visited at my sister-in-law's house, and -was, evidently, in her confidence; he proposed to her to procure me a -situation as governess to Lady Fanny Allston's little girl, and my -brother perfectly approved of the negotiation. It was the interest he -took in this plan, which produced the appearance of intimacy which you -reprobate; it was to discuss this subject, that he joined me in my -walks; but, as I did not like the appearance of clandestine intercourse, -I mentioned the occurrence to my brother and sister-in-law; and to avoid -him, I refused, for some time, to walk out without some other companion -than my niece. Latterly, I have seen less of him; and it is a fortnight -or more since we last met out walking. Had I known him to be a man of -bad principles, as you say he is, I would never have allowed him to -interfere in my affairs—but how could I suspect that, when I found Mrs. -Watson treated him with perfect confidence?—and he was evidently courted -and caressed by nearly all the women of my acquaintance in Croydon." - -"Those who know him best, have most reason to say it is unsafe for you -to associate with him; they know of what he is capable, and are most -shocked, of course, at your breach of conventional etiquette. I am sorry -to say that you are right in your assertion that he is courted and -caressed by women in general. In spite of his character, his manners -make him popular, and many weak-minded women encourage him in conduct -which flatters their vanity, by demonstrating admiration for their -mental and personal charms. But those who act thus, are severe judges of -others. But tell me, are you really going to Lady Fanny Allston's on his -recommendation?" - -"No—her ladyship has suddenly—and not very civilly—broken off the -negotiation." - -"I am glad of it, my dear; it would have been very undesirable that you -should go there, throwing yourself completely in the way of that man; it -must have been his object. Poor girl; any thing would be better than -that." - -Emma was silent and thoughtful. - -"If you have any resolution and strength of mind," continued he, "I -advise you by every means, to shun the neighbourhood of this dangerous -man. The struggle may be painful, but depend upon it, it will be less so -by far, than the consequences of indulging in your predilection for -him." - -"I do not think that the danger you apprehend for me, really exists," -replied Emma, looking up suddenly. - -He shook his head. - -"The young are always confident," said he, "but, if you build your hopes -on any degree of affection, which Morgan may have manifested, believe me -you are building on a quicksand, and you will as surely find yourself -deceived as his other victims!" - -"You quite misunderstand me," replied Emma, very earnestly; "I would not -dare to boast myself more infallible than other young women, but I do -not think I shall be put to the proof. I never had an idea, for a -moment, that Mr. Morgan entertained towards me any other than such -friendly feelings as you do yourself. It seemed to me very kind in him -to interest himself for an orphan—but it was a kindness which his age -appeared to warrant. For, though not quite so old as yourself, sir, he -is old enough to be my father; and I fancied it was with something of a -paternal feeling that he regarded me. As to my own sentiments towards -him, I certainly felt grateful at first—but latterly, there has been, I -own, once or twice, a something in his manner which made me suspicious -of his principles, and induced me to shun private intercourse with him. -Do I speak in a way to convince you of candour, or do you mistrust my -confession, and doubt my word?" - -"I think I will venture to trust you—but I must still repeat my -warning—take care of yourself, and do not allow him to hurt your -reputation. You have enemies in Croydon, my dear." - -"I, sir! how is that possible?—and yet, Mr. Morgan hinted the same to -me!" - -"There, for once, he spoke truth, whatever may have been his motive. But -you are watched—whether from simple curiosity, malice or envy, your -movements have been traced, and are spitefully commented on. It was in -that way, that I heard of your walks with him; and meeting you here, I -could not resist warning you. I rather wonder we have seen nothing of -him, for I saw him following me as I took this path; perhaps he is -waiting till I leave you." - -"Would it be too much trouble for you to see me safe home?" said Emma -anxiously, "I should be so very much obliged if you would." - -Mr. Bridge readily assented; and calling Janetta, they turned towards -the town. - -At one of the stiles they met the individual in question; he had, -apparently, been watching them; but though, perhaps, disappointed at the -result of their conference, he came forward with a bow and a smile, the -most insinuating, to hand Emma over it. Mr. Bridge observed gaily, that -he feared he was grown too old for gallantry, and he must not wonder if -such agreeable offices were taken out of his hands by men younger and -more alert. The hand which Mr. Morgan held, he seemed unwilling to -relinquish, but drew it under his arm with an appearance of considering -it his right to support and guide her. At another time she might hardly -have noticed this, but with Mr. Bridge's warnings ringing in her ears, -she could not permit it to continue. Resolutely she drew away her hand -and turned towards the stile to enquire whether the elder gentleman -required any assistance. Mr. Morgan fixed his piercing eyes on her with -an enquiring look, as if to demand why his attentions were thus -repulsed; but he could not catch her eye, and he was forced to content -himself with walking quietly by her side. - -"I want particularly to speak to you, Miss Watson," said he presently in -a low tone, as if wishing to avoid her companion's notice. - -"I am quite at liberty to listen to you," replied Emma turning towards -him. - -"It is on your own affairs," said he as if hesitating, and glancing -towards Mr. Bridge; "I do not know how far it might be pleasant for you -to have a third person made conversant with them." - -"If it relates to the business with Lady Fanny," answered Emma aloud, "I -have just been talking the matter over with Mr. Bridge, and he can -therefore quite enter into the subject now." - -"It does relate to that affair, and I am sorry—exceedingly sorry—that I -should be the means of occasioning you any disappointment, but I fear -your hopes—I might say _our_ hopes in that quarter are all overthrown." - -"I am aware of that, Mr. Morgan," said Emma calmly; "I received a note -to that effect this morning, and your intelligence therefore is no shock -to me; I feel much obliged for the zeal you have shown in my favour, but -on the whole I am as well satisfied that things should be as they are." - -"Satisfied!" cried he looking at her. "You cannot really mean that! the -loss of such a prospect may be nothing to you, but the reason—that is -the evil." - -"I had no reason assigned me," replied Emma, "and only concluded that -her ladyship had changed her mind, which of course she had full right to -do." - -Mr. Morgan looked at her with an air as if he would penetrate her brain. - -"I am so sorry," said he presently, "so very sorry that I have been the -means of leading you into this very unpleasant situation. But for me you -would never have met this repulse: I am vexed indeed!" - -"Do not take it so much to heart," replied Emma more gaily than she -felt, "for after all it is only what any young woman in my situation -might expect—a few repulses will serve to teach me humility." - -"Aye, if you needed the lesson; but the reason is so very—" - -He stopped abruptly. - -"What is the reason?" asked Emma. "I told you I knew of none." - -"If you really do not, you had better not force me to say it; though you -cannot for a moment imagine that I believe there is a word of truth in -Lady Fanny's assertion—she must have been so completely misinformed." - -"I really should be obliged to you to be explicit," replied Emma -earnestly; "you admit that you know the reasons—I must insist on knowing -them likewise." - -"I am unwilling to pain you, my dear Miss Emma." - -"Then you should not have alluded to them at all; you cannot wonder if I -now consider myself entitled to learn what these mysterious reasons -are." - -He drew out his pocket-book and took thence a note, which he placed in -her hand, saying, - -"If it offends or affronts you, do not blame _me_ for it." - -Emma opened and read a short note from Lady Fanny to Mr. Morgan, stating -that having heard various very discreditable reports concerning the -young person he had named to her, she must beg to decline all further -intercourse with her. Emma's cheeks glowed as she read the lines in -question; but she said not a word. Quietly she re-folded the note and -returned it to Mr. Morgan. He was eagerly watching her, and as he took -it from her hand, he detained her fingers one moment, and stooping -whispered, - -"You cannot think how grieved I am thus to pain you." - -"It is quite as well that I should know it," she replied very calmly; -and then a silence of some minutes ensued. They had reached the garden -gate before any one spoke again: she turned to Mr. Bridge before -entering, and whilst holding out her hand to him, said in a low voice, -"I am _very_ much obliged to you; may I have a little further -conversation with you another day?" - -"Certainly, whenever you wish; when can I see you?" - -"I should like to see you alone," she replied. - -"Then I will manage it—depend on me to-morrow." - -He then warmly shook hands, patted Janetta's shoulder and walked off, -concluding that Mr. Morgan would do so too. But here he was mistaken, -that gentleman having no intention of retiring so quickly. He had opened -the gate for Emma and stood leaning against it, till she turned and -prepared to pass, but then he laid his hand on her arm, and whilst -closing the gate upon them both, attempted to draw her a little on one -side where a thick screen of filberts concealed them from the house. - -"Come here, my dear girl," said he in a tone of familiarity which -affronted Emma; "I thought that old humbug was never going to leave us: -it's too bad to be beset in that way." - -"Have you anything to say to me, Mr. Morgan?" replied Emma in a freezing -tone; "because I must beg, if you have no particular reason, that you -will not detain me here." - -"I beg your pardon—I quite forgot," returned he in a very different -tone; "I am taking a liberty which nothing but my interest in you can -excuse." He then withdrew his hand from her arm, but still stood in her -path. "The fact is, my indignation at the slanderous tongues of our -neighbours made me quite forget everything else; do you know the meaning -of that note I showed you—the nature of the reports and their -originator?" - -"I know simply what I read there," returned Emma, "and unless the -subject is one of immediate importance, I must decline to discuss _now_ -and _here_ the cause of Lady Fanny's determination." - -"Well, perhaps you are right, but I hardly expected that my warnings to -you the other night would so soon be realised; they have not scrupled to -make mischief of our meeting when out walking, and the report has -reached Lady Fanny's ears." - -"If that is the case, Mr. Morgan," replied Emma, her face flushing with -indignation, and her voice almost uncontrollably trembling from emotion, -"if you _know_ that to be the case, I wonder that kindness, courtesy, -nay, the common feelings of a gentleman, do not prompt you to avoid -giving countenance to such reports, by forcing yourself on my privacy, -and intruding even here on my home. I command you to let me pass this -instant, and I desire that I may not again be disturbed by a similar -encounter." - -He did not dare dispute her command for a moment, as she stood with her -slight and graceful figure drawn up, and her speaking face turned on him -in indignation; he drew aside, and with a very low bow allowed her to -pass, and follow Janetta, who had trotted up towards the house. He -looked after her in an attitude of despair, but it was lost on Emma, who -never turned her head, or cast one relenting glance behind, but walked -straight into the house. In fact she felt very angry, and her anger -increased the more she thought of what had passed: it seemed to her as -if he sought to place her in equivocal situations, and rather wished -that she might compromise her reputation. Compared with the kindness of -Mr. Bridge, his professed friendship and zeal appeared hollow and -unsatisfactory; and now that she found she had another friend, she -looked her difficulties more firmly in the face, and determined not to -endeavour to escape from one set of evils by risking another. Still, -when she thought of the words of Mr. Bridge, so sadly corroborated by -Mr. Morgan himself, she could not help a sigh and a shudder. - -She wished to ask his advice as to what she had better do, but at the -same time she tried to form an opinion for herself, and questioned her -own mind as to what was her duty on this occasion. To avoid all -intercourse with Mr. Morgan, and let the slanders die a natural death -from want of food to sustain them, appeared to her the safest course, -and she hoped Mr. Bridge would agree with her. She would gladly have -left the place had it been possible, but just at present there seemed no -chance of an escape. When the time of her promised visit to Osborne -Castle arrived, what a happiness it would be! She lay awake many hours -that night thinking over all the difficulties in her path, and planning -how she could surmount them. One idea weighed most strongly in her mind; -it was, would Mr. Howard be at all likely to hear any report concerning -her, and would he believe it if he did. She wished she could imagine he -would hear of her at all; only from Miss Osborne had she received any -news of his proceedings, and she feared that their intercourse was -brought to an end for ever. How she might have viewed Mr. Morgan and his -attentions but for her previous acquaintance with Mr. Howard, she could -not tell, but she mentally compared the two men now, not a little to the -disadvantage of the former; and she felt persuaded that she could never -care for another, unless she were to meet with one who possessed all the -good qualities of Mr. Howard, and was better acquainted with his own -mind. For, totally in the dark as to the reason why Mr. Howard had -suddenly withdrawn his attentions, and recollecting well the many little -signs which had escaped him of a more than ordinary interest, she only -concluded that he had, on further acquaintance, found her different from -what he wished, and that he had changed his mind and views accordingly. -She little knew that at this time he was suffering from a constant, -unceasing regret, and dwelling on their past intercourse as the most -precious and delightful period of his life. - -It was with a heavy head, and a heavier heart, that she went through her -daily routine the next morning, hearing Janetta her alphabet, setting -her sewing, and reading to her; she had great difficulty in getting -through with it, and could hardly fix her thoughts for five minutes on -the business on which she was employed. In the course of the morning, -Janetta was sent for to the drawing-room, and returned in about ten -minutes radiant with joy. Emma, who had lain down on the bed for a few -minutes, and was just closing her weary eyes in a doze, was suddenly -roused by the news that Mr. Bridge had come to ask Janetta to go to see -his garden, and that he was now waiting for them to accompany him home. - -Mindful of his promise, he had called on Mrs. Watson, and after -observing that he had met her little girl gathering flowers, he begged -she might come and see some of the beautiful violets and anemonies in -his garden. Mrs. Watson, delighted at the civility to herself, which she -discovered in any attention to her child, assented most readily, and -Emma had now to rouse herself as well as she could to accompany her -young charge. - -She felt so totally unequal to any exertion, that even her sense of the -kindness manifested by Mr. Bridge, and the interest he shewed in her, -was hardly sufficient to produce the energy requisite for the occasion. -Her languid movements, and the heavy eyelids immediately caught the -attention of the kind old man; but sensible how little sympathy her -sufferings would probably excite in the mind of her selfish -sister-in-law, he made no comment until they were not only out of the -house, but safely hidden amidst the picturesque shrubberies which -enclosed the parsonage. Then kindly taking her hand and looking -half-smiling, half-sadly in her face, he said: - -"I am afraid, poor girl, you have been fretting about what you learnt -yesterday, and that you feel it more deeply than you expected to do." - -"I have been thinking a great deal about it, I allow," replied Emma, -"and more about what Mr. Morgan said yesterday after you left me. But -surely you cannot be surprised at my dejection, when you consider the -various difficulties which present themselves in my path." - -"I cannot help a small suspicion," replied he, with a sort of cunning -little smile, but which he speedily checked, "that you feel some regret -about Mr. Morgan himself." - -"No, you do me injustice; but on such a subject, professions are -perfectly useless, and I shall not attempt to make them. To break off my -intercourse with him will cost me nothing; but what does really depress -and annoy me, is the terrible idea than any slanderous reports should -have been circulated concerning that intercourse. He told me the story -had reached Lady Fanny Allston, and that it was for _that_ reason she -had so abruptly concluded all negotiation with me." - -"Very likely; her ladyship is the greatest gossip in existence, and has -a regular supply of the town news and scandal, extracted from the -butcher and baker, by her own maid, for her own private amusement." - -"But if the story has travelled so far, how much farther may it not -spread—I shall lose my character altogether, and with it all chance of -earning an independent livelihood, and what will become of me?" - -Her lip quivered, tears burst from her eyes, and her whole frame was -visibly agitated, to such a degree, that Mr. Bridge feared a fit of -hysterics would ensue. Emma, however, made a determined effort to -conquer her emotion, and after two or three minutes, succeeded so far as -to resume an air of calmness, though it was some time before she could -speak again. - -"My dear girl," said the clergyman, compassionately, "you must not give -way to despondency—remember from whence your trials come, and you will -become calmer and stronger in the contemplation. You do not seem to me -at all to blame in what has passed, and whilst your conscience is clear, -you need never despair that your path will be made clear likewise." - -"It is not only the present difficulty which weighs on my mind at this -moment," replied Emma, trying to speak calmly; "but there are times when -all I have lost comes back to my memory, and seems quite to overpower -me. My earliest friends lost to me, and with them the happy home where I -had enjoyed every indulgence, and every pleasure that affection could -procure. Then just as I began to accustom myself to my new home, and -learnt to value the affection and society of my only parent, that -likewise is torn from me, and whilst I am deprived of parent and -fortune, and become dependent on my own exertions, I find myself robbed, -I know not how, even of my good name, and my prospects blighted in the -most mysterious manner. It seems in vain to struggle against such a -complication of evils; what can I expect but to sink into contempt and -disgrace?" - -"I admit the greatness of the losses you have sustained," said he; "I -cannot deny that it may be hard to bear; but you have still some -blessings left for which you may be thankful. You possess a healthy -constitution, a sound intellect, and a conscience unoppressed by a sense -of guilt. You might have lost your heart, as well as your fortune, and -that you tell me is not the case." - -Emma looked down, and tried to appear quite careless and unconcerned; -but she could not feel quite convinced that she did enjoy the degree of -heart's ease, which Mr. Bridge seemed to imagine. An image of Mr. Howard -flitted across her mind, and she felt that whilst enumerating her -peculiar afflictions, she had omitted one which pressed almost as deeply -as any. She blushed deeply, and could not raise her eyes; he watched her -countenance, and then added, presently— - -"What do you mean to do now—have you formed any plan?" - -"None at all," replied she; "I feel I cannot—my head is all in -confusion, and I can hardly think connectedly." - -She pressed her hand on her forehead as she spoke; he saw she was -looking extremely ill, and feared her mind was over excited. - -"My first wish," she continued, "the first object of my life would be to -get away from Croydon, to see no more of those who slander me, or him -who causes the slander to circulate. But this I cannot do; whilst I have -no other refuge, and whilst Margaret's marriage is approaching, I -suppose I must not go. But if I could but leave them all, and have a -little peace and quiet—it is sometimes more than I can bear; the -perpetual worry, and the incessant anxiety to please without success—and -those thoughts that will come back in spite of all that I can -do—thoughts of regret for past happiness, and hopeless pining for what I -may never see again." - -"And you are quite sincere in wishing to leave Croydon, and go where you -will see no more of Mr. Morgan? is it no momentary pique that influences -you, no hope of being followed, no expectation of producing some great -effect by your disappearance." - -"I wish I could convince you, Mr. Bridge, that whatever the world of -Croydon may impute to me, whatever it may choose to say for me, Mr. -Morgan was never an object of any peculiar interest in my eyes, and -since they have associated our names to my discredit, he is become -positively disagreeable. To shun him altogether is, just now, my first -wish." - -"Then, perhaps, I may help you there; I will, at least, try—your -desolate situation interests me deeply—poor girl—you look terribly worn -and flushed—go home, and lie down to rest; try and compose your mind, -and hope for better things. But above all, my child, endeavour to subdue -a repining spirit, and remember that there is One above, who is the -Father of the fatherless, and who has promised never to forsake those -who call upon Him faithfully!" - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - -Emma took Janetta home, and weary and worn out, she laid herself down -upon her own bed, and there dropped into a heavy slumber. In consequence -of her non-appearance at the dinner table, Elizabeth went in search of -her, and rousing her up, persuaded her to attempt coming down stairs, -though Emma, at first, felt so totally unequal to the exertion, that she -declared she could not stir. - -"Jane is so very cross to-day," remonstrated Elizabeth; "I am sure I do -not know what is the matter with her, but she seems so very angry about -something or other, that if you can contrive to come down you will save -a great deal of after trouble. Is your head really so very bad; you do -look rather ill certainly, but you need not eat, only just try to sit at -table." - -Slowly and languidly Emma rose from her bed; her head ached so intensely -that she could scarcely raise her eyes; an iron band appeared to be -compressing her forehead, and seemed every moment to increase in -pressure. She tried to arrange her hair, and her dress, disordered by -lying on the bed, but felt incapable of the exertion; leaning on -Elizabeth's arm, she descended to the dining-parlour, and took her seat -at the table. Robert offered to help her to some meat, but Emma declined -eating. Jane never condescended to lift her eyes until the table was -cleared, and then she sarcastically observed— - -"I am extremely sorry, Miss Emma Watson, that there is nothing on my -table good enough for you to eat to-day; shall I send over to the -pastry-cook's, and see if he has any little delicacies to tempt your -fastidious appetite? I am not so unreasonable as to expect a young lady -like you to dine on roast mutton and plain pudding." - -"I am not very well," replied Emma, "and have no appetite to-day; but it -is my own misfortune, not the fault of your dinner, I am sure." - -"Upon my word you honor my table with a very pretty costume," eyeing -Emma fixedly, "may I ask how long it has been your fashion to have your -hair awry in that way, and your gown tumbled—do you come out of your -bed, or have you been indulging in an interesting game of romps?" - -Robert looked at Emma, and even he was struck with the appearance of -suffering; and coupling with it the fact that she had eaten no dinner, -and moreover, feeling rather cross with his wife, he began to defend -her, desiring Jane not to worry his sister, as it was evident she was -very far from well. Mrs. Watson fired up at this. She wondered what -people could mean speaking to ladies that way—she was sure they must -quite forget who they were addressing—as to what she said to Emma, she -wondered what she should be forbidden to say next! Really it was too -good, if she might not find fault with a girl like Emma in her own -house, and at her own table too! She supposed the next thing she should -hear, would be that Emma sat there to find fault with her. Her manners, -her dress, her general behaviour would be called into question; if Emma -gave her approbation no doubt, she should be right—she only hoped she -should not be obliged to adopt the elegant negligence of Miss Emma -Watson's present style—it was not to her taste she was afraid she must -confess. - -"Emma has really a very bad headache," interposed Elizabeth, "and would -be much better in bed." - -"Then pray, let her to go to bed," cried Jane, tossing her head; "who -wants her to sit up? not _I_, I am sure; she may go to bed if she likes; -but, if she thinks I am going to call in a doctor for her, she is very -much mistaken; I will indulge no such whims and fancies." - -Emma gladly availed herself of the permission to retire thus graciously -accorded, and Elizabeth accompanied her up-stairs and assisted her to -undress; neither would she leave her until summoned down to tea; even -then, the temptation of Mr. Millar coming in, could not detain her from -Emma's room; she told him how ill her sister was, and she returned to -sit by her bedside, and attempt, by cool applications, to allay the -burning, throbbing pain in her head, which Emma complained almost drove -her mad. But she showed no symptoms of amendment, and towards morning -she was in a decided fever. Elizabeth, who had sat up with her all -night, now pressed her to consent to see Mr. Morgan—the name made her -shudder, and she resolutely refused to do so. She declared she was not -_very_ ill—nothing more than her sister's skill could alleviate; but -that to see Mr. Morgan would infallibly make her worse. Elizabeth -thought this rather odd, but she let her have her own way, and said no -more about the doctor. Mrs. Watson began to be frightened, when she -found that Emma was really very ill; she too then proposed her seeing -the doctor; but with more moderation, though with equal firmness Emma -rejected her proposal, as she had done that of Elizabeth. - -She only wished to see Mr. Bridge—but she had not energy or courage to -request an interview with him; she lay in a kind of half-dreamy state, -during the greater part of that day and the next; then Elizabeth thought -her worse, and without asking her any more on the subject she went to -Robert—and with tears in her eyes, entreated that some advice might be -sent for—as otherwise, she felt sure Emma would die. This startled -Robert—it would have been so exceedingly unpleasant—it would have -interfered sadly with Margaret's marriage—and in several other ways -would have greatly inconvenienced himself. Accordingly, he decided at -once, that Mr. Morgan should be called in, and so he was. Emma was in -too profound a state of stupor to notice him, or to be aware of what was -passing beside her bed. She did wake a little at the sound of voices, -but she could not guess whose they were; they seemed to her even a great -way off—though, in reality, close to her; he might hold her hand now, -she could not withdraw it; nay, when he put back the dark hair from her -brow, and laid his hand on her temples to count the throbbing of the -pulse there—she made no resistance now—she was unconscious of his touch. -He was not alarmed about her, though he saw she was really ill—too ill -for him to flatter his vanity with the idea that it was affected for the -sake of seeing him; but he felt sure she would recover, and greatly -consoled Elizabeth by his lively hopes on this subject. Nevertheless, he -came to see her twice that evening, and early again the next morning. On -neither visit did he find her sufficiently conscious to recognise -him—but she gradually began to amend—and on waking from a prolonged -slumber on the afternoon of the third day, she was sufficiently restored -to the use of her faculties, to enquire of Elizabeth, whether any one -had been attending her during the intervening time. Her sister, without -circumlocution, told her how often Mr. Morgan had seen her, and added, -that he was to come again that evening. Emma appeared excessively -discomposed, and asked her if she could not prevent his coming; -persisting that she did not want to see any doctor, and that, if she -were only left alone, she should soon be well. - -Miss Watson, who considered this merely as a fancy belonging to her -state of disease, tried to avoid giving her a direct answer, and when -she found this would not satisfy her, she endeavoured to persuade Emma -of the unreasonable nature of her request, and ended by saying she would -see what could be done for her. Of course Mr. Morgan came at the time -appointed, end she was obliged to bear it, though the very sight of him -threw her into such a state of agitation that his feeling her pulse was -perfectly useless and only served to mislead him. He had, however, too -much penetration not to discover quickly that his presence caused the -feverish symptoms which at first alarmed him; he would gladly have -persuaded himself that they indicated partiality, but not even his -vanity could so far mislead him. The averted eye, the constrained voice, -the cold composed look which wore the expression of her real feelings, -told him a very different tale. He felt that he had lost ground in her -good opinion, though he could not exactly tell why or how, and still -less did he know how to recover it. His visit was short, and his -conversation confined entirely to professional subjects, and he took his -leave of her with a bow which was intended to express a profound mixture -of admiration and respect towards her, mingled with regret, -self-reproach, humility and penitence on his part. If any bow could have -conveyed so much meaning, it would certainly have been his, and it did -undoubtedly express the utmost that a bow could do. Emma drew a long -breath when he was gone, and whispered, - -"I wish he would never come again." - -Elizabeth tried seriously to convince her that she was exceedingly -unjust, and pressed her to name any fault she could find with Mr. -Morgan, of her own knowledge, not speaking merely from hear-say. Emma's -nerves were not in a state to bear argument, and instead of answering -she began to cry, and went off in a fit of hysterics which Elizabeth had -great difficulty in soothing away. - -The next morning Emma requested Elizabeth to procure her a visit from -Mr. Bridge; she could not rest longer without an interview, and she now -felt strong enough to make her wishes known. She would not allow any -reference to be made to Jane, but sent a request, in her own name, that -he would call on her, and when this request was complied with, as it -speedily was, she sent Elizabeth out of the room that she might have an -unreserved conversation with her old friend. - -Her first question to him was whether he had as yet done anything -towards procuring her removal from Croydon. He believed that she must -recover her health before anything could be done with that view. But she -so earnestly assured him that she should regain strength with twice the -rapidity if he would only let her know what he proposed to do, that he -told her to set her mind at ease, as he had already arranged a plan for -her comfort. He had a sister, a single lady, residing about fourteen -miles from Croydon, and if she liked to go and pass a few weeks with -her, she would be sure of retirement and tranquillity with every comfort -that could be desired. - -Emma was delighted with the idea; she was certain she should like Miss -Bridge, and that nothing could be more agreeable than residing in the -country quite retired and with only one pleasant companion. There she -should continue, she trusted, until Miss Osborne renewed her -solicitations for her society, and even after that visit was paid she -might return there. She pictured to herself how she would engage in a -thousand useful and agreeable occupations, and how she would love the -charming old lady on whom she would attend with unremitting zeal. She -declared that she felt herself increasing every moment in strength by -the contemplation of such a residence, and she trusted that she should -soon be out of sight and sound of Mr. Morgan and all the inquisitorial -residents of Croydon—how soon should she be able to go? - -This Mr. Bridge told her depended entirely on the state of her health; -as soon as she could be moved with safety he would take her in his own -carriage half of the way, where his sister would meet her and convey her -the other half. - -"Oh, let it be to-morrow!" cried she; "I am sure I shall be well -enough—my strength is greater than you think." - -"Well well, we will ask the doctor," replied he. - -"Do not ask Mr. Morgan anything about it," said Emma flushing again -deeply. "I do not want to have anything to do with him that I can help. -I believe it was one thing that made me ill, because they would have him -to visit me." - -"Come, be reasonable," said he smiling; "if you talk in that way I shall -think you light-headed. Now I must leave you; I will see you again -to-morrow morning, and if I find you well enough, will send word to my -sister at once and settle your plans." - -He took leave, and was quitting the room when he met Elizabeth -returning, and Emma anxious that her sister should immediately -participate in her pleasant prospects, begged him if he could spare a -few minutes more to stop and explain their plans. Miss Watson of course -was very much pleased at hearing what he had to tell, and immediately -saw all the advantages to Emma which such a removal would procure, -except the _one_ principal one, which was the secret source of her -sister's eagerness to put it in execution. But she had never heard a -syllable of the reports which had been so industriously circulated -relative to Emma and Mr. Morgan, and was very far from imagining he -could in any way, either as an object of love or of hatred, influence -her feelings or proceedings. She admitted that it was in every way -desirable that Emma should have a peaceful and comfortable home, and the -only thing she stipulated for was, that she should return to Croydon as -soon as she herself could offer her an equally comfortable abode in her -own house. This point Emma did not feel disposed to dispute, though she -secretly entered a protest against returning to Croydon for a residence -if she could in any way avoid it. - -She proved herself right in her anticipations that the relief to her -mind would be of essential service to her body; she was so very much -better the next morning as to be able to leave her bed-room, and sit up -some time in Janetta's nursery, and here she was, with her little niece -standing beside her, and no one else in the room, when Mr. Morgan was -suddenly ushered in. - -She received him with a calm self-possession which astonished herself, -and, at the same time, a degree of frigid composure which seemed to -imply that the past, both of good and evil, was swept from her mind, -that she had to begin again in her acquaintance with him, and meant only -to recognise him in future as the doctor, and not the friend. It was in -vain that he sat beside her, and in his most winning tones tried to -establish confidence between them; she was perfectly calm and composed, -but impenetrably grave, yielding to neither tenderness nor gaiety, and -he was just rising to go when she made her first suggestive observation, -by telling him that she was so much better she should be able to take a -drive to-morrow. He assented, of course, if the weather was favorable, -and added, that as her sister had no carriage he hoped he might be -allowed to take her out in his. With sincere pleasure at being able to -decline it, Emma thanked him, assuring him it was quite unnecessary, as -Mr. Bridge had promised her his. He looked disappointed; he could not -bear that she should have any friends but himself: what would he have -felt, had he known the real object of the drive in question. - -His departure, which Emma had thought most unnecessarily delayed, left -her at liberty to think about Mr. Bridge's promised visit; she had long -to wait, he came delighted to see her better, and quite willing to -acknowledge that she might be removed the next day. The necessary -arrangements he undertook to make; he could send his sister word that -she might expect them, and he determined to drive over the whole way -himself, and spend one night at her house. He likewise agreed to go and -inform her own brother and his wife of what was about to take place, and -thereby save Emma all excitement, if the information should happen to be -ill received. - -Accordingly, in persuance of this plan, he paid Mrs. Watson a visit -before leaving the house, and in answer to his gentle tap at the door, -received an invitation to enter, which brought him into an extremely -untidy and heated parlour. Jane was sitting over the fire with her feet -on the fender, her gown turned up over her knees, and her petticoat -emitting a strong smell of scorching, which almost overpowered him. She -was reading a work of some kind, which she hid behind her when she saw -her visitor, whilst she tried to arrange her hair and cap in a rather -less slatternly way. Margaret was busy trimming a hat with white satin -ribbons, and judging from the shreds of white materials of divers kinds -lying beside her, had been deeply engrossed in the dress-making or -millinery line. After sitting a few minutes, Mr. Bridge enquired if he -could see Mr. Watson, and though his wife was quite certain it was -impossible, it so happened that Robert entered at that very time. - -"I am so glad to see you," said Mr. Bridge on shaking hands with him, "I -wanted to get your leave to carry off your youngest sister." - -"What, Emma?" said Robert, "why she's ill I understand." - -"She is better to-day," replied he, "but she wants change of air and -scene, and I want to get it for her." - -"Why, what new fancy of hers is this?" exclaimed Mrs. Watson, "that -girl's head is always full of some strange vagary or another; it's only -the other day she would not walk out, and now she's wanting to go away, -and she keeping her bed and pretending to be ill." - -"Where do you want to take her to?" enquired Robert, unheeding his -wife's speech. - -"Why, my sister wishes for a companion, and I think they would suit each -other very well; and it really appears to me that she feels the -confinement and application necessary in her present mode of life too -much for her." - -"My dear Mr. Bridge," cried Mrs. Watson in a fawning tone, "don't you, -please, believe that she is a prisoner, or acting under compulsion; I am -sure you would have too much regard for me to go and set such a story -about—only think what my feelings would be were such a story circulated -about my dear husband's sister." - -"I did not mean to say anything to hurt your feelings, Mrs. Watson," -replied the clergyman coolly, "but you cannot deny that your -sister-in-law has been ill, and that at present she is incapable of -continuing her labors as governess to your little girl: I do not -exaggerate in that statement." - -"Oh dear no—but then she never had any great labors to go through; -nothing I am sure but what any one might accomplish." - -"I am of opinion she has exerted herself too much in every way; and as -my sister's house will be very quiet, and they are persuaded they shall -suit each other, I really think the best thing she can do will be to go -there." - -"I don't see that at all," replied Jane rather snappishly, "I cannot -spare her; I want her to take charge of Janetta; what am I to do without -her?" - -"I understood her services in that way were very trifling," interposed -Mr. Bridge. - -"Just her teaching may be," said she retracting a little, "but then she -is accustomed to take care of her all day long, and I cannot spare her -from that." - -"Not unless you find a substitute," said he. - -"But I cannot do that, I do not like to leave her entirely to servants, -and unless I mind the child myself what can I do; and I suppose no one -would expect _me_ to become a slave to my little girl, and shut myself -up in a nursery." - -"Then why exact it of her?" suggested Mr. Bridge. - -"Because whilst she is living at my husband's expense, I think it only -fair that I should profit from her cares in that way; and I consider it -always a charity to give young people something to do." - -"That may be very true whilst she is here perhaps; but it seems to me a -little unreasonable, begging your pardon for saying so, to keep her -against her will, and then make her work to cover the expense of -staying." - -"I am sure I don't know why you should find fault: _I_ have not _time_ -to teach my child myself, if I had the health for such an exertion." - -"You never seem to have either time or inclination to do anything, -Jane:" said the husband, "look at this room—was there ever such an -untidy pigsty for a lady to live in; why cannot you take a little -trouble and make it look decent." - -"You had better arrange it after your own fashion," said she scornfully, -"if you do not like mine." - -"As to this plan of yours, Mr. Bridge," continued Robert, "I think it a -capital one; and the sooner you can take her away the better—when do you -mean to go?" - -Mrs. Watson was silenced altogether, and Mr. Bridge proceeded to explain -the plan of their proceedings as proposed by himself. Robert highly -approved of it all, and gave his full consent and approbation to Mr. -Bridge with the more zest, because it appeared to annoy his wife. After -this it was of course vain for her to make objections; he was completely -master of his own house, and Jane knew, from sad experience, that she -might produce as much effect by talking to the tables and chairs as to -him, when in one of his stubborn fits. - -All she could do, therefore, was to be as cross as possible for the rest -of the day to those around her, in consequence of which she was left to -a _tête-à-tête_ with Margaret, as Elizabeth was upstairs making -preparations for Emma's departure, and Robert went out to spend the -evening with some bachelor friends. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - -Punctually the next day, Mr. Bridge drove to the door, and at the same -moment Mr. Morgan entered the house. Emma was in the parlour quite ready -for her journey, and her eye sparkled with pleasure as she told him that -she should not trouble him to call on her again, for she was leaving -Croydon for a long time. He looked aghast.— - -"Going away," was his exclamation, as he cast an enquiring eye at the -trunk which Mr. Bridge's man was preparing to place on the carriage. -"This is quite unexpected—may I ask where you are going?" - -"It is Mr. Bridge who is taking me away," replied Emma, "and really I -can hardly answer as to _where_ we are going. I am wishing to try a -change of air, as I do not find Croydon agree with me." - -"This is Mr. Bridge's doing then," said he, his face turning pale with -an emotion which she did not understand. He felt convinced that his -plans had been seen through and counteracted, and entertained, in -consequence, anything but a feeling of gratitude towards the agent of -his disappointment. At this moment the clergyman entered, and claimed -Emma's company, and after an affectionate farewell from Miss Watson, and -a formal bow from the doctor, she was hurried away. The other two ladies -were out walking, as Jane was determined not to countenance Emma's -departure by her presence on the occasion. Emma felt so very much -relieved as she lost sight of Croydon, and entered on a country quite -new to her, that she fancied she was deriving fresh health and strength -from every breath she inhaled. She was, however too weak to bear much -conversation, and was content to lie back in peace and silence in a -corner of the carriage, quietly reposing on the cushions with which she -had been carefully propped, and enjoying the luxury of seeing the -varying landscape pass before her eyes, without making any exertion. Mr. -Bridge was reading; and in this way the fourteen miles were pleasantly -and quickly passed, and in about two hours from leaving Croydon, they -stopped at the door of Miss Bridge's residence. - -It was a small, old-fashioned house, with a thick screen of shrubs -surrounding it, and a few picturesque old Scotch firs standing on the -little grass plat which divided the front from the road. The walls were -covered with creeping shrubs, and it was evident that the owner loved -flowers, for early as it was in the year, the little porch was crowded -with showy plants, and odoriferous with the scent of the hyacinth, -narcissus and other sweet bulbs. The old lady came out to receive them, -and the warmth of her welcome, with the kindness of her manner, quite -won Emma's heart at once. She saw that her guest was fatigued, and would -not allow her to exert herself in any way; but leading her upstairs, -made her rest on the bed, and left her promising to return in a short -time. The air of comfort which now surrounded Emma, was truly grateful -to her feelings; the airy and well-furnished bed-room, the snowy -curtains and drapery round the bed, the comfortable furniture, all -seemed to bespeak an attention to her wants, to which she had long been -a stranger; and as she lay there thinking over all that was past, and -wondering what was to come next, a deep feeling of gratitude stole over -her heart for finding herself at last in so peaceful and apparently -comfortable a home. - -Faithful to her promise, Miss Bridge returned speedily, bringing with -her some refreshment, of which she insisted on Emma's partaking; and -then desiring her to remain quiet for a couple of hours at least, she -returned to her brother, and spent the interval in learning every -particular that he could detail relative to her interesting young -visitor. - -When Emma woke from a refreshing slumber of several hours duration, the -first object which met her eyes was the countenance of Miss Bridge -bending over her. There was such a look of benevolent interest in that -good-tempered face, as would have sufficed to redeem a very plain set of -features from the charge of insipidity. But Miss Bridge was very far -from plain, and it was evident she must have been eminently handsome. -She was extremely thin, and her high features, and dark complexion made -her look, perhaps, rather older than she really was, but her eyes which -were dark hazel were still bright and lively. Her dress was that of an -old woman, the colours grave, and the materials rich, and though not -exactly in the reigning fashion of the day, yet sufficiently like it to -prevent any appearance of singularity, whilst it was perfectly becoming -her age and station. Emma felt sure that she should like her -exceedingly, and quite longed to be strong enough to converse with her. -She was found so much better as to be permitted to leave her room, and -lie for a time on the sofa in the drawing-room, though Miss Bridge still -proscribed conversation, and recommended quiet and rest. - -Everything that she saw gave her an idea of the comfort of her new home; -the well-filled book-shelves especially delighted her; she had enjoyed -so little time for reading lately that the sight of such a collection of -books was a most welcome prospect, and she anticipated with satisfaction -the time when she should be able to exert herself again, and commence -the acquisition of the Italian language; as she was extremely anxious to -increase her information and accomplishments to the utmost. - -The next day the old clergyman took his leave, and telling Emma not to -fret about her friends at Croydon, and hoping when he came over next -month, he should find her with rosy cheeks and smiles to welcome him, he -went off quite satisfied that he had secured a comfortable home for his -young friend, and a desirable companion for his old sister. - -Nothing could be more peaceful and pleasant to a contented mind than the -course of life in which Emma now engaged. She speedily recovered her -strength, and was able by early rising to enjoy several hours alone in -the morning, which she devoted to study; by this means she was always at -liberty to give her whole attention to Miss Bridge so soon as they met -in the drawing-room. Their fore-noons were employed in reading and -needlework, unless when Miss Bridge was writing letters or settling her -household matters. Walking out, or working in the garden occupied the -afternoon, and in both these occupations, as soon as Emma was strong -enough, she took great delight. The garden was cultivated with uncommon -care; Miss Bridge having quite a passion for floriculture, and Emma -thought nothing could exceed the beauty of her tulips, anemones and -hyacinths, as they gradually unfolded their blossoms. She became -extremely interested in the pursuit, and Miss Bridge more than once had -to interfere to prevent her over tiring herself by her zealous labours. - -The country round their residence was extremely pretty; tracts of old -forest land with the huge old trees, survivors of many centuries, formed -an agreeable contrast to the agricultural districts interspersed in -places; and the steep sides of some of the chalky hills were clothed -with hanging beech woods equally picturesque with the green forest -glades beneath. To wander over this scenery, botanising amongst the -lanes and hedgerows, or visiting the various cottages in the -neighbourhood, formed a delightful variety to their labours in the -garden. Emma found that next to the clergyman, Miss Bridge was looked up -to as the guardian and friend of the poor. - -Every wounded limb, or distressing domestic affliction was detailed to -her. Her advice was sought equally when the pig died, the baby was born, -or the husband was sick. Her medicine-chest was in frequent requisition, -but her kitchen and dairy still more so. For one dose of rhubarb which -she dispensed, she gave away at least two dinners, and those well -acquainted with the poor may judge whether by so doing she was not -likely to prevent as much illness as she cured; for by far the greater -part of the diseases amongst the labouring classes arise from scanty -food and too thin clothing. Of course she was the idol, the oracle of -all the villagers, and the more so because there was no squire nor -squire's family in the parish to diminish her importance or dim the -lustre of her position. In fact she was the sister of the last squire, -and since his death, as his eldest son resided on another property, the -manor-house had stood empty and deserted. It quite grieved Emma to see -it, for the house with its gable-ends and old-fashioned porch was very -picturesque; but they derived one advantage from the desolate condition -in which it was left, as they had the uncontrolled range of the gardens -and pleasure-grounds, which were very extensive. The little church stood -within these grounds, and by its situation somewhat reminded her of -Osborne Castle. But how different was the Rector. He was an old, formal -bachelor, living with an unmarried sister, extremely nervous and shy, -and more remarkable for his total disregard to punctuality than any -other point. This was peculiarly evident on the Sunday, when the whole -congregation were always assembled at least a quarter of an hour before -his appearance amongst them. If the day was fine, they did not enter the -church but remained strolling up and down the pasture in which it stood, -until the minister appeared and led the way into the sacred building. -The congregation, which was almost entirely composed of the rural -population, presented a very different aspect from that at Croydon; -there were few smart bonnets, and the gayest articles of apparel in the -church were the scarlet cloaks of the women. The dark and old-fashioned -building itself had no ornaments but the hatchments belonging to the -Bridge family, and one or two ugly and cumbrous monuments upon the -walls, which seemed intended to record that certain individuals had been -born and died, though what they did when living was now totally -forgotten. - -When the service was concluded, the clergyman quitted the pulpit and -walked out before all his congregation, who stood up respectfully to let -him pass, and then Miss Bridge and Emma, who had their seat in the -squire's pew, followed before any one else presumed to stir from their -places: there was then a friendly greeting between the Rector and his -principal parishioners, after which they took their quiet way homewards, -to partake of their early dinner, and return to the afternoon service. - -Such was the tenor of Emma's life, whilst she remained with Miss -Bridge—the only incident that varied the scene, was a drive over to -Croydon one day, in order to attend Margaret's wedding. Emma had -recovered her strength so rapidly, that she was perfectly equal to the -exertion, and Margaret had sent a pressing invitation not only to her, -but to Miss Bridge likewise. It was, therefore, settled that they should -go and spend the night at the vicarage, as Robert Watson's house was -quite full—with the addition of some cousins of his wife, who were -paying a visit. In consequence of this arrangement, she did not see her -future brother-in-law that day; but Elizabeth spent the afternoon with -them. She saw, with sincere pleasure, how much Emma was improved in -looks—she was plumper and fresher—more blooming and bewitching than -ever; and so thought Mr. Morgan too—for he likewise, called to see -her—and was quite startled with the alteration in her appearance. - -"I need not ask you _how_ you are," said he, fixing on her eyes which -spoke his admiration as plainly as if he had put it into words; "you are -looking _so_ well." - -Emma was forced to turn away, for the expression of his face was too -openly admiring to be pleasant. - -Elizabeth had a long chat with her in private: there was so much to -learn about her new way of life, and so much to tell in return, that it -seemed as if four and twenty hours instead of two, might have been -talked away with ease. There was much to discuss about Margaret's -prospects; Elizabeth was very little satisfied with Tom Musgrove, and -only wondered that her sister appeared so well pleased as she did. He -was careless and cold—almost to insolence—and had, evidently, tried to -annoy her in every way he could; flirting with every girl who came in -his way, and only shewing that he was not careless to her feelings, by -his repeated attempts to wound them. To all this she seemed perfectly -indifferent—whether from vanity, she really did _not_ see, or from -wilful blindness she _would_ not perceive his meaning, Elizabeth could -not tell; but she always continued to preserve a most satisfied air; and -when slighted by Tom, sought peace and contentment in the contemplation -of her wedding presents and bridal finery; constantly talking as if she -enjoyed the unlimited affection of the most amiable and agreeable man in -the world. - -"And who do you think appeared amongst us last week?" continued -Elizabeth, "actually Lord Osborne! Ah! you color and look pleased—and -well you may—for I have no doubt Croydon would never have seen his -countenance, if he had not thought you still living here!" - -"Lord Osborne!" said Emma astonished, "what brought his lordship here—do -you know?" - -"The ostensible reason, was to bring a present to Margaret from his -sister—a very pretty necklace as a wedding present; but the real reason, -I have not the smallest doubt was, to see you—and had he not supposed -you were still here, the parcel might have come by the coach, for any -trouble he would have given himself about it." - -"It was very good-natured of Miss Osborne, to remember Margaret in that -way," said Emma, "how pleased she must have been." - -"Yes, I think she was—it seemed even to put Tom in a better humour with -her and every thing—it gave her a sort of consequence." - -"What did Lord Osborne say?" enquired Emma, hoping to hear something -relative to Mr. Howard. - -"Oh! we had a long talk together, and he enquired particularly about -you, and where and how you were; and he said he hoped very soon to see -you. He talked about expecting you to visit his sister; in short, he -seemed to have a great deal to say for himself—and really for _him_, was -quite agreeable. To be sure, I do not think him quite so pleasant as -George Millar, but every body need not have my taste of course." - -"Well, I should like to have seen him—did he say nothing about our -friends, Mrs. Willis and her brother—how are they?" - -"He said, what I was sorry to hear, that Mr. Howard appeared ill and out -of spirits. I wonder what can be the matter with him—do you think he can -be in love?" - -"I am not in his confidence," said Emma, coloring deeply. - -"You will see him, of course," said Elizabeth, "if you go to Osborne -Castle—be sure and let me know what you think of him, then; do ascertain -if he is in love." - -"You had better make observations for yourself, Elizabeth," replied her -sister, "how can I judge of a sentiment with which I am unacquainted; -wait till you visit Margaret, and you will be able to form your own -opinions." - -"I do not think I shall ever visit Margaret," replied Elizabeth; "so if -I do not see Mr. Howard under any other circumstances, our chance of -meeting is but small." - -The wedding-day was as bright and sunshiny as any bride could desire. -Emma's thoughts wandered from Margaret and her companions to the bridal -party in London, who she imagined would be engaged in the same ceremony -about the same hour. She knew Mr. Howard was to officiate for her -friend, and she tried to picture the scene to herself; then she imagined -another group, where Mr. Howard himself should perform the part of -bridegroom; and wondered what her own feelings would be if she were the -witness of such a spectacle. - -She was ashamed of herself when she recalled her mind from this vision, -and she tried to think of something more appropriate to the occasion. -She joined in the prayers for her sister's happiness, but her heart -trembled as she thought of her prospects; however, it was no use -foreboding evil—she tried to hope for the best. - -Margaret was not satisfied with her two sisters as bridesmaids, but both -she and Tom had insisted on having four more from amongst her intimate -friends. One of these was the younger Miss Morgan, and as a compliment -to her, her brother was invited to be of the party to church. He stood -by Emma; but she was unconscious of it, until, when the ceremony was -concluded, and there was a general congratulation, and kissing going on, -she felt her hand clasped by some one, and on her turning round, he -whispered in her ear,—"When shall you stand in your sister's place?" - -Before she had time to answer, or even to understand exactly what he had -said, her new-made brother came up and claimed the right of kissing -her—the double right in fact, both as bridegroom and brother—and when -she had submitted to the infliction, she again heard it whispered into -her ear: - -"_That_ is the only part which I envy Mr. Musgrove." - -Emma moved away without looking round again, and took her station by the -side of her friend, Miss Bridge, where she felt convinced that Mr. -Morgan would not dare to intrude on her. There was something in the -change of manner which he had lately assumed to her, most particularly -offensive and grating to her feelings. - -Another thing she could not avoid remarking was, that some of the young -ladies affected to shun her, shrinking away when she approached, and -abruptly changing the conversation, as if some mystery were going on -between them. This was more particularly evident during the party which -succeeded the wedding; when she found herself rather a conspicuous -person two or three times, being left alone by those she approached—and -on more than one occasion, seeing a group suddenly disperse on her -drawing near; she did not comprehend the reason of this, but she felt it -particularly disagreeable; and it induced her as soon as she noticed it, -to keep close to Miss Bridge, in order to avoid the feeling of solitude -in a crowd which was so distressing to her. - -The meeting after the wedding was as dull as such affairs usually are, -and right glad was Emma when the time for retiring came, and she was -able to return to the peaceful vicarage. The next day she again left -Croydon, and once more found repose and tranquillity beneath Miss -Bridge's hospitable roof. - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - -Much as Emma's thoughts had been dwelling on her acquaintance in London, -she little guessed the scene that had really been passing, or the -prominent figure which Mr. Howard had made on the occasion. - -When the ceremony was performed, the breakfast over, and the new married -couple had left the house, Lady Osborne retired to her dressing-room, -and thither she sent for Mr. Howard. Without the slightest suspicion as -to the real object of her wishes, he obeyed the summons, and found her -ladyship alone. - -She requested him to be seated, and then looked exceedingly embarrassed, -and not a little silly; but after some attempts at conversation, which -ended in total failures, she suddenly observed: - -"The marriage of my daughter makes a great difference to me, Mr. -Howard." - -"Of course it must," replied he, rather wondering what would come next. - -"I fear I shall find myself very uncomfortable if I continue in the same -style of life I have done before; without Miss Osborne I shall be quite -lost." - -Mr. Howard could not help thinking that he should have supposed few -mothers would have felt the change so little. They had never been -companions or appeared of any consequence to each other. However he felt -it his duty to make some cheering observation, and therefore ventured to -suggest that her ladyship should not give way to such desponding -thoughts: she might, perhaps, find it less painful than she anticipated. - -"You are very kind to try to cheer me in my melancholy situation, but, -Mr. Howard, I have always found you so, and I am deeply indebted to you -for the many hours of comfort you have at different times procured for -me. You have always been my friend." - -He did not at all know what to say to this speech, and was therefore -silent. - -"Do you consider," continued she, "that gratitude is a good foundation -for happiness in the married state?" - -"It is, no doubt, a good foundation for affection," replied he, "but -unless the superstructure is raised, I do not think the foundation will -be of much use. It is not sufficient of itself." - -"You distress me by your opinion, I had hoped that to secure gratitude -was the certain way to produce love." - -"I apprehend that your ladyship will find it much more easy to deserve -gratitude than to _secure_ it; it is an intractable virtue, and favors -which are supposed to have this return as their object, are apt to fail -entirely in their purpose." - -"I am very sorry you say so, Mr. Howard; I wish I could secure love from -the objects of my affection. I fear the case is exactly the reverse." - -The gentleman was silent, and a pause ensued between them, which the -lady broke. - -"What do you think of my daughter's marriage?" - -"I think," replied he, "it has every promise of securing them mutual -happiness—I hope this as sincerely as I wish it. Sir William is an -excellent young man." - -"The marriage is not so high a one as what _my_ daughter might have -aspired to—she has given up all dreams of ambition—do you not see that?" - -"Of course Miss Osborne might have married the equal or the superior to -her brother in rank," said Mr. Howard, "but she has acted far more -wisely, in my opinion, in preferring worth and affection, though not -accompanying so splendid an alliance as possibly her friends have -expected for her. Sir William has wealth to satisfy a less reasonable -woman than Lady Gordon, and if his rank is sufficiently elevated to -content her, she can have no more to desire." - -"Do not imagine, Mr. Howard, from what I said that I was regretting the -difference in rank; on the contrary, I believe most fully that as she -was attached to Sir William, Miss Osborne could do nothing better than -marry him. Far be it from me to wish any one to sacrifice affection to -ambition. Had there been even more difference in their rank, had the -descent been decidedly greater—had he been of really plebeian origin, I -should not have objected when her affections were fixed." - -"I cannot imagine that there was any possibility of such an event; Miss -Osborne would never have fixed her affections on an unsuitable object, -as any one decidedly beneath her would have been." - -"Do you then consider it unsuitable, where love directs, to step out of -one's own sphere to follow its dictates?" - -"I am decidedly averse to unequal marriages—even when the husband is the -superior, if the inequality is very great I am inclined to think it does -not tend to promote happiness: but when their positions are reversed, -and the man, instead of elevating his wife, drags her down to a level -beneath that where she had previously moved, it can hardly fail to -produce some degree of domestic discomfort." - -"Alas, I am grieved that your opinion should be so contrary to my -favorite theories; I can imagine nothing more delightful than for a -woman to sacrifice station and rank, to forego an elevated position, and -to lay down her wealth at the feet of some man distinguished only by his -wit and worth; to have the proud happiness of securing thus his eternal -gratitude." - -"I think a man must be very selfish and self-confident, who could -venture to ask such a sacrifice from any woman. I could not." - -"But I am supposing that the sacrifice is voluntary, proposed, planned, -and arranged entirely by herself—women have been capable of this—what -should you say to it?" - -"I cannot tell what I should say, for I cannot imagine myself in such a -situation. Your ladyship takes pleasure in arranging little romances, -but such circumstances are unlikely to occur in real life." - -"And why? what do you suppose is the reason why, in this prosaic world, -we are governed only by titles—empty sounds, not to be compared to the -sterling merits of virtue and learning? Mr. Howard, I prefer a man of -sense, learning, and modesty to all the coxcombs who ever wore a coronet -or paraded a title." - -"Your ladyship is quite right," replied he, beginning to get a little -uncomfortable at the looks of his companion, and rather anxious to put a -stop to the conference. - -"And if that man were too modest to be sensible of the preference, if he -could not venture, on his own account, to break through the barriers -which difference of station had placed between us, should he be shocked -if, despising etiquette, and throwing aside the restraints of pride and -reserve, I were to venture to express those feelings in all their native -warmth and openness?" - -He was silent, and Lady Osborne continued for some moments in profound -thought likewise, looking down at the carpet and playing with her rings: -at length she raised her head, and said, - -"I think you understand my meaning, Mr. Howard. Of the nature of my -feelings I am sure you must have been long aware. Do you not see to what -this conversation tends?" - -He appeared excessively embarrassed, and could not, for some minutes, -arrange his ideas sufficiently to know what to say. At length he -stammered out— - -"Your ladyship does me too much honour, if I rightly understand your -meaning—but perhaps—I should be sorry to misinterpret it—and really you -must excuse me—perhaps I had better withdraw." - -"No, Mr. Howard, do not go with a half explanation which can only lead -to mistakes. Tell me what you really suppose I meant; why should you -hesitate to express—" - -"Seriously," replied he, trying to smile, - -"I for a moment imagined that your ladyship meant to apply to me what -you had just been saying, and I feared you were going to tell me of some -friend who would make the sacrifices you so eloquently described. -Sacrifices which I felt would be far beyond my deserts." - -"And supposing I did say so—supposing there were a woman of rank and -wealth, and influence, who would devote them all to you—what would you -say?" - -"I would say, that though excessively obliged to her, my love was not to -be the purchase of either wealth or influence." - -"I know you are entitled to hold worldly advantages as cheap as any one; -but remember, my dear friend, all the worth of such a sacrifice—think of -the warmth of an affection which could trample on ceremony and brave -opinion. And think on the consequences which might accrue to you from -this. Even you may well pause, before preferring mediocrity to opulence, -and obscurity to rank and eminence. - -"These advantages would not greatly weigh with me were they -attainable—but you forget my profession forbids ambition, and removes -the means of advancement." - -—"No, you forget the gradations which exist in that career—do you treat -as nothing the certainty of promotion—of rising to be a dignitary of the -church—a dean—a bishop, perhaps—becoming at once a member of the Upper -House? Has ambition no charms—no hold upon your mind?" - -"My ambition would never prompt me to wish to rise through my wife—I -could not submit to that." - -"Hard-hearted, cruel man!—and has love, ardent love, no charms for -you?—it is true I cannot offer you the first bloom of youth, but have I -no traces of former beauty—no charm which can influence you or soften -your heart—has not the uncontrollable though melancholy love which -actuates me—has that no power over your affections?" - -She paused, and Mr. Howard hesitated a moment how to answer, then firmly -but respectfully replied, - -"If I understand your ladyship aright, and I think I cannot now -misunderstand, you pay me the highest compliment, but one which is quite -undeserved by me. Highly as I feel honoured, however, I cannot change my -feelings, or alter the sentiments which I have already expressed. My -mind was made known to you, before yours was to me, and to vary now from -what I then said might well cause you to doubt my sincerity, and could -give no satisfaction to your ladyship." - -He stopped abruptly; he wanted to say something indicative of gratitude -and respect; but the disgust which he felt at her proceedings, prevented -the words coming naturally. She, the mother of a married daughter and a -grown up son, to be making proposals to a man so much her junior in age, -and in every way unsuited for her—really, he could not command the -expressions which, perhaps, politeness and a sense of the compliment -paid him required. He rose and appeared about to leave her, but she rose -likewise, and said with a look which betrayed indignation struggling -with other feelings: - -"No, do not leave me thus—reflect before you thus madly throw away the -advantages I offer you—consider the enmity you provoke—calculate the -depth of my wrath and the extent of my power. Refuse me, and there is no -effort to injure you which I will not practise to revenge myself—you -shall bitterly rue this day, if you affront me thus!" - -"I cannot vary from my answer; your ladyship may excite my gratitude by -your kindness but neither my love nor my fears are to be raised by -promises or menaces. On this subject I must be, apparently, ungrateful; -but when the temporary delusion which now influences you has passed -away, you will, doubtless, rejoice that I am firm to-day. I must leave -you." - -"Leave me, then; and let me never see that insidious face again, -ungrateful monster; to throw my benefits from you—to reject my advances. -Is my condescension to be thus rewarded? But I debase myself by talking -to you—leave me—begone!—and take only my enmity with you as your -portion." - -The lady seemed struggling with vehement emotions, which almost choked -her; and knowing she was occasionally attacked with dangerous fits, Mr. -Howard hesitated about leaving her alone. By a gesture of her hand, -however, she repulsed his offer to approach her; he therefore, slowly -withdrew, and his mind was relieved of anxiety for her by seeing her -maid enter the room before he had descended the stairs. He then hurried -away, and tried, by walking very quickly through the most retired paths -in Kensington Gardens, to soothe his feelings and tranquillize his mind. - -Had there been no Emma Watson in the world, or had she been, as he -feared she would soon be, married to Lord Osborne, he must still have -refused the proposal which had just been made to him. It never could -have presented itself as a temptation to his mind. But under present -circumstances, with a heart full of her memory, all the more precious, -the more dwelt on, because he feared she would never be more to him, it -was more than impossible, it was entirely repulsive. If he must love her -in vain, as he told himself he should, that was no reason he should -marry another; and if she were to become Lady Osborne as he feared, her -mother-in-law would be the last person he would be tempted to accept. -Step-father to _her_ husband—oh, impossible! rather would he remove a -thousand miles than voluntarily bring himself into contact with that -charming girl in that relationship. If he could not have her, he would -remain single for her and for his sister's sake, and his nephew should -hold the place of son to him. These were his resolutions, and a further -determination to avoid all intercourse at present with the dowager was -the only other idea which could find any resting place in his troubled -brain. He returned the next day to his Vicarage, and there, with his -sister, his garden and his parochial duties, he sought alike to forget -the pleasures and the pains of the past. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - -A month of tranquillity and peace of mind, passed in the society of Miss -Bridge, was sufficient to restore Emma Watson to all her former health -and more than her former beauty. When Lady Gordon wrote to remind her of -the promised visit, she was almost sorry to go. Yet her heart would -flutter a little at the notion of again visiting Osborne Castle—of being -again in the vicinity of Mr. Howard, of seeing, hearing, meeting him -again. It was very foolish to care so much about it—extremely so when he -had so completely shown his own indifference, and yet she could not help -feeling a good deal at the idea of meeting. - -She called it curiosity to see how he was looking, when she admitted -that thoughts of him had anything to do with it; but more often she -persisted that it was affection for Lady Gordon, or a wish to see her -old neighbourhood, or to visit Osborne Castle in the summer. In short, -she found a hundred surprisingly good reasons why she should wish to go -to Osborne Castle, any one of which would have been sufficient had it -only been true, but as they were mostly imaginary, she never felt quite -deceived about them in her own mind. This was provoking, as she would -have liked, had she been able, to convince herself that she no longer -took any interest in Mr. Howard. She had, however, a right to remember -his sister with regard, and she readily owned to herself that she should -be extremely glad to renew her acquaintance with Mrs. Willis. She hoped -to see Margaret again, and judge of the comparative happiness of her -married life. Yet she looked back with regret to the four past weeks and -reckoned them as some of the happiest she had ever known. Elizabeth had -spent part of the time with her, and she had enjoyed herself so very -much. - -The more she had known of Miss Bridge, the better she had liked her, and -the parting was accompanied with mutual regrets and hopes of meeting -again. - -It was June when she returned to Osborne Castle—June with its deep blue -skies—its sunny days—its delicious twilight; June with its garlands of -roses scenting the air, and its odoriferous hay-fields. The weather was -such as any lover of nature must revel in—delicious summer weather—fit -for strolling in the shade or sitting under trees, making believe to -read, whilst you were really watching the birds flitting among the -bushes, or the bees humming in the flowers—weather for enjoying life in -perfect listlessness and idleness—when scarcely any occupation could be -followed up beyond arranging a _bouquet_ or reading a novel. So thought -and so declared the young bride when her husband pressed her to engage -in any serious pursuit; she enjoyed the pleasure of teasing him by her -refusals perhaps rather more than she ought to have done, but she never -teased him very far now; she knew what he would bear, and ventured not -to go beyond it. - -"I am glad Emma Watson is coming today," said she, as she threw herself -on a seat in the flower-garden; "you will have something else to look at -then besides me, and I shall quite enjoy the change." - -"Are you sure of that, Rosa?" said he doubtfully. - -"Why you have not the impertinence to suppose that I value your -incessant attentions," said she; "can you not imagine how tired I am of -being the sole object of your love. Emma Watson shall listen to the -grave books you so much love, shall talk of history or painting with -you, shall sit as your model, and leave me in my beloved indolence." - -"May I enquire if you suppose you are teasing or pleasing me by this -arrangement, Rosa—is it to satisfy me or yourself?" - -"Oh, don't ask troublesome questions; I hate investigations as to -meanings and motives—all I want is to be left alone, and not asked to -ride or walk when I had rather lie on a sofa in quiet." - -"Shall I leave you now then, my dear little wife?" enquired he -smilingly, and offering to go as he spoke. "I have a letter to write -now, and you can stay here in solitude." - -He returned to the Castle, she remained musing where he left her, and -thus it happened that when Emma was announced, she found the young -baronet alone in their morning sitting-room. He laid down his pen and -advanced to meet her with great cordiality, desiring a message to be -sent to summon his lady. - -After expressing the pleasure it gave him to see her again, he observed: - -"Who would have thought, Miss Watson, when we last met, that I should be -receiving you in this castle; did you prognosticate such an event?" - -"Not precisely," replied Emma, "so far as concerned myself; but as -relating to Miss Osborne—I mean Lady Gordon—any one must have foreseen -it." - -"I assure you, when such things are foreseen, Miss Watson, it most -frequently happens that they never come to pass. I have repeatedly seen -instances of this kind." He spoke with an arch smile, and a faint idea -passed through her mind that she was in his thoughts at the moment; an -idea which might, perhaps, have embarrassed her more had it not been -swallowed up—annihilated entirely by a more powerful sensation, as the -door opened and Lady Gordon entered with Mr. Howard. - -It was fortunate that the enquiries of the former—her expressions of -pleasure, and her caresses, were an excuse for Emma's not immediately -turning to the gentleman—had they been obliged to speak at once, it is -probable their dialogue would have been peculiar—interesting but -unconnected—as the man said of Johnson's dictionary. As it was, they -both had time to collect their thoughts—and when they did turn, were -able to go through their interview with tolerable calmness; but Emma had -the advantage—as ladies frequently have where circumstances require a -ready tact and presence of mind. Indeed, they did not start on fair -ground—since she had only one set of sensations to contend with and -conceal—he had more—for, besides the emotion which the sight of her -occasioned him, he had the double evil of being convinced it was -contrary to the requisitions of honour, to feel any extraordinary -pleasure in her company. Had not Lord Osborne made him his confidant -relative to his attachment, or had Howard boldly owned to his lordship -at the time, that he entertained similar views, all would have been -right, and he might openly have expressed the interest which he now was -compelled carefully to smother. His address was cold and formal—the very -contrast to his feelings—and extremely ill done likewise; Emma, chilled -by the reception so different to what she had ventured to expect, began -to fear her own manners had been too openly indicative of pleasure at -the sight of him; and determined to correct this error she almost -immediately followed Lady Gordon, who had sauntered towards the -conservatory. - -"Come here," said the young hostess, linking her arm in Emma's, "let us -leave the gentlemen to discuss the parish politics together. Mr. Howard -came on business, and Sir William dearly loves meddling with it. Now, -you must tell me all the news of Croydon. Have you no scandal to enliven -me?—with whom has the lawyer quarrelled? or to whom has the apothecary -been making love." - -Emma colored and laughed a little. Lady Gordon smilingly watched her. - -"To you, I suppose, by your blushes, Miss Watson; well, that gives me a -higher idea of _his_ taste, than I have been accustomed to form of -country-town doctors. How many lovers have you to boast of? Beginning -with Lord Osborne, and ending with this nameless son of Esculapius?—tell -me all. - -"Indeed, I have no such honors to boast," replied Emma, "no one has -sought me, and probably no one ever will:" this was followed by a little -sigh. - -"Nay, do not be so desponding—a little chill is nothing," cried Lady -Gordon, "but I am not going to pry into your secrets. This conservatory -has given us enough of trouble in that way already. By the way, you -will, of course, like to go over and call on your sister, Mrs. -Musgrove—when will it suit you?" - -"To-morrow, if you please," replied Emma, gratefully; Lady Gordon -promised that the means of conveyance should be at her service, and they -proceeded to discuss other topics. - -She insisted on detaining Mr. Howard to spend the afternoon and to dine -with them—pleading, as a reason, the absence of his sister, who was away -on a visit; and when this point was carried and settled, she led them -out into the flower garden again, and loitered away the rest of the -intervening time, amidst the perfume of summer flowers, and the -flickering lights and shadows of the alcoves, and their gay creeping -plants. It was the day and place for love making; who could resist the -fascinating influence of sweet scents, sunshine, murmuring fountains and -soft summer airs? Not Mr. Howard, certainly! Gradually his frozen manner -melted away—his purposes of reserve were forgotten, and he became once -more the Mr. Howard of Emma's first acquaintance, pleasant and -gay—sensible and agreeable. - -Lady Gordon left them several times together, whilst she occupied -herself with her flowers or her tame pheasants; and each successive time -of her absence, there was less check and constraint in his manner; and -when, at last, she totally disappeared, and they were left without other -witnesses in that delightful spot, than the silent trees, or the -trickling waters, his reserve had disappeared altogether, and she could -converse with him as in former times. - -"Have you enjoyed your visit at Croydon, Miss Watson," enquired he, -presently. - -She looked surprised at the question. - -"Enjoyed it," she repeated—then, after a momentary hesitation added, "I -wonder you can apply such a term to circumstances connected with so much -that is—that must be most painful." - -He was exceedingly vexed with himself for the question, and attempted to -make some excuse for the inadvertence. - -"It is unnecessary." she replied, with a something almost of bitterness -in her tone, "I had no right to expect that the memory of our misfortune -would remain, when we ourselves were removed from sight. _I_ ought -rather to apologise for answering your question so uncivilly." - -"No, no, indeed," cried he eagerly, "I cannot admit that—but indeed, -Miss Watson, you do me injustice, and the same to all your former -friends in that last speech. We cannot cease to regret the -misfortune—the Providential dispensation, which in removing your -excellent father from among us, robbed us likewise of you and your -sisters." - -"My dear father," said Emma involuntarily, her eyes filling with -tears—she turned away her head. - -"It was of course a terrible wound to you," said he softly, and stepping -up quite close to her, "but not one which you need despair of time's -healing; _your_ good sense, _your_ principles must assist you to view -the occurrence in its true light. It must not sadden your whole life, or -rob you of all pleasure." - -"True—but there are other sorrows connected with it—" she stopped -abruptly, then went on again, "however I have no right to complain. I -have still _some_ friends left—my loss of fortune has not entailed the -loss of _all_ those whom I reckoned amongst my friends; though an event -of that kind is a good touch-stone for new and untried friendships." - -"Can you imagine," cried he eagerly, "that such a circumstance can make -the shadow of a difference to any one worth knowing. It is, I own, too, -too common—but surely _you_ have not met with such instances." - -She shook her head and looked half reproachfully at him: in her own -heart, she had felt inclined to charge him with this feeling. - -"I should have thought," continued he warmly, "you would have said—at -least you would have found it like the words of the old song, that— - - "Friends in all the old you meet, - And brothers in the young." - -"I believe it is not usual," replied she trying to speak playfully, "to -attach much value to an old song—we may consider that as a poetical -fiction." - -He looked very earnestly at her and said: - -"You fancy friends have deserted you, owing to a change in your -prospects—do not—allow me to advise you—do not give way to such -feelings—they will not make you happy." - -"They do not make me _un_happy, I assure you," said she with spirit; -"the value I place on such fluctuating friendships is low indeed." - -"In one single instance, perhaps, it may be so—but you had better not -dwell on such ideas; they will create eventually a habit of mind which -must tend to produce secret irritation and uneasiness. The allowing -yourself to think it—much more expressing that thought _can_ do you no -good, and each repetition deepens the impression!" - -He spoke so gently, with such a low, earnest tone, she could not resist -or for a moment longer indulge her half-formed suspicions relative to -him and his sister. Whether he had guessed her feelings she could not -tell; his eyes were fixed on her with too much of interest to allow her -to attempt reading the whole of their meaning. She never liked him so -well as when thus, and with justice, reproving her. - -"I dare say you are right," said she meekly, "I will try to repress such -feelings—indeed I am ashamed I ever gave them utterance—and here too, -where I have been so very kindly welcomed!" - -"And I am to imagine then," continued he, "that Croydon offers few -attractions to you—a country town is not usually agreeable except to -those who love gossip, of which I do not suspect you; but you must have -found some compensations." - -"It was a great pleasure to look forward to Elizabeth being so -comfortably settled," replied Emma, "I like my future brother very much, -and am pleased with his family. I have no doubt of _her_ happiness—and -the style of life will not be irksome to her—but I love the country, and -country pursuits, and was right glad to exchange the noisy streets of -Croydon for the delightful groves of Burton—its meadows and -green-lanes." - -"You have not then been the whole time at Croydon?" - -She explained—he had certainly been in a state of complete darkness as -to her movements lately; and she really felt a momentary mortification -that he should have been contented to remain in such profound ignorance. -Yet she also rejoiced that he had never heard anything relative to the -course of events which had occasioned her so much pain at Croydon, and -driven her from the place. He knew nothing of Mr. Morgan. - -How much longer they would have been content to loiter in that pleasant -flower-garden cannot now be known, but they were only induced to leave -it by the sound of the gong, which summoned them to the Castle to -prepare for dinner. The hour which they had thus enjoyed had been one of -the pleasantest to Emma which she could recollect, and the witchery of -it to Howard himself would have been quite unrivalled, had his -conscience been easy on reflection, with regard to Lord Osborne's plans -and hopes. He tormented himself with the idea that it was unjust to his -friend to take advantage of his absence; yet a flattering hope dwelt in -his heart, that _she_ had shown no reluctance to the interview; nay, if -his wishes did not deceive and mislead him, there was a glance in her -averted eye, and a rich mantling of colour over her cheek once or twice, -which spoke anything but aversion. - -And if so—if he really had been so fortunate as to inspire her with a -partiality so delightful, was he not privileged—more than -privileged—bound in honour to her to prove himself deserving of such -feelings, and capable of appreciating them. This conviction gave him a -degree of confidence and animation quite different from the manners he -had exhibited when they had previously met at Osborne Castle, and Emma -found him as pleasant as in the earlier stage of their acquaintance. - -"Are you still partial to early walks, Miss Watson," enquired Sir -William in the course of the evening, "or is it only in frosty winter -mornings that you indulge in such a recreation." - -"Ah, I had a very pleasant ramble that morning," said Emma, "at least -till the rain came and spoilt it all." - -"A very mortifying way of concluding," said Sir William, laughing, "for -I came with the rain. I wish you had not put in that reservation." - -"I am not so ungrateful as to include you and the rain in the same -condemnation," replied she, "you were of great assistance in my -distresses." - -"But if you wish to indulge in the same amusement now, you will have -abundance of time, as Lady Gordon is by no means so precipitate in her -habits of rising and performing her morning toilette, as to compel her -guests to abridge their walks before breakfast. Perhaps as a compliment -to you, and by making very great speed she may contrive to complete her -labours in that way by ten or eleven o'clock." - -"Well, I do not pretend to deny it," said Lady Gordon, "I am excessively -indolent, and dearly love the pleasure of doing nothing. But Sir William -is always anxious to make me out much worse than I am." - -"But you have not answered my question as to your intentions for -to-morrow, Miss Watson, and I have a great wish to know whether you are -proposing an excursion; because I think it would be much more agreeable -if we can contrive to walk together, and if I know at what time you -intend to start, I will take care to be in the way." - -"Is he serious, Lady Gordon?" enquired Emma. - -"It is a most uncommon event if he is so, I assure you," replied the -young wife, "and, indeed, I would not take upon myself to assert such a -thing of him at any time—" - -"Do not believe all the scandal my lady there will say of me," returned -Sir William, "but just say at once that you will walk to-morrow morning, -and that you will be particularly happy if I and Mr. Howard will join -you." - -Emma blushed deeply, and hardly knew what to answer, but Lady Gordon -saved her the trouble of replying, by exclaiming at the presumption and -self-conceit of her husband, declaring that he had completely reversed -the proper order of things, and that he deserved a decided negative from -Emma, for having expected her to profess such extraordinary satisfaction -at his company. - -Emma made believe to consider the proposal entirely as a joke, but -somehow, without knowing exactly how, it was settled that the proposed -excursion should take place, and that Mr. Howard was to meet them at a -particular spot, from whence they were to ascend the hill behind the -Castle to enjoy the prospect bathed in a morning's sunshine. Lady Gordon -privately gave her husband many injunctions not to interfere with the -lovers, and whilst keeping near enough to take away all appearance of -impropriety, to be sure and give them plenty of time for quiet -intercourse. In return for her consideration, he only laughed at her, -and accused her of a great inclination to intrigue, assuring her she had -much better leave such affairs to take their chance. - -The walk, however, took place as was planned, and was exceedingly -enjoyed by all three, though Mr. Howard did not take that occasion of -declaring his passion: indeed he would have had some difficulty in -finding an opportunity, as Sir William did not follow Lady Gordon's -suggestions of leaving them together. - -Mindful of her promise, Lady Gordon sent her guest over the next morning -to pay her first visit to Mrs. Tom Musgrove. It was with rather a -feeling of doubt and hesitation that Emma ventured to her sister's -house; anxious as she was to see her and judge for herself, and curious -to observe the manners which Tom Musgrove adopted as a married man, she -could not help some internal misgivings as to the result of her -investigations. - -She had never seen the house before, and though she had been previously -warned of the fact that it had no beauty to recommend it, she was not -exactly prepared for the bare, unsheltered situation, and the extreme -unsightliness of the building itself. Tom had always spent too much -money on his horses and their habitation, to have any to spare for -beautifying his house during the days of his bachelorship and he was far -too angry at the constraint put upon him in his marriage, to feel any -inclination to exert himself for the reception of his bride. She had -therefore no additions for her accommodation, no gay flower-garden, not -even any new furniture to boast of, and her glory must consist alone in -the fact of her new name, and her security from living and dying an old -maid. - -Most people would have thought that security dearly purchased, but if -such were Margaret's thoughts, she had not as yet given utterance to -them. - -Emma found her lying on a sofa, and in spite of her very gay dress, and -an extremely becoming cap, evidently out of spirits and cross, yet -wanting to excite her sister's envy of her situation. - -"Well, Emma," said she, sharply, "I am glad you have come over to see -me, though I must say I think your friend, Lady Gordon, since she is -such a great friend of yours, might have paid me the compliment of -calling with you." - -"She thought it would be pleasanter if we met first without her," said -Emma, cheerfully, "but she desired me to express the pleasure it would -give her to see you and Mr. Musgrove at Osborne Castle any day you would -name!" - -Somewhat mollified by this unexpected attention, Margaret smiled -slightly, then again relapsing into her usual pettish air, she observed, - -"I think you might say something about the house and drawing-room—what -do you think of it?" - -Emma was exceedingly puzzled what to answer, as it was difficult for her -to combine sincerity with anything agreeable; but after looking round -for a minute she was able to observe that the room was of a pretty -shape, and had a pleasant aspect. - -"It wants new furnishing sadly," continued Margaret, pleased with her -sister's praise; "but Tom is so stingy of money, I am sure I do not know -when I am to do it. Would not pale blue damask satin curtains look -lovely here—with a gold fringe or something of the sort?" - -"Rather expensive, I should suppose," replied Emma; "and perhaps -something plainer would be more in character with the rest of the house -and furniture." - -"I don't see that at all," retorted Margaret; "do you suppose I do not -know how to furnish a house—of course I should have everything to -correspond. I have a little common sense, I believe, whatever some -people may choose to think of it. At home indeed I was always considered -as nothing, but as a married woman I am of some importance, I believe!" - -"It was not your taste that I doubted," replied Emma, and then stopped, -afraid lest she should only make bad worse by anything she might venture -to say. - -"I should like to know what you _did_ doubt then," said Margaret -scornfully. "Perhaps you thought we could not afford it; but there I -assure you you are quite mistaken—Tom's is a very ample income, and he -can as well afford me luxuries as Sir William Gordon himself." - -"I am very glad to hear it," replied Emma composedly. - -Margaret thought a little, and then enquired how Elizabeth was going on. - -Emma's account was very satisfactory, or at least would have been so to -any one really concerned in Miss Watson's welfare; but Margaret would -probably have felt better pleased had there been some drawback or -disadvantage to relate concerning her; being not altogether so well -satisfied with her own lot, as to make her quite equal to bearing the -prosperity of her sister. - -"And so she is really going to marry that man, in spite of his brewery; -well, I wish she had more pride—proper pride; I must say I think a -clergyman's daughter might have looked higher—and she should consider -_my_ feelings a little. I should have been ashamed to marry any one not -a gentleman by birth and situation!" - -"We have not all the same feelings," replied Emma willing to propitiate; -"and I do not wonder at her liking Mr. Millar, he is so excellent a -man." - -"You think so, I dare say," said Margaret scornfully; "but a girl like -you has seen far too little of the world to be any judge of what men are -or ought to be. There is nothing so deceptive as their manners in -company—_I_, who must be allowed to have more power of judging, and -indeed in every respect to be your superior, never saw anything -remarkable in Mr. Millar: a certain coarseness and grossness—a something -which irresistibly reminded one of a cask of double X, was much his most -distinguishing characteristic." - -"I never observed it, and indeed Margaret I think you do him injustice," -said Emma with spirit; "I am sure he has nothing coarse about him, -either in mind or person." - -"I think it is very unbecoming in you to set up your opinion in -opposition to me. I have had far more experience, and my position as a -matron places me in a much more competent situation for judging of men -and manners." - -Emma did not again attempt to contradict her, and Margaret, pleased with -her supposed victory, enquired with some good nature and more vanity, if -her sister would like to see her jewel-box. Emma, aware that she wished -to exhibit it, good-naturedly expressed pleasure at the proposal, and -was in consequence immediately desired to ring the bell to summon her -maid to fetch it. - -With much self-complacency, and a considerable wish to make her sister -envious, all the new trinkets were exhibited by the happy possessor, and -amongst many which owed all their value to being perfectly modern and -just in fashion, were some few ornaments which would have been valued -anywhere for their intrinsic worth, although antique in their setting, -and differing decidedly from the style of ornament then in vogue. - -"Those belonged to Tom's mother," observed Margaret, rather -contemptuously pushing aside the trinkets in question; "I believe the -stones are rather good, and if they were only new set, I should like -them very well, but they are monstrous old things now, set as they have -been." - -Before Emma had time to reply or to express any opinion at all on the -subject of the trinkets, the door was violently thrown open, and with a -sound which indicated that he was luxuriating in very easy slippers, Tom -Musgrove entered the room. - -"I say Margery, girl," he began in a loud voice, but stopped on seeing -his sister-in-law. "Hey, Emma Watson! why I did not know you were here! -By Jove! I am glad to see you." - -He advanced towards her, and not satisfied with taking the hand which -she extended to him, he saluted her on the cheek with considerable -warmth, and detaining her hand, he stared her in the face with a look of -admiration which was quite offensive to her. - -"Upon my word, Emma, you are looking more lovely than ever, blooming and -fresh. I need not ask _how_ you are—those bright eyes and roses speak -volumes. I am glad to see you, indeed I am." - -"Thank you," said Emma, turning away her head and struggling to release -the hand which he retained with a most decided grasp; "I am glad to see -you and Margaret looking so well." - -"Oh! Margery there—yes, I dare say, she is well enough—but, as for me, I -am sure it must be something miraculous, if I am any thing remarkable in -that way"—he glanced at his wife and shrugged his shoulders with an air -that excited disgust, not pity, in Emma. - -"And so you are come to enliven us, Emma,—that's monstrous good of you, -'pon my honor. I hope you are going to stay here some time." - -"You are very kind," replied she, "but I am staying with Lady Gordon, -and only came over here for a short visit to Margaret." - -"So there, you see," cried Mrs. Musgrove, "_my_ relations are as much -noticed at the castle as you are; so you need not plume yourself so much -on that head, Tom!" - -"I do not wonder that Sir William likes to have a pretty girl to stay -with him," replied Tom, again staring at Emma, who coloured highly with -indignation at his impertinence. "Ah! ha! how you blush," added he, -coming close to her and attempting to pinch her cheek, which she, -however, avoided. "Why, how monstrous coy you are," exclaimed he, "what! -are you afraid of me?—fie, fie—you are my sister, and should have no -naughty ideas in your head." - -"I will trouble you, Tom, to leave my sister alone; I do not approve of -your taking personal liberties with her; be so good as to treat her with -the respect which is due to a relative of mine," exclaimed Margaret, -half rising from her sofa to speak with greater energy. - -"Ha! ha! so you are jealous Margery," said Tom, throwing himself on a -seat beside Emma, and rolling about with laughter, "that's a good joke -'pon my soul—a capital joke, indeed—to be sure, considering all -things—it's natural enough; but really, I cannot help laughing at -it—indeed, I cannot, though I beg your pardon, Emma, for doing so." - -Emma looked most immoveably grave, and would not give him the smallest -encouragement in his hilarity, whilst Margaret muttered quite audibly: - -"What a fool you do make of yourself, to be sure." - -"So you are exhibiting your necklace box again," observed he, -sarcastically, as he caught a glimpse of the case beside her. "Upon my -honor, I do not believe there is another woman so vain of her trinkets -between this and Berwick—you are always shewing them to every body." - -"Well, and what if I am? I suppose I may if I like—it does nobody any -harm that ever I heard of," retorted Margaret, quite angry. "I see no -more wonder in a woman's shewing her jewels, than in a man exhibiting -his horses, dogs, and guns. I have known instances of that peculiarity -in some of my acquaintances, quite as well deserving of ridicule, as my -sister's wishing to see my ornaments could be." - -"I dare say, the horses and the dogs were much better worth looking at -than your trumpery;" replied he, "why, the only things in your -assortment worth any thing, are the topaz set which belonged to my -mother; all the rest is mere rubbish." - -"What those frightful old things! upon my honor, Tom, I am ashamed of -wearing such monstrous, heavy, old-fashioned articles—but having once -belonged to your mother, of course they must be wonderfully precious." - -Emma here interposed to deliver Lady Gordon's message, and to request -them to name a day for accepting it. A debate ensued as to the most -convenient day on which to fix, which presently branched off into a -violent dispute as to whether the invitation in question was intended as -a compliment to Tom or his wife; each maintaining the opinion, that the -honour of the invitation was all due to themselves. - -At length, however, Emma contrived to persuade them to settle the point -in question; and two days from that time, was fixed on for the dinner -visit, and soon after this point was arranged, Emma took her leave. - -Much as she was grieved by what she had witnessed, she could not be -surprised at it, when she considered the circumstances under which the -union had been formed. Tom was reckless and unkind; Margaret peevish and -fretful, without energy of character to make the best of her situation, -or strength of mind to bear with patience the evils in which she had -involved herself. No doubt, if Tom had loved her, she would have been -fond of him, and any sensation beyond her own selfish feelings, would -have done her good; but forced into the marriage against his will, love, -or any thing resembling it, was not to be expected from him; in -consequence, her own partiality could not survive his indifference; and -there was a mutual spirit of ill-will cultivated between them, which -boded ill for their future peace. - -Emma reflected on all this as she drove home, from her very -unsatisfactory visit, and was only roused from these unpleasant -considerations, by finding the carriage stopped suddenly soon after -entering the park. On looking up, she perceived Sir William and Lady -Gordon, who enquired if she would like a stroll before dinner, instead -of returning at once to the castle. She assented with pleasure, and -quitting the carriage, they took a pleasant path through a plantation, -the thick shade of which made walking agreeable even in the afternoon of -a June day. - -"Suppose we go and invade Mr. Howard," said Lady Gordon, "this path -leads down to the vicarage—let us see what sort of a housekeeper he -makes, without his sister to manage for him!" - -"Always running after Mr. Howard, Rosa," said Sir William. "Upon my -word, I shall be jealous soon: yesterday flirting in the -flower-garden—to-day visiting at the vicarage; if things go on in this -way, I will take you away from Osborne Castle very soon." - -"Yes, _you_ have reason to be jealous, have you not? when men leave off -pleasing their wives themselves, they always dislike that any one else -should do it for them"—replied Lady Gordon smiling saucily. "You know -you are always thwarting me yourself, and naturally wish to keep me from -more agreeable society, lest I should draw disadvantageous comparisons." - -"But the comparisons are not fairly drawn under such circumstances," -suggested Emma, "for Mr. Howard's way of treating Lady Gordon can be no -rule for his probable way of tyrannising over some future Mrs. Howard." - -"Of course not," replied Sir William, "but I observe, Miss Watson, you -take it for granted that he _will_ tyrannise over a wife when he has -one; is that your opinion of men in general, or only of Mr. Howard in -particular?" - -"Of men in general, no doubt," interposed Lady Gordon: "Miss Watson has -lived too long in the world not already to have discovered the obvious -truth, that all men are tyrants when they have the opportunity, the only -difference being, that some are hypocrites likewise, and conceal their -disposition until their victim is in their power, whilst others, like -yourself William, make no secret of it at all." - -"I am glad you acquit me of hypocrisy at least, Rosa; it has always been -my wish to be distinguished for sincerity and openness, I never indulged -in intrigues or meddled in manœuvres, or sought for stratagems to carry -out my wishes." - -He accompanied this speech with a peculiar smile which made his lady -colour slightly, as she well knew to what he alluded; she did not reply, -and they walked on some time in silence. - -At length Emma observed that it was a remarkably pretty walk which they -were pursuing. Lady Gordon told her that they were indebted for the idea -and plan of it to Mr. Howard; he had superintended the execution of some -other improvements which Lady Osborne had effected, but this one had -originated entirely with him. It was the pleasantest road from the -vicarage to the village, and was so well made and drained as to be -almost always dry although so much sheltered. The idea that he had -planned it, did not at all diminish the interest with which Emma -regarded the road they were discussing; and her eyes sought the glimpses -of distant landscape seen between the trees, with pleasure materially -heightened by the recollection that it was to his taste she was indebted -for the gratification. - -This sort of secret satisfaction was brought suddenly to a close, by -finding herself quite unexpectedly at a little wicket gate opening upon -his garden. She had not been aware the house was so near; but the -nature, not the source of her pleasure, was changed; it still was -connected with him, and the beauty of his garden quite enchanted her. -When she had previously seen it in the winter, she had felt certain it -must be charming, but now it proved to surpass every expectation she had -formed; and she was internally convinced that a love of gardening, and a -taste for the beauties of nature, were sure signs of an amiable and -domestic disposition in a man, which promised fair for the happiness of -those connected with him. - -They found him hard at work constructing some new trellis work for the -luxuriant creepers which adorned his entrance; his coat off, and his -arms partly bare for the greater convenience of his labours. - -"We have taken you by storm, to-day," said Lady Gordon, smilingly -holding out her hand to him, "I like to see your zeal for your house." - -"Really," said he, holding up his hand, "these fingers of mine are not -at all fit to touch a lady's glove; when we assume the occupation of -carpenters, we ought to expect to be treated accordingly." - -"And when we intrude on you at such irregular hours, we ought to be -thankful for any welcome we can get," replied Lady Gordon. - -"Indeed, I take it most kind and friendly of you to come," answered he, -his eyes directed with unequivocal satisfaction towards Emma. "My garden -is better worth seeing _now_, than when you were last here," added he, -approaching her. - -"It is lovely," replied Emma, honestly speaking her mind, "what -beautiful roses. I do not think I ever saw such a display of blossoms." - -"I am glad _you_ admire it," said he, in a low voice, "though, after the -conservatories and flower gardens of the castle, I am afraid it must -look rather poor." - -"I would not make unjust comparisons," replied Emma, "but I think you -need not dread it if I were inclined to do so. It is not grandeur or -extent which always carries the greatest charm." - -"And would you apply that sentiment to _more_ than a garden?" asked he, -very earnestly, fixing on her eyes which unmistakeably declared his -anxiety to hear her answer. - -He was not, however, destined to be so speedily gratified as he had -hoped; for, quite unconscious that he was interrupting any peculiarly -interesting conversation, Sir William turned round to enquire the name -of some new shrub that struck his eye at the moment. - -Recollecting himself after replying to the baronet's question, he -invited them to enter the house to rest; but this Lady Gordon declined, -declaring that she preferred a swelling bank of turf, under a tree, to -any sofa that ever was constructed. The ladies therefore sat down here, -and begging to be excused for one minute, Mr. Howard disappeared, going, -as Sir William guessed, to wash his hands and put on a coat, that he -might look smart and fit for company. Lady Gordon laughed at the idea of -a clergyman making himself smart, or of Mr. Howard treating her as -company; but Sir William was proved to be partly right, since it was -evident on his return that he had been employing part of his absence in -the way that had been suggested; but to dress himself had not been his -sole object, for he re-appeared with a basket of magnificent -strawberries in his hand, which on a warm afternoon in summer had a -peculiarly inviting appearance. - -Lady Gordon accepted them eagerly, declaring that she knew his -strawberries were always far better than any the Castle gardens ever -produced. As to Emma, she was certain she never tasted any so excellent -in her life, nor was she ever before pressed to eat with so winning a -smile or so persuasive a tone of voice. - -"I wonder you take so much pains to beautify this place, when you are -almost certain of being soon removed from it," said Lady Gordon. - -"The occupation is in itself a pleasure," replied he, "which more than -repays me for the exertion, and after your brother's liberality in -making the house and garden as comfortable as possible, it would be very -bad if I could not do my share in keeping it so, even if I am not to -remain as possessor; but I by no means anticipate a change with the -certainty which you seem to do." - -"I have no doubt in the least that the moment Carsdeane is vacant, my -brother will offer you the living, and as the rector is very old and -infirm it seems hardly possible that it can be long first." - -Mr. Howard was silent for a few minutes, and when he spoke, it was on -another subject; but not with the gaiety with which he had before -conversed; in fact, he was secretly meditating on the extreme -desirableness of quitting his present vicarage, if ever Lady Osborne -came to reside again in the neighbourhood. Nothing could be much more -unpleasant than a meeting between them, and he longed to learn from her -daughter whether there was any chance of such a catastrophe; but as yet -he had not found courage to enquire, fearing her penetration might have -led her to guess the past events, or her mother's indiscretion might -have made her acquainted with them. - -"Mr. Howard," said Lady Gordon soon afterwards, "you are under an -engagement to Miss Watson, to give her another lecture on the paintings -in the Castle gallery." - -"I remember hoping for that pleasure," said he; "but I could hardly have -flattered myself that Miss Watson would remember it for such a length of -time." - -"Indeed I do though," replied Emma; "I have a very good memory for -promises which are likely to afford me pleasure, and if I did not fear -encroaching too much on your time and patience, should certainly claim -that one." - -"And I assure you I have no wish to shrink from my promise; but any time -you will name I will be at your service," said he with a look of lively -pleasure, "excepting to-morrow, when I am particularly engaged." - -"There is no desperate hurry, I dare say," interposed Sir William; "you -can postpone your engagement without material inconvenience, I should -think, for a day or two, after waiting nearly six months." - -"Oh yes, Miss Watson is come to pay us a long visit," added Lady Gordon; -"so you may easily settle on the day and hour at some future meeting." - -"Any time will do for me," said Emma quietly. - -"And are you really going out for the whole day to-morrow?" enquired -Lady Gordon. - -He assented. - -"Then we will come down and rifle his strawberry-beds—shall we not Miss -Watson?" continued she. - -"I protest that will be most unfair," exclaimed he; "since I give you -willingly all I have, and only request, in return, the pleasure of your -society." - -"That is so pretty a speech I can do no less than say in reply, that we -shall be most happy whenever Mr. Howard will indulge us with the honour -of his company: come whenever you can—the day after to-morrow Mr. and -Mrs. Musgrove dine with us, will you meet them?" - -He accepted with pleasure, though perhaps he would have preferred their -absence to their company. - -After loitering away a couple of hours on his lawn, Lady Gordon rose to -take her leave, and even then she pressed him so earnestly to accompany -them up the hill, to assist Miss Watson, who she was certain was -fatigued by her long walk, that he could not have refused had it been an -unpleasant task she was imposing on him, instead of the thing which he -liked best in the world, and was really wishing to do. - -The encouragement which he received from Lady Osborne herself was so -obvious, that had his suit depended only on her, he would have felt -neither fear nor hesitation as to the result; but as the wishes and -tastes of another person were to be consulted, and there seemed far more -doubt as to the direction which those took, he still debated whether or -not he should venture to put his influence to the proof, and rest all -his hopes on a single effort. - -He accompanied them home, but Emma denied that she was tired, and would -not accept the assistance of his arm, because she misinterpreted the -hesitation with which it was offered, fancying it was done unwillingly, -and solely in compliance with her friend's directions. This discouraged -him; he did not recover from the disappointment, and in consequence -would not enter the Castle, but persisted in returning to spend a -solitary evening at the vicarage. There Emma's smile and Emma's voice -perpetually recurred to his fancy, and he occupied himself, whilst -finishing the work which they had interrupted, in recalling every word -which she had said, and the exact look which had accompanied each -speech. - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - -The next morning at breakfast, one letter amongst many which Lady Gordon -received, appeared to excite considerable surprise, and some other -sensation nearly allied to discontent. She read it over, and then threw -it down before her husband, with an exclamation: - -"Only see there!" - -"Why, what is it that clouds your brow so, Rosa?" replied he, looking at -the letter without touching it, or interrupting himself in the process -of dissecting a cold fowl. - -"Just look at that letter;" said she, "have you no curiosity?" she -added, seeing he did not take it up. - -"Oh yes, a great deal of curiosity—but no time to spare, and I know that -if I wait a little, you will tell me all without the trouble of looking -at it." - -"Provoking man," said Lady Gordon, "I declare I will not tell you a -word, as a punishment for such incorrigible laziness and impertinence." - -"I see by the address it is from your brother, my love," replied the -husband, glancing again at the letter, "what does he say to provoke you, -and put you so out of temper?" - -"I will not tell you a word. I assure you." - -"Is he going to be married?" - -"Look in the letter and you will have no occasion to ask me." - -"Miss Watson, suppose you were to take it, and oblige me by reading it -out; you have done your breakfast, and I am still busy with mine." - -"No, indeed, I quite agree with Lady Gordon in thinking it very indolent -not to read it for yourself, and shall certainly not countenance it at -all." - -"I see you are in a conspiracy against me, and that is very unfair when -there are two ladies to one man," replied he laughing. - -"I am just going to make you even as to numbers at least," returned -Emma, "for I am about to leave the room." - -She did so, and Sir William immediately taking up the letter, read it -through quietly and returned it to his wife. - -"Well," said she, "what do you think of that?" - -"First, that it is rather extraordinary your brother's proposal of a -visit should cause you such annoyance; and secondly, that you should -think it necessary to make this visit a secret." - -"You are always more struck with my feelings than anything else: I -believe if the Castle were to tumble on us, you would be only occupied -in observing how I bore it." - -"That is only because you are the most interesting object in the world -to me: surely you would not quarrel with me for that, Rosa?" - -She looked evidently gratified, yet still pretended to pout a little, -then enquired: - -"But why would you not look at the letter when I asked you?" - -"Because _I_ always feel myself _de trop_ when _I_ form the third, where -the other two have letters for mutual inspection: if you wish me to read -your letters, and do not choose to make Miss Watson acquainted with -their contents, pray wait another time till she is out of the room. You -see you have driven her away now." - -"I certainly wished to talk to you about this, I am so annoyed at -Osborne's coming now!" - -"And I cannot imagine why!" - -"Because I believe it to be only for the sake of Emma Watson, that he -has so suddenly resolved to come down here." - -"And you I suppose, Rosa, wish it to be for your own sake instead?" - -"Nonsense; how can you suppose anything of the sort?" - -"Then what am I to understand is the cause of your discontent, Rosa?" -enquired her husband, looking rather surprised. - -"I do not wish him to care for Emma in that sort of way at all. She is a -very nice girl, and I should like to have her for a friend always, but I -do not desire her for a sister; she is not Osborne's equal, and I should -regret the connection." - -"So should I, I confess, not for your brother's sake, but hers. He could -hardly do a better thing for himself; she is his superior in everything -but worldly position, and were there the least chance of his persuading -her to accept him, I should think him a very lucky fellow. But I do not -think there is; and therefore you need not be alarmed for him, nor I for -her." - -"And why should you be concerned for her at such a prospect—it would be -a very good marriage for her," said Lady Gordon. - -"I do not think unequal connexions desirable at all—and were she _your_ -brother's wife, she would be too far removed from the man who is to be -her eldest sister's husband. If I understand rightly, the other is to -marry a wealthy brewer at Croydon—a very good match for her, but not a -desirable connection for Osborne; Emma would either grow ashamed of her -own family and their station, or she would be pained by being obliged to -neglect them in some degree. But she will never accept Osborne!" - -"I cannot wish the temptation thrown in her way—I should be by no means -sure of the result," said Lady Gordon. - -"You cannot prevent it however," replied Sir William, "if Osborne has -any such thoughts in his head—he is his own master, and cannot be kept -away from her. The mischief is of your own doing too—for you had her -here in the winter—and, if I recollect rightly, encouraged the -acquaintance." - -"That was entirely for Mr. Howard's sake," said she, "It never occurred -to me that Osborne would notice her." - -"I cannot see why you should have intermeddled between them at all," was -his reply. "Mr. Howard would have gone on very well alone." - -Lady Gordon did not choose to mention her principal motive, so she only -replied— - -"Well, it is too late for such reflections now to be of any use, so tell -me what I had better do, and I will try and obey you." - -"Do nothing at all then, love; depend upon it, any opposition will only -make your brother more decidedly bent on his own way, which you have no -means of preventing him from following. Let him come, and trust to the -evident partiality of your friend, Howard, as the safeguard of your -brother." - -Lady Gordon had speedily the opportunity of exercising the forbearance -which her husband advised; as, punctual to his promise, her brother -arrived that afternoon. The two young ladies were sitting together when -he walked into the room; and she bore, with as much composure as she -could, the evident warmth and eagerness with which he paid his -compliments to Emma. He seated himself by her side, and after looking -intently at her for a minute in the way for which he had been formerly -remarkable, exclaimed with great energy: - -"Upon my honour, Miss Watson, for all it's so very long since we met, -you are looking uncommonly well and blooming!" - -Emma felt excessively tempted to ask him whether he had expected she -would have pined at his absence, or grown old in the last six months. -She did not, however, because she thought he would not understand her, -as he had never appeared at all ready to comprehend a jest. - -"Croydon must have agreed famously with you," he continued, "I was there -once, and had a great inclination to ride over and pay you a visit at -Burton; but not knowing the people you were with I felt awkward, and did -not like to do it; it is such a horrid thing going entirely amongst -strangers." - -"I am much honoured by your lordship thinking of me at all; but I should -say you were quite right in not coming there; we should have been -overpowered by the sudden apparition of a man of your rank." - -"I dare say _you_ created a great sensation in Croydon, did you not?" - -"Not that I am aware of, my lord; I never wished to be conspicuous, and -I trust, I did not do any thing whilst there, to excite observation -amongst my acquaintance." - -"You must have done one thing, which you could not help, at any time," -replied he, in a very low voice, as if ashamed of himself. "You must -have looked pretty; they must all have noticed that." - -Emma met Lady Gordon's eyes fixed on her at this moment with an -expression which it was impossible to misunderstand; it spoke so plainly -of anxiety and mistrust. It did no good, however, for it only made her -uncomfortable, and was totally unnoticed by him. He never was an adept -at understanding looks—and, at this moment, all his senses were -engrossed by his attention to Emma. - -Not knowing precisely what to say next, he began to admire her work, a -constant resource with young men who are anxious to talk, and rather -barren of subjects; but this did not endure very long, and when he could -find nothing more to say on this topic, he suddenly started a brilliant -idea by enquiring if the ladies did not intend to go out. Emma appealed -to Lady Gordon, who declared at first, she was too lazy to stir; but her -brother pressed his proposition so very warmly, alternately suggesting -riding, driving, or walking, that at last she yielded the point, and -consented to allow him to drive them out. - -Then followed a long discussion as to the vehicle to be chosen, which -terminated in favour of an Irish car—a very favorite mode of conveyance -of Lady Gordon's, and one which was by no means disagreeable to him, as -he would be quite able to talk to Emma as much as he felt inclined. - -The drive which they proposed to take was a very pretty one—through a -country partaking of the nature of a forest—and Emma was at first, -highly delighted with it. But an accident, which occurred when near the -conclusion of their expedition, materially diminished the pleasure of -the whole party. In stepping from the seat, in order to ascend a small -eminence which commanded a beautiful view, Emma placed her foot on a -rolling pebble, which giving way under her, twisted her ankle so -severely as to incapacitate her entirely from walking, and occasion her -very considerable pain. The concern of her friends on the occasion, was -proportionate to their regard for her, and quite in character with their -different dispositions. Lady Gordon expressed her sorrow in words—her -brother confined his chiefly to looks. They returned home immediately; -and Emma was, with the assistance of Sir William, who joined them at the -castle porch, conveyed into the mansion and carried up-stairs. It was -very painful at first, and she told her friend she could not join their -party in the evening; but Lady Gordon expressed so much regret at this, -that Emma consented to make an effort, as there was no necessity for -ascending or descending stairs, their usual sitting room being on the -same floor with her apartments. - -Accordingly she spent the evening on a couch near to which Lord Osborne -stationed himself, in order to enjoy a good view of her face. It was -evident that his love for her had not made him more lively, or more -talkative, and to judge from his manners that evening, he had not made -much progress in politeness. He allowed all the little offices of -civility to be performed by Sir William, never offering to hand her a -cup of coffee, nor seeing when it was empty, and requiring removal; -never noticing when her reel of silk dropped on the ground, or -discovering if her embroidery frame was raised at the proper angle. His -total neglect of all this, together with the little conversation he ever -attempted to carry on, and the general reserve of his manner, entirely -prevented Emma from entertaining the idea, that he was her serious -admirer. Had she really supposed it, her manners might have been -different, but as it was, she felt as much at ease with him, as with his -brother-in-law, and treated him with equal frankness. - -She never had thought him particularly agreeable, and it did not enter -her head that he would wish to make himself so, for otherwise, he would -probably have behaved very differently; at least so she concluded, when -she contrasted his manner with that of some others of her acquaintance. - -The sprain of her ankle occasioned her great pain all the evening, as -Sir William guessed from the paleness of her cheeks, and the shade round -her mouth at times; but she did all she could to conceal it, and chatted -with him and Lady Gordon as long as they remained together. - -But she never felt more relieved than when at his suggestion, the -proposal for retiring was made early, in order to relieve her, for she -had borne as much as she could in silence, and really felt once or twice -on the point of fainting. - -Lady Gordon took the most judicious step she could, for she summoned to -her assistance the old house-keeper, who being peculiarly great in -doctoring sprains, and all such accidental maladies, soon produced some -remedy for the pain Emma was suffering. But it was evident it would be -some days before she would be able to walk at all, and she very much -regretted this deprivation, during the beautiful weather they were then -enjoying. - -In the forenoon of the following day, as she was reclining on a couch -near the open window, engaged in drawing a group of flowers for Lady -Gordon's portfolio, Mr. Howard entered the room. As her hostess happened -to have left the room a few minutes before, he found Emma, to his great -astonishment, _tête-à-tête_ with Lord Osborne. He had no idea that the -young nobleman was then in the country, and not the least expectation of -meeting at that moment with one whom he could not avoid considering as a -dangerous rival. His quick eye did not fail to perceive too, that some -of the flowers in the vase before Emma were of precisely the same kind -as the sprig in Lord Osborne's coat, and he came to the not unnatural -conclusion, that they had been given to him by herself. He felt quite -disconcerted at the circumstance, and he always had an uncomfortable -sense of self-reproach, when he remembered that he had left his lordship -in ignorance of his own wishes, at the time that he received his -confidence. He now hesitated whether to enter the room or not, but Lord -Osborne advanced to meet him with considerable pleasure, and effectually -prevented his withdrawal. He was compelled to shake hands, when at the -moment he felt so very unamiably disposed towards his former pupil, that -he was far more inclined to turn his back upon him. - -"Very glad indeed to see you, Mr. Howard," said the other, "I dare say -you are a little surprised to see _me_ here; but I could not help -coming. You see we have got _her_ back again, aren't you glad?" glancing -at the sofa where Emma was lying. - -She too held out her hand to him, and her cheeks crimsoned at seeing him -again; but as she never suspected his jealousy, not supposing there was -any occasion for it, she felt rather hurt at the coldness of his -address, and the hurried way in which he greeted her. - -Lord Osborne eyed them both, and though not in general gifted with much -penetration, his love seemed, at least on this occasion, to have made -him sharp-sighted, as the idea suddenly entered his mind that there was -danger to his suit in the visits of his former tutor. He sat down in -silence, determined to observe them closely, and not to disturb his -powers of judging, he resolved to keep a profound silence. - -The consequence of these various feelings was a peculiarly awkward -silence, and Emma, angry with the lover she cared for, on account of his -variable manners which perpetually perplexed and disappointed her, was -almost determined not to open her lips to him. - -At length he spoke. - -"I called intending to enquire if you were disposed to fulfil the -engagement we talked of the other day Miss Watson, about the -picture-gallery; but perhaps I need not ask _now_—you probably are not -disposed for the exertion." - -"It is indeed quite out of my power this morning," replied Emma; "and I -wish I could name a time when it would be possible to have the -pleasure." - -"It is only dependent on yourself—but if you have more agreeable -engagements, of course it is natural you should defer this one. Whenever -you wish it, will you let we know?" - -"Do you suppose it to be a more agreeable engagement lying prisoner -here?" replied Emma smiling; "our tastes must differ more than I had -fancied they would if you do so." - -"You did not use to be indolent, I know," replied he; "but no doubt it -is far more like modern fashionable manners to pass the day on a sofa -than in active pursuits." - -"Now do not be satirical, Mr. Howard," said she in a lively tone; "I -never was, and I hope I never shall be converted into a fashionable fine -lady, and my lying on the sofa has nothing to do with indolence or -inclination." - -"Indeed!" he replied, with a provoking air of incredulity. - -"Yes, indeed and indeed—I assure you it is a downright punishment to me, -only alleviated by the kindness of my friends in trying to amuse me." - -Mr. Howard glanced at Lord Osborne, as if he attributed the friendship -and the amusement alike to him. - -"No, you are wrong there—I dare say his lordship is afraid I should be -spoilt if I had too much indulgence, so he contents himself with -disarranging my flowers and contradicting my opinions: I really must -trouble you, my lord, for the bud you stole," she added turning to him; -"I cannot do without it." - -"And I cannot possibly let you have it," replied he abruptly; "it's -gone, I shall not tell you where." - -"Now is not that too provoking!" cried Emma; "with all his -conservatories and gardens at command, to envy me my single sprig which -Sir William took so much trouble in procuring me. I had a particular -value for it on his account, and having sketched it into this group: I -must have it, or the whole will be spoilt." - -"Will you promise me the drawing, if I give it back to you?" asked he. - -"No indeed—it is for your sister. Mr. Howard, will you not take my part? -I am exposed, without the power of resisting, to his depredations; he -knows I cannot move from this sofa." - -"But do tell me what is the matter?" enquired Mr. Howard seriously; -"have you really met with an accident?" - -"Only a sprain which incapacitates me from moving," she answered. - -"I am exceedingly grieved to hear it," he said with looks of real -concern. "I had been thinking only of want of inclination, not want of -power, when you declined moving." - -"You see in that instance then you misunderstood me, perhaps you do so -in others likewise," she replied; an equivocal speech which threw Howard -into a fit of abstraction for several minutes whilst pondering on her -meaning. Recovering himself he began to enquire the particulars of the -accident, which she detailed to him, ending her account with desiring -him to deduce some moral from the history. - -"Perhaps you would not like the moral I should draw," he replied with a -smile; "it might not be flattering or agreeable." - -"I dare say, it would not be flattering, Mr. Howard; I should not expect -it from you—suppose we all make a moral to the tale, and see if we can -think alike. Come, my lord, let us have yours." - -"Give me time to think then," said he—for, in spite of his resolution in -favor of silence, he could not help yielding to her smiles. - -"Five minutes by the watch on the chimney-piece, and in good time—here -come Sir William and Lady Gordon to give their opinion of our -sentiments." - -"I am quite ready to give mine at once," returned Sir William, who heard -only the last speech, as he entered through the window from the terrace: - -"I have no doubt that yours, Miss Watson, are very severe—Osborne's -romantic—and Howard's common place. Will that do?" - -"Not at all—you shall be no judge in the matter, since you make up your -mind before you hear the cause," cried Emma, "Lady Gordon shall be -umpire, and if you like to produce a moral, do so." - -"What is it all about?" enquired Lady Gordon, "I must understand before -I decide." - -"Not the least necessary, my dear Rosa," said her husband, "and quite -out of character; women always decide first—and understanding, if it -comes at all, is quite a secondary consideration with them." - -"A pretty speech to make," exclaimed Emma, "when he himself just now -answered without understanding at all." - -"I knew you would be severe," replied Sir William to Emma, "but I was, I -assure you, only trying to bring down my conduct to the level of my -companions." - -"Shall we not turn him out of the room?" cried his wife, "he is -intolerable to-day!" - -"Oh no! take no notice of him," said Emma, with spirit, "I do not mind a -word he says!" - -"You—all of you talk so much," exclaimed Lord Osborne, "that it is -impossible for me to settle my thoughts—but I think I have made my moral -now—shall I say it?" - -"By all means, my lord," said Emma. - -"We are all grave attention," observed Sir William. - -"Well, I think ladies should take great care not to make false -steps—because, if they do, they will not be able to stand by themselves -afterwards." - -"Bravo, Osborne!" cried his sister, "but rather severe on my friend." - -"And you, Mr. Howard," she continued, "will you favour us with your -opinion?" - -"Mine is, that Miss Watson should, in future, avoid any great haste in -climbing to eminent situations, lest she be the loser in the attempt." - -Emma colored slightly at the earnest glance which accompanied the low, -emphatic tone of his speech, but laughed it off by observing: - -"Yes, my nature is so ambitious, I need that counsel." - -"And now, Miss Watson," cried Lord Osborne, eagerly; "it's your turn." - -"Well, the moral I draw is, when I am in a comfortable position again, -to take care and not lose it in searching for some imaginary -advantage—the moral of 'The substance and the shadow.'" - -"And mine," exclaimed Sir William, "you must hear mine—it is, that a -young lady's strength of limb is probably less than her strength of -will; and I have always observed it to be easier for her to twist her -ankle, than to give up her own way." - -"And mine," exclaimed Lady Gordon, "My dear Miss Watson, my moral is, -that you should never invite men to comment on your conduct, for they -are sure to draw false conclusions and make ill-natured remarks." - -"It is the more hard, as your brother was the origin of my misfortune," -observed Emma, "but for his persuasion, I should have sat still." - -"Just like the precious sex, my dear friend," replied Lady Gordon, "lead -you into a scrape, and then be the first to blame you for being there." - -"All married women talk in that way," observed Sir William, "they make a -point of abusing men on all occasions; I never could quite make out the -reason." - -"It is the very natural result of experience, my love," said his wife. - -"I sometimes think it is to prevent other women marrying," continued he, -"lest their offices, as chaperones, should be uncalled for; and -sometimes, I think it is merely to contradict themselves—which all women -are so fond of doing—for having paid a man the compliment of marrying -him, it becomes necessary to thwart him afterwards, lest he be too -proud." - -"Miss Watson, have you air enough here," said Lord Osborne, coming up to -her sofa; "do let me push you out on the terrace—it would be so pleasant -now the sun is off." - -Lady Gordon seconded the proposal, and called on Mr. Howard to assist -her brother. He did so; and then, distressed to find that the young lord -of the castle took his station closer than ever to her side, he tore -himself away from the whole party and went to shut himself up at home -till the evening. - -Emma felt quite provoked at the pertinacity with which Lord Osborne kept -at her elbow; she had hoped that he would have found it tedious to -remain all day tranquil—but his patience was more enduring than she had -given him credit for. He even seemed to improve in spirits and began -talking more than before. - -"Nice fellow, that Howard—is not he?" was his first observation, when -the gentleman in question quitted them. - -"Yes, very," replied Emma, not knowing precisely what else to say, and -wondering what would come next. - -"He has a prodigious deal to say for himself, which makes him a -favorite," continued the animated peer, "I wish I could talk so, don't -you?" - -"I do not think he talked much to-day," replied Emma, "if he did, I did -not hear it at least." - -"Perhaps you do not care to have men such very great talkers—do you? I -never heard your opinion about that." - -"I really believe I have none, my lord," answered Emma, "I never made up -mind as to how much a man or woman should talk to make themselves -agreeable—some men I know, talk too much." - -"Meaning me, Miss Watson?" cried Sir William. - -"The too much, must depend on the quality likewise—if they happen to be -very silly or very dull, a few sentences are enough to tire one," added -Emma, "whereas a lively, clever man, may talk for an hour without being -wearisome." - -"That is a comforting speech," exclaimed Sir William, "Osborne, we will -take out our watches next time we begin a conversation with Miss Watson. -Lively, clever men—the description just suits us—_we_ may talk precisely -sixty minutes." - -Lord Osborne looked grave, as he suspected his brother-in-law was -laughing at him, and Emma was silent, being unwilling to annoy him.—It -had been settled that the Musgroves were to come over early in the -afternoon, that they might spend some time with their sister; and in -spite of his usual predilection for late hours and unpunctuality, Tom -was rendered too proud and happy by the invitation to feel at all -disposed to delay the honor. Soon after luncheon they arrived; Margaret -adorned in all her wedding finery, delighted at such an opportunity of -showing it off. Her new bonnet and pelisse were decidedly more -fashionable, according to the Lady's Magazine, than anything Lady Gordon -herself could produce; and she was not a little surprised, as well as -half-affronted, at the simplicity of dress which her hostess had -adopted. - -On discovering the circumstance that Emma was confined to the sofa, she -would not rest till she had heard the whole history of the accident, and -then she uttered this sisterly observation: - -"Good gracious! how excessively awkward and careless of you, Emma; how -could you be so stupid? well I am glad it is not me, as of all things I -hate a sprain—to go waddling about like an old goose—it's too absurd -really." - -"I don't see anything absurd in it," said Lord Osborne sturdily, "it's -very unfortunate and very vexatious to us, and I dare say very painful -to her, but there's nothing absurd in it." - -"I did not mean absurd precisely," retracted Margaret, who would never -dream of contradicting a peer of the realm, "I only meant it was very -ridiculous." - -Lord Osborne did not condescend to answer any more, but rose and walked -whistling away. - -Meantime, Tom was trying to be excessively gallant and agreeable to Lady -Gordon, who, never particularly prepossessed in his favor, seemed now -unusually cold and ungracious. In fact she could not quite forgive the -danger she had been in of being called into court, and naturally looking -on him as the cause, she felt a considerable degree of repugnance -towards him. - -His obsequiousness and flatteries did him no service; she would not be -accessible to any compliments of his, and to the most elaborate praises, -returned him the coldest answers. - -"Where is your charming friend Miss Carr now?" enquired he at length, "I -should rejoice to meet her again, though my position is altered since I -last had that felicity. I hope she has not forgotten me!" - -"I cannot possibly answer for that, but I have no idea that your change -of position will at all affect her; but she will soon remember you if -she does not at first." - -"She was a delightful girl," observed he again, "so truly lady-like and -lively; a combination one does not often meet with." - -"She has high spirits," replied Lady Gordon. - -"High spirits are charming things—so captivating." - -"I think them very apt to be tiresome," observed she. - -"High spirits united to good sense and abilities, form a very charming -character," observed Sir William, "but unbalanced by these, they are apt -to be overpowering. However, I should acquit Miss Carr of them -altogether; she tried to be lively with all her might, but it was rather -heavy work." - -"I heard she was in this neighbourhood," returned Tom, "is that true?" - -"I believe so," said Lady Gordon, "and I rather expect her here soon." - -"Who is that you are talking of, Tom?" cried his wife in a sharp voice, -"who is this charming woman?" - -"Nobody you know," replied he carelessly. - -"My friend Miss Carr," said Lady Gordon, shocked at the rudeness of the -gentleman's reply, "perhaps you remember seeing her with me formerly." - -"Oh dear yes, I remember her very well. Tom used to admire her very -much, he often talked about her beautiful complexion," was Margaret's -answer, "_Fanny Carr_ he used to speak of a great deal, he thought she -admired him!" - -Tom bit his lips, and looked anything but gratified at his wife's -observation, who exceedingly enjoyed his vexation, and triumphed in -having so amply revenged herself for his rude reply. - -"It is very provoking of you to be laid up lame there," she continued -presently to Emma, "I should like to see the grounds of the Castle; I am -always so unfortunate on such occasions: nobody meets with so many -disappointments as me." - -"No doubt Emma did it to provoke you," observed Tom with a sneer. - -"I shall be very happy to show you over the grounds myself," interrupted -Lady Gordon, convinced that anything would be better than the -altercation going on between the husband and wife, which must be equally -disagreeable to Emma as herself. - -Margaret accepted the proposition very joyfully, and the two ladies left -the room together, as Sir William saw no necessity for accompanying -them. - -"I suppose you enjoy yourself famously here, Emma," observed Tom, coming -close up to her sofa. - -"Yes, when I have not a sprained ankle," replied she. - -"And even when you have, your spirits are so good, you seem to enjoy -yourself still," observed Lord Osborne, who had returned from the -terrace when Margaret left the room. - -"But it makes her of consequence, and all young ladies like that," -answered her brother-in-law. "I am sure Margaret is always affecting to -be ill for no other purpose, and reproaching me because I do not believe -it." - -"I do not think your wife at all like her sister," observed Lord -Osborne, coolly. - -"I wish to heaven she were in any respect," cried Tom, "but I had no -such good luck. However, I suppose I must bear my yoke." - -Nobody answered, and after a little while Mr. Musgrove continued, - -"One comfort of being married is, that I can flirt now without danger -with any girl I choose, there is no risk now of being compelled to marry -any more." - -"You consider that a privilege of married men," said Sir William, -enquiringly. - -"Certainly, for on my honour, they need some compensation; I recommend -you to marry, my lord, as indeed the privilege is a great comfort!" - -"When I marry I shall leave off flirting," said Lord Osborne, decidedly, -"out of compliment to my wife." - -"Tantamount to an assertion you will never marry, Osborne," said Sir -William, "for I never knew you flirt yet." - -"How does your stable go on, my lord?" enquired Tom, "I should like to -see it." - -"You are welcome to go and see it if you please, so long as you don't -drag me there; I am not inclined for an excursion to the stables at -present." - -Tom whistled and walked away, Lord Osborne drew nearer to Emma, and -said, - -"I hope you don't like him—do you?" - -"He is my brother-in-law," replied Emma, "you forget that." - -"I think _he_ does," retorted Lord Osborne, "but one is not obliged to -like one's brother-in-law, I suppose." - -"I hope you mean nothing personal or disrespectful by that observation," -exclaimed Sir William. - -"No, on my honour, I forgot about you, Gordon," said he, "but I should -think it quite enough if the husband likes his wife without its being at -all necessary that the mother and sisters, and brother-in-law, should -all like her too." - -"Not necessary, certainly, but altogether desirable, and certainly -conducive to domestic felicity." - -"If my sister does not like my wife she must keep at a distance from -her," said Lord Osborne, positively, "and then her feelings will be of -no consequence—Don't you agree with me, Miss Watson?" - -"Not exactly, my lord; I should not in practice, certainly—I do not -think I would marry into a family where I was altogether unwelcome!" - -"I am sorry for it," said Lord Osborne, very softly, and then looking -remarkably conscious and awkward, he walked away. - -"His theories sound more unprincipled than his practice would be, I -suspect," observed Sir William, looking after him, and glancing at Emma, -"I doubt whether he would really bear a quarrel with his sister with -such indifference." - -"I dare say not," said Emma, without at all suspecting she had any share -in his feelings, or interest in his proceedings. "Young men often assert -far more than they would like to realise, and I do not think worse of -him than of many of his neighbours. I dare say he likes his own way—" - -"He is very determined in following out his own opinions, I assure you," -he replied, "but what I meant was, that though from impulse he _might_ -act in opposition to the wishes of his family, he would certainly repent -it, as every body does sooner or later." - -"Very likely, so for his sake I hope he will not try!" replied Emma, -very unconcernedly. - -"Shall I go on reading to you, Miss Watson," enquired Sir William, "or -is there anything you want." - -Emma replied that she should prefer reading to herself, and Sir William, -having supplied her with the volumes she desired, left her in solitude. - -Thus she remained until she was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. -Howard, who looked something between pleased and frightened at finding -her alone. She told him where the others were gone, so far as she knew -herself, but he seemed perfectly satisfied to take her assertions on -trust, evincing no desire at all to follow them. He said it was very -warm out of doors, that her room was exceedingly comfortable, and that -he hoped she would make no objection to his remaining in her company. - -She, as may easily be supposed, had no wish to oppose him, and a long -and amicable conversation followed relative to the books she had been -reading. They agreed in admiring the authors in question, and then in -praising Sir William Gordon, who had recommended them. Mr. Howard -declared him to be, in his opinion, a very superior young man, -calculated to raise the character and improve the mind of his wife; he -had the power, and the will, to guide her right, and it was probable -that their domestic happiness would continue and increase. - -Emma earnestly hoped it would; there was a great deal to love and value -in Lady Gordon, and hers was a character which would certainly, with -judicious management, be greatly improved. - -"I like her," said Mr. Howard, "for her freedom from pride of birth; and -considering what lessons she received from her mother that shows very -great independence of character." - -"Her friendship for me is one proof of that," observed Emma, "she has -been invariably kind to me, and I have no claim to equality with her." - -"Not in rank or fortune," replied he, "but allow me to say, in habits, -tastes, and education, you are completely her equal, and she feels it -so; her admiration and regard for you are so perfectly natural, that I -can allow her no credit for that part of her conduct." - -"I think I shall give you no credit, Mr. Howard, if you indulge in such -a very complimentary strain," replied Emma smiling; "though I suppose -you think something due to me to make up for your severe reflections on -my ambitious projects." - -"Your ambitious projects!" repeated he surprised. - -"Yes; no later than this morning you warned me not to climb too high, -lest I should fall irretrievably; you see I remember your lessons, -though you may affect a short memory on the occasion." - -"I wish I could consider it as a proof that you are not offended at my -boldness," said he drawing his chair closer to her; "I really wished -afterwards to apologise for my words, I feared you would think me so -impertinent. You were not angry?" - -"Not the least in the world—why should I be?" was her answer, gaily -smiling. "Indeed I did not believe you were serious; you may laugh at my -vanity, but I did not feel guilty of ambition." - -"And if you were, _I_ had no right, no title, no claim to correct you," -said he looking very earnestly at her. - -"The right of a friend and well-wisher, Mr. Howard," replied she looking -down with a heightened colour—she never could meet his eyes when they -had that peculiar expression in them. "I trust I may consider _you_ in -that light at least." - -"You have not a sincerer well-wisher in the world," he replied with -emphasis, and then stopped abruptly. - -To break the pause which appeared to her to be awkward, she observed, - -"You did not tell me where your sister is, Mr. Howard—or else I have -forgotten: where is it?" - -"In North Wales, not far from Denbigh. I am going shortly to fetch her -home." - -"I think you are always going somewhere; ever since I knew you, you have -been perpetually offering to go away. Do you ever put it in practice." - -"Sometimes—you will find I shall in this instance. I must go to fetch -Clara, the only question is when?" - -"And does that depend on Mrs. Willis' wishes, or your caprice." - -"A little on both, if you mean by caprice the power of absenting myself -from the duties of my station," replied he. - -"I wish I had met Mrs. Willis," said Emma; "pray make haste and fetch -her, for if I leave the country without our meeting now, it is -impossible to say when, if ever, I shall see her again." - -"Are you going quite away then?" enquired he with concern. "I thought -your home was at Croydon." - -"It is impossible to say where my home may be—not Croydon -certainly—perhaps I may _never_ have another. I must in future be -content to dwell amongst strangers, and dare not talk of home. I am -wishing for a situation as governess." - -A slight shade of melancholy replaced the usually gay expression of her -countenance as she said this, but she did not raise her eyes to read the -many conflicting feelings which were depicted in his countenance as he -listened to her low and feeble voice. He could not command words to -express his sentiments, or indeed feel at all sure us to what he ought -to express at the moment; and she added, after a short pause, - -"I have one prospect of a home, though an uncertain one at present; my -brother—I mean my youngest brother—urges me to go and live with him the -moment he can obtain a living for us both in his profession. But it must -be quite uncertain when that will be." - -He was still silent, hesitating whether or not he should at that moment -offer her one other home more settled and more permanent. He hesitated, -and the opportunity was lost. Footsteps were heard approaching; the -high, shrill voice of Margaret sounded in the conservatory. In a low and -hurried tone he spoke, clasping her hand in his; - -"Dearest Miss Watson, I feel for you! If I had only time I would prove -it!" - -There _was_ no time for more, but with a gentle pressure which made the -blood thrill from her hands up to her heart, he rose and quitted her -abruptly, escaping just quickly enough through one window to avoid being -seen, as Lady Gordon and Mrs. Musgrove entered at another. - -Emma remained in a state of feeling which she would have found it -exceedingly difficult to describe, such was the confusion in her mind at -the moment. Her most prominent idea was, however, disappointment that he -had said so little. She really believed he loved her—at least that he -intended her to suppose it; but why not speak more plainly, or why speak -at all? It would be so very hard to meet him after what had passed, in -the same way as formerly; and yet, how could she avoid it? There seemed -no possibility, however, of his doing anything but explaining himself -the very first opportunity—surely he could not hesitate longer, and all -would then be right. - -But with these contradictory notions in her mind, and the agitation to -which they gave rise evident in her face, it was impossible for her -manners to be sufficiently composed, not to attract her friend's notice. -Lady Gordon thought she was in pain, and accused her of having been -attempting to move; which she attributed to the fact of Sir William -having gone out and left her alone; Emma defended both Sir William and -herself as well as she could, forcing herself to speak cheerfully, and -denying all accession of pain or efforts at improper exertion. - -Margaret, throwing herself on an easy chair, declared that she was -perfectly exhausted by the heat and the fatigue of their walk, and she -quite wondered how Lady Gordon could bear so much exertion. - -"But I really believe that I am more delicate and sooner tired than any -woman in the world. I have never been accustomed to hard work." - -Lady Gordon did not trouble herself to assert that neither had she, but -quietly observed that she was sorry Mrs. Musgrove had tired herself. - -"Do you see much of your brother, Lady Gordon?" enquired Margaret. - -"Yes, when he is with me," she answered. - -"I hope he is pleasanter than mine, then," observed Margaret, "or else -it must be a prodigious bore." - -"I dare say, they are not alike," said Lady Gordon, who was existing in -a state of incessant surprise at the conversation of Margaret. - -"I _do_ so wish my brothers had no profession—it would be so nice if -they had nothing to do—like gentlemen—Tom's being a complete gentleman -is very lucky, I should not have liked to have been a doctor's wife or -an attorney's. Should you, Lady Gordon?" - -"Really, it was an event which I never took into contemplation," replied -she, "I know so few doctors, or attorneys either, that I cannot pretend -to judge." - -"I wish somebody would marry Emma," continued her amiable sister. "I am -quite afraid she is doomed to be an old maid—one of a family must be -they say; and as Pen is married, and Elizabeth will soon be, it must be -Emma's fate. I am quite sorry for her." - -"I am exceedingly obliged to you for your concern, Margaret," replied -Emma, laughing; "but I trust, even if such a catastrophe is to occur, I -shall bear it with philosophy. So pray, do not make yourself unhappy -about my future. I shall not." - -"All young ladies talk in that way," observed Tom Musgrove, who entered -the room unperceived, whilst his wife was speaking. "No girl ever owns -wishing to be married, though we know very well that they are all -longing for husbands—and most are ready to take any means to secure -one!" - -"I am gratified that you include us _all_ in the same condemnation, Mr. -Musgrove," said Lady Gordon, haughtily, "your very flattering opinion of -us, is equally creditable to your fancy and your feeling of propriety." - -"Of course, I did not mean to include _you_," answered Tom, gallantly, -"I _could_ not, for I never thought of you as a woman, but as an angel." - -Lady Gordon did not condescend to answer—she was not to be propitiated -by his flattery, and was more likely to be affronted at his presuming to -offer it at all. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - -Mr. Howard having, by this time, recovered sufficient composure to -return to the company, re-appeared from the conservatory, where he had -been calming his feelings amidst roses and heliotropes, and soon -afterwards the other two gentlemen joined the party. Mr. Howard, -himself, did not venture near Emma; but, after paying his compliments to -Mrs. Musgrove, retreated to a window and seemed to be occupied with a -newspaper. Though the two ladies subsequently retired to their toilet -preparatory to dinner, there was no further _tête-à-tête_ between him -and Emma, as the other gentlemen continued in the room till dinner time. - -Emma, of course, could not join in that meal; and did not, therefore, -hear the comments which Mr. Howard's absence of mind drew on him. Mrs. -Musgrove laughed outright—even Lady Gordon smiled, and Tom Musgrove -openly accused him of being decidedly in love. Sir William came to his -rescue, and parried the attacks of Tom for a time; but after the ladies -withdrew, Tom commenced again, and tormented him unmercifully on the -subject—declaring that he had long seen his attachment to Emma -Watson—and without scruple, held out himself as an example of the risk -of indulging in little harmless flirtations, by which one was -unknowingly drawn into the meshes of hopeless matrimony. - -Mr. Howard was quite affronted; and answered indignantly, that whatever -his feelings towards Miss Emma Watson might be, he thought of her with -far too much respect, to allow her name to be used slightingly by any -one, and that he should, least of all, expect from her brother-in-law -insinuations so derogatory to her character. - -Sir William again interfered, and requested the subject to be dropped; -he could not allow unfriendly feelings between his guests—and he had no -doubt but that Mr. Musgrove had been misunderstood, if he could be -supposed to speak unhandsomely of so amiable a young woman as Miss -Watson, and one, who was, at the very time, Lady Gordon's visitor. - -"I defy any one to prove a word derogatory to Emma Watson," cried Lord -Osborne, his eyes flashing with most unusual animation; "In my house, -and as my sister's guest, her name must and shall be treated with -respect." - -"Upon my honor I did not mean any reflection upon her," exclaimed Tom, -quite taken by surprise by the spirit he had raised, "it is the last -thing I dreamt of to offend you, my lord." - -"Very well," cried Sir William, "that is sufficient, let the subject -drop." - -And so it did for the present, but what passed had made a deep -impression on Lord Osborne, whose fears of Mr. Howard as a rival were -all confirmed by this discussion. He could not rest without some -explanation on this subject, and accordingly drew him into the garden -after dinner, and there whilst pacing up and down the terrace, told him -he had something very particular to say to him. - -Howard's heart told him what was coming, and he resolved to summon his -courage and speak openly on this occasion. - -"You know, Howard," said the young peer in a tone between remonstrance -and complaint, "I never made any secret to you of my wishes and hopes -with regard to Emma Watson—you have long known that nothing but -circumstances prevented my addressing her and asking her hand." - -"I know it, my Lord," replied Howard. - -"Well then, I must say I look upon it as neither kind nor honorable of -you to cut me out, or at least try to do so, for until _she_ convinces -me, I will not believe you have quite succeeded. But you should not have -used me so, when I had been quite open with you." - -His companion was embarrassed; for the total absence of self-confidence, -which formed a prominent part of his character, made it very hard for -him to publish his love whilst his prospects were uncertain. - -"Tell me," continued Lord Osborne with some warmth, "do you not yourself -love Emma Watson? Have you not sought to supplant me?" - -"I will not deny that I do love her,—but I trust the acknowledgement -will be safe with you—I own I love her—have loved her long—did love her -well when you told me your own views, my Lord, and in fact have loved -her ever since our first meeting in the assembly rooms." - -"And why was I not told of this when I mentioned my plans to you—why -allow me to form false hopes, whilst you were undermining the ground on -which I stood?" - -"You are unjust to me, my Lord, you speak as if I had tried to injure -you, or prejudice her against you. Had _I_ not a right to love her—have -I not a right to win her if I can? Though I _am_ but a poor parson and -you are a peer, surely _she_ is the only one to decide whether my -addresses may not be acceptable to her. I have never attempted to thwart -your success, nor have I ever made Emma a declaration of my own -attachment. But I have as good a right to do so as yourself." - -"I did not mean to call your rights in question at all, Mr. Howard; what -I quarrel with is, your want of openness in not letting me know that I -had a rival in you. Had you done so, I should have had no cause to -complain." - -"I own I was sorry afterwards that I did not speak openly, my lord, on -that occasion, but my uncertainty as to _her_ feelings prevented me!" - -"Then you are _now_ convinced of success?" observed Lord Osborne -gloomily. - -"By no means; you have forced a confession from me, which under other -circumstances I would not have made; but I am very far indeed from -confidence on the subject. She has never heard me declare my feelings." - -"I am glad of it—well then I really think, Howard, the best thing you -can do is to take yourself off for a few days, and leave the field clear -for me. Now do, there's a good fellow, and I shall be eternally obliged -to you." - -"You ask a great deal," replied Howard gravely. - -"Not so very much, because, you see, if I am accepted it proves that you -would be refused, and just saves you the trouble altogether; and if I am -refused I will let you know, and you can come in directly and follow up -your chase. Do you agree to it?" - -"I must have a little time to think of that proposal, my lord," replied -Howard, hesitating and unwilling to assent. - -"Till to-morrow morning, I cannot give you longer, let me know what you -settle on to-morrow, and I shall arrange my plans. Do you know my mother -talks of coming down here?" - -"I had not heard of it; when does her ladyship think of doing so?" - -"Very soon; I think the good old soul has taken it into that precious -head of hers to suspect what I am about, and in her horror of a -misalliance, she is coming down in hopes of stopping me altogether. By -Jove it would be a good joke to get it all settled before her -appearance." - -"Do you think Emma Watson will consent to be your wife, if she supposes, -her ladyship, your mother, objects?" - -"That's the worst of it—I am afraid she may have some scruples, but I -mean to try my luck at all events. There's another thing too, to be -considered, Fanny Carr is coming here—that eternal talker, Fanny Carr, -and it would save me an immense deal of trouble with her if I could give -myself out as an engaged man. She would not talk half so much." - -"You really think that would make a difference," said Mr. Howard, trying -to smile, but not very successfully. - -"I have no doubt of it at all, and the blessing of being freed in some -degree from the trouble of answering her is more than I could tell. That -girl would talk the hind leg off a horse in no time." - -Howard deliberated. He felt perfectly convinced that Emma never would -marry from ambition or mercenary motives, but he was not quite sure what -degree of influence the young peer might have over her heart. The idea -of meeting Lady Osborne again was excessively disagreeable, and as he -was really under the necessity of going to fetch his sister home, he -thought perhaps he might as well go at once, and allow Lord Osborne a -fair field. Then if the event were consonant to his own wishes he might -return with a safe conscience. But the question arose, what would Emma -herself think of it; in what light would she consider his quitting her -thus suddenly, after the betrayal of feeling which he that very -afternoon had made? Would she not think him the most capricious, the -most changeable of mortals—might she not be justly affronted with him, -indignant at his vacillation—might she not suspect him of trifling with -her feelings—might she not think herself extremely ill-used—could he -bear to forfeit the esteem which she had sometimes shown for him. No, -Lord Osborne asked too much, he thought only of himself, and expected to -rule Howard now, in an affair of consequence like this, in the same way -as he had formerly done, when the question solely regarded what part of -the river they should fish, or which copse they should go through with -their guns. It was impossible, he could not, and he ought not to yield, -and he determined that he would not. These thoughts occupying his mind, -he was exceedingly silent during the whole evening, hardly venturing to -trust his voice beyond a monosyllable, and never raising his eyes except -by stealth to that part of the room where Emma sat. - -The evening passed very much as might be expected amongst such a -party—Margaret talked a great deal, and her husband took every -opportunity of contradicting her assertions, and turning her opinions -into ridicule. Lady Gordon gave up all attempts at keeping the peace as -perfectly hopeless, and Sir William sat by Emma and entertained her with -his conversation, whilst his brother-in-law was quite as silent as his -rival. At length, to the great relief of the whole party, the Musgroves' -carriage was announced, and they took their leave, and Emma, ashamed, -agitated, fatigued, and worried, left the party immediately afterwards, -for the silence and peace of her own apartments. - -She was ashamed and mortified that the Gordons should have seen the want -of concord, and the absence of courtesy between her sister and her -husband—it was much worse than she had expected. Tom seemed to think no -civility even was due, and Margaret set no bounds to her peevishness; -but all this anxiety was merged in her considerations as to Mr. Howard's -conduct and feelings. She could not comprehend him, and she understood -herself only too well. - -His last words to her might in themselves mean nothing, but there was a -tone and a look which accompanied them which gave them a deep, and, to -her, most important meaning. Her hand still seemed to feel the thrilling -pressure of his fingers, and she could hardly believe that after this he -could longer leave her in doubt as to his wishes. - -Whether it was the agitation of mind which these reflections occasioned, -or solely owing to the pain which for two days she had been suffering, -she could hardly tell, but the next morning she found herself so -feverish and unwell as to be quite unable to leave her room. She felt -this the more because she thus, as she fancied, lost the interview with -Mr. Howard which she had been promising herself, and until she found all -chance of it gone, she had not known how very much she was depending on -it. - -In the meantime a scene which she little dreamt of was enacted at the -vicarage. Early in the morning, Lord Osborne, impatient for the decision -which he fully expected would be in his favour, hurried to secure an -interview with Mr. Howard. Great was his surprise when he met with a -firm refusal from this gentleman to accede to his proposal. He would not -absent himself from Emma at this time; he would not forego the chances -of success in his suit; no voluntary act on his part should cause her to -doubt his sincerity, or suppose him indifferent to her. Lord Osborne was -thwarted in a way which he little expected, and he had so seldom met -with opposition before, that he knew not how to brook it on this -occasion. He was quite silent, but with gloomy look, and long strides, -he paced up and down the little drawing-room, uncertain what to do or -say next, or how to express his indignation. - -Circumstances, however, befriended him in an unexpected way; whilst he -was giving way to his irritation by heavy steps and bent brows, and his -host was heartily wishing the unpleasant interview terminated, the post -arrived, and a letter was brought to Mr. Howard which speedily engrossed -all his attention. It was from his sister, and written in great -distress—her little boy was dangerously ill, and she urged her brother -to come to her, as from a variety of circumstances she stood in need of -his protection and advice. She was in lodgings, and the mistress of the -house, a hard-hearted and parsimonious woman, took advantage of the -difficulties in which she was placed, and not only imposed on her in -every possible way, but refused her the assistance of which she stood in -need in the present extremity. - -Deeply grieved at this detail of the sufferings undergone by the sister -on whom he doted, he felt not a moment's hesitation as to his -determination. To fly to comfort and defend her must be his first wish, -and let the consequences be what they might, all must give way before -such an appeal. - -With emotion scarcely to be repressed, he turned to Lord Osborne and -said, - -"Providence, my lord, has decided against me, and your request must now -be acceded to as an imperative duty on my part. My sister requires my -presence, and if I can arrange my affairs to-day I shall leave by the -night mail for Wales." - -Lord Osborne's irrepressible pleasure was a certain proof how deeply he -had taken this affair to heart, and how little he cared for the feelings -of others, except as they thwarted or fell in with his own. He greatly -commended Howard for determining to go immediately, and would have been -quite as ready to commend Mrs. Willis for wanting him. He was zealous in -obviating any possible difficulty about the performance of the Sunday -duty, and only demurred to the absolute necessity which Howard alleged -of going up to the Castle to see and take leave of the ladies. - -But here his arguments were met with entire unconcern; Mr. Howard was -determined himself to explain the reason of his conduct, and not trust -that office to another. Perhaps he flattered himself that his friend -Lady Gordon would considerately allow him an interview with Emma -untroubled by witnesses, when he might have an opportunity of setting -his own wishes in a clearer light than he had hitherto had courage to -do. But if he nourished such ideas, they were of course doomed to an -entire disappointment, for on arriving at the well known sitting-room, -he learnt, with infinite concern, that Emma was completely invalided. - -"Quite unwell, and unfit for any exertion," Lady Gordon pronounced her -to be, and with so much fever about her that if the evening did not find -her better, medical advice must certainly be sent for. Sorrowfully, -therefore, he was compelled to take his leave, only cheered by the -assurance that Lady Gordon sympathised much in his anxieties, and that -Emma would certainly do the same whenever she could be allowed to learn -them. - -The certainty that she would learn the real reason that hurried him away -was his greatest consolation, and in that case she must forgive, and -would probably pity him. He went—and Lord Osborne, relieved from the -immediate dread of such a rival, instantaneously resolved to defer his -own declaration until some indefinite and distant period, there being -not the least occasion to hurry, since any day previous to Howard's -return would be early enough for him. - -Emma's indisposition lasted several days, and was probably rather -increased than otherwise by the information which her attendant gave -her, that Mr. Howard was gone to Wales, for no one knew how long. She -had no one to whom she could communicate her feelings, and the -disappointment was all the more deeply felt from being dwelt on in -secret. Lady Gordon possibly guessed her sensations, but was too -considerate to show it if she did, except perhaps by an increased -kindness of manner. She saw no one else of course except the apothecary, -who was by no means an entertaining man, and would bear no comparison -with her former acquaintance, Mr. Morgan. It was quite true what Lord -Osborne had mentioned, that his mother had talked of coming down to the -Castle; she, however, changed her mind and remained at Richmond instead; -but Miss Carr arrived on a visit, during the time of Emma's retirement -in her own room, and she once more commenced a series of attacks upon -the young peer's affections, which though extremely detrimental to his -peace of mind, did not at all produce the effect which she intended. -Miss Carr began strongly to suspect that some unseen obstacle must -neutralize her efforts, and form a bar to her progress. She could not -believe he would be so impenetrable to her charms if there were no other -affection to shield his heart. She asked questions, considered, watched, -and came to the conclusion that Emma Watson, whose presence she had -learnt with surprise, was the individual who cast a malignant spell -around her intended victim, which enabled him to elude her best devices. - -She never for a moment imagined that Emma herself could be insensible or -regardless of his admiration; what was a prize of such value to Miss -Carr, must be a still greater object to Miss Watson, and doubtless she -was internally triumphing in her superior attraction and success. No -doubt, indeed, but this sprained ankle was a part of her plan; all -devised to make herself of importance, and excite his sympathy. -Something must be done to counteract such deep-laid schemes, and that -immediately too, or all exertion would be too late; but yet it must be -cautiously entered on, or she might only hurt her own cause. - -Fortunately for her plans, she was possessed of a very unexpected means -of assailing Emma. She had been staying at Lady Fanny Allston's, her -ladyship being her cousin, at the time when the negotiation was carried -on for the situation of governess, and had learnt the exact reason why -it had been so abruptly terminated. The scandal which had thrown a shade -over Emma's name at Croydon, would, on reaching her ears have been -passed as a thing deserving neither attention nor memory, but for the -incipient jealousy which even then she felt against her rival. - -This had fixed it in her memory; and now she was determined to bring it -forward in such a way as to make it tell with best advantage in her own -favor. She made no comment when she heard that Emma was in the house; -and bore, without remark and apparent philosophy, the regrets of the -whole party at her absence—only secretly resolving to watch Lord Osborne -well on her re-appearance, and ascertain the state of his feelings from -his looks and actions. - -The return of Emma Watson to their usual party was hailed with great -satisfaction by the family. She looked a shade paler than usual, but -otherwise, well and animated—for she had, on her convalescence, learnt -from her friend the exact reason of Mr. Howard's absence; and satisfied -that it was inevitable, and no desertion of her from choice or caprice, -she felt only uneasy for Mrs. Willis, not on her own account. - -Sir William and his wife spoke their pleasure aloud; Lord Osborne only -looked his in public, but he seated himself next her at breakfast, and -was extremely attentive in supplying her plate with what he thought -best. - -Miss Carr being late, missed the rencounter—and by the same means, -forfeited the seat at breakfast, which she had always, hitherto, -appropriated to herself. This vexed her; and when, on entering the room, -she saw Emma, she did not speak, but went coolly round the table and -seated herself precisely opposite. - -"Fanny," said Lady Gordon, "I believe you are acquainted with my -_friend_, Miss Watson—you met her here before." - -Fanny bowed haughtily, which was the only answer she would, at first, -condescend to return; but after a moment's consideration, she said with -something like a sneer: - -"Though it is some time since we met, Miss Watson, you will be surprised -to learn I have heard a great deal about you in the last three months." - -Emma did look rather surprised, more, perhaps, at the tone in which this -was said, than by the fact; she did not know what she had done to give -rise to such a look of scorn or contempt. The next words enlightened -her. - -"Lady Fanny Allston is my relative—perhaps you did not know that, and I -was there last April." - -Emma felt a little confused at the many recollections which were -connected with that name—visions of Mr. Morgan and country-town -gossip—unpleasant sensations and unkind relations, flitted across her -mind—but she looked up after a moment, and conscious that she had been -clear of blame in that transaction, and not quite believing all Mr. -Morgan had said on the subject, she replied: - -"Then, there was much probability at one time, of our meeting. I suppose -you know what passed between her ladyship and me?" - -"Indeed I do," replied Miss Carr, fixing her large, blue eyes on her -with a malicious look; "and all about a certain Mr. Morgan too—what a -pleasant man he can be. I do not wonder at his misleading girls in that -way. Ah! you need not blush so—upon my word, I think _you_ were almost -excusable in your situation. I dare say, I might have been tempted to do -the same." - -Lord Osborne's eyes were turned from his plate of broiled ham to Emma's -face, with an earnest expression, which Miss Carr did not fail to -notice. There was awakened jealousy, and surprise, and something of -displeasure in his countenance as he looked at her—but who was the -object of the displeasure, she was not quite certain; she almost thought -it was herself. - -Lady Gordon looked up likewise. - -"Why, my dear Fanny," said she, "I fancy you have got hold of some -country-town gossip; I wonder you are not ashamed to repeat it." - -"I certainly should disdain country-town gossip," repeated she, "what I -was alluding to, was an event which nearly concerned Lady Fanny, and -which no doubt, Miss Watson perfectly comprehends." - -"I beg your pardon," said Emma, "but indeed, I do no such thing. If you -allude to the fact of my employing Mr. Morgan as a means of -communicating with your relative, I have no idea any one could blame me -for such a proceeding, it seems so natural and straightforward." - -"I was not thinking of your employing Mr. Morgan as a _negotiator_," -replied Miss Carr with emphasis, "it was very _friendly_ of him, no -doubt, to interest himself in your concerns; single men are often -_friendly_ to young ladies." - -"And so are married men too, I trust," cried Sir William, "at least I -am; and, therefore, I recommend you young ladies, both of you, to -postpone your unintelligible discussion on unknown topics, until such -time as having no witnesses, you may be able to converse in plain -English, without figure of speech, or oratorical hieroglyphics." - -Emma looked gratefully at Sir William for his interference; he was -always ready to stand her friend. Lord Osborne continued to look -thoughtfully and uneasily at her, between the intervals of replenishing -his mouth, or whilst stirring his coffee, but Emma felt not the -slightest concern about his feeling jealousy or any other emotion; he -was extremely welcome to fancy that she was desperately in love with Mr. -Morgan or any other man in Croydon—especially, as in that case, he would -probably make some relaxation in his devotion to her. - -As her ankle was not yet sufficiently strong for walking, Lady Gordon -proposed her taking a drive after luncheon in the pony phaeton, and -until that time, prescribed perfect rest on the sofa. This Emma -acquiesced in the more readily, as the post had brought her some -peculiarly pleasant letters. One was from Elizabeth, detailing many -interesting particulars relative to the preparations for her marriage, -and some amusing anecdotes from the Croydon circle, the other was still -more calculated to please and excite her. It was from Sam, and contained -the agreeable information that a very good situation had presented -itself. It was to Penelope that he was indebted for the offer. Since her -marriage, she had been anxious to persuade her husband to give up his -practice, or at least to take a partner in his business, and now she had -the satisfaction of making an offer to Sam on such very advantageous -terms, that he could not hesitate a moment about accepting them. He was -to remove to Chichester next month, and though at first he was to live -in his brother-in-law's house, if the scheme answered, he was -subsequently to have a house of his own, and then he looked forward with -delight to the idea that Emma could come and reside with him. The -prospect of this gave her courage and strength to support all the -disagreeable innuendoes which Miss Carr might throw out, and even to -bear with Lord Osborne's presence and Mr. Howard's absence. Settled at -Chichester, it was not likely that the former of these gentlemen would -follow her for the purpose of looking at her, or that the latter, if he -wished to see her again, would have any difficulty in tracing her steps. -How happy she should be in her brother's little _ménage_, even if she -were never to see anything more of those whom she had known whilst at -Winston or Osborne Castle. She could fancy it all to herself, and in her -joyous answer, she drew a lively picture of the pleasure she intended -they should have together. - -Tired of the anxieties attending an attachment which had not progressed -very happily, she felt as if it would be delightful to settle for life -with her brother, and forswear all other and deeper affection. If she -could only make sure that he would never marry, it would be all perfect; -so she wrote to him, and her letter made Sam smile with pleasure when he -read it, and proved the best restorative after a toilsome day in the -heat of the summer, during a particularly unhealthy season. - -"William, as I am going to drive with Emma, you must really ride out -with Fanny Carr," said Lady Gordon to her husband, before luncheon that -morning. "She will expect something of the sort." - -"Why can you not take her with you, my love?" enquired he. - -"She is so very cross to-day, I do not know what is the matter with -her," replied the lady, "and really I cannot undertake her, or we shall -certainly quarrel." - -"And so she is to be put off upon me, is she Rosa? I am much obliged -truly." - -"Oh yes, because you are so good tempered, you will be certain to bear -with her petulance, so do not refuse me," said the young wife with a -look of entreaty, which her husband could not resist. - -"Very well, I am resigned, pray let Miss Carr know the felicity that -awaits her; but I hope you will ask your brother to accompany us." - -"I am sure neither Fanny nor I should make any objection to that; but I -do not think you will easily persuade him; he is shyer of her than ever, -and seems quite to detest her." - -"I do not wonder at it, any man would dislike a girl who made such a -desperate attack on him; I am sure I should for one; I always liked you -because you were so capricious and cross; sometimes unkind, and always -careless towards me." - -"You loved me purely out of contradiction I have no doubt, and to hear -your account, we must both have been particularly amiable characters; -but so long as you ride to-day with Fanny Carr, I shall be satisfied." - -"And shall I obtain from her all the particulars about which she was -indulging in such edifying hints at breakfast—shall I enquire into the -particulars relative to Lady Fanny and Mr. Morgan?" - -"I dare say they would not repay the trouble," replied Lady Gordon, -"Fanny rather likes to say ill-natured things; I do not attach much -credit to her stories in general." - -"Upon my word, Rosa, considering she is your very particular friend, I -think you speak very freely of her; I wonder whether you discuss my -character with equal candour and openness." - -"Yours—of course, why should you doubt it—but I think if there is -anything to explain, Emma will probably explain it herself—she is so -particularly open and straight-forward." - -"She is so, indeed; one of the most amiable young women I know; don't be -jealous, Rosa, but I like her very much." - -Lady Gordon did not seem much troubled by jealousy, and so the affair -was settled. - -Miss Carr was very well pleased when she learnt what arrangement had -been made, and only required to make her perfectly happy to be secure of -Lord Osborne's company, as she had a most charming new riding hat, with -a lovely plume, which she was certain would make her look bewitching, -and place her beyond competition with Emma. Instead, however, of -offering to accompany her, his lordship began quarrelling with his -sister about the arrangement she had projected. Why was not Miss Watson -to ride?—he was certain it would be much better for her than being -cooped up in a pony phaeton, where she would have no room for her feet. -In the saddle, as it was the right ankle which had been sprained, she -would have so much freedom, and he was certain she would enjoy it -extremely. Emma, however, protested against this arrangement; another -day she would be glad to try a ride, but not this morning; she was too -weak, quite unequal to such an exertion. Lord Osborne submitted, but -said not a word of himself accompanying Miss Carr; who, therefore, -considered it a settled thing. Accordingly, her new hat was arranged in -the most becoming style—her long ringlets drawn out to float on her -shoulders, and her dainty figure set off to the utmost by her tight -fitting riding habit. But all in vain; Sir William was the only cavalier -who appeared to wait on her, and he being a married man, was no good at -all. She was very sulky, and Sir William had no other pleasure in his -ride, than such as he could derive for himself from air and exercise on -a beautiful day. - -Emma and Lady Gordon fared much better; the fresh air, after confinement -to one room, was delicious to the former; and, as her pleasure kept her -nearly silent, her companion was not troubled to make herself agreeable -either. They drove along, engrossed each by her own thoughts; Emma's -wandering down along each sunny glade or green alley in the forest, -revelling in the glorious pictures which presented themselves of ancient -trees, and groups of deer, sunshine and flickering shadows, deep pools -sleeping under precipitous banks tufted with fern and ivy, and crowned -with feathery copse wood. - -The scenery of Comus seemed exemplified, and she almost expected to see -some mysterious forms gliding under the shadows of the forest trees. -Lady Gordon's feelings were much more mundane, and more immediately -connected with the interests of life. She was reflecting on the visibly -growing attachment of her brother, and wondering what would be the -result of it. At length she spoke. - -"What shall I give you for your thoughts, Miss Watson? I am anxious, I -own, to know the subject of them." - -"I am thinking," said she, "what a lovely wood this would be to rehearse -Comus in; on such an afternoon as this—would it not be effective?" - -"What a good idea!" cried Lady Gordon, all animation at the proposal; "I -should like it of all things! Suppose we try?" - -"With your present company?" enquired Emma. - -"Yes; we should have quite enough—should we not? You shall be the lady, -and Fanny, Sabrina; I, the Spirit—Sir William, Comus, and Osborne—let me -see, we should want one other man. I suppose Mr. Howard would take a -part?" - -"Mr. Howard? oh, no! I should think not. I am sure he would not like -it!" - -"Well, well; any one could do the brother's part. I think it would be -exquisite. I am quite delighted with the idea." - -"Did you ever act, Lady Gordon?" enquired Emma. - -"Never at all; but I am sure it must be delightful. I wonder whether Sir -William would make any objection?" - -"There would be some difficulties in the way," observed Emma. - -"So much the better; difficulties to overcome give one spirits. Here we -would have our theatre,"—stopping the carriage and looking round. "A -marquee or something of the sort, and seats raised in a semi-circle—it -would be quite delightful, such a _fête champêtre_. I am certain we -could manage it; and the novelty of the thing would give it great -_éclat_." - -"But, Lady Gordon, if you talk in that way you will frighten me; I am -certain I could not act before an audience—I never tried any thing of -the sort, except in the most quiet way; amongst cousins and intimate -friends, with nobody to look on, but my uncle and aunt, and one or two -old people, whom we were not afraid of. We did it only for own -amusement, without thinking of being looked at or producing an effect; -acting for the entertainment of a circle of people, must be such a very -different thing from acting for one's pleasure." - -"Very different, indeed; and I should think much more agreeable; what -would be the good of fine acting, if there was nobody to see it, and -none on whom it could produce any effect." - -"But acting in itself, is so very amusing, like dancing—one does not -dance to be looked at, but for one's satisfaction; and it was the same -with me in the only acting I ever attempted. I forgot every thing but my -part." - -"I dare say, you acted very well," said Lady Gordon. - -"I liked it exceedingly," replied Emma. - -"I cannot give up my plan, however;" continued Lady Gordon, "you have -put it into my head, but you will not find it easy to put it out again." - -Just, at this moment, a turn of the road they were pursuing, brought -Lord Osborne immediately before them, leisurely sauntering along on his -horse. - -He quickened his pace of course, on perceiving the carriage, and was -beside them immediately; with a look of pleasure which was not lost upon -his sister, who was always watching his address to Emma. - -"So, I have had the good luck to meet you at last," exclaimed he, "I was -dreadfully afraid I should come upon the other couple, instead of you, -Rosa; and Fanny Carr looked so cross because I would not ride with her. -I do not think I shall face her again for a month. I wish girls would -learn to govern their tempers; they cannot always expect all the men to -be scampering at their heels, just when they want it." - -"You used her extremely ill, I must say, in running away from her as you -have done, and riding alone after all. I wonder you are not ashamed of -it," said his sister reproachfully. - -"I did not run away from her; I waited till she was gone, and did not -make up my mind until then, whether I would ride or walk," was his -reply. - -His sister then began, in the warmth of her present feelings, trying to -interest him in the plan they had been talking of when he joined them. -He did not know what Comus was, and as to acting out in a wood, he was -certain it would be much more convenient, agreeable, and altogether -safer to have the play in the house. He had no objection to acting at -all, if he could do it, but he did not think he could—however, he would -try. - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - -Emma was not present when Lady Gordon made known her wishes on the -subject of acting to her husband; but in the dusk of the evening, as she -was sitting in the conservatory, she became aware, by a conversation she -had with Sir William Gordon, that the request had been made. He came to -her, and placing himself on a low stool at her feet, he began by telling -her, in an under tone, - -"I wish you had not put that idea into Rosa's head, Miss Watson, about -acting: I don't like it at all." - -"I am exceedingly sorry then," replied Emma; "but no doubt Lady Gordon -will readily give it up if you wish it." - -"I hate to contradict her," said the husband; "ever since she has taken -to doing as I wish when I ask, I cannot bear to thwart her at all." - -"You seem to regret her complaisance, Sir William; would you prefer -having to reproach and quarrel with her?" - -"I feel much more inclined to reproach and quarrel with you, Miss -Watson. I begin to think you are a dangerous companion for my wife. Who -would have expected such a wild scheme from you?" - -"Really I hardly know what to say to your reproaches, because perhaps -you may think I am trying to throw the blame from myself; but my idea -and Lady Gordon's plans were so totally different, that they hardly seem -as if they had the same origin. It was quite a vague notion on my part, -suggested by the beauty of the forest scenery, and certainly neither -comprehending company nor marquees, publicity nor expense." - -"You do not suppose, my dear Miss Watson, that I meant seriously to -blame you!" said Sir William half rising at her tone. "Rosa explained to -me all about it in reality. But now she has set her heart upon the -thing, I do not know what to do. She will never see any difficulties in -the way of her wishes, and her enthusiasm is the most difficult thing in -the world to resist. If she put herself in a passion about it, I should -mind opposing her a great deal less. What do you recommend, Miss -Watson?" - -"Don't ask me," said Emma; "I should probably advise something wild and -unheard of—such as either letting her have her own way, or putting a -decided negative on the whole affair at once." - -"I believe I must do that. It is so very unreasonable a plan; in this -country picnics and _fête-champêtres_ for ladies and gentlemen are -almost quite certain to end in rain, spoilt bonnets, wet feet, and bad -colds; besides, I do not approve of her acting, or yours, or any lady's, -and shall certainly not countenance it with my assistance. But Rosa did -wish it so very much, I am sure I shall not have the courage to refuse -her." - -"You do injustice to your own strength of mind and firmness of purpose, -Sir William," said Emma laughingly; "you can be as positive and decided -as any one, when you please, though you take so much credit to yourself -for your amiable softness." - -"And you recommend me to enforce my authority?" - -"And you expect me to give an opinion between man and wife—one which -would make you both my enemies; I am not quite so wild as that!" - -"Did you see Osborne out riding to-day? I presume he went off with you, -as he would not come with us." - -"He overtook us," said Emma, "and rode a little way with us; what a -pretty horse he rides." - -"He wants you to mount that—shall you have courage or strength -to-morrow?" - -Emma rather demurred. - -"It is very gentle, you need not be afraid, I know it well; but you need -not do it if you do not like. Have you been used to horse exercise?" - -"A year or two ago I rode a great deal; but I have not made up my mind -about accepting his offer yet, even if he makes it." - -"Have you not?" said Sir William quickly; "you had better, for it will -certainly come, and it will be most convenient to know your own mind on -the subject." - -"Then I shall take the night to think of of it, and be ready by the -morning; give me your advice, Sir William—which do you recommend, aye or -no?" - -"The affirmative, certainly; it will give me great pleasure to see you -added to our party, and to enjoy so much of your society." - -"How long have you been studying such extremely complimentary speeches?" -laughed Emma; "but however, I cannot wait here for you to explain to me, -as really it is time to return to the drawing-room." - -"Let me assist you," exclaimed Sir William placing her hand under his -arm; "you are hardly yet strong enough to walk quite alone, I am sure." - -"I must say, Rosa," said Miss Carr, to her friend the next day, "that I -think you are the most complaisant of wives—much more than I should be." - -"I am glad you approve of me, Fanny. What particular good quality has -excited your admiration to-day?" - -"The calmness with which you look on and witness the flirtation of your -husband with that pretty Emma Watson. I wonder you like it," said Miss -Carr, balancing her eye-glass on her chain between her two hands as she -spoke. - -"You give me more credit than I deserve a great deal, Fanny; I see -nothing of the sort, and, therefore, my complaisance and calmness are -not tried." - -"Why surely with half an eye any one may see how much they are -together—you cannot deny it." - -"No, or that you are likewise a great deal with him," said Lady Gordon, -calmly. - -"Or how much she talks to him," persisted Fanny. - -"Not more than you do, I think," retorted her friend. - -"Were you aware of the long interview they had last night in the dark in -the conservatory? She was sitting in the corner, and he almost leaning -on her lap." - -"I am glad you put in the _almost_, it makes an important difference, -Fanny." - -"Do you know what they were talking of, Rosa?" - -"No, do you?" - -"A great deal of it was complaints of you, he was saying he could not -manage you, and she was giving him advice on the subject. Then they said -a great deal more about another subject, which I shall just tell you. -You are of course aware that she intends to marry your brother." - -"No, indeed, I am no such thing." - -"Well, she does, I assure you, I heard them coolly canvassing the -subject, he was recommending her to make up her mind as Osborne would -certainly make her an offer, and he said it would be inconvenient to be -in doubt when the proposal was made." - -"I am sure you must have very much misunderstood, Fanny, for I cannot -believe Sir William, or Miss Watson either, were discussing any such -subject. Nor can I at all comprehend how you came to learn all that you -detail to me—were they talking before you?" - -"No, not exactly—they were in the conservatory, and so was I, but very -likely they did not see me." - -"I wonder you remained there then as a listener to their conversation," -said Lady Gordon, with an air of cool disdain. - -"How could I suppose that your husband and your friend had any secrets -to discuss, I am sure such an idea never entered my head; and you take -it so coolly, I really quite admire you, Rosa." - -"I do not see anything to agitate myself about, Fanny, unless you could -persuade me to distrust my husband, a thing which I should conclude can -be no more in your wish than it is in your power." - -"I would not say anything if I did not know that Emma Watson to be a -dangerous flirt, one who is artful and unscrupulous, and who made -herself so conspicuous at Croydon that she was obliged to leave the -place." - -"How can you talk in that way, Fanny, I am positively ashamed of you," -exclaimed Lady Gordon, quite indignantly. - -"I assure you, upon my word, I am saying nothing but the most positive -truth," asseverated Miss Carr, "I dare say she never told you anything -about it, but I heard it all when I was at Lady Allston's, and can tell -you the whole history about it." - -"I really have no wish to hear country-town gossip," replied Lady -Gordon. - -Whilst she was speaking Lord Osborne entered the room, and hearing her -last words, exclaimed, - -"Ah, pray let us have it, Miss Carr: it would be a pity to defraud a -young lady of an opportunity of repeating a bit of scandal." - -"I think it only fair to tell you, Rosa," continued Miss Carr, "fair to -you, and equally so to your friend, if it gives her the opportunity of -explaining away the evil surmises set afloat about her." - -"Oh, it's about Emma Watson you are gossiping," observed Lord Osborne -turning away; and taking up a newspaper, he threw himself into a chair, -and concealing his face behind the folio pages, he added, "Pray go on, -and do not mind me." - -"Well," said Miss Carr, "you know I dare say Miss Emma was left without -a farthing of her own, and quite dependent on her brother, who is a -shabby attorney at Croydon: this did not suit her—the wife was cross and -mean, like most attorneys' wives I suppose, and Emma is what is called -very high-spirited; and as they could not agree it was settled that Emma -should go as governess some where. Lady Fanny was just parting with -hers, and who should be recommended to her but my old acquaintance Emma -Watson; I remembered the name directly; was it not odd?" - -"Yes, rather," replied Lady Gordon, "because I know you seldom remember -what does not concern you. I cannot comprehend how all this history -became fixed in your mind, for really it seems of so little interest to -any but Emma's friends. I knew much of it before." - -"It amused me so much, to think of the girl whom I remembered flirting -at Osborne Castle, making her appearance in a new character. But who do -you think recommended her; my cousin's doctor, Mr. Morgan!" - -Here Lord Osborne's newspaper rustled very much as he changed the -position of his elbows, and Fanny looked round. His face was still -invisible, so she had nothing to do but continue her narrative. - -"Now you must know my cousin is in delicate health, nervous and -excitable, and of course, like all such ladies, takes the English -substitute for a _cavalier-servante_, namely a doctor. _Her_ doctor, -this Mr. Morgan, is reckoned a very clever man, and so I think he must -be, for all ladies he attends, old and young, are, from half in love, to -the greatest extreme of the tender passion. I believe his character is -not quite _sans tache et sans reproche_, which decidedly renders him a -more interesting object; and his manners are so exceedingly devoted and -tender, that really I felt inclined to fall ill, that I might be -attended by him. He proposed Emma Watson as governess, recommended her -highly, and carried on the negotiation very successfully, when somehow -or other, my cousin took alarm about the extraordinary interest of his -manner, and having discovered that Emma was reckoned handsome, began to -think it would not do. However, as she is very kind and candid, she -would not condemn her without some enquiry; she has some inferior -acquaintance in the town—I used to wonder why she kept them up—some old -young ladies, great gossips; but I have found out now the use of them: -when she wants a cook, or a nurse, or a governess, or a tiresome piece -of work done, or a charitable collection made in her name, she turns -over all the trouble to these Miss Jenkins or some such name, (one -cannot recollect their plebeian denominations,) and they are only too -proud and happy to fuss about for dear Lady Fanny, who in return invites -them sometimes to tea, and asks her governess to meet them. Well, these -amiable and obliging virgins were quite scandalized that the dear Lady -Fanny should have been so nearly led into a grievous scrape by hiring -the said Emma Watson, who besides sundry other offences, had been guilty -of carrying on a very discreditable acquaintance with this very Mr. -Morgan. Clandestine meetings, and private conversations in dark rooms, -long walks in solitary lanes, and all that sort of thing. Now he is -certainly not a man to be trusted in any other capacity than a -doctor—nobody has a word to say against him in that particular—but -certainly not the man to be safe in a _tête-à-tête_ with a girl he -admired—at least so far as her character was concerned; and Lady Fanny, -quite scandalized, settled the matter at once by an instant rupture of -the negotiation. I dare say," added the narrator laughing, "she did not -want a rival so near her own person." - -"And that is your narrative, is it?" said Lady Gordon; "it seems to me -to reflect much more discredit on your cousin than on my friend." - -"Upon my word, Rosa, you are rather free in your remarks on my -relatives," exclaimed Fanny very indignantly. - -"I beg your pardon; _I_ have not complained of what you have been saying -of my friend and guest." - -"But what is there remarkable in Lady Fanny's proceedings to strike you -with wonder? I think it was quite natural; setting aside any jealousy of -Emma, she was surely right not to bring into her house, as governess to -her daughter, a girl who had anything like a slur on her character." - -"Excuse my saying that if Lady Fanny did not object to employing the man -in question as a physician, she had no right to take umbrage if another -permitted him as a companion." - -"But I understood there was something quite improper in the way in which -she commenced and carried on the acquaintance—quite clandestine and -against her sister's known opinion. In fact, the whole affair was so -shocking that no one would speak to Emma at Croydon, and she was obliged -to leave the town in disgrace. In short, her reputation there was -completely _mise en pièce_." - -"I am perfectly persuaded," replied Lady Gordon, "that you have been -exceedingly deceived in this affair. As to believing Emma Watson guilty -of anything deserving censure, I cannot until it is proved." - -"I should have thought my authority good enough," said Miss Carr. - -"You speak only on hear-say evidence, Fanny: you heard from Lady Fanny -what was told her by certain professed gossips, who must either have -been acting as spies themselves, or have been the collectors and bearers -of the slanders of other individuals. No, there is no authority for your -assertions—no testimony which would stand in a court of justice." - -"You are determined neither to see nor understand, Rosa, or you could -not talk in that, way," retorted Fanny quite angrily. - -"We shall never agree, so we had better not discuss the subject -further," replied Lady Gordon, "suppose we go to luncheon." - -The riding party had again been under discussion, and it was decided -that they should all five take an excursion on horse-back, Emma being to -mount the quiet and gentle animal so strongly recommended by Sir William -Gordon. - -Just as they were starting, their party was joined by another young man, -a neighbour, who was coming to pay a morning visit, and whom Lady Gordon -invited to accompany them. Whether for the sake of a fresh object, or in -hopes of pique by contrast, or from some other cause unknown, Miss Carr -fastened on him as a victim, and wherever the width of the road required -a division, they two kept side by side. This was a peculiarly agreeable -arrangement to the others, as allowing of two conversations deeply -interesting to some of the parties at least. Lady Gordon wanted to have -a private conference with her husband, on the subject which Miss Carr -had been discussing, and she took this opportunity of belonging to a -party of six to commence it. She told him everything straight-forward, -from the accusation of a flirtation with him, down to the asserted loss -of character. Sir William heard her gravely, and with fixed attention, -without interrupting her eloquent narrative by a remark or a question. -She concluded her story before he opened his lips, and then turning full -towards her, he enquired: - -"Well, and have you determined to turn her out of the house?" - -"I really feel much inclined to do so, I assure you, the attempt to make -dissension between us is so unpardonable." - -"You should first be quite convinced that the attempt has been made," -said Sir William very coolly. - -"My dear William, what else can you call her accusation that Emma -flirted with you? She could not make me jealous, but it was most -ill-natured of her to say so; for were the scandal to come to Emma's -ears, it would of course make her very uncomfortable." - -"I beg your pardon, Rosa," replied her husband with a smile, "we were -speaking of different individuals; you, I presume, understood my -question as applying to Miss Carr, whilst I really referred to Miss -Watson, and I own your answer rather surprised me." - -"So it well might. Could you suppose me capable of resenting to Emma -what Fanny might say. I thought you would have known me better. I shall -take no notice of all the Croydon scandal, except by being kinder to -poor Emma, and as to yourself, I must beg you will do so too. Talk to -her, walk with her as much as you like, I am not afraid for either of -you." - -Sir William's eyes expressed far more than his brief answer seemed to -convey, she could read their language, and therefore—"Thank you, I hope -we shall neither of us abuse your confidence!"—was quite satisfactory to -her. - -In the meantime Lord Osborne was compelling Emma to undergo a catechism, -the purpose of which she could not comprehend. He began by enquiring -where she had been staying previous to her visit to his sister, made -himself quite master of the connection of Miss Bridge with Croydon, and -ascertained that Mr. Bridge was a friend of hers. He then informed -himself whether she had any relatives still in the town, learnt with -evident satisfaction that her eldest sister, whom he remembered, was -still there, and also that her brother was settled in the place. Emma -even told him that her sister was speedily to be married to a very -respectable brewer in the town, quite heedless whether such a piece of -information was likely to invalidate her claims on his regard. He seemed -exceedingly well pleased with the result of his investigation, but no -explanation followed as to the object of all his enquiries. As she -thought one was certainly her due, she at length took the step of asking -to what all these questions tended, if she might make so bold as to -demand it. - -He hesitated a good deal, and then said flatly he should not tell her, -so it was no use her asking him; at least now, though she would very -likely know it by and bye; he then added in a confidential tone, that he -was going to leave home for a short time; but that he hoped in a few -days to return to her with pleasure. She could not compliment him by -pretending to be sorry at his departure, as she really cared very little -about it; but she enquired, by way of making some kind of answer, -whether his sister was acquainted with his plans. He told her she was -not yet, but that he intended to tell her the first opportunity, as he -had not yet had time to tell her, his project had been so suddenly -formed; it originated solely in some news he had heard that morning. - -Emma was too indifferent about him, to feel any curiosity as to the -reason of his journey or its object—for she little suspected that it -nearly concerned herself; the fact being that, in consequence of the -scandal that Fanny Carr had repeated in the morning, he had resolved to -go over to Croydon and exert himself to trace and confute, what he was -certain were only base calumnies, and when he had succeeded in -triumphantly proving her innocence, he meant to lay at her feet his -title and his fortune. He was perfectly delighted at the prospect of -proving his devotion to her by this piece of knight-errantry,—which, he -flattered himself, would render him quite irresistible in her eyes; -indeed, he had serious thoughts, if the original fabricator of these -lies was a man, of challenging him—a step which he firmly believed would -not fail to secure the heart of any woman, for whom the duel was fought. - -His ideas on this subject were rather derived from the old-fashioned -novels, where the hero invariably fights at least three duels, to clear -the character of his lady-love. - -Very soon after imparting this information to Emma, there came a -division in the party; Lady Gordon having persuaded her husband to -change places with her brother for several reasons. One of the motives -that actuated her, was a wish to converse with Lord Osborne on the -reports relative to Emma, and learn what he thought of Miss Carr's -stories. But she rather wished likewise to separate him from Emma—with -whom she thought he had been enjoying too long a _tête-à-tête_; and she -was, moreover, determined to prove the entire absence of all jealousy as -a wife, notwithstanding the insinuations of her friend. - -Emma was always pleased with Sir William's company and conversation, and -enjoyed this part of her ride much more than the first. She had the -pleasant conviction in her mind that Sir William liked her; a feeling -which made their intercourse very agreeable—and, as to the scandal which -Miss Carr had tried to insinuate on that subject—she was so perfectly -ignorant of it, that it never occurred to her that an exception to their -being together could possibly be taken. - -All Lady Gordon's eloquence and persuasive powers—seconded by the -strongest curiosity, failed to draw from her brother an acknowledgement -of his purpose in leaving home, or a definite opinion as to his belief, -or otherwise, in Miss Carr's stories. On this subject, indeed, he was -particularly impracticable, only exclaiming— - -"Pshaw! don't ask me, Rosa, about any thing she says—you know I never -listen to her." - -One thing which greatly excited her curiosity, was the manner of her -brother's journey; she had questioned him as to how he intended to -travel, and he only told her to guess. In vain she attempted to do so. -His carriages were all enumerated in vain—his horses, his servants, were -not to accompany him; she concluded that he must be going on foot, and -the object of his journey became more mysterious than ever. - -He piqued himself on his discretion, and was delighted to torment her, -until she was obliged to own herself fairly puzzled, and then he told -her to console her—"Time would show." - -In fact Lord Osborne left the Castle the next morning in a gig, with a -single attendant, who only accompanied him a couple of miles, and then -returned home, leaving his lordship and his portmanteau at a small -road-side public house. Further than this, nothing was to be extracted -by the most adroit questioning of Lady Gordon's woman, who well knew how -curious her mistress was on the subject. But although his expedition was -a secret to his relatives and friends, it is none to the reader, and we -shall, therefore, without ceremony leave him at the public-house in -question, until the stage-coach through Croydon passed, and picking him -up transported him the rest of the journey. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - -The party left at the Castle, was too ill-suited to be particularly -agreeable, and Sir William now and then privately complained to his wife -of the dead weight which Miss Carr was in society where there were no -young men present. She had so little conversation besides scandal, and -so little occupation of any kind, that Sir William was extremely weary -of her. She sometimes played a little on the harp, but she never did -that with perseverance, or anything else at all. Her father had never -allowed her to learn any species of needle-work, which in some shape or -other forms the universal occupation and resource of women, because, he -said, there were so many unfortunates who were compelled to earn their -bread in that way, that it was unfair to take it out of their hands. -With no taste for anything but the lightest species of literature, a -novel was her only quiet resource, and in the country it was difficult -in those days to procure a sufficient supply of new novels. Lady Gordon -could only listen patiently to her husband's complaints; she did not -know when Fanny and her foibles would remove; nor could she at all -foretell when Lord Osborne and her spirits would return, though pretty -well aware that they would re-appear together. - -The only resource she could suggest was arranging a small party for a -dance or some such amusement, as she had never said another word about -the acting, which at one time had so occupied her mind. This would give -her friend something to think of and amuse herself with, as she might -arrange a new dress for the occasion; nay, if Lady Gordon could only -unite a daylight and an evening party in one, she might have the -happiness of preparing two dresses at least. - -The prospect of such a pleasure revived Miss Carr, and she awoke to a -full sense of the responsibilities of life, when so important a thing as -a _fête_ was in progress. Of what nature should it be, was the question, -and one which occasioned as much amusement as could be hoped from the -actual party. They had a great many different plans in their heads; -fancy dresses—historical characters—costumes from the old family -portraits in the picture-gallery, were all discussed with much warmth -and animation. But every one of these proposals had so many objections -attached to it. The difficulty of getting other individuals to enter -into their views, and the impossibility of those unaccustomed to such -scenes entering into them at all, were all suggested as impediments by -Sir William, who had no fancy for any of their plans, and it ended in a -much more simple arrangement. A collation in a _marquée_, in some -romantic part of the park, bands of music stationed in favorable -situations, to entertain them whilst eating; and the beauties of the -glen, the echo, and the waterfall within a distance favorable for a -walk, to amuse them afterwards. Then there might be the return to the -Castle in the evening, and a dance afterwards, which would finish the -day's pleasure, and afford a proper proportion of fatigue to all. - -To settle on a picturesque costume for this occasion, became now the -pre-eminent object of Fanny Carr's thoughts. Emma herself was under no -uneasiness on that point, as Lady Gordon had taken the occasion to -present her with a suitable and elegant dress, on the plea of making -some compensation for the awkwardness of her brother on the occasion of -the last ball at Osborne Castle. - -Lord Osborne's return was delayed from day to day, by his finding more -difficulty in his undertaking than he had expected; but as the course of -his pursuit led him to London, he wrote from thence to his sister and -gave her reason to expect to see him again before the _fête_ day -arrived. This was a relief to Miss Carr's mind, for although desirous of -universal admiration, she was peculiarly anxious for his special -attention and regard. - -Fortunately for her she was gratified; as she was sitting in Lady -Gordon's dressing-room the day preceding that for universal happiness, -busily engaged in twining a delicate wreath to deck her hair on the -festive night, Lord Osborne marched into the room, and suddenly laid -down before her a packet of papers, which he was carrying in his hand. -She gave a great jump and a little scream, exclaimed at his abrupt -entrance, and enquired playfully if he meant to frighten her out of her -senses. He replied quietly: - -"Not in the least, but he knew there was no danger of that, as her -nerves were sufficiently strong to bear a much greater shock." - -But what in the world were those papers he had placed before her? what -was she to do with them? - -He told her to read them and they would gratify her exceedingly. - -"What on earth are they?" said she, unfolding the -packet—"'Testimonials—Miss Emma Watson—Rev. John Bridge—Barbara -Bridge—Lucy Jenkins—Eliza Lamb—'good heavens! what is the meaning of all -this, my lord—are you trying to make a fool of me?" - -"No, Miss Carr, I am only trying to prevent your making a fool of -yourself," answered he with perfect self-possession. - -"I really am excessively obliged to you. I did not know I was in danger -of such a catastrophe, or that I was likely to be indebted in that -respect to your lordship's deep intellect, and brilliant genius. Pray -may I ask the meaning of all this, for really at present my folly is too -profound to allow me to reach the pinnacle of comprehension." - -"You remember, Miss Carr," said Lord Osborne gravely, "those slanderous -tales against Miss Watson, which you were pleased to repeat the day -before I left this place." - -"Yes, I remember saying something which indeed I am certain could be -proved to a fraction. If you think I repeat things without a foundation, -you are very much mistaken indeed. I assure you I am excessively careful -of what I say, and never dream of giving circulation to unfounded -reports, or—" - -"I am excessively glad to hear it—I hope you never will—I listened to -you then without speaking, I must beg you will do so now to me. Feeling -perfectly sure, as I did, that your tale was untrue; I have been to -Croydon—and, without troubling you with a long detail of the trouble I -have taken, I shall just make a short story of it at once, by saying -that the result is, that Emma Watson's character is perfectly clear." - -"I am sure then, my lord, that Emma Watson herself must be excessively -obliged to you; but really, excuse me for asking what is all this to -me!" - -"It's no use your attempting to deny it, Miss Carr, it convicts you at -once of the very unpleasant and disagreeable fault of repeating -slanderous reports. I hope it will serve as a warning to you to prevent -such wickedness again." - -"Upon my word, my lord, your Quixotism surpasses all ordinary bounds—do -tell me what you will do next? Riding about the country one day to -exculpate a girl who can be nothing to you, beyond a common -acquaintance, and then sitting down to preach lectures to me, without -fee or reward for it; I do not know how sufficiently to honour such -exemplary greatness of mind." - -"You are welcome to your wit and your eloquence, Miss Carr; I have -neither wish nor pretension to equal you in the flow of words; but you -cannot, even if you take the most round about form of expression -possible, deny that you have been quite wrong in the whole affair." - -"I am amazingly flattered by the extremely complimentary turn which your -conversation takes, Lord Osborne. You seem to have benefitted by the -superior style of society with which you must have associated at -Croydon; really, your sister will hardly know you again. May I venture -to enquire whether you have confided to the fair Emma—the heroic -devotion and the extraordinary exertions to which she has inspired you?" - -Lord Osborne, who was looking over the packet of papers which Miss Carr -had tossed contemptuously back on the table, neither answered nor looked -up; and the sudden entrance of Lady Gordon, prevented any further -acrimony on the part of the young lady—who, as soon as she recovered her -temper, became very sorry that she had spoken as she did, whilst under -the influence of vexation and shame. - -Lady Gordon appeared very glad to see her brother; though she declared -she had always felt certain that he would return in time for her -_fête_—she always had such good luck at her _fête_. Her astonishment was -extreme when she learnt the end and object of his journey; and she -certainly felt, besides astonishment, a considerable portion of secret -annoyance, that he should have been sufficiently under the influence of -partiality for Emma, to be roused to such an exertion. She, who knew him -well, was aware how very strong must have been the feeling of interest -which could incite him to undertake and carry through a task repulsive -to all his former habits and tastes. It marked a very decided love -indeed; and Rosa lamented the existence of such a partiality, even -whilst rejoicing that its results were so favorable to the reputation of -her friend. But, on the whole, she was growing more reasonable than -formerly—like all women who love their husbands, she was adopting her -husband's opinions, and beginning to think that Emma would be no -disgrace to the peerage, were she ever to become a member of it; but -that her brother's chance of winning her being small, his affection -would not be conducive to his happiness. The astonishing degree of -warmth he had manifested on the present occasion, shewed the state of -his mind; but as for Emma herself, if she had read her feelings rightly, -they were in favor of another object. Lord Osborne detailed to his -sister the whole history of his exertions. He had gone to Croydon quite -incognito—had established himself very quietly at the principal inn, and -after bespeaking a dinner, walked down to call on the Vicar. To him he -had detailed his object, and asked his advice, giving, as a reason for -the interference of an unconnected individual like himself, the peculiar -intimacy which existed between his sister and the young lady in -question. Mr. Bridge had entered most kindly and warmly into his views, -had pointed out the course he thought best, and made Robert Watson and -his wife own that Emma had remonstrated against being exposed to meeting -Mr. Morgan out walking, and that she had made no secret of the -occurrence. It was not without great difficulty and adroit arguments -that he had brought Jane to acknowledge the truth on this subject; only -by representations of the necessity of clearing her own character, which -she could do, by admitting, as Mr. Bridge knew was the case, that she -had yielded to her sister's persuasions, and in consequence of them had -abstained from sending Emma out with her little girl. - -Having thus cleared Emma from the imputation of there being anything -clandestine or intentional in her meetings with the doctor, a fact which -the eldest Miss Watson could also corroborate, his next step was to see -Lady Fanny Allston and learn from her who had been her authority for the -slander to which she had yielded. Her ladyship was in town, but Lord -Osborne, not to be baffled by such a circumstance, set off after her, -and without waste of time presented himself in her drawing-room in -London. - -On his first application her ladyship denied all recollection of the -circumstance, there were so many young women who applied for the -situation of governess to Miss Allston, that she could not be expected -to remember any of them after the lapse of so long a time as three or -four months. But he was not to be so put off, and took so much trouble -to remind her of the circumstances, that she was at last forced to admit -that she could recal something about it. When in consequence he pressed -for her authorities on the occasion, she laughed excessively at his -heroic exertions in a cause which could not concern him in the least. -What possible motive could he have she observed, for interesting himself -in a girl whose state and circumstances were so obscure. A girl who was -forced to go out as governess, what could he know about her—what ought -he to know about her—a mere country-parson's daughter, without fortune -or connections, it was ridiculous of him to be tearing about the country -to vindicate her from a little country-gossip. His lordship must excuse -her laughing at him for his knight errantry, but what mattered it -whether the said Emma Watson had flirted with the doctor of Croydon or -not, or who had said that she had, if she had not. - -It appeared as if Lord Osborne's character had been totally changed -under the influence of Emma's charms, or the excitement of his pursuit; -indeed he owned to his sister it was as animating as a fox-chase, and -that he enjoyed hunting up scandal-mongers excessively. Lady Fanny's -ridicule, from which formerly he might have shrunk, could not now move -him from his object. He answered her quietly, that the character of -every individual was of value to them, and the more so in proportion to -the less of wealth or importance they had. Her ladyship might, without -scruple, forfeit her reputation for integrity, honour and justice, if -she chose, by refusing what he asked, and thus robbing Miss Watson; and -that the world, seeing she _was_ Lady Fanny still, might consider it no -great matter; but the case was very different with his sister's friend, -who as Lady Fanny justly observed, had neither friends, rank nor fortune -to gloss over the calumny, or support her through right and wrong, and -who it was possible might depend on her character for her subsistence. -But seeing that she _was_ his sister's friend, and at this moment her -guest, he was determined to see justice done to her, both for her own -and his sister's sake; he therefore called on Lady Fanny, if she did not -wish to be considered the fabricator of the false report herself, to -acknowledge who was the author of it—for false it certainly was, as he -had other means of proving. - -After some attempts at prevarication, she at length owned that she had -learnt the circumstances from Miss Jenkins, and she even at last -produced and gave up to him the identical letter to herself which -contained the whole tale, with a variety of circumstances which it was -evident to any unprejudiced observer must have been entirely invention, -as no one could have been witness to them, by the writer's own showing. - -Armed with this document, Lord Osborne had returned to Croydon and laid -the paper before Mr. Bridge. That gentleman, delighted at having reduced -the accusations to a form so easily combated, had agreed that they -should go together, and compel Miss Jenkins to retract her assertions. - -They had called on her, and at first met only with impertinence and -prevarication. She did not know who Lord Osborne was, and would not -allow his right, or that of Mr. Bridge, to question her conduct. -Supposing his lordship to be only one of Emma's relations, and as such -deserving no particular consideration or courtesy, she did not scruple -to behave with the insolence and neglect with which underbred people -consider themselves entitled to treat their inferiors. Of course her -confusion was extreme when she found, to her astonishment, that it was a -baron whom she had scornfully answered, and whom she had scarcely -condescended to ask to seat himself. - -She fell, on this discovery, into a prodigious fit of agitation and -flutter, protested that she was perfectly ashamed of herself—quite -shocked his lordship should have been treated so—would not his lordship -move nearer the fire—would he not take a more comfortable chair. She -hoped his lordship would not refuse a glass of wine or a little cake; -was he quite sure that he did not sit in a draft—the corner of the sofa -and a foot-stool would be much better for him. Lord Osborne very -positively, and rather abruptly, declined all her attentions, declaring -that he wished for nothing better than his present situation, nor -desired anything else from Miss Jenkins than the fulfilment of the -particular object of their visit—the declaration what authority she had -for her assertions regarding Emma Watson. - -She now attempted to deny that she had ever said anything at all -injurious to Miss Emma Watson's character; it was quite impossible that -she should—she had the highest regard for the young lady in question, -and must have for any one whom she knew to be the intimate friend of -Lady Gordon, and about whom his lordship was so kind as to interest -himself. She never could have been guilty of any unjust reflections on -such a person, and it must be an entire mistake of Lady Fanny Allston's -if she imagined anything to the contrary. - -With the greatest self-possession Lord Osborne listened to her -assertions, and then producing the letter and laying it before her, said -he was exceedingly concerned to be compelled to disprove the assertions -of a lady, but really her present words were so contrary to her former -opinions as recorded on that paper, that he must beg to revive her -memory on the subject. Would she be so kind as to look over the -accusations which that letter brought against Miss Watson, and let them -know how much of it was false, and what part, if any, was true; and how -she became possessed of the knowledge which she had there set down. - -Miss Jenkins looked a little confused on seeing her own writing brought -to witness against her, but not nearly so much so, as she had done when -she found she had allowed a peer of the realm to seat himself so near -the door. However, she set herself to work resolutely to deny all she -had written; she could not imagine how she had ever made such -assertions, she could recollect nothing about it; it was most strange, -most extraordinary, most wonderful, most incomprehensible that she -should have written such things, she could not believe it possible: she -even seemed to expect that they would be so complaisant as to disbelieve -it likewise. Miss Lamb had been with her when she wrote the letter, it -must have been on her authority that she had made these extraordinary -statements. In short she was perfectly ready to contradict them entirely -now, and to sign any statement which Lord Osborne would please to -suggest; such was her respect for Miss Emma Watson, she was sure she -could never speak of her in terms too high. - -With great satisfaction, but unutterable contempt, Lord Osborne -compelled her to retract every particular which she had formerly stated, -and after agreeing that one copy of her present deposition should be -sent to Lady Fanny Allston, they decided to continue their investigation -by a reference to Miss Lamb, who was accused of being her -fellow-conspirator on the past occasion. - -Miss Lamb was a very different person from Miss Jenkins; cold and -repulsive in her manners, and sparing of her words, she hardly deigned -even to justify herself. She did condescend, however, so far as to say, -that she had had nothing at all to do in the most distant degree with -the affair in question, either by word or deed; though on being -cross-questioned she admitted she had seen the letter which Miss Jenkins -had sent to Lady Fanny; she had indeed been sitting by whilst it was in -the course of composition; but she denied entirely having assisted her -companion in any way, excepting in spelling and grammar, points in which -she sarcastically observed her friend occasionally needed help. As to -her requiring assistance or suggestion beyond her own imagination, where -anything ill-natured was in question, that was quite unnecessary as -everybody acquainted with Miss Jenkins's taste for gossip must be aware. -She had such a superfluity of invention on all such matters as could be -equalled by few ladies in Croydon. She, Miss Lamb, knew she had watched -Emma closely, and discovered that Mr. Morgan had joined her occasionally -when out walking, and this was quite enough to form the foundation of -any little scandalous romance which she thought might look well, or be -agreeable and amusing to Lady Fanny. For her own part, she knew no harm -at all of Emma Watson, and she hoped that after this statement she -should have no further trouble in the matter, as she was going out, and -did not wish to be detained. - -Thus their interview terminated; and Lord Osborne perfectly satisfied -with his success so far, having shown the declarations of these two -young ladies to Mr. Watson, and his wife, once more repaired to London, -to learn what Lady Fanny thought of the paper he had sent her. - -Her ladyship this time was ill-used and hysterical, sobbing over the -depravity of human nature, which had led Miss Jenkins wickedly to invent -such tales, and thereby greatly to deceive and incommode her ladyship; -preventing her obtaining a desirable governess to her great -inconvenience, and exposing her moreover to much trouble, anxiety, and -other evils, endangering her reputation for veracity, and threatening to -place her in a ridiculous position. - -Lord Osborne could not help perceiving the absurdity and selfishness of -her lamentations, but he let her go on as she would, so long as she -agreed to sign an admission that she had been misled. He would not, -however, make her the promise which she requested from him, that he -would use his influence with this very charming young person to -undertake the situation from which she had previously been so scornfully -repulsed; he gravely observed he did not think it was any business of -his, and that he could not interfere in her private arrangements. Lady -Fanny, smitten with a vehement desire to become the patroness of the -slandered Emma, determined, she said, to write and renew her proposals. -He made no objection, though perfectly determined that proposals from -himself, and of a different nature should if possible precede hers. - -This resolution of his own he did not detail to his sister, nor did he -communicate another circumstance which had occurred, namely that he had, -whilst in London, sought an interview with his mother, whom he found -deeply engrossed in a flirtation with a young colonel of the guards. He -did not like the young fellow's appearance at all, nor the air of being -at home which he assumed, but on his taking leave a still more -unpleasant scene had occurred. His mother had enquired if Howard were -still at the Castle, and on her son mentioning where he was, but adding -that he hoped soon to remove him to a better living, her ladyship had -broken out into the most violent opposition to this plan. - -Lord Osborne had just learnt that the incumbent of another living, to -which he had the right of presentation, a very old man, was in a state -of health, which would in all probability speedily terminate in death, -and he was perfectly determined to give it, immediately it fell vacant, -to his former tutor. He felt that in every respect this would be a most -desirable circumstance, and had not the present incumbent so opportunely -fallen sick, he should certainly have attempted to negotiate some other -exchange which would have promised a speedy removal. Why Lady Osborne -should so resolutely set herself against it, he could not imagine; her -feelings towards Howard he could not understand, unless in case of a -suspicion which occurred to him proving correct, that the clergyman had -refused the baron's widow. She who used to be so friendly and favourable -to him, now indulged in feelings apparently of hatred and enmity. She -evidently wished to injure him, wished to hinder any improvement in his -circumstances, wished to prejudice her son against him. He thought his -mother hardly in her senses on this subject, so extremely bitter and -unreasonable her sentiments appeared. Her indignation passed all bounds -when she found him perfectly unpersuadable on this point. His object in -wishing to remove Mr. Howard was quite as potent as hers in wishing to -torment him, and his obstinacy in following his own opinion at least as -great; there was therefore no chance of their coming to any agreement, -and they parted on very bad terms. - -Now when his tale was done, he was ready to sit and listen to his -sister's plans and designs for to-morrow, ready to encourage her with -hopes of a fine day, and still more ready to anticipate much intercourse -with Emma Watson. He determined to seize some opportunity during the -approaching fête to make known his sentiments, and ask her hand. His -courage felt quite high: he had been so successful in this undertaking -at Croydon that he began to think he must have quite a winning way with -women, and thoughts, complimentary to himself, which had never before -entered his brain, began now to bud and grow, and rapidly increase -within him. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - -The morning opened in a way as promising to Lady Gordon's plans as could -be desired; bright and serene; a gentle air, not strong enough to wave -the flag upon the Castle turrets, rustled amongst the forest trees; a -deep blue sky, a cloudless sun, and the mist upon distant objects which -accompanies heat in this country, all promised everything most charming. - -The whole party were in high spirits, and when, after their breakfast, -the ladies had put the finishing stroke to their toilettes, any -unprejudiced observer must have admitted that they all three looked very -captivating in their several ways. - -Lady Gordon anxious to be on the appointed spot previous to the arrival -of any of the guests, soon started from the Castle, and the two young -ladies accompanied her. - -The scene which had been chosen looked very lovely certainly, and the -marquees and trees in its vicinity, festooned with flowers, and -ornamented in many dainty devices, had a most tasteful air; but Emma -could not help thinking that the forest glade in its natural state would -have been more taste picturesque, and to her far more enchanting, than -with the gay flags and ornaments which now decked it. She thought of the -ages which had passed over those lordly trees; the generations of fair -faces, which had perhaps strolled beneath them; the histories of happy -or of broken hearts, which, could they but be known, would read so many -a moral lesson to herself. They looked so very old, those huge spreading -trees, with their giant trunks and wide extending branches; she quite -felt respect for such stability and strength. Their boughs had probably -waved - - "O'er manhood's noble head, - O'er youth's bright locks, and beauty's flowery crown." - -and now another generation was to meet beneath them, and how many gay, -thoughtless hearts, would they this day shade. - -They had not been long enough there for Miss Carr to be very tired of -waiting, nor for Emma to be at all anxious for a change of scene, when -the company began to arrive, and she had other amusement and occupation. -It was a very large assembly, and every one came prepared to enjoy -themselves, convinced that what Lady Gordon did must be wittiest and -most fashionable, if not - - "Wisest, discreetest, virtuousest, best." - -The band played, the sun shone, the green trees waved in the breeze, the -silks and muslins fluttered, fair checks reddened, bright eyes glanced, -sweet lips smiled, fairy forms flitted about, everything was elegant, -lively, agreeable—any thing but pastoral, not at all in the fashion of -an old French print of a Louis Quartorze fête champêtre. There were no -mock shepherdesses, with powdered heads and crooks in their hands; no -badly supported and out of character costumes; people came to act no -part but that of lively, and if they could be, lovely English ladies, in -the most fashionable gowns, meeting well-bred, well-dressed, -well-intentioned English gentlemen. There were smiles, and flattery, and -flirtations, and a little affectation, and some small share of folly; -but on the whole, it was an extremely elegant and well-satisfied party, -and every one was ready to tell every one else how excessively pleasant -it was, and how much more they preferred these delightful, unformal -parties, to the more usual, but less exciting, in-door assemblies. - -To those who loved good eating and drinking, it could not fail of being -an agreeable re-union, for "the feast provided, combined," the -newspapers said on the occasion, "every delicacy of the season, which an -out door repast would admit of, in profusion, and the hospitable and -liberal-minded hosts were truly delighted to press on their nowise -reluctant guests, the choicest viands and the most refreshing products -of the vineyards." - -In reallity, there was a great deal of pleasure afforded on the -occasion, and if there were some dissatisfied minds, it may be concluded -that they were those, who under no circumstances were likely to be -pleased. - -Among the discontented was Margaret Musgrove, who came over with a -friend, in that friend's carriage, her husband driving the brother of -this lady, as he preferred anything to accompanying his wife. After -their arrival, he attached himself to this friend, and carried on with -her a very tender flirtation. Mrs. Harding Russell was a fine, dashing -woman, who very much enjoyed a flirtation with her friend's husband, and -was delighted to make herself conspicuous, and the wife uncomfortable. -Margaret would not have minded, had the brother been inclined to assist -her in paying her husband off—but this was not the case, he was a man's -companion, not a woman's, and never troubled himself to flirt at all. -Margaret for some time formed a very inharmonious third to the otherwise -lively duet which was performing between Tom and Mrs. Harding Russell, -whose company made her perfectly miserable; but at length she succeeded -in securing as a companion one of her former acquaintances, who though -he had long ago ceased to care for Margaret Watson, had no objection, -_faute de mieux_, to make himself agreeable to Mrs. Tom Musgrove. - -When the greatest portion of the visitors was assembled, at a given -signal, the sides of the largest marquee were opened, and every one was -invited to the collation. Amidst the throng and pressure of this -occasion, Emma found herself within a a short distance of her -brother-in-law and his friend, and an unavoidable hearer of their -conversation. Mr. Corbet was enquiring— - -"What has come over Lord Osborne to make him such a different fellow -from what he used to be? Why when I was here before, he was a fine, -dashing lad, quite ready to join in any sort of sensible fun; and now he -seems all taken up with women and girls. I remember when he would have -scorned to join in such trumpery nonsense as this; but when I proposed -just now that we should slip away to have a cigar and a little brandy -and water, hot and comfortable, he told me he must attend to his -sister's guests. Such a precious notion, 'pon my soul, I could not help -laughing to think of a fellow like him turned into a lady's companion; a -pretty thing indeed. If I were a peer of the realm, catch me troubling -my head about any sisters or mother of mine." - -"'Pon my honour, I think," said Tom, "it's a monstrous pity he _is_ so -altered, for I am sure he's not the same person to me that he was; I -really think it is all for the sake of my sister-in-law, that pretty -girl who is here now, you noticed her I dare say." - -"Not I, I never look after pretty girls of that class—those I can have -nothing to say to; there's an uncommon pretty girl at the lodge-gate, -who stared at me as I came in, I noticed her there, and winked at her as -hard as I could; and I intend to notice her again before I've done with -her; but what are other pretty girls to me—not my sort, eh Tom?" - -Tom laughed so much, Emma did not hear what followed, but it ended with -a proposal that when they had had enough grub, they should adjourn to -the lodge to look after the rustic beauty. - -By this time Emma had been borne by the throng into the interior, and -unluckily the place she found for herself, was close to Mrs. Harding -Russell and her brother-in-law. She did not expect much pleasure from -this vicinity, and could not, therefore, complain of disappointment, as -well as disagreeables during this part of the entertainment. - -Mrs. Harding Russell for some minutes would not turn her head towards -Tom, and when he claimed her attention, she turned towards him with a -scornful smile and exclaimed: - -"Oh, you are come, are you? I hope you did not hurry yourself on _my_ -account, Mr. Musgrove. I should be sorry if you had put yourself to any -inconvenience." - -"Indeed I have though. I have been making frantic exertions, and trodden -on at least a dozen toes to secure a place near you, convinced you would -enjoy nothing unless I were here to help you." - -"Upon my word, a very pretty speech—just like a man though—quite what -one might expect from the vain sex. Pray do not take a seat, which I -have no doubt must be very disagreeable to you. I dare say somebody else -would change places with you: the young fellow talking to your -wife—Baker—Butcher—Barber—what's his name—I shall call him, he would do -just as well—he could hardly say less civil things." - -"What did I say, anything rude? do you not know you were to take my -speeches by contraries—did we not agree so—it is so much safer: but you -know your power—your delight in tormenting me—caprice is so charming in -women—and _you_ know how to make it positively bewitching." - -"Really I have not the slightest wish to bewitch you, nor can I believe -that I do so—I have no power over any one, least of all you—I who have -no charms, no graces—oh, no indeed, I do not expect civility, much less -attention from men." - -"Fie, you slander yourself and me, and the whole race of men in such -assertions; you no charms—no graces—I should like to know where they are -to be seen, that is all, if you do not exhibit them. I am sure Mr. -Harding Russell would not say so, happy man!" - -"What do _you_ know of Mr. Harding Russell?" enquired the lady turning -abruptly round to him. - -"Nothing at all, except that like Roy's, - - "His age is three times mine"— - -shall I go on?" - -"Say what you please, it is better to be an old man's pet than a young -man's slave," retorted she. - -"Possibly, but you may reverse that saying—a young man would infallibly -become your slave, fairest." - -The rest of the conversation need not be detailed, it was too -common-place, and trivial to deserve further notice; every one has heard -two under-bred and over-pretending individuals making fools of -themselves and each other, by their compliments and self-flatteries. - -Very much rejoiced was Emma when the conclusion of the banquet at last -allowed her the relief of a change of neighbours and conversation. As -she was looking about for some one whom she could join, standing back a -little to allow the tide of finery and flutter to roll past, she -suddenly found Lord Osborne at her side. - -"How came you to go all wrong, Miss Watson, at dinner?" enquired he -abruptly. - -"I, my lord—how!" was her answer, rather puzzled. - -"Getting down quite with the wrong set—you belonged to us, and had no -business at all with Mrs. Harding Russell, or women of that kind; I -looked for you, but you had given me the slip." - -"Oh, is that all?" replied she, "I was really afraid I had committed -some glaring crime, from your lordship's reproaches, but if it was only -sitting near the wrong persons, I assure you I have done penance enough -already for that—I cannot say that I thought them very pleasant." - -"I am glad of it," he replied with much animation, "you would have been -very different from what I fancied, if you had found any pleasure in -Mrs. Harding Russell." - -Emma made no answer, and he immediately afterwards proposed her joining -Lady Gordon, to which she assented. They found, on joining the circle -round the hostess, that she was proposing for them a ramble through the -prettiest parts of the park, to see the waterfall and the fairy -fountain, and hear the echo, which was famous in the glen; there were a -number of young people round her, and they seemed just in a humour for -such an expedition. Some were to take carriages, some to go on foot, and -amongst this latter group were included Emma and also Miss Carr, who -seemed suddenly seized with a very decided partiality for Miss Watson, -which grew particularly strong whenever Lord Osborne approached. - -Quite uninvited she linked her arm in Emma's, and would be her -inseparable companion in the walk. It was very pretty scenery through -which they had to pass, and the lively party with their gay dresses gave -it quite a novel effect. There was nothing like connected conversation -carried on, only lively remarks, and quick repartees, with quaint -observations from Sir William Gordon, who formed one of the party, and -matter-of-fact assertions from his brother-in-law, who was, however, -remarkably talkative for him. - -In passing through one portion of the park under a sunny bank, they -startled some of the harmless speckled snakes which writhed themselves -away in haste, but not without causing much alarm and trepidation on the -part of some of the young ladies, who protested they had a natural -horror of such reptiles. This led the conversation into a new train, a -long discussion on natural antipathies, when all the young ladies were -called on by Sir William to declare what were their pet antipathies, -presuming that they all cherished some such amiable weakness. He in -return was immediately assaulted by an accusation of thinking ill of -young women—entertaining satirical ideas about them, and making -ill-natured speeches to them; which of course he denied, and the dispute -which this accusation brought on lasted till they reached the fairy -fountain. - -Seated by the side of the spring was a brilliant, dark-eyed, beauty of a -gipsy, who seemed to be waiting their approach. - -"Here's a part of the masque for which I was not prepared," cried Sir -William; "I wonder whether my wife sent this woman here." - -Then advancing, he enquired what she wanted. - -"I am waiting," she exclaimed with a smile, "to meet you all—not you, -Sir William," putting him back with her hand. "It is not you I wish to -see, but the young lord. Stand forth, Lord Osborne." - -"Holloa! what now," cried he advancing—but another gentleman put him -back, and placing himself before the gipsy enquired why she called him -forth. - -"I never called _you_, Arthur Brooke—who named your name?—keep in your -proper place, and be not hurried to assume that of others." Then rising, -she pointed to the spring and exclaimed, "Are you all come to drink at -the fairy spring? How will you do it—where are your glasses or your -pitchers?" - -It was perfectly true they had all come to drink, but had forgotten or -neglected to bring any vessel with which to draw the water. After -looking at them for a moment, with triumph she exclaimed, - -"You must then condescend to be beholden to the gipsy for your -draught—see here," and she produced, as she spoke, a small silver cup: -"Lord Osborne, take this cup and fill it for your guests." - -Lord Osborne advanced and prepared to obey her. Sir William stopped him -by suggesting perhaps it was a magic cup which might work them harm and -woe. - -"Scoffer!" said the woman. "It is a magic cup. Carry that cup steadily -to your lips, full to the brim, without losing a drop, and it betides -you success in your life's undertakings." - -"Who will try the omen?" cried Lord Osborne. "For whom shall I dip?" - -"Not me! not me!" exclaimed several of the young ladies addressed. - -"Let me try first for myself," he said, and stooping filled the little -goblet to the brim, raising it steadily and carefully. - -"A toast," cried Sir William, "you must not drink without a toast." - -"Success to our secret wishes," said he, and drained the cup to the -bottom. "Will none follow my example," added he: then again filling the -cup, he presented it to Emma; she took it and drank a part, then -deliberately poured the remainder on the ground. The gipsy's eyes -flashed. - -"You defy me," she said, "dark-haired girl—but ere the sun stands again -where it now does, your heart will be as heavy as your curls—your hopes -as dark as your eyes—tremble—for the approaching news—you, who have -dared to disregard my cautions." - -"Whatever ill news may be in store for me," said Emma firmly, looking -up; "it will come quite irrespective of the water I just poured upon the -ground. I do not fear _you_. I have seen you before." - -"Yes, we have met before; and I remember kindness with gratitude, and I -grieve that young hearts should break—but it must be so—triumph and -success to his lordship—but tinged with regret and sorrow—for he has -drank from the gipsy's cup. Who will have their fortunes told." - -"I don't believe a word of it," said Lord Osborne, "How should she -know?" - -"It is well to disbelieve, no doubt; but see now, you come to the fairy -well for water; but, without my help, you would have come in vain. So it -is with the future. You wish to draw knowledge from the dark bottomless -well of destiny; you may seek in vain, unless you condescend to borrow -of gipsy lore. Have courage and face the future." - -"Oh! do not let us have any thing to do with her," cried one young lady. - -"I am not afraid, I will have my fortune told," said Miss Carr, -advancing; "tell me, if you can, what will be my fate?" - -"No," replied the young woman, turning away, "I dare not predict for -you—but one thing I foresee—disappointment and sorrow to you all—bright -hopes faded—joyous faces clouded—smiles changed to tears for some, and -the gayest hours cut short with grief and dismay. Farewell!" - -She fled down the glen as she spoke, and a turn of the path hid her from -sight. A something of fear and chill fell on the whole party. Sir -William was the first to break the silence. - -"Who is she, Miss Watson? she claims you as an acquaintance—where did -you ever see her?" - -Emma told him that it was a long time ago—before last Christmas—when out -walking with one of her sisters. She did not explain that it was during -that well-remembered walk, when she had met Mr. Howard for the first -time after the ball, and he had accompanied them home. This young woman -had followed them on that occasion, and Emma had persuaded Elizabeth to -give her some relief from the kitchen, as she seemed almost famishing. -Having been struck by her beauty, Emma had instantly recollected her. - -The waterfall and the echo, combined with meeting those who had gone -there in carriages, and detailing the adventure of the gipsy girl to -them, sufficed to restore most of the spirits which had been damped by -her predictions—and there was a great deal of merriment going on around -her—but Emma remarked that Sir William looked particularly thoughtful -and quite unlike his usual self. - -"Are you brooding over the threatenings of the girl," enquired she, -coming to his side, "you look so uncommonly grave, I really think they -must have made an impression on you." - -"I own they have," replied he. - -"Oh! Sir William," exclaimed she, "I did not expect such superstition -from you. I am surprised." - -"Are you," said he, looking fixedly at her; "do you not know that those -people seldom prophesy without some foundation to go on? They are quick -at guessing feelings and wishes, and combining them with past and -passing events; and extremely quick at learning any kind of news and -turning it to their own advantage. Their knowledge in this way is -astonishing; and I certainly feel afraid lest it may prove too -true,—that something to us unknown, has occurred to grieve us." - -"You almost frighten me, Sir William," replied Emma, turning pale. "Your -attaching such consequence to words which appeared to me spoken at -random, seems quite like a reproach to me for treating them so lightly." - -"Perhaps her predictions, after all, may be the worst things that we -shall hear," added Sir William, trying to shake off his gravity; "and -they will be quite fulfilled, if I make you so pale. You are tired—take -my arm!" - -She could not deny it; and was glad to accept a seat in one of the -carriages to return to the Castle: whither the most delicate of the -guests now agreed to turn their steps, to rest and refresh themselves -after their exertions, previous to the ball at night. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - -Emma was content to lie down quietly in her own room, for her ankle was -not strong, and she had taxed it so severely, that she felt dancing -would be out of the question for her that night; she was rather sorry, -for she really liked dancing; but she felt that prudence required the -sacrifice, lest she should be lame for a much longer period. - -How the rest of the afternoon was spent by the guests, she could not -tell, except that the sounds of music and merriment were often borne -through her open windows, and came apparently from the lawns or the -terrace. - -Refreshed by a couple of hours' peace and solitude, she repaired, about -seven o'clock to Lady Gordon's dressing-room, and found her busy with -her toilette. Her own dress and appearance received due commendation -both from her friend and her friend's bower woman. It being the gift of -the one, and the work of the other, it was no wonder perhaps that they -thought it looked well. The attendant observed: - -"It was quite a pleasure to make gowns for Miss Watson, she became them -so completely: the work was never thrown away on her." - -Perhaps the speaker had an eye to some future situation as waiting-woman -to the young Lady Osborne, for his Lordship's devotion was quite evident -to the inmates of the still-room, as it was then called; and Miss Watson -was honoured accordingly. Whilst she was there, Sir William came in -likewise, and chatted in a way, which drew from Emma the observation -that he had quite recovered his spirits; his wife did not hear the -remark, and taking advantage of the occupation which at that moment -engrossed her, to speak without her notice, he begged Emma not to allude -to it before _her_ again. Of course Emma was quite ready to comply, but -she thought it strange that he should attach so much importance to the -circumstance. - -They all went to the grand reception rooms together: they were already -gay with parties impatient for the continuance of their pleasures. When -the dancing commenced, Emma withdrew into the conservatory, which was -cool and refreshing, for the ball-room was already heated by the company -and the lights. Here she walked in solitude for some time; her friends -were all dancing, Lady Gordon, her brother, her husband, and Miss Carr, -so there was no one to interrupt her reverie, or disturb her -meditations. - -But at length, by the cessation of the music, she learnt that the long -country dance had finished, and soon afterwards, couples and groups -sought the same refreshment as herself. She sat down in a moon-lighted -corner, where amongst the flowers and shrubs, and by the soft and -subdued light, her white crape gown showed like the sculptured drapery -of some marble statue, and here she was still suffered to remain in -peace, though the conservatory echoed to merry voices, and the light -laugh and sparkling sally of wit, sounded above the trickling of the -silvery fountain. - -Presently, the music recalled all the dancers to the ball-room, and she -was again in solitude, but not now for long: a heavy step approached, -and just as she was rising from her seat, Lord Osborne joined her. - -"Now do sit down again," said he, "but how completely you have hidden -yourself; I began to despair of finding you—ain't you going to dance?" - -She told him her reason for declining it, at which he expressed concern, -but immediately added:— - -"However, perhaps on the whole, it is as well, for I wanted particularly -to talk to you, without being overheard: can you listen to me now?" - -She acceded, with some surprise at the request; he leaned against the -wall by her side, and began. - -"Do you know my journey the other day was all on your account?" - -"Indeed," she exclaimed, in some surprise. - -"Yes, I will tell you why, only don't interrupt me till I have done, -that puts me out; Miss Carr, whom you know I do not like, but perhaps -you do not know I do not believe, would say such ill-natured things -about you and Lady Fanny Allston, and her reason for not taking you as -governess, none of which I believed, so you need not look angry, that I -determined to go to her Ladyship, and make her contradict them. What do -you think of that?" - -"You really went to Lady Fanny on that subject," exclaimed Emma, "may I -ask what authority you had for interfering in my affairs?" - -"The authority, Miss Watson, the right which every man has to protect a -woman who is slandered and defenceless. Miss Carr had slandered _you_ to -my sister, in my hearing; she referred to her cousin as her authority, I -compelled her cousin to acknowledge the sources of the calumny, and -having traced it to a contemptible and envious Miss Jenkins, I forced -her to eat her words, and retract every aspersion she had cast on the -character of one whom I always believed blameless. Are you now angry -with me Miss Watson?" his voice softened at the last words, his energy -fled, and he looked again like himself. - -"I cannot tell what I feel," said she hesitating, "Tell me what Lady -Fanny says now of me!" - -"That she is convinced that she was misled by vile calumniators, and -that she wished me to use any influence I possessed with you to renew -her former negotiation." - -"Which you promised to do," said she, "and so you tell me this?" - -There was a tone of playfulness in her voice which reassured him. - -"You are not angry with me?" said he enquiringly. - -"I think not; it depends partly on your motive, but on the whole I am -inclined to forgive you." - -"A hundred thanks, but if you do forgive me—give me your hand!" - -She extended one finger towards him, saying with a smile her whole hand -was too much at once: but he did not listen to her words; her hand was -caught and pressed in his, and raised to his lips before she could -release it from the unexpected thraldom. Then mustering all his courage -and becoming eloquent under an emotion which makes many an eloquent man -silent, he added, - -"It was for your hand I did it, to earn a claim on that, that I -travelled and met strangers, and wrangled with and coaxed them. It was -because I could not bear a blot on your fair fame—you whom I love so -very much: dear Emma—you who are so kind, so good-natured, will you not -love me!" - -"Lord Osborne," said she with profound gravity, "cease I beg; this -species of conversation becomes neither your station nor mine. If I own -myself obliged by your exertions for my sake, do not annul the -obligation by words which never should have been spoken. Let me go!" - -But he stood before her, and would not let her pass; whilst saying in a -low, deep voice, - -"You must misunderstand me, Miss Watson, or you would not speak thus. -Have I not as much right as any one, to love what is fair and -excellent—if I am plain and awkward myself, can that make my love an -insult—and you—are you not deserving to be loved, worshipped, idolised -by every man who comes near you. Have you not everything that I -want—everything that would grace a far higher title, a much larger -fortune than mine. But because I have none of these things is that any -reason I should not admire, and love them, or offer my coronet to one -who would so well become it. It is yours if you will but accept it; -hand, fortune, title, everything—do give me an answer." - -But before Emma could find voice to answer, or arrange her ideas, they -were startled by a scream from the ball-room—the music stopped -completely, and a sudden stillness for a moment prevailed, seeming awful -by the contrast to what preceded: then came a murmur, like a hundred -whispers in one, which seemed to gather and increase. - -Emma had started up at the scream, and now stood suspended, with a -beating heart and unsteady breath. - -"What can be the matter," said he, "shall I go and see—sit down, do not -alarm yourself." - -She really was obliged to seat herself, for she could not stand; he went -a few steps, where he was met by Sir William. - -"For Heaven's sake Osborne come here and send off all these people, your -sister is in a fit, and I am almost as bad from horror." - -"What in the world is the matter," cried he, struck by the agitated tone -and look of his brother-in-law. - -"A report has been brought from Wales that Howard is dead," said Sir -William, "killed by a fall from a horse amongst the mountains, and Rosa -heard it suddenly—and I am afraid—" - -"Killed—Howard—dead—good Heavens," instinctively he was turning to the -spot where Emma sat, but Sir William impatiently seized his arm and -hurried him away unconscious that she was near. - -She was left alone to her feelings, and how the next half hour passed -she never knew. She could neither think nor move; to feel was too much, -for a confused murmur rang in her ears; a sound of suppressed voices, -and hurried footsteps, and rolling wheels, and then all seemed still -again. How long she sat there she could not calculate, horror-struck and -immoveable, she seemed unconscious of everything but the one thought -that he was _dead_. And so suddenly, so awfully—it could not be!—and yet -it must be true; she shivered with horror, and then she seemed again to -become insensible to everything, closing her eyes to the gay lights and -gaudy flowers which appeared to mock her when she gazed at them. - -She was just beginning to recover, but still unable to move, when she -heard Sir William's voice enquiring, - -"Where is Emma—Osborne, have you seen her? she was not in the -ball-room." - -"She was with me in the conservatory," replied his companion. - -"Good heavens, then she must have heard it all," cried Sir William, then -hurrying forward as he caught a glimpse of her white gown, he gazed with -anxious enquiry at her. - -Her bloodless cheek, and her whole air, at once betrayed her knowledge -of what had passed; but making a violent effort to conquer emotions -which were almost choking her, she attempted to rise and come forward. -She had hardly strength for the exertion, she trembled so violently, but -still the effort did her good. Sir William looked at her -compassionately, and drawing her hand under his arm without a word, led -her away. Lord Osborne followed with a look of deep dismay in his face, -and an air of indescribable dejection over his whole figure. - -"Can I be of any use to Lady Gordon?" enquired Emma, forcing slowly, one -by one, from her parched and trembling lips, the words which she could -scarcely articulate. - -"Lady Gordon is tolerably composed, and gone to bed," replied he, "let -me recommend the same course to you. I am shocked to think you should -have been left so long uncared for. You seem quite exhausted and worn -out." - -Emma gladly complied with his recommendation, and tried to sleep, but -that was vain. Images of horror of every kind filled her mind the moment -she attempted it, and she was glad at length to rise and throw open the -window to breathe the fresh air. - -The moon, which was still high in the sky, was beginning to grow pale -before the increasing light in the east; the air was calm, the wind -merely a gentle breathing: now and then was heard the chirp of the early -birds in the neighbouring trees, but as yet the busy tenants of the -rookery near the castle were still. The cry of the deer in the park, the -lowing of cattle at a still greater distance, the murmur of the stream -in the valley came distinctly on the ear, during the profound hush which -preceded the dawn. - -Everything looked so fair and calm, and happy—could it be that misery -and disappointment, and suffering, were for ever lurking under all! How -gay had been the commencement of yesterday; how sad the close! Such was -worldly pleasure—such it must be—such it ought to be. Happiness was fled -from her for ever; she could not expect to meet it again. A calm, dull -future spread before her, uncheered by love, or home, or hope. Her -affections blighted in their first spring, were for ever destroyed, and -if she could learn resignation that was the utmost she could look -forward to. - -She burst into tears, went back to her bed, cried herself to sleep, and -did not wake till a late hour the following day. - -Of course she was looking wretchedly pale and miserable when she -descended the next day. So conscious was she of this that she longed to -remain in her own room, but feared that it might have even a more -suspicious appearance than her pale cheeks. She was relieved on entering -the sitting room to find only Sir William, Lord Osborne having -breakfasted and gone out. He was looking sad and grave, but replied to -her anxious enquiries, that his wife was better, but not well enough to -leave her room yet. He regarded her with a compassionate expression, and -said, - -"You too are suffering from the events of yesterday—no wonder; such a -blow coming after so much excitement and fatigue." - -Her lip quivered, and she could not answer. - -"Miss Watson," added he, "the gipsy must have known of this before we -met her. She must have alluded to this shocking event." - -Emma made an effort, and succeeded in articulating, - -"Certainly." - -Then after a pause, she ventured to enquire, - -"How did the report reach you?" - -It had been brought, it appeared, by one of the guests, whose cousin or -brother, or some such friend, had just arrived from Wales, and learnt it -before leaving Denbighshire. It had been accidentally mentioned by this -gentleman in Lady Gordon's hearing; and she being at the time in a -nervous, irritable state from fatigue, excitement, and the heat of the -ball-room, had been seized with a violent fit of hysteria at the -information, which had broken up the dancing and compelled her to quit -the company. - -"And my abruptness I fear overpowered you, Miss Watson," added Sir -William, "I had no idea that you were there when I met Osborne, and -spoke with the conviction that I was distressing no nerves weaker than -his." - -"But even Lord Osborne must feel such a shock," said Emma. - -"Oh yes he feels it very much, but it is not his way to be overpowered -by his feeling. None who had known Howard could help feeling it—so -sudden an event—and quitting us quite well only a few days before—what -his poor sister must have felt!" - -Sir William paused, for Emma had walked away to hide her tears and -smother her sobs at the window. The entrance of Miss Carr at the moment, -well-dressed, and cheerful looking as usual, tended greatly to compose -Emma's spirits, but quite overpowered Sir William. - -He escaped instantly out of the room. Miss Carr came up to Emma. - -"How miserably uncomfortable everything seems to-day. I cannot imagine -why the death of this man—even supposing he is dead—should derange -everybody here to such a degree. A thing which happened too some -hundreds of miles away, Rosa in bed, and neither Sir William, nor -Osborne visible. Don't you think it's too bad?" - -"I dare say Lady Gordon will soon recover," replied Emma, "but I cannot -wonder if she is indisposed considering everything—the heat, the -fatigue, and all the excitement of yesterday." - -"Have you breakfasted, Miss Watson?" enquired Miss Carr. - -Emma replied she had not. - -"Then come with me, and let us get some," said she, passing her hand -under Emma's arm. "There is no reason that we should fast, I suppose; -for, though Mr. Howard's death is very shocking, I confess it does not -take away the appetite quite." - -Emma thought it would be the easiest way to consent, and they went -accordingly. On entering the breakfast-room, which they had entirely to -themselves, they found that, owing probably to the confusion in the -household, the letters, by that morning's post, had been laid on the -table there, and no one had seen them. Miss Carr immediately began -looking them over, and presently exclaimed: - -"Here are two—three for you Miss Watson. I wonder there are none for -me!" - -Emma received them, and glanced at their exteriors to see whether she -should open them there. One she saw was from Miss Bridge—one from -Elizabeth—and thinking that the occupation of reading them would prevent -her hearing Miss Carr's chatter, she broke the seal of the latter, and -began to peruse it. - -It gave her a lively account of Lord Osborne's visit, and contained many -hints as to the object of his journey and the motive for it, which -suddenly re-called to Emma's mind the fact, which until that moment, had -absolutely escaped her memory—his proposal to herself—a proposal to -which he had, as yet, received no answer. It seemed hard and cruel to -keep the poor young man in suspense, which would end in -disappointment—for she could not hesitate a moment, as to her answer. -Under no circumstances could she ever accept him, or persuade herself to -think him an agreeable man. But the meditation on his love, and her -intentions with regard to it, forced another consideration upon her, -what else should she do with reference to him. Would he leave the house, -or should she, or could they go on as before with any comfort to -herself. It would be very disagreeable to have to continue in daily -intercourse with a rejected lover, unless, indeed, he were much more -magnanimous than the rest of his sex; for, with men in general, it -appears, no insult can be deeper, no injury more severe, than a woman -differing from their estimation of themselves, and doubting the fact of -their making a suitable and agreeable husband. This is so unpardonable -an offence, that there are few men who would acknowledge having met with -such a rebuff, or if they do, it is in the well-known language of the -"Laird o' Cockpen." - -Emma flattered herself, on consideration, that she should not suffer -from any pique on his part, as when her unalterable resolution was once -known to him, there would be nothing to prevent his immediately removing -himself and his disappointment to some other scene. - -After dreaming over these things for some time, she took up the other -letters and rose to go. Casting her eye, as she did so, on the post-mark -and address of the third, which, hitherto, she had not noticed, she was -startled by perceiving that it came from North Wales—and, if her senses -did not deceive her, it was Mr. Howard's handwriting. - -The small remains of presence of mind which this discovery left her, was -just sufficient to check the exclamation rising to her lips; and the -impulse of her feelings prompting her to seek solitude and fresh air—she -rushed out on the terrace, down the flight of steps into Lady Gordon's -flower garden; and there, secluding herself under a wide spreading bay -tree, she endeavoured to recover sufficient breath and composure to -examine the letter. With trembling fingers, beating heart, and tearful -eyes, she broke the seal, and after hurriedly glancing at the date and -signature, laid it down on her knees, and resting her head on her arm, -burst into a fit of crying, which she tried vainly to control. - -And was the hand which had penned those lines never to clasp hers again! -Did the heart which dictated them—did it beat no more! Had the -declaration of his love been delayed until the acknowledgment of her own -could never gratify his ears! Why, oh! why was this! Why had he -suppressed his feelings! Why had he left her! Why had he tortured her -thus! - -She caught up the letter—covered it with kisses—and then through her -blinding tears attempted to read it. It contained a short and simple -statement of his love, and an offer of his hand; if she could consent to -be a poor man's wife, he would do his utmost to make her happy. - -But it was all too late now; by the date it was evident that the letter -had been written nearly a fortnight ago, and the tardiness of the -post-office arrangements had alone prevented his receiving a reply. And -he had, perhaps, been blaming her for silence and proud disdain—perhaps -with the mixed quick-sightedness and blindness of love, he had been -alike jealous of Lord Osborne's passion, and alarmed lest she were -influenced in his lordship's favor. He might have been attributing her -silence to this cause, and perished blaming her for coquetry, coldness, -or ambition. Could she but have told him of her feelings—but now he -would never know them. - -It was a very great relief to her to give unrestrained course to her -tears—there was no occasion now to repress them. She need not fear harsh -constructions, nor shrink from animadversions on her feelings. She had a -_right_ to grieve. She had lost a declared lover, one too whose passion -she had returned—and who would blame her now for pale cheeks and tearful -eyes? - -She did not think this with such distinctness as to put it into words, -but she felt it deeply, and it was a strange comfort to her. - -After the letter had been read many times, every word weighed and -examined, and the reason which dictated his choice of each expression -guessed at; after even the address had been accurately surveyed, and -either anxiety or love discovered in every curve or stroke of the pen, -it was carefully folded and placed in her bosom, there to remain for -ever; for never could the feelings with which she regarded its writer -change; never could she love another, or listen to another suit. Her lot -in life was fixed for ever, and perpetual celibacy for his sake was not -too great a compliment to the memory of one so dearly loved, so sadly -lost. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - -After composing her feelings, smoothing her hair, and cooling her face -at the fountain close by, she ventured to return to the Castle, with the -intention, if she were permitted, of seeing Lady Gordon, though she had -not yet decided upon telling her how deeply her feelings were involved -in the melancholy past. Her friend was in the morning room when she -returned to it, lying on a sofa, and on Emma's entrance there was a -general expression of wonder as to where she had been for so long a time -from the three who were sitting there. Her only answer of course was -that she did not know she _had_ been long away: she had been sitting in -the flower-garden. - -"I wonder you like to sit there," said Miss Carr; "I always am stung by -gnats if I venture on such a thing." - -She then turned herself sleepily on the sofa and dozed again. - -Sir William, after an earnest look at Emma's countenance, withdrew his -eyes, and was apparently occupied with a newspaper, whilst Emma drawing -her embroidery frame close to Lady Gordon's sofa, sat down with apparent -industry to her work, with the satisfactory consciousness that every -time she drew a long breath, her precious letter was more closely -pressed to her swelling heart. - -The long silence which ensued was only broken by Sir William at last -throwing down the paper, and proposing to his wife a walk or a -drive—anything for change of air and scene. She agreed to the drive, and -he went to hurry the phæton, she to arrange her dress. Miss Carr begged -to accompany them, and could not be refused, though they did not -particularly desire her society; and thus Emma was left alone to indulge -in sad recollections and tender reveries, which were, however, speedily -cut short by the entrance of Lord Osborne. - -It was natural that, having seen the others go out without Emma, he -should calculate on finding her alone, and equally so that he should be -exceedingly anxious for an interview, as his question was still -unanswered, his hand unaccepted, his future happiness as yet uncertain. - -She looked up with an air of consciousness on his approach, which -encouraged him to advance, and draw a seat by her side. He tried to take -her hand, but the attempt was made with so much hesitation and -awkwardness that she was not even sure whether he intended it; no -repulse was requisite, the simple not encouraging it was enough to -prevent so daring an act of gallantry. In fact, he had lost the courage -which on the previous night had distinguished him; the warmth and -animation were gone—he was again himself, labouring under rather more -than his usual awkwardness of manner, and quite overpowered by his -various sensations. To have expressed all his feelings would have been -impossible even for an eloquent man—his love was so mingled with -jealousy, his hope with doubt, and his satisfaction with regret. - -He sat looking at her for some minutes in silence, which Emma thought -particularly disagreeable, until at length she concluded that he -expected her to commence the conversation, and looking up with as steady -a voice as she could command, she enquired whether he had received any -further intelligence from Wales. - -"No!" he replied, abruptly, but the question roused him to exertion, and -he added, - -"You cannot imagine, however much I may think of the unlucky event, that -I came here to talk about _that_ to you. I am come to ask, to entreat, -to claim an answer to my question last night: for every man has a right -to an answer to such a question!" - -He paused, and she tried to speak; it was at first with difficulty she -could utter a syllable: but her courage rose as she proceeded, and she -was able to finish with firmness. - -"Lord Osborne, I cannot deny your claim to an answer, but I regret that -I should be under the necessity of paining you by that answer; I cannot -accept the offer you have made me, but I shall always remember your good -opinion, and liberality of sentiment, with gratitude." - -"I did not ask for gratitude," replied he reproachfully, "what good will -that do me? Besides I do not see that I deserve it." - -"You have judged me kindly, my lord; you have given me credit for -rectitude, nay you have exerted yourself to prove it, when others might -have thought and acted very differently." - -"Yes; I dare say—some who did not know you as well, might have judged -you harshly, but Emma, dear, beautiful Emma, I knew you could not be -wrong. I have loved you so dearly, and I never loved any woman before, -it is very hard you will not like me in return." - -"I cannot, my lord," said she, her eyes filling with tears, "I have no -love to bestow on any one, my heart is—" she stopped abruptly. - -He looked very fixedly at her, and then said, - -"You _did_ love Howard." - -She raised her eyes proudly for a moment, but there was nothing of -impertinence in his look or tone, nothing which need offend her; and -moved by her feelings at the moment she exclaimed, - -"Yes I _did_ love him—how can I listen to your suit?" - -He looked down intently, and taking up one of her embroidery needles -thrust it backwards and forwards through the corner of her work, for -some minutes, with an energy which ended in breaking the needle -itself—then again addressing her he said in a feeling tone. - -"Poor fellow, he did not live to know that, I am sorry for him!" - -There was something in the manner of this very unexpected admission -which quite overpowered Emma's heroism; it was so different from what -she had expected; she covered her face and burst into tears. - -He sat looking at her, then said, "Don't Miss Watson, pray don't cry—it -makes me so very uncomfortable; but indeed I do pity our poor friend, -and the more so because loving you so very much myself, I feel what he -has lost; and I am so sorry for you too; you must have felt it—the shock -of his death I mean." - -Emma's sobs quite prevented her speaking, but she struggled to suppress -her tears, and presently succeeded in mastering her agitation. - -"Did you know he loved you?" asked Lord Osborne suddenly. - -"I did, but not till this very morning," answered she, hardly conscious -of what she was saying. - -He was again silent for a good while, but ended with saying firmly, - -"With such feelings, I cannot expect you to listen to my suit, and will -not torment you with it. Remember you have not a sincerer friend in the -world than myself, or one who would do more to prove his good opinion. -And I do not say it merely to be thanked—as I mean to shew you whenever -I can." - -He took her hand this time, and pressed it, looked at it as he held it -for a moment, and then as she drew it away, he rose and left the room. - -She was quite surprised at the way in which the interview had -terminated; he had shewn so much good feeling, so much less of -selfishness than she had been in the habit of mentally attributing to -him; there was no indignation, no wounded pride, no pique or resentment -at her refusal; it was almost as if he had thought more of her -disappointment than of his own, and regarded her feelings as of more -consequence than his attachment. Her opinion of him had never been so -high as when she thus declined his proposals: she felt that with a -suitable wife, one who could value his good qualities, improve his -tastes, and really love him, he might in time turn out a very estimable -character. - -If he were but as fortunate in his selection of a partner, as his sister -had been, there was every probability of his equalling her in domestic -happiness. She did not regret her own decision, but she regretted that -he should have been so unfortunate as to love where no return could be -given; if he had but chosen one whose heart was disengaged;—but as for -herself, _she_ was not the woman who could really make him happy; she -had not the energy and decision of character requisite for his wife; she -did not wish to govern, and she felt that she could only be happy, in -proportion as she respected as well as loved her husband; unless she -could trust his judgment and lean on him, she felt convinced she should -despise him and be miserable. - -When the family met at dinner, Lord Osborne was there, and she had not -the slightest hint as to his probable departure; but there was nothing -in his conduct or manners to create unpleasant feelings, or reveal the -past to lookers on. There was but little said in their small circle that -evening; the shock had been too recent to be yet so soon rallied from. -Lady Gordon had been so very much attached to Mr. Howard; from her -girlhood he had been her peculiar admiration, and her standard of -excellence as a clergyman: the only wonder was that this attachment had -continued on both sides so entirely platonic; that considering their -opportunities of intercourse there had never been any approach to love. -But so it was—whether there was too much pride on both sides, or whether -her heart had been unknowingly engrossed by Sir William Gordon, she -could not have told, but certainly, though they had talked and jested, -quarrelled and been reproved, agreed and differed for the last four -years, they had never passed the temperate zone of friendship, and her -sorrow at his death was expressed fully, unreservedly, bitterly, without -exciting the shadow of jealousy in her husband's mind. Indeed he fully -sympathised in her feelings for he had loved and highly valued Howard, -whom he had known intimately at College, before he became the young -lord's tutor. - -Fanny Carr was the only member of the party who seemed quite unaffected -by what had occurred, but she was out of temper about something which -concerned herself, and was fortunately silent. - -Emma went to her friend's dressing-room the next morning by particular -desire to breakfast quietly with her, whilst Sir William was sent down -to do the honours of the house to Miss Carr and his brother-in-law. - -"I want to talk to you, my dear friend," said Lady Gordon, "but I hardly -know how to begin—about this shocking affair—poor, dear Mr. Howard, is -it not sad?" - -Emma's eyes filled with tears, and she could not answer. - -"I thought so," said Lady Gordon, earnestly gazing at her face, "I knew -your heart—you have, of us all, the most reason to regret his death." - -Emma continued silent, for she had no voice to speak. - -"You are not angry with me for the suggestion," continued Rosa, taking -her hand, "I would not offend or vex you, but I cannot help expressing -my interest in your feelings. It was so natural that you should return -his affection." - -"You knew of his love then," sobbed Emma. - -"I could not help seeing what was so very evident, but you, doubtless, -were better informed on the subject?" replied Lady Gordon, with some -curiosity. - -Emma controlled her feelings enough to give her a sensible account of -the letter which she had received the morning previous; that precious -letter which had doubled her sorrow, and made her feel her misfortune so -much more deeply. - -"How very sad," cried Lady Gordon, "and that was really the first you -heard of his attachment—the first declaration you had from him; it must -have broken your heart. I can imagine in some degree what you have felt. -Had he been alive what answer would you have returned?" - -"What answer?" exclaimed Emma, "how can you ask, Lady Gordon—you _know_ -what I should have said; that his love was dearer to me than all the -wealth of the country, or the honors of the peerage!" - -"Poor girl—you will never recover from such a shock." - -"Never, never—I can never love another, or cease to regret the one I -have so sadly lost. Time can only increase my regret. But we must not -think only of ourselves, what must his sister have felt—dear Lady -Gordon, think of her; how I wish I were near her, to love and comfort -her." - -"Poor thing," sighed Lady Gordon, "yes I do pity her. She was very fond -of him, and she can never have another brother." - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - -Just at this moment a gentle tap was heard at the door; Lady Gordon gave -her permission to enter; and the opening door displayed to their -astonished eyes, Howard himself. - -Yes, there he was, to all appearance perfectly well,—the man whom they -had been mourning over as dead, stood before them in flesh and blood, -with no other difference from his usual air, than that he looked rather -flushed with exercise, and somewhat surprised at his reception. - -"Mr. Howard!" gasped Lady Gordon, scarcely believing her senses. - -Emma was speechless with twenty different feelings. - -"I fear I am an unwelcome visitor," said he, amazed at his reception; -"shall I withdraw?" - -Before either of the ladies could reply, Sir William precipitately -entered the room; he had apparently been in the act of dressing, for he -made his appearance without a coat, and unmindful of where he was, he -rushed up to Howard, and actually embracing him in the excitement of his -joy, exclaimed: - -"My dear fellow, twenty millions of welcomes to you, how came you -here—we never thought to see you again!" - -Lady Gordon too, had risen, and clasping both his hands in hers, she -exclaimed: - -"Oh, how I rejoice to see you alive—you cannot think how we all grieved -when we heard you were dead!" - -It was now Howard's turn to look bewildered: he turned from the husband -to the wife in uncontrollable amazement, and said: - -"May I ask what is the meaning of all this—are you performing a comedy -or acting a charade!" - -"Why I suppose," said Sir William, recovering himself a little, "we do -all seem rather frantic to you, since you must be alike ignorant of our -anxieties and the relief your presence has occasioned. The fact is, we -heard you were dead!" - -"Indeed!" exclaimed Howard. - -"Take care, or Mr. Howard will begin to believe it too, and that will -frighten him," said Rosa, laughing almost hysterically. - -"But do tell me what you thought was the matter with me," said Howard -impatiently. - -"We heard you had fallen and been killed amongst the rocks," said Sir -William, "and we were very unhappy about it. I assure you, you have been -wept by bright eyes, and fair cheeks have turned pale at the news of -your death. There is not a man in the whole county has been more talked -of than you; the news of your melancholy death reached us in the gayest -moment of a _fête_, sent Lady Gordon into fits, and all the company out -of the house, broke up the dance, interrupted six tender flirtations and -three rubbers at whist, in short, caused more unhappiness, -disappointment, and dismay, than an ordinary individual would reasonably -expect to excite either living or dying." - -"Really it is a very uncommon fate for a man to hear the lamentations -occasioned by his death, and if what you say is not exaggerated, Sir -William, I ought to be greatly flattered," replied Howard smiling, but -at the same time looking round the room to see what was become of the -one face, whose expression he was most anxious to read. But Emma was -gone; she had left the room without a word of congratulatory greeting, -or a single expression of interest. - -"I cannot think how you can jest about so serious an affair, William," -said his wife reproachfully, "you did not jest, however, whilst you -believed it; he is not quite without feeling, Mr. Howard." - -"And did you honor me with tears, Lady Gordon?" said the young -clergyman, taking her hand with an irrepressible feeling of -gratification. "That was a thing almost worth dying for." - -"Come, come," said Sir William interposing, "do not be making love to -Rosa before my face; though she did cry, hers were not the only tears -shed on the occasion, nor the most flattering to you." - -"Who else wept for me?" enquired he with something more than curiosity. - -"Your old housekeeper, and your gardener's daughter," replied Lady -Gordon maliciously. - -"Nobody else?" - -"Abominable conceit—who else do you expect to hear of?" exclaimed she, -"I declare all men are alike, if you give the smallest encouragement to -their good opinion of themselves, they set no bounds to their -presumptuous expectations. I shall tell you no more. Find out for -yourself who feels any interest in your fate." - -"Miss Carr expressed great sensibility on the occasion," interrupted Sir -William, "I was dancing with her at the time the news arrived, and she -said: - -"'Dear me, how very shocking—poor young man.'" - -"Thank you," replied Howard with a glow of satisfaction, "you have told -me quite enough to satisfy a much less modest man than I am. I have -heard sufficient. But I think I know how the report arose. I _was_ left -behind at a riding party, as the girth of my saddle broke, and I stopped -at a country shop to get it repaired. I dare say in the imperfect Welsh -which was all we could muster of the country's language, there was some -confusion made between a broken girth and a broken neck, which gave rise -to the distressing intelligence." - -"That may be very possible," replied Lady Gordon, "but I shall never in -future believe any report of your misfortunes again, and if you want me -to grieve again for you, you must break your neck in good earnest." - -"Excuse me, but I have no wish to cause you any concern, Lady Gordon, or -to put your feelings to such a test." - -"By the bye, when did you arrive, Howard?" enquired the baronet. - -"About two hours ago; and I own I was rather surprised to find my house -shut up, and nobody at home; but if my servants thought me dead, it was -all very natural." - -"No doubt they will tell you they were afraid of remaining lest you -should walk again," observed Sir William. - -"As I do not know when they will return," continued he, "and I do not -wish to break into my house, I must throw myself on your hospitality for -to-day, if you will receive a poor wanderer." - -Of course he was made extremely welcome by his friends, and invited to -remain as long as was convenient. It was very pleasant to be so kindly -received; but there was another voice he was longing to hear welcome -him, another hand he wished to press, another smile to bless his eyes. -As soon as he could he left Lady Gordon, and went to look for Emma. In -the breakfast-room, the library, the conservatory, the flower-garden he -sought her, but in vain; in fact she had shut herself into her own room, -to give utterance, in grateful thanks, to the emotions which swelled her -heart; emotions far too powerful for words. - -At the moment she could not have encountered him with anything like a -due and decorous dignity; had she seen him, she must have been guilty of -expressing too warmly her interest in his welfare: it would not do to -flatter him with a knowledge how very glad she was at his having safely -returned; for he was but a man, and as such, liable of course to all the -foibles of mankind: the vanity, the triumph, the selfish gratification -which such a dangerous knowledge would create. She thought very well of -him certainly, but the temptation to conceit might be too strong, and -she might have to rue the day if she placed such confidence in him. - -No, she would not see him till her feelings were in better order, and -more under her own control. - -Such was her resolution as she sought the shelter of her dressing-room; -it did not occur to her, that he might consider he had a claim on her -attention, and a right to demand an interview with her; a claim and a -right which no man very much in love could be expected to forego. - -Having been quite unsuccessful in his search for her, he took a very -plain and straight-forward course to obtain what he wished, going to -Lady Gordon for assistance. - -"Will you be my friend," said he, appealing to her with a look of great -concern, "my friend in a very important matter." - -"Have I ever been otherwise, why should you ask?" replied she. - -"Then procure me an interview with Emma—I cannot find her any where, and -I cannot exist longer in suspense. Dear Lady Gordon, do pray have pity -on me!" - -"Yes!" replied she, affecting to look very grave, "I have pity on you; -and since you wish so much for an interview, I will try and procure one, -that is if Emma is not absolutely bent on refusing to hear you. But are -you prepared—can you stand the shock which awaits you?" - -"Good Heavens! what do you mean, Lady Gordon?" cried he, catching her -hand in his with an accent of alarm. - -"Why, what do you expect?" said she, withdrawing her hand, "but that she -will refuse you; what else can you anticipate?" - -"Refuse me, why—do not torment me—I am _not_ afraid—" he added, trying -to smile. - -"Upon my word, a very modest speech!" exclaimed she, "so you feel no -alarm—tranquil self-confidence possesses your soul. Emma will be -intensely gratified!" - -"Dear Lady Gordon—" said he, pleadingly; but she would not listen. - -"So I am to call Miss Watson down to you, persuading her to come with an -assurance, that you feel so confident of what her answer will be that -you entertain no anxiety, no alarm. Is that what I am to say?" - -"Say anything you please, Lady Gordon," exclaimed he, in desperation, -"only procure me the sight of Miss Watson, and the opportunity to speak -to her." - -"Very well, go to the library, and I will bring her there." - -He anxiously hastened to the rendezvous she appointed; she crossed the -gallery to her friend's dressing-room. - -On obtaining admission, she found Emma had been lying on the sofa in a -darkened room; she sat down by her, and affectionately kissing her -forehead and cheek, she said, - -"I am come to congratulate you, my dear Miss Watson, that our imaginary -tragedy has proved an entire fable—Mr. Howard is quite well, and all the -loss on the occasion is that of a very pleasant dance, which I had -intended should be very much enjoyed." - -"It seems so strange and incomprehensible," observed Emma, putting back -the ringlets from her forehead, "I could hardly believe my eyes, or -credit my senses, and as to speaking, that was out of the question. I -hope you did not think me very rude if you noticed me, but the only -thing I could do, was to run away." - -"But now you have recovered your self-possession, and the use of your -speech, I hope you do not mean to seclude yourself here all day; pray -come and join us all. You had better." - -"Perhaps I had," said Emma, "I will come with you in a moment; just let -me smooth my hair first." - -"It is very nice I assure you, but I will wait as long as you please." - -Miss Carr and Sir William were in the sitting-room; but Lady Gordon did -not stop there; to the great relief of Emma, who dreaded the remarks of -the young lady, they walked into the conservatory, through it, and -entered from the other end the library window. - -Lord Osborne and Mr. Howard were there together, but the former -instantly took flight at their approach. Lady Gordon still keeping -Emma's hand under her own arm, led her up to Mr. Howard, and said, - -"I have brought my friend to congratulate the dead-alive, Mr. Howard; -she was wishing to say civil speeches to you like the rest of us, but as -I have done my duty in that way, and a twice told tale is tedious, I -shall leave you, to go after my brother." - -As Emma had held out her hand to the gentleman, she could not follow -Lady Gordon in her flight, though looking exceedingly inclined to do so; -for he held her with a gentle pressure, and would not let her go. His -eyes were so earnestly bent upon hers, that she dared not look up after -the one glance she had given him; and she stood, her slender fingers -trembling in his grasp, longing to speak, but wanting courage to break -the silence. - -"I am glad Miss Watson is not to be the only one from whom I hear no -word of welcome," said he gently. "If you knew how very grateful I -should feel for one sentence of kindness—even one look which evinced -interest, could you refuse me?" - -"I assure you, Mr. Howard," said she, determined no longer to stand -silently blushing like a criminal before him; "I assure you it was not -want of interest, or kindly feeling towards you, which kept me silent." - -"Thank you—you were glad to see me again?" - -"Indeed I was." - -"And you guess—you must know and feel why I hurried home?" - -"No, indeed," but the words were accompanied by so very deep a blush, -that they looked exceedingly like a falsehood. - -"There was a letter, which I wrote, but to which I received no answer, -which hurried my movements—do you now know what I mean?" - -"I believe I do," she uttered in desperation finding he seemed -determined she should answer him. - -"And though you would not write, you will condescend now to answer that -letter by word of mouth," taking her hand in both of his; "I am sure you -are too generous wilfully to torment me—and if you had known how much -pain your silence gave me, you would not have allowed it to last so -long." - -"Mr. Howard," said Emma, looking up, but making no attempt to withdraw -her hand; "I only received that letter yesterday morning; and as I then -thought you were dead—you cannot imagine the pain which the receipt of -it occasioned _me_." - -She spoke hurriedly, without considering the full value of her words; -but _he_ saw the implied meaning—where was the man ever blind to such a -compliment. The speech he made on the occasion, was a great deal too -rapturous and lover-like to bear transcribing, indeed, when lovers' -speeches really come from the heart, they would seldom be sufficiently -intelligible to interest general readers. There is so much understood by -the pressure of the hands—so much explained by the language of the -eyes—and so much made up by other signs well-known to the initiated, but -unnecessary to detail to those who have never gone through such an -ordeal, that in most cases it seems probable an accurate relation in -words would be the most tiresome, the most incomprehensible, the most -ridiculous thing in the world to those not taking a principal part in -it. - -Where the heart takes but a small share in the proceedings, indeed, fine -speeches may be made, but where the affections are engaged, the meaning -can be perfectly understood without them. - -The result of his speech, and Emma's answer, was much more favorable to -his happiness, than the reply which she had made the previous day to a -similar question from Lord Osborne. She acknowledged that she loved him, -and that the dread of being poor, or the desire of being great, would -not prevent her promising to become his wife. - -When the first effervescence of his joy had subsided, and he was able to -speak in a calm and reasonable manner, and consider what was best to be -done, he urged her to come out with him into the park, as the first step -to securing her company perfectly undisturbed—for, in the library, they -were constantly exposed to be interrupted. Here she tried to obtain from -him some rational account as to why he had tantalised her so long by -deferring an explanation—which, for any thing she could see to the -contrary, might just as well, or better, have been made long before. -Since he professed he had loved her even before she went to Croydon, why -did he take no steps to tell her so; or why, since he ended in writing, -did he not write to her there? Was it necessary to go as far as North -Wales to find courage for such an epistle. - -He told her it was doubt and want of courage kept him silent—then he -contradicted himself and said it was really jealousy of Lord Osborne. He -had believed the young baron loved her. - -So he might, perhaps, was Emma's reply—but what had that to do with it; -to make the admiration dangerous, it was necessary that she should -return his affection, "and surely, you never suspected me of that?" said -she. - -"How could I tell? Might you not naturally be dazzled with the idea of a -coronet; why, should I have interfered with your advantage or -advancement?" - -"As if it would be to my advantage to marry a man like Lord Osborne," -replied Emma. "I do not wish to say anything derogatory to your friends, -or to Lady Gordon's brother, but indeed I think you might have given me -credit for rather a different taste at least. I have no wish either to -flatter you too much; but I fancy, whether better or worse, _our_ tastes -are more consonant than mine and Lord Osborne's." - -"But, my dearest Emma, did he not love you?" - -"What right have you to ask me any such questions, Mr. Howard? so long -as I assure you, I did not love him, that ought to be sufficient for -you—let his feelings remain a secret." - -"There should be no secrets between us, Emma." - -"Very well—but there shall be between Lord Osborne and me." - -"For shame, Emma, I shall certainly forbid anything of the kind." - -"Set me the example of sincerity and openness then, tell me to how many -ladies you have made love—how many hopeless and inextinguishable flames -you have nourished, and how many hearts you have found obdurate to your -finest speeches." - -Mr. Howard protested he had never loved any other woman, never sought -any other hand than hers, and never made fine speeches to any one. With -all his eloquence and ability he was not able to extract from her the -fact, that she had refused Lord Osborne. She had two motives for her -silence; a feeling of delicacy towards her rejected suitor, and a -decided determination not to flatter Howard's vanity by such a mark of -her preference. She thought it quite enough for him to know himself -accepted without learning, at least at present, how many she had refused -for his sake. - - - - - CHAPTER XV - - -Lady Gordon, and her husband, learnt with sincere pleasure, that a happy -understanding had been established between Emma and her lover; they both -hinted that the disappointment to Lord Osborne would not be lasting, and -that the attachment would on the whole have done him good. He had -improved so much during its progress, had become so sociable and -civilised by his affection, that he seemed a different person; and -whilst rejoicing at the change, they trusted he would not relapse under -the effects of his want of success, but would prove himself worthy of -his place in society, and his position in the world. - -As to the young man himself, he felt his disappointment most acutely, -but it did not make him more selfish than he had been. On the contrary -it seemed to give rise to a magnanimity of sentiment which could hardly -have been expected from him. - -Two days after the engagement it was found he went down to see Howard at -the vicarage immediately after the post had come in. That morning he had -received an announcement of the death of the old rector before -mentioned. He now hastened to offer the living to Howard, delighted to -have it in his power thus to improve his circumstances. - -"Howard," said he, "I have learnt by this letter that the living of -Carsdean is vacant. I am glad of it—as I am sure it will make you much -more comfortable. Will you accept it?" - -"My dear lord," said he, with much emotion, "you are too kind to me: I -am ashamed to accept such a benefit, when I have robbed you of what you -so much desired." - -"Do not speak of that," said the other, "she took her choice, and no -doubt chose wisely; I always _felt_ you were beloved, Howard, even -whilst I was fool enough to flatter myself with success: but I am not -angry either with her or you, and since I cannot make her happy myself, -I am glad I can help you to do so. This living was always meant for -you—but coming as it does just now, it gives me very great pleasure." - -"I knew you were generous," replied Howard, "and I can feel how much -satisfaction the power of obliging must confer." - -"Make her happy, Howard, and when I can, I will come and see you, but it -is best at first that we should be apart. You accept my wedding gift!" - -"A noble one, like the heart which dictates it, and a welcome one indeed -since it removes the only obstacle to my marriage," replied Howard. - -"Howard, you are a lucky man; I would have given half my income to have -had the power of persuading her to accept the other half. You know, I -dare say, that she refused me?" - -"No, indeed!" - -"Did not Emma tell you? She _did_ refuse me, and I loved her the better -for it, for it was entirely for _your_ sake; but as I thought you were -dead then I did not take it so much to heart, because I trusted to time -and perseverance when my rival was removed." - -"And when I came back and destroyed your dream, how you must have hated -me! I wonder you could shake hands as you did, and say you were glad to -see me." - -"Howard," said Lord Osborne with much agitation, "if I thought you were -serious in what you say, I would never speak to you again; I _know_ you -only say it to torment me, but is that generous when you are the winning -party?" - -"I beg your pardon," said Howard holding out his hand; and no more was -said on the subject. - -"What a pity it is," said Emma Watson to Howard when he was joyfully -detailing to her his happy prospects, and Lord Osborne's generosity, -"what a pity it is that Lord Osborne's manners are so inferior to his -mind. With so much good feeling and generosity of sentiment, it is -unfortunate that he should have so little engaging in his appearance and -address." - -"I do not think so at all, Emma, for if his manners had been such as you -admire, and calculated to set off his good qualities, you would -certainly have been lost to me." - -"What abominable conceit!" cried Emma; "you really take credit to -yourself, do you, for such very captivating manners yourself, since you -think that those alone are the passports to my good opinion." - -"I did not mean to say that; I trust my other good qualities are so -remarkable that you have, in their favour, overlooked any little -deficiencies which might otherwise strike you in my manners." - -"Modest, truly! What is the income of the living which his lordship -presents to you?" - -"About a thousand a year, I believe, and a very pretty country and -pleasant neighbourhood. I have been there, and always thought I should -like it so very much." - -"I am quite sorry to leave this pretty place though," said Emma looking -at the Vicarage near which they were wandering; "I am sure the other -cannot have so pleasant a garden, nor so pleasant a little drawing-room. -Those were happy days when we were snowed up there." - -They then went off into a long series of reminiscences and explanations -through which it would be useless, were it possible, to follow them. - -Emma spent one very happy week at the Castle after her engagement; which -was not the less agreeable to every one concerned because both Lord -Osborne and Miss Carr left it. He quitted his house immediately after -the conversation above recorded; and she then decided that her visit had -been long enough to such dreadfully dull people as Rosa and her husband -were become: so she took leave of her dear friends and returned, -unsuccessful, home. - -At the end of a week, Mr. Howard found it necessary to go too; there was -business connected with his new living which must be attended to, and -unwillingly he tore himself away. - -Mrs. Willis still continued in Wales, for though Charles was better, and -indeed daily gaining strength, the physicians had so strongly -recommended sea air for the re-establishment of his health, that his -mother had decided on spending the summer on the sea-coast there. - -Howard's departure proved, however, only the prelude to Emma's return to -Croydon. Elizabeth's marriage was fast approaching, and she pressed to -see Emma again before that event. The idea of again becoming an inmate -of Robert's house was so very repulsive to Emma that she demurred from -that reason alone, and she was much more inclined to accede to Miss -Bridge's repeated invitations to return to Burton. But this Elizabeth -urged would be doing no good at all; fourteen miles would as effectually -preclude daily meetings as forty, and would be only tantalizing instead -of comfortable. The affair was at length arranged through the -intervention of Mr. Bridge, who invited both his sister and her young -friend to take up their residence for a time in his Vicarage at Croydon. -And so it was settled at last, and after a hundred kind words and -caresses from Lady Gordon, and the most cordial good wishes from her -husband, Emma left the Castle, travelling, be it recorded, in one of Sir -William's carriages half the way, where she was to be met by Miss -Bridge's chariot, to convey her the latter half of the journey. - -With no accident and no adventure she reached Croydon, and of course -received a far warmer welcome than when she had formerly made the same -journey. - -Elizabeth was waiting to receive her—her face was seen through the -flowers in the drawing-room window, and she reached the entrance door, -and ran down the steps to open the carriage before the fat, -well-powdered footman had time to put on his livery coat. She led her -sister into the house, and in the passage pushed back the bonnet and the -dark curls from her cheeks, to see if she was as pretty as ever. Then, -before leading her into the drawing-room, she paused again to make her -guess who she would find there. - -Emma suggested Mr. and Miss Bridge. - -"You little goose," replied Elizabeth, "as if I should have thought it -worth while to make you guess that!" - -Then throwing open the door she ushered her in, and in another moment -Emma was clasped in the arms of her dear brother Sam. This was a very -unexpected pleasure—she had hoped to see him certainly, but never for a -moment anticipated meeting him so soon. It was the joint kindness of -Miss Bridge and Elizabeth; the one well remembering the affectionate -terms in which Emma always spoke of her brother had been suggesting the -possibility of his coming, and the other eager to carry out the plan had -persuaded George Millar to ask him to his house for the week preceding -the wedding. He had arrived that very afternoon, and after an -introduction to his future brother, had accompanied Elizabeth to meet -Emma. - -Emma had much to communicate to Sam; besides her own prospects she had -matters which must be interesting to him as concerning himself. A -farewell visit which she had paid to the Edwards had brought another -engagement to her knowledge. Mary Edwards was soon to be married to -Captain Hunter. She found them _tête-à-tête_ in the parlour when she -entered, and appearances were so very suspicious, that even without the -direct information which Mrs. Edwards subsequently whispered to her, she -would have concluded her brother's cause to be lost. - -Mrs. Edwards appeared on the whole better reconciled to the match than -Emma, from her early recollections, would have supposed. Perhaps she had -discouraged Mary's partiality for the Captain, from a doubt of his -sincerity, which was now removed; or perhaps finding herself in the -minority, she had given up her previous objections, because it was no -use to persist in them; whatever were her feelings, she had received -Emma's congratulations with a good grace, and Emma hoped there was no -ill-will implied in the message of compliments which she charged her to -deliver to their old acquaintance Mr. Sam Watson. - -All this she had to communicate to Sam, who listened with philosophy, -and whistled _sotto voce_ instead of an answer. Certainly the part which -piqued him most was Mrs. Edwards' message; for some time indeed he had -almost despaired of Mary's affection, but he could not bear that the -mother who had never been his friend, should suppose he cared at all -about it. - -There seemed nothing wanting to complete the felicity of the happy party -assembled at the Rectory of Croydon. Perhaps indeed Mr. Howard would not -have been flattered had he supposed this the case; but so it really was; -Emma had parted from him so recently that she hardly felt the want of -his society yet, and the satisfaction of knowing herself beloved was at -present sufficient for her repose of mind. The agitations and anxieties -of suspense were over, and were followed by a calmness and peace of mind -which seemed all that she could require. She had now as much to hear as -to tell, for Sam had been to Chichester, and seen Penelope and her -husband, had arranged the plan for his future establishment, and his -prospects were of a very bright character. Could he only have commanded -a couple of thousand pounds, besides what he possessed, there would have -been no difficulty at all in stepping into a comfortable house and -flourishing business. As it was, the prospects which Penelope promised -him should be realized in a short time, were sufficient to raise his -mind and ease his spirits. - - - - - CHAPTER XVI. - - -The next morning Emma had a succession of visitors. Miss Millar was -among the first and gayest of the number. She came up with Sam -immediately after breakfast, to spend a long day, and expressed great -satisfaction at seeing her again. - -"You cannot think how dreadfully dull I have been," said she, "almost -ever since you went away. George being in love is the stupidest thing in -the world. Formerly when he had done with his business, and escaped from -his offices he used to be glad of my society and would read or walk when -I wanted him, but now all that is quite changed, and if I do get a -speech from him once in a week I am taught to consider it a great -favour. Upon my word it is a sad disease." - -"They say it is infectious," said Emma, laughing. - -"Oh I trust not," cried Annie quite seriously, "I hope I shall escape -the infection, I have such a horror of the whole thing. I beg the pardon -of all such of the present company who may be engaged, but I think that -people in love are very ridiculous." - -"Can you always discern at the first glance when they have the disease," -enquired Miss Bridge good-humouredly. - -"Yes I think I can—but happily it leaves no marks, and when it is -passed, people may be as amiable as before. But it's a sad thing that -young people should be so constantly exposed to the danger. I hope you -will keep clear Emma, in spite of the atmosphere to which you have -removed." - -"Is it worse than when I was here two months ago?" enquired Emma, -secretly smiling at her young friend's remarks. - -"We shall soon see," replied Annie; "if there were any one to fall in -love with here, I am certain you would be in a dangerous position." - -"Well, why should you except me?" said Mr. Bridge, "here I am a -bachelor, why may I not aspire to be considered as a dangerous -individual?" - -"You, my dear Mr. Bridge—because you are engaged to me; you know you -long ago promised to marry me yourself," replied Annie. - -"I am flattered at your remembering our engagement, young lady, but I am -astonished that you are left so long to me without competition; I think -you must be something like Beatrice." - -"No, I never had lovers to mock," said she, "except Mr. Alfred -Fremantle, and he is the facsimile of Sir John Suckling's constant -lover, or rather he resembles him in constancy, but has none of his wit -to express it. What is it he says— - - "I have been in love three days, - And shall be three days more." - -"I cannot remember the words exactly, but it is something to that -effect." - -Sam turned round from the window, and repeated the lines to which Annie -alluded. She looked astonished. - -"How came you to know them?" said she. - -"I read them amongst his poems," was his answer. - -"I thought you were a surgeon, Mr. Samuel Watson," said she still in -amazement, "and though never doubting that you knew a great deal of -anatomy and such things, did not expect you would be acquainted with -love poetry." - -"And is it to want of taste or want of time, Miss Millar, that you would -attribute my imaginary ignorance?" - -"I do not wish to offend you, but certainly I had expected a surgeon's -tastes to be different; and I should have referred a case of dislocation -or fracture to you, with much more faith than a failure of memory." - -"You thought I could mend your finger better than a broken verse, and -that though I might make you whole, I should make a line halt—was that -it?" - -"I believe it was, and my amazement is so great, I do not know when I -shall recover," replied she saucily. - -"I know you always had a strong prejudice against the medical -profession," said Mr. Bridge smiling, "you considered one specimen the -type of the whole class." - -"I am delighted to hear it," exclaimed Sam, "I like of all things to -meet with prejudiced people, one has such a pleasure in disputing with -them; good, strong prejudices are delightful things, they are so -constantly changing their color and complexion; for I have often -observed a strong dislike converted into a decided approbation, whilst -the owner is unaware of the change, and gravely assures you he never -alters his mind." - -"That must be a man's prejudice, Mr. Watson," said Annie, "women are -much more consistent. I have hated doctors, surgeons and apothecaries -ever since I was five years old, and Mr. Morgan gave me some _bon-bons_ -which made me sick. I have always distrusted them since that." - -"I am not at all surprised," said Sam, with much gravity; "such an -offence was unpardonable, and well deserves to be visited on the whole -of the medical profession by your unchanging and unmitigated contempt. -After this we cannot allow your dislike to be called a prejudice!" - -"Is your brother always as impertinent to every young woman as he is to -me?" enquired Annie, turning to Emma, "he seems determined to quarrel -with me—has he naturally a bad temper?" - -"Really I do not know," replied Emma, "I have seen so little of him, and -never with any other young ladies; do you imagine want of temper a -necessary accompaniment to his profession?" - -"Oh no, I am not quite so bad as that," said she laughing, "doctors -ought to be particularly bland and insinuating, able to make all the -bitter realities they inflict on one, pass easily under the sweetening -cover of a smile and honied words." - -They were interrupted by the arrival of other visitors. Emma having just -arrived from a prolonged visit to Lady Gordon at Osborne Castle, was -likely to become a very popular character at Croydon; there was so much -virtue comprised in the friendship of a baronet's wife, and as it was -whispered, the admiration of her brother; for accounts of his visit to -Croydon had been whispered abroad, and such an act could only be -attributed to one motive. All her former acquaintance looked on her as a -baroness elect, and all began to find out what a very charming girl they -had always thought her. They would not for the world neglect calling on -that sweet, amiable Emma Watson. They were so delighted to see her back -again; they were so eager that she should make a long stay amongst them -all. Croydon would be so gay with all that was going on. The three Miss -Watsons had been such a very great addition, it had never been like -itself since they came. - -Amongst her visitors were her sister-in-law and niece. Emma was really -glad to see the little girl, who clung to her and begged her to come -back again very soon, as she had no one to teach her now so nicely as -she had been used to do. - -"My dear Emma," cried Jane, "how delighted I am to see you again, and so -blooming as you are looking; upon my word, I really begin to see what -Mr. Morgan once said of our likeness. I hope you left your kind friends -at the Castle well—charming young man Lord Osborne; nothing of hauteur -or pride about him. He seemed quite at home with me—but, to be sure, -when people have lived in the same sort of society, they acquire a sort -of ease towards each other. I cannot make out that he knew my uncle, Sir -Thomas, but he reminded me very much of some of the young men that I -used to see at his house." - -Here she paused, and Emma, thinking some sort of remark necessary, and -yet not having the least idea what she was expected to reply to, only -ventured to enquire for her brother. - -"Mr. Watson? oh, he is well enough, I believe! I have not seen him this -morning, however, for he breakfasted early with Elizabeth; I believe, if -he can, he will come and see you some day, but indeed, Emma, you must -come to us. We have plenty of room, and should you have any friends -coming, we could easily accommodate them too. I would not mind putting -myself to any inconvenience for your sake, my dear." - -"I am sure I feel much obliged, but at present I mast decline your -offers," said Emma, trying to speak with warmth. - -"Oh, no, not at all, I assure you, you could expect nothing less from -us; _we_, you know, are your nearest relations, and under certain -circumstances, _we_ may naturally be expected to show our approbation -and patronage; every young woman has a claim on her own family; so you -will certainly come back to us." - -"Indeed I must decline Jane," said Emma firmly, "at least, for the -present." - -"And indeed, dear, I will not take a refusal, so I shall certainly get a -room ready for you, and another shall be prepared for a friend whenever -it is needed. Did you leave Lord Osborne at the Castle, did you say?" - -Emma replied in the negative of course. - -"Really, for so young a man," continued Mrs. Watson, "his air and manner -were remarkable; so exceedingly high-bred and aristocratic. I have -seldom seen manners which delighted me more, I assure you. Don't blush -so, my dear," added she, making believe to whisper; "nobody here knows -anything about him, except you and me." - -"Then allow me to suggest that, as a reason for dropping the subject," -said Emma, "and recurring to some one more generally interesting." - -"La, my dear," laughed Jane, "it looks very suspicious, your not -choosing to talk of him. However, if you don't like it, I will say no -more—I would not vex you for the world, my dear sister—what a sweet -pretty gown that is you have on; Lady Gordon's choice, beyond a doubt." - -"No, indeed," replied Emma, smiling, "but I dare say Miss Bridge -remembers choosing it for me, whilst we were at Burton." - -"What sort of bonnets are most in fashion, Emma?" asked Jane, -"Elizabeth's wedding bonnet is, to my taste, vastly ugly; not that I -pretend to be a judge at all,—though I used to be thought to have some -taste—but I dare say, she was quite right not to take my advice; one -must not expect to be always judged candidly—every one cannot see one's -merits; so I am not surprised—how are heads worn now?" - -Emma tried to recall and describe some of the bonnets she had seen at -Lady Gordon's _fête_, but Mrs. Watson pronounced her description -unsatisfactory, wished she had been there to see it, and wondered -Margaret had never thought of asking her over for that day. She might -have done it so easily, Jane was sure, and considering how very kind -Jane had been to Margaret, and how large a share Robert had had in -bringing about her marriage, she thought it was the least she could have -done, to shew her gratitude and mark her sense of former favors. - -Emma tried to excuse Margaret, but fortunately, before she had wasted -much eloquence in that way, Jane perceived it was time to withdraw. - -No sooner was she out of the room than Sam returned from the window -where he had ensconced himself during her visit, and exclaimed: - -"Really, I hope it is not very wicked, but that woman puts me more out -of patience than all the rest of the world of Croydon put together." - -"The rest of the world of Croydon is infinitely obliged to you," said -Annie Millar, walking up to him; "allow me, sir, as its representative, -to make you a grateful curtsey on the occasion. You can bear with us all -better than with your sister-in-law?" - -She made him a saucy curtsey as she spoke, looking exceedingly pretty as -she did so. - -"You ought to be ashamed of yourself for such a speech, Sam," said Emma, -at the same moment; "I am sure she meant to be kind." - -"Yes, but who did she mean to be kind to, Emma? was it to Emma Watson or -some imaginary future baroness," replied Sam. - -"Why should I enquire into motives, or attribute a bad ones? She might -have been just the same if Lord Osborne had never existed." - -"I do not believe it," persisted he. - -"Your brother wants to see how violent prejudices become him," said -Annie Millar, "do not argue with him—he does not deserve it." - -"Miss Millar is angry with me for the implied reflection on Croydon," -said he, "but I knew she had not been brought up here, and never thought -of her as belonging to the place." - -"And what do you know of Croydon, to give you so dark an opinion of its -inhabitants?" enquired she, "I do not think we slander, or court here -worse than in other places." - -"I have heard a great deal about you all, from my two sisters," replied -he; "Emma especially, gave me lively pictures of your proceedings. I was -well acquainted with you and your irreconcileable prejudices against -unfortunate surgeons several months ago. - -"Oh! you used to correspond with Emma, did you?" said she. - -"To be sure I did; would not you write to your brother, Miss Millar?" - -"Perhaps I might—but I do not think he would read it if I did—especially -if I crossed the letter! George is not fond of letters!" - -"But you like them yourself?" - -"Oh yes! I should like to have seen Emma's to you. I am sure they would -have been very interesting—does she not write very clever letters?" - -"_I_ used to think them interesting and clever—but, perhaps, that was -because I am only a surgeon, and could not be expected to have either -taste or judgment," replied he, with mock humility. - -"Oh, but I think you might have both on _that_ subject—your admiring -Emma's letters is decidedly a proof of it." - -"Even though I am a surgeon?" - -"Yes, even though you are a surgeon." - -"And though you have never seen any of those letters, the liking which -secures your approbation?" - -"Ah! you are too clever for me—you want to make me contradict myself, or -something of that sort—but I will not argue with you, and then you -cannot prove me wrong." - -"You need not say you _will_ not—you _cannot_ argue; no woman can, they -can only feel, and express those feelings." - -"And taking the converse of your proposition, Mr. Samuel Watson, I -presume that men surpass us so much in argument, because they have _no_ -feelings. Am I to infer that?" - -"We have them, but we guide them, not they us. It is exactly the reverse -with you, and you never see more than one side of a question," replied -he, in the most straightforward manner possible. - -"Yes; you have some feelings very apparent," replied she, "contempt for -women is evidently a prominent one." - -"Contempt, Miss Millar! no indeed, you do me injustice, if you think -so—but, perhaps, you imagine that a part of my profession?" - -"I certainly think it one that hardens all the feelings," said she -turning away and thus putting a stop to the conversation. It had been -settled that the whole vicarage party were to dine at the Millars' that -afternoon, and it now became time for those who did not belong to it, to -return home to prepare for dinner. Elizabeth Watson, her brother, and -Miss Millar accordingly set off together. Elizabeth taking Sam's arm, -and Annie walking on her other side; they made the passage with scarcely -a syllable passing between them; and as the Millars' house was nearer -the vicarage than the residence of the Robert Watsons, Annie left them -at the door of her house. - -"What do you think of Annie Millar?" cried Elizabeth eagerly, as she and -her brother proceeded together. "Is she not charming?" - -"Yes, she is a very fine girl," replied he quietly. - -"Oh, Sam," continued Elizabeth, "I do so wish you would like her; I have -always thought she was exactly suited to you. She will have twenty -thousand pounds of her own, and I am sure she is much better worth -liking than Mary Edwards." - -Elizabeth, in her open-hearted zeal for Sam's welfare, never for a -moment reflected that she was taking the most probable way to prejudice -him against her, since there is nothing which in general has more -influence that way than a sister's praises; whilst the surest means to -interest a man's favor for any young woman, is to abuse or find fault -with her. True to his feelings as a man, Sam of course replied: - -"If you reckon her merits by her pounds, I dare say she is, but I do not -see otherwise in what she surpasses Mary Edwards." - -Fortunately they had just arrived at the termination of their walk, and -Sam having seen his sister safely deposited in the house, returned alone -to George Millar's residence. - -The evening was a very merry one, for the whole party was well assorted -and in good spirits, in spite, as Annie observed, of the tremendous -event hanging over some of them. But it was not Elizabeth's nature to be -very pensive; positive evils did not make her sad, it was not likely -then that what she firmly believed to be a positive good, would weigh -heavily on her spirits. She was perfectly satisfied with her future -prospects, and could look forward without any trembling emotion to her -approaching fate. After dinner, when the ladies had returned to the -drawing-room, Elizabeth, who was burning with anxiety to make known the -fact of Emma's engagement, began enquiring of Annie, if she thought her -sister changed since her visit to Osborne Castle. Miss Millar declared -she was looking better, plumper, gayer, prettier than ever; but in no -other respect was she altered. - -"Then you do not suspect her of having fallen in love?" enquired Miss -Watson laughingly. - -"I see no trace of it," said the other, examining Emma from head to foot -with a grave air, taking a candle from the chimney-piece to throw more -light on her countenance. "I see no symptoms at all, pray do not attempt -to raise such unfounded imputations against her, Elizabeth; your -insinuations disgrace you!" - -"Nay then, in my own justification I must inform you, Annie,—shall I -tell, Emma—or do you blush to own the truth?" enquired Miss Watson with -a significant smile. - -"Not that she is engaged to that Lord Osborne!" cried Annie, starting -back with horror, "you are not going to confirm the rumour which Miss -Jenkins and Mrs. Watson so industriously circulate, and that brought -Miss Morgan and Miss Fenton to call on her to-day. This can never be." - -"My dear Annie," said Emma smiling quietly, "_that_ Lord Osborne, as you -call him, is a very estimable young man, and would make any woman who -liked him very happy I have no doubt." - -"Indeed! well I hope he will, if you are going to marry him," said Annie -with a mournful countenance and expression, that made Elizabeth laugh -out-right, "but in that case, when you are Lady Osborne, we shall never -see you again." - -"I dare say not," replied Emma, "but, believe me, I never intend to be -Lady Osborne, so your alarm is unfounded." - -"And you are not engaged to him, and you are free—oh, how glad I am—I -was sure you could not be," cried Annie quite rapturously. - -Emma looked at Elizabeth and said, - -"Finish the story, as you began it." - -"Well then, Annie, I am sorry to lower your opinion of my sister, but as -the fact must come sooner or later to your knowledge, and you seem now -tolerably prepared to receive it, I have to make to you the distressing -announcement that Emma is in reality engaged to be married, though not -to Lord Osborne, who is not the only man in the world I assure you." - -"Emma engaged to be married," said Annie with a desponding look, "then -_I_ have no hope; the next thing I shall hear, is that my hand is -disposed of; we shall none of us escape it. Dear Miss Bridge, how did -you manage?" - -"I would not recommend you to wish for my fate, my dear, I had a bitter -disappointment," replied the old lady with extraordinary placidity. - -"My dear madam," said Annie respectfully, and taking her hand as she -spoke, "I beg your pardon a thousand times, but I assure you I did not -know that, or I would not have jested on the subject." - -"My dear child, the thing is too long passed to hurt my feelings now," -said Miss Bridge smoothing down Annie's glossy hair as she inclined her -head towards her; "but I do not think you would wish to buy my present -peace of mind by undergoing all I have felt and suffered." - -A pause ensued, which Mrs. Turner was the first to break. - -"Well Elizabeth, do tell us what is the name of your sister's young -man—who is he and what is he? I am longing to know all about it." - -Elizabeth told them all she knew, and when she added that Lord Osborne -had recently given him a valuable living, Emma enquired whether she was -not right in saying that Lord Osborne was an estimable young man. - -"What, because he has livings to dispose of?" said Annie. "I suppose he -could not help that." - -Emma was silent, but Elizabeth exclaimed, - -"Oh! but you must understand that Lord Osborne was in love with her, and -therefore, as he could not marry her himself, it was very generous of -him to give his rival an income to enable _him_ to do so." - -"Elizabeth!" said Emma reproachfully. - -"Emma tries to make a mystery of it," continued her sister; "I cannot -get her to own that Lord Osborne proposed to her; but I am sure if he -did not, it was because she accepted Mr. Howard before he had time to do -so." - -The gentlemen at this juncture returned to the drawing-room, for neither -of the three seemed disposed to prefer the bottle to the ladies, and -Annie sat down to prepare tea. Sam approached the table, which was a -little removed from the others, and tendered his assistance if -necessary. She did not accept or decline his offer, but looked a little -confused; he could not decide whether she was angry or vexed, and stood -quietly by considering her countenance, and aiding her whenever she -required more water from the elegant silver kettle which swung over a -spirit-lamp in the place of our modern urn. - -At length, when the others seemed engrossed with their tea and -conversation, she raised her head and said, with a little embarrassment, - -"I certainly owe you some apology, Mr. Watson, for the incivility of my -last speech to you this afternoon. I am quite shocked to think I should -have been so rude." - -"Indeed, Miss Millar, I was not affronted, for I had known your opinion -before, and I thought the apologies were rather due from me, since, -though quite unintentionally, I had given you the idea that I -entertained a contempt for women. I did not deserve that accusation, but -my expressions must have been wrong, if they awoke such an idea." - -Annie could not help feeling that even a surgeon might look very -handsome, and that _his_ tone and manner might convey the conviction of -his perfect sincerity: she liked him, in spite of his profession. - -"Seriously, Mr. Watson, I should never accuse you of anything of the -sort," returned she after a moment's reflection; "so I suppose we may -pass an amnesty for past offences, and declare a truce for the present." - -"Let it be a treaty of peace," said he playfully; "permanent peace." - -"No," she replied shaking her head; "that would be promising too much. I -shall be certain to quarrel with you again, and it does not do to break -treaties. Do you know I was never, as a child, so much inclined to be -naughty as when I had just promised to be very good. Let us content -ourselves with a four hours' truce, renewable or not at the end of that -time." - -"Be it so," replied he laughing, "if you think that the safest -proceeding or the most agreeable. So you were a naughty girl, were you, -at school?" - -"Oh, always in a scrape—the torment of my governess," said she laughing -at the recollection. "They used gravely to shake their heads, and say -they did not know what would become of me; I should never be good for -anything; so idle—so rebellious—so mischievous—so saucy—and withal so -merry and happy—I always got my own way with them all." - -"And what did you learn at school, may I ask?" - -"First to play at battledore and shuttle-cock, and repeat 'I love my -love with an A,' &c.—then to dance—I liked that—then to do cross-stitch, -tent and marking—I worked a magnificent sampler, which I will show you -some day. Then I learnt my letters and to read, because they promised me -some fairy tales if I would try. The next accomplishment I acquired was -to do a sum in the rule of three, for which I was rewarded with 'Sir -Charles Grandison,' in seven volumes. I do not know that I learnt -anything else, except the way to govern all my companions, coax my -superiors—oh, and write a letter." - -"Well, I think it must have been a very good school, and if ever I have -daughters they shall be sent there too. I admire the system -exceedingly." - -"Yes, I think it was a very good school," replied Annie; "to be sure, I -learnt nothing worth knowing, and a great deal which I had better have -let alone: one sees a prodigious deal of meanness, and manœuvring, and -artful conduct when thirty or forty girls are assembled together; but I -suppose it is all right, since it has gone on for so many generations, -and I do not know that women are worse than they used to be before they -ever pretended to learn. We do not expect to rival Lady Jane Grey, or -Queen Elizabeth, or the daughters of Evelyn, and I dare say if we did, -we should only be disliked and ridiculed. No doubt it is quite right -that women should be idle and frivolous; it keeps us in our right places -in the world." - -She spoke with something in her tone between jest and bitterness, to -which Sam hardly knew how to answer. - -"I protest against your giving the conversation such a turn; it is -breaking our truce," said he, "you must either speak in complete jest, -or serious earnest. I shall be getting into a scrape again with you, if -I answer now, for I do not know which you mean." - -"Let it pass for a jest then, lest you should think me seriously -discontented with my position in society," replied she, "and in the -meantime, give me Miss Bridge's teacup to replenish!" - -"She is an odd girl," thought he, "I wonder in what light she looks upon -me!" - -"After all, for a surgeon, he really is pleasant," thought she, "it is a -pity he has such a bad profession, I am quite sorry for him." - -It was with these feelings that they sat down to cards; after which, of -course, they had no more private conversation until the company had left -the house. - - - - - CHAPTER XVII. - - -The week that preceded Elizabeth's wedding, seemed extremely short to -the whole of the parties immediately concerned; every day was occupied -with some excursion for their amusement, and every evening was passed at -the house of some friendly acquaintance, who would not be refused the -pleasure of their company. Nobody, at this epoch, was more popular than -the future Mrs. George Millar; since her neighbours could not prevent -her marriage, they were determined to extract as much pleasure from the -occurrence as possible. For this end they gave a number of tea-parties -to welcome her brother and say good-bye to her sisters, and learn as -much as they could of the future plans and prospects of each. The -handsome Mr. Samuel Watson, with his lively manners, promising -prospects, and probable disengaged heart, was really a most interesting -object; and since Emma was supposed to be engaged, and there was no -further ground for her exciting jealousy, she was allowed, on all hands, -to be uncommonly handsome and agreeable too. Nothing, therefore, was -omitted, which could express their favourable opinion of the whole -family, or their anxiety to be on good terms with them all. - -It was no particular misery to Jane that, whilst every one else was -pressing for their company, there was not one day left disengaged for -her. She liked a great better to be invited to meet them, as she was -every evening: for, unless she could quite outshine all her neighbours -in the elegance of her entertainment, she preferred giving none at all; -and as it happened that Robert was in a stingy mood, she had, with -difficulty, extracted from him sufficient money to buy the very handsome -gown and bonnet in which she was to appear at the wedding. - -At all these parties where, of course, the Millars regularly met the -Watsons, Sam still contrived to be a great deal with Annie,—but the most -favourable opportunities for intercourse, were during their long rambles -in the country. Then he was always her cavalier, and they quarrelled and -laughed together without interruption. Her spirits seemed as -inexhaustible as her strength; she could both walk and talk for miles -without mental or bodily exhaustion, and often tired out all her -companions except Sam. - -It was no wonder then, when he paid her the compliment of untiring -attention, and unvarying amusement, that she should, in her turn, find -him a most delightful companion, infinitely more agreeable than any one -she had ever known. No more was heard about his profession—she forgot it -entirely, and only considered him in the light of a very pleasant -acquaintance. - -It was natural that, during some of their many engagements, Emma should -again meet Mr. Morgan; and equally natural that she should feel some -embarrassing recollections at doing so. A bow was all that their -situation, at the first moment of meeting, allowed to pass between them; -but, when by a movement amongst her neighbours, a vacant seat, and the -power of reaching it allowed him, he did not hesitate to avail himself -of the opportunity, and place himself by her side. - -There was nothing of restraint or embarrassment in his manner—no -appearance of consciousness or shame; he did not know, perhaps, how much -their joint names had been made the subject of gossip and scandal—she -thought so for a moment, but then, from what she remembered, she knew he -must have been aware of it; then she felt angry at his impudence; but -finally, she concluded that, after all, he was taking the wisest course; -and that to converse quietly, as if nothing had passed to raise an -unpleasant feeling, would be, on the whole, the conduct least calculated -to excite attention. - -Calm and polite as she was, he was sensible of a difference in her -manners from past days, and he did not indulge a hope of regaining her -confidence; but it wounded his vanity to suppose that she, amongst all -the women of his acquaintance, beheld him with calm dislike; whilst he -could not even to himself deny her superiority over the many whose -approbation or admiration constantly followed his footsteps. - -If he could not regain her friendship he wanted at least to excite some -emotion in her mind, and call up one of her former smiles so full of -brightness and feeling. With the tact which gave him half his -popularity, he hit upon the subject most likely to awaken kind -sentiments in her heart; he began praising her brother. The introduction -had given him so much pleasure, he was, he would not say astonished, but -certainly most agreeably surprised to find Mr. Samuel Watson so very -superior a young man. There was no likeness to Mr. Watson—no—he could -not compliment his good friend, Robert, by saying that there was; seldom -had he seen two brothers more dissimilar; but her younger brother's -manners were so good—such a young man must make his way in the world, -must be a favourite; there was every probability of his success; nay, -there was certainty of it: there was intelligence and spirit in his eye, -which promised nobly. Then he enquired minutely into his prospects; -entered with the warmth of a friend into the plan for his establishing -himself at Chichester, and gave several hints for his benefit. - -Emma, in spite of her aversion to the speaker, and her determination -that nothing should make her admit even the semblance of mutual -friendship in their future intercourse, found herself speaking with -unintentional warmth and animation. She checked herself immediately, and -a shade of vexation passed over her countenance; which was not lost on -her companion. Accustomed to study the minds and inclinations of his -various patients, his quickness at reading all the little marks of -feeling evinced in their countenances, enabled him pretty well to -appreciate the state of her mind; but when he proceeded on the same -subject, in hopes of once more inducing her to express her feelings, he -was extremely vexed to find that, after making him some short and -trivial reply, she rose and walked away. - -This movement marked a decided aversion on her part which piqued him -deeply, and for which he was not prepared. He remained in his seat, -spoke to no one else, and occupied himself, whilst he continued in the -room, in considering whether he no longer had any chance of regaining -his influence with her. - -He knew pretty well all that had passed, and all that had been whispered -about their former intimacy; but he thought that since all that had been -set in a favourable point of view, and her character perfectly cleared, -she need not now have been so cold and distant to him. If, as was -whispered, she was engaged to some one else, there was no reason for -shunning him, unless, and the thought actually thrilled his mind with -delight, unless she had really preferred him, and now feared to trust -herself in his power. This would account for all her conduct; her flight -to Burton—her engagement itself, and her present shrinking from him—all -might be traced to the same source. His vanity was excited to the -highest pitch, as he thought of this interpretation, and he could -believe her quite capable of such strength of mind, and firmness of -purpose. Other women when they had liked him, had thrown themselves in -his way, but it was perfectly consonant with what he supposed her -character to be, that she should follow a precisely opposite course of -conduct. - -If this were the case he felt sure he might regain his former influence -by a little dexterous management, and as a first step towards it, he -resolved to cultivate the friendship of her youngest brother. Had he -known that he was perfectly excluded from her regard by the double -barrier of a very ill opinion of himself, and a warm attachment to Mr. -Howard, he might have spared himself the trouble of the attempt. - -Towards the end of the week a sort of gipsy party had been arranged to -form an expedition to a pretty park in the neighbourhood, which from the -absence of the owner was a frequent resort on such occasions. Mr. Morgan -was not originally asked to join it; but knowing what was going on, he -presented himself at the door of George Millar's house just before the -company started, and his expressions of regret at not having time to see -more of Sam speedily produced a very hearty invitation from Mrs. Turner, -the chaperone of the party, to accompany them; for, as she observed, "on -such occasions the more the merrier." - -It was a very large party without him. Mrs. Turner and the two Millars, -four Watsons, for Jane was of the party, with Alfred Freemantle as her -escort, since her husband would not leave the office, two cousins of -hers, young ladies who had arrived the day before to grace Elizabeth's -wedding, Miss Bridge, and some young ladies, natives of the town: in -short they numbered fourteen without Mr. Morgan, but as ladies were in -the majority he was heartily welcomed by several of the party at least, -if not by those particular individuals whose favour he most desired. - -How the whole of the party were disposed of in different vehicles, need -not now be particularised; there was variety at least in their -equipages, and the power of choice in arranging themselves. Sam was the -charioteer of an "inside Irish car," which of course amongst its -passengers numbered Annie Millar, and likewise Emma Watson; Mrs. Robert -Watson; two young cousins, completed this party, and apparently made any -addition impossible; but one of the girls, not liking to be entitled to -only a fifth part of the attention of any gentleman, suddenly abdicated -her seat in favour of Mr. Morgan, that she might enjoy the place of -third in a gig, under the escort of Alfred Freemantle. Nothing could -have been more consonant to his wishes, than this sudden piece of good -luck which thus befell Mr. Morgan: his gaiety was quite remarkable, but -his judgment and tact, were still more so. For he devoted himself at -first to please the stranger, and do the honors of the country to her; -he was bent on making himself agreeable, but it was in the most open and -unsuspicious way. There was nothing of tenderness or sentiment in his -manners, nothing approaching to flirtation in his address to Miss Hall, -and to the others it was as perfectly correct, as if dictated by Lord -Chesterfield himself. - -Annie, indeed, was too much engrossed by the driver to notice the -intruder; she had no attention to bestow on any one else; and had not -the horse been particularly quiet and sagacious, and the road remarkably -smooth and straight, it is by no means unlikely that their drive might -have terminated abruptly under some hedge, so much more was Sam himself -occupied with the lady behind, than the road in front of him. Neither -Miss Hall nor Emma, however, made any complaint of his coachmanship; for -Emma, being opposite to Annie, enjoyed the full benefit of her lively -remarks; and whilst her neighbour confined his attention to his -_vis-à-vis_, the proximity to him, in which she unexpectedly found -herself, did not discompose her at all, nor did she feel any impatience -for the termination of so agreeable a drive. - -When they alighted in the park, which was the termination of their -drive, they found most of the company assembled before them, and -separated into groups strolling about on the borders of the artificial -lake, a sail on which was one of their projected pleasures. In -consequence of this, these five were left together to entertain each -other, until the arrival of the whole party enabled them to arrange -their plans for the day's amusement. The point of rendezvous was an -ornamental boat-house, standing at one angle of the lake, embowered in -fir trees, and commanding a pretty view of the opposite banks, which -were high and woody. Miss Hall was, what was then more rare than now, a -sketching young lady: and her pencils were speedily produced. But she -could not bear inspection whilst taking her views, and unceremoniously -desired the other four to walk away. - -It was a proof of Sam's great good-nature to Emma, that he continued -with her, and declined the tempting opportunity of securing a -comfortable walk with Annie Millar, that he might not leave his sister -with no other companion than Mr. Morgan. Perhaps Miss Millar might not -entirely appreciate this self-sacrifice on his part, or possibly might -not thank him for it, so much as Emma; certainly Mr. Morgan, who had -calculated on a different line of conduct, judging from the evident -admiration which Sam had previously testified for Annie, was very much -disappointed at it. He took care to keep close to Emma's side, ready to -improve any opportunity that might present itself; and thus they -wandered about, without thinking much of where they were going, or -paying much attention to the really pretty scenery around them. The -consequence of this was, that they lost their place in the boat, for -being quite out of sight and hearing when it was ready, their companions -did not wait for them; and the intended sail had so entirely escaped the -memory of the quartet, that the first thing which recalled it to their -memory, was the sight of the boat, which caught their eyes just us they -gained the summit of an eminence commanding a view of the whole sheet of -water at their feet. - -Sam expressed a hope that Miss Millar was not vexed at this incident. -Annie protested that for herself she did not care about it, but she -should be very sorry indeed, if she had beguiled Emma from sharing in -any pleasure she would have enjoyed. - -Emma, on her side, was of opinion that they were much more comfortable -as they were; the boat seemed very much crowded, and she thought to be -squeezed in such a way that they could not move, nor even turn their -heads to contemplate the scenery, was not half so pleasant as sitting on -the green bank where they were resting so comfortably. - -"In parties of this sort," said Mr. Morgan, "all depends on the company; -an uncongenial companion will spoil everything—even the finest landscape -in the world." - -"Very true," replied Annie, quickly; "but how can one help that? One can -not say to a disagreeable person, 'Go away—you annoy and distress me!' -One can only smile politely and suffer internally." - -"You, I dare say, can smile whilst annoyed," observed Sam, "but I never -can; whether I am happy or miserable, I show it immediately." - -"Do you indeed," replied she, "I am sorry to hear that; I had been -hoping that the gloomy look and air of despondency with which you have -treated us, were your habitual manners, and might not really indicate -the state of intense suffering to which I suppose I must now attribute -them." - -"I am certain my looks have expressed my feelings accurately," replied -he sturdily. - -"Very well, I shall set my imagination to work to invent some romantic -cause for the dejection of spirits which you display. You are, probably, -repenting over some lost patient, whose end you hastened by your -surgical arts." - -"I do not think you ought to jest on such subjects," replied he, -gravely; then, as she turned her head towards him with an expression of -surprise, he added, "Excuse my liberty of speech. I quite forgot who I -was speaking to." - -She was silent and looked down, so that her bonnet concealed her -countenance. He viewed her uneasily, and wanted to know whether she was -affronted—or from what other reason she maintained this silence. Mr. -Morgan saw all this; he could not read Annie's feelings exactly, but he -felt convinced that, had they, at that moment, been without witnesses, -some very tender scene would have ensued. - -He now took up the conversation by observing, how much more beautiful -the landscape would be in two months' time, when the tints of autumn -gave a little variety to the scenery. The dull, heavy green of summer, -he declared, reminded him always of mourning; it was so sombre. - -He appealed to Emma, and she was compelled to reply. She had nothing to -urge against his preference for the autumnal tints—except, that their -proximity to winter gave them sadness, which, in themselves, they did -not merit. - -"The sadness of autumn is, however, compensated by the hopes of -returning spring; we can bear to part with the verdure, which we know -will be restored in fresh beauty. In that respect, how superior is -inanimate nature, and our feeling of love for it, to human friendship, -or regard, or esteem." - -"I do not see that," said Emma. - -"Who can tell when a faded friendship shall be renewed, or when a -withered hope shall again look flourishing and verdant. The blast of -winter is certain to pass away, and its consequences vanish with it—but -the fatal breath of enmity—the chilling effects of whispered -malevolence—the poison of calumny—tell me Miss Watson, of a cure for -these, if you can." - -"I know of none, save patience and a good conscience," replied Emma. - -"Yes, patience—one needs that, indeed, to bear what I alluded to—when -one sees the face which used to meet one with a smile, averted -gravely—the hand once freely extended, now drawn back—the kindly words, -once gushing out from the friendly heart, like water from a copious -fountain, exchanged for the slow and measured accents which freeze the -heart, as they drop out one by one; when one sees all this," he -continued, lowering his voice, but speaking with impressive energy; "and -knows it to be the cold deadness of feeling produced by the ill-will of -others—the blighting words of malice—what can one hope—to what spring -shall one look forward? when may one expect the young feelings of -friendship to bud again?" - -"Depend upon it they will, unless there is something more than unkind -breath to check them. To pursue your allegory, Mr. Morgan, if the plant -of friendship wither irretrievably, it must be because there is -something wrong at the root, otherwise, it is certain once more to -revive." - -"I believe," said he, after a momentary pause, "my feelings are deeper -and more permanent, than those of most people." - -"Yours Mr. Morgan!" interposed Annie, amazed, "I had no idea you were -troubled with any thing of the sort—when did you first find out that you -had any feelings?" - -"Have I ever given you cause to doubt it," enquired he, significantly. - -"Why, to own the truth, though we have been so long acquainted," said -she, "I cannot say that I ever undertook to investigate the nature or -extent of your feelings on any subject. I had a sort of general idea -that you had some; but of what quality I should have been very much -puzzled to say, except that I certainly should _not_ have thought of -constancy as your particular _forte_. However, I am willing to plead -total ignorance on the subject. Ignorance for which I alone am to blame, -arising from indifference and inattention." - -"You need hardly remind me of that, Miss Millar," retorted he with mock -humility, "I am quite aware that I am too entirely an object of -indifference to you, for my feelings to be considered worth a moment's -attention." - -He walked away, as he spoke, to a short distance, and seemed occupied in -viewing the landscape from the brow of the hill on which he stood, his -features expressing an appearance of wounded feelings struggling with -pride. - -"You have hurt him, Annie," whispered Emma, "you are too severe." - -"At least he wants to make us believe so," replied she softly, "but it's -all seeming—seeming—there is nothing real about that man." - -"Now I rather like him," said Sam, "he seems so kind and friendly -towards me, I am quite indebted to him for the interest which he has -taken in my prospects, and the useful hints which he has given me." - -"Did he recommend you to marry, Sam?" enquired Emma. - -"I did not consult him on the subject, it is a point on which I should -neither ask nor take advice." - -"Bravo, Mr. Watson—a most spirited determination. It is a point of so -little consequence indeed, and one in which your own experience must be -so calculated to guide you, that no doubt your intention to reject all -advice, is most judicious and praise-worthy." - -"Are you of opinion that I am incompetent to act for myself in such a -case?" enquired he. - -"I shall tell you as I did Mr. Morgan just now, I am ignorant and -indifferent on that subject—and now _you_ can go and walk on the other -side of the hill—or if you think it will look more picturesque, by the -side of yonder angry gentleman." - -"No, Miss Millar, your ignorance, and indifference shall not drive me -from you; I would rather try to enlighten the one and overcome the -other." - -This, though whispered softly, seemed to overpower her; she coloured -deeply; rose from the bank where they were sitting, and walked away to -the side of an adjoining thicket, where she employed herself in trying -to gather some brier roses from the hedge. Sam watched her for some -minutes, then perceiving that in stretching forward to grasp a blossom, -her veil had become entangled in a thorny shrub, he started up, and in a -moment was at her side to aid and release her. - -Emma did not like to follow them, thinking she should be in the way, and -expecting that a few minutes would bring them back. In the mean time Mr. -Morgan looked round, and seeing her alone joined her. He still affected -to look hurt and sad, and Emma generously gave him credit for more -feeling than he deserved. - -"That volatile girl—" said he, and then stopped. - -"You must not mind what she says," suggested Emma kindly, "I am certain -she sometimes speaks without thinking, but never from malice or ill -will, even when she seems severe." - -"She does not surprise me," replied he; "I am used to her ways, and -there is no change in _her_; she is always the same, it is vacillations -of friendship, variations of good opinion which I confess astonish and -pain me. And yet why should they—after all, the human mind is so liable -to error, so prone to seek misconstructions, so inclined to change and -variation, that nothing of the kind ought to surprise me." - -She was determined to be silent, and occupied herself in wishing for the -return of her brother and Annie, who had strayed farther than she had -expected, and were now out of sight. - -He was disappointed at her silence, and changed the subject into an -enquiry as to whether she should make a long stay at Croydon. She told -him she was only to remain until her sister's marriage, which would, as -he knew, very shortly occur. - -"And then," said he, "may I ask where you are going—do you return to -Osborne Castle?" - -"Certainly not," replied she decisively, "I do not think I am likely to -go there at all. Sir William and Lady Gordon have taken a house in the -neighbourhood of his own property, and if I visit them, it will be -there." - -"Then where will be your home?" - -"At Burton, with Miss Bridge, for the present I believe." - -"I trust _you_, with your talents and accomplishments, your taste and -your sensibility, are not doomed to pass your life as the companion of -an elderly lady, buried in an obscure country village, unknown and -unadmired." - -"There might be many worse positions in life, more disagreeable -companions, and more trying situations, Mr. Morgan," replied Emma with -warmth. - -"Forgive me if my interest for you has led me to express my feelings in -an unauthorised way. _I_ cannot entirely forget the past, nor consign to -oblivion all that I once flatter myself was felt between us." - -She could not exactly tell what to answer him, for she really hardly -knew what construction to place upon his words. He paused for a moment -and then resumed. - -"Rumour was wrong then, when it asserted that there were ties in -contemplation, which would bind you closely to Osborne Castle—that, in -short, the young lord, doing justice to the merits which would grace a -higher rank, had sought to make you his wife." - -"I am not engaged to Lord Osborne, if that is what you mean," said Emma -calmly. - -"I had thought it strange indeed if a young man so unformed, so bearish, -so almost brutal, had known how to value, much more to win, a jewel so -bright and excellent." - -"I must beg, Mr. Morgan, if you mention Lord Osborne's name at all, it -may be in terms such as I may listen to without offence. Pray remember -that I am under obligations to that family, for which it would be a bad -return to hear, without remonstrance, such aspersions cast on the head -of it. But I must confess I see no reason why either they or myself -should form the subject of your interrogatories. You have no claim -either past or present, which can make these enquiries anything short of -impertinent, and I must beg they may cease entirely." - -She then walked a few steps to see if she could obtain any view of her -brother and friend, for whose return she felt anxious. Nothing, however, -was to be seen of them, and as she paused, her companion was again at -her side. - -"How unfortunate I am," said he in a low tone, "it is constantly my fate -to offend those for whom I feel the deepest interest, and to be -misunderstood on every occasion where my sentiments are concerned. -Interest, friendship, zeal, constantly carry me beyond the bounds -proscribed by cold custom and formality, and I am repulsed in a way -which all but annihilates me. At this moment _you_ are angry with me; -have I sinned unpardonably?" - -"I am not _angry_" said Emma, drily, "but I must beg that all personal -subjects of conversation may be dropped; we have neither sentiments nor -interests in common, and on all topics connected with feeling I must -impose a total silence." - -"Unfeeling, cruel girl," cried he, then seeing that she resolutely -walked away in the direction of the boat-house, where she concluded the -party must be now assembled, he followed her steps in haste, and placing -himself by her side, he continued in a low but emphatic tone, - -"Emma Watson, why should you scorn my offers of friendship, and my -professions of regard? Why should you shun me as if I were some -dangerous enemy? Do you mistrust my word; or am I responsible for the -silly gossiping of idle women? Did I not warn you against it?—why then -visit it on me? Or have I personally offended you?—what have I done?—you -will not speak—you try to elude me—nay, but you _shall_ hear me; you -_shall_ answer me by heaven!—Who has wronged me in your opinion?" - -"Mr. Morgan, let go my hand—is _this_ honourable?—is this manly to -attempt to obtain an answer to impertinent enquiries by compulsion?—Let -go my hand—I tell you I will neither hear nor answer you!" - -"Emma, I was wrong—" said he, softening his voice, but instead of -releasing her hand, clasping it in both of his, "I ought to know you -better—I understand your heart and feelings—" - -"You do no such thing, sir,—or you would not detain me here, or compel -me to listen to such language. Let me go—I command you." - -"Emma, your heart is no longer your own—am I not right?—you _love_!" - -"And if I do—what concern is that of yours?" retorted she. - -"Of _mine_, it is everything in the world to me—you love _me_—deny it if -you can." - -"Insolence!" exclaimed Emma, "unmanly insolence." - -"No, it is not insolence, Emma, you look beautiful in scorn, but you -need not scorn _me_; I am your equal in birth and education—aye! and in -taste and mental qualities too—and happily possessed of the fortune -which _you_ want. And I love you, and tender all to you. You have done -what no other woman ever did—for your sake I would even stoop to the -yoke of matrimony; so great is my love and admiration for you. Now have -I said enough—now you may venture to confess the feelings long treasured -in your heart—the love which I have long read in your downcast eye, and -averted smile—maiden modesty need no more compel you to silence—speak, -_my_ Emma—bless me with the words I am longing, panting to hear." - -He advanced one step nearer as he spoke, and seemed about to pass his -arm round her waist, but Emma availed herself of the movement to snatch -her hand from his, and stepping back, whilst she cast on him a look of -withering scorn, she replied, - -"Yes, you _have_ said enough, Mr. Morgan, to warrant _my_ speaking -plainly—and I _will_ speak—from what extraordinary perversion of -reasoning, you have persuaded yourself I loved _you_ I cannot tell, but -I trust you will believe me once for all—when I say _my_ feelings are -entirely the reverse of yours—and when I add—I _love_ and am _engaged_ -to another." - -Mr. Morgan stepped back in his turn with an air in which disbelief and -bitter mortification struggled, with an attempt at indifference and -contempt. - -"Engaged—impossible—Emma, you are deceiving me—it is a downright -falsehood!" exclaimed he. - -"I must beg you to leave me," said she, haughtily. "I am not accustomed -to associate with those who accuse me of falsehood—I can find my way -alone." - -She had continued to walk on from the moment she had declared her -engagement, and she flattered herself she must be approaching the -boat-house, but as they had reached the low ground, and were making -their way amidst thickets intersected with narrow paths, they could not -see the building. - -"And it is for this," he exclaimed, presently, "that I stooped to ask -your hand—that I humbled myself as I never before did to woman, to be -scorned and rejected—false-hearted girl—true type of your weak and -vacillating sex—leading me to believe you preferred me, that you might -spurn me from you with disdain!" he approached one step nearer as he -spoke, and his face wore a look of malignity which absolutely frightened -Emma—he saw it. - -"No, you need not shrink from me—I am not so mad as to do you harm; you -are safe under the protection of the laws. I would not risk my freedom -for all the girls in Surrey. But I must speak my feelings—" - -He had no time, however, to say more, for hurried footsteps were heard -behind them, and in another moment Sam was beside his sister. - -"My dearest Emma, I beg ten thousand pardons, but I was so sorry that I -left you—I assure you I had no intention of doing so—only—only—Annie -Millar persuaded me; but the moment we met some one whom she could join, -I ran back for you, and found you were gone—I am very sorry. You are not -angry with me?" - -"No," said Emma softly; "but I am very glad you are come, dear Sam." - -He felt her hand tremble under his arm, and looking in her face, -perceived she was very pale. - -"You have walked too far, dear Emma," said he affectionately; "you -wanted my arm—how sorry I am. Why did not Morgan support you?" - -He looked round, but the gentleman in question had taken another path -and was out of sight. Emma tried to speak, but instead of articulating -words, she only burst into tears, and astonished Sam by appearing on the -verge of a fit of hysterics. - -He had too much sense to press for an explanation, but contented himself -with making her sit down, removing her bonnet and gloves, and supporting -her till she was calm again. - -He then begged for some explanation of her emotion: she said she was -foolish: he admitted that was possible, but only if she refused him all -reasons for her conduct. She promised to be more explicit some other -time if he would only now give her back her bonnet, allow her to make -herself tidy, and rejoin the party. - -These very reasonable requests could not be refused, and they returned -to the boat-house together, just as another division of their party -entered it likewise; consequently their appearance without Mr. Morgan -created no surprise or remark. - -He returned a short time after, quite calm and happy in appearance, and -nothing on either side transpired to attract the attention of the -company, or give rise to the smallest surmise that anything unusual had -occurred. It was some comfort to have to deal with so complete an actor, -one who would betray nothing undesirable, by word or deed. - - - - - CHAPTER XVIII. - - -After dinner Sam again drew Emma aside and would not be satisfied till -he had, by close questioning, extorted from her everything that had -passed. Nothing less than the exact words, so far as she could remember -them, would do for him; he supposed things twenty times worse than the -truth, unless she could assert, on her honour, the exact state of the -facts. She was quite miserable at telling him, because she could not get -him to own what he thought, or promise to take no further notice of the -circumstance. Instead of giving her the assurance she required, he -sometimes laughed and put her off with an evasive answer, sometimes -frowned and resolutely closed his lips—sometimes told her to go away for -a foolish girl, and not meddle with what did not concern her. - -She was certain he meditated more than he would own, and her fears made -her apprehend that any demand for explanation or apology from Mr. -Morgan, would produce a quarrel which must end in a challenge. With -wretched feelings she returned to the party. - -Here they found a rather noisy scene. Alfred Freemantle and Mr. Morgan, -having both elevated their spirits by the great quantity of bad wine -which they had imbibed at dinner, were trying to induce some of the -young ladies to accompany them in the boat, which was lying near the -shore. The two Miss Halls and Mrs. Robert Watson, were carrying on a -half-romping opposition to this plan, but evidently intending to yield -their consent after a proper opposition. - -Alfred Freemantle accused them of being cowards, which the three ladies -of course denied. - -"Come, then," cried Mr. Morgan, catching her hand and dragging Mrs. -Watson down the bank. "Come and shew that you trust me!" - -George Millar turned to Sam, and said softly, - -"Morgan is half drunk—can you not prevent your sister going with him." - -"I have no influence with either," said Sam, coolly, "perhaps you could -dissuade her better than I!" - -George followed her, and drawing her back, whispered something in her -ear, which was not communicated to the others, but which seemed to have -some effect upon her. She paused a moment, and then returning to the -others said, - -"I think you are right, George Millar, it will not agree with me so soon -after dinner. I shall not go." - -"And if you do not, Jane," said Miss Hall, "I am sure neither my sister -nor I shall venture—it would be quite improper without a chaperone." - -"I think you are very wise," observed Miss Bridge, quietly. - -"I know what it is," cried Alfred, "you think we cannot manage the boat, -but you are quite mistaken, as you shall see. I am not drunk, though you -think we are; we will go without you!" - -As he said these words he sprang on board after Mr. Morgan, who was -already there, and they pushed off from the shore, and rowed a little -way. Presently two of the other young ladies called to them to enquire -where they were going. - -Mr. Morgan replied that they were going to land on a little island -opposite to smoke a cigar—would they come? - -The girls acceded to the proposition; and, contrary to the advice of the -whole party, persisted in their determination. The boat returned to take -them on board, and no sooner where they seated, than Alfred amused -himself by making the boat roll in the water, in order to frighten them. -Had they sat still, there would have been no danger—but in their alarm -they both started up, and catching hold of him at the same moment, they -all three fell heavily against the gun-wale and upset the boat at once. - -A loud scream from the party on shore was, of course, the first effort -of their sympathy. The two other gentlemen simultaneously rushed into -the water, and without much difficulty, succeeded in rescuing the two -ladies—for the accident had happened so close to the shore, that it was -not out of their depth. Alfred Freemantle likewise rose, and scrambled -towards the bank, up which he crept a deplorable object. - -The young women of course, excited the greatest sympathy, and none but -Emma, at the first moment, remembered that there had been a fourth -person in the boat. But she had kept her eyes on the place where he had -sunk, and saw, with horror, that there was no trace of him—he did not -reappear. - -"Mr. Morgan," she exclaimed, "what has become of him?" - -Every one turned at the name, from the dripping objects round which they -had been crowding—ejaculations on every side were heard. - -"True, Morgan! he has sunk—he is drowning! good heavens! can you do -nothing? Call for help! run for the boatmen!" and twenty other -exclamations. - -"Watson, we must look for him," said George. - -Sam's coat was off before he had done speaking. - -"But we must be cautious," continued Millar, "he may be sunk in a hole, -or entangled in the weeds—the bottom is very foul." - -"Where did he sink," cried Sam, "did any one see." - -Emma pointed out, as well as she could, the spot where he had -disappeared, and watched, with breathless anxiety, whilst the two swam -round and round, and dived again and again. His hat was floating on the -water at a little distance; but no sign or trace of him appeared. One of -the party had summoned the boatmen, who, after much delay brought drags -and hooks, and having succeeded in righting the boat, they did their -utmost to discover the missing man; but they did not seem to have much -expectation of success; they said they knew it was a dangerous part of -the bank; that there was a deep hole just thereabouts, into which the -gentleman had probably sunk, and that many years ago, a similar accident -having happened, had occasioned the former owner of the place, to forbid -boating there at all. But his son had, for some years, allowed it, -though they should not wonder if he were to shut it up now from the -public. - -Their conjectures on the subject might have lasted a long time before -any one interrupted them, for the whole party were too horror-stricken -to speak. The dripping and the dry alike stood together in motionless -excitement, or intense anxiety, watching the result of their efforts. It -seemed impossible, that one but lately so full of life and spirit, one -of themselves—one who had for so long a time belonged to them, could -have thus suddenly disappeared without warning, and have left no vestige -behind. It was too horrible—to perish before their eyes, and from so -trivial a cause. For many minutes, the extremity of their feeling was -shown by their total silence; then, when the conviction was forced on -them, that he was really lost, hysterical sobs and screams were heard, -especially from the two girls, who had been the immediate cause of the -accident, and who, shocked at their own share of the misfortune, -shivering with cold, convulsed with horror, and in every way overcome, -now demanded the attention of such of the party, as had any sense or -self-possession left. - -Fortunately the carriages were at this moment announced, and the only -possible thing to do, as they were far from all assistance, was for the -sufferers to be wrapped in such cloaks as could be found amongst them, -and conveyed back to Croydon as speedily as possible. - -Neither George nor Sam would consent to leave the place, whilst a shadow -of a hope remained that the body might be recovered, but they insisted -that their sisters should return home at once, as they proposed, when -all was over, if the search was unsuccessful, to walk to a public-house -on the outskirts of the Park, and dry themselves there, before returning -to Croydon. Emma had the presence of mind to propose that a carriage and -a supply of dry clothes should be despatched there to meet them, by the -first of the party that arrived at home. - -Under the escort of Miss Bridge's manservant, instead of Sam, Elizabeth, -Emma, Annie, and Miss Hall, returned in the vehicle which had borne them -so gaily and light-hearted to the Park. But little conversation passed, -and the few words which were said, had no reference to the fatal event; -it was too recent and too shocking to speak of. To Emma, indeed, after -what had so lately passed between them, the circumstance seemed beyond -description or imagination terrible. The angry feelings with which they -had parted, the malevolence he had expressed, and the evident state of -half-intoxication, to which he had perhaps resorted to drown his -disappointed feelings, and conceal his chagrin and mortification, all -seemed to rise up, as if to reproach her conscience. Why had she been so -scornful and so bitter; perhaps, had she answered more mildly, had she -shown less contempt and more compassion, he might still have been alive, -all this might not have happened. It appeared like a horrid dream -altogether, their angry dispute—Sam's indignation, and her fears for -him, and finally, Mr. Morgan's sudden disappearance, all had passed so -rapidly, that she could scarcely feel it a reality. - -One thing she was resolved—she would never join a large, mixed -pleasure-party again; it was impossible that real satisfaction could be -found in such society, and so far as her experience went, they seemed -always nothing but preludes to some heavy misfortune. It was a relief to -her to find herself once more at home in the Rectory at Croydon, alone -in her apartment, able to think without distraction, rest without -interruption, and cry without observation. - -She was so completely worn out, that to sit down and indulge in a very -hearty flood of tears was the greatest relief imaginable. - -Sam called at the Rectory on his return to the town, and saw her for a -few minutes. It was dark and the candles were not lighted, so she had -ventured down stairs to meet him. - -"Any news?" enquired Mr. Bridge. - -"Nothing," said he: then crossing the room to his sister, he whispered, - -"Emma, you are avenged!" - -She shuddered and did not answer. - - - - - CHAPTER XIX. - - -The next day brought a pleasing change to the current of Emma's -thoughts. She was walking slowly under the old trees on the lawn, and -was not aware of any one's approach until an arm was suddenly clasped -round her waist, and she found herself obliged to submit to several very -unceremonious kisses from her lover, who had contrived as usual thus -unexpectedly to meet her. - -"How you do startle one," cried she struggling to release herself. "I -will have you indicted for assault." - -"_Tears_, Emma," said he looking at her attentively; "what are those red -eyes for?" - -"You had better not ask questions," replied she, "lest you should hear -unpleasant truths." - -"But I will ask questions, and you must answer me!" said he earnestly; -"I cannot let you cry without knowing the reason." - -"But suppose there is none, what then?" suggested she playfully. - -"Then I shall feel under the necessity of effacing the marks of your -tears in the best way I can," replied he. - -She then relieved her mind and his feelings by telling him the whole -history of their yesterday's excursion and its termination, which led of -course to almost interminable references to past events, explanations -and details relative to Mr. Morgan himself, of all which until this -moment he had been profoundly ignorant. The slanders circulated relative -to Emma, the expedition of Lord Osborne to rebut them, and the trouble -he had taken on her account made a great impression on him, and he took -a vehement dislike to Croydon and everything connected with a place -where Emma had been exposed to such misrepresentations. Of course he -would not admit that she was in the least degree to blame for past -events, or that she had showed any undue severity towards Mr. Morgan—on -the contrary, he thought she had throughout been too lenient towards -him; but this was an error arising from the rare goodness of disposition -which led her in so remarkable a degree to tolerate the imperfections -and weaknesses of those around her, of which her attachment to himself -was a conspicuous example. - -He had some news to communicate in return for hers, which though not of -quite so tragical a nature, was to him a great disappointment. - -The rectory house at Carsdeane proved to be in so extremely dilapidated -a state that, in order to make it at all a comfortable residence, Lord -Osborne proposed to rebuild it entirely. In the meantime there was no -suitable home for Emma, and he feared their marriage must be delayed at -least for some months, instead as he had hoped of taking place -immediately. - -This was a very great disappointment to them both. Emma had ventured to -hope that the Autumn would have seen her installed in a settled home, of -which she would be the mistress, and they tried very hard to persuade -themselves and each other, that it would not be more prudent and -advisable, to wait till Mr. Howard had a house to receive his bride. -They might have succeeded perhaps in thinking so themselves, but they -could not induce their friends to agree in the decision. On the -contrary, like most friends when two young people wish to marry, they -all concurred in considering it a very great advantage that they should -wait a little. - -And I am far from supposing them wrong in the idea. Taking into -consideration Emma's youth, for she was not yet quite twenty, and the -shortness of their acquaintance, which had as yet lasted barely six -months, I am of opinion that the delay even of a whole year would have -been by no means detrimental to their future happiness. It was perfectly -natural that both Mr. and Miss Bridge should adopt this idea, and I -trust equally so that since they urged it, Emma should yield to their -prudent persuasions: the more especially as appearing to yield at this -time and agreeing to wait a twelvemonth, would by no means preclude them -from entirely changing their minds in a couple of months time, in case -they should see any occasion for so doing. - -As to any difficulty about Emma's home in the meantime, Miss Bridge -declared it could not exist, since her house was always open to her, and -she could regard her in no other light than as her adopted child. In -vain Mr. Howard remonstrated. Miss Bridge was so firm in her conviction -that Emma had better spend the next year in her house, and professed so -much satisfaction at the idea, that he at last declared, in despair, he -was certain it was for the sake of securing her company that Miss Bridge -interposed to prevent the marriage. - -Before however the two disputants could settle their conflicting claims -on Emma's society, a new turn was given to the affair by the -intervention of her youngest brother. He should want a companion at -Chichester, and it had always been an understood thing he declared, that -Emma was to live with him till she married. She readily admitted the -fact, and so it was settled; she was to accompany him to Chichester -immediately after Elizabeth's wedding, and remain there as he said, -"until they were tired of one another." - -Howard yielded this point much more readily than the other. Carsdeane -was much nearer Chichester than Burton, and he could easily visit her -there. Besides his penetration led him to surmise that Sam would be soon -desirous of placing another person at the head of his establishment; -that a sister's society would not long content him, and that when this -change took place, he would probably be thankful to be relieved from the -charge he was undertaking. He thought it likewise a great advantage that -she should be removed entirely from Croydon for a time, and from the -painful impressions which he observed seemed still to haunt her. She had -suffered so much there, as he now began to understand, that he could not -help wishing that she should see the place no more; a wish in which she -certainly did not concur when she remembered it would be Elizabeth's -future home. - -The wedding that week was a very quiet one: the death of Mr. Morgan had -thrown a damp over the whole town from which it could not at once -recover, and no one felt inclined to indulge in festivities where he -would be so much missed. Accordingly everything was conducted in the -simplest manner, to the great disappointment of Mrs. Watson, who vowed -it was hardly worth putting on her new and handsome clothes, when there -would be no one to see her at Church. - -It was some alleviation to her distress of mind however to remember that -they would be equally handsome and more interesting after the wedding -was over, and she should be able to appear in uncommon splendour, when -returning all the congratulatory visits on some subsequent occasion. - -When all was over, and Mrs. George Millar and her husband had set out -from Croydon to make a short visit to London, which the bride had never -seen, Emma took an affectionate leave of Annie Millar, and returned to -the Rectory to prepare for her journey. - -Sam remained a few minutes behind; it was only to ask Annie if she still -thought marriages as foolish as she had always declared them to be. - -"Twenty times worse," said she, "they are not only foolish but sad, and -I shall consider myself particularly fortunate when this miserable day -is fairly over." - -"What do you consider the worst part of the affair," enquired he, still -lingering. - -"Oh the leave takings," said Annie hastily, "if Elizabeth had never -married you would all have stayed on here waiting for it, and we have -been so happy for this last week. Now you are going, and you must take -Emma too!" - -"And will you give me leave to flatter myself that you are sorry at my -going." - -"I dare say you would not wait for my leave; men always take it for -granted that women sit down and cry when they leave them," said she -saucily. - -"I should certainly entertain no such expectation Miss Millar; I am -aware my profession renders me too unpleasant in your eyes for you to do -otherwise than rejoice at my departure." - -"Upon my word you make me out to be a very rational young woman," -replied she; "when did I ever find fault with your profession, or -express a wish that you were other than what you are? Because I should -never have chosen the surgical profession myself is that any reason that -I should detest a man who did—or so long as you do not exercise your -skill on me, or in my presence, do you imagine I object to your -exhibiting it elsewhere?" - -"I had much rather you should detest my profession than consider it with -indifference, Miss Millar." - -She only looked down and blushed, then holding out her hand, said in a -hurried manner, - -"Good bye, I must go!" and left him, to his great disappointment. - -If Sam felt discouraged by this sudden termination to his interview, the -feeling lasted no longer than till the receipt of Annie's first letter -to his sister after they were settled at Chichester; for there the -allusions and reminiscences were of a most flattering kind, and the -frequent mention of his name, and the manner in which it was introduced -gave him very great pleasure. - -Emma became reconciled to Penelope's marriage when she saw how well she -was suited to her situation in life, and though she did not greatly -admire her brother-in-law, he was so very superior to Tom Musgrove, that -she thought her sister quite fortunate in comparison with Margaret. To -forget everything that had passed of an unpleasant nature previous to -her marriage was the wisest source which her friends could adopt; and it -is so exceedingly common that there should be something which requires -forgetting, that if the relatives of all married couples acted in the -same way, there would be a great deal more of unity in the world than at -present. - -Before she had been resident at Chichester three months, two events -occurred, which effected a change in her plans. One, as Mr. Howard and -many others had foreseen, was the engagement of Sam and Annie, and -preparations for their speedy marriage. The other was more unexpected. - -Her aunt, whose sudden and ill-advised marriage had originally deprived -her of her home, exasperated by the unkind and unprincipled conduct of -her young husband, quitted him abruptly; procured a separation, and as -she still retained the control of her income, he was left very much as -he deserved to be, no better off than when he made his mercenary -marriage. She returned to England, wrote to Emma, then came to her; was -delighted with Sam, with Mr. Howard, and with everything she learnt of -their doings, past, present, or future. She made Emma a magnificent -wedding present, both in money and clothes, and declared her -determination of ultimately dividing her fortune between her youngest -nephew and niece. In the meantime, she took an elegant mansion in the -parish of Carsdeane, and insisted on the marriage taking place -immediately, and the young couple taking up their residence with her, -until the rectory house was prepared for them. - -This advice was much too agreeable to be long resisted, and before Emma -and Mr. Howard had seen the anniversary of their first meeting, they -were man and wife. - -Whether they ever repented the interference of Miss Bridge to delay, or -of Mrs. MacMahon to hurry the union, I leave entirely to the -imaginations of my readers to settle; satisfied with having done my duty -in detailing events as they really occurred. - -There is but one more circumstance of any importance to relate; but that -is, that Lord Osborne, after Emma's marriage, joined a regiment abroad -as a volunteer—fought for some years in the Peninsular, and returned to -England about ten years after he had been refused by Emma, accompanied -by his wife, a very charming young Spanish lady, with whom he fell in -love, because her dark eyes reminded him of Mrs. Howard's. - -He had forgotten the likeness long before he reached Osborne Castle; and -no one who saw Mrs. Howard when visiting the young bride, or watched his -devotion to Lady Osborne, could, for a moment, have imagined that Lord -Osborne's love could have had such a foundation. - -I have nothing more to say of any of the party, and only trust that all -who read my tale, may be convinced, as I am, that prudence, gentleness, -and good sense, will secure friends under the most disadvantageous -circumstances; but that marriage alone, unless undertaken with right -feelings and motives, cannot be considered a certain recipe for worldly -happiness. - - - - - THE END. - - - - - T. C. NEWBY, Printer, 30, Welbeck-street, Cavendish-sq. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - 30, _Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square_, - LONDON. - - - MR. NEWBY'S NEW WORKS. - - Now ready in Two Vols. - - THE - - LADY OF THE BED-CHAMBER. - - A Novel. By MRS. CRAWFORD. - -This is a very excellently-written novel, and in tone and manner is far -above the ordinary standard of fashionable fictions that are still so -prodigal in their number. The title of the story does not imply the -depth, the intensity, and the fine passion which it certainly embodies, -because it is far more suggestive of gilded folly, of brilliant vanity -and of meretricious attraction. In itself, however, it is a worthy -evidence of the talents for authorship which the fair writer undoubtedly -possesses. The dialogues are good, the plots excellent, and bears upon -them more than the impress of probability. The descriptions are true to -nature, when speaking of nature and form, otherwise, absolute pictures -in themselves, worthy the pencils of Watteau or Laneret, or any of those -charming triflers which the age (and the one subsequent) of the _grand -monarque_, produced.... In the Italian scenery and in the Italian -intrigue, there is a freshness and attraction which the reader will find -in these pages much to his sympathies, while the fidelity and tact with -which the accessories of place, and character are blended together, -constitute not the least attractive charm of a very charming -tale.—Despatch. - - - 2 - - In Three Vols. - - OUR GUARDIAN. - - A Novel. By MRS. MACKENZIE DANIEL, - -One of the most striking and admirable traits of the authoress, is the -strength and yet severe simplicity of the diction. The reputation which -Mrs. Daniel has already obtained by her former works, such as 'My sister -Minnie,' 'Poor Cousin,' &c. will be considerably increased by the real -merits of this novel. Our extracts will give a fair specimen of Mrs. -Daniel's literary power.... _Dispatch._ - -It exhibits Mrs. Daniel's wonted elegance of style and -pathos.—Spectator. - -We must rank this production as one of the 'upper form,' of its -class.—Atlas. - - - 3 - - In Three Vols. - - SIR ARTHUR BOUVERIE. - - By the Author of 'Lady Granard's Nieces.' - - - 4 - - In Three Vols. - - THE GOLDEN CALF. - -'It is a general attack upon all persons who have rendered their names -well known by railway enterprise. It will excite a sensation in -drawing-rooms, counting-houses, and circulating-libraries.'—Morning -Herald. - - - 5 - - _Price_ 5/. - - THE NEW CHRISTMAS TALE - - CHRISTMAS SHADOWS, - - A TALE OF THE DISTRESSED NEEDLEWOMEN. - -The way in which it is worked out is worthy of Dickens in his happiest -moments—the scenes are graphic and life-like, and there are touches of -deep pathos and strokes of humour which bespeak a master -hand.—GLOUCESTER STANDARD. - -We have few Christmas books this season. The 'Shadows,' is the largest -we have seen. It is a very neat volume got up in the style of Dickens's -works, and well written.... The illustrations are good and numerous.... -The passages in the world of spirits, contain remarkably powerful -writing.... The book will be popular.—_Tait's Magazine._ - -It carries with it an excellent moral in favor of the working classes, -and especially of females doomed to starvation of the needle.—_Literary -Gazette._ - - - 6 - - In 2 Vols., - - LIFE'S SUNSHINE. - - A Novel. By MISS M. H. RATHBONE. - - - 7 - - In Three Vols. - THE UNCLE'S LEGACY. - - A Novel. BY JOHN B. TORR, ESQ. - -Mr. Torr's pictures of rural scenes are charming and life like as the -farm-yard of Moreland, but elevated and refined by an accomplished -taste.—_Court Journal._ - -In all his pages there is an honest, cordial, healthy English morality. -The novel merits perusal.... _Morning Herald._ - -This novel possesses a merit to which few of the present day even -pretend ... its story is exceedingly well constructed.... _Atlas._ - - - 8 - - In Three Vols. - - ROUGH AND SMOOTH. - - By the Author of 'Recollections of a French - Marchioness.' - - - 9 - - Now ready. In One Vol. 8vo. - _Price_ 14/. - CIRCASSIA; - OR, - A TOUR TO THE CAUCASUS - By G. Leighton Ditson Esq. - - - 10 - - In Three Vols. - KINGSCONNELL. - A Novel. By MRS. GORDON. - Author of 'The Fortunes of the Falconers.' - - - Now ready. In three Vols. - - THE - FOREST AND THE FORTRESS - A ROMANCE OF THE 19TH. CENTURY - - BY MISS LAURA JEWRY. - - Author of 'The Ransom,' 'The Vassal,' &c. - -This is the best romance we have read since the days of Sir Walter -Scott. The scene in which it is laid is new to the English reader, and -there is in the portraiture of its principal characters all the -freshness of originality. We doubt if any one, even the most hackneyed -of novel and romance readers, can venture upon perusing the first -chapter, without feeling deeply interested in the progress of the tale, -and anxious to proceed with it to its close. In the perusal of this -romance, there is the conviction that the plot, which makes the work a -romance, is the only thing that takes it out of the range of history; -for its incidents are facts to which only new names are given. Its -portraiture of manners and of classes as they exist in Servia is as -correct as that given of England in the reign of Richard Cœur de Lion, -in Ivanhoe. Thus forewarned that a new and eventful period in the -history of a strange country and an extraordinary people is embodied in -this romance, the public is invited to its perusal. We can assure them -that it will be found well worthy of their attention, and our only -regret is, that we cannot spare space for even a single extract from -this truly affecting and interesting romance.—Morning Herald. - -One of the finest, most powerful, most truthful romance of the age.—The -Naval and Military Gazette. - -The great act of the opening is intensely striking, and colours all the -future.... There is general simplicity. No effort to be fine, or -sentimental, or pathetic. The 'Forest and the Fortress' a genuinely good -historical novel, and does infinite credit to a female pen. We recommend -it as one of the best of its order: keeping close to the realities and -truths of history, and most ingeniously and skilfully impregnated with -inventive charms, to render those realities and truths, dramatically -popular.—Literary Gazette. - - - 12 - - In Three Vols. 8vo., price 31s. 6d., - RIZZIO. - EDITED BY G. P. R. JAMES, ESQ. - -We have read it with a pleasure in which method and reason have as much -share as imagination. It is more readable than ninety-nine hundredths of -so called historical novels.—Athenæum. - -The author must have read a great deal to enable him to acquire the -information, paint the portraits, dress up individual traditions in the -clever fashion he has reached in his "Rizzio"—the volumes are, in every -respect, curiosities of literature.—Literary Gazette. - -A most valuable and interesting publication, valuable to the scholar, -who is well acquainted with the history of the times of which it treats, -and interesting to all who read merely for amusement.—Morning Herald. - -"Rizzio" is a curious work. The author has read a good deal upon the -history of the period in which he lays his story, and looked into its -habits and manners. There is a certain imitation of reality about it, -which really carries the reader along.— Spectator. - -These volumes will be read with avidity.—Economist. - - - 13 - - In Three Vols. - MATERNAL LOVE. - - A Novel. BY MRS. LOUDON. - -A most amusing book.—Athenæum. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - ● Transcriber's Notes: - ○ A few cases of inconsistent spelling were regularized. - ○ p. 223: Rosa changed to Fanny ("You give me more credit than I - deserve a great deal, Fanny;) - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER *** - -***** This file should be named 54012-0.txt or 54012-0.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/0/1/54012/ - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa, Stanford University and -the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (University of Iowa) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included -with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org/license - - -Title: The Younger Sister, Volume III - -Author: Catherine Anne Austen Hubback - Jane Austen - -Release Date: January 20, 2017 [EBook #54012] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER *** - - - - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa, Stanford University and -the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (University of Iowa) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>The cover image was created by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001'>THE YOUNGER SISTER.</h1> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>A Novel</div> - <div class='c002'><span class='small'>BY</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='large'><span class='sc'>Mrs.</span> HUBBACK,</span></div> - <div class='c002'>IN THREE VOLUMES.—VOL. III.</div> - <div class='c003'><span class='large'>LONDON:</span></div> - <div>THOMAS CAUTLEY NEWBY, PUBLISHER</div> - <div>30, WELBECK <span class='sc'>St.</span>, CAVENDISH <span class='sc'>Sq.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>1850.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c004'>CONTENTS</h2> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><a href='#v3ch01'>CHAPTER I</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch02'>CHAPTER II</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch03'>CHAPTER III</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch04'>CHAPTER IV</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch05'>CHAPTER V</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch06'>CHAPTER VI</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch07'>CHAPTER VII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch08'>CHAPTER VIII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch09'>CHAPTER IX</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch10'>CHAPTER X</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch11'>CHAPTER XI</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch12'>CHAPTER XII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch13'>CHAPTER XIII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch14'>CHAPTER XIV</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch15'>CHAPTER XV</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch16'>CHAPTER XVI</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch17'>CHAPTER XVII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch18'>CHAPTER XVIII</a></div> - <div class='c000'><a href='#v3ch19'>CHAPTER XIX</a></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE YOUNGER SISTER.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch01' class='c004'>CHAPTER I.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The afternoon passed away, and Margaret, who had been incessantly walking -from one window to another, to watch for her lover's curricle, now began to -create a new sensation for herself, by a conviction which suddenly seized -on her, that some dreadful accident had happened to him. It was towards the -end of March, and the lengthened days allowed them plenty of time to dine -by daylight, and enjoy a long twilight afterwards; as the evening began to -close in, her alarm and tribulation increased; when, at length, her fears -were dissipated by seeing the curricle drive up to the door with a most -important bustle, followed by a loud and prolonged knock, which instantly -brought twenty heads to the neighbouring windows.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret sank on a sofa, and exclaimed in feeble tones,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He is there—my heart tells me he is there—support me, my dear -sisters—support me in this trying hour."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before any one had time to answer her, his step was heard on the stairs, -and recovering as rapidly as she had appeared to lose her strength, she -flew to the door and was ready to have thrown herself into his arms on the -smallest encouragement. He did not, however, seem to desire her embraces, -but coolly held out his hand, and enquired how she was—then, without -waiting for an answer, turned and paid a similar compliment to the other -ladies. She looked a little disappointed at the want of tenderness her -lover displayed, but consoled herself by smoothing down the nap of his hat, -which she took from his hand, and stretching out the fingers of his driving -gloves—of which she also assumed the care.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At this moment, Robert Watson and Mr. Morgan, who had been sitting over -their wine in the dining-parlour, appeared up-stairs, and Robert -immediately suggested to Mr. Musgrove that he must want some dinner, to -which the latter readily acceded.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Jane and Margaret who appeared to be almost equally interested in the -new-comer, both left the room to see after the necessary preparations, and -whilst they were gone George Millar came in and persuaded Elizabeth to go -home with him, to take tea with his sister and mother-in-law. Robert and -his new guest adjourned to the dining-room where the two ladies joined -them, and Emma was left to a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with Mr. -Morgan.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He had seated himself in a corner, and was looking over the newspaper -during all the bustle attending the arrival of Tom Musgrove, and the -successive entrances and exits of the several members of the party. But -when they were all gone, and Emma was quietly sitting down to work, he -threw away the paper and walking across the room drew a chair close to hers -and seemed inclined to enter into conversation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How happy your sister must be," was his first speech, whilst he fixed his -uncommonly penetrating eyes on her face.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Which sister?" replied Emma, without looking up from her embroidery.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Both must be happy," replied he; "but at this moment I imagine your sister -Margaret's feelings must be the most agreeable; meeting after a prolonged -absence must be so delightful. Don't you envy her?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope not," said Emma, for she was not quite satisfied with his tone and -manner; there was something of sarcasm in it which she did not like.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not mean envy in the bad sense," he remarked, as if comprehending her -thoughts from her tone; "of that I know you to be incapable; but can you -not fancy how pleasant her emotions must be when again enjoying the society -of an attached and faithful lover like the gentleman in question?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps I can—but I must be in her situation thoroughly to enter into her -feelings," said Emma rather wishing to drop the subject.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And hitherto you have not been placed in this interesting situation?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was something in the tone in which Mr. Morgan made this comment, with -his eyes fixed on her countenance, that gave it rather the character of a -question than a reply. She felt offended at his manner and tone, and -proudly raised her head with a look which seemed to ask what right he had -to enquire on that subject. He understood her meaning, but did not seem -inclined to take any notice of it, proceeding in the same way to observe,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"They whose hearts are untouched cannot of course understand all the -pleasing emotions which the sight of a beloved object raises after a -prolonged absence—nor indeed does it require a <i>prolonged absence</i> to -give occasion to the emotions I speak of. A month, a fortnight, even a week -passed without the intercourse which becomes dear and therefore necessary, -is sufficient to raise a variety of pleasing but most overpowering feelings -in an affectionate heart."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very likely," replied Emma coolly, and then she added immediately an -enquiry as to whether he thought the next change of the moon would bring -them more settled weather.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He answered that he could not tell, and then added,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you not think your future brother, Mr. Musgrove, is a very charming -young man?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have often heard him called so," said Emma; "but you know it is not my -business to be charmed with him," smiling a little as she spoke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are most discreet," said he, delighted that she appeared inclined to -relax a little from her former gravity; "but to tell you the truth I should -<i>not</i> have expected, from what I know, that you <i>would</i> be -charmed with him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"From what you know of <i>him</i> or of <i>me</i>?" inquired Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of you both, but especially of <i>you</i>: it is not for nothing that I -have been studying your character, and I am convinced that a man who would -attract <i>you</i>, Miss Emma, must possess more good qualities than Mr. -Musgrove can boast of."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps I might be a little difficult to please," replied Emma; "but do -you think there is any harm in that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Harm, no!" replied he with enthusiasm; "minds of a common order cannot -discriminate between what is good or evil in its tendency; they see only -what is evil to their own capacities, and are entirely unaware of the vast -difference between the intellects of one man and another. Whilst those who -by their own intellectual powers are raised above the common level, take -in, at one keen and rapid view, the different mental altitudes of their -companions, and appreciating alone the grand and elevated turn from more -ordinary minds with indifference, contempt or disgust."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope," said Emma rather doubtingly, "that your description is not -intended to apply to me: that is, if I understand you rightly. I should be -very sorry to think I am guilty of setting up my understanding as a measure -for that of others, or of despising any of my companions as thinking them -less clever than myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I did not mean to accuse you of voluntarily giving way to such -feelings—the sensation I meant to depict is as involuntary as your -perception of light or colour. A person endowed with a superior -understanding could no more help deciding on the different mental -capacities of her companions than she could on the beauty or fitness of the -patterns of their gowns."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But the superiority of mental capacities, or our own estimation of them -ought not to be the standard by which we should judge of the merits of our -fellow-creatures, Mr. Morgan. Surely their moral superiority is a far more -important point, and it would be much better to live with a good but -ignorant man, than with a wicked one however clever and well-informed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan rather curled his lip.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I doubt whether you will find your maxim work well in every day life, -however well it may sound in theory. The practice of mankind is against it -universally, and where that is the case it is because the sense of the -world leads them to the conclusion which you reject. Look around, and see -who has most success in life, the clever, unscrupulous, and if you will the -unprincipled man, or the sober, plodding, moral one, without wit or wisdom -to prevent his sinking lower than the condition in which he was born."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma had not the vanity to suppose that she could be a match for Mr. Morgan -in dispute, she was, therefore, contented to let the subject drop. Finding -she did not reply, he moved his chair a little closer than before, and -said, in a tone of the softest sympathy,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you quite well this evening? dusk as it is, I am struck with your -looks, and was so at dinner."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She thanked him, and replied she was pretty well. He did not seem -satisfied.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you sure you have no head-ache? there is a languor in your movements, -and a heaviness about your eyes, which plainly shows that all is not quite -right with you. Confess the truth—does not your head ache?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She owned it did a little.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I thought I knew your countenance too well to be misled," said he, -complacently—then taking her hand, without the smallest ceremony, in both -of his, he felt her pulse, and told her she was nervous and feverish. She -smiled, and said she was only a little tired, and that he must not persuade -her she was ill; she had not time for that.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am certain," replied he, still detaining her hand, which she had made a -slight attempt to withdraw, "I am certain, from the tremulous motion of -your little fairy-like fingers that you are suffering from over-excitement -of mind. You have so much to worry and distress you, so many small -privations and never ceasing annoyances, that your nervous temperament is -wrought up to too high a pitch. This little hand is looking too white and -delicate for health. You must indeed, for your own sake, and for the sake -of those that love you, take care of yourself, and do not tax your -constitution too far."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not mind what you say, Mr. Morgan," replied Emma, playfully, again -attempting to withdraw her hand from a clasp which she felt rather too -tender for a doctor. "I know you only speak professionally, and it is your -business to persuade those who listen to you that they are ill, that you -may have the satisfaction of making them believe you cure them afterwards."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Fie, fie," replied he, tapping her on the arm, "I did not expect such -malice from you, fair Emma!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She decidedly drew her hand from his, and moved her chair away towards the -window, saying, as she did so, in a graver tone,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Remember <i>I</i> have not placed myself under your power, Mr. Morgan, and -you have no business to attempt to mislead me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The rapidly decreasing light prevented his reading the expression of her -countenance; but he felt from her tone and action that <i>she</i> would not -endure the small personal liberties in which some of his patients permitted -him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was a pause, which she broke, by saying,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My sisters are a long time away, I must go to see for them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, pray stay another moment," cried he, rising too, as she rose. "Allow -me one moment more, one other word."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She stopped; and he was silent for a minute, till she said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Mr. Morgan, what am I to stop for?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Tell me," said he, "why you freeze me with that look and manner—did I -offend you with my remarks? is my friendship—the warm interest I feel for -you—is it unpleasant—or in what way have I sinned to deserve this sudden -check."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was excessively embarrassed, and mentally determined not to remain in -the dusk <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with a man again, at least, not -with Mr. Morgan: but this resolution, however good for the future, did not -help her at the present moment; when she was thus standing before him, and -under the unpleasant necessity of either admitting that she was capricious, -or allowing that she attached more importance than, perhaps, it deserved to -a trifling action on his part. Seeing that she hesitated, he continued—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will not press for an answer if it vexes you; and you must own mentally, -if not openly, that you judged me harshly. I forgive you, convinced when -you know me better, you will not do so again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He took her hand again, and was just in the act of putting his lips to it, -when the door opened suddenly, and several young ladies—whom in the dusk -she could hardly distinguish—burst into the room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is that you Margaret?" said one advancing, "that we have caught making -love in the dark—no, upon my honour it's Emma Watson and my brother! ha, -ha; so you are found out, James?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, it's not the first time that Miss Emma Watson has indulged your -brother in a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span>" cried a voice, which Emma -recognised as belonging to Miss Jenkins, a particular friend of Margaret's, -towards whom she felt a strong repugnance. "They have been found <i>out</i> -before now—they are very fond of taking long walks together, aren't you, Mr. -Morgan—and carrying Janetta, too."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was too dark for the expression of any one's countenance to be seen, so -that the angry look with which Mr. Morgan received this attack, and the -confusion and distress which Emma betrayed, were alike invisible; but could -he have annihilated the young ladies who thus intruded, including his -sister, he would certainly have done it with pleasure. Any answer, on his -part, was prevented by the entrance of the party from the dining-room with -lights, when a general scene of confusion and chattering followed, which -concluded by a general invitation to the young visitors to stay for tea, -and have a little fun, to which they readily assented.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom Musgrove having eaten and drank soon made himself very agreeable to the -whole party, and after the tea and bread and butter were removed, he -proposed a game at blind man's buff, or hunt the slipper, to finish the -evening. The former was adopted, and a very noisy party it proved. Tom, of -course, was the first to be blinded, and, unless he contrived to see out -from under the handkerchief, the dexterity with which he avoided catching -Margaret, though she perpetually threw herself in his way, was quite -wonderful. His first victim was the younger Miss Morgan, a pretty, giggling -girl, who laughed so excessively, and twisted about so much, that he had -great difficulty in holding her at all, and it was only by clasping his arm -very tightly round her waist, that he succeeded in keeping her prisoner. -However, he named her rightly, and the handkerchief was secured on her; her -brother was the next—apparently he threw himself in her way, whether -because he disliked her going through the process of catching and naming -Mr. Musgrove was not quite certain. Perhaps he wished himself to succeed -her; he certainly was very successful in catching prisoners, but made -extraordinary blunders in recognising them; never once hitting on the -proper name, and, consequently, having no right to make over the bandage to -another. At length, after several attempts, he succeeded in catching Emma -herself. She had not been able to avoid joining in the game, though it was -not much to her taste; but she took great pains to move about as quietly -and keep as much out of the way as possible. His ear, however, was quick at -detecting her light footstep, and, unknown to her, he had traced her into a -corner, where she was quietly resting, when he succeeded in laying hold of -her. As she neither struggled nor laughed, he knew instantly who it was, -and whilst he held her hand in his, and made believe, as usual, to feel her -features, and ascertain her identity, he whispered, under cover of the -noise which some of the other girls were making,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you wish to be blinded, Emma Watson?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly not," replied she in the same tone, and he immediately guessed -her to be some one else, and with a gentle pressure of her hand he let her -go.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was very well pleased to escape, but she felt a half scruple at the -manner in which it was done, from the sort of private understanding which -Mr. Morgan assumed to exist between them. On turning away too, she caught -the malevolent eyes of Miss Jenkins fixed on her, and she could not -encounter their look without a feeling of embarrassment. Mr. Morgan soon -afterwards caught and rightly named Mrs. Watson herself, who in her turn -chased with great vigour but little success her different visitors. The -whole affair ended in a complete romp—the table was upset, chairs thrown -over, and Emma's gown narrowly escaped from a lighted candle, which the -dexterity of Mr. Morgan alone succeeded in averting. It was now judged that -they had enjoyed fun enough for one evening, and Emma, wondering much at -the taste which could select such an amusement, retired to recover from the -fatigue it occasioned. She had never seen anything of the kind before, for -the associates of her uncle and aunt were very quiet people, and she had -been quite ignorant of the extent to which liveliness might be carried when -unchecked by the restraints of good breeding.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a very unexpected pleasure to her, to receive the next morning a -letter from Miss Osborne, containing an announcement that the day for her -wedding was fixed and that it was to be celebrated in about three weeks. -She hoped Emma would be able to keep her promise and spend some time with -them whilst at Osborne Castle, but she did not assign any particular time -as the date of their visit.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret likewise had her share of excitement and pleasure. It appeared -that Tom Musgrove had come down with serious intentions of persuading her -to marry on the same day as Sir William Gordon and Miss Osborne had fixed -on. To be distinguished, and to appear connected with the great, was so -completely the object of his life, that he did not like even to fix a day -for his own wedding entirely with regard to his own convenience, and now he -was determined to make it as important as the reflected grandeur of Miss -Osborne and her noble family could do.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The credit of this idea, however, was not entirely due to him; it was -suggested originally by Sir William himself. Miss Osborne, who could not -feel quite happy or at her ease with regard to his steadiness of purpose, -until the ceremony had actually passed, which would make it certain that -her testimony would never be required, induced Sir William Gordon to -question him as to when he intended to marry, and though he found Tom's -ideas rather vague and unsettled on the subject, he had not much difficulty -in persuading him of the advantage of fixing on the same day as their own. -The notion delighted Mr. Musgrove, and he immediately determined to run -down to Croydon and make the proposal at once.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Margaret," said he, the morning after his arrival, "since it seems -we must be married sooner or later, do you see any good in delay?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret simpered and blushed, and did not know very well which way to look -or what to say.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I say," continued he, "there is no use in wasting time, when the thing -must be done—unless, indeed, you have changed your mind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh dear no, Tom," cried Margaret, "mine is a mind not lightly to be -changed—you know that much, I am sure, of me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Osborne is to married this day three weeks," observed Tom, "to my -friend Sir William Gordon, and he was proposing to me that we should -celebrate ours on the same day. I should rather like it, I own, as they are -such particular friends of mine, and we are going to the same county. They -come down to Osborne Castle for their honey-moon, and we <i>might</i>; -indeed of course we <i>should</i> be asked up there on our wedding."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh delightful, Tom," cried Margaret, perfectly enchanted at the prospect, -and in the rapture of the view, quite overlooking the coolness of her -lover's manner, and the total absence of even any pretence of affection. "I -should like that of all things, only perhaps I might have some difficulty -in getting my wedding things ready in time; to be sure, as I must wear -mourning I should not want much just at first, but a gown and hat—what -should my gown be, dear Tom?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Hang your gown! what do I know about your gown? or what has that got to do -with it; but women always make such a confounded fuss about their gowns and -their petticoats. I say, will you marry me this day three weeks?—because, -if you will not, you may just let it alone, for any thing I care."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are always so funny, Tom," said Margaret trying to laugh; "I never -know what you will say next. But you do hurry and flurry one so, asking in -that sort of off-hand way—upon my word I do not know what to answer—what -can I say to him, Jane—is he not odd?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"For heaven's sake, Mrs. Watson, do try and persuade Margaret to act with a -little common sense, if she has such a commodity in her brain," cried Tom, -impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really," simpered Mrs. Watson, "you are the most unlover-like lover that -ever I saw—if I were you, Margaret, I would tease him unceasingly for these -speeches. I would say him nay, and nay, and nay again, before I would give -him his own way."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! I am not so very cruel," said Margaret, "he knows my disposition, and -how much he may venture on with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, when you have made up your mind, let me know," said he, settling -himself in an easy chair, and pretending to drop asleep.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, Margaret," said Mrs. Watson, "he gives himself precious -airs—would I submit to such a thing from any man in the world—no, indeed—I -would see the whole sex annihilated first, that I would."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do not be so dreadfully severe, Mrs. Watson," said Tom, without unclosing -his eyes, "Allow me to enjoy my last few days of liberty; when I have taken -to myself a wife, where will my domestic freedom be?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Impudent fellow," said Mrs. Watson, going up and pretending to pat his -cheek; he caught her hand and told her in return, she was his prisoner now, -and must pay the penalty of the box on the ear, which she had so -deliberately bestowed on him. She giggled exceedingly, and he was insisting -on his right, when Robert entered the room and said, in a cool off-hand -way:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I suppose, Margaret, Musgrove has told you he wants to marry this day -three weeks, and as I presume, you have no objection, I have resolved to -get the settlements in hand immediately. I suppose you have not much to do -in the way of preparation, have you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I suppose, as you all come upon me so suddenly, there is nothing for -me to do but to submit," said Margaret, "and really, I see no harm in it. -Of course you will have the marriage put in the newspapers; it must be sent -to 'The Morning Post,' Tom."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no objection," observed the ardent lover.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well then, Jane, I suppose I had better be seeing about my gown and -wedding clothes—will you come with me and help me choose some dresses, -Tom?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not I, by Jove! what do I know about dresses, I tell you!—it's all woman's -nonsense, and I will have nothing to do with it. I believe if a woman were -dying, her only care would be to secure a handsome shawl—and the idea of a -plain funeral would break her heart."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't be so dreadfully severe, Tom," interposed Mrs. Watson again, "you -are a naughty, spiteful, ill-tempered satirist, and we must teach you -better manners before we have done with you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Beyond a question you will soon do that," returned he, "I already feel -wonderfully humbled and penitent, from sitting with you for the last hour; -and what I shall arrive at, after being your brother for a twelvemonth, can -only be guessed at now."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret and Jane soon afterwards set off on the important business of -looking for wedding dresses, and purchasing more clothes than she would -know what to do with, whilst obliged to wear her deep mourning—a -circumstance which was particularly distressing to Margaret—who, whilst -anxious to make a very splendid figure in her new establishment, was -perpetually checked in her aspirations by the remembrance that she must, -for many months, continue to wear black. It was, however, a great delight -to her to think that she should be married almost as soon as Penelope, and -before Elizabeth; but, since her own good luck was now certain, she felt no -particular envy of either of her elder sisters; for, though she could not -help seeing that Elizabeth's establishment, house and carriage, would be -more expensive and grand than her own, she did not think that she would -have given up the independence and idleness of Tom's situation as a -gentleman, for the large income and luxuries accompanying the brewer's -occupation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked on and wondered at Margaret's state of contentment under the -indifference and contemptuous treatment which her lover bestowed on her. -<i>She</i> would not have borne it for a single hour; but Margaret seemed -to feel nothing of it—and her own foolish and caressingly fond ways, were -enough to disgust a sensible man altogether.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He did not mean to remain more than a couple of days; and, during that -time, Mrs. Watson took care to occupy each evening with a party of young -people; a most judicious arrangement, which saved an immense deal of -unwilling labour and unnecessary love-making. The Morgans, the Millars, and -many others, joined them—and they had country dances and reels enough to -tire many indefatigable dancers. Emma continued to refuse to dance; and, as -the ladies out-numbered the gentlemen, she was less tempted to break her -resolution. In consequence of this, she was, on the second evening, for a -good while left quite alone, until Mr. Morgan, declaring himself quite -knocked up, took refuge in the corner where she was sitting and engaged her -in an agreeable conversation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They were not discussing any thing very remarkable, but Emma was amused and -lively, when she heard Miss Jenkins say, in reply to something:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! no doubt, Emma Watson finds it quite agreeable to sit out—no great -sacrifice there, I fancy! She takes every opportunity of throwing herself -in somebody's way!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was said so loud that there could be no doubt but that it was intended -for them to hear, and from the quick glance round, and the elevation of -eyebrows which followed it on his part, it was evident it had not failed of -its object. Emma wished she could have stopped the blood which rushed to -her face and coloured her cheeks so deeply; but she could neither conceal -her feelings nor command her voice sufficiently to finish her sentence, for -she felt that Mr. Morgan's eyes were fixed on her with a keen, scrutinizing -glance, which seemed to read her thoughts in a moment. When Miss Jenkins -was out of hearing, he observed very quietly,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think, Miss Emma, you have not been brought up in a country town?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You seem peculiarly unfitted to continue in one, with any comfort or peace -of mind," continued he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed—I doubt whether I am to take that as a compliment or the reverse," -replied Emma smiling a little.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I never pay compliments," said he, "but if you want to know why I think -so, learn that I can see you mind being talked about, dislike gossip and -scandal, and have no taste for romping or noise: therefore you are unfitted -for a resident in a country town!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are <i>not</i> complimentary to-night, Mr. Morgan; what has put you -out of humour with your fellow towns-women?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you I feel most amiably disposed towards them all, especially -those who by dancing to-night have left me at liberty to converse with you. -They are all charming chatterers, and delightful dancers, and equally -exquisite, enlightened, eloquent and endearing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your compliments are rather equivocal, Mr. Morgan, I do not know that I -should like such problematic praises."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"<i>You</i>—you need not be afraid, I should never think of applying such -terms to you—did I not begin with observing that you were not brought up in -a country town."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There are some people I have observed," said Emma thoughtfully, "who -always hold the society in which they happen to move very cheap, because -they have an unfortunate power of vision which enables them alone to see -the weak, the ridiculous, the faulty side of things."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you—do not find fault with my compliments after that speech—I never -made one more severe."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon," replied she colouring deeply. "Perhaps it did sound a -little harsh."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I am deeply indebted to you for your good opinion—you probably -suppose me incapable of appreciating the beautiful and excellent when I -meet it, because I am alive to the follies, the littleness, and the -absurdities of those amongst whom I am forced to mix—some day I trust you -will judge me better."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He understood Emma's character completely—the idea that she had been harsh -in her speech, and that he felt hurt by her injustice, was decidedly the -most likely thing to produce kindness and conciliatory manners to make it -up. He assumed an air and tone of injured innocence which quite touched -her, for straightforward and artless herself, she never suspected he was -only acting. She wanted him to speak again, but he was determined to leave -it to her to make that effort, and he partly drew back and turned his chair -slightly away, as if he had not courage again to address her. She renewed -the conversation by enquiring whether he had long been resident in the -town—the soft tone of her voice immediately drew him back to his former -position, and he began to tell her that he had come to Croydon about -fifteen years before, that like herself he had lived in his youth in the -country, and the only towns he had previously been acquainted with were -Oxford and London.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Like yourself too," continued he, "I came here frank and -open-hearted—ready to place the best construction on anything I saw or -heard, and believing that the neighbourhood would do as much for me. -Experience has taught me a very different lesson; but perhaps nothing but -experience will do. With the consciousness of the amount it cost me to buy -my knowledge with suffering, I sometimes idly think of saving others by my -cautions from a similar expense of feeling, but it is vain—and I do not -think I shall make the attempt again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And so," said Emma, after a short pause, "you think me ungrateful and -self-willed, because I do not like to hear whole-sale depreciation of your -fellow-townspeople."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I certainly will be wiser another time, and keep my opinion to myself," -replied he still in a proud and injured tone.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I do not like to seem ungracious, and if you really wanted to give -me advice—your superior age and experience certainly entitle you to form an -opinion, and to be listened to with deference. So if you speak for my good, -I will attend—but do not be too bitter, or I shall rebel again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I only wished to caution you against the spirit of prying curiosity and -foolish censoriousness, which seems indigenous amongst the inhabitants of a -small town."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you thought me likely to fall into a similar error, did you?" enquired -she simply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You, my dear girl, no indeed; but I thought you likely to be the victim to -this spirit, unless you took care and were cautioned against it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If I do nothing wrong," said Emma, "nothing blameworthy, how can there be -any danger that I shall incur censure? I hope I shall not provoke enmity in -any way."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That will be a vain and illusive hope," replied he earnestly; "there is -too much about you to provoke ill-will, for your conduct to be regarded -with a friendly eye. Youth and beauty have innumerable enemies in a place -like this; your superior education, your acquaintance, I may say intimacy, -with those very much above your present associates in rank, your frank and -confiding disposition, all expose you to enmity and envy of the most -malignant kind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You will make me quite unhappy, Mr. Morgan, if you talk in that way. I -cannot believe that those I see around me are so very wicked; and why -should any one try to injure a portionless orphan like myself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Because they are not all possessed of the generous feelings and high -principles which form such a charm in that helpless and portionless -orphan—and which, when joined to her personal beauty, endow her more richly -than the wealthiest of all our townsmen's daughters."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot help hoping that your warnings are not more sincere than your -compliments, and then I shall have the less to fear, Mr. Morgan," replied -Emma, smiling.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish you would give me credit for sincerity, Miss Watson; it is -disheartening to find myself constantly doubted. I shall give you up in -despair. Look beautiful and merry—prove yourself lively and amusing—wear -becoming bonnets—pretty gowns—and well-made shoes, and you will soon not -have a female friend in the town."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"This <i>must</i> be your prejudice—or you are quizzing me. I cannot -believe that bonnets and shoes have anything to do with female friends."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You will persist in judging every one by yourself, and you cannot set up a -more erroneous standard. Do you suppose that <i>your</i> wardrobe will be -less commented on than your neighbours. Does Miss Tomson make any one a new -bonnet without its being known and abused by all the owner's most intimate -friends."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But you must be wrong," said Emma; "it is impossible that all can be -watched over in that way; we do not know a great many people who live here; -even my sister does not; and why should I suppose that I am so conspicuous -a personage?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The inhabitants of the town," said Mr. Morgan, "are divided into many -different sets, it is true; they move in different circles, and there is no -mixture; but the individuals of each class have their eyes constantly fixed -on those above as well as those equal with themselves; the former, that -they may imitate their actions; the latter, that they may detect the first -symptom of mounting to a higher circle. They have likewise to detect and -repress the first encroachment from the ranks beneath them, so that you see -each individual has her attention fully occupied in this perpetual -watching."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You must be exaggerating, Mr. Morgan; I trust you are, at least."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you want a proof of the jealousy and exclusive spirit which reigns -amongst them? look into the church. There, where men and women ought, if -ever, to meet as equals, what do you see?—the aristocratic classes—those -who have their carriages and horses to bring them to their Sunday -devotions, who have their comfortable and elegant dwellings out of the -town, have likewise their comfortable pews for lounging through their -prayers—their cushions, their carpets, their footstools, that they may not -be too much fatigued by worship—their curtains, too, lest the vulgar gaze -should distress their modesty, or intrude on their privacy. Then come the -townspeople—the higher classes, those in professions, or, perhaps, in -business, on a large scale, like George Millar, or the Greenes. These have -their cushions and carpets, but are forced to forego the privacy of -curtains, for which they make up by the superior brilliancy of their pew -linings, and the elegance of the fringe drapery, which hangs down in front -of the galleries. Inferior classes are forced to sit on benches without -cushions, whilst the poorest of all may enjoy what comfort they can on the -hard open seats in the stone aisle."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked thoughtful, but did not answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You must admit the truth of my description," continued he; "there is -sufficient stuff expended on the galleries of that church to have clothed -half the children in the parish school."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry that you should have the power of saying such things, Mr. -Morgan, or that I cannot contradict them. Have you ever made an effort to -procure a reform?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Reform, no—do you suppose I should even hint at such plain truths to a -native of the town? do you imagine I impart my opinions on the subject -indiscriminately? no, indeed—my popularity, such as it is, would be soon -blown away were I to venture to contradict all their dearest prejudices. It -is a far better plan to tell Miss Jenkins that she looks like an angel in -the sky, when sitting in her blue pew, or to hint to old Mrs. Adams, that -the crimson moreen gives quite a juvenile glow to her complexion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In short," said Emma, gravely, "to encourage people's weaknesses in order -to gain their good will."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Precisely so—it is the only way to live at peace with all the world; at -least, the world of Croydon; why should I risk their repose and mine, by -voluntarily encountering them on their hobbies. Follow my advice, my dear -Miss Watson, and make the best of those you meet with here."</p> - -<p class='c006'>They were interrupted by the conclusion of the dance; and Mr. Morgan -thought it best to move away. He left Emma thoughtful and dispirited; and -as he watched her from a distance, he was quite satisfied with the general -expression of her countenance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her next neighbour was Mr. Alfred Freemantle, who threw himself into the -chair Mr. Morgan had vacated, and began a series of enquiries as to who Mr. -Tom Musgrove might be, and whether it was really true that her sister -Margaret was on the point of marriage with him? Emma soon grew tired of his -"bald, disjointed chat," and moved away; she was met by Mrs. Turner.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear child," cried she, catching hold of both her arms, "I have been -wanting to speak to you this age, but I would not interrupt you whilst you -were talking to that pleasant man, Mr Morgan—yes, what a nice man he is, -ain't he, dear? Now I did not mean to make you blush; but take care, don't -flirt with him too much, because it may mean nothing, you know, there's no -saying. But I wanted to tell you how excessively I am delighted with your -sister, and how glad I am that she is to marry George. Poor girl, I dare -say she is glad of it too; young women like to be married; but then I don't -know where you could find a nicer young woman than Elizabeth—or one that -would suit my son better. Now, I don't mean that as any reflection upon -you, my dear, on the contrary, so never mind what I say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, madam, what you say of my sister gives me sincere pleasure, -and I could not, I hope, be so unreasonable as to expect you to regard us -in the same light. It is a great happiness when the friends on each side -are equally satisfied with any projected marriage."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very true, my dear, I agree with what you say; yes, Elizabeth is a -charming girl, and much better suited to my son-in-law than you would be -perhaps—so we ought to be satisfied on all sides, as you say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am certain she will make a most excellent wife," replied Emma warmly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And who do you mean to marry, my dear? Suppose you were to tell me now, I -would promise not to tell any one."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have not made up my mind yet," said Emma laughing a little; "but I will -let you know as soon as I can."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't try for Mr. Morgan, my dear, he will only disappoint you—do not -trust him too far; you had better not."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Morgan, my dear madam," repeated Emma almost laughing outright, "why -he is quite an old man! old enough to be my father I am sure. No, no, I -will lay no snares for Mr. Morgan; I am sure if I did the ladies of Croydon -would never forgive me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say not—but indeed I do not think he deserves you, my dear; I know -things of him which I will not tell you; but don't let him make you in love -with him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma only smiled at this warning, and the breaking up of the party at the -moment prevented her hearing more on the subject from Mrs. Turner.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom Musgrove did not stay longer than he had originally proposed, but the -next time he came everything was to be ready for the wedding, and Margaret -was in such high spirits at the prospect, as plainly showed that she had -quite forgotten the unpleasant difficulties which had previously interfered -with this happy consummation.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch02' class='c004'>CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Emma had often wondered that she had heard no more from Lady Fanny Allston. -She knew she had been ill, but did not apprehend that her illness was of so -serious a nature as necessarily to cause this long delay. But she was at -length surprised one day by receiving from her ladyship's housekeeper an -abrupt and rather uncivil note, completely breaking off the negotiation. -There was something in the tone of the announcement which hurt her -exceedingly, and she was in a very uncomfortable frame of mind when she -walked out that afternoon with Janetta, for she had lately resumed this -custom. She took her little charge into some meadows to look for primroses -and violets on the sunny banks, and whilst the child was busy plucking all -she could find, Emma herself sat down on the stump of a tree to try and -discover the meaning of this communication. She had nothing, however, to -guide her conjectures; there was no clue in the note, and she was forced to -remain satisfied with the conclusion that her ladyship was capricious and -had changed her mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst occupied in considering this subject, she was startled by footsteps, -and she looked up with a sort of fearful expectation that she should see -Mr. Morgan; it was not however the doctor who presented himself, but Mr. -Bridge, the clergyman, whom she had formerly met at the Millars'. He took -off his hat with a very respectful bow, and addressed her with an air of -politeness and courtesy which pleased her exceedingly. After a slight -remark on the bright day and the beauty of the scenery, he passed on a few -steps, and Emma supposed he was going to leave her; suddenly however he -seemed to change his mind, and surprised her by returning to her side. He -enquired if she was intending to sit there long, as he feared it must be -damp and unsafe.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not perceive any damp, sir," replied she; "and it is so pleasant I am -unwilling to think it can be dangerous."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is not a rule," he replied smiling a little, and then gravely shaking -his head; "many things extremely agreeable are invisibly surrounded with -risks and dangers. It is a common-place remark I acknowledge, but one which -is as constantly forgotten, as it is frequently enforced. Young people like -yourself are particularly apt to slight it—but if you would bear with an -old man—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He paused and regarded her with a look of interest, which she noticed, and -finding he hesitated, she ventured to say with warmth and earnestness,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Pray go on, sir; if you think me in need of caution, I will listen with -the attention and reverence which is every way your due."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have been interested for you, my dear young lady, not only by your own -sweet and ingenuous countenance, your misfortunes and your unprotected -situation, but by the representations of my young friend Annie Millar, and -I feel that whilst you reside under my pastoral care, I should not be doing -my duty were I not to exert myself to save you from inconveniences which -you may perhaps be very innocently entailing on yourself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma coloured and felt quite astonished at this address, the purport of -which she could not guess, but after a moment's hesitation, she begged Mr. -Bridge to proceed without ceremony; if he had any censure to bestow on her, -she would listen and feel obliged.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is not censure, it is only a caution I wish to give you—I mean with -regard to your intimacy with Mr. Morgan: you probably do not know his -character, nor is it necessary that you should learn minute particulars; I -am sure it will be enough for you to hear that he is not a safe companion -for a young woman of your age and appearance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you must be under some misapprehension," replied Emma surprised; -"there is nothing between us which can warrant the appellation of intimacy. -He visits my sister-in-law, and as her visitor only I have known him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I had hoped," replied Mr. Bridge gravely, "to have met with more candour -from you; I am under a very great mistake, if you have not on several -occasions met him when walking only with that little girl, and allowed him -to walk with you for a long time. Is it not so?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is perfectly true—but the meetings were quite accidental," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So far as you were concerned, I can believe it; but the world will only -know that you were seen walking <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with a -man of known bad principles and immoral conduct; and more than that, he has -been found with you in the drawing-room alone, and you have passed many -hours in his company when visiting in other houses."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I was not aware," said Emma, perfectly astonished at the charge; "that my -actions could have thus been the subject of comment and inspection; but -what you say, though perfectly true in itself, is capable of a very -different interpretation—will you listen to my defence?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly, my dear child," replied he, pleased at the frank and respectful -manner with which she addressed him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I met Mr. Morgan at Mr. Millar's, and there I saw him received into the -society of respectable women—he visited at my sister-in-law's house, and -was, evidently, in her confidence; he proposed to her to procure me a -situation as governess to Lady Fanny Allston's little girl, and my brother -perfectly approved of the negotiation. It was the interest he took in this -plan, which produced the appearance of intimacy which you reprobate; it was -to discuss this subject, that he joined me in my walks; but, as I did not -like the appearance of clandestine intercourse, I mentioned the occurrence -to my brother and sister-in-law; and to avoid him, I refused, for some -time, to walk out without some other companion than my niece. Latterly, I -have seen less of him; and it is a fortnight or more since we last met out -walking. Had I known him to be a man of bad principles, as you say he is, I -would never have allowed him to interfere in my affairs—but how could I -suspect that, when I found Mrs. Watson treated him with perfect -confidence?—and he was evidently courted and caressed by nearly all the -women of my acquaintance in Croydon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Those who know him best, have most reason to say it is unsafe for you to -associate with him; they know of what he is capable, and are most shocked, -of course, at your breach of conventional etiquette. I am sorry to say that -you are right in your assertion that he is courted and caressed by women in -general. In spite of his character, his manners make him popular, and many -weak-minded women encourage him in conduct which flatters their vanity, by -demonstrating admiration for their mental and personal charms. But those -who act thus, are severe judges of others. But tell me, are you really -going to Lady Fanny Allston's on his recommendation?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No—her ladyship has suddenly—and not very civilly—broken off the -negotiation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad of it, my dear; it would have been very undesirable that you -should go there, throwing yourself completely in the way of that man; it -must have been his object. Poor girl; any thing would be better than that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was silent and thoughtful.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you have any resolution and strength of mind," continued he, "I advise -you by every means, to shun the neighbourhood of this dangerous man. The -struggle may be painful, but depend upon it, it will be less so by far, -than the consequences of indulging in your predilection for him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think that the danger you apprehend for me, really exists," -replied Emma, looking up suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He shook his head.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The young are always confident," said he, "but, if you build your hopes on -any degree of affection, which Morgan may have manifested, believe me you -are building on a quicksand, and you will as surely find yourself deceived -as his other victims!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You quite misunderstand me," replied Emma, very earnestly; "I would not -dare to boast myself more infallible than other young women, but I do not -think I shall be put to the proof. I never had an idea, for a moment, that -Mr. Morgan entertained towards me any other than such friendly feelings as -you do yourself. It seemed to me very kind in him to interest himself for -an orphan—but it was a kindness which his age appeared to warrant. For, -though not quite so old as yourself, sir, he is old enough to be my father; -and I fancied it was with something of a paternal feeling that he regarded -me. As to my own sentiments towards him, I certainly felt grateful at -first—but latterly, there has been, I own, once or twice, a something in -his manner which made me suspicious of his principles, and induced me to -shun private intercourse with him. Do I speak in a way to convince you of -candour, or do you mistrust my confession, and doubt my word?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think I will venture to trust you—but I must still repeat my -warning—take care of yourself, and do not allow him to hurt your -reputation. You have enemies in Croydon, my dear."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I, sir! how is that possible?—and yet, Mr. Morgan hinted the same to me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There, for once, he spoke truth, whatever may have been his motive. But -you are watched—whether from simple curiosity, malice or envy, your -movements have been traced, and are spitefully commented on. It was in that -way, that I heard of your walks with him; and meeting you here, I could not -resist warning you. I rather wonder we have seen nothing of him, for I saw -him following me as I took this path; perhaps he is waiting till I leave -you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Would it be too much trouble for you to see me safe home?" said Emma -anxiously, "I should be so very much obliged if you would."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Bridge readily assented; and calling Janetta, they turned towards the -town.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At one of the stiles they met the individual in question; he had, -apparently, been watching them; but though, perhaps, disappointed at the -result of their conference, he came forward with a bow and a smile, the -most insinuating, to hand Emma over it. Mr. Bridge observed gaily, that he -feared he was grown too old for gallantry, and he must not wonder if such -agreeable offices were taken out of his hands by men younger and more -alert. The hand which Mr. Morgan held, he seemed unwilling to relinquish, -but drew it under his arm with an appearance of considering it his right to -support and guide her. At another time she might hardly have noticed this, -but with Mr. Bridge's warnings ringing in her ears, she could not permit it -to continue. Resolutely she drew away her hand and turned towards the stile -to enquire whether the elder gentleman required any assistance. Mr. Morgan -fixed his piercing eyes on her with an enquiring look, as if to demand why -his attentions were thus repulsed; but he could not catch her eye, and he -was forced to content himself with walking quietly by her side.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I want particularly to speak to you, Miss Watson," said he presently in a -low tone, as if wishing to avoid her companion's notice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am quite at liberty to listen to you," replied Emma turning towards him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is on your own affairs," said he as if hesitating, and glancing towards -Mr. Bridge; "I do not know how far it might be pleasant for you to have a -third person made conversant with them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If it relates to the business with Lady Fanny," answered Emma aloud, "I -have just been talking the matter over with Mr. Bridge, and he can -therefore quite enter into the subject now."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It does relate to that affair, and I am sorry—exceedingly sorry—that I -should be the means of occasioning you any disappointment, but I fear your -hopes—I might say <i>our</i> hopes in that quarter are all overthrown."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am aware of that, Mr. Morgan," said Emma calmly; "I received a note to -that effect this morning, and your intelligence therefore is no shock to -me; I feel much obliged for the zeal you have shown in my favour, but on -the whole I am as well satisfied that things should be as they are."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Satisfied!" cried he looking at her. "You cannot really mean that! the -loss of such a prospect may be nothing to you, but the reason—that is the -evil."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I had no reason assigned me," replied Emma, "and only concluded that her -ladyship had changed her mind, which of course she had full right to do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan looked at her with an air as if he would penetrate her brain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am so sorry," said he presently, "so very sorry that I have been the -means of leading you into this very unpleasant situation. But for me you -would never have met this repulse: I am vexed indeed!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do not take it so much to heart," replied Emma more gaily than she felt, -"for after all it is only what any young woman in my situation might -expect—a few repulses will serve to teach me humility."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Aye, if you needed the lesson; but the reason is so very—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He stopped abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What is the reason?" asked Emma. "I told you I knew of none."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you really do not, you had better not force me to say it; though you -cannot for a moment imagine that I believe there is a word of truth in Lady -Fanny's assertion—she must have been so completely misinformed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I really should be obliged to you to be explicit," replied Emma earnestly; -"you admit that you know the reasons—I must insist on knowing them -likewise."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am unwilling to pain you, my dear Miss Emma."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then you should not have alluded to them at all; you cannot wonder if I -now consider myself entitled to learn what these mysterious reasons are."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He drew out his pocket-book and took thence a note, which he placed in her -hand, saying,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If it offends or affronts you, do not blame <i>me</i> for it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma opened and read a short note from Lady Fanny to Mr. Morgan, stating -that having heard various very discreditable reports concerning the young -person he had named to her, she must beg to decline all further intercourse -with her. Emma's cheeks glowed as she read the lines in question; but she -said not a word. Quietly she re-folded the note and returned it to Mr. -Morgan. He was eagerly watching her, and as he took it from her hand, he -detained her fingers one moment, and stooping whispered,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You cannot think how grieved I am thus to pain you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is quite as well that I should know it," she replied very calmly; and -then a silence of some minutes ensued. They had reached the garden gate -before any one spoke again: she turned to Mr. Bridge before entering, and -whilst holding out her hand to him, said in a low voice, "I am <i>very</i> -much obliged to you; may I have a little further conversation with you -another day?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly, whenever you wish; when can I see you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should like to see you alone," she replied.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then I will manage it—depend on me to-morrow."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He then warmly shook hands, patted Janetta's shoulder and walked off, -concluding that Mr. Morgan would do so too. But here he was mistaken, that -gentleman having no intention of retiring so quickly. He had opened the -gate for Emma and stood leaning against it, till she turned and prepared to -pass, but then he laid his hand on her arm, and whilst closing the gate -upon them both, attempted to draw her a little on one side where a thick -screen of filberts concealed them from the house.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Come here, my dear girl," said he in a tone of familiarity which affronted -Emma; "I thought that old humbug was never going to leave us: it's too bad -to be beset in that way."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have you anything to say to me, Mr. Morgan?" replied Emma in a freezing -tone; "because I must beg, if you have no particular reason, that you will -not detain me here."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon—I quite forgot," returned he in a very different tone; -"I am taking a liberty which nothing but my interest in you can excuse." He -then withdrew his hand from her arm, but still stood in her path. "The fact -is, my indignation at the slanderous tongues of our neighbours made me -quite forget everything else; do you know the meaning of that note I showed -you—the nature of the reports and their originator?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know simply what I read there," returned Emma, "and unless the subject -is one of immediate importance, I must decline to discuss <i>now</i> and -<i>here</i> the cause of Lady Fanny's determination."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, perhaps you are right, but I hardly expected that my warnings to you -the other night would so soon be realised; they have not scrupled to make -mischief of our meeting when out walking, and the report has reached Lady -Fanny's ears."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If that is the case, Mr. Morgan," replied Emma, her face flushing with -indignation, and her voice almost uncontrollably trembling from emotion, -"if you <i>know</i> that to be the case, I wonder that kindness, courtesy, -nay, the common feelings of a gentleman, do not prompt you to avoid giving -countenance to such reports, by forcing yourself on my privacy, and -intruding even here on my home. I command you to let me pass this instant, -and I desire that I may not again be disturbed by a similar encounter."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He did not dare dispute her command for a moment, as she stood with her -slight and graceful figure drawn up, and her speaking face turned on him in -indignation; he drew aside, and with a very low bow allowed her to pass, -and follow Janetta, who had trotted up towards the house. He looked after -her in an attitude of despair, but it was lost on Emma, who never turned -her head, or cast one relenting glance behind, but walked straight into the -house. In fact she felt very angry, and her anger increased the more she -thought of what had passed: it seemed to her as if he sought to place her -in equivocal situations, and rather wished that she might compromise her -reputation. Compared with the kindness of Mr. Bridge, his professed -friendship and zeal appeared hollow and unsatisfactory; and now that she -found she had another friend, she looked her difficulties more firmly in -the face, and determined not to endeavour to escape from one set of evils -by risking another. Still, when she thought of the words of Mr. Bridge, so -sadly corroborated by Mr. Morgan himself, she could not help a sigh and a -shudder.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She wished to ask his advice as to what she had better do, but at the same -time she tried to form an opinion for herself, and questioned her own mind -as to what was her duty on this occasion. To avoid all intercourse with Mr. -Morgan, and let the slanders die a natural death from want of food to -sustain them, appeared to her the safest course, and she hoped Mr. Bridge -would agree with her. She would gladly have left the place had it been -possible, but just at present there seemed no chance of an escape. When the -time of her promised visit to Osborne Castle arrived, what a happiness it -would be! She lay awake many hours that night thinking over all the -difficulties in her path, and planning how she could surmount them. One -idea weighed most strongly in her mind; it was, would Mr. Howard be at all -likely to hear any report concerning her, and would he believe it if he -did. She wished she could imagine he would hear of her at all; only from -Miss Osborne had she received any news of his proceedings, and she feared -that their intercourse was brought to an end for ever. How she might have -viewed Mr. Morgan and his attentions but for her previous acquaintance with -Mr. Howard, she could not tell, but she mentally compared the two men now, -not a little to the disadvantage of the former; and she felt persuaded that -she could never care for another, unless she were to meet with one who -possessed all the good qualities of Mr. Howard, and was better acquainted -with his own mind. For, totally in the dark as to the reason why Mr. Howard -had suddenly withdrawn his attentions, and recollecting well the many -little signs which had escaped him of a more than ordinary interest, she -only concluded that he had, on further acquaintance, found her different -from what he wished, and that he had changed his mind and views -accordingly. She little knew that at this time he was suffering from a -constant, unceasing regret, and dwelling on their past intercourse as the -most precious and delightful period of his life.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was with a heavy head, and a heavier heart, that she went through her -daily routine the next morning, hearing Janetta her alphabet, setting her -sewing, and reading to her; she had great difficulty in getting through -with it, and could hardly fix her thoughts for five minutes on the business -on which she was employed. In the course of the morning, Janetta was sent -for to the drawing-room, and returned in about ten minutes radiant with -joy. Emma, who had lain down on the bed for a few minutes, and was just -closing her weary eyes in a doze, was suddenly roused by the news that Mr. -Bridge had come to ask Janetta to go to see his garden, and that he was now -waiting for them to accompany him home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mindful of his promise, he had called on Mrs. Watson, and after observing -that he had met her little girl gathering flowers, he begged she might come -and see some of the beautiful violets and anemonies in his garden. Mrs. -Watson, delighted at the civility to herself, which she discovered in any -attention to her child, assented most readily, and Emma had now to rouse -herself as well as she could to accompany her young charge.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She felt so totally unequal to any exertion, that even her sense of the -kindness manifested by Mr. Bridge, and the interest he shewed in her, was -hardly sufficient to produce the energy requisite for the occasion. Her -languid movements, and the heavy eyelids immediately caught the attention -of the kind old man; but sensible how little sympathy her sufferings would -probably excite in the mind of her selfish sister-in-law, he made no -comment until they were not only out of the house, but safely hidden amidst -the picturesque shrubberies which enclosed the parsonage. Then kindly -taking her hand and looking half-smiling, half-sadly in her face, he said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am afraid, poor girl, you have been fretting about what you learnt -yesterday, and that you feel it more deeply than you expected to do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have been thinking a great deal about it, I allow," replied Emma, "and -more about what Mr. Morgan said yesterday after you left me. But surely you -cannot be surprised at my dejection, when you consider the various -difficulties which present themselves in my path."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot help a small suspicion," replied he, with a sort of cunning -little smile, but which he speedily checked, "that you feel some regret -about Mr. Morgan himself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, you do me injustice; but on such a subject, professions are perfectly -useless, and I shall not attempt to make them. To break off my intercourse -with him will cost me nothing; but what does really depress and annoy me, -is the terrible idea than any slanderous reports should have been -circulated concerning that intercourse. He told me the story had reached -Lady Fanny Allston, and that it was for <i>that</i> reason she had so -abruptly concluded all negotiation with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very likely; her ladyship is the greatest gossip in existence, and has a -regular supply of the town news and scandal, extracted from the butcher and -baker, by her own maid, for her own private amusement."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But if the story has travelled so far, how much farther may it not -spread—I shall lose my character altogether, and with it all chance of -earning an independent livelihood, and what will become of me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her lip quivered, tears burst from her eyes, and her whole frame was -visibly agitated, to such a degree, that Mr. Bridge feared a fit of -hysterics would ensue. Emma, however, made a determined effort to conquer -her emotion, and after two or three minutes, succeeded so far as to resume -an air of calmness, though it was some time before she could speak again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear girl," said the clergyman, compassionately, "you must not give way -to despondency—remember from whence your trials come, and you will become -calmer and stronger in the contemplation. You do not seem to me at all to -blame in what has passed, and whilst your conscience is clear, you need -never despair that your path will be made clear likewise."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is not only the present difficulty which weighs on my mind at this -moment," replied Emma, trying to speak calmly; "but there are times when -all I have lost comes back to my memory, and seems quite to overpower me. -My earliest friends lost to me, and with them the happy home where I had -enjoyed every indulgence, and every pleasure that affection could procure. -Then just as I began to accustom myself to my new home, and learnt to value -the affection and society of my only parent, that likewise is torn from me, -and whilst I am deprived of parent and fortune, and become dependent on my -own exertions, I find myself robbed, I know not how, even of my good name, -and my prospects blighted in the most mysterious manner. It seems in vain -to struggle against such a complication of evils; what can I expect but to -sink into contempt and disgrace?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I admit the greatness of the losses you have sustained," said he; "I -cannot deny that it may be hard to bear; but you have still some blessings -left for which you may be thankful. You possess a healthy constitution, a -sound intellect, and a conscience unoppressed by a sense of guilt. You -might have lost your heart, as well as your fortune, and that you tell me -is not the case."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked down, and tried to appear quite careless and unconcerned; but -she could not feel quite convinced that she did enjoy the degree of heart's -ease, which Mr. Bridge seemed to imagine. An image of Mr. Howard flitted -across her mind, and she felt that whilst enumerating her peculiar -afflictions, she had omitted one which pressed almost as deeply as any. She -blushed deeply, and could not raise her eyes; he watched her countenance, -and then added, presently—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What do you mean to do now—have you formed any plan?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"None at all," replied she; "I feel I cannot—my head is all in confusion, -and I can hardly think connectedly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She pressed her hand on her forehead as she spoke; he saw she was looking -extremely ill, and feared her mind was over excited.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My first wish," she continued, "the first object of my life would be to -get away from Croydon, to see no more of those who slander me, or him who -causes the slander to circulate. But this I cannot do; whilst I have no -other refuge, and whilst Margaret's marriage is approaching, I suppose I -must not go. But if I could but leave them all, and have a little peace and -quiet—it is sometimes more than I can bear; the perpetual worry, and the -incessant anxiety to please without success—and those thoughts that will -come back in spite of all that I can do—thoughts of regret for past -happiness, and hopeless pining for what I may never see again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you are quite sincere in wishing to leave Croydon, and go where you -will see no more of Mr. Morgan? is it no momentary pique that influences -you, no hope of being followed, no expectation of producing some great -effect by your disappearance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish I could convince you, Mr. Bridge, that whatever the world of -Croydon may impute to me, whatever it may choose to say for me, Mr. Morgan -was never an object of any peculiar interest in my eyes, and since they -have associated our names to my discredit, he is become positively -disagreeable. To shun him altogether is, just now, my first wish."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then, perhaps, I may help you there; I will, at least, try—your desolate -situation interests me deeply—poor girl—you look terribly worn and -flushed—go home, and lie down to rest; try and compose your mind, and hope -for better things. But above all, my child, endeavour to subdue a repining -spirit, and remember that there is One above, who is the Father of the -fatherless, and who has promised never to forsake those who call upon Him -faithfully!"</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch03' class='c004'>CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Emma took Janetta home, and weary and worn out, she laid herself down upon -her own bed, and there dropped into a heavy slumber. In consequence of her -non-appearance at the dinner table, Elizabeth went in search of her, and -rousing her up, persuaded her to attempt coming down stairs, though Emma, -at first, felt so totally unequal to the exertion, that she declared she -could not stir.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Jane is so very cross to-day," remonstrated Elizabeth; "I am sure I do not -know what is the matter with her, but she seems so very angry about -something or other, that if you can contrive to come down you will save a -great deal of after trouble. Is your head really so very bad; you do look -rather ill certainly, but you need not eat, only just try to sit at table."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Slowly and languidly Emma rose from her bed; her head ached so intensely -that she could scarcely raise her eyes; an iron band appeared to be -compressing her forehead, and seemed every moment to increase in pressure. -She tried to arrange her hair, and her dress, disordered by lying on the -bed, but felt incapable of the exertion; leaning on Elizabeth's arm, she -descended to the dining-parlour, and took her seat at the table. Robert -offered to help her to some meat, but Emma declined eating. Jane never -condescended to lift her eyes until the table was cleared, and then she -sarcastically observed—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am extremely sorry, Miss Emma Watson, that there is nothing on my table -good enough for you to eat to-day; shall I send over to the pastry-cook's, -and see if he has any little delicacies to tempt your fastidious appetite? -I am not so unreasonable as to expect a young lady like you to dine on -roast mutton and plain pudding."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not very well," replied Emma, "and have no appetite to-day; but it is -my own misfortune, not the fault of your dinner, I am sure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word you honor my table with a very pretty costume," eyeing Emma -fixedly, "may I ask how long it has been your fashion to have your hair -awry in that way, and your gown tumbled—do you come out of your bed, or -have you been indulging in an interesting game of romps?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Robert looked at Emma, and even he was struck with the appearance of -suffering; and coupling with it the fact that she had eaten no dinner, and -moreover, feeling rather cross with his wife, he began to defend her, -desiring Jane not to worry his sister, as it was evident she was very far -from well. Mrs. Watson fired up at this. She wondered what people could -mean speaking to ladies that way—she was sure they must quite forget who -they were addressing—as to what she said to Emma, she wondered what she -should be forbidden to say next! Really it was too good, if she might not -find fault with a girl like Emma in her own house, and at her own table -too! She supposed the next thing she should hear, would be that Emma sat -there to find fault with her. Her manners, her dress, her general behaviour -would be called into question; if Emma gave her approbation no doubt, she -should be right—she only hoped she should not be obliged to adopt the -elegant negligence of Miss Emma Watson's present style—it was not to her -taste she was afraid she must confess.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma has really a very bad headache," interposed Elizabeth, "and would be -much better in bed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then pray, let her to go to bed," cried Jane, tossing her head; "who wants -her to sit up? not <i>I</i>, I am sure; she may go to bed if she likes; -but, if she thinks I am going to call in a doctor for her, she is very much -mistaken; I will indulge no such whims and fancies."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma gladly availed herself of the permission to retire thus graciously -accorded, and Elizabeth accompanied her up-stairs and assisted her to -undress; neither would she leave her until summoned down to tea; even then, -the temptation of Mr. Millar coming in, could not detain her from Emma's -room; she told him how ill her sister was, and she returned to sit by her -bedside, and attempt, by cool applications, to allay the burning, throbbing -pain in her head, which Emma complained almost drove her mad. But she -showed no symptoms of amendment, and towards morning she was in a decided -fever. Elizabeth, who had sat up with her all night, now pressed her to -consent to see Mr. Morgan—the name made her shudder, and she resolutely -refused to do so. She declared she was not <i>very</i> ill—nothing more -than her sister's skill could alleviate; but that to see Mr. Morgan would -infallibly make her worse. Elizabeth thought this rather odd, but she let -her have her own way, and said no more about the doctor. Mrs. Watson began -to be frightened, when she found that Emma was really very ill; she too -then proposed her seeing the doctor; but with more moderation, though with -equal firmness Emma rejected her proposal, as she had done that of -Elizabeth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She only wished to see Mr. Bridge—but she had not energy or courage to -request an interview with him; she lay in a kind of half-dreamy state, -during the greater part of that day and the next; then Elizabeth thought -her worse, and without asking her any more on the subject she went to -Robert—and with tears in her eyes, entreated that some advice might be sent -for—as otherwise, she felt sure Emma would die. This startled Robert—it -would have been so exceedingly unpleasant—it would have interfered sadly -with Margaret's marriage—and in several other ways would have greatly -inconvenienced himself. Accordingly, he decided at once, that Mr. Morgan -should be called in, and so he was. Emma was in too profound a state of -stupor to notice him, or to be aware of what was passing beside her bed. -She did wake a little at the sound of voices, but she could not guess whose -they were; they seemed to her even a great way off—though, in reality, -close to her; he might hold her hand now, she could not withdraw it; nay, -when he put back the dark hair from her brow, and laid his hand on her -temples to count the throbbing of the pulse there—she made no resistance -now—she was unconscious of his touch. He was not alarmed about her, though -he saw she was really ill—too ill for him to flatter his vanity with the -idea that it was affected for the sake of seeing him; but he felt sure she -would recover, and greatly consoled Elizabeth by his lively hopes on this -subject. Nevertheless, he came to see her twice that evening, and early -again the next morning. On neither visit did he find her sufficiently -conscious to recognise him—but she gradually began to amend—and on waking -from a prolonged slumber on the afternoon of the third day, she was -sufficiently restored to the use of her faculties, to enquire of Elizabeth, -whether any one had been attending her during the intervening time. Her -sister, without circumlocution, told her how often Mr. Morgan had seen her, -and added, that he was to come again that evening. Emma appeared -excessively discomposed, and asked her if she could not prevent his coming; -persisting that she did not want to see any doctor, and that, if she were -only left alone, she should soon be well.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Watson, who considered this merely as a fancy belonging to her state -of disease, tried to avoid giving her a direct answer, and when she found -this would not satisfy her, she endeavoured to persuade Emma of the -unreasonable nature of her request, and ended by saying she would see what -could be done for her. Of course Mr. Morgan came at the time appointed, end -she was obliged to bear it, though the very sight of him threw her into -such a state of agitation that his feeling her pulse was perfectly useless -and only served to mislead him. He had, however, too much penetration not -to discover quickly that his presence caused the feverish symptoms which at -first alarmed him; he would gladly have persuaded himself that they -indicated partiality, but not even his vanity could so far mislead him. The -averted eye, the constrained voice, the cold composed look which wore the -expression of her real feelings, told him a very different tale. He felt -that he had lost ground in her good opinion, though he could not exactly -tell why or how, and still less did he know how to recover it. His visit -was short, and his conversation confined entirely to professional subjects, -and he took his leave of her with a bow which was intended to express a -profound mixture of admiration and respect towards her, mingled with -regret, self-reproach, humility and penitence on his part. If any bow could -have conveyed so much meaning, it would certainly have been his, and it did -undoubtedly express the utmost that a bow could do. Emma drew a long breath -when he was gone, and whispered,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish he would never come again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth tried seriously to convince her that she was exceedingly unjust, -and pressed her to name any fault she could find with Mr. Morgan, of her -own knowledge, not speaking merely from hear-say. Emma's nerves were not in -a state to bear argument, and instead of answering she began to cry, and -went off in a fit of hysterics which Elizabeth had great difficulty in -soothing away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next morning Emma requested Elizabeth to procure her a visit from Mr. -Bridge; she could not rest longer without an interview, and she now felt -strong enough to make her wishes known. She would not allow any reference -to be made to Jane, but sent a request, in her own name, that he would call -on her, and when this request was complied with, as it speedily was, she -sent Elizabeth out of the room that she might have an unreserved -conversation with her old friend.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her first question to him was whether he had as yet done anything towards -procuring her removal from Croydon. He believed that she must recover her -health before anything could be done with that view. But she so earnestly -assured him that she should regain strength with twice the rapidity if he -would only let her know what he proposed to do, that he told her to set her -mind at ease, as he had already arranged a plan for her comfort. He had a -sister, a single lady, residing about fourteen miles from Croydon, and if -she liked to go and pass a few weeks with her, she would be sure of -retirement and tranquillity with every comfort that could be desired.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was delighted with the idea; she was certain she should like Miss -Bridge, and that nothing could be more agreeable than residing in the -country quite retired and with only one pleasant companion. There she -should continue, she trusted, until Miss Osborne renewed her solicitations -for her society, and even after that visit was paid she might return there. -She pictured to herself how she would engage in a thousand useful and -agreeable occupations, and how she would love the charming old lady on whom -she would attend with unremitting zeal. She declared that she felt herself -increasing every moment in strength by the contemplation of such a -residence, and she trusted that she should soon be out of sight and sound -of Mr. Morgan and all the inquisitorial residents of Croydon—how soon -should she be able to go?</p> - -<p class='c006'>This Mr. Bridge told her depended entirely on the state of her health; as -soon as she could be moved with safety he would take her in his own -carriage half of the way, where his sister would meet her and convey her -the other half.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, let it be to-morrow!" cried she; "I am sure I shall be well enough—my -strength is greater than you think."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well well, we will ask the doctor," replied he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do not ask Mr. Morgan anything about it," said Emma flushing again deeply. -"I do not want to have anything to do with him that I can help. I believe -it was one thing that made me ill, because they would have him to visit -me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Come, be reasonable," said he smiling; "if you talk in that way I shall -think you light-headed. Now I must leave you; I will see you again -to-morrow morning, and if I find you well enough, will send word to my -sister at once and settle your plans."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He took leave, and was quitting the room when he met Elizabeth returning, -and Emma anxious that her sister should immediately participate in her -pleasant prospects, begged him if he could spare a few minutes more to stop -and explain their plans. Miss Watson of course was very much pleased at -hearing what he had to tell, and immediately saw all the advantages to Emma -which such a removal would procure, except the <i>one</i> principal one, -which was the secret source of her sister's eagerness to put it in -execution. But she had never heard a syllable of the reports which had been -so industriously circulated relative to Emma and Mr. Morgan, and was very -far from imagining he could in any way, either as an object of love or of -hatred, influence her feelings or proceedings. She admitted that it was in -every way desirable that Emma should have a peaceful and comfortable home, -and the only thing she stipulated for was, that she should return to -Croydon as soon as she herself could offer her an equally comfortable abode -in her own house. This point Emma did not feel disposed to dispute, though -she secretly entered a protest against returning to Croydon for a residence -if she could in any way avoid it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She proved herself right in her anticipations that the relief to her mind -would be of essential service to her body; she was so very much better the -next morning as to be able to leave her bed-room, and sit up some time in -Janetta's nursery, and here she was, with her little niece standing beside -her, and no one else in the room, when Mr. Morgan was suddenly ushered in.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She received him with a calm self-possession which astonished herself, and, -at the same time, a degree of frigid composure which seemed to imply that -the past, both of good and evil, was swept from her mind, that she had to -begin again in her acquaintance with him, and meant only to recognise him -in future as the doctor, and not the friend. It was in vain that he sat -beside her, and in his most winning tones tried to establish confidence -between them; she was perfectly calm and composed, but impenetrably grave, -yielding to neither tenderness nor gaiety, and he was just rising to go -when she made her first suggestive observation, by telling him that she was -so much better she should be able to take a drive to-morrow. He assented, -of course, if the weather was favorable, and added, that as her sister had -no carriage he hoped he might be allowed to take her out in his. With -sincere pleasure at being able to decline it, Emma thanked him, assuring -him it was quite unnecessary, as Mr. Bridge had promised her his. He looked -disappointed; he could not bear that she should have any friends but -himself: what would he have felt, had he known the real object of the drive -in question.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His departure, which Emma had thought most unnecessarily delayed, left her -at liberty to think about Mr. Bridge's promised visit; she had long to -wait, he came delighted to see her better, and quite willing to acknowledge -that she might be removed the next day. The necessary arrangements he -undertook to make; he could send his sister word that she might expect -them, and he determined to drive over the whole way himself, and spend one -night at her house. He likewise agreed to go and inform her own brother and -his wife of what was about to take place, and thereby save Emma all -excitement, if the information should happen to be ill received.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Accordingly, in persuance of this plan, he paid Mrs. Watson a visit before -leaving the house, and in answer to his gentle tap at the door, received an -invitation to enter, which brought him into an extremely untidy and heated -parlour. Jane was sitting over the fire with her feet on the fender, her -gown turned up over her knees, and her petticoat emitting a strong smell of -scorching, which almost overpowered him. She was reading a work of some -kind, which she hid behind her when she saw her visitor, whilst she tried -to arrange her hair and cap in a rather less slatternly way. Margaret was -busy trimming a hat with white satin ribbons, and judging from the shreds -of white materials of divers kinds lying beside her, had been deeply -engrossed in the dress-making or millinery line. After sitting a few -minutes, Mr. Bridge enquired if he could see Mr. Watson, and though his -wife was quite certain it was impossible, it so happened that Robert -entered at that very time.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am so glad to see you," said Mr. Bridge on shaking hands with him, "I -wanted to get your leave to carry off your youngest sister."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What, Emma?" said Robert, "why she's ill I understand."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is better to-day," replied he, "but she wants change of air and scene, -and I want to get it for her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, what new fancy of hers is this?" exclaimed Mrs. Watson, "that girl's -head is always full of some strange vagary or another; it's only the other -day she would not walk out, and now she's wanting to go away, and she -keeping her bed and pretending to be ill."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Where do you want to take her to?" enquired Robert, unheeding his wife's -speech.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, my sister wishes for a companion, and I think they would suit each -other very well; and it really appears to me that she feels the confinement -and application necessary in her present mode of life too much for her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Mr. Bridge," cried Mrs. Watson in a fawning tone, "don't you, -please, believe that she is a prisoner, or acting under compulsion; I am -sure you would have too much regard for me to go and set such a story -about—only think what my feelings would be were such a story circulated -about my dear husband's sister."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not mean to say anything to hurt your feelings, Mrs. Watson," -replied the clergyman coolly, "but you cannot deny that your sister-in-law -has been ill, and that at present she is incapable of continuing her labors -as governess to your little girl: I do not exaggerate in that statement."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh dear no—but then she never had any great labors to go through; nothing -I am sure but what any one might accomplish."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am of opinion she has exerted herself too much in every way; and as my -sister's house will be very quiet, and they are persuaded they shall suit -each other, I really think the best thing she can do will be to go there."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't see that at all," replied Jane rather snappishly, "I cannot spare -her; I want her to take charge of Janetta; what am I to do without her?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I understood her services in that way were very trifling," interposed Mr. -Bridge.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Just her teaching may be," said she retracting a little, "but then she is -accustomed to take care of her all day long, and I cannot spare her from -that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not unless you find a substitute," said he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I cannot do that, I do not like to leave her entirely to servants, and -unless I mind the child myself what can I do; and I suppose no one would -expect <i>me</i> to become a slave to my little girl, and shut myself up in -a nursery."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then why exact it of her?" suggested Mr. Bridge.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Because whilst she is living at my husband's expense, I think it only fair -that I should profit from her cares in that way; and I consider it always a -charity to give young people something to do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That may be very true whilst she is here perhaps; but it seems to me a -little unreasonable, begging your pardon for saying so, to keep her against -her will, and then make her work to cover the expense of staying."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure I don't know why you should find fault: <i>I</i> have not -<i>time</i> to teach my child myself, if I had the health for such an -exertion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You never seem to have either time or inclination to do anything, Jane:" -said the husband, "look at this room—was there ever such an untidy pigsty -for a lady to live in; why cannot you take a little trouble and make it -look decent."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You had better arrange it after your own fashion," said she scornfully, -"if you do not like mine."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As to this plan of yours, Mr. Bridge," continued Robert, "I think it a -capital one; and the sooner you can take her away the better—when do you -mean to go?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Watson was silenced altogether, and Mr. Bridge proceeded to explain -the plan of their proceedings as proposed by himself. Robert highly -approved of it all, and gave his full consent and approbation to Mr. Bridge -with the more zest, because it appeared to annoy his wife. After this it -was of course vain for her to make objections; he was completely master of -his own house, and Jane knew, from sad experience, that she might produce -as much effect by talking to the tables and chairs as to him, when in one -of his stubborn fits.</p> - -<p class='c006'>All she could do, therefore, was to be as cross as possible for the rest of -the day to those around her, in consequence of which she was left to a -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with Margaret, as Elizabeth was upstairs -making preparations for Emma's departure, and Robert went out to spend the -evening with some bachelor friends.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch04' class='c004'>CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> -<p class='c005'>Punctually the next day, Mr. Bridge drove to the door, and at the same -moment Mr. Morgan entered the house. Emma was in the parlour quite ready -for her journey, and her eye sparkled with pleasure as she told him that -she should not trouble him to call on her again, for she was leaving -Croydon for a long time. He looked aghast.—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Going away," was his exclamation, as he cast an enquiring eye at the trunk -which Mr. Bridge's man was preparing to place on the carriage. "This is -quite unexpected—may I ask where you are going?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is Mr. Bridge who is taking me away," replied Emma, "and really I can -hardly answer as to <i>where</i> we are going. I am wishing to try a change -of air, as I do not find Croydon agree with me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"This is Mr. Bridge's doing then," said he, his face turning pale with an -emotion which she did not understand. He felt convinced that his plans had -been seen through and counteracted, and entertained, in consequence, -anything but a feeling of gratitude towards the agent of his -disappointment. At this moment the clergyman entered, and claimed Emma's -company, and after an affectionate farewell from Miss Watson, and a formal -bow from the doctor, she was hurried away. The other two ladies were out -walking, as Jane was determined not to countenance Emma's departure by her -presence on the occasion. Emma felt so very much relieved as she lost sight -of Croydon, and entered on a country quite new to her, that she fancied she -was deriving fresh health and strength from every breath she inhaled. She -was, however too weak to bear much conversation, and was content to lie -back in peace and silence in a corner of the carriage, quietly reposing on -the cushions with which she had been carefully propped, and enjoying the -luxury of seeing the varying landscape pass before her eyes, without making -any exertion. Mr. Bridge was reading; and in this way the fourteen miles -were pleasantly and quickly passed, and in about two hours from leaving -Croydon, they stopped at the door of Miss Bridge's residence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a small, old-fashioned house, with a thick screen of shrubs -surrounding it, and a few picturesque old Scotch firs standing on the -little grass plat which divided the front from the road. The walls were -covered with creeping shrubs, and it was evident that the owner loved -flowers, for early as it was in the year, the little porch was crowded with -showy plants, and odoriferous with the scent of the hyacinth, narcissus and -other sweet bulbs. The old lady came out to receive them, and the warmth of -her welcome, with the kindness of her manner, quite won Emma's heart at -once. She saw that her guest was fatigued, and would not allow her to exert -herself in any way; but leading her upstairs, made her rest on the bed, and -left her promising to return in a short time. The air of comfort which now -surrounded Emma, was truly grateful to her feelings; the airy and -well-furnished bed-room, the snowy curtains and drapery round the bed, the -comfortable furniture, all seemed to bespeak an attention to her wants, to -which she had long been a stranger; and as she lay there thinking over all -that was past, and wondering what was to come next, a deep feeling of -gratitude stole over her heart for finding herself at last in so peaceful -and apparently comfortable a home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Faithful to her promise, Miss Bridge returned speedily, bringing with her -some refreshment, of which she insisted on Emma's partaking; and then -desiring her to remain quiet for a couple of hours at least, she returned -to her brother, and spent the interval in learning every particular that he -could detail relative to her interesting young visitor.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When Emma woke from a refreshing slumber of several hours duration, the -first object which met her eyes was the countenance of Miss Bridge bending -over her. There was such a look of benevolent interest in that -good-tempered face, as would have sufficed to redeem a very plain set of -features from the charge of insipidity. But Miss Bridge was very far from -plain, and it was evident she must have been eminently handsome. She was -extremely thin, and her high features, and dark complexion made her look, -perhaps, rather older than she really was, but her eyes which were dark -hazel were still bright and lively. Her dress was that of an old woman, the -colours grave, and the materials rich, and though not exactly in the -reigning fashion of the day, yet sufficiently like it to prevent any -appearance of singularity, whilst it was perfectly becoming her age and -station. Emma felt sure that she should like her exceedingly, and quite -longed to be strong enough to converse with her. She was found so much -better as to be permitted to leave her room, and lie for a time on the sofa -in the drawing-room, though Miss Bridge still proscribed conversation, and -recommended quiet and rest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Everything that she saw gave her an idea of the comfort of her new home; -the well-filled book-shelves especially delighted her; she had enjoyed so -little time for reading lately that the sight of such a collection of books -was a most welcome prospect, and she anticipated with satisfaction the time -when she should be able to exert herself again, and commence the -acquisition of the Italian language; as she was extremely anxious to -increase her information and accomplishments to the utmost.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The next day the old clergyman took his leave, and telling Emma not to fret -about her friends at Croydon, and hoping when he came over next month, he -should find her with rosy cheeks and smiles to welcome him, he went off -quite satisfied that he had secured a comfortable home for his young -friend, and a desirable companion for his old sister.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Nothing could be more peaceful and pleasant to a contented mind than the -course of life in which Emma now engaged. She speedily recovered her -strength, and was able by early rising to enjoy several hours alone in the -morning, which she devoted to study; by this means she was always at -liberty to give her whole attention to Miss Bridge so soon as they met in -the drawing-room. Their fore-noons were employed in reading and needlework, -unless when Miss Bridge was writing letters or settling her household -matters. Walking out, or working in the garden occupied the afternoon, and -in both these occupations, as soon as Emma was strong enough, she took -great delight. The garden was cultivated with uncommon care; Miss Bridge -having quite a passion for floriculture, and Emma thought nothing could -exceed the beauty of her tulips, anemones and hyacinths, as they gradually -unfolded their blossoms. She became extremely interested in the pursuit, -and Miss Bridge more than once had to interfere to prevent her over tiring -herself by her zealous labours.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The country round their residence was extremely pretty; tracts of old -forest land with the huge old trees, survivors of many centuries, formed an -agreeable contrast to the agricultural districts interspersed in places; -and the steep sides of some of the chalky hills were clothed with hanging -beech woods equally picturesque with the green forest glades beneath. To -wander over this scenery, botanising amongst the lanes and hedgerows, or -visiting the various cottages in the neighbourhood, formed a delightful -variety to their labours in the garden. Emma found that next to the -clergyman, Miss Bridge was looked up to as the guardian and friend of the -poor.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Every wounded limb, or distressing domestic affliction was detailed to her. -Her advice was sought equally when the pig died, the baby was born, or the -husband was sick. Her medicine-chest was in frequent requisition, but her -kitchen and dairy still more so. For one dose of rhubarb which she -dispensed, she gave away at least two dinners, and those well acquainted -with the poor may judge whether by so doing she was not likely to prevent -as much illness as she cured; for by far the greater part of the diseases -amongst the labouring classes arise from scanty food and too thin clothing. -Of course she was the idol, the oracle of all the villagers, and the more -so because there was no squire nor squire's family in the parish to -diminish her importance or dim the lustre of her position. In fact she was -the sister of the last squire, and since his death, as his eldest son -resided on another property, the manor-house had stood empty and deserted. -It quite grieved Emma to see it, for the house with its gable-ends and -old-fashioned porch was very picturesque; but they derived one advantage -from the desolate condition in which it was left, as they had the -uncontrolled range of the gardens and pleasure-grounds, which were very -extensive. The little church stood within these grounds, and by its -situation somewhat reminded her of Osborne Castle. But how different was -the Rector. He was an old, formal bachelor, living with an unmarried -sister, extremely nervous and shy, and more remarkable for his total -disregard to punctuality than any other point. This was peculiarly evident -on the Sunday, when the whole congregation were always assembled at least a -quarter of an hour before his appearance amongst them. If the day was fine, -they did not enter the church but remained strolling up and down the -pasture in which it stood, until the minister appeared and led the way into -the sacred building. The congregation, which was almost entirely composed -of the rural population, presented a very different aspect from that at -Croydon; there were few smart bonnets, and the gayest articles of apparel -in the church were the scarlet cloaks of the women. The dark and -old-fashioned building itself had no ornaments but the hatchments belonging -to the Bridge family, and one or two ugly and cumbrous monuments upon the -walls, which seemed intended to record that certain individuals had been -born and died, though what they did when living was now totally forgotten.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the service was concluded, the clergyman quitted the pulpit and walked -out before all his congregation, who stood up respectfully to let him pass, -and then Miss Bridge and Emma, who had their seat in the squire's pew, -followed before any one else presumed to stir from their places: there was -then a friendly greeting between the Rector and his principal parishioners, -after which they took their quiet way homewards, to partake of their early -dinner, and return to the afternoon service.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Such was the tenor of Emma's life, whilst she remained with Miss Bridge—the -only incident that varied the scene, was a drive over to Croydon one day, -in order to attend Margaret's wedding. Emma had recovered her strength so -rapidly, that she was perfectly equal to the exertion, and Margaret had -sent a pressing invitation not only to her, but to Miss Bridge likewise. It -was, therefore, settled that they should go and spend the night at the -vicarage, as Robert Watson's house was quite full—with the addition of some -cousins of his wife, who were paying a visit. In consequence of this -arrangement, she did not see her future brother-in-law that day; but -Elizabeth spent the afternoon with them. She saw, with sincere pleasure, -how much Emma was improved in looks—she was plumper and fresher—more -blooming and bewitching than ever; and so thought Mr. Morgan too—for he -likewise, called to see her—and was quite startled with the alteration in -her appearance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I need not ask you <i>how</i> you are," said he, fixing on her eyes which -spoke his admiration as plainly as if he had put it into words; "you are -looking <i>so</i> well."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was forced to turn away, for the expression of his face was too openly -admiring to be pleasant.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth had a long chat with her in private: there was so much to learn -about her new way of life, and so much to tell in return, that it seemed as -if four and twenty hours instead of two, might have been talked away with -ease. There was much to discuss about Margaret's prospects; Elizabeth was -very little satisfied with Tom Musgrove, and only wondered that her sister -appeared so well pleased as she did. He was careless and cold—almost to -insolence—and had, evidently, tried to annoy her in every way he could; -flirting with every girl who came in his way, and only shewing that he was -not careless to her feelings, by his repeated attempts to wound them. To -all this she seemed perfectly indifferent—whether from vanity, she really -did <i>not</i> see, or from wilful blindness she <i>would</i> not perceive -his meaning, Elizabeth could not tell; but she always continued to preserve -a most satisfied air; and when slighted by Tom, sought peace and -contentment in the contemplation of her wedding presents and bridal finery; -constantly talking as if she enjoyed the unlimited affection of the most -amiable and agreeable man in the world.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And who do you think appeared amongst us last week?" continued Elizabeth, -"actually Lord Osborne! Ah! you color and look pleased—and well you may—for -I have no doubt Croydon would never have seen his countenance, if he had -not thought you still living here!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Lord Osborne!" said Emma astonished, "what brought his lordship here—do -you know?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The ostensible reason, was to bring a present to Margaret from his -sister—a very pretty necklace as a wedding present; but the real reason, I -have not the smallest doubt was, to see you—and had he not supposed you -were still here, the parcel might have come by the coach, for any trouble -he would have given himself about it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was very good-natured of Miss Osborne, to remember Margaret in that -way," said Emma, "how pleased she must have been."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I think she was—it seemed even to put Tom in a better humour with her -and every thing—it gave her a sort of consequence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What did Lord Osborne say?" enquired Emma, hoping to hear something -relative to Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! we had a long talk together, and he enquired particularly about you, -and where and how you were; and he said he hoped very soon to see you. He -talked about expecting you to visit his sister; in short, he seemed to have -a great deal to say for himself—and really for <i>him</i>, was quite -agreeable. To be sure, I do not think him quite so pleasant as George -Millar, but every body need not have my taste of course."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I should like to have seen him—did he say nothing about our friends, -Mrs. Willis and her brother—how are they?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He said, what I was sorry to hear, that Mr. Howard appeared ill and out of -spirits. I wonder what can be the matter with him—do you think he can be in -love?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not in his confidence," said Emma, coloring deeply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You will see him, of course," said Elizabeth, "if you go to Osborne -Castle—be sure and let me know what you think of him, then; do ascertain if -he is in love."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You had better make observations for yourself, Elizabeth," replied her -sister, "how can I judge of a sentiment with which I am unacquainted; wait -till you visit Margaret, and you will be able to form your own opinions."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think I shall ever visit Margaret," replied Elizabeth; "so if I -do not see Mr. Howard under any other circumstances, our chance of meeting -is but small."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The wedding-day was as bright and sunshiny as any bride could desire. -Emma's thoughts wandered from Margaret and her companions to the bridal -party in London, who she imagined would be engaged in the same ceremony -about the same hour. She knew Mr. Howard was to officiate for her friend, -and she tried to picture the scene to herself; then she imagined another -group, where Mr. Howard himself should perform the part of bridegroom; and -wondered what her own feelings would be if she were the witness of such a -spectacle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was ashamed of herself when she recalled her mind from this vision, and -she tried to think of something more appropriate to the occasion. She -joined in the prayers for her sister's happiness, but her heart trembled as -she thought of her prospects; however, it was no use foreboding evil—she -tried to hope for the best.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret was not satisfied with her two sisters as bridesmaids, but both -she and Tom had insisted on having four more from amongst her intimate -friends. One of these was the younger Miss Morgan, and as a compliment to -her, her brother was invited to be of the party to church. He stood by -Emma; but she was unconscious of it, until, when the ceremony was -concluded, and there was a general congratulation, and kissing going on, -she felt her hand clasped by some one, and on her turning round, he -whispered in her ear,—"When shall you stand in your sister's place?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before she had time to answer, or even to understand exactly what he had -said, her new-made brother came up and claimed the right of kissing her—the -double right in fact, both as bridegroom and brother—and when she had -submitted to the infliction, she again heard it whispered into her ear:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"<i>That</i> is the only part which I envy Mr. Musgrove."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma moved away without looking round again, and took her station by the -side of her friend, Miss Bridge, where she felt convinced that Mr. Morgan -would not dare to intrude on her. There was something in the change of -manner which he had lately assumed to her, most particularly offensive and -grating to her feelings.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Another thing she could not avoid remarking was, that some of the young -ladies affected to shun her, shrinking away when she approached, and -abruptly changing the conversation, as if some mystery were going on -between them. This was more particularly evident during the party which -succeeded the wedding; when she found herself rather a conspicuous person -two or three times, being left alone by those she approached—and on more -than one occasion, seeing a group suddenly disperse on her drawing near; -she did not comprehend the reason of this, but she felt it particularly -disagreeable; and it induced her as soon as she noticed it, to keep close -to Miss Bridge, in order to avoid the feeling of solitude in a crowd which -was so distressing to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The meeting after the wedding was as dull as such affairs usually are, and -right glad was Emma when the time for retiring came, and she was able to -return to the peaceful vicarage. The next day she again left Croydon, and -once more found repose and tranquillity beneath Miss Bridge's hospitable -roof.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch05' class='c004'>CHAPTER V.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Much as Emma's thoughts had been dwelling on her acquaintance in London, -she little guessed the scene that had really been passing, or the prominent -figure which Mr. Howard had made on the occasion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the ceremony was performed, the breakfast over, and the new married -couple had left the house, Lady Osborne retired to her dressing-room, and -thither she sent for Mr. Howard. Without the slightest suspicion as to the -real object of her wishes, he obeyed the summons, and found her ladyship -alone.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She requested him to be seated, and then looked exceedingly embarrassed, -and not a little silly; but after some attempts at conversation, which -ended in total failures, she suddenly observed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The marriage of my daughter makes a great difference to me, Mr. Howard."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of course it must," replied he, rather wondering what would come next.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I fear I shall find myself very uncomfortable if I continue in the same -style of life I have done before; without Miss Osborne I shall be quite -lost."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard could not help thinking that he should have supposed few mothers -would have felt the change so little. They had never been companions or -appeared of any consequence to each other. However he felt it his duty to -make some cheering observation, and therefore ventured to suggest that her -ladyship should not give way to such desponding thoughts: she might, -perhaps, find it less painful than she anticipated.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are very kind to try to cheer me in my melancholy situation, but, Mr. -Howard, I have always found you so, and I am deeply indebted to you for the -many hours of comfort you have at different times procured for me. You have -always been my friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He did not at all know what to say to this speech, and was therefore -silent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you consider," continued she, "that gratitude is a good foundation for -happiness in the married state?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is, no doubt, a good foundation for affection," replied he, "but unless -the superstructure is raised, I do not think the foundation will be of much -use. It is not sufficient of itself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You distress me by your opinion, I had hoped that to secure gratitude was -the certain way to produce love."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I apprehend that your ladyship will find it much more easy to deserve -gratitude than to <i>secure</i> it; it is an intractable virtue, and favors -which are supposed to have this return as their object, are apt to fail -entirely in their purpose."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am very sorry you say so, Mr. Howard; I wish I could secure love from -the objects of my affection. I fear the case is exactly the reverse."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The gentleman was silent, and a pause ensued between them, which the lady -broke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What do you think of my daughter's marriage?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think," replied he, "it has every promise of securing them mutual -happiness—I hope this as sincerely as I wish it. Sir William is an -excellent young man."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The marriage is not so high a one as what <i>my</i> daughter might have -aspired to—she has given up all dreams of ambition—do you not see that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of course Miss Osborne might have married the equal or the superior to her -brother in rank," said Mr. Howard, "but she has acted far more wisely, in -my opinion, in preferring worth and affection, though not accompanying so -splendid an alliance as possibly her friends have expected for her. Sir -William has wealth to satisfy a less reasonable woman than Lady Gordon, and -if his rank is sufficiently elevated to content her, she can have no more -to desire."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do not imagine, Mr. Howard, from what I said that I was regretting the -difference in rank; on the contrary, I believe most fully that as she was -attached to Sir William, Miss Osborne could do nothing better than marry -him. Far be it from me to wish any one to sacrifice affection to ambition. -Had there been even more difference in their rank, had the descent been -decidedly greater—had he been of really plebeian origin, I should not have -objected when her affections were fixed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot imagine that there was any possibility of such an event; Miss -Osborne would never have fixed her affections on an unsuitable object, as -any one decidedly beneath her would have been."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you then consider it unsuitable, where love directs, to step out of -one's own sphere to follow its dictates?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am decidedly averse to unequal marriages—even when the husband is the -superior, if the inequality is very great I am inclined to think it does -not tend to promote happiness: but when their positions are reversed, and -the man, instead of elevating his wife, drags her down to a level beneath -that where she had previously moved, it can hardly fail to produce some -degree of domestic discomfort."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Alas, I am grieved that your opinion should be so contrary to my favorite -theories; I can imagine nothing more delightful than for a woman to -sacrifice station and rank, to forego an elevated position, and to lay down -her wealth at the feet of some man distinguished only by his wit and worth; -to have the proud happiness of securing thus his eternal gratitude."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think a man must be very selfish and self-confident, who could venture -to ask such a sacrifice from any woman. I could not."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I am supposing that the sacrifice is voluntary, proposed, planned, and -arranged entirely by herself—women have been capable of this—what should -you say to it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot tell what I should say, for I cannot imagine myself in such a -situation. Your ladyship takes pleasure in arranging little romances, but -such circumstances are unlikely to occur in real life."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And why? what do you suppose is the reason why, in this prosaic world, we -are governed only by titles—empty sounds, not to be compared to the -sterling merits of virtue and learning? Mr. Howard, I prefer a man of -sense, learning, and modesty to all the coxcombs who ever wore a coronet or -paraded a title."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your ladyship is quite right," replied he, beginning to get a little -uncomfortable at the looks of his companion, and rather anxious to put a -stop to the conference.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And if that man were too modest to be sensible of the preference, if he -could not venture, on his own account, to break through the barriers which -difference of station had placed between us, should he be shocked if, -despising etiquette, and throwing aside the restraints of pride and -reserve, I were to venture to express those feelings in all their native -warmth and openness?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was silent, and Lady Osborne continued for some moments in profound -thought likewise, looking down at the carpet and playing with her rings: at -length she raised her head, and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you understand my meaning, Mr. Howard. Of the nature of my -feelings I am sure you must have been long aware. Do you not see to what -this conversation tends?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He appeared excessively embarrassed, and could not, for some minutes, -arrange his ideas sufficiently to know what to say. At length he stammered -out—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your ladyship does me too much honour, if I rightly understand your -meaning—but perhaps—I should be sorry to misinterpret it—and really you -must excuse me—perhaps I had better withdraw."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, Mr. Howard, do not go with a half explanation which can only lead to -mistakes. Tell me what you really suppose I meant; why should you hesitate -to express—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Seriously," replied he, trying to smile,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I for a moment imagined that your ladyship meant to apply to me what you -had just been saying, and I feared you were going to tell me of some friend -who would make the sacrifices you so eloquently described. Sacrifices which -I felt would be far beyond my deserts."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And supposing I did say so—supposing there were a woman of rank and -wealth, and influence, who would devote them all to you—what would you -say?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I would say, that though excessively obliged to her, my love was not to be -the purchase of either wealth or influence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know you are entitled to hold worldly advantages as cheap as any one; -but remember, my dear friend, all the worth of such a sacrifice—think of -the warmth of an affection which could trample on ceremony and brave -opinion. And think on the consequences which might accrue to you from this. -Even you may well pause, before preferring mediocrity to opulence, and -obscurity to rank and eminence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"These advantages would not greatly weigh with me were they attainable—but -you forget my profession forbids ambition, and removes the means of -advancement."</p> - -<p class='c006'>—"No, you forget the gradations which exist in that career—do you treat as -nothing the certainty of promotion—of rising to be a dignitary of the -church—a dean—a bishop, perhaps—becoming at once a member of the Upper -House? Has ambition no charms—no hold upon your mind?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My ambition would never prompt me to wish to rise through my wife—I could -not submit to that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Hard-hearted, cruel man!—and has love, ardent love, no charms for you?—it -is true I cannot offer you the first bloom of youth, but have I no traces -of former beauty—no charm which can influence you or soften your heart—has -not the uncontrollable though melancholy love which actuates me—has that no -power over your affections?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She paused, and Mr. Howard hesitated a moment how to answer, then firmly -but respectfully replied,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If I understand your ladyship aright, and I think I cannot now -misunderstand, you pay me the highest compliment, but one which is quite -undeserved by me. Highly as I feel honoured, however, I cannot change my -feelings, or alter the sentiments which I have already expressed. My mind -was made known to you, before yours was to me, and to vary now from what I -then said might well cause you to doubt my sincerity, and could give no -satisfaction to your ladyship."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He stopped abruptly; he wanted to say something indicative of gratitude and -respect; but the disgust which he felt at her proceedings, prevented the -words coming naturally. She, the mother of a married daughter and a grown -up son, to be making proposals to a man so much her junior in age, and in -every way unsuited for her—really, he could not command the expressions -which, perhaps, politeness and a sense of the compliment paid him required. -He rose and appeared about to leave her, but she rose likewise, and said -with a look which betrayed indignation struggling with other feelings:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, do not leave me thus—reflect before you thus madly throw away the -advantages I offer you—consider the enmity you provoke—calculate the depth -of my wrath and the extent of my power. Refuse me, and there is no effort -to injure you which I will not practise to revenge myself—you shall -bitterly rue this day, if you affront me thus!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot vary from my answer; your ladyship may excite my gratitude by -your kindness but neither my love nor my fears are to be raised by promises -or menaces. On this subject I must be, apparently, ungrateful; but when the -temporary delusion which now influences you has passed away, you will, -doubtless, rejoice that I am firm to-day. I must leave you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Leave me, then; and let me never see that insidious face again, ungrateful -monster; to throw my benefits from you—to reject my advances. Is my -condescension to be thus rewarded? But I debase myself by talking to -you—leave me—begone!—and take only my enmity with you as your portion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The lady seemed struggling with vehement emotions, which almost choked her; -and knowing she was occasionally attacked with dangerous fits, Mr. Howard -hesitated about leaving her alone. By a gesture of her hand, however, she -repulsed his offer to approach her; he therefore, slowly withdrew, and his -mind was relieved of anxiety for her by seeing her maid enter the room -before he had descended the stairs. He then hurried away, and tried, by -walking very quickly through the most retired paths in Kensington Gardens, -to soothe his feelings and tranquillize his mind.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Had there been no Emma Watson in the world, or had she been, as he feared -she would soon be, married to Lord Osborne, he must still have refused the -proposal which had just been made to him. It never could have presented -itself as a temptation to his mind. But under present circumstances, with a -heart full of her memory, all the more precious, the more dwelt on, because -he feared she would never be more to him, it was more than impossible, it -was entirely repulsive. If he must love her in vain, as he told himself he -should, that was no reason he should marry another; and if she were to -become Lady Osborne as he feared, her mother-in-law would be the last -person he would be tempted to accept. Step-father to <i>her</i> husband—oh, -impossible! rather would he remove a thousand miles than voluntarily bring -himself into contact with that charming girl in that relationship. If he -could not have her, he would remain single for her and for his sister's -sake, and his nephew should hold the place of son to him. These were his -resolutions, and a further determination to avoid all intercourse at -present with the dowager was the only other idea which could find any -resting place in his troubled brain. He returned the next day to his -Vicarage, and there, with his sister, his garden and his parochial duties, -he sought alike to forget the pleasures and the pains of the past.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch06' class='c004'>CHAPTER VI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>A month of tranquillity and peace of mind, passed in the society of Miss -Bridge, was sufficient to restore Emma Watson to all her former health and -more than her former beauty. When Lady Gordon wrote to remind her of the -promised visit, she was almost sorry to go. Yet her heart would flutter a -little at the notion of again visiting Osborne Castle—of being again in the -vicinity of Mr. Howard, of seeing, hearing, meeting him again. It was very -foolish to care so much about it—extremely so when he had so completely -shown his own indifference, and yet she could not help feeling a good deal -at the idea of meeting.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She called it curiosity to see how he was looking, when she admitted that -thoughts of him had anything to do with it; but more often she persisted -that it was affection for Lady Gordon, or a wish to see her old -neighbourhood, or to visit Osborne Castle in the summer. In short, she -found a hundred surprisingly good reasons why she should wish to go to -Osborne Castle, any one of which would have been sufficient had it only -been true, but as they were mostly imaginary, she never felt quite deceived -about them in her own mind. This was provoking, as she would have liked, -had she been able, to convince herself that she no longer took any interest -in Mr. Howard. She had, however, a right to remember his sister with -regard, and she readily owned to herself that she should be extremely glad -to renew her acquaintance with Mrs. Willis. She hoped to see Margaret -again, and judge of the comparative happiness of her married life. Yet she -looked back with regret to the four past weeks and reckoned them as some of -the happiest she had ever known. Elizabeth had spent part of the time with -her, and she had enjoyed herself so very much.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The more she had known of Miss Bridge, the better she had liked her, and -the parting was accompanied with mutual regrets and hopes of meeting again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was June when she returned to Osborne Castle—June with its deep blue -skies—its sunny days—its delicious twilight; June with its garlands of -roses scenting the air, and its odoriferous hay-fields. The weather was -such as any lover of nature must revel in—delicious summer weather—fit for -strolling in the shade or sitting under trees, making believe to read, -whilst you were really watching the birds flitting among the bushes, or the -bees humming in the flowers—weather for enjoying life in perfect -listlessness and idleness—when scarcely any occupation could be followed up -beyond arranging a <i>bouquet</i> or reading a novel. So thought and so -declared the young bride when her husband pressed her to engage in any -serious pursuit; she enjoyed the pleasure of teasing him by her refusals -perhaps rather more than she ought to have done, but she never teased him -very far now; she knew what he would bear, and ventured not to go beyond -it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad Emma Watson is coming today," said she, as she threw herself on -a seat in the flower-garden; "you will have something else to look at then -besides me, and I shall quite enjoy the change."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you sure of that, Rosa?" said he doubtfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why you have not the impertinence to suppose that I value your incessant -attentions," said she; "can you not imagine how tired I am of being the -sole object of your love. Emma Watson shall listen to the grave books you -so much love, shall talk of history or painting with you, shall sit as your -model, and leave me in my beloved indolence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"May I enquire if you suppose you are teasing or pleasing me by this -arrangement, Rosa—is it to satisfy me or yourself?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, don't ask troublesome questions; I hate investigations as to meanings -and motives—all I want is to be left alone, and not asked to ride or walk -when I had rather lie on a sofa in quiet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Shall I leave you now then, my dear little wife?" enquired he smilingly, -and offering to go as he spoke. "I have a letter to write now, and you can -stay here in solitude."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He returned to the Castle, she remained musing where he left her, and thus -it happened that when Emma was announced, she found the young baronet alone -in their morning sitting-room. He laid down his pen and advanced to meet -her with great cordiality, desiring a message to be sent to summon his -lady.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After expressing the pleasure it gave him to see her again, he observed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who would have thought, Miss Watson, when we last met, that I should be -receiving you in this castle; did you prognosticate such an event?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not precisely," replied Emma, "so far as concerned myself; but as relating -to Miss Osborne—I mean Lady Gordon—any one must have foreseen it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, when such things are foreseen, Miss Watson, it most -frequently happens that they never come to pass. I have repeatedly seen -instances of this kind." He spoke with an arch smile, and a faint idea -passed through her mind that she was in his thoughts at the moment; an idea -which might, perhaps, have embarrassed her more had it not been swallowed -up—annihilated entirely by a more powerful sensation, as the door opened -and Lady Gordon entered with Mr. Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was fortunate that the enquiries of the former—her expressions of -pleasure, and her caresses, were an excuse for Emma's not immediately -turning to the gentleman—had they been obliged to speak at once, it is -probable their dialogue would have been peculiar—interesting but -unconnected—as the man said of Johnson's dictionary. As it was, they both -had time to collect their thoughts—and when they did turn, were able to go -through their interview with tolerable calmness; but Emma had the -advantage—as ladies frequently have where circumstances require a ready -tact and presence of mind. Indeed, they did not start on fair ground—since -she had only one set of sensations to contend with and conceal—he had -more—for, besides the emotion which the sight of her occasioned him, he had -the double evil of being convinced it was contrary to the requisitions of -honour, to feel any extraordinary pleasure in her company. Had not Lord -Osborne made him his confidant relative to his attachment, or had Howard -boldly owned to his lordship at the time, that he entertained similar -views, all would have been right, and he might openly have expressed the -interest which he now was compelled carefully to smother. His address was -cold and formal—the very contrast to his feelings—and extremely ill done -likewise; Emma, chilled by the reception so different to what she had -ventured to expect, began to fear her own manners had been too openly -indicative of pleasure at the sight of him; and determined to correct this -error she almost immediately followed Lady Gordon, who had sauntered -towards the conservatory.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Come here," said the young hostess, linking her arm in Emma's, "let us -leave the gentlemen to discuss the parish politics together. Mr. Howard -came on business, and Sir William dearly loves meddling with it. Now, you -must tell me all the news of Croydon. Have you no scandal to enliven -me?—with whom has the lawyer quarrelled? or to whom has the apothecary been -making love."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma colored and laughed a little. Lady Gordon smilingly watched her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"To you, I suppose, by your blushes, Miss Watson; well, that gives me a -higher idea of <i>his</i> taste, than I have been accustomed to form of -country-town doctors. How many lovers have you to boast of? Beginning with -Lord Osborne, and ending with this nameless son of Esculapius?—tell me all.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, I have no such honors to boast," replied Emma, "no one has sought -me, and probably no one ever will:" this was followed by a little sigh.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nay, do not be so desponding—a little chill is nothing," cried Lady -Gordon, "but I am not going to pry into your secrets. This conservatory has -given us enough of trouble in that way already. By the way, you will, of -course, like to go over and call on your sister, Mrs. Musgrove—when will it -suit you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"To-morrow, if you please," replied Emma, gratefully; Lady Gordon promised -that the means of conveyance should be at her service, and they proceeded -to discuss other topics.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She insisted on detaining Mr. Howard to spend the afternoon and to dine -with them—pleading, as a reason, the absence of his sister, who was away on -a visit; and when this point was carried and settled, she led them out into -the flower garden again, and loitered away the rest of the intervening -time, amidst the perfume of summer flowers, and the flickering lights and -shadows of the alcoves, and their gay creeping plants. It was the day and -place for love making; who could resist the fascinating influence of sweet -scents, sunshine, murmuring fountains and soft summer airs? Not Mr. Howard, -certainly! Gradually his frozen manner melted away—his purposes of reserve -were forgotten, and he became once more the Mr. Howard of Emma's first -acquaintance, pleasant and gay—sensible and agreeable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon left them several times together, whilst she occupied herself -with her flowers or her tame pheasants; and each successive time of her -absence, there was less check and constraint in his manner; and when, at -last, she totally disappeared, and they were left without other witnesses -in that delightful spot, than the silent trees, or the trickling waters, -his reserve had disappeared altogether, and she could converse with him as -in former times.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have you enjoyed your visit at Croydon, Miss Watson," enquired he, -presently.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She looked surprised at the question.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Enjoyed it," she repeated—then, after a momentary hesitation added, "I -wonder you can apply such a term to circumstances connected with so much -that is—that must be most painful."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was exceedingly vexed with himself for the question, and attempted to -make some excuse for the inadvertence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is unnecessary." she replied, with a something almost of bitterness in -her tone, "I had no right to expect that the memory of our misfortune would -remain, when we ourselves were removed from sight. <i>I</i> ought rather to -apologise for answering your question so uncivilly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, no, indeed," cried he eagerly, "I cannot admit that—but indeed, Miss -Watson, you do me injustice, and the same to all your former friends in -that last speech. We cannot cease to regret the misfortune—the Providential -dispensation, which in removing your excellent father from among us, robbed -us likewise of you and your sisters."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear father," said Emma involuntarily, her eyes filling with tears—she -turned away her head.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was of course a terrible wound to you," said he softly, and stepping up -quite close to her, "but not one which you need despair of time's healing; -<i>your</i> good sense, <i>your</i> principles must assist you to view the -occurrence in its true light. It must not sadden your whole life, or rob -you of all pleasure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"True—but there are other sorrows connected with it—" she stopped abruptly, -then went on again, "however I have no right to complain. I have still -<i>some</i> friends left—my loss of fortune has not entailed the loss of -<i>all</i> those whom I reckoned amongst my friends; though an event of -that kind is a good touch-stone for new and untried friendships."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Can you imagine," cried he eagerly, "that such a circumstance can make the -shadow of a difference to any one worth knowing. It is, I own, too, too -common—but surely <i>you</i> have not met with such instances."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She shook her head and looked half reproachfully at him: in her own heart, -she had felt inclined to charge him with this feeling.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should have thought," continued he warmly, "you would have said—at least -you would have found it like the words of the old song, that—</p> -<div class='lg-container-l c000'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in5'>"Friends in all the old you meet,</div> - <div class='line in6'>And brothers in the young."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c007'>"I believe it is not usual," replied she trying to speak playfully, "to -attach much value to an old song—we may consider that as a poetical -fiction."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked very earnestly at her and said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You fancy friends have deserted you, owing to a change in your -prospects—do not—allow me to advise you—do not give way to such -feelings—they will not make you happy."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"They do not make me <i>un</i>happy, I assure you," said she with spirit; -"the value I place on such fluctuating friendships is low indeed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In one single instance, perhaps, it may be so—but you had better not dwell -on such ideas; they will create eventually a habit of mind which must tend -to produce secret irritation and uneasiness. The allowing yourself to think -it—much more expressing that thought <i>can</i> do you no good, and each -repetition deepens the impression!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He spoke so gently, with such a low, earnest tone, she could not resist or -for a moment longer indulge her half-formed suspicions relative to him and -his sister. Whether he had guessed her feelings she could not tell; his -eyes were fixed on her with too much of interest to allow her to attempt -reading the whole of their meaning. She never liked him so well as when -thus, and with justice, reproving her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say you are right," said she meekly, "I will try to repress such -feelings—indeed I am ashamed I ever gave them utterance—and here too, where -I have been so very kindly welcomed!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And I am to imagine then," continued he, "that Croydon offers few -attractions to you—a country town is not usually agreeable except to those -who love gossip, of which I do not suspect you; but you must have found -some compensations."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was a great pleasure to look forward to Elizabeth being so comfortably -settled," replied Emma, "I like my future brother very much, and am pleased -with his family. I have no doubt of <i>her</i> happiness—and the style of -life will not be irksome to her—but I love the country, and country -pursuits, and was right glad to exchange the noisy streets of Croydon for -the delightful groves of Burton—its meadows and green-lanes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have not then been the whole time at Croydon?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She explained—he had certainly been in a state of complete darkness as to -her movements lately; and she really felt a momentary mortification that he -should have been contented to remain in such profound ignorance. Yet she -also rejoiced that he had never heard anything relative to the course of -events which had occasioned her so much pain at Croydon, and driven her -from the place. He knew nothing of Mr. Morgan.</p> - -<p class='c006'>How much longer they would have been content to loiter in that pleasant -flower-garden cannot now be known, but they were only induced to leave it -by the sound of the gong, which summoned them to the Castle to prepare for -dinner. The hour which they had thus enjoyed had been one of the -pleasantest to Emma which she could recollect, and the witchery of it to -Howard himself would have been quite unrivalled, had his conscience been -easy on reflection, with regard to Lord Osborne's plans and hopes. He -tormented himself with the idea that it was unjust to his friend to take -advantage of his absence; yet a flattering hope dwelt in his heart, that -<i>she</i> had shown no reluctance to the interview; nay, if his wishes did -not deceive and mislead him, there was a glance in her averted eye, and a -rich mantling of colour over her cheek once or twice, which spoke anything -but aversion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>And if so—if he really had been so fortunate as to inspire her with a -partiality so delightful, was he not privileged—more than privileged—bound -in honour to her to prove himself deserving of such feelings, and capable -of appreciating them. This conviction gave him a degree of confidence and -animation quite different from the manners he had exhibited when they had -previously met at Osborne Castle, and Emma found him as pleasant as in the -earlier stage of their acquaintance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you still partial to early walks, Miss Watson," enquired Sir William -in the course of the evening, "or is it only in frosty winter mornings that -you indulge in such a recreation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah, I had a very pleasant ramble that morning," said Emma, "at least till -the rain came and spoilt it all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A very mortifying way of concluding," said Sir William, laughing, "for I -came with the rain. I wish you had not put in that reservation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not so ungrateful as to include you and the rain in the same -condemnation," replied she, "you were of great assistance in my -distresses."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But if you wish to indulge in the same amusement now, you will have -abundance of time, as Lady Gordon is by no means so precipitate in her -habits of rising and performing her morning toilette, as to compel her -guests to abridge their walks before breakfast. Perhaps as a compliment to -you, and by making very great speed she may contrive to complete her -labours in that way by ten or eleven o'clock."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I do not pretend to deny it," said Lady Gordon, "I am excessively -indolent, and dearly love the pleasure of doing nothing. But Sir William is -always anxious to make me out much worse than I am."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But you have not answered my question as to your intentions for to-morrow, -Miss Watson, and I have a great wish to know whether you are proposing an -excursion; because I think it would be much more agreeable if we can -contrive to walk together, and if I know at what time you intend to start, -I will take care to be in the way."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is he serious, Lady Gordon?" enquired Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is a most uncommon event if he is so, I assure you," replied the young -wife, "and, indeed, I would not take upon myself to assert such a thing of -him at any time—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do not believe all the scandal my lady there will say of me," returned Sir -William, "but just say at once that you will walk to-morrow morning, and -that you will be particularly happy if I and Mr. Howard will join you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma blushed deeply, and hardly knew what to answer, but Lady Gordon saved -her the trouble of replying, by exclaiming at the presumption and -self-conceit of her husband, declaring that he had completely reversed the -proper order of things, and that he deserved a decided negative from Emma, -for having expected her to profess such extraordinary satisfaction at his -company.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma made believe to consider the proposal entirely as a joke, but somehow, -without knowing exactly how, it was settled that the proposed excursion -should take place, and that Mr. Howard was to meet them at a particular -spot, from whence they were to ascend the hill behind the Castle to enjoy -the prospect bathed in a morning's sunshine. Lady Gordon privately gave her -husband many injunctions not to interfere with the lovers, and whilst -keeping near enough to take away all appearance of impropriety, to be sure -and give them plenty of time for quiet intercourse. In return for her -consideration, he only laughed at her, and accused her of a great -inclination to intrigue, assuring her she had much better leave such -affairs to take their chance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The walk, however, took place as was planned, and was exceedingly enjoyed -by all three, though Mr. Howard did not take that occasion of declaring his -passion: indeed he would have had some difficulty in finding an -opportunity, as Sir William did not follow Lady Gordon's suggestions of -leaving them together.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mindful of her promise, Lady Gordon sent her guest over the next morning to -pay her first visit to Mrs. Tom Musgrove. It was with rather a feeling of -doubt and hesitation that Emma ventured to her sister's house; anxious as -she was to see her and judge for herself, and curious to observe the -manners which Tom Musgrove adopted as a married man, she could not help -some internal misgivings as to the result of her investigations.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She had never seen the house before, and though she had been previously -warned of the fact that it had no beauty to recommend it, she was not -exactly prepared for the bare, unsheltered situation, and the extreme -unsightliness of the building itself. Tom had always spent too much money -on his horses and their habitation, to have any to spare for beautifying -his house during the days of his bachelorship and he was far too angry at -the constraint put upon him in his marriage, to feel any inclination to -exert himself for the reception of his bride. She had therefore no -additions for her accommodation, no gay flower-garden, not even any new -furniture to boast of, and her glory must consist alone in the fact of her -new name, and her security from living and dying an old maid.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Most people would have thought that security dearly purchased, but if such -were Margaret's thoughts, she had not as yet given utterance to them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma found her lying on a sofa, and in spite of her very gay dress, and an -extremely becoming cap, evidently out of spirits and cross, yet wanting to -excite her sister's envy of her situation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, Emma," said she, sharply, "I am glad you have come over to see me, -though I must say I think your friend, Lady Gordon, since she is such a -great friend of yours, might have paid me the compliment of calling with -you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She thought it would be pleasanter if we met first without her," said -Emma, cheerfully, "but she desired me to express the pleasure it would give -her to see you and Mr. Musgrove at Osborne Castle any day you would name!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Somewhat mollified by this unexpected attention, Margaret smiled slightly, -then again relapsing into her usual pettish air, she observed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you might say something about the house and drawing-room—what do -you think of it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was exceedingly puzzled what to answer, as it was difficult for her to -combine sincerity with anything agreeable; but after looking round for a -minute she was able to observe that the room was of a pretty shape, and had -a pleasant aspect.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It wants new furnishing sadly," continued Margaret, pleased with her -sister's praise; "but Tom is so stingy of money, I am sure I do not know -when I am to do it. Would not pale blue damask satin curtains look lovely -here—with a gold fringe or something of the sort?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Rather expensive, I should suppose," replied Emma; "and perhaps something -plainer would be more in character with the rest of the house and -furniture."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't see that at all," retorted Margaret; "do you suppose I do not know -how to furnish a house—of course I should have everything to correspond. I -have a little common sense, I believe, whatever some people may choose to -think of it. At home indeed I was always considered as nothing, but as a -married woman I am of some importance, I believe!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was not your taste that I doubted," replied Emma, and then stopped, -afraid lest she should only make bad worse by anything she might venture to -say.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should like to know what you <i>did</i> doubt then," said Margaret -scornfully. "Perhaps you thought we could not afford it; but there I assure -you you are quite mistaken—Tom's is a very ample income, and he can as well -afford me luxuries as Sir William Gordon himself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am very glad to hear it," replied Emma composedly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret thought a little, and then enquired how Elizabeth was going on.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's account was very satisfactory, or at least would have been so to any -one really concerned in Miss Watson's welfare; but Margaret would probably -have felt better pleased had there been some drawback or disadvantage to -relate concerning her; being not altogether so well satisfied with her own -lot, as to make her quite equal to bearing the prosperity of her sister.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And so she is really going to marry that man, in spite of his brewery; -well, I wish she had more pride—proper pride; I must say I think a -clergyman's daughter might have looked higher—and she should consider -<i>my</i> feelings a little. I should have been ashamed to marry any one -not a gentleman by birth and situation!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We have not all the same feelings," replied Emma willing to propitiate; -"and I do not wonder at her liking Mr. Millar, he is so excellent a man."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You think so, I dare say," said Margaret scornfully; "but a girl like you -has seen far too little of the world to be any judge of what men are or -ought to be. There is nothing so deceptive as their manners in -company—<i>I</i>, who must be allowed to have more power of judging, and -indeed in every respect to be your superior, never saw anything remarkable -in Mr. Millar: a certain coarseness and grossness—a something which -irresistibly reminded one of a cask of double X, was much his most -distinguishing characteristic."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I never observed it, and indeed Margaret I think you do him injustice," -said Emma with spirit; "I am sure he has nothing coarse about him, either -in mind or person."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think it is very unbecoming in you to set up your opinion in opposition -to me. I have had far more experience, and my position as a matron places -me in a much more competent situation for judging of men and manners."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did not again attempt to contradict her, and Margaret, pleased with -her supposed victory, enquired with some good nature and more vanity, if -her sister would like to see her jewel-box. Emma, aware that she wished to -exhibit it, good-naturedly expressed pleasure at the proposal, and was in -consequence immediately desired to ring the bell to summon her maid to -fetch it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With much self-complacency, and a considerable wish to make her sister -envious, all the new trinkets were exhibited by the happy possessor, and -amongst many which owed all their value to being perfectly modern and just -in fashion, were some few ornaments which would have been valued anywhere -for their intrinsic worth, although antique in their setting, and differing -decidedly from the style of ornament then in vogue.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Those belonged to Tom's mother," observed Margaret, rather contemptuously -pushing aside the trinkets in question; "I believe the stones are rather -good, and if they were only new set, I should like them very well, but they -are monstrous old things now, set as they have been."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before Emma had time to reply or to express any opinion at all on the -subject of the trinkets, the door was violently thrown open, and with a -sound which indicated that he was luxuriating in very easy slippers, Tom -Musgrove entered the room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I say Margery, girl," he began in a loud voice, but stopped on seeing his -sister-in-law. "Hey, Emma Watson! why I did not know you were here! By -Jove! I am glad to see you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He advanced towards her, and not satisfied with taking the hand which she -extended to him, he saluted her on the cheek with considerable warmth, and -detaining her hand, he stared her in the face with a look of admiration -which was quite offensive to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, Emma, you are looking more lovely than ever, blooming and -fresh. I need not ask <i>how</i> you are—those bright eyes and roses speak -volumes. I am glad to see you, indeed I am."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you," said Emma, turning away her head and struggling to release the -hand which he retained with a most decided grasp; "I am glad to see you and -Margaret looking so well."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! Margery there—yes, I dare say, she is well enough—but, as for me, I am -sure it must be something miraculous, if I am any thing remarkable in that -way"—he glanced at his wife and shrugged his shoulders with an air that -excited disgust, not pity, in Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And so you are come to enliven us, Emma,—that's monstrous good of you, -'pon my honor. I hope you are going to stay here some time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are very kind," replied she, "but I am staying with Lady Gordon, and -only came over here for a short visit to Margaret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So there, you see," cried Mrs. Musgrove, "<i>my</i> relations are as much -noticed at the castle as you are; so you need not plume yourself so much on -that head, Tom!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not wonder that Sir William likes to have a pretty girl to stay with -him," replied Tom, again staring at Emma, who coloured highly with -indignation at his impertinence. "Ah! ha! how you blush," added he, coming -close to her and attempting to pinch her cheek, which she, however, -avoided. "Why, how monstrous coy you are," exclaimed he, "what! are you -afraid of me?—fie, fie—you are my sister, and should have no naughty ideas -in your head."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will trouble you, Tom, to leave my sister alone; I do not approve of -your taking personal liberties with her; be so good as to treat her with -the respect which is due to a relative of mine," exclaimed Margaret, half -rising from her sofa to speak with greater energy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ha! ha! so you are jealous Margery," said Tom, throwing himself on a seat -beside Emma, and rolling about with laughter, "that's a good joke 'pon my -soul—a capital joke, indeed—to be sure, considering all things—it's natural -enough; but really, I cannot help laughing at it—indeed, I cannot, though I -beg your pardon, Emma, for doing so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked most immoveably grave, and would not give him the smallest -encouragement in his hilarity, whilst Margaret muttered quite audibly:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a fool you do make of yourself, to be sure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So you are exhibiting your necklace box again," observed he, -sarcastically, as he caught a glimpse of the case beside her. "Upon my -honor, I do not believe there is another woman so vain of her trinkets -between this and Berwick—you are always shewing them to every body."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, and what if I am? I suppose I may if I like—it does nobody any harm -that ever I heard of," retorted Margaret, quite angry. "I see no more -wonder in a woman's shewing her jewels, than in a man exhibiting his -horses, dogs, and guns. I have known instances of that peculiarity in some -of my acquaintances, quite as well deserving of ridicule, as my sister's -wishing to see my ornaments could be."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say, the horses and the dogs were much better worth looking at than -your trumpery;" replied he, "why, the only things in your assortment worth -any thing, are the topaz set which belonged to my mother; all the rest is -mere rubbish."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What those frightful old things! upon my honor, Tom, I am ashamed of -wearing such monstrous, heavy, old-fashioned articles—but having once -belonged to your mother, of course they must be wonderfully precious."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma here interposed to deliver Lady Gordon's message, and to request them -to name a day for accepting it. A debate ensued as to the most convenient -day on which to fix, which presently branched off into a violent dispute as -to whether the invitation in question was intended as a compliment to Tom -or his wife; each maintaining the opinion, that the honour of the -invitation was all due to themselves.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length, however, Emma contrived to persuade them to settle the point in -question; and two days from that time, was fixed on for the dinner visit, -and soon after this point was arranged, Emma took her leave.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Much as she was grieved by what she had witnessed, she could not be -surprised at it, when she considered the circumstances under which the -union had been formed. Tom was reckless and unkind; Margaret peevish and -fretful, without energy of character to make the best of her situation, or -strength of mind to bear with patience the evils in which she had involved -herself. No doubt, if Tom had loved her, she would have been fond of him, -and any sensation beyond her own selfish feelings, would have done her -good; but forced into the marriage against his will, love, or any thing -resembling it, was not to be expected from him; in consequence, her own -partiality could not survive his indifference; and there was a mutual -spirit of ill-will cultivated between them, which boded ill for their -future peace.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma reflected on all this as she drove home, from her very unsatisfactory -visit, and was only roused from these unpleasant considerations, by finding -the carriage stopped suddenly soon after entering the park. On looking up, -she perceived Sir William and Lady Gordon, who enquired if she would like a -stroll before dinner, instead of returning at once to the castle. She -assented with pleasure, and quitting the carriage, they took a pleasant -path through a plantation, the thick shade of which made walking agreeable -even in the afternoon of a June day.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Suppose we go and invade Mr. Howard," said Lady Gordon, "this path leads -down to the vicarage—let us see what sort of a housekeeper he makes, -without his sister to manage for him!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Always running after Mr. Howard, Rosa," said Sir William. "Upon my word, I -shall be jealous soon: yesterday flirting in the flower-garden—to-day -visiting at the vicarage; if things go on in this way, I will take you away -from Osborne Castle very soon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, <i>you</i> have reason to be jealous, have you not? when men leave -off pleasing their wives themselves, they always dislike that any one else -should do it for them"—replied Lady Gordon smiling saucily. "You know you -are always thwarting me yourself, and naturally wish to keep me from more -agreeable society, lest I should draw disadvantageous comparisons."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But the comparisons are not fairly drawn under such circumstances," -suggested Emma, "for Mr. Howard's way of treating Lady Gordon can be no -rule for his probable way of tyrannising over some future Mrs. Howard."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of course not," replied Sir William, "but I observe, Miss Watson, you take -it for granted that he <i>will</i> tyrannise over a wife when he has one; -is that your opinion of men in general, or only of Mr. Howard in -particular?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of men in general, no doubt," interposed Lady Gordon: "Miss Watson has -lived too long in the world not already to have discovered the obvious -truth, that all men are tyrants when they have the opportunity, the only -difference being, that some are hypocrites likewise, and conceal their -disposition until their victim is in their power, whilst others, like -yourself William, make no secret of it at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad you acquit me of hypocrisy at least, Rosa; it has always been my -wish to be distinguished for sincerity and openness, I never indulged in -intrigues or meddled in manœuvres, or sought for stratagems to carry out my -wishes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He accompanied this speech with a peculiar smile which made his lady colour -slightly, as she well knew to what he alluded; she did not reply, and they -walked on some time in silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length Emma observed that it was a remarkably pretty walk which they -were pursuing. Lady Gordon told her that they were indebted for the idea -and plan of it to Mr. Howard; he had superintended the execution of some -other improvements which Lady Osborne had effected, but this one had -originated entirely with him. It was the pleasantest road from the vicarage -to the village, and was so well made and drained as to be almost always dry -although so much sheltered. The idea that he had planned it, did not at all -diminish the interest with which Emma regarded the road they were -discussing; and her eyes sought the glimpses of distant landscape seen -between the trees, with pleasure materially heightened by the recollection -that it was to his taste she was indebted for the gratification.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This sort of secret satisfaction was brought suddenly to a close, by -finding herself quite unexpectedly at a little wicket gate opening upon his -garden. She had not been aware the house was so near; but the nature, not -the source of her pleasure, was changed; it still was connected with him, -and the beauty of his garden quite enchanted her. When she had previously -seen it in the winter, she had felt certain it must be charming, but now it -proved to surpass every expectation she had formed; and she was internally -convinced that a love of gardening, and a taste for the beauties of nature, -were sure signs of an amiable and domestic disposition in a man, which -promised fair for the happiness of those connected with him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They found him hard at work constructing some new trellis work for the -luxuriant creepers which adorned his entrance; his coat off, and his arms -partly bare for the greater convenience of his labours.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We have taken you by storm, to-day," said Lady Gordon, smilingly holding -out her hand to him, "I like to see your zeal for your house."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really," said he, holding up his hand, "these fingers of mine are not at -all fit to touch a lady's glove; when we assume the occupation of -carpenters, we ought to expect to be treated accordingly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And when we intrude on you at such irregular hours, we ought to be -thankful for any welcome we can get," replied Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, I take it most kind and friendly of you to come," answered he, his -eyes directed with unequivocal satisfaction towards Emma. "My garden is -better worth seeing <i>now</i>, than when you were last here," added he, -approaching her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is lovely," replied Emma, honestly speaking her mind, "what beautiful -roses. I do not think I ever saw such a display of blossoms."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad <i>you</i> admire it," said he, in a low voice, "though, after -the conservatories and flower gardens of the castle, I am afraid it must -look rather poor."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I would not make unjust comparisons," replied Emma, "but I think you need -not dread it if I were inclined to do so. It is not grandeur or extent -which always carries the greatest charm."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And would you apply that sentiment to <i>more</i> than a garden?" asked -he, very earnestly, fixing on her eyes which unmistakeably declared his -anxiety to hear her answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was not, however, destined to be so speedily gratified as he had hoped; -for, quite unconscious that he was interrupting any peculiarly interesting -conversation, Sir William turned round to enquire the name of some new -shrub that struck his eye at the moment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Recollecting himself after replying to the baronet's question, he invited -them to enter the house to rest; but this Lady Gordon declined, declaring -that she preferred a swelling bank of turf, under a tree, to any sofa that -ever was constructed. The ladies therefore sat down here, and begging to be -excused for one minute, Mr. Howard disappeared, going, as Sir William -guessed, to wash his hands and put on a coat, that he might look smart and -fit for company. Lady Gordon laughed at the idea of a clergyman making -himself smart, or of Mr. Howard treating her as company; but Sir William -was proved to be partly right, since it was evident on his return that he -had been employing part of his absence in the way that had been suggested; -but to dress himself had not been his sole object, for he re-appeared with -a basket of magnificent strawberries in his hand, which on a warm afternoon -in summer had a peculiarly inviting appearance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon accepted them eagerly, declaring that she knew his strawberries -were always far better than any the Castle gardens ever produced. As to -Emma, she was certain she never tasted any so excellent in her life, nor -was she ever before pressed to eat with so winning a smile or so persuasive -a tone of voice.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wonder you take so much pains to beautify this place, when you are -almost certain of being soon removed from it," said Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The occupation is in itself a pleasure," replied he, "which more than -repays me for the exertion, and after your brother's liberality in making -the house and garden as comfortable as possible, it would be very bad if I -could not do my share in keeping it so, even if I am not to remain as -possessor; but I by no means anticipate a change with the certainty which -you seem to do."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no doubt in the least that the moment Carsdeane is vacant, my -brother will offer you the living, and as the rector is very old and infirm -it seems hardly possible that it can be long first."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard was silent for a few minutes, and when he spoke, it was on -another subject; but not with the gaiety with which he had before -conversed; in fact, he was secretly meditating on the extreme desirableness -of quitting his present vicarage, if ever Lady Osborne came to reside again -in the neighbourhood. Nothing could be much more unpleasant than a meeting -between them, and he longed to learn from her daughter whether there was -any chance of such a catastrophe; but as yet he had not found courage to -enquire, fearing her penetration might have led her to guess the past -events, or her mother's indiscretion might have made her acquainted with -them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Howard," said Lady Gordon soon afterwards, "you are under an -engagement to Miss Watson, to give her another lecture on the paintings in -the Castle gallery."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I remember hoping for that pleasure," said he; "but I could hardly have -flattered myself that Miss Watson would remember it for such a length of -time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I do though," replied Emma; "I have a very good memory for promises -which are likely to afford me pleasure, and if I did not fear encroaching -too much on your time and patience, should certainly claim that one."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And I assure you I have no wish to shrink from my promise; but any time -you will name I will be at your service," said he with a look of lively -pleasure, "excepting to-morrow, when I am particularly engaged."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There is no desperate hurry, I dare say," interposed Sir William; "you can -postpone your engagement without material inconvenience, I should think, -for a day or two, after waiting nearly six months."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh yes, Miss Watson is come to pay us a long visit," added Lady Gordon; -"so you may easily settle on the day and hour at some future meeting."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Any time will do for me," said Emma quietly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And are you really going out for the whole day to-morrow?" enquired Lady -Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He assented.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then we will come down and rifle his strawberry-beds—shall we not Miss -Watson?" continued she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I protest that will be most unfair," exclaimed he; "since I give you -willingly all I have, and only request, in return, the pleasure of your -society."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is so pretty a speech I can do no less than say in reply, that we -shall be most happy whenever Mr. Howard will indulge us with the honour of -his company: come whenever you can—the day after to-morrow Mr. and Mrs. -Musgrove dine with us, will you meet them?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He accepted with pleasure, though perhaps he would have preferred their -absence to their company.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After loitering away a couple of hours on his lawn, Lady Gordon rose to -take her leave, and even then she pressed him so earnestly to accompany -them up the hill, to assist Miss Watson, who she was certain was fatigued -by her long walk, that he could not have refused had it been an unpleasant -task she was imposing on him, instead of the thing which he liked best in -the world, and was really wishing to do.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The encouragement which he received from Lady Osborne herself was so -obvious, that had his suit depended only on her, he would have felt neither -fear nor hesitation as to the result; but as the wishes and tastes of -another person were to be consulted, and there seemed far more doubt as to -the direction which those took, he still debated whether or not he should -venture to put his influence to the proof, and rest all his hopes on a -single effort.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He accompanied them home, but Emma denied that she was tired, and would not -accept the assistance of his arm, because she misinterpreted the hesitation -with which it was offered, fancying it was done unwillingly, and solely in -compliance with her friend's directions. This discouraged him; he did not -recover from the disappointment, and in consequence would not enter the -Castle, but persisted in returning to spend a solitary evening at the -vicarage. There Emma's smile and Emma's voice perpetually recurred to his -fancy, and he occupied himself, whilst finishing the work which they had -interrupted, in recalling every word which she had said, and the exact look -which had accompanied each speech.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch07' class='c004'>CHAPTER VII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The next morning at breakfast, one letter amongst many which Lady Gordon -received, appeared to excite considerable surprise, and some other -sensation nearly allied to discontent. She read it over, and then threw it -down before her husband, with an exclamation:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only see there!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, what is it that clouds your brow so, Rosa?" replied he, looking at -the letter without touching it, or interrupting himself in the process of -dissecting a cold fowl.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Just look at that letter;" said she, "have you no curiosity?" she added, -seeing he did not take it up.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh yes, a great deal of curiosity—but no time to spare, and I know that if -I wait a little, you will tell me all without the trouble of looking at -it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Provoking man," said Lady Gordon, "I declare I will not tell you a word, -as a punishment for such incorrigible laziness and impertinence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I see by the address it is from your brother, my love," replied the -husband, glancing again at the letter, "what does he say to provoke you, -and put you so out of temper?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will not tell you a word. I assure you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is he going to be married?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Look in the letter and you will have no occasion to ask me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Watson, suppose you were to take it, and oblige me by reading it out; -you have done your breakfast, and I am still busy with mine."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed, I quite agree with Lady Gordon in thinking it very indolent -not to read it for yourself, and shall certainly not countenance it at -all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I see you are in a conspiracy against me, and that is very unfair when -there are two ladies to one man," replied he laughing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am just going to make you even as to numbers at least," returned Emma, -"for I am about to leave the room."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She did so, and Sir William immediately taking up the letter, read it -through quietly and returned it to his wife.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," said she, "what do you think of that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"First, that it is rather extraordinary your brother's proposal of a visit -should cause you such annoyance; and secondly, that you should think it -necessary to make this visit a secret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are always more struck with my feelings than anything else: I believe -if the Castle were to tumble on us, you would be only occupied in observing -how I bore it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is only because you are the most interesting object in the world to -me: surely you would not quarrel with me for that, Rosa?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She looked evidently gratified, yet still pretended to pout a little, then -enquired:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But why would you not look at the letter when I asked you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Because <i>I</i> always feel myself <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>de trop</i></span> when -<i>I</i> form the third, where the other two have letters for mutual -inspection: if you wish me to read your letters, and do not choose to make -Miss Watson acquainted with their contents, pray wait another time till she -is out of the room. You see you have driven her away now."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I certainly wished to talk to you about this, I am so annoyed at Osborne's -coming now!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And I cannot imagine why!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Because I believe it to be only for the sake of Emma Watson, that he has -so suddenly resolved to come down here."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you I suppose, Rosa, wish it to be for your own sake instead?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nonsense; how can you suppose anything of the sort?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then what am I to understand is the cause of your discontent, Rosa?" -enquired her husband, looking rather surprised.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not wish him to care for Emma in that sort of way at all. She is a -very nice girl, and I should like to have her for a friend always, but I do -not desire her for a sister; she is not Osborne's equal, and I should -regret the connection."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So should I, I confess, not for your brother's sake, but hers. He could -hardly do a better thing for himself; she is his superior in everything but -worldly position, and were there the least chance of his persuading her to -accept him, I should think him a very lucky fellow. But I do not think -there is; and therefore you need not be alarmed for him, nor I for her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And why should you be concerned for her at such a prospect—it would be a -very good marriage for her," said Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think unequal connexions desirable at all—and were she -<i>your</i> brother's wife, she would be too far removed from the man who -is to be her eldest sister's husband. If I understand rightly, the other is -to marry a wealthy brewer at Croydon—a very good match for her, but not a -desirable connection for Osborne; Emma would either grow ashamed of her own -family and their station, or she would be pained by being obliged to -neglect them in some degree. But she will never accept Osborne!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot wish the temptation thrown in her way—I should be by no means -sure of the result," said Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You cannot prevent it however," replied Sir William, "if Osborne has any -such thoughts in his head—he is his own master, and cannot be kept away -from her. The mischief is of your own doing too—for you had her here in the -winter—and, if I recollect rightly, encouraged the acquaintance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That was entirely for Mr. Howard's sake," said she, "It never occurred to -me that Osborne would notice her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot see why you should have intermeddled between them at all," was -his reply. "Mr. Howard would have gone on very well alone."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon did not choose to mention her principal motive, so she only -replied—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, it is too late for such reflections now to be of any use, so tell me -what I had better do, and I will try and obey you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do nothing at all then, love; depend upon it, any opposition will only -make your brother more decidedly bent on his own way, which you have no -means of preventing him from following. Let him come, and trust to the -evident partiality of your friend, Howard, as the safeguard of your -brother."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon had speedily the opportunity of exercising the forbearance -which her husband advised; as, punctual to his promise, her brother arrived -that afternoon. The two young ladies were sitting together when he walked -into the room; and she bore, with as much composure as she could, the -evident warmth and eagerness with which he paid his compliments to Emma. He -seated himself by her side, and after looking intently at her for a minute -in the way for which he had been formerly remarkable, exclaimed with great -energy:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my honour, Miss Watson, for all it's so very long since we met, you -are looking uncommonly well and blooming!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma felt excessively tempted to ask him whether he had expected she would -have pined at his absence, or grown old in the last six months. She did -not, however, because she thought he would not understand her, as he had -never appeared at all ready to comprehend a jest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Croydon must have agreed famously with you," he continued, "I was there -once, and had a great inclination to ride over and pay you a visit at -Burton; but not knowing the people you were with I felt awkward, and did -not like to do it; it is such a horrid thing going entirely amongst -strangers."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am much honoured by your lordship thinking of me at all; but I should -say you were quite right in not coming there; we should have been -overpowered by the sudden apparition of a man of your rank."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say <i>you</i> created a great sensation in Croydon, did you not?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not that I am aware of, my lord; I never wished to be conspicuous, and I -trust, I did not do any thing whilst there, to excite observation amongst -my acquaintance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You must have done one thing, which you could not help, at any time," -replied he, in a very low voice, as if ashamed of himself. "You must have -looked pretty; they must all have noticed that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma met Lady Gordon's eyes fixed on her at this moment with an expression -which it was impossible to misunderstand; it spoke so plainly of anxiety -and mistrust. It did no good, however, for it only made her uncomfortable, -and was totally unnoticed by him. He never was an adept at understanding -looks—and, at this moment, all his senses were engrossed by his attention -to Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Not knowing precisely what to say next, he began to admire her work, a -constant resource with young men who are anxious to talk, and rather barren -of subjects; but this did not endure very long, and when he could find -nothing more to say on this topic, he suddenly started a brilliant idea by -enquiring if the ladies did not intend to go out. Emma appealed to Lady -Gordon, who declared at first, she was too lazy to stir; but her brother -pressed his proposition so very warmly, alternately suggesting riding, -driving, or walking, that at last she yielded the point, and consented to -allow him to drive them out.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Then followed a long discussion as to the vehicle to be chosen, which -terminated in favour of an Irish car—a very favorite mode of conveyance of -Lady Gordon's, and one which was by no means disagreeable to him, as he -would be quite able to talk to Emma as much as he felt inclined.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The drive which they proposed to take was a very pretty one—through a -country partaking of the nature of a forest—and Emma was at first, highly -delighted with it. But an accident, which occurred when near the conclusion -of their expedition, materially diminished the pleasure of the whole party. -In stepping from the seat, in order to ascend a small eminence which -commanded a beautiful view, Emma placed her foot on a rolling pebble, which -giving way under her, twisted her ankle so severely as to incapacitate her -entirely from walking, and occasion her very considerable pain. The concern -of her friends on the occasion, was proportionate to their regard for her, -and quite in character with their different dispositions. Lady Gordon -expressed her sorrow in words—her brother confined his chiefly to looks. -They returned home immediately; and Emma was, with the assistance of Sir -William, who joined them at the castle porch, conveyed into the mansion and -carried up-stairs. It was very painful at first, and she told her friend -she could not join their party in the evening; but Lady Gordon expressed so -much regret at this, that Emma consented to make an effort, as there was no -necessity for ascending or descending stairs, their usual sitting room -being on the same floor with her apartments.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Accordingly she spent the evening on a couch near to which Lord Osborne -stationed himself, in order to enjoy a good view of her face. It was -evident that his love for her had not made him more lively, or more -talkative, and to judge from his manners that evening, he had not made much -progress in politeness. He allowed all the little offices of civility to be -performed by Sir William, never offering to hand her a cup of coffee, nor -seeing when it was empty, and requiring removal; never noticing when her -reel of silk dropped on the ground, or discovering if her embroidery frame -was raised at the proper angle. His total neglect of all this, together -with the little conversation he ever attempted to carry on, and the general -reserve of his manner, entirely prevented Emma from entertaining the idea, -that he was her serious admirer. Had she really supposed it, her manners -might have been different, but as it was, she felt as much at ease with -him, as with his brother-in-law, and treated him with equal frankness.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She never had thought him particularly agreeable, and it did not enter her -head that he would wish to make himself so, for otherwise, he would -probably have behaved very differently; at least so she concluded, when she -contrasted his manner with that of some others of her acquaintance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The sprain of her ankle occasioned her great pain all the evening, as Sir -William guessed from the paleness of her cheeks, and the shade round her -mouth at times; but she did all she could to conceal it, and chatted with -him and Lady Gordon as long as they remained together.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But she never felt more relieved than when at his suggestion, the proposal -for retiring was made early, in order to relieve her, for she had borne as -much as she could in silence, and really felt once or twice on the point of -fainting.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon took the most judicious step she could, for she summoned to her -assistance the old house-keeper, who being peculiarly great in doctoring -sprains, and all such accidental maladies, soon produced some remedy for -the pain Emma was suffering. But it was evident it would be some days -before she would be able to walk at all, and she very much regretted this -deprivation, during the beautiful weather they were then enjoying.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In the forenoon of the following day, as she was reclining on a couch near -the open window, engaged in drawing a group of flowers for Lady Gordon's -portfolio, Mr. Howard entered the room. As her hostess happened to have -left the room a few minutes before, he found Emma, to his great -astonishment, <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with Lord Osborne. He had -no idea that the young nobleman was then in the country, and not the least -expectation of meeting at that moment with one whom he could not avoid -considering as a dangerous rival. His quick eye did not fail to perceive -too, that some of the flowers in the vase before Emma were of precisely the -same kind as the sprig in Lord Osborne's coat, and he came to the not -unnatural conclusion, that they had been given to him by herself. He felt -quite disconcerted at the circumstance, and he always had an uncomfortable -sense of self-reproach, when he remembered that he had left his lordship in -ignorance of his own wishes, at the time that he received his confidence. -He now hesitated whether to enter the room or not, but Lord Osborne -advanced to meet him with considerable pleasure, and effectually prevented -his withdrawal. He was compelled to shake hands, when at the moment he felt -so very unamiably disposed towards his former pupil, that he was far more -inclined to turn his back upon him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very glad indeed to see you, Mr. Howard," said the other, "I dare say you -are a little surprised to see <i>me</i> here; but I could not help coming. -You see we have got <i>her</i> back again, aren't you glad?" glancing at -the sofa where Emma was lying.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She too held out her hand to him, and her cheeks crimsoned at seeing him -again; but as she never suspected his jealousy, not supposing there was any -occasion for it, she felt rather hurt at the coldness of his address, and -the hurried way in which he greeted her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne eyed them both, and though not in general gifted with much -penetration, his love seemed, at least on this occasion, to have made him -sharp-sighted, as the idea suddenly entered his mind that there was danger -to his suit in the visits of his former tutor. He sat down in silence, -determined to observe them closely, and not to disturb his powers of -judging, he resolved to keep a profound silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The consequence of these various feelings was a peculiarly awkward silence, -and Emma, angry with the lover she cared for, on account of his variable -manners which perpetually perplexed and disappointed her, was almost -determined not to open her lips to him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length he spoke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I called intending to enquire if you were disposed to fulfil the -engagement we talked of the other day Miss Watson, about the -picture-gallery; but perhaps I need not ask <i>now</i>—you probably are not -disposed for the exertion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is indeed quite out of my power this morning," replied Emma; "and I -wish I could name a time when it would be possible to have the pleasure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is only dependent on yourself—but if you have more agreeable -engagements, of course it is natural you should defer this one. Whenever -you wish it, will you let we know?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you suppose it to be a more agreeable engagement lying prisoner here?" -replied Emma smiling; "our tastes must differ more than I had fancied they -would if you do so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You did not use to be indolent, I know," replied he; "but no doubt it is -far more like modern fashionable manners to pass the day on a sofa than in -active pursuits."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now do not be satirical, Mr. Howard," said she in a lively tone; "I never -was, and I hope I never shall be converted into a fashionable fine lady, -and my lying on the sofa has nothing to do with indolence or inclination."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed!" he replied, with a provoking air of incredulity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, indeed and indeed—I assure you it is a downright punishment to me, -only alleviated by the kindness of my friends in trying to amuse me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard glanced at Lord Osborne, as if he attributed the friendship and -the amusement alike to him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, you are wrong there—I dare say his lordship is afraid I should be -spoilt if I had too much indulgence, so he contents himself with -disarranging my flowers and contradicting my opinions: I really must -trouble you, my lord, for the bud you stole," she added turning to him; "I -cannot do without it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And I cannot possibly let you have it," replied he abruptly; "it's gone, I -shall not tell you where."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now is not that too provoking!" cried Emma; "with all his conservatories -and gardens at command, to envy me my single sprig which Sir William took -so much trouble in procuring me. I had a particular value for it on his -account, and having sketched it into this group: I must have it, or the -whole will be spoilt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Will you promise me the drawing, if I give it back to you?" asked he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No indeed—it is for your sister. Mr. Howard, will you not take my part? I -am exposed, without the power of resisting, to his depredations; he knows I -cannot move from this sofa."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But do tell me what is the matter?" enquired Mr. Howard seriously; "have -you really met with an accident?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Only a sprain which incapacitates me from moving," she answered.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am exceedingly grieved to hear it," he said with looks of real concern. -"I had been thinking only of want of inclination, not want of power, when -you declined moving."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You see in that instance then you misunderstood me, perhaps you do so in -others likewise," she replied; an equivocal speech which threw Howard into -a fit of abstraction for several minutes whilst pondering on her meaning. -Recovering himself he began to enquire the particulars of the accident, -which she detailed to him, ending her account with desiring him to deduce -some moral from the history.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps you would not like the moral I should draw," he replied with a -smile; "it might not be flattering or agreeable."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say, it would not be flattering, Mr. Howard; I should not expect it -from you—suppose we all make a moral to the tale, and see if we can think -alike. Come, my lord, let us have yours."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Give me time to think then," said he—for, in spite of his resolution in -favor of silence, he could not help yielding to her smiles.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Five minutes by the watch on the chimney-piece, and in good time—here come -Sir William and Lady Gordon to give their opinion of our sentiments."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am quite ready to give mine at once," returned Sir William, who heard -only the last speech, as he entered through the window from the terrace:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no doubt that yours, Miss Watson, are very severe—Osborne's -romantic—and Howard's common place. Will that do?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not at all—you shall be no judge in the matter, since you make up your -mind before you hear the cause," cried Emma, "Lady Gordon shall be umpire, -and if you like to produce a moral, do so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What is it all about?" enquired Lady Gordon, "I must understand before I -decide."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not the least necessary, my dear Rosa," said her husband, "and quite out -of character; women always decide first—and understanding, if it comes at -all, is quite a secondary consideration with them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A pretty speech to make," exclaimed Emma, "when he himself just now -answered without understanding at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I knew you would be severe," replied Sir William to Emma, "but I was, I -assure you, only trying to bring down my conduct to the level of my -companions."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Shall we not turn him out of the room?" cried his wife, "he is intolerable -to-day!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh no! take no notice of him," said Emma, with spirit, "I do not mind a -word he says!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You—all of you talk so much," exclaimed Lord Osborne, "that it is -impossible for me to settle my thoughts—but I think I have made my moral -now—shall I say it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By all means, my lord," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We are all grave attention," observed Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I think ladies should take great care not to make false -steps—because, if they do, they will not be able to stand by themselves -afterwards."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Bravo, Osborne!" cried his sister, "but rather severe on my friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you, Mr. Howard," she continued, "will you favour us with your -opinion?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mine is, that Miss Watson should, in future, avoid any great haste in -climbing to eminent situations, lest she be the loser in the attempt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma colored slightly at the earnest glance which accompanied the low, -emphatic tone of his speech, but laughed it off by observing:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, my nature is so ambitious, I need that counsel."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And now, Miss Watson," cried Lord Osborne, eagerly; "it's your turn."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, the moral I draw is, when I am in a comfortable position again, to -take care and not lose it in searching for some imaginary advantage—the -moral of 'The substance and the shadow.'"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And mine," exclaimed Sir William, "you must hear mine—it is, that a young -lady's strength of limb is probably less than her strength of will; and I -have always observed it to be easier for her to twist her ankle, than to -give up her own way."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And mine," exclaimed Lady Gordon, "My dear Miss Watson, my moral is, that -you should never invite men to comment on your conduct, for they are sure -to draw false conclusions and make ill-natured remarks."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is the more hard, as your brother was the origin of my misfortune," -observed Emma, "but for his persuasion, I should have sat still."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Just like the precious sex, my dear friend," replied Lady Gordon, "lead -you into a scrape, and then be the first to blame you for being there."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"All married women talk in that way," observed Sir William, "they make a -point of abusing men on all occasions; I never could quite make out the -reason."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is the very natural result of experience, my love," said his wife.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I sometimes think it is to prevent other women marrying," continued he, -"lest their offices, as chaperones, should be uncalled for; and sometimes, -I think it is merely to contradict themselves—which all women are so fond -of doing—for having paid a man the compliment of marrying him, it becomes -necessary to thwart him afterwards, lest he be too proud."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Watson, have you air enough here," said Lord Osborne, coming up to -her sofa; "do let me push you out on the terrace—it would be so pleasant -now the sun is off."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon seconded the proposal, and called on Mr. Howard to assist her -brother. He did so; and then, distressed to find that the young lord of the -castle took his station closer than ever to her side, he tore himself away -from the whole party and went to shut himself up at home till the evening.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma felt quite provoked at the pertinacity with which Lord Osborne kept at -her elbow; she had hoped that he would have found it tedious to remain all -day tranquil—but his patience was more enduring than she had given him -credit for. He even seemed to improve in spirits and began talking more -than before.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nice fellow, that Howard—is not he?" was his first observation, when the -gentleman in question quitted them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, very," replied Emma, not knowing precisely what else to say, and -wondering what would come next.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He has a prodigious deal to say for himself, which makes him a favorite," -continued the animated peer, "I wish I could talk so, don't you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think he talked much to-day," replied Emma, "if he did, I did not -hear it at least."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps you do not care to have men such very great talkers—do you? I -never heard your opinion about that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I really believe I have none, my lord," answered Emma, "I never made up -mind as to how much a man or woman should talk to make themselves -agreeable—some men I know, talk too much."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Meaning me, Miss Watson?" cried Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The too much, must depend on the quality likewise—if they happen to be -very silly or very dull, a few sentences are enough to tire one," added -Emma, "whereas a lively, clever man, may talk for an hour without being -wearisome."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That is a comforting speech," exclaimed Sir William, "Osborne, we will -take out our watches next time we begin a conversation with Miss Watson. -Lively, clever men—the description just suits us—<i>we</i> may talk -precisely sixty minutes."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne looked grave, as he suspected his brother-in-law was laughing -at him, and Emma was silent, being unwilling to annoy him.—It had been -settled that the Musgroves were to come over early in the afternoon, that -they might spend some time with their sister; and in spite of his usual -predilection for late hours and unpunctuality, Tom was rendered too proud -and happy by the invitation to feel at all disposed to delay the honor. -Soon after luncheon they arrived; Margaret adorned in all her wedding -finery, delighted at such an opportunity of showing it off. Her new bonnet -and pelisse were decidedly more fashionable, according to the Lady's -Magazine, than anything Lady Gordon herself could produce; and she was not -a little surprised, as well as half-affronted, at the simplicity of dress -which her hostess had adopted.</p> - -<p class='c006'>On discovering the circumstance that Emma was confined to the sofa, she -would not rest till she had heard the whole history of the accident, and -then she uttered this sisterly observation:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Good gracious! how excessively awkward and careless of you, Emma; how -could you be so stupid? well I am glad it is not me, as of all things I -hate a sprain—to go waddling about like an old goose—it's too absurd -really."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't see anything absurd in it," said Lord Osborne sturdily, "it's very -unfortunate and very vexatious to us, and I dare say very painful to her, -but there's nothing absurd in it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not mean absurd precisely," retracted Margaret, who would never -dream of contradicting a peer of the realm, "I only meant it was very -ridiculous."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne did not condescend to answer any more, but rose and walked -whistling away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Meantime, Tom was trying to be excessively gallant and agreeable to Lady -Gordon, who, never particularly prepossessed in his favor, seemed now -unusually cold and ungracious. In fact she could not quite forgive the -danger she had been in of being called into court, and naturally looking on -him as the cause, she felt a considerable degree of repugnance towards him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His obsequiousness and flatteries did him no service; she would not be -accessible to any compliments of his, and to the most elaborate praises, -returned him the coldest answers.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Where is your charming friend Miss Carr now?" enquired he at length, "I -should rejoice to meet her again, though my position is altered since I -last had that felicity. I hope she has not forgotten me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot possibly answer for that, but I have no idea that your change of -position will at all affect her; but she will soon remember you if she does -not at first."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She was a delightful girl," observed he again, "so truly lady-like and -lively; a combination one does not often meet with."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She has high spirits," replied Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"High spirits are charming things—so captivating."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think them very apt to be tiresome," observed she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"High spirits united to good sense and abilities, form a very charming -character," observed Sir William, "but unbalanced by these, they are apt to -be overpowering. However, I should acquit Miss Carr of them altogether; she -tried to be lively with all her might, but it was rather heavy work."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I heard she was in this neighbourhood," returned Tom, "is that true?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I believe so," said Lady Gordon, "and I rather expect her here soon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who is that you are talking of, Tom?" cried his wife in a sharp voice, -"who is this charming woman?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nobody you know," replied he carelessly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My friend Miss Carr," said Lady Gordon, shocked at the rudeness of the -gentleman's reply, "perhaps you remember seeing her with me formerly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh dear yes, I remember her very well. Tom used to admire her very much, -he often talked about her beautiful complexion," was Margaret's answer, -"<i>Fanny Carr</i> he used to speak of a great deal, he thought she admired -him!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom bit his lips, and looked anything but gratified at his wife's -observation, who exceedingly enjoyed his vexation, and triumphed in having -so amply revenged herself for his rude reply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is very provoking of you to be laid up lame there," she continued -presently to Emma, "I should like to see the grounds of the Castle; I am -always so unfortunate on such occasions: nobody meets with so many -disappointments as me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No doubt Emma did it to provoke you," observed Tom with a sneer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall be very happy to show you over the grounds myself," interrupted -Lady Gordon, convinced that anything would be better than the altercation -going on between the husband and wife, which must be equally disagreeable -to Emma as herself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret accepted the proposition very joyfully, and the two ladies left -the room together, as Sir William saw no necessity for accompanying them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I suppose you enjoy yourself famously here, Emma," observed Tom, coming -close up to her sofa.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, when I have not a sprained ankle," replied she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And even when you have, your spirits are so good, you seem to enjoy -yourself still," observed Lord Osborne, who had returned from the terrace -when Margaret left the room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But it makes her of consequence, and all young ladies like that," answered -her brother-in-law. "I am sure Margaret is always affecting to be ill for -no other purpose, and reproaching me because I do not believe it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think your wife at all like her sister," observed Lord Osborne, -coolly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish to heaven she were in any respect," cried Tom, "but I had no such -good luck. However, I suppose I must bear my yoke."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Nobody answered, and after a little while Mr. Musgrove continued,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"One comfort of being married is, that I can flirt now without danger with -any girl I choose, there is no risk now of being compelled to marry any -more."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You consider that a privilege of married men," said Sir William, -enquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly, for on my honour, they need some compensation; I recommend you -to marry, my lord, as indeed the privilege is a great comfort!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"When I marry I shall leave off flirting," said Lord Osborne, decidedly, -"out of compliment to my wife."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Tantamount to an assertion you will never marry, Osborne," said Sir -William, "for I never knew you flirt yet."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How does your stable go on, my lord?" enquired Tom, "I should like to see -it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are welcome to go and see it if you please, so long as you don't drag -me there; I am not inclined for an excursion to the stables at present."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom whistled and walked away, Lord Osborne drew nearer to Emma, and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope you don't like him—do you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He is my brother-in-law," replied Emma, "you forget that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think <i>he</i> does," retorted Lord Osborne, "but one is not obliged to -like one's brother-in-law, I suppose."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope you mean nothing personal or disrespectful by that observation," -exclaimed Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, on my honour, I forgot about you, Gordon," said he, "but I should -think it quite enough if the husband likes his wife without its being at -all necessary that the mother and sisters, and brother-in-law, should all -like her too."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not necessary, certainly, but altogether desirable, and certainly -conducive to domestic felicity."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If my sister does not like my wife she must keep at a distance from her," -said Lord Osborne, positively, "and then her feelings will be of no -consequence—Don't you agree with me, Miss Watson?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not exactly, my lord; I should not in practice, certainly—I do not think I -would marry into a family where I was altogether unwelcome!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sorry for it," said Lord Osborne, very softly, and then looking -remarkably conscious and awkward, he walked away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"His theories sound more unprincipled than his practice would be, I -suspect," observed Sir William, looking after him, and glancing at Emma, "I -doubt whether he would really bear a quarrel with his sister with such -indifference."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say not," said Emma, without at all suspecting she had any share in -his feelings, or interest in his proceedings. "Young men often assert far -more than they would like to realise, and I do not think worse of him than -of many of his neighbours. I dare say he likes his own way—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He is very determined in following out his own opinions, I assure you," he -replied, "but what I meant was, that though from impulse he <i>might</i> -act in opposition to the wishes of his family, he would certainly repent -it, as every body does sooner or later."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very likely, so for his sake I hope he will not try!" replied Emma, very -unconcernedly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Shall I go on reading to you, Miss Watson," enquired Sir William, "or is -there anything you want."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma replied that she should prefer reading to herself, and Sir William, -having supplied her with the volumes she desired, left her in solitude.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Thus she remained until she was interrupted by the entrance of Mr. Howard, -who looked something between pleased and frightened at finding her alone. -She told him where the others were gone, so far as she knew herself, but he -seemed perfectly satisfied to take her assertions on trust, evincing no -desire at all to follow them. He said it was very warm out of doors, that -her room was exceedingly comfortable, and that he hoped she would make no -objection to his remaining in her company.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She, as may easily be supposed, had no wish to oppose him, and a long and -amicable conversation followed relative to the books she had been reading. -They agreed in admiring the authors in question, and then in praising Sir -William Gordon, who had recommended them. Mr. Howard declared him to be, in -his opinion, a very superior young man, calculated to raise the character -and improve the mind of his wife; he had the power, and the will, to guide -her right, and it was probable that their domestic happiness would continue -and increase.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma earnestly hoped it would; there was a great deal to love and value in -Lady Gordon, and hers was a character which would certainly, with judicious -management, be greatly improved.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I like her," said Mr. Howard, "for her freedom from pride of birth; and -considering what lessons she received from her mother that shows very great -independence of character."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Her friendship for me is one proof of that," observed Emma, "she has been -invariably kind to me, and I have no claim to equality with her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not in rank or fortune," replied he, "but allow me to say, in habits, -tastes, and education, you are completely her equal, and she feels it so; -her admiration and regard for you are so perfectly natural, that I can -allow her no credit for that part of her conduct."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think I shall give you no credit, Mr. Howard, if you indulge in such a -very complimentary strain," replied Emma smiling; "though I suppose you -think something due to me to make up for your severe reflections on my -ambitious projects."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your ambitious projects!" repeated he surprised.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes; no later than this morning you warned me not to climb too high, lest -I should fall irretrievably; you see I remember your lessons, though you -may affect a short memory on the occasion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish I could consider it as a proof that you are not offended at my -boldness," said he drawing his chair closer to her; "I really wished -afterwards to apologise for my words, I feared you would think me so -impertinent. You were not angry?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not the least in the world—why should I be?" was her answer, gaily -smiling. "Indeed I did not believe you were serious; you may laugh at my -vanity, but I did not feel guilty of ambition."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And if you were, <i>I</i> had no right, no title, no claim to correct -you," said he looking very earnestly at her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The right of a friend and well-wisher, Mr. Howard," replied she looking -down with a heightened colour—she never could meet his eyes when they had -that peculiar expression in them. "I trust I may consider <i>you</i> in -that light at least."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have not a sincerer well-wisher in the world," he replied with -emphasis, and then stopped abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To break the pause which appeared to her to be awkward, she observed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You did not tell me where your sister is, Mr. Howard—or else I have -forgotten: where is it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In North Wales, not far from Denbigh. I am going shortly to fetch her -home."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you are always going somewhere; ever since I knew you, you have -been perpetually offering to go away. Do you ever put it in practice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Sometimes—you will find I shall in this instance. I must go to fetch -Clara, the only question is when?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And does that depend on Mrs. Willis' wishes, or your caprice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A little on both, if you mean by caprice the power of absenting myself -from the duties of my station," replied he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish I had met Mrs. Willis," said Emma; "pray make haste and fetch her, -for if I leave the country without our meeting now, it is impossible to say -when, if ever, I shall see her again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you going quite away then?" enquired he with concern. "I thought your -home was at Croydon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is impossible to say where my home may be—not Croydon certainly—perhaps -I may <i>never</i> have another. I must in future be content to dwell -amongst strangers, and dare not talk of home. I am wishing for a situation -as governess."</p> - -<p class='c006'>A slight shade of melancholy replaced the usually gay expression of her -countenance as she said this, but she did not raise her eyes to read the -many conflicting feelings which were depicted in his countenance as he -listened to her low and feeble voice. He could not command words to express -his sentiments, or indeed feel at all sure us to what he ought to express -at the moment; and she added, after a short pause,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have one prospect of a home, though an uncertain one at present; my -brother—I mean my youngest brother—urges me to go and live with him the -moment he can obtain a living for us both in his profession. But it must be -quite uncertain when that will be."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was still silent, hesitating whether or not he should at that moment -offer her one other home more settled and more permanent. He hesitated, and -the opportunity was lost. Footsteps were heard approaching; the high, -shrill voice of Margaret sounded in the conservatory. In a low and hurried -tone he spoke, clasping her hand in his;</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Dearest Miss Watson, I feel for you! If I had only time I would prove it!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>There <i>was</i> no time for more, but with a gentle pressure which made -the blood thrill from her hands up to her heart, he rose and quitted her -abruptly, escaping just quickly enough through one window to avoid being -seen, as Lady Gordon and Mrs. Musgrove entered at another.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma remained in a state of feeling which she would have found it -exceedingly difficult to describe, such was the confusion in her mind at -the moment. Her most prominent idea was, however, disappointment that he -had said so little. She really believed he loved her—at least that he -intended her to suppose it; but why not speak more plainly, or why speak at -all? It would be so very hard to meet him after what had passed, in the -same way as formerly; and yet, how could she avoid it? There seemed no -possibility, however, of his doing anything but explaining himself the very -first opportunity—surely he could not hesitate longer, and all would then -be right.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But with these contradictory notions in her mind, and the agitation to -which they gave rise evident in her face, it was impossible for her manners -to be sufficiently composed, not to attract her friend's notice. Lady -Gordon thought she was in pain, and accused her of having been attempting -to move; which she attributed to the fact of Sir William having gone out -and left her alone; Emma defended both Sir William and herself as well as -she could, forcing herself to speak cheerfully, and denying all accession -of pain or efforts at improper exertion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Margaret, throwing herself on an easy chair, declared that she was -perfectly exhausted by the heat and the fatigue of their walk, and she -quite wondered how Lady Gordon could bear so much exertion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I really believe that I am more delicate and sooner tired than any -woman in the world. I have never been accustomed to hard work."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon did not trouble herself to assert that neither had she, but -quietly observed that she was sorry Mrs. Musgrove had tired herself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you see much of your brother, Lady Gordon?" enquired Margaret.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, when he is with me," she answered.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hope he is pleasanter than mine, then," observed Margaret, "or else it -must be a prodigious bore."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say, they are not alike," said Lady Gordon, who was existing in a -state of incessant surprise at the conversation of Margaret.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I <i>do</i> so wish my brothers had no profession—it would be so nice if -they had nothing to do—like gentlemen—Tom's being a complete gentleman is -very lucky, I should not have liked to have been a doctor's wife or an -attorney's. Should you, Lady Gordon?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really, it was an event which I never took into contemplation," replied -she, "I know so few doctors, or attorneys either, that I cannot pretend to -judge."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish somebody would marry Emma," continued her amiable sister. "I am -quite afraid she is doomed to be an old maid—one of a family must be they -say; and as Pen is married, and Elizabeth will soon be, it must be Emma's -fate. I am quite sorry for her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am exceedingly obliged to you for your concern, Margaret," replied Emma, -laughing; "but I trust, even if such a catastrophe is to occur, I shall -bear it with philosophy. So pray, do not make yourself unhappy about my -future. I shall not."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"All young ladies talk in that way," observed Tom Musgrove, who entered the -room unperceived, whilst his wife was speaking. "No girl ever owns wishing -to be married, though we know very well that they are all longing for -husbands—and most are ready to take any means to secure one!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am gratified that you include us <i>all</i> in the same condemnation, -Mr. Musgrove," said Lady Gordon, haughtily, "your very flattering opinion -of us, is equally creditable to your fancy and your feeling of propriety."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of course, I did not mean to include <i>you</i>," answered Tom, gallantly, -"I <i>could</i> not, for I never thought of you as a woman, but as an -angel."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon did not condescend to answer—she was not to be propitiated by -his flattery, and was more likely to be affronted at his presuming to offer -it at all.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch08' class='c004'>CHAPTER VIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Mr. Howard having, by this time, recovered sufficient composure to return -to the company, re-appeared from the conservatory, where he had been -calming his feelings amidst roses and heliotropes, and soon afterwards the -other two gentlemen joined the party. Mr. Howard, himself, did not venture -near Emma; but, after paying his compliments to Mrs. Musgrove, retreated to -a window and seemed to be occupied with a newspaper. Though the two ladies -subsequently retired to their toilet preparatory to dinner, there was no -further <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> between him and Emma, as the -other gentlemen continued in the room till dinner time.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma, of course, could not join in that meal; and did not, therefore, hear -the comments which Mr. Howard's absence of mind drew on him. Mrs. Musgrove -laughed outright—even Lady Gordon smiled, and Tom Musgrove openly accused -him of being decidedly in love. Sir William came to his rescue, and parried -the attacks of Tom for a time; but after the ladies withdrew, Tom commenced -again, and tormented him unmercifully on the subject—declaring that he had -long seen his attachment to Emma Watson—and without scruple, held out -himself as an example of the risk of indulging in little harmless -flirtations, by which one was unknowingly drawn into the meshes of hopeless -matrimony.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard was quite affronted; and answered indignantly, that whatever his -feelings towards Miss Emma Watson might be, he thought of her with far too -much respect, to allow her name to be used slightingly by any one, and that -he should, least of all, expect from her brother-in-law insinuations so -derogatory to her character.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William again interfered, and requested the subject to be dropped; he -could not allow unfriendly feelings between his guests—and he had no doubt -but that Mr. Musgrove had been misunderstood, if he could be supposed to -speak unhandsomely of so amiable a young woman as Miss Watson, and one, who -was, at the very time, Lady Gordon's visitor.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I defy any one to prove a word derogatory to Emma Watson," cried Lord -Osborne, his eyes flashing with most unusual animation; "In my house, and -as my sister's guest, her name must and shall be treated with respect."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my honor I did not mean any reflection upon her," exclaimed Tom, -quite taken by surprise by the spirit he had raised, "it is the last thing -I dreamt of to offend you, my lord."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well," cried Sir William, "that is sufficient, let the subject drop."</p> - -<p class='c006'>And so it did for the present, but what passed had made a deep impression -on Lord Osborne, whose fears of Mr. Howard as a rival were all confirmed by -this discussion. He could not rest without some explanation on this -subject, and accordingly drew him into the garden after dinner, and there -whilst pacing up and down the terrace, told him he had something very -particular to say to him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Howard's heart told him what was coming, and he resolved to summon his -courage and speak openly on this occasion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You know, Howard," said the young peer in a tone between remonstrance and -complaint, "I never made any secret to you of my wishes and hopes with -regard to Emma Watson—you have long known that nothing but circumstances -prevented my addressing her and asking her hand."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know it, my Lord," replied Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well then, I must say I look upon it as neither kind nor honorable of you -to cut me out, or at least try to do so, for until <i>she</i> convinces me, -I will not believe you have quite succeeded. But you should not have used -me so, when I had been quite open with you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>His companion was embarrassed; for the total absence of self-confidence, -which formed a prominent part of his character, made it very hard for him -to publish his love whilst his prospects were uncertain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Tell me," continued Lord Osborne with some warmth, "do you not yourself -love Emma Watson? Have you not sought to supplant me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I will not deny that I do love her,—but I trust the acknowledgement will -be safe with you—I own I love her—have loved her long—did love her well -when you told me your own views, my Lord, and in fact have loved her ever -since our first meeting in the assembly rooms."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And why was I not told of this when I mentioned my plans to you—why allow -me to form false hopes, whilst you were undermining the ground on which I -stood?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are unjust to me, my Lord, you speak as if I had tried to injure you, -or prejudice her against you. Had <i>I</i> not a right to love her—have I -not a right to win her if I can? Though I <i>am</i> but a poor parson and -you are a peer, surely <i>she</i> is the only one to decide whether my -addresses may not be acceptable to her. I have never attempted to thwart -your success, nor have I ever made Emma a declaration of my own attachment. -But I have as good a right to do so as yourself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not mean to call your rights in question at all, Mr. Howard; what I -quarrel with is, your want of openness in not letting me know that I had a -rival in you. Had you done so, I should have had no cause to complain."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I own I was sorry afterwards that I did not speak openly, my lord, on that -occasion, but my uncertainty as to <i>her</i> feelings prevented me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then you are <i>now</i> convinced of success?" observed Lord Osborne -gloomily.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By no means; you have forced a confession from me, which under other -circumstances I would not have made; but I am very far indeed from -confidence on the subject. She has never heard me declare my feelings."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad of it—well then I really think, Howard, the best thing you can -do is to take yourself off for a few days, and leave the field clear for -me. Now do, there's a good fellow, and I shall be eternally obliged to -you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You ask a great deal," replied Howard gravely.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not so very much, because, you see, if I am accepted it proves that you -would be refused, and just saves you the trouble altogether; and if I am -refused I will let you know, and you can come in directly and follow up -your chase. Do you agree to it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I must have a little time to think of that proposal, my lord," replied -Howard, hesitating and unwilling to assent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Till to-morrow morning, I cannot give you longer, let me know what you -settle on to-morrow, and I shall arrange my plans. Do you know my mother -talks of coming down here?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I had not heard of it; when does her ladyship think of doing so?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very soon; I think the good old soul has taken it into that precious head -of hers to suspect what I am about, and in her horror of a misalliance, she -is coming down in hopes of stopping me altogether. By Jove it would be a -good joke to get it all settled before her appearance."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you think Emma Watson will consent to be your wife, if she supposes, -her ladyship, your mother, objects?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That's the worst of it—I am afraid she may have some scruples, but I mean -to try my luck at all events. There's another thing too, to be considered, -Fanny Carr is coming here—that eternal talker, Fanny Carr, and it would -save me an immense deal of trouble with her if I could give myself out as -an engaged man. She would not talk half so much."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You really think that would make a difference," said Mr. Howard, trying to -smile, but not very successfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no doubt of it at all, and the blessing of being freed in some -degree from the trouble of answering her is more than I could tell. That -girl would talk the hind leg off a horse in no time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Howard deliberated. He felt perfectly convinced that Emma never would marry -from ambition or mercenary motives, but he was not quite sure what degree -of influence the young peer might have over her heart. The idea of meeting -Lady Osborne again was excessively disagreeable, and as he was really under -the necessity of going to fetch his sister home, he thought perhaps he -might as well go at once, and allow Lord Osborne a fair field. Then if the -event were consonant to his own wishes he might return with a safe -conscience. But the question arose, what would Emma herself think of it; in -what light would she consider his quitting her thus suddenly, after the -betrayal of feeling which he that very afternoon had made? Would she not -think him the most capricious, the most changeable of mortals—might she not -be justly affronted with him, indignant at his vacillation—might she not -suspect him of trifling with her feelings—might she not think herself -extremely ill-used—could he bear to forfeit the esteem which she had -sometimes shown for him. No, Lord Osborne asked too much, he thought only -of himself, and expected to rule Howard now, in an affair of consequence -like this, in the same way as he had formerly done, when the question -solely regarded what part of the river they should fish, or which copse -they should go through with their guns. It was impossible, he could not, -and he ought not to yield, and he determined that he would not. These -thoughts occupying his mind, he was exceedingly silent during the whole -evening, hardly venturing to trust his voice beyond a monosyllable, and -never raising his eyes except by stealth to that part of the room where -Emma sat.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The evening passed very much as might be expected amongst such a -party—Margaret talked a great deal, and her husband took every opportunity -of contradicting her assertions, and turning her opinions into ridicule. -Lady Gordon gave up all attempts at keeping the peace as perfectly -hopeless, and Sir William sat by Emma and entertained her with his -conversation, whilst his brother-in-law was quite as silent as his rival. -At length, to the great relief of the whole party, the Musgroves' carriage -was announced, and they took their leave, and Emma, ashamed, agitated, -fatigued, and worried, left the party immediately afterwards, for the -silence and peace of her own apartments.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was ashamed and mortified that the Gordons should have seen the want of -concord, and the absence of courtesy between her sister and her husband—it -was much worse than she had expected. Tom seemed to think no civility even -was due, and Margaret set no bounds to her peevishness; but all this -anxiety was merged in her considerations as to Mr. Howard's conduct and -feelings. She could not comprehend him, and she understood herself only too -well.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His last words to her might in themselves mean nothing, but there was a -tone and a look which accompanied them which gave them a deep, and, to her, -most important meaning. Her hand still seemed to feel the thrilling -pressure of his fingers, and she could hardly believe that after this he -could longer leave her in doubt as to his wishes.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whether it was the agitation of mind which these reflections occasioned, or -solely owing to the pain which for two days she had been suffering, she -could hardly tell, but the next morning she found herself so feverish and -unwell as to be quite unable to leave her room. She felt this the more -because she thus, as she fancied, lost the interview with Mr. Howard which -she had been promising herself, and until she found all chance of it gone, -she had not known how very much she was depending on it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In the meantime a scene which she little dreamt of was enacted at the -vicarage. Early in the morning, Lord Osborne, impatient for the decision -which he fully expected would be in his favour, hurried to secure an -interview with Mr. Howard. Great was his surprise when he met with a firm -refusal from this gentleman to accede to his proposal. He would not absent -himself from Emma at this time; he would not forego the chances of success -in his suit; no voluntary act on his part should cause her to doubt his -sincerity, or suppose him indifferent to her. Lord Osborne was thwarted in -a way which he little expected, and he had so seldom met with opposition -before, that he knew not how to brook it on this occasion. He was quite -silent, but with gloomy look, and long strides, he paced up and down the -little drawing-room, uncertain what to do or say next, or how to express -his indignation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Circumstances, however, befriended him in an unexpected way; whilst he was -giving way to his irritation by heavy steps and bent brows, and his host -was heartily wishing the unpleasant interview terminated, the post arrived, -and a letter was brought to Mr. Howard which speedily engrossed all his -attention. It was from his sister, and written in great distress—her little -boy was dangerously ill, and she urged her brother to come to her, as from -a variety of circumstances she stood in need of his protection and advice. -She was in lodgings, and the mistress of the house, a hard-hearted and -parsimonious woman, took advantage of the difficulties in which she was -placed, and not only imposed on her in every possible way, but refused her -the assistance of which she stood in need in the present extremity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Deeply grieved at this detail of the sufferings undergone by the sister on -whom he doted, he felt not a moment's hesitation as to his determination. -To fly to comfort and defend her must be his first wish, and let the -consequences be what they might, all must give way before such an appeal.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With emotion scarcely to be repressed, he turned to Lord Osborne and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Providence, my lord, has decided against me, and your request must now be -acceded to as an imperative duty on my part. My sister requires my -presence, and if I can arrange my affairs to-day I shall leave by the night -mail for Wales."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne's irrepressible pleasure was a certain proof how deeply he had -taken this affair to heart, and how little he cared for the feelings of -others, except as they thwarted or fell in with his own. He greatly -commended Howard for determining to go immediately, and would have been -quite as ready to commend Mrs. Willis for wanting him. He was zealous in -obviating any possible difficulty about the performance of the Sunday duty, -and only demurred to the absolute necessity which Howard alleged of going -up to the Castle to see and take leave of the ladies.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But here his arguments were met with entire unconcern; Mr. Howard was -determined himself to explain the reason of his conduct, and not trust that -office to another. Perhaps he flattered himself that his friend Lady Gordon -would considerately allow him an interview with Emma untroubled by -witnesses, when he might have an opportunity of setting his own wishes in a -clearer light than he had hitherto had courage to do. But if he nourished -such ideas, they were of course doomed to an entire disappointment, for on -arriving at the well known sitting-room, he learnt, with infinite concern, -that Emma was completely invalided.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Quite unwell, and unfit for any exertion," Lady Gordon pronounced her to -be, and with so much fever about her that if the evening did not find her -better, medical advice must certainly be sent for. Sorrowfully, therefore, -he was compelled to take his leave, only cheered by the assurance that Lady -Gordon sympathised much in his anxieties, and that Emma would certainly do -the same whenever she could be allowed to learn them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The certainty that she would learn the real reason that hurried him away -was his greatest consolation, and in that case she must forgive, and would -probably pity him. He went—and Lord Osborne, relieved from the immediate -dread of such a rival, instantaneously resolved to defer his own -declaration until some indefinite and distant period, there being not the -least occasion to hurry, since any day previous to Howard's return would be -early enough for him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's indisposition lasted several days, and was probably rather increased -than otherwise by the information which her attendant gave her, that Mr. -Howard was gone to Wales, for no one knew how long. She had no one to whom -she could communicate her feelings, and the disappointment was all the more -deeply felt from being dwelt on in secret. Lady Gordon possibly guessed her -sensations, but was too considerate to show it if she did, except perhaps -by an increased kindness of manner. She saw no one else of course except -the apothecary, who was by no means an entertaining man, and would bear no -comparison with her former acquaintance, Mr. Morgan. It was quite true what -Lord Osborne had mentioned, that his mother had talked of coming down to -the Castle; she, however, changed her mind and remained at Richmond -instead; but Miss Carr arrived on a visit, during the time of Emma's -retirement in her own room, and she once more commenced a series of attacks -upon the young peer's affections, which though extremely detrimental to his -peace of mind, did not at all produce the effect which she intended. Miss -Carr began strongly to suspect that some unseen obstacle must neutralize -her efforts, and form a bar to her progress. She could not believe he would -be so impenetrable to her charms if there were no other affection to shield -his heart. She asked questions, considered, watched, and came to the -conclusion that Emma Watson, whose presence she had learnt with surprise, -was the individual who cast a malignant spell around her intended victim, -which enabled him to elude her best devices.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She never for a moment imagined that Emma herself could be insensible or -regardless of his admiration; what was a prize of such value to Miss Carr, -must be a still greater object to Miss Watson, and doubtless she was -internally triumphing in her superior attraction and success. No doubt, -indeed, but this sprained ankle was a part of her plan; all devised to make -herself of importance, and excite his sympathy. Something must be done to -counteract such deep-laid schemes, and that immediately too, or all -exertion would be too late; but yet it must be cautiously entered on, or -she might only hurt her own cause.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fortunately for her plans, she was possessed of a very unexpected means of -assailing Emma. She had been staying at Lady Fanny Allston's, her ladyship -being her cousin, at the time when the negotiation was carried on for the -situation of governess, and had learnt the exact reason why it had been so -abruptly terminated. The scandal which had thrown a shade over Emma's name -at Croydon, would, on reaching her ears have been passed as a thing -deserving neither attention nor memory, but for the incipient jealousy -which even then she felt against her rival.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This had fixed it in her memory; and now she was determined to bring it -forward in such a way as to make it tell with best advantage in her own -favor. She made no comment when she heard that Emma was in the house; and -bore, without remark and apparent philosophy, the regrets of the whole -party at her absence—only secretly resolving to watch Lord Osborne well on -her re-appearance, and ascertain the state of his feelings from his looks -and actions.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The return of Emma Watson to their usual party was hailed with great -satisfaction by the family. She looked a shade paler than usual, but -otherwise, well and animated—for she had, on her convalescence, learnt from -her friend the exact reason of Mr. Howard's absence; and satisfied that it -was inevitable, and no desertion of her from choice or caprice, she felt -only uneasy for Mrs. Willis, not on her own account.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William and his wife spoke their pleasure aloud; Lord Osborne only -looked his in public, but he seated himself next her at breakfast, and was -extremely attentive in supplying her plate with what he thought best.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Carr being late, missed the rencounter—and by the same means, -forfeited the seat at breakfast, which she had always, hitherto, -appropriated to herself. This vexed her; and when, on entering the room, -she saw Emma, she did not speak, but went coolly round the table and seated -herself precisely opposite.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Fanny," said Lady Gordon, "I believe you are acquainted with my -<i>friend</i>, Miss Watson—you met her here before."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fanny bowed haughtily, which was the only answer she would, at first, -condescend to return; but after a moment's consideration, she said with -something like a sneer:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Though it is some time since we met, Miss Watson, you will be surprised to -learn I have heard a great deal about you in the last three months."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did look rather surprised, more, perhaps, at the tone in which this -was said, than by the fact; she did not know what she had done to give rise -to such a look of scorn or contempt. The next words enlightened her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Lady Fanny Allston is my relative—perhaps you did not know that, and I was -there last April."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma felt a little confused at the many recollections which were connected -with that name—visions of Mr. Morgan and country-town gossip—unpleasant -sensations and unkind relations, flitted across her mind—but she looked up -after a moment, and conscious that she had been clear of blame in that -transaction, and not quite believing all Mr. Morgan had said on the -subject, she replied:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then, there was much probability at one time, of our meeting. I suppose -you know what passed between her ladyship and me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I do," replied Miss Carr, fixing her large, blue eyes on her with a -malicious look; "and all about a certain Mr. Morgan too—what a pleasant man -he can be. I do not wonder at his misleading girls in that way. Ah! you -need not blush so—upon my word, I think <i>you</i> were almost excusable in -your situation. I dare say, I might have been tempted to do the same."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne's eyes were turned from his plate of broiled ham to Emma's -face, with an earnest expression, which Miss Carr did not fail to notice. -There was awakened jealousy, and surprise, and something of displeasure in -his countenance as he looked at her—but who was the object of the -displeasure, she was not quite certain; she almost thought it was herself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon looked up likewise.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, my dear Fanny," said she, "I fancy you have got hold of some -country-town gossip; I wonder you are not ashamed to repeat it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I certainly should disdain country-town gossip," repeated she, "what I was -alluding to, was an event which nearly concerned Lady Fanny, and which no -doubt, Miss Watson perfectly comprehends."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon," said Emma, "but indeed, I do no such thing. If you -allude to the fact of my employing Mr. Morgan as a means of communicating -with your relative, I have no idea any one could blame me for such a -proceeding, it seems so natural and straightforward."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I was not thinking of your employing Mr. Morgan as a <i>negotiator</i>," -replied Miss Carr with emphasis, "it was very <i>friendly</i> of him, no -doubt, to interest himself in your concerns; single men are often -<i>friendly</i> to young ladies."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And so are married men too, I trust," cried Sir William, "at least I am; -and, therefore, I recommend you young ladies, both of you, to postpone your -unintelligible discussion on unknown topics, until such time as having no -witnesses, you may be able to converse in plain English, without figure of -speech, or oratorical hieroglyphics."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked gratefully at Sir William for his interference; he was always -ready to stand her friend. Lord Osborne continued to look thoughtfully and -uneasily at her, between the intervals of replenishing his mouth, or whilst -stirring his coffee, but Emma felt not the slightest concern about his -feeling jealousy or any other emotion; he was extremely welcome to fancy -that she was desperately in love with Mr. Morgan or any other man in -Croydon—especially, as in that case, he would probably make some relaxation -in his devotion to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As her ankle was not yet sufficiently strong for walking, Lady Gordon -proposed her taking a drive after luncheon in the pony phaeton, and until -that time, prescribed perfect rest on the sofa. This Emma acquiesced in the -more readily, as the post had brought her some peculiarly pleasant letters. -One was from Elizabeth, detailing many interesting particulars relative to -the preparations for her marriage, and some amusing anecdotes from the -Croydon circle, the other was still more calculated to please and excite -her. It was from Sam, and contained the agreeable information that a very -good situation had presented itself. It was to Penelope that he was -indebted for the offer. Since her marriage, she had been anxious to -persuade her husband to give up his practice, or at least to take a partner -in his business, and now she had the satisfaction of making an offer to Sam -on such very advantageous terms, that he could not hesitate a moment about -accepting them. He was to remove to Chichester next month, and though at -first he was to live in his brother-in-law's house, if the scheme answered, -he was subsequently to have a house of his own, and then he looked forward -with delight to the idea that Emma could come and reside with him. The -prospect of this gave her courage and strength to support all the -disagreeable innuendoes which Miss Carr might throw out, and even to bear -with Lord Osborne's presence and Mr. Howard's absence. Settled at -Chichester, it was not likely that the former of these gentlemen would -follow her for the purpose of looking at her, or that the latter, if he -wished to see her again, would have any difficulty in tracing her steps. -How happy she should be in her brother's little <i>ménage</i>, even if she -were never to see anything more of those whom she had known whilst at -Winston or Osborne Castle. She could fancy it all to herself, and in her -joyous answer, she drew a lively picture of the pleasure she intended they -should have together.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tired of the anxieties attending an attachment which had not progressed -very happily, she felt as if it would be delightful to settle for life with -her brother, and forswear all other and deeper affection. If she could only -make sure that he would never marry, it would be all perfect; so she wrote -to him, and her letter made Sam smile with pleasure when he read it, and -proved the best restorative after a toilsome day in the heat of the summer, -during a particularly unhealthy season.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"William, as I am going to drive with Emma, you must really ride out with -Fanny Carr," said Lady Gordon to her husband, before luncheon that morning. -"She will expect something of the sort."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why can you not take her with you, my love?" enquired he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is so very cross to-day, I do not know what is the matter with her," -replied the lady, "and really I cannot undertake her, or we shall certainly -quarrel."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And so she is to be put off upon me, is she Rosa? I am much obliged -truly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh yes, because you are so good tempered, you will be certain to bear with -her petulance, so do not refuse me," said the young wife with a look of -entreaty, which her husband could not resist.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, I am resigned, pray let Miss Carr know the felicity that awaits -her; but I hope you will ask your brother to accompany us."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure neither Fanny nor I should make any objection to that; but I do -not think you will easily persuade him; he is shyer of her than ever, and -seems quite to detest her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not wonder at it, any man would dislike a girl who made such a -desperate attack on him; I am sure I should for one; I always liked you -because you were so capricious and cross; sometimes unkind, and always -careless towards me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You loved me purely out of contradiction I have no doubt, and to hear your -account, we must both have been particularly amiable characters; but so -long as you ride to-day with Fanny Carr, I shall be satisfied."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And shall I obtain from her all the particulars about which she was -indulging in such edifying hints at breakfast—shall I enquire into the -particulars relative to Lady Fanny and Mr. Morgan?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say they would not repay the trouble," replied Lady Gordon, "Fanny -rather likes to say ill-natured things; I do not attach much credit to her -stories in general."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, Rosa, considering she is your very particular friend, I -think you speak very freely of her; I wonder whether you discuss my -character with equal candour and openness."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yours—of course, why should you doubt it—but I think if there is anything -to explain, Emma will probably explain it herself—she is so particularly -open and straight-forward."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is so, indeed; one of the most amiable young women I know; don't be -jealous, Rosa, but I like her very much."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon did not seem much troubled by jealousy, and so the affair was -settled.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Carr was very well pleased when she learnt what arrangement had been -made, and only required to make her perfectly happy to be secure of Lord -Osborne's company, as she had a most charming new riding hat, with a lovely -plume, which she was certain would make her look bewitching, and place her -beyond competition with Emma. Instead, however, of offering to accompany -her, his lordship began quarrelling with his sister about the arrangement -she had projected. Why was not Miss Watson to ride?—he was certain it would -be much better for her than being cooped up in a pony phaeton, where she -would have no room for her feet. In the saddle, as it was the right ankle -which had been sprained, she would have so much freedom, and he was certain -she would enjoy it extremely. Emma, however, protested against this -arrangement; another day she would be glad to try a ride, but not this -morning; she was too weak, quite unequal to such an exertion. Lord Osborne -submitted, but said not a word of himself accompanying Miss Carr; who, -therefore, considered it a settled thing. Accordingly, her new hat was -arranged in the most becoming style—her long ringlets drawn out to float on -her shoulders, and her dainty figure set off to the utmost by her tight -fitting riding habit. But all in vain; Sir William was the only cavalier -who appeared to wait on her, and he being a married man, was no good at -all. She was very sulky, and Sir William had no other pleasure in his ride, -than such as he could derive for himself from air and exercise on a -beautiful day.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma and Lady Gordon fared much better; the fresh air, after confinement to -one room, was delicious to the former; and, as her pleasure kept her nearly -silent, her companion was not troubled to make herself agreeable either. -They drove along, engrossed each by her own thoughts; Emma's wandering down -along each sunny glade or green alley in the forest, revelling in the -glorious pictures which presented themselves of ancient trees, and groups -of deer, sunshine and flickering shadows, deep pools sleeping under -precipitous banks tufted with fern and ivy, and crowned with feathery copse -wood.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The scenery of Comus seemed exemplified, and she almost expected to see -some mysterious forms gliding under the shadows of the forest trees. Lady -Gordon's feelings were much more mundane, and more immediately connected -with the interests of life. She was reflecting on the visibly growing -attachment of her brother, and wondering what would be the result of it. At -length she spoke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What shall I give you for your thoughts, Miss Watson? I am anxious, I own, -to know the subject of them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am thinking," said she, "what a lovely wood this would be to rehearse -Comus in; on such an afternoon as this—would it not be effective?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a good idea!" cried Lady Gordon, all animation at the proposal; "I -should like it of all things! Suppose we try?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"With your present company?" enquired Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes; we should have quite enough—should we not? You shall be the lady, and -Fanny, Sabrina; I, the Spirit—Sir William, Comus, and Osborne—let me see, -we should want one other man. I suppose Mr. Howard would take a part?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Howard? oh, no! I should think not. I am sure he would not like it!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, well; any one could do the brother's part. I think it would be -exquisite. I am quite delighted with the idea."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did you ever act, Lady Gordon?" enquired Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Never at all; but I am sure it must be delightful. I wonder whether Sir -William would make any objection?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There would be some difficulties in the way," observed Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So much the better; difficulties to overcome give one spirits. Here we -would have our theatre,"—stopping the carriage and looking round. "A -marquee or something of the sort, and seats raised in a semi-circle—it -would be quite delightful, such a <i>fête champêtre</i>. I am certain we -could manage it; and the novelty of the thing would give it great -<span lang="f" xml:lang="f"><i>éclat</i></span>."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But, Lady Gordon, if you talk in that way you will frighten me; I am -certain I could not act before an audience—I never tried any thing of the -sort, except in the most quiet way; amongst cousins and intimate friends, -with nobody to look on, but my uncle and aunt, and one or two old people, -whom we were not afraid of. We did it only for own amusement, without -thinking of being looked at or producing an effect; acting for the -entertainment of a circle of people, must be such a very different thing -from acting for one's pleasure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very different, indeed; and I should think much more agreeable; what would -be the good of fine acting, if there was nobody to see it, and none on whom -it could produce any effect."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But acting in itself, is so very amusing, like dancing—one does not dance -to be looked at, but for one's satisfaction; and it was the same with me in -the only acting I ever attempted. I forgot every thing but my part."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say, you acted very well," said Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I liked it exceedingly," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot give up my plan, however;" continued Lady Gordon, "you have put -it into my head, but you will not find it easy to put it out again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Just, at this moment, a turn of the road they were pursuing, brought Lord -Osborne immediately before them, leisurely sauntering along on his horse.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He quickened his pace of course, on perceiving the carriage, and was beside -them immediately; with a look of pleasure which was not lost upon his -sister, who was always watching his address to Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So, I have had the good luck to meet you at last," exclaimed he, "I was -dreadfully afraid I should come upon the other couple, instead of you, -Rosa; and Fanny Carr looked so cross because I would not ride with her. I -do not think I shall face her again for a month. I wish girls would learn -to govern their tempers; they cannot always expect all the men to be -scampering at their heels, just when they want it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You used her extremely ill, I must say, in running away from her as you -have done, and riding alone after all. I wonder you are not ashamed of it," -said his sister reproachfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not run away from her; I waited till she was gone, and did not make -up my mind until then, whether I would ride or walk," was his reply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His sister then began, in the warmth of her present feelings, trying to -interest him in the plan they had been talking of when he joined them. He -did not know what Comus was, and as to acting out in a wood, he was certain -it would be much more convenient, agreeable, and altogether safer to have -the play in the house. He had no objection to acting at all, if he could do -it, but he did not think he could—however, he would try.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch09' class='c004'>CHAPTER IX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Emma was not present when Lady Gordon made known her wishes on the subject -of acting to her husband; but in the dusk of the evening, as she was -sitting in the conservatory, she became aware, by a conversation she had -with Sir William Gordon, that the request had been made. He came to her, -and placing himself on a low stool at her feet, he began by telling her, in -an under tone,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wish you had not put that idea into Rosa's head, Miss Watson, about -acting: I don't like it at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am exceedingly sorry then," replied Emma; "but no doubt Lady Gordon will -readily give it up if you wish it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I hate to contradict her," said the husband; "ever since she has taken to -doing as I wish when I ask, I cannot bear to thwart her at all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You seem to regret her complaisance, Sir William; would you prefer having -to reproach and quarrel with her?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I feel much more inclined to reproach and quarrel with you, Miss Watson. I -begin to think you are a dangerous companion for my wife. Who would have -expected such a wild scheme from you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really I hardly know what to say to your reproaches, because perhaps you -may think I am trying to throw the blame from myself; but my idea and Lady -Gordon's plans were so totally different, that they hardly seem as if they -had the same origin. It was quite a vague notion on my part, suggested by -the beauty of the forest scenery, and certainly neither comprehending -company nor marquees, publicity nor expense."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You do not suppose, my dear Miss Watson, that I meant seriously to blame -you!" said Sir William half rising at her tone. "Rosa explained to me all -about it in reality. But now she has set her heart upon the thing, I do not -know what to do. She will never see any difficulties in the way of her -wishes, and her enthusiasm is the most difficult thing in the world to -resist. If she put herself in a passion about it, I should mind opposing -her a great deal less. What do you recommend, Miss Watson?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Don't ask me," said Emma; "I should probably advise something wild and -unheard of—such as either letting her have her own way, or putting a -decided negative on the whole affair at once."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I believe I must do that. It is so very unreasonable a plan; in this -country picnics and <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>fête-champêtres</i></span> for ladies and -gentlemen are almost quite certain to end in rain, spoilt bonnets, wet -feet, and bad colds; besides, I do not approve of her acting, or yours, or -any lady's, and shall certainly not countenance it with my assistance. But -Rosa did wish it so very much, I am sure I shall not have the courage to -refuse her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You do injustice to your own strength of mind and firmness of purpose, Sir -William," said Emma laughingly; "you can be as positive and decided as any -one, when you please, though you take so much credit to yourself for your -amiable softness."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you recommend me to enforce my authority?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you expect me to give an opinion between man and wife—one which would -make you both my enemies; I am not quite so wild as that!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did you see Osborne out riding to-day? I presume he went off with you, as -he would not come with us."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He overtook us," said Emma, "and rode a little way with us; what a pretty -horse he rides."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"He wants you to mount that—shall you have courage or strength to-morrow?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma rather demurred.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is very gentle, you need not be afraid, I know it well; but you need -not do it if you do not like. Have you been used to horse exercise?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A year or two ago I rode a great deal; but I have not made up my mind -about accepting his offer yet, even if he makes it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have you not?" said Sir William quickly; "you had better, for it will -certainly come, and it will be most convenient to know your own mind on the -subject."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then I shall take the night to think of of it, and be ready by the -morning; give me your advice, Sir William—which do you recommend, aye or -no?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The affirmative, certainly; it will give me great pleasure to see you -added to our party, and to enjoy so much of your society."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How long have you been studying such extremely complimentary speeches?" -laughed Emma; "but however, I cannot wait here for you to explain to me, as -really it is time to return to the drawing-room."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Let me assist you," exclaimed Sir William placing her hand under his arm; -"you are hardly yet strong enough to walk quite alone, I am sure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I must say, Rosa," said Miss Carr, to her friend the next day, "that I -think you are the most complaisant of wives—much more than I should be."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad you approve of me, Fanny. What particular good quality has -excited your admiration to-day?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The calmness with which you look on and witness the flirtation of your -husband with that pretty Emma Watson. I wonder you like it," said Miss -Carr, balancing her eye-glass on her chain between her two hands as she -spoke.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You give me more credit than I deserve a great deal, Fanny; I see nothing -of the sort, and, therefore, my complaisance and calmness are not tried."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why surely with half an eye any one may see how much they are together—you -cannot deny it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, or that you are likewise a great deal with him," said Lady Gordon, -calmly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Or how much she talks to him," persisted Fanny.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not more than you do, I think," retorted her friend.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Were you aware of the long interview they had last night in the dark in -the conservatory? She was sitting in the corner, and he almost leaning on -her lap."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad you put in the <i>almost</i>, it makes an important difference, -Fanny."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you know what they were talking of, Rosa?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, do you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A great deal of it was complaints of you, he was saying he could not -manage you, and she was giving him advice on the subject. Then they said a -great deal more about another subject, which I shall just tell you. You are -of course aware that she intends to marry your brother."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed, I am no such thing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, she does, I assure you, I heard them coolly canvassing the subject, -he was recommending her to make up her mind as Osborne would certainly make -her an offer, and he said it would be inconvenient to be in doubt when the -proposal was made."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure you must have very much misunderstood, Fanny, for I cannot -believe Sir William, or Miss Watson either, were discussing any such -subject. Nor can I at all comprehend how you came to learn all that you -detail to me—were they talking before you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, not exactly—they were in the conservatory, and so was I, but very -likely they did not see me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wonder you remained there then as a listener to their conversation," -said Lady Gordon, with an air of cool disdain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How could I suppose that your husband and your friend had any secrets to -discuss, I am sure such an idea never entered my head; and you take it so -coolly, I really quite admire you, Rosa."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not see anything to agitate myself about, Fanny, unless you could -persuade me to distrust my husband, a thing which I should conclude can be -no more in your wish than it is in your power."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I would not say anything if I did not know that Emma Watson to be a -dangerous flirt, one who is artful and unscrupulous, and who made herself -so conspicuous at Croydon that she was obliged to leave the place."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How can you talk in that way, Fanny, I am positively ashamed of you," -exclaimed Lady Gordon, quite indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, upon my word, I am saying nothing but the most positive -truth," asseverated Miss Carr, "I dare say she never told you anything -about it, but I heard it all when I was at Lady Allston's, and can tell you -the whole history about it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I really have no wish to hear country-town gossip," replied Lady Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whilst she was speaking Lord Osborne entered the room, and hearing her last -words, exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah, pray let us have it, Miss Carr: it would be a pity to defraud a young -lady of an opportunity of repeating a bit of scandal."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think it only fair to tell you, Rosa," continued Miss Carr, "fair to -you, and equally so to your friend, if it gives her the opportunity of -explaining away the evil surmises set afloat about her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, it's about Emma Watson you are gossiping," observed Lord Osborne -turning away; and taking up a newspaper, he threw himself into a chair, and -concealing his face behind the folio pages, he added, "Pray go on, and do -not mind me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well," said Miss Carr, "you know I dare say Miss Emma was left without a -farthing of her own, and quite dependent on her brother, who is a shabby -attorney at Croydon: this did not suit her—the wife was cross and mean, -like most attorneys' wives I suppose, and Emma is what is called very -high-spirited; and as they could not agree it was settled that Emma should -go as governess some where. Lady Fanny was just parting with hers, and who -should be recommended to her but my old acquaintance Emma Watson; I -remembered the name directly; was it not odd?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, rather," replied Lady Gordon, "because I know you seldom remember -what does not concern you. I cannot comprehend how all this history became -fixed in your mind, for really it seems of so little interest to any but -Emma's friends. I knew much of it before."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It amused me so much, to think of the girl whom I remembered flirting at -Osborne Castle, making her appearance in a new character. But who do you -think recommended her; my cousin's doctor, Mr. Morgan!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Here Lord Osborne's newspaper rustled very much as he changed the position -of his elbows, and Fanny looked round. His face was still invisible, so she -had nothing to do but continue her narrative.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now you must know my cousin is in delicate health, nervous and excitable, -and of course, like all such ladies, takes the English substitute for a -<span lang="it" xml:lang="it"><i>cavalier-servante</i></span>, namely a doctor. <i>Her</i> -doctor, this Mr. Morgan, is reckoned a very clever man, and so I think he -must be, for all ladies he attends, old and young, are, from half in love, -to the greatest extreme of the tender passion. I believe his character is -not quite <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>sans tache et sans reproche</i></span>, which -decidedly renders him a more interesting object; and his manners are so -exceedingly devoted and tender, that really I felt inclined to fall ill, -that I might be attended by him. He proposed Emma Watson as governess, -recommended her highly, and carried on the negotiation very successfully, -when somehow or other, my cousin took alarm about the extraordinary -interest of his manner, and having discovered that Emma was reckoned -handsome, began to think it would not do. However, as she is very kind and -candid, she would not condemn her without some enquiry; she has some -inferior acquaintance in the town—I used to wonder why she kept them -up—some old young ladies, great gossips; but I have found out now the use -of them: when she wants a cook, or a nurse, or a governess, or a tiresome -piece of work done, or a charitable collection made in her name, she turns -over all the trouble to these Miss Jenkins or some such name, (one cannot -recollect their plebeian denominations,) and they are only too proud and -happy to fuss about for dear Lady Fanny, who in return invites them -sometimes to tea, and asks her governess to meet them. Well, these amiable -and obliging virgins were quite scandalized that the dear Lady Fanny should -have been so nearly led into a grievous scrape by hiring the said Emma -Watson, who besides sundry other offences, had been guilty of carrying on a -very discreditable acquaintance with this very Mr. Morgan. Clandestine -meetings, and private conversations in dark rooms, long walks in solitary -lanes, and all that sort of thing. Now he is certainly not a man to be -trusted in any other capacity than a doctor—nobody has a word to say -against him in that particular—but certainly not the man to be safe in a -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> with a girl he admired—at least so far -as her character was concerned; and Lady Fanny, quite scandalized, settled -the matter at once by an instant rupture of the negotiation. I dare say," -added the narrator laughing, "she did not want a rival so near her own -person."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And that is your narrative, is it?" said Lady Gordon; "it seems to me to -reflect much more discredit on your cousin than on my friend."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, Rosa, you are rather free in your remarks on my relatives," -exclaimed Fanny very indignantly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon; <i>I</i> have not complained of what you have been -saying of my friend and guest."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But what is there remarkable in Lady Fanny's proceedings to strike you -with wonder? I think it was quite natural; setting aside any jealousy of -Emma, she was surely right not to bring into her house, as governess to her -daughter, a girl who had anything like a slur on her character."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Excuse my saying that if Lady Fanny did not object to employing the man in -question as a physician, she had no right to take umbrage if another -permitted him as a companion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I understood there was something quite improper in the way in which -she commenced and carried on the acquaintance—quite clandestine and against -her sister's known opinion. In fact, the whole affair was so shocking that -no one would speak to Emma at Croydon, and she was obliged to leave the -town in disgrace. In short, her reputation there was completely -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>mise en pièce</i></span>."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am perfectly persuaded," replied Lady Gordon, "that you have been -exceedingly deceived in this affair. As to believing Emma Watson guilty of -anything deserving censure, I cannot until it is proved."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should have thought my authority good enough," said Miss Carr.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You speak only on hear-say evidence, Fanny: you heard from Lady Fanny what -was told her by certain professed gossips, who must either have been acting -as spies themselves, or have been the collectors and bearers of the -slanders of other individuals. No, there is no authority for your -assertions—no testimony which would stand in a court of justice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are determined neither to see nor understand, Rosa, or you could not -talk in that, way," retorted Fanny quite angrily.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We shall never agree, so we had better not discuss the subject further," -replied Lady Gordon, "suppose we go to luncheon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The riding party had again been under discussion, and it was decided that -they should all five take an excursion on horse-back, Emma being to mount -the quiet and gentle animal so strongly recommended by Sir William Gordon.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Just as they were starting, their party was joined by another young man, a -neighbour, who was coming to pay a morning visit, and whom Lady Gordon -invited to accompany them. Whether for the sake of a fresh object, or in -hopes of pique by contrast, or from some other cause unknown, Miss Carr -fastened on him as a victim, and wherever the width of the road required a -division, they two kept side by side. This was a peculiarly agreeable -arrangement to the others, as allowing of two conversations deeply -interesting to some of the parties at least. Lady Gordon wanted to have a -private conference with her husband, on the subject which Miss Carr had -been discussing, and she took this opportunity of belonging to a party of -six to commence it. She told him everything straight-forward, from the -accusation of a flirtation with him, down to the asserted loss of -character. Sir William heard her gravely, and with fixed attention, without -interrupting her eloquent narrative by a remark or a question. She -concluded her story before he opened his lips, and then turning full -towards her, he enquired:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, and have you determined to turn her out of the house?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I really feel much inclined to do so, I assure you, the attempt to make -dissension between us is so unpardonable."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You should first be quite convinced that the attempt has been made," said -Sir William very coolly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear William, what else can you call her accusation that Emma flirted -with you? She could not make me jealous, but it was most ill-natured of her -to say so; for were the scandal to come to Emma's ears, it would of course -make her very uncomfortable."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon, Rosa," replied her husband with a smile, "we were -speaking of different individuals; you, I presume, understood my question -as applying to Miss Carr, whilst I really referred to Miss Watson, and I -own your answer rather surprised me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So it well might. Could you suppose me capable of resenting to Emma -what Fanny might say. I thought you would have known me better. I shall -take no notice of all the Croydon scandal, except by being kinder to -poor Emma, and as to yourself, I must beg you will do so too. Talk to -her, walk with her as much as you like, I am not afraid for either of -you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William's eyes expressed far more than his brief answer seemed to -convey, she could read their language, and therefore—"Thank you, I hope we -shall neither of us abuse your confidence!"—was quite satisfactory to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In the meantime Lord Osborne was compelling Emma to undergo a catechism, -the purpose of which she could not comprehend. He began by enquiring where -she had been staying previous to her visit to his sister, made himself -quite master of the connection of Miss Bridge with Croydon, and ascertained -that Mr. Bridge was a friend of hers. He then informed himself whether she -had any relatives still in the town, learnt with evident satisfaction that -her eldest sister, whom he remembered, was still there, and also that her -brother was settled in the place. Emma even told him that her sister was -speedily to be married to a very respectable brewer in the town, quite -heedless whether such a piece of information was likely to invalidate her -claims on his regard. He seemed exceedingly well pleased with the result of -his investigation, but no explanation followed as to the object of all his -enquiries. As she thought one was certainly her due, she at length took the -step of asking to what all these questions tended, if she might make so -bold as to demand it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He hesitated a good deal, and then said flatly he should not tell her, so -it was no use her asking him; at least now, though she would very likely -know it by and bye; he then added in a confidential tone, that he was going -to leave home for a short time; but that he hoped in a few days to return -to her with pleasure. She could not compliment him by pretending to be -sorry at his departure, as she really cared very little about it; but she -enquired, by way of making some kind of answer, whether his sister was -acquainted with his plans. He told her she was not yet, but that he -intended to tell her the first opportunity, as he had not yet had time to -tell her, his project had been so suddenly formed; it originated solely in -some news he had heard that morning.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was too indifferent about him, to feel any curiosity as to the reason -of his journey or its object—for she little suspected that it nearly -concerned herself; the fact being that, in consequence of the scandal that -Fanny Carr had repeated in the morning, he had resolved to go over to -Croydon and exert himself to trace and confute, what he was certain were -only base calumnies, and when he had succeeded in triumphantly proving her -innocence, he meant to lay at her feet his title and his fortune. He was -perfectly delighted at the prospect of proving his devotion to her by this -piece of knight-errantry,—which, he flattered himself, would render him -quite irresistible in her eyes; indeed, he had serious thoughts, if the -original fabricator of these lies was a man, of challenging him—a step -which he firmly believed would not fail to secure the heart of any woman, -for whom the duel was fought.</p> - -<p class='c006'>His ideas on this subject were rather derived from the old-fashioned -novels, where the hero invariably fights at least three duels, to clear the -character of his lady-love.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Very soon after imparting this information to Emma, there came a division -in the party; Lady Gordon having persuaded her husband to change places -with her brother for several reasons. One of the motives that actuated her, -was a wish to converse with Lord Osborne on the reports relative to Emma, -and learn what he thought of Miss Carr's stories. But she rather wished -likewise to separate him from Emma—with whom she thought he had been -enjoying too long a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span>; and she was, -moreover, determined to prove the entire absence of all jealousy as a wife, -notwithstanding the insinuations of her friend.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was always pleased with Sir William's company and conversation, and -enjoyed this part of her ride much more than the first. She had the -pleasant conviction in her mind that Sir William liked her; a feeling which -made their intercourse very agreeable—and, as to the scandal which Miss -Carr had tried to insinuate on that subject—she was so perfectly ignorant -of it, that it never occurred to her that an exception to their being -together could possibly be taken.</p> - -<p class='c006'>All Lady Gordon's eloquence and persuasive powers—seconded by the strongest -curiosity, failed to draw from her brother an acknowledgement of his -purpose in leaving home, or a definite opinion as to his belief, or -otherwise, in Miss Carr's stories. On this subject, indeed, he was -particularly impracticable, only exclaiming—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Pshaw! don't ask me, Rosa, about any thing she says—you know I never -listen to her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>One thing which greatly excited her curiosity, was the manner of her -brother's journey; she had questioned him as to how he intended to travel, -and he only told her to guess. In vain she attempted to do so. His -carriages were all enumerated in vain—his horses, his servants, were not to -accompany him; she concluded that he must be going on foot, and the object -of his journey became more mysterious than ever.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He piqued himself on his discretion, and was delighted to torment her, -until she was obliged to own herself fairly puzzled, and then he told her -to console her—"Time would show."</p> - -<p class='c006'>In fact Lord Osborne left the Castle the next morning in a gig, with a -single attendant, who only accompanied him a couple of miles, and then -returned home, leaving his lordship and his portmanteau at a small -road-side public house. Further than this, nothing was to be extracted by -the most adroit questioning of Lady Gordon's woman, who well knew how -curious her mistress was on the subject. But although his expedition was a -secret to his relatives and friends, it is none to the reader, and we -shall, therefore, without ceremony leave him at the public-house in -question, until the stage-coach through Croydon passed, and picking him up -transported him the rest of the journey.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch10' class='c004'>CHAPTER X.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The party left at the Castle, was too ill-suited to be particularly -agreeable, and Sir William now and then privately complained to his wife of -the dead weight which Miss Carr was in society where there were no young -men present. She had so little conversation besides scandal, and so little -occupation of any kind, that Sir William was extremely weary of her. She -sometimes played a little on the harp, but she never did that with -perseverance, or anything else at all. Her father had never allowed her to -learn any species of needle-work, which in some shape or other forms the -universal occupation and resource of women, because, he said, there were so -many unfortunates who were compelled to earn their bread in that way, that -it was unfair to take it out of their hands. With no taste for anything but -the lightest species of literature, a novel was her only quiet resource, -and in the country it was difficult in those days to procure a sufficient -supply of new novels. Lady Gordon could only listen patiently to her -husband's complaints; she did not know when Fanny and her foibles would -remove; nor could she at all foretell when Lord Osborne and her spirits -would return, though pretty well aware that they would re-appear together.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The only resource she could suggest was arranging a small party for a dance -or some such amusement, as she had never said another word about the -acting, which at one time had so occupied her mind. This would give her -friend something to think of and amuse herself with, as she might arrange a -new dress for the occasion; nay, if Lady Gordon could only unite a daylight -and an evening party in one, she might have the happiness of preparing two -dresses at least.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The prospect of such a pleasure revived Miss Carr, and she awoke to a full -sense of the responsibilities of life, when so important a thing as a -<i>fête</i> was in progress. Of what nature should it be, was the question, -and one which occasioned as much amusement as could be hoped from the -actual party. They had a great many different plans in their heads; fancy -dresses—historical characters—costumes from the old family portraits in the -picture-gallery, were all discussed with much warmth and animation. But -every one of these proposals had so many objections attached to it. The -difficulty of getting other individuals to enter into their views, and the -impossibility of those unaccustomed to such scenes entering into them at -all, were all suggested as impediments by Sir William, who had no fancy for -any of their plans, and it ended in a much more simple arrangement. A -collation in a <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>marquée</i></span>, in some romantic part of the -park, bands of music stationed in favorable situations, to entertain them -whilst eating; and the beauties of the glen, the echo, and the waterfall -within a distance favorable for a walk, to amuse them afterwards. Then -there might be the return to the Castle in the evening, and a dance -afterwards, which would finish the day's pleasure, and afford a proper -proportion of fatigue to all.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To settle on a picturesque costume for this occasion, became now the -pre-eminent object of Fanny Carr's thoughts. Emma herself was under no -uneasiness on that point, as Lady Gordon had taken the occasion to present -her with a suitable and elegant dress, on the plea of making some -compensation for the awkwardness of her brother on the occasion of the last -ball at Osborne Castle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne's return was delayed from day to day, by his finding more -difficulty in his undertaking than he had expected; but as the course of -his pursuit led him to London, he wrote from thence to his sister and gave -her reason to expect to see him again before the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>fête</i></span> day arrived. -This was a relief to Miss Carr's mind, for although desirous of universal -admiration, she was peculiarly anxious for his special attention and -regard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fortunately for her she was gratified; as she was sitting in Lady Gordon's -dressing-room the day preceding that for universal happiness, busily -engaged in twining a delicate wreath to deck her hair on the festive night, -Lord Osborne marched into the room, and suddenly laid down before her a -packet of papers, which he was carrying in his hand. She gave a great jump -and a little scream, exclaimed at his abrupt entrance, and enquired -playfully if he meant to frighten her out of her senses. He replied -quietly:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not in the least, but he knew there was no danger of that, as her nerves -were sufficiently strong to bear a much greater shock."</p> - -<p class='c006'>But what in the world were those papers he had placed before her? what was -she to do with them?</p> - -<p class='c006'>He told her to read them and they would gratify her exceedingly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What on earth are they?" said she, unfolding the -packet—"'Testimonials—Miss Emma Watson—Rev. John Bridge—Barbara Bridge—Lucy -Jenkins—Eliza Lamb—'good heavens! what is the meaning of all this, my -lord—are you trying to make a fool of me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, Miss Carr, I am only trying to prevent your making a fool of -yourself," answered he with perfect self-possession.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I really am excessively obliged to you. I did not know I was in danger of -such a catastrophe, or that I was likely to be indebted in that respect to -your lordship's deep intellect, and brilliant genius. Pray may I ask the -meaning of all this, for really at present my folly is too profound to -allow me to reach the pinnacle of comprehension."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You remember, Miss Carr," said Lord Osborne gravely, "those slanderous -tales against Miss Watson, which you were pleased to repeat the day before -I left this place."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I remember saying something which indeed I am certain could be proved -to a fraction. If you think I repeat things without a foundation, you are -very much mistaken indeed. I assure you I am excessively careful of what I -say, and never dream of giving circulation to unfounded reports, or—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am excessively glad to hear it—I hope you never will—I listened to you -then without speaking, I must beg you will do so now to me. Feeling -perfectly sure, as I did, that your tale was untrue; I have been to -Croydon—and, without troubling you with a long detail of the trouble I have -taken, I shall just make a short story of it at once, by saying that the -result is, that Emma Watson's character is perfectly clear."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure then, my lord, that Emma Watson herself must be excessively -obliged to you; but really, excuse me for asking what is all this to me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It's no use your attempting to deny it, Miss Carr, it convicts you at once -of the very unpleasant and disagreeable fault of repeating slanderous -reports. I hope it will serve as a warning to you to prevent such -wickedness again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, my lord, your Quixotism surpasses all ordinary bounds—do -tell me what you will do next? Riding about the country one day to -exculpate a girl who can be nothing to you, beyond a common acquaintance, -and then sitting down to preach lectures to me, without fee or reward for -it; I do not know how sufficiently to honour such exemplary greatness of -mind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are welcome to your wit and your eloquence, Miss Carr; I have neither -wish nor pretension to equal you in the flow of words; but you cannot, even -if you take the most round about form of expression possible, deny that you -have been quite wrong in the whole affair."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am amazingly flattered by the extremely complimentary turn which your -conversation takes, Lord Osborne. You seem to have benefitted by the -superior style of society with which you must have associated at Croydon; -really, your sister will hardly know you again. May I venture to enquire -whether you have confided to the fair Emma—the heroic devotion and the -extraordinary exertions to which she has inspired you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne, who was looking over the packet of papers which Miss Carr had -tossed contemptuously back on the table, neither answered nor looked up; -and the sudden entrance of Lady Gordon, prevented any further acrimony on -the part of the young lady—who, as soon as she recovered her temper, became -very sorry that she had spoken as she did, whilst under the influence of -vexation and shame.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon appeared very glad to see her brother; though she declared she -had always felt certain that he would return in time for her -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>fête</i></span>—she always had such good luck at her -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>fête</i></span>. Her astonishment was extreme when she learnt -the end and object of his journey; and she certainly felt, besides -astonishment, a considerable portion of secret annoyance, that he should -have been sufficiently under the influence of partiality for Emma, to be -roused to such an exertion. She, who knew him well, was aware how very -strong must have been the feeling of interest which could incite him to -undertake and carry through a task repulsive to all his former habits and -tastes. It marked a very decided love indeed; and Rosa lamented the -existence of such a partiality, even whilst rejoicing that its results were -so favorable to the reputation of her friend. But, on the whole, she was -growing more reasonable than formerly—like all women who love their -husbands, she was adopting her husband's opinions, and beginning to think -that Emma would be no disgrace to the peerage, were she ever to become a -member of it; but that her brother's chance of winning her being small, his -affection would not be conducive to his happiness. The astonishing degree -of warmth he had manifested on the present occasion, shewed the state of -his mind; but as for Emma herself, if she had read her feelings rightly, -they were in favor of another object. Lord Osborne detailed to his sister -the whole history of his exertions. He had gone to Croydon quite -incognito—had established himself very quietly at the principal inn, and -after bespeaking a dinner, walked down to call on the Vicar. To him he had -detailed his object, and asked his advice, giving, as a reason for the -interference of an unconnected individual like himself, the peculiar -intimacy which existed between his sister and the young lady in question. -Mr. Bridge had entered most kindly and warmly into his views, had pointed -out the course he thought best, and made Robert Watson and his wife own -that Emma had remonstrated against being exposed to meeting Mr. Morgan out -walking, and that she had made no secret of the occurrence. It was not -without great difficulty and adroit arguments that he had brought Jane to -acknowledge the truth on this subject; only by representations of the -necessity of clearing her own character, which she could do, by admitting, -as Mr. Bridge knew was the case, that she had yielded to her sister's -persuasions, and in consequence of them had abstained from sending Emma out -with her little girl.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Having thus cleared Emma from the imputation of there being anything -clandestine or intentional in her meetings with the doctor, a fact which -the eldest Miss Watson could also corroborate, his next step was to see -Lady Fanny Allston and learn from her who had been her authority for the -slander to which she had yielded. Her ladyship was in town, but Lord -Osborne, not to be baffled by such a circumstance, set off after her, and -without waste of time presented himself in her drawing-room in London.</p> - -<p class='c006'>On his first application her ladyship denied all recollection of the -circumstance, there were so many young women who applied for the situation -of governess to Miss Allston, that she could not be expected to remember -any of them after the lapse of so long a time as three or four months. But -he was not to be so put off, and took so much trouble to remind her of the -circumstances, that she was at last forced to admit that she could recal -something about it. When in consequence he pressed for her authorities on -the occasion, she laughed excessively at his heroic exertions in a cause -which could not concern him in the least. What possible motive could he -have she observed, for interesting himself in a girl whose state and -circumstances were so obscure. A girl who was forced to go out as -governess, what could he know about her—what ought he to know about her—a -mere country-parson's daughter, without fortune or connections, it was -ridiculous of him to be tearing about the country to vindicate her from a -little country-gossip. His lordship must excuse her laughing at him for his -knight errantry, but what mattered it whether the said Emma Watson had -flirted with the doctor of Croydon or not, or who had said that she had, if -she had not.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It appeared as if Lord Osborne's character had been totally changed under -the influence of Emma's charms, or the excitement of his pursuit; indeed he -owned to his sister it was as animating as a fox-chase, and that he enjoyed -hunting up scandal-mongers excessively. Lady Fanny's ridicule, from which -formerly he might have shrunk, could not now move him from his object. He -answered her quietly, that the character of every individual was of value -to them, and the more so in proportion to the less of wealth or importance -they had. Her ladyship might, without scruple, forfeit her reputation for -integrity, honour and justice, if she chose, by refusing what he asked, and -thus robbing Miss Watson; and that the world, seeing she <i>was</i> Lady -Fanny still, might consider it no great matter; but the case was very -different with his sister's friend, who as Lady Fanny justly observed, had -neither friends, rank nor fortune to gloss over the calumny, or support her -through right and wrong, and who it was possible might depend on her -character for her subsistence. But seeing that she <i>was</i> his sister's -friend, and at this moment her guest, he was determined to see justice done -to her, both for her own and his sister's sake; he therefore called on Lady -Fanny, if she did not wish to be considered the fabricator of the false -report herself, to acknowledge who was the author of it—for false it -certainly was, as he had other means of proving.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After some attempts at prevarication, she at length owned that she had -learnt the circumstances from Miss Jenkins, and she even at last produced -and gave up to him the identical letter to herself which contained the -whole tale, with a variety of circumstances which it was evident to any -unprejudiced observer must have been entirely invention, as no one could -have been witness to them, by the writer's own showing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Armed with this document, Lord Osborne had returned to Croydon and laid the -paper before Mr. Bridge. That gentleman, delighted at having reduced the -accusations to a form so easily combated, had agreed that they should go -together, and compel Miss Jenkins to retract her assertions.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They had called on her, and at first met only with impertinence and -prevarication. She did not know who Lord Osborne was, and would not allow -his right, or that of Mr. Bridge, to question her conduct. Supposing his -lordship to be only one of Emma's relations, and as such deserving no -particular consideration or courtesy, she did not scruple to behave with -the insolence and neglect with which underbred people consider themselves -entitled to treat their inferiors. Of course her confusion was extreme when -she found, to her astonishment, that it was a baron whom she had scornfully -answered, and whom she had scarcely condescended to ask to seat himself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She fell, on this discovery, into a prodigious fit of agitation and -flutter, protested that she was perfectly ashamed of herself—quite shocked -his lordship should have been treated so—would not his lordship move nearer -the fire—would he not take a more comfortable chair. She hoped his lordship -would not refuse a glass of wine or a little cake; was he quite sure that -he did not sit in a draft—the corner of the sofa and a foot-stool would be -much better for him. Lord Osborne very positively, and rather abruptly, -declined all her attentions, declaring that he wished for nothing better -than his present situation, nor desired anything else from Miss Jenkins -than the fulfilment of the particular object of their visit—the declaration -what authority she had for her assertions regarding Emma Watson.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She now attempted to deny that she had ever said anything at all injurious -to Miss Emma Watson's character; it was quite impossible that she -should—she had the highest regard for the young lady in question, and must -have for any one whom she knew to be the intimate friend of Lady Gordon, -and about whom his lordship was so kind as to interest himself. She never -could have been guilty of any unjust reflections on such a person, and it -must be an entire mistake of Lady Fanny Allston's if she imagined anything -to the contrary.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With the greatest self-possession Lord Osborne listened to her assertions, -and then producing the letter and laying it before her, said he was -exceedingly concerned to be compelled to disprove the assertions of a lady, -but really her present words were so contrary to her former opinions as -recorded on that paper, that he must beg to revive her memory on the -subject. Would she be so kind as to look over the accusations which that -letter brought against Miss Watson, and let them know how much of it was -false, and what part, if any, was true; and how she became possessed of the -knowledge which she had there set down.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Jenkins looked a little confused on seeing her own writing brought to -witness against her, but not nearly so much so, as she had done when she -found she had allowed a peer of the realm to seat himself so near the door. -However, she set herself to work resolutely to deny all she had written; -she could not imagine how she had ever made such assertions, she could -recollect nothing about it; it was most strange, most extraordinary, most -wonderful, most incomprehensible that she should have written such things, -she could not believe it possible: she even seemed to expect that they -would be so complaisant as to disbelieve it likewise. Miss Lamb had been -with her when she wrote the letter, it must have been on her authority that -she had made these extraordinary statements. In short she was perfectly -ready to contradict them entirely now, and to sign any statement which Lord -Osborne would please to suggest; such was her respect for Miss Emma Watson, -she was sure she could never speak of her in terms too high.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With great satisfaction, but unutterable contempt, Lord Osborne compelled -her to retract every particular which she had formerly stated, and after -agreeing that one copy of her present deposition should be sent to Lady -Fanny Allston, they decided to continue their investigation by a reference -to Miss Lamb, who was accused of being her fellow-conspirator on the past -occasion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Lamb was a very different person from Miss Jenkins; cold and repulsive -in her manners, and sparing of her words, she hardly deigned even to -justify herself. She did condescend, however, so far as to say, that she -had had nothing at all to do in the most distant degree with the affair in -question, either by word or deed; though on being cross-questioned she -admitted she had seen the letter which Miss Jenkins had sent to Lady Fanny; -she had indeed been sitting by whilst it was in the course of composition; -but she denied entirely having assisted her companion in any way, excepting -in spelling and grammar, points in which she sarcastically observed her -friend occasionally needed help. As to her requiring assistance or -suggestion beyond her own imagination, where anything ill-natured was in -question, that was quite unnecessary as everybody acquainted with Miss -Jenkins's taste for gossip must be aware. She had such a superfluity of -invention on all such matters as could be equalled by few ladies in -Croydon. She, Miss Lamb, knew she had watched Emma closely, and discovered -that Mr. Morgan had joined her occasionally when out walking, and this was -quite enough to form the foundation of any little scandalous romance which -she thought might look well, or be agreeable and amusing to Lady Fanny. For -her own part, she knew no harm at all of Emma Watson, and she hoped that -after this statement she should have no further trouble in the matter, as -she was going out, and did not wish to be detained.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Thus their interview terminated; and Lord Osborne perfectly satisfied with -his success so far, having shown the declarations of these two young ladies -to Mr. Watson, and his wife, once more repaired to London, to learn what -Lady Fanny thought of the paper he had sent her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her ladyship this time was ill-used and hysterical, sobbing over the -depravity of human nature, which had led Miss Jenkins wickedly to invent -such tales, and thereby greatly to deceive and incommode her ladyship; -preventing her obtaining a desirable governess to her great inconvenience, -and exposing her moreover to much trouble, anxiety, and other evils, -endangering her reputation for veracity, and threatening to place her in a -ridiculous position.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne could not help perceiving the absurdity and selfishness of her -lamentations, but he let her go on as she would, so long as she agreed to -sign an admission that she had been misled. He would not, however, make her -the promise which she requested from him, that he would use his influence -with this very charming young person to undertake the situation from which -she had previously been so scornfully repulsed; he gravely observed he did -not think it was any business of his, and that he could not interfere in -her private arrangements. Lady Fanny, smitten with a vehement desire to -become the patroness of the slandered Emma, determined, she said, to write -and renew her proposals. He made no objection, though perfectly determined -that proposals from himself, and of a different nature should if possible -precede hers.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This resolution of his own he did not detail to his sister, nor did he -communicate another circumstance which had occurred, namely that he had, -whilst in London, sought an interview with his mother, whom he found deeply -engrossed in a flirtation with a young colonel of the guards. He did not -like the young fellow's appearance at all, nor the air of being at home -which he assumed, but on his taking leave a still more unpleasant scene had -occurred. His mother had enquired if Howard were still at the Castle, and -on her son mentioning where he was, but adding that he hoped soon to remove -him to a better living, her ladyship had broken out into the most violent -opposition to this plan.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne had just learnt that the incumbent of another living, to which -he had the right of presentation, a very old man, was in a state of health, -which would in all probability speedily terminate in death, and he was -perfectly determined to give it, immediately it fell vacant, to his former -tutor. He felt that in every respect this would be a most desirable -circumstance, and had not the present incumbent so opportunely fallen sick, -he should certainly have attempted to negotiate some other exchange which -would have promised a speedy removal. Why Lady Osborne should so resolutely -set herself against it, he could not imagine; her feelings towards Howard -he could not understand, unless in case of a suspicion which occurred to -him proving correct, that the clergyman had refused the baron's widow. She -who used to be so friendly and favourable to him, now indulged in feelings -apparently of hatred and enmity. She evidently wished to injure him, wished -to hinder any improvement in his circumstances, wished to prejudice her son -against him. He thought his mother hardly in her senses on this subject, so -extremely bitter and unreasonable her sentiments appeared. Her indignation -passed all bounds when she found him perfectly unpersuadable on this point. -His object in wishing to remove Mr. Howard was quite as potent as hers in -wishing to torment him, and his obstinacy in following his own opinion at -least as great; there was therefore no chance of their coming to any -agreement, and they parted on very bad terms.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Now when his tale was done, he was ready to sit and listen to his sister's -plans and designs for to-morrow, ready to encourage her with hopes of a -fine day, and still more ready to anticipate much intercourse with Emma -Watson. He determined to seize some opportunity during the approaching fête -to make known his sentiments, and ask her hand. His courage felt quite -high: he had been so successful in this undertaking at Croydon that he -began to think he must have quite a winning way with women, and thoughts, -complimentary to himself, which had never before entered his brain, began -now to bud and grow, and rapidly increase within him.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch11' class='c004'>CHAPTER XI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The morning opened in a way as promising to Lady Gordon's plans as could be -desired; bright and serene; a gentle air, not strong enough to wave the -flag upon the Castle turrets, rustled amongst the forest trees; a deep blue -sky, a cloudless sun, and the mist upon distant objects which accompanies -heat in this country, all promised everything most charming.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The whole party were in high spirits, and when, after their breakfast, the -ladies had put the finishing stroke to their toilettes, any unprejudiced -observer must have admitted that they all three looked very captivating in -their several ways.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon anxious to be on the appointed spot previous to the arrival of -any of the guests, soon started from the Castle, and the two young ladies -accompanied her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The scene which had been chosen looked very lovely certainly, and the -marquees and trees in its vicinity, festooned with flowers, and ornamented -in many dainty devices, had a most tasteful air; but Emma could not help -thinking that the forest glade in its natural state would have been more -taste picturesque, and to her far more enchanting, than with the gay flags -and ornaments which now decked it. She thought of the ages which had passed -over those lordly trees; the generations of fair faces, which had perhaps -strolled beneath them; the histories of happy or of broken hearts, which, -could they but be known, would read so many a moral lesson to herself. They -looked so very old, those huge spreading trees, with their giant trunks and -wide extending branches; she quite felt respect for such stability and -strength. Their boughs had probably waved</p> -<div class='lg-container-l c000'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in5'>"O'er manhood's noble head,</div> - <div class='line in6'>O'er youth's bright locks, and beauty's flowery crown."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c008'>and now another generation was to meet beneath them, and how many gay, -thoughtless hearts, would they this day shade.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They had not been long enough there for Miss Carr to be very tired of -waiting, nor for Emma to be at all anxious for a change of scene, when the -company began to arrive, and she had other amusement and occupation. It was -a very large assembly, and every one came prepared to enjoy themselves, -convinced that what Lady Gordon did must be wittiest and most fashionable, -if not</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in5'>"Wisest, discreetest, virtuousest, best."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The band played, the sun shone, the green trees waved in the breeze, the -silks and muslins fluttered, fair checks reddened, bright eyes glanced, -sweet lips smiled, fairy forms flitted about, everything was elegant, -lively, agreeable—any thing but pastoral, not at all in the fashion of an -old French print of a Louis Quartorze fête champêtre. There were no mock -shepherdesses, with powdered heads and crooks in their hands; no badly -supported and out of character costumes; people came to act no part but -that of lively, and if they could be, lovely English ladies, in the most -fashionable gowns, meeting well-bred, well-dressed, well-intentioned -English gentlemen. There were smiles, and flattery, and flirtations, and a -little affectation, and some small share of folly; but on the whole, it was -an extremely elegant and well-satisfied party, and every one was ready to -tell every one else how excessively pleasant it was, and how much more they -preferred these delightful, unformal parties, to the more usual, but less -exciting, in-door assemblies.</p> - -<p class='c006'>To those who loved good eating and drinking, it could not fail of being an -agreeable re-union, for "the feast provided, combined," the newspapers said -on the occasion, "every delicacy of the season, which an out door repast -would admit of, in profusion, and the hospitable and liberal-minded hosts -were truly delighted to press on their nowise reluctant guests, the -choicest viands and the most refreshing products of the vineyards."</p> - -<p class='c006'>In reallity, there was a great deal of pleasure afforded on the occasion, -and if there were some dissatisfied minds, it may be concluded that they -were those, who under no circumstances were likely to be pleased.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Among the discontented was Margaret Musgrove, who came over with a friend, -in that friend's carriage, her husband driving the brother of this lady, as -he preferred anything to accompanying his wife. After their arrival, he -attached himself to this friend, and carried on with her a very tender -flirtation. Mrs. Harding Russell was a fine, dashing woman, who very much -enjoyed a flirtation with her friend's husband, and was delighted to make -herself conspicuous, and the wife uncomfortable. Margaret would not have -minded, had the brother been inclined to assist her in paying her husband -off—but this was not the case, he was a man's companion, not a woman's, and -never troubled himself to flirt at all. Margaret for some time formed a -very inharmonious third to the otherwise lively duet which was performing -between Tom and Mrs. Harding Russell, whose company made her perfectly -miserable; but at length she succeeded in securing as a companion one of -her former acquaintances, who though he had long ago ceased to care for -Margaret Watson, had no objection, <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>faute de mieux</i></span>, -to make himself agreeable to Mrs. Tom Musgrove.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the greatest portion of the visitors was assembled, at a given signal, -the sides of the largest marquee were opened, and every one was invited to -the collation. Amidst the throng and pressure of this occasion, Emma found -herself within a a short distance of her brother-in-law and his friend, and -an unavoidable hearer of their conversation. Mr. Corbet was enquiring—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What has come over Lord Osborne to make him such a different fellow from -what he used to be? Why when I was here before, he was a fine, dashing lad, -quite ready to join in any sort of sensible fun; and now he seems all taken -up with women and girls. I remember when he would have scorned to join in -such trumpery nonsense as this; but when I proposed just now that we should -slip away to have a cigar and a little brandy and water, hot and -comfortable, he told me he must attend to his sister's guests. Such a -precious notion, 'pon my soul, I could not help laughing to think of a -fellow like him turned into a lady's companion; a pretty thing indeed. If I -were a peer of the realm, catch me troubling my head about any sisters or -mother of mine."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"'Pon my honour, I think," said Tom, "it's a monstrous pity he <i>is</i> so -altered, for I am sure he's not the same person to me that he was; I really -think it is all for the sake of my sister-in-law, that pretty girl who is -here now, you noticed her I dare say."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not I, I never look after pretty girls of that class—those I can have -nothing to say to; there's an uncommon pretty girl at the lodge-gate, who -stared at me as I came in, I noticed her there, and winked at her as hard -as I could; and I intend to notice her again before I've done with her; but -what are other pretty girls to me—not my sort, eh Tom?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Tom laughed so much, Emma did not hear what followed, but it ended with a -proposal that when they had had enough grub, they should adjourn to the -lodge to look after the rustic beauty.</p> - -<p class='c006'>By this time Emma had been borne by the throng into the interior, and -unluckily the place she found for herself, was close to Mrs. Harding -Russell and her brother-in-law. She did not expect much pleasure from this -vicinity, and could not, therefore, complain of disappointment, as well as -disagreeables during this part of the entertainment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Harding Russell for some minutes would not turn her head towards Tom, -and when he claimed her attention, she turned towards him with a scornful -smile and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, you are come, are you? I hope you did not hurry yourself on <i>my</i> -account, Mr. Musgrove. I should be sorry if you had put yourself to any -inconvenience."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I have though. I have been making frantic exertions, and trodden on -at least a dozen toes to secure a place near you, convinced you would enjoy -nothing unless I were here to help you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, a very pretty speech—just like a man though—quite what one -might expect from the vain sex. Pray do not take a seat, which I have no -doubt must be very disagreeable to you. I dare say somebody else would -change places with you: the young fellow talking to your -wife—Baker—Butcher—Barber—what's his name—I shall call him, he would do -just as well—he could hardly say less civil things."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What did I say, anything rude? do you not know you were to take my -speeches by contraries—did we not agree so—it is so much safer: but you -know your power—your delight in tormenting me—caprice is so charming in -women—and <i>you</i> know how to make it positively bewitching."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really I have not the slightest wish to bewitch you, nor can I believe -that I do so—I have no power over any one, least of all you—I who have no -charms, no graces—oh, no indeed, I do not expect civility, much less -attention from men."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Fie, you slander yourself and me, and the whole race of men in such -assertions; you no charms—no graces—I should like to know where they are to -be seen, that is all, if you do not exhibit them. I am sure Mr. Harding -Russell would not say so, happy man!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What do <i>you</i> know of Mr. Harding Russell?" enquired the lady turning -abruptly round to him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nothing at all, except that like Roy's,</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div>"His age is three times mine"—</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>shall I go on?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Say what you please, it is better to be an old man's pet than a young man's -slave," retorted she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Possibly, but you may reverse that saying—a young man would infallibly -become your slave, fairest."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The rest of the conversation need not be detailed, it was too common-place, -and trivial to deserve further notice; every one has heard two under-bred -and over-pretending individuals making fools of themselves and each other, -by their compliments and self-flatteries.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Very much rejoiced was Emma when the conclusion of the banquet at last -allowed her the relief of a change of neighbours and conversation. As she -was looking about for some one whom she could join, standing back a little -to allow the tide of finery and flutter to roll past, she suddenly found -Lord Osborne at her side.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How came you to go all wrong, Miss Watson, at dinner?" enquired he -abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I, my lord—how!" was her answer, rather puzzled.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Getting down quite with the wrong set—you belonged to us, and had no -business at all with Mrs. Harding Russell, or women of that kind; I looked -for you, but you had given me the slip."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, is that all?" replied she, "I was really afraid I had committed some -glaring crime, from your lordship's reproaches, but if it was only sitting -near the wrong persons, I assure you I have done penance enough already for -that—I cannot say that I thought them very pleasant."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad of it," he replied with much animation, "you would have been -very different from what I fancied, if you had found any pleasure in Mrs. -Harding Russell."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma made no answer, and he immediately afterwards proposed her joining -Lady Gordon, to which she assented. They found, on joining the circle round -the hostess, that she was proposing for them a ramble through the prettiest -parts of the park, to see the waterfall and the fairy fountain, and hear -the echo, which was famous in the glen; there were a number of young people -round her, and they seemed just in a humour for such an expedition. Some -were to take carriages, some to go on foot, and amongst this latter group -were included Emma and also Miss Carr, who seemed suddenly seized with a -very decided partiality for Miss Watson, which grew particularly strong -whenever Lord Osborne approached.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Quite uninvited she linked her arm in Emma's, and would be her inseparable -companion in the walk. It was very pretty scenery through which they had to -pass, and the lively party with their gay dresses gave it quite a novel -effect. There was nothing like connected conversation carried on, only -lively remarks, and quick repartees, with quaint observations from Sir -William Gordon, who formed one of the party, and matter-of-fact assertions -from his brother-in-law, who was, however, remarkably talkative for him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>In passing through one portion of the park under a sunny bank, they -startled some of the harmless speckled snakes which writhed themselves away -in haste, but not without causing much alarm and trepidation on the part of -some of the young ladies, who protested they had a natural horror of such -reptiles. This led the conversation into a new train, a long discussion on -natural antipathies, when all the young ladies were called on by Sir -William to declare what were their pet antipathies, presuming that they all -cherished some such amiable weakness. He in return was immediately -assaulted by an accusation of thinking ill of young women—entertaining -satirical ideas about them, and making ill-natured speeches to them; which -of course he denied, and the dispute which this accusation brought on -lasted till they reached the fairy fountain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Seated by the side of the spring was a brilliant, dark-eyed, beauty of a -gipsy, who seemed to be waiting their approach.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here's a part of the masque for which I was not prepared," cried Sir -William; "I wonder whether my wife sent this woman here."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Then advancing, he enquired what she wanted.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am waiting," she exclaimed with a smile, "to meet you all—not you, Sir -William," putting him back with her hand. "It is not you I wish to see, but -the young lord. Stand forth, Lord Osborne."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Holloa! what now," cried he advancing—but another gentleman put him back, -and placing himself before the gipsy enquired why she called him forth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I never called <i>you</i>, Arthur Brooke—who named your name?—keep in your -proper place, and be not hurried to assume that of others." Then rising, -she pointed to the spring and exclaimed, "Are you all come to drink at the -fairy spring? How will you do it—where are your glasses or your pitchers?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was perfectly true they had all come to drink, but had forgotten or -neglected to bring any vessel with which to draw the water. After looking -at them for a moment, with triumph she exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You must then condescend to be beholden to the gipsy for your draught—see -here," and she produced, as she spoke, a small silver cup: "Lord Osborne, -take this cup and fill it for your guests."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne advanced and prepared to obey her. Sir William stopped him by -suggesting perhaps it was a magic cup which might work them harm and woe.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Scoffer!" said the woman. "It is a magic cup. Carry that cup steadily to -your lips, full to the brim, without losing a drop, and it betides you -success in your life's undertakings."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who will try the omen?" cried Lord Osborne. "For whom shall I dip?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not me! not me!" exclaimed several of the young ladies addressed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Let me try first for myself," he said, and stooping filled the little -goblet to the brim, raising it steadily and carefully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A toast," cried Sir William, "you must not drink without a toast."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Success to our secret wishes," said he, and drained the cup to the bottom. -"Will none follow my example," added he: then again filling the cup, he -presented it to Emma; she took it and drank a part, then deliberately -poured the remainder on the ground. The gipsy's eyes flashed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You defy me," she said, "dark-haired girl—but ere the sun stands again -where it now does, your heart will be as heavy as your curls—your hopes as -dark as your eyes—tremble—for the approaching news—you, who have dared to -disregard my cautions."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Whatever ill news may be in store for me," said Emma firmly, looking up; -"it will come quite irrespective of the water I just poured upon the -ground. I do not fear <i>you</i>. I have seen you before."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, we have met before; and I remember kindness with gratitude, and I -grieve that young hearts should break—but it must be so—triumph and success -to his lordship—but tinged with regret and sorrow—for he has drank from the -gipsy's cup. Who will have their fortunes told."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I don't believe a word of it," said Lord Osborne, "How should she know?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is well to disbelieve, no doubt; but see now, you come to the fairy -well for water; but, without my help, you would have come in vain. So it is -with the future. You wish to draw knowledge from the dark bottomless well -of destiny; you may seek in vain, unless you condescend to borrow of gipsy -lore. Have courage and face the future."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! do not let us have any thing to do with her," cried one young lady.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not afraid, I will have my fortune told," said Miss Carr, advancing; -"tell me, if you can, what will be my fate?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," replied the young woman, turning away, "I dare not predict for -you—but one thing I foresee—disappointment and sorrow to you all—bright -hopes faded—joyous faces clouded—smiles changed to tears for some, and the -gayest hours cut short with grief and dismay. Farewell!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She fled down the glen as she spoke, and a turn of the path hid her from -sight. A something of fear and chill fell on the whole party. Sir William -was the first to break the silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who is she, Miss Watson? she claims you as an acquaintance—where did you -ever see her?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma told him that it was a long time ago—before last Christmas—when out -walking with one of her sisters. She did not explain that it was during -that well-remembered walk, when she had met Mr. Howard for the first time -after the ball, and he had accompanied them home. This young woman had -followed them on that occasion, and Emma had persuaded Elizabeth to give -her some relief from the kitchen, as she seemed almost famishing. Having -been struck by her beauty, Emma had instantly recollected her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The waterfall and the echo, combined with meeting those who had gone there -in carriages, and detailing the adventure of the gipsy girl to them, -sufficed to restore most of the spirits which had been damped by her -predictions—and there was a great deal of merriment going on around her—but -Emma remarked that Sir William looked particularly thoughtful and quite -unlike his usual self.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you brooding over the threatenings of the girl," enquired she, coming -to his side, "you look so uncommonly grave, I really think they must have -made an impression on you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I own they have," replied he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! Sir William," exclaimed she, "I did not expect such superstition from -you. I am surprised."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you," said he, looking fixedly at her; "do you not know that those -people seldom prophesy without some foundation to go on? They are quick at -guessing feelings and wishes, and combining them with past and passing -events; and extremely quick at learning any kind of news and turning it to -their own advantage. Their knowledge in this way is astonishing; and I -certainly feel afraid lest it may prove too true,—that something to us -unknown, has occurred to grieve us."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You almost frighten me, Sir William," replied Emma, turning pale. "Your -attaching such consequence to words which appeared to me spoken at random, -seems quite like a reproach to me for treating them so lightly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps her predictions, after all, may be the worst things that we shall -hear," added Sir William, trying to shake off his gravity; "and they will -be quite fulfilled, if I make you so pale. You are tired—take my arm!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She could not deny it; and was glad to accept a seat in one of the -carriages to return to the Castle: whither the most delicate of the guests -now agreed to turn their steps, to rest and refresh themselves after their -exertions, previous to the ball at night.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch12' class='c004'>CHAPTER XII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Emma was content to lie down quietly in her own room, for her ankle was not -strong, and she had taxed it so severely, that she felt dancing would be -out of the question for her that night; she was rather sorry, for she -really liked dancing; but she felt that prudence required the sacrifice, -lest she should be lame for a much longer period.</p> - -<p class='c006'>How the rest of the afternoon was spent by the guests, she could not tell, -except that the sounds of music and merriment were often borne through her -open windows, and came apparently from the lawns or the terrace.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Refreshed by a couple of hours' peace and solitude, she repaired, about -seven o'clock to Lady Gordon's dressing-room, and found her busy with her -toilette. Her own dress and appearance received due commendation both from -her friend and her friend's bower woman. It being the gift of the one, and -the work of the other, it was no wonder perhaps that they thought it looked -well. The attendant observed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was quite a pleasure to make gowns for Miss Watson, she became them so -completely: the work was never thrown away on her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Perhaps the speaker had an eye to some future situation as waiting-woman to -the young Lady Osborne, for his Lordship's devotion was quite evident to -the inmates of the still-room, as it was then called; and Miss Watson was -honoured accordingly. Whilst she was there, Sir William came in likewise, -and chatted in a way, which drew from Emma the observation that he had -quite recovered his spirits; his wife did not hear the remark, and taking -advantage of the occupation which at that moment engrossed her, to speak -without her notice, he begged Emma not to allude to it before <i>her</i> -again. Of course Emma was quite ready to comply, but she thought it strange -that he should attach so much importance to the circumstance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>They all went to the grand reception rooms together: they were already gay -with parties impatient for the continuance of their pleasures. When the -dancing commenced, Emma withdrew into the conservatory, which was cool and -refreshing, for the ball-room was already heated by the company and the -lights. Here she walked in solitude for some time; her friends were all -dancing, Lady Gordon, her brother, her husband, and Miss Carr, so there was -no one to interrupt her reverie, or disturb her meditations.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But at length, by the cessation of the music, she learnt that the long -country dance had finished, and soon afterwards, couples and groups sought -the same refreshment as herself. She sat down in a moon-lighted corner, -where amongst the flowers and shrubs, and by the soft and subdued light, -her white crape gown showed like the sculptured drapery of some marble -statue, and here she was still suffered to remain in peace, though the -conservatory echoed to merry voices, and the light laugh and sparkling -sally of wit, sounded above the trickling of the silvery fountain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Presently, the music recalled all the dancers to the ball-room, and she was -again in solitude, but not now for long: a heavy step approached, and just -as she was rising from her seat, Lord Osborne joined her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now do sit down again," said he, "but how completely you have hidden -yourself; I began to despair of finding you—ain't you going to dance?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She told him her reason for declining it, at which he expressed concern, -but immediately added:—</p> - -<p class='c006'>"However, perhaps on the whole, it is as well, for I wanted particularly to -talk to you, without being overheard: can you listen to me now?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She acceded, with some surprise at the request; he leaned against the wall -by her side, and began.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you know my journey the other day was all on your account?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed," she exclaimed, in some surprise.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I will tell you why, only don't interrupt me till I have done, that -puts me out; Miss Carr, whom you know I do not like, but perhaps you do not -know I do not believe, would say such ill-natured things about you and Lady -Fanny Allston, and her reason for not taking you as governess, none of -which I believed, so you need not look angry, that I determined to go to -her Ladyship, and make her contradict them. What do you think of that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You really went to Lady Fanny on that subject," exclaimed Emma, "may I ask -what authority you had for interfering in my affairs?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The authority, Miss Watson, the right which every man has to protect a -woman who is slandered and defenceless. Miss Carr had slandered <i>you</i> -to my sister, in my hearing; she referred to her cousin as her authority, I -compelled her cousin to acknowledge the sources of the calumny, and having -traced it to a contemptible and envious Miss Jenkins, I forced her to eat -her words, and retract every aspersion she had cast on the character of one -whom I always believed blameless. Are you now angry with me Miss Watson?" -his voice softened at the last words, his energy fled, and he looked again -like himself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot tell what I feel," said she hesitating, "Tell me what Lady Fanny -says now of me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That she is convinced that she was misled by vile calumniators, and that -she wished me to use any influence I possessed with you to renew her former -negotiation."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Which you promised to do," said she, "and so you tell me this?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was a tone of playfulness in her voice which reassured him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are not angry with me?" said he enquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think not; it depends partly on your motive, but on the whole I am -inclined to forgive you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A hundred thanks, but if you do forgive me—give me your hand!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She extended one finger towards him, saying with a smile her whole hand was -too much at once: but he did not listen to her words; her hand was caught -and pressed in his, and raised to his lips before she could release it from -the unexpected thraldom. Then mustering all his courage and becoming -eloquent under an emotion which makes many an eloquent man silent, he -added,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It was for your hand I did it, to earn a claim on that, that I travelled -and met strangers, and wrangled with and coaxed them. It was because I -could not bear a blot on your fair fame—you whom I love so very much: dear -Emma—you who are so kind, so good-natured, will you not love me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Lord Osborne," said she with profound gravity, "cease I beg; this species -of conversation becomes neither your station nor mine. If I own myself -obliged by your exertions for my sake, do not annul the obligation by words -which never should have been spoken. Let me go!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>But he stood before her, and would not let her pass; whilst saying in a -low, deep voice,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You must misunderstand me, Miss Watson, or you would not speak thus. Have -I not as much right as any one, to love what is fair and excellent—if I am -plain and awkward myself, can that make my love an insult—and you—are you -not deserving to be loved, worshipped, idolised by every man who comes near -you. Have you not everything that I want—everything that would grace a far -higher title, a much larger fortune than mine. But because I have none of -these things is that any reason I should not admire, and love them, or -offer my coronet to one who would so well become it. It is yours if you -will but accept it; hand, fortune, title, everything—do give me an answer."</p> - -<p class='c006'>But before Emma could find voice to answer, or arrange her ideas, they were -startled by a scream from the ball-room—the music stopped completely, and a -sudden stillness for a moment prevailed, seeming awful by the contrast to -what preceded: then came a murmur, like a hundred whispers in one, which -seemed to gather and increase.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma had started up at the scream, and now stood suspended, with a beating -heart and unsteady breath.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What can be the matter," said he, "shall I go and see—sit down, do not -alarm yourself."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She really was obliged to seat herself, for she could not stand; he went a -few steps, where he was met by Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"For Heaven's sake Osborne come here and send off all these people, your -sister is in a fit, and I am almost as bad from horror."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What in the world is the matter," cried he, struck by the agitated tone -and look of his brother-in-law.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A report has been brought from Wales that Howard is dead," said Sir -William, "killed by a fall from a horse amongst the mountains, and Rosa -heard it suddenly—and I am afraid—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Killed—Howard—dead—good Heavens," instinctively he was turning to the spot -where Emma sat, but Sir William impatiently seized his arm and hurried him -away unconscious that she was near.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was left alone to her feelings, and how the next half hour passed she -never knew. She could neither think nor move; to feel was too much, for a -confused murmur rang in her ears; a sound of suppressed voices, and hurried -footsteps, and rolling wheels, and then all seemed still again. How long -she sat there she could not calculate, horror-struck and immoveable, she -seemed unconscious of everything but the one thought that he was -<i>dead</i>. And so suddenly, so awfully—it could not be!—and yet it must -be true; she shivered with horror, and then she seemed again to become -insensible to everything, closing her eyes to the gay lights and gaudy -flowers which appeared to mock her when she gazed at them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was just beginning to recover, but still unable to move, when she heard -Sir William's voice enquiring,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Where is Emma—Osborne, have you seen her? she was not in the ball-room."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She was with me in the conservatory," replied his companion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Good heavens, then she must have heard it all," cried Sir William, then -hurrying forward as he caught a glimpse of her white gown, he gazed with -anxious enquiry at her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her bloodless cheek, and her whole air, at once betrayed her knowledge of -what had passed; but making a violent effort to conquer emotions which were -almost choking her, she attempted to rise and come forward. She had hardly -strength for the exertion, she trembled so violently, but still the effort -did her good. Sir William looked at her compassionately, and drawing her -hand under his arm without a word, led her away. Lord Osborne followed with -a look of deep dismay in his face, and an air of indescribable dejection -over his whole figure.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Can I be of any use to Lady Gordon?" enquired Emma, forcing slowly, one by -one, from her parched and trembling lips, the words which she could -scarcely articulate.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Lady Gordon is tolerably composed, and gone to bed," replied he, "let me -recommend the same course to you. I am shocked to think you should have -been left so long uncared for. You seem quite exhausted and worn out."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma gladly complied with his recommendation, and tried to sleep, but that -was vain. Images of horror of every kind filled her mind the moment she -attempted it, and she was glad at length to rise and throw open the window -to breathe the fresh air.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The moon, which was still high in the sky, was beginning to grow pale -before the increasing light in the east; the air was calm, the wind merely -a gentle breathing: now and then was heard the chirp of the early birds in -the neighbouring trees, but as yet the busy tenants of the rookery near the -castle were still. The cry of the deer in the park, the lowing of cattle at -a still greater distance, the murmur of the stream in the valley came -distinctly on the ear, during the profound hush which preceded the dawn.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Everything looked so fair and calm, and happy—could it be that misery and -disappointment, and suffering, were for ever lurking under all! How gay had -been the commencement of yesterday; how sad the close! Such was worldly -pleasure—such it must be—such it ought to be. Happiness was fled from her -for ever; she could not expect to meet it again. A calm, dull future spread -before her, uncheered by love, or home, or hope. Her affections blighted in -their first spring, were for ever destroyed, and if she could learn -resignation that was the utmost she could look forward to.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She burst into tears, went back to her bed, cried herself to sleep, and did -not wake till a late hour the following day.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Of course she was looking wretchedly pale and miserable when she descended -the next day. So conscious was she of this that she longed to remain in her -own room, but feared that it might have even a more suspicious appearance -than her pale cheeks. She was relieved on entering the sitting room to find -only Sir William, Lord Osborne having breakfasted and gone out. He was -looking sad and grave, but replied to her anxious enquiries, that his wife -was better, but not well enough to leave her room yet. He regarded her with -a compassionate expression, and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You too are suffering from the events of yesterday—no wonder; such a blow -coming after so much excitement and fatigue."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her lip quivered, and she could not answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Watson," added he, "the gipsy must have known of this before we met -her. She must have alluded to this shocking event."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma made an effort, and succeeded in articulating,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Then after a pause, she ventured to enquire,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How did the report reach you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>It had been brought, it appeared, by one of the guests, whose cousin or -brother, or some such friend, had just arrived from Wales, and learnt it -before leaving Denbighshire. It had been accidentally mentioned by this -gentleman in Lady Gordon's hearing; and she being at the time in a nervous, -irritable state from fatigue, excitement, and the heat of the ball-room, -had been seized with a violent fit of hysteria at the information, which -had broken up the dancing and compelled her to quit the company.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And my abruptness I fear overpowered you, Miss Watson," added Sir William, -"I had no idea that you were there when I met Osborne, and spoke with the -conviction that I was distressing no nerves weaker than his."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But even Lord Osborne must feel such a shock," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh yes he feels it very much, but it is not his way to be overpowered by -his feeling. None who had known Howard could help feeling it—so sudden an -event—and quitting us quite well only a few days before—what his poor -sister must have felt!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William paused, for Emma had walked away to hide her tears and smother -her sobs at the window. The entrance of Miss Carr at the moment, -well-dressed, and cheerful looking as usual, tended greatly to compose -Emma's spirits, but quite overpowered Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He escaped instantly out of the room. Miss Carr came up to Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How miserably uncomfortable everything seems to-day. I cannot imagine why -the death of this man—even supposing he is dead—should derange everybody -here to such a degree. A thing which happened too some hundreds of miles -away, Rosa in bed, and neither Sir William, nor Osborne visible. Don't you -think it's too bad?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say Lady Gordon will soon recover," replied Emma, "but I cannot -wonder if she is indisposed considering everything—the heat, the fatigue, -and all the excitement of yesterday."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have you breakfasted, Miss Watson?" enquired Miss Carr.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma replied she had not.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then come with me, and let us get some," said she, passing her hand under -Emma's arm. "There is no reason that we should fast, I suppose; for, though -Mr. Howard's death is very shocking, I confess it does not take away the -appetite quite."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma thought it would be the easiest way to consent, and they went -accordingly. On entering the breakfast-room, which they had entirely to -themselves, they found that, owing probably to the confusion in the -household, the letters, by that morning's post, had been laid on the table -there, and no one had seen them. Miss Carr immediately began looking them -over, and presently exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Here are two—three for you Miss Watson. I wonder there are none for me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma received them, and glanced at their exteriors to see whether she -should open them there. One she saw was from Miss Bridge—one from -Elizabeth—and thinking that the occupation of reading them would prevent -her hearing Miss Carr's chatter, she broke the seal of the latter, and -began to peruse it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It gave her a lively account of Lord Osborne's visit, and contained many -hints as to the object of his journey and the motive for it, which suddenly -re-called to Emma's mind the fact, which until that moment, had absolutely -escaped her memory—his proposal to herself—a proposal to which he had, as -yet, received no answer. It seemed hard and cruel to keep the poor young -man in suspense, which would end in disappointment—for she could not -hesitate a moment, as to her answer. Under no circumstances could she ever -accept him, or persuade herself to think him an agreeable man. But the -meditation on his love, and her intentions with regard to it, forced -another consideration upon her, what else should she do with reference to -him. Would he leave the house, or should she, or could they go on as before -with any comfort to herself. It would be very disagreeable to have to -continue in daily intercourse with a rejected lover, unless, indeed, he -were much more magnanimous than the rest of his sex; for, with men in -general, it appears, no insult can be deeper, no injury more severe, than a -woman differing from their estimation of themselves, and doubting the fact -of their making a suitable and agreeable husband. This is so unpardonable -an offence, that there are few men who would acknowledge having met with -such a rebuff, or if they do, it is in the well-known language of the -"Laird o' Cockpen."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma flattered herself, on consideration, that she should not suffer from -any pique on his part, as when her unalterable resolution was once known to -him, there would be nothing to prevent his immediately removing himself and -his disappointment to some other scene.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After dreaming over these things for some time, she took up the other -letters and rose to go. Casting her eye, as she did so, on the post-mark -and address of the third, which, hitherto, she had not noticed, she was -startled by perceiving that it came from North Wales—and, if her senses did -not deceive her, it was Mr. Howard's handwriting.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The small remains of presence of mind which this discovery left her, was -just sufficient to check the exclamation rising to her lips; and the -impulse of her feelings prompting her to seek solitude and fresh air—she -rushed out on the terrace, down the flight of steps into Lady Gordon's -flower garden; and there, secluding herself under a wide spreading bay -tree, she endeavoured to recover sufficient breath and composure to examine -the letter. With trembling fingers, beating heart, and tearful eyes, she -broke the seal, and after hurriedly glancing at the date and signature, -laid it down on her knees, and resting her head on her arm, burst into a -fit of crying, which she tried vainly to control.</p> - -<p class='c006'>And was the hand which had penned those lines never to clasp hers again! -Did the heart which dictated them—did it beat no more! Had the declaration -of his love been delayed until the acknowledgment of her own could never -gratify his ears! Why, oh! why was this! Why had he suppressed his -feelings! Why had he left her! Why had he tortured her thus!</p> - -<p class='c006'>She caught up the letter—covered it with kisses—and then through her -blinding tears attempted to read it. It contained a short and simple -statement of his love, and an offer of his hand; if she could consent to be -a poor man's wife, he would do his utmost to make her happy.</p> - -<p class='c006'>But it was all too late now; by the date it was evident that the letter had -been written nearly a fortnight ago, and the tardiness of the post-office -arrangements had alone prevented his receiving a reply. And he had, -perhaps, been blaming her for silence and proud disdain—perhaps with the -mixed quick-sightedness and blindness of love, he had been alike jealous of -Lord Osborne's passion, and alarmed lest she were influenced in his -lordship's favor. He might have been attributing her silence to this cause, -and perished blaming her for coquetry, coldness, or ambition. Could she but -have told him of her feelings—but now he would never know them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a very great relief to her to give unrestrained course to her -tears—there was no occasion now to repress them. She need not fear harsh -constructions, nor shrink from animadversions on her feelings. She had a -<i>right</i> to grieve. She had lost a declared lover, one too whose -passion she had returned—and who would blame her now for pale cheeks and -tearful eyes?</p> - -<p class='c006'>She did not think this with such distinctness as to put it into words, but -she felt it deeply, and it was a strange comfort to her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>After the letter had been read many times, every word weighed and examined, -and the reason which dictated his choice of each expression guessed at; -after even the address had been accurately surveyed, and either anxiety or -love discovered in every curve or stroke of the pen, it was carefully -folded and placed in her bosom, there to remain for ever; for never could -the feelings with which she regarded its writer change; never could she -love another, or listen to another suit. Her lot in life was fixed for -ever, and perpetual celibacy for his sake was not too great a compliment to -the memory of one so dearly loved, so sadly lost.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch13' class='c004'>CHAPTER XIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>After composing her feelings, smoothing her hair, and cooling her face at -the fountain close by, she ventured to return to the Castle, with the -intention, if she were permitted, of seeing Lady Gordon, though she had not -yet decided upon telling her how deeply her feelings were involved in the -melancholy past. Her friend was in the morning room when she returned to -it, lying on a sofa, and on Emma's entrance there was a general expression -of wonder as to where she had been for so long a time from the three who -were sitting there. Her only answer of course was that she did not know she -<i>had</i> been long away: she had been sitting in the flower-garden.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I wonder you like to sit there," said Miss Carr; "I always am stung by -gnats if I venture on such a thing."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She then turned herself sleepily on the sofa and dozed again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sir William, after an earnest look at Emma's countenance, withdrew his -eyes, and was apparently occupied with a newspaper, whilst Emma drawing her -embroidery frame close to Lady Gordon's sofa, sat down with apparent -industry to her work, with the satisfactory consciousness that every time -she drew a long breath, her precious letter was more closely pressed to her -swelling heart.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The long silence which ensued was only broken by Sir William at last -throwing down the paper, and proposing to his wife a walk or a -drive—anything for change of air and scene. She agreed to the drive, and he -went to hurry the phæton, she to arrange her dress. Miss Carr begged to -accompany them, and could not be refused, though they did not particularly -desire her society; and thus Emma was left alone to indulge in sad -recollections and tender reveries, which were, however, speedily cut short -by the entrance of Lord Osborne.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was natural that, having seen the others go out without Emma, he should -calculate on finding her alone, and equally so that he should be -exceedingly anxious for an interview, as his question was still unanswered, -his hand unaccepted, his future happiness as yet uncertain.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She looked up with an air of consciousness on his approach, which -encouraged him to advance, and draw a seat by her side. He tried to take -her hand, but the attempt was made with so much hesitation and awkwardness -that she was not even sure whether he intended it; no repulse was -requisite, the simple not encouraging it was enough to prevent so daring an -act of gallantry. In fact, he had lost the courage which on the previous -night had distinguished him; the warmth and animation were gone—he was -again himself, labouring under rather more than his usual awkwardness of -manner, and quite overpowered by his various sensations. To have expressed -all his feelings would have been impossible even for an eloquent man—his -love was so mingled with jealousy, his hope with doubt, and his -satisfaction with regret.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He sat looking at her for some minutes in silence, which Emma thought -particularly disagreeable, until at length she concluded that he expected -her to commence the conversation, and looking up with as steady a voice as -she could command, she enquired whether he had received any further -intelligence from Wales.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No!" he replied, abruptly, but the question roused him to exertion, and he -added,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You cannot imagine, however much I may think of the unlucky event, that I -came here to talk about <i>that</i> to you. I am come to ask, to entreat, -to claim an answer to my question last night: for every man has a right to -an answer to such a question!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He paused, and she tried to speak; it was at first with difficulty she -could utter a syllable: but her courage rose as she proceeded, and she was -able to finish with firmness.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Lord Osborne, I cannot deny your claim to an answer, but I regret that I -should be under the necessity of paining you by that answer; I cannot -accept the offer you have made me, but I shall always remember your good -opinion, and liberality of sentiment, with gratitude."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not ask for gratitude," replied he reproachfully, "what good will -that do me? Besides I do not see that I deserve it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have judged me kindly, my lord; you have given me credit for -rectitude, nay you have exerted yourself to prove it, when others might -have thought and acted very differently."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes; I dare say—some who did not know you as well, might have judged you -harshly, but Emma, dear, beautiful Emma, I knew you could not be wrong. I -have loved you so dearly, and I never loved any woman before, it is very -hard you will not like me in return."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot, my lord," said she, her eyes filling with tears, "I have no love -to bestow on any one, my heart is—" she stopped abruptly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked very fixedly at her, and then said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You <i>did</i> love Howard."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She raised her eyes proudly for a moment, but there was nothing of -impertinence in his look or tone, nothing which need offend her; and moved -by her feelings at the moment she exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes I <i>did</i> love him—how can I listen to your suit?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked down intently, and taking up one of her embroidery needles thrust -it backwards and forwards through the corner of her work, for some minutes, -with an energy which ended in breaking the needle itself—then again -addressing her he said in a feeling tone.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Poor fellow, he did not live to know that, I am sorry for him!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was something in the manner of this very unexpected admission which -quite overpowered Emma's heroism; it was so different from what she had -expected; she covered her face and burst into tears.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He sat looking at her, then said, "Don't Miss Watson, pray don't cry—it -makes me so very uncomfortable; but indeed I do pity our poor friend, and -the more so because loving you so very much myself, I feel what he has -lost; and I am so sorry for you too; you must have felt it—the shock of his -death I mean."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's sobs quite prevented her speaking, but she struggled to suppress her -tears, and presently succeeded in mastering her agitation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did you know he loved you?" asked Lord Osborne suddenly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did, but not till this very morning," answered she, hardly conscious of -what she was saying.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was again silent for a good while, but ended with saying firmly,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"With such feelings, I cannot expect you to listen to my suit, and will not -torment you with it. Remember you have not a sincerer friend in the world -than myself, or one who would do more to prove his good opinion. And I do -not say it merely to be thanked—as I mean to shew you whenever I can."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He took her hand this time, and pressed it, looked at it as he held it for -a moment, and then as she drew it away, he rose and left the room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was quite surprised at the way in which the interview had terminated; -he had shewn so much good feeling, so much less of selfishness than she had -been in the habit of mentally attributing to him; there was no indignation, -no wounded pride, no pique or resentment at her refusal; it was almost as -if he had thought more of her disappointment than of his own, and regarded -her feelings as of more consequence than his attachment. Her opinion of him -had never been so high as when she thus declined his proposals: she felt -that with a suitable wife, one who could value his good qualities, improve -his tastes, and really love him, he might in time turn out a very estimable -character.</p> - -<p class='c006'>If he were but as fortunate in his selection of a partner, as his sister -had been, there was every probability of his equalling her in domestic -happiness. She did not regret her own decision, but she regretted that he -should have been so unfortunate as to love where no return could be given; -if he had but chosen one whose heart was disengaged;—but as for herself, -<i>she</i> was not the woman who could really make him happy; she had not -the energy and decision of character requisite for his wife; she did not -wish to govern, and she felt that she could only be happy, in proportion as -she respected as well as loved her husband; unless she could trust his -judgment and lean on him, she felt convinced she should despise him and be -miserable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the family met at dinner, Lord Osborne was there, and she had not the -slightest hint as to his probable departure; but there was nothing in his -conduct or manners to create unpleasant feelings, or reveal the past to -lookers on. There was but little said in their small circle that evening; -the shock had been too recent to be yet so soon rallied from. Lady Gordon -had been so very much attached to Mr. Howard; from her girlhood he had been -her peculiar admiration, and her standard of excellence as a clergyman: the -only wonder was that this attachment had continued on both sides so -entirely platonic; that considering their opportunities of intercourse -there had never been any approach to love. But so it was—whether there was -too much pride on both sides, or whether her heart had been unknowingly -engrossed by Sir William Gordon, she could not have told, but certainly, -though they had talked and jested, quarrelled and been reproved, agreed and -differed for the last four years, they had never passed the temperate zone -of friendship, and her sorrow at his death was expressed fully, -unreservedly, bitterly, without exciting the shadow of jealousy in her -husband's mind. Indeed he fully sympathised in her feelings for he had -loved and highly valued Howard, whom he had known intimately at College, -before he became the young lord's tutor.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fanny Carr was the only member of the party who seemed quite unaffected by -what had occurred, but she was out of temper about something which -concerned herself, and was fortunately silent.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma went to her friend's dressing-room the next morning by particular -desire to breakfast quietly with her, whilst Sir William was sent down to -do the honours of the house to Miss Carr and his brother-in-law.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I want to talk to you, my dear friend," said Lady Gordon, "but I hardly -know how to begin—about this shocking affair—poor, dear Mr. Howard, is it -not sad?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma's eyes filled with tears, and she could not answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I thought so," said Lady Gordon, earnestly gazing at her face, "I knew -your heart—you have, of us all, the most reason to regret his death."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma continued silent, for she had no voice to speak.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You are not angry with me for the suggestion," continued Rosa, taking her -hand, "I would not offend or vex you, but I cannot help expressing my -interest in your feelings. It was so natural that you should return his -affection."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You knew of his love then," sobbed Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I could not help seeing what was so very evident, but you, doubtless, were -better informed on the subject?" replied Lady Gordon, with some curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma controlled her feelings enough to give her a sensible account of the -letter which she had received the morning previous; that precious letter -which had doubled her sorrow, and made her feel her misfortune so much more -deeply.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How very sad," cried Lady Gordon, "and that was really the first you heard -of his attachment—the first declaration you had from him; it must have -broken your heart. I can imagine in some degree what you have felt. Had he -been alive what answer would you have returned?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What answer?" exclaimed Emma, "how can you ask, Lady Gordon—you -<i>know</i> what I should have said; that his love was dearer to me than -all the wealth of the country, or the honors of the peerage!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Poor girl—you will never recover from such a shock."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Never, never—I can never love another, or cease to regret the one I have -so sadly lost. Time can only increase my regret. But we must not think only -of ourselves, what must his sister have felt—dear Lady Gordon, think of -her; how I wish I were near her, to love and comfort her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Poor thing," sighed Lady Gordon, "yes I do pity her. She was very fond of -him, and she can never have another brother."</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch14' class='c004'>CHAPTER XIV.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Just at this moment a gentle tap was heard at the door; Lady Gordon gave -her permission to enter; and the opening door displayed to their astonished -eyes, Howard himself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Yes, there he was, to all appearance perfectly well,—the man whom they had -been mourning over as dead, stood before them in flesh and blood, with no -other difference from his usual air, than that he looked rather flushed -with exercise, and somewhat surprised at his reception.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Howard!" gasped Lady Gordon, scarcely believing her senses.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was speechless with twenty different feelings.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I fear I am an unwelcome visitor," said he, amazed at his reception; -"shall I withdraw?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before either of the ladies could reply, Sir William precipitately entered -the room; he had apparently been in the act of dressing, for he made his -appearance without a coat, and unmindful of where he was, he rushed up to -Howard, and actually embracing him in the excitement of his joy, exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear fellow, twenty millions of welcomes to you, how came you here—we -never thought to see you again!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lady Gordon too, had risen, and clasping both his hands in hers, she -exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, how I rejoice to see you alive—you cannot think how we all grieved -when we heard you were dead!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was now Howard's turn to look bewildered: he turned from the husband to -the wife in uncontrollable amazement, and said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"May I ask what is the meaning of all this—are you performing a comedy or -acting a charade!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why I suppose," said Sir William, recovering himself a little, "we do all -seem rather frantic to you, since you must be alike ignorant of our -anxieties and the relief your presence has occasioned. The fact is, we -heard you were dead!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed!" exclaimed Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Take care, or Mr. Howard will begin to believe it too, and that will -frighten him," said Rosa, laughing almost hysterically.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But do tell me what you thought was the matter with me," said Howard -impatiently.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We heard you had fallen and been killed amongst the rocks," said Sir -William, "and we were very unhappy about it. I assure you, you have been -wept by bright eyes, and fair cheeks have turned pale at the news of your -death. There is not a man in the whole county has been more talked of than -you; the news of your melancholy death reached us in the gayest moment of a -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>fête</i></span>, sent Lady Gordon into fits, and all the -company out of the house, broke up the dance, interrupted six tender -flirtations and three rubbers at whist, in short, caused more unhappiness, -disappointment, and dismay, than an ordinary individual would reasonably -expect to excite either living or dying."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really it is a very uncommon fate for a man to hear the lamentations -occasioned by his death, and if what you say is not exaggerated, Sir -William, I ought to be greatly flattered," replied Howard smiling, but at -the same time looking round the room to see what was become of the one -face, whose expression he was most anxious to read. But Emma was gone; she -had left the room without a word of congratulatory greeting, or a single -expression of interest.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I cannot think how you can jest about so serious an affair, William," said -his wife reproachfully, "you did not jest, however, whilst you believed it; -he is not quite without feeling, Mr. Howard."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And did you honor me with tears, Lady Gordon?" said the young clergyman, -taking her hand with an irrepressible feeling of gratification. "That was a -thing almost worth dying for."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Come, come," said Sir William interposing, "do not be making love to Rosa -before my face; though she did cry, hers were not the only tears shed on -the occasion, nor the most flattering to you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who else wept for me?" enquired he with something more than curiosity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your old housekeeper, and your gardener's daughter," replied Lady Gordon -maliciously.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nobody else?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Abominable conceit—who else do you expect to hear of?" exclaimed she, "I -declare all men are alike, if you give the smallest encouragement to their -good opinion of themselves, they set no bounds to their presumptuous -expectations. I shall tell you no more. Find out for yourself who feels any -interest in your fate."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Carr expressed great sensibility on the occasion," interrupted Sir -William, "I was dancing with her at the time the news arrived, and she -said:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"'Dear me, how very shocking—poor young man.'"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you," replied Howard with a glow of satisfaction, "you have told me -quite enough to satisfy a much less modest man than I am. I have heard -sufficient. But I think I know how the report arose. I <i>was</i> left -behind at a riding party, as the girth of my saddle broke, and I stopped at -a country shop to get it repaired. I dare say in the imperfect Welsh which -was all we could muster of the country's language, there was some confusion -made between a broken girth and a broken neck, which gave rise to the -distressing intelligence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That may be very possible," replied Lady Gordon, "but I shall never in -future believe any report of your misfortunes again, and if you want me to -grieve again for you, you must break your neck in good earnest."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Excuse me, but I have no wish to cause you any concern, Lady Gordon, or to -put your feelings to such a test."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"By the bye, when did you arrive, Howard?" enquired the baronet.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"About two hours ago; and I own I was rather surprised to find my house -shut up, and nobody at home; but if my servants thought me dead, it was all -very natural."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No doubt they will tell you they were afraid of remaining lest you should -walk again," observed Sir William.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As I do not know when they will return," continued he, "and I do not wish -to break into my house, I must throw myself on your hospitality for to-day, -if you will receive a poor wanderer."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Of course he was made extremely welcome by his friends, and invited to -remain as long as was convenient. It was very pleasant to be so kindly -received; but there was another voice he was longing to hear welcome him, -another hand he wished to press, another smile to bless his eyes. As soon -as he could he left Lady Gordon, and went to look for Emma. In the -breakfast-room, the library, the conservatory, the flower-garden he sought -her, but in vain; in fact she had shut herself into her own room, to give -utterance, in grateful thanks, to the emotions which swelled her heart; -emotions far too powerful for words.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At the moment she could not have encountered him with anything like a due -and decorous dignity; had she seen him, she must have been guilty of -expressing too warmly her interest in his welfare: it would not do to -flatter him with a knowledge how very glad she was at his having safely -returned; for he was but a man, and as such, liable of course to all the -foibles of mankind: the vanity, the triumph, the selfish gratification -which such a dangerous knowledge would create. She thought very well of him -certainly, but the temptation to conceit might be too strong, and she might -have to rue the day if she placed such confidence in him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>No, she would not see him till her feelings were in better order, and more -under her own control.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Such was her resolution as she sought the shelter of her dressing-room; it -did not occur to her, that he might consider he had a claim on her -attention, and a right to demand an interview with her; a claim and a right -which no man very much in love could be expected to forego.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Having been quite unsuccessful in his search for her, he took a very plain -and straight-forward course to obtain what he wished, going to Lady Gordon -for assistance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Will you be my friend," said he, appealing to her with a look of great -concern, "my friend in a very important matter."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have I ever been otherwise, why should you ask?" replied she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then procure me an interview with Emma—I cannot find her any where, and I -cannot exist longer in suspense. Dear Lady Gordon, do pray have pity on -me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes!" replied she, affecting to look very grave, "I have pity on you; and -since you wish so much for an interview, I will try and procure one, that -is if Emma is not absolutely bent on refusing to hear you. But are you -prepared—can you stand the shock which awaits you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Good Heavens! what do you mean, Lady Gordon?" cried he, catching her hand -in his with an accent of alarm.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, what do you expect?" said she, withdrawing her hand, "but that she -will refuse you; what else can you anticipate?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Refuse me, why—do not torment me—I am <i>not</i> afraid—" he added, trying -to smile.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word, a very modest speech!" exclaimed she, "so you feel no -alarm—tranquil self-confidence possesses your soul. Emma will be intensely -gratified!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Dear Lady Gordon—" said he, pleadingly; but she would not listen.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"So I am to call Miss Watson down to you, persuading her to come with an -assurance, that you feel so confident of what her answer will be that you -entertain no anxiety, no alarm. Is that what I am to say?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Say anything you please, Lady Gordon," exclaimed he, in desperation, "only -procure me the sight of Miss Watson, and the opportunity to speak to her."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, go to the library, and I will bring her there."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He anxiously hastened to the rendezvous she appointed; she crossed the -gallery to her friend's dressing-room.</p> - -<p class='c006'>On obtaining admission, she found Emma had been lying on the sofa in a -darkened room; she sat down by her, and affectionately kissing her forehead -and cheek, she said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am come to congratulate you, my dear Miss Watson, that our imaginary -tragedy has proved an entire fable—Mr. Howard is quite well, and all the -loss on the occasion is that of a very pleasant dance, which I had intended -should be very much enjoyed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It seems so strange and incomprehensible," observed Emma, putting back the -ringlets from her forehead, "I could hardly believe my eyes, or credit my -senses, and as to speaking, that was out of the question. I hope you did -not think me very rude if you noticed me, but the only thing I could do, -was to run away."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But now you have recovered your self-possession, and the use of your -speech, I hope you do not mean to seclude yourself here all day; pray come -and join us all. You had better."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps I had," said Emma, "I will come with you in a moment; just let me -smooth my hair first."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"It is very nice I assure you, but I will wait as long as you please."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Miss Carr and Sir William were in the sitting-room; but Lady Gordon did not -stop there; to the great relief of Emma, who dreaded the remarks of the -young lady, they walked into the conservatory, through it, and entered from -the other end the library window.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Lord Osborne and Mr. Howard were there together, but the former instantly -took flight at their approach. Lady Gordon still keeping Emma's hand under -her own arm, led her up to Mr. Howard, and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have brought my friend to congratulate the dead-alive, Mr. Howard; she -was wishing to say civil speeches to you like the rest of us, but as I have -done my duty in that way, and a twice told tale is tedious, I shall leave -you, to go after my brother."</p> - -<p class='c006'>As Emma had held out her hand to the gentleman, she could not follow Lady -Gordon in her flight, though looking exceedingly inclined to do so; for he -held her with a gentle pressure, and would not let her go. His eyes were so -earnestly bent upon hers, that she dared not look up after the one glance -she had given him; and she stood, her slender fingers trembling in his -grasp, longing to speak, but wanting courage to break the silence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am glad Miss Watson is not to be the only one from whom I hear no word -of welcome," said he gently. "If you knew how very grateful I should feel -for one sentence of kindness—even one look which evinced interest, could -you refuse me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I assure you, Mr. Howard," said she, determined no longer to stand -silently blushing like a criminal before him; "I assure you it was not want -of interest, or kindly feeling towards you, which kept me silent."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Thank you—you were glad to see me again?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I was."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you guess—you must know and feel why I hurried home?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed," but the words were accompanied by so very deep a blush, that -they looked exceedingly like a falsehood.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There was a letter, which I wrote, but to which I received no answer, -which hurried my movements—do you now know what I mean?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I believe I do," she uttered in desperation finding he seemed determined -she should answer him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And though you would not write, you will condescend now to answer that -letter by word of mouth," taking her hand in both of his; "I am sure you -are too generous wilfully to torment me—and if you had known how much pain -your silence gave me, you would not have allowed it to last so long."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Howard," said Emma, looking up, but making no attempt to withdraw her -hand; "I only received that letter yesterday morning; and as I then thought -you were dead—you cannot imagine the pain which the receipt of it -occasioned <i>me</i>."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She spoke hurriedly, without considering the full value of her words; but -<i>he</i> saw the implied meaning—where was the man ever blind to such a -compliment. The speech he made on the occasion, was a great deal too -rapturous and lover-like to bear transcribing, indeed, when lovers' -speeches really come from the heart, they would seldom be sufficiently -intelligible to interest general readers. There is so much understood by -the pressure of the hands—so much explained by the language of the eyes—and -so much made up by other signs well-known to the initiated, but unnecessary -to detail to those who have never gone through such an ordeal, that in most -cases it seems probable an accurate relation in words would be the most -tiresome, the most incomprehensible, the most ridiculous thing in the world -to those not taking a principal part in it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Where the heart takes but a small share in the proceedings, indeed, fine -speeches may be made, but where the affections are engaged, the meaning can -be perfectly understood without them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The result of his speech, and Emma's answer, was much more favorable to his -happiness, than the reply which she had made the previous day to a similar -question from Lord Osborne. She acknowledged that she loved him, and that -the dread of being poor, or the desire of being great, would not prevent -her promising to become his wife.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When the first effervescence of his joy had subsided, and he was able to -speak in a calm and reasonable manner, and consider what was best to be -done, he urged her to come out with him into the park, as the first step to -securing her company perfectly undisturbed—for, in the library, they were -constantly exposed to be interrupted. Here she tried to obtain from him -some rational account as to why he had tantalised her so long by deferring -an explanation—which, for any thing she could see to the contrary, might -just as well, or better, have been made long before. Since he professed he -had loved her even before she went to Croydon, why did he take no steps to -tell her so; or why, since he ended in writing, did he not write to her -there? Was it necessary to go as far as North Wales to find courage for -such an epistle.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He told her it was doubt and want of courage kept him silent—then he -contradicted himself and said it was really jealousy of Lord Osborne. He -had believed the young baron loved her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>So he might, perhaps, was Emma's reply—but what had that to do with it; to -make the admiration dangerous, it was necessary that she should return his -affection, "and surely, you never suspected me of that?" said she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How could I tell? Might you not naturally be dazzled with the idea of a -coronet; why, should I have interfered with your advantage or advancement?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"As if it would be to my advantage to marry a man like Lord Osborne," -replied Emma. "I do not wish to say anything derogatory to your friends, or -to Lady Gordon's brother, but indeed I think you might have given me credit -for rather a different taste at least. I have no wish either to flatter you -too much; but I fancy, whether better or worse, <i>our</i> tastes are more -consonant than mine and Lord Osborne's."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But, my dearest Emma, did he not love you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What right have you to ask me any such questions, Mr. Howard? so long as I -assure you, I did not love him, that ought to be sufficient for you—let his -feelings remain a secret."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There should be no secrets between us, Emma."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well—but there shall be between Lord Osborne and me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"For shame, Emma, I shall certainly forbid anything of the kind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Set me the example of sincerity and openness then, tell me to how many -ladies you have made love—how many hopeless and inextinguishable flames you -have nourished, and how many hearts you have found obdurate to your finest -speeches."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Howard protested he had never loved any other woman, never sought any -other hand than hers, and never made fine speeches to any one. With all his -eloquence and ability he was not able to extract from her the fact, that -she had refused Lord Osborne. She had two motives for her silence; a -feeling of delicacy towards her rejected suitor, and a decided -determination not to flatter Howard's vanity by such a mark of her -preference. She thought it quite enough for him to know himself accepted -without learning, at least at present, how many she had refused for his -sake.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch15' class='c004'>CHAPTER XV</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>Lady Gordon, and her husband, learnt with sincere pleasure, that a happy -understanding had been established between Emma and her lover; they both -hinted that the disappointment to Lord Osborne would not be lasting, and -that the attachment would on the whole have done him good. He had improved -so much during its progress, had become so sociable and civilised by his -affection, that he seemed a different person; and whilst rejoicing at the -change, they trusted he would not relapse under the effects of his want of -success, but would prove himself worthy of his place in society, and his -position in the world.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As to the young man himself, he felt his disappointment most acutely, but -it did not make him more selfish than he had been. On the contrary it -seemed to give rise to a magnanimity of sentiment which could hardly have -been expected from him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Two days after the engagement it was found he went down to see Howard at -the vicarage immediately after the post had come in. That morning he had -received an announcement of the death of the old rector before mentioned. -He now hastened to offer the living to Howard, delighted to have it in his -power thus to improve his circumstances.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Howard," said he, "I have learnt by this letter that the living of -Carsdean is vacant. I am glad of it—as I am sure it will make you much more -comfortable. Will you accept it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear lord," said he, with much emotion, "you are too kind to me: I am -ashamed to accept such a benefit, when I have robbed you of what you so -much desired."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do not speak of that," said the other, "she took her choice, and no doubt -chose wisely; I always <i>felt</i> you were beloved, Howard, even whilst I -was fool enough to flatter myself with success: but I am not angry either -with her or you, and since I cannot make her happy myself, I am glad I can -help you to do so. This living was always meant for you—but coming as it -does just now, it gives me very great pleasure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I knew you were generous," replied Howard, "and I can feel how much -satisfaction the power of obliging must confer."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Make her happy, Howard, and when I can, I will come and see you, but it is -best at first that we should be apart. You accept my wedding gift!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"A noble one, like the heart which dictates it, and a welcome one indeed -since it removes the only obstacle to my marriage," replied Howard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Howard, you are a lucky man; I would have given half my income to have had -the power of persuading her to accept the other half. You know, I dare say, -that she refused me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did not Emma tell you? She <i>did</i> refuse me, and I loved her the -better for it, for it was entirely for <i>your</i> sake; but as I thought -you were dead then I did not take it so much to heart, because I trusted to -time and perseverance when my rival was removed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And when I came back and destroyed your dream, how you must have hated me! -I wonder you could shake hands as you did, and say you were glad to see -me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Howard," said Lord Osborne with much agitation, "if I thought you were -serious in what you say, I would never speak to you again; I <i>know</i> -you only say it to torment me, but is that generous when you are the -winning party?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I beg your pardon," said Howard holding out his hand; and no more was said -on the subject.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What a pity it is," said Emma Watson to Howard when he was joyfully -detailing to her his happy prospects, and Lord Osborne's generosity, "what -a pity it is that Lord Osborne's manners are so inferior to his mind. With -so much good feeling and generosity of sentiment, it is unfortunate that he -should have so little engaging in his appearance and address."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think so at all, Emma, for if his manners had been such as you -admire, and calculated to set off his good qualities, you would certainly -have been lost to me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What abominable conceit!" cried Emma; "you really take credit to yourself, -do you, for such very captivating manners yourself, since you think that -those alone are the passports to my good opinion."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not mean to say that; I trust my other good qualities are so -remarkable that you have, in their favour, overlooked any little -deficiencies which might otherwise strike you in my manners."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Modest, truly! What is the income of the living which his lordship -presents to you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"About a thousand a year, I believe, and a very pretty country and pleasant -neighbourhood. I have been there, and always thought I should like it so -very much."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am quite sorry to leave this pretty place though," said Emma looking at -the Vicarage near which they were wandering; "I am sure the other cannot -have so pleasant a garden, nor so pleasant a little drawing-room. Those -were happy days when we were snowed up there."</p> - -<p class='c006'>They then went off into a long series of reminiscences and explanations -through which it would be useless, were it possible, to follow them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma spent one very happy week at the Castle after her engagement; which -was not the less agreeable to every one concerned because both Lord Osborne -and Miss Carr left it. He quitted his house immediately after the -conversation above recorded; and she then decided that her visit had been -long enough to such dreadfully dull people as Rosa and her husband were -become: so she took leave of her dear friends and returned, unsuccessful, -home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At the end of a week, Mr. Howard found it necessary to go too; there was -business connected with his new living which must be attended to, and -unwillingly he tore himself away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Willis still continued in Wales, for though Charles was better, and -indeed daily gaining strength, the physicians had so strongly recommended -sea air for the re-establishment of his health, that his mother had decided -on spending the summer on the sea-coast there.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Howard's departure proved, however, only the prelude to Emma's return to -Croydon. Elizabeth's marriage was fast approaching, and she pressed to see -Emma again before that event. The idea of again becoming an inmate of -Robert's house was so very repulsive to Emma that she demurred from that -reason alone, and she was much more inclined to accede to Miss Bridge's -repeated invitations to return to Burton. But this Elizabeth urged would be -doing no good at all; fourteen miles would as effectually preclude daily -meetings as forty, and would be only tantalizing instead of comfortable. -The affair was at length arranged through the intervention of Mr. Bridge, -who invited both his sister and her young friend to take up their residence -for a time in his Vicarage at Croydon. And so it was settled at last, and -after a hundred kind words and caresses from Lady Gordon, and the most -cordial good wishes from her husband, Emma left the Castle, travelling, be -it recorded, in one of Sir William's carriages half the way, where she was -to be met by Miss Bridge's chariot, to convey her the latter half of the -journey.</p> - -<p class='c006'>With no accident and no adventure she reached Croydon, and of course -received a far warmer welcome than when she had formerly made the same -journey.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth was waiting to receive her—her face was seen through the flowers -in the drawing-room window, and she reached the entrance door, and ran down -the steps to open the carriage before the fat, well-powdered footman had -time to put on his livery coat. She led her sister into the house, and in -the passage pushed back the bonnet and the dark curls from her cheeks, to -see if she was as pretty as ever. Then, before leading her into the -drawing-room, she paused again to make her guess who she would find there.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma suggested Mr. and Miss Bridge.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You little goose," replied Elizabeth, "as if I should have thought it -worth while to make you guess that!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Then throwing open the door she ushered her in, and in another moment Emma -was clasped in the arms of her dear brother Sam. This was a very unexpected -pleasure—she had hoped to see him certainly, but never for a moment -anticipated meeting him so soon. It was the joint kindness of Miss Bridge -and Elizabeth; the one well remembering the affectionate terms in which -Emma always spoke of her brother had been suggesting the possibility of his -coming, and the other eager to carry out the plan had persuaded George -Millar to ask him to his house for the week preceding the wedding. He had -arrived that very afternoon, and after an introduction to his future -brother, had accompanied Elizabeth to meet Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma had much to communicate to Sam; besides her own prospects she had -matters which must be interesting to him as concerning himself. A farewell -visit which she had paid to the Edwards had brought another engagement to -her knowledge. Mary Edwards was soon to be married to Captain Hunter. She -found them <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>tête-à-tête</i></span> in the parlour when she -entered, and appearances were so very suspicious, that even without the -direct information which Mrs. Edwards subsequently whispered to her, she -would have concluded her brother's cause to be lost.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mrs. Edwards appeared on the whole better reconciled to the match than -Emma, from her early recollections, would have supposed. Perhaps she had -discouraged Mary's partiality for the Captain, from a doubt of his -sincerity, which was now removed; or perhaps finding herself in the -minority, she had given up her previous objections, because it was no use -to persist in them; whatever were her feelings, she had received Emma's -congratulations with a good grace, and Emma hoped there was no ill-will -implied in the message of compliments which she charged her to deliver to -their old acquaintance Mr. Sam Watson.</p> - -<p class='c006'>All this she had to communicate to Sam, who listened with philosophy, and -whistled <span lang="it" xml:lang="it"><i>sotto voce</i></span> instead of an answer. Certainly -the part which piqued him most was Mrs. Edwards' message; for some time -indeed he had almost despaired of Mary's affection, but he could not bear -that the mother who had never been his friend, should suppose he cared at -all about it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>There seemed nothing wanting to complete the felicity of the happy party -assembled at the Rectory of Croydon. Perhaps indeed Mr. Howard would not -have been flattered had he supposed this the case; but so it really was; -Emma had parted from him so recently that she hardly felt the want of his -society yet, and the satisfaction of knowing herself beloved was at present -sufficient for her repose of mind. The agitations and anxieties of suspense -were over, and were followed by a calmness and peace of mind which seemed -all that she could require. She had now as much to hear as to tell, for Sam -had been to Chichester, and seen Penelope and her husband, had arranged the -plan for his future establishment, and his prospects were of a very bright -character. Could he only have commanded a couple of thousand pounds, -besides what he possessed, there would have been no difficulty at all in -stepping into a comfortable house and flourishing business. As it was, the -prospects which Penelope promised him should be realized in a short time, -were sufficient to raise his mind and ease his spirits.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch16' class='c004'>CHAPTER XVI.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The next morning Emma had a succession of visitors. Miss Millar was among -the first and gayest of the number. She came up with Sam immediately after -breakfast, to spend a long day, and expressed great satisfaction at seeing -her again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You cannot think how dreadfully dull I have been," said she, "almost ever -since you went away. George being in love is the stupidest thing in the -world. Formerly when he had done with his business, and escaped from his -offices he used to be glad of my society and would read or walk when I -wanted him, but now all that is quite changed, and if I do get a speech -from him once in a week I am taught to consider it a great favour. Upon my -word it is a sad disease."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"They say it is infectious," said Emma, laughing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh I trust not," cried Annie quite seriously, "I hope I shall escape the -infection, I have such a horror of the whole thing. I beg the pardon of all -such of the present company who may be engaged, but I think that people in -love are very ridiculous."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Can you always discern at the first glance when they have the disease," -enquired Miss Bridge good-humouredly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes I think I can—but happily it leaves no marks, and when it is passed, -people may be as amiable as before. But it's a sad thing that young people -should be so constantly exposed to the danger. I hope you will keep clear -Emma, in spite of the atmosphere to which you have removed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is it worse than when I was here two months ago?" enquired Emma, secretly -smiling at her young friend's remarks.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We shall soon see," replied Annie; "if there were any one to fall in love -with here, I am certain you would be in a dangerous position."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, why should you except me?" said Mr. Bridge, "here I am a bachelor, -why may I not aspire to be considered as a dangerous individual?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You, my dear Mr. Bridge—because you are engaged to me; you know you long -ago promised to marry me yourself," replied Annie.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am flattered at your remembering our engagement, young lady, but I am -astonished that you are left so long to me without competition; I think you -must be something like Beatrice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, I never had lovers to mock," said she, "except Mr. Alfred Fremantle, -and he is the facsimile of Sir John Suckling's constant lover, or rather he -resembles him in constancy, but has none of his wit to express it. What is -it he says—</p> - -<div class='lg-container-l'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line in5'>"I have been in love three days,</div> - <div class='line in6'>And shall be three days more."</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c009'>"I cannot remember the words exactly, but it is something to that effect."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam turned round from the window, and repeated the lines to which Annie -alluded. She looked astonished.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How came you to know them?" said she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I read them amongst his poems," was his answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I thought you were a surgeon, Mr. Samuel Watson," said she still in -amazement, "and though never doubting that you knew a great deal of anatomy -and such things, did not expect you would be acquainted with love poetry."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And is it to want of taste or want of time, Miss Millar, that you would -attribute my imaginary ignorance?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not wish to offend you, but certainly I had expected a surgeon's -tastes to be different; and I should have referred a case of dislocation or -fracture to you, with much more faith than a failure of memory."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You thought I could mend your finger better than a broken verse, and that -though I might make you whole, I should make a line halt—was that it?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I believe it was, and my amazement is so great, I do not know when I shall -recover," replied she saucily.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know you always had a strong prejudice against the medical profession," -said Mr. Bridge smiling, "you considered one specimen the type of the whole -class."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am delighted to hear it," exclaimed Sam, "I like of all things to meet -with prejudiced people, one has such a pleasure in disputing with them; -good, strong prejudices are delightful things, they are so constantly -changing their color and complexion; for I have often observed a strong -dislike converted into a decided approbation, whilst the owner is unaware -of the change, and gravely assures you he never alters his mind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That must be a man's prejudice, Mr. Watson," said Annie, "women are much -more consistent. I have hated doctors, surgeons and apothecaries ever since -I was five years old, and Mr. Morgan gave me some -<span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>bon-bons</i></span> which made me sick. I have always -distrusted them since that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not at all surprised," said Sam, with much gravity; "such an offence -was unpardonable, and well deserves to be visited on the whole of the -medical profession by your unchanging and unmitigated contempt. After this -we cannot allow your dislike to be called a prejudice!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Is your brother always as impertinent to every young woman as he is to -me?" enquired Annie, turning to Emma, "he seems determined to quarrel with -me—has he naturally a bad temper?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really I do not know," replied Emma, "I have seen so little of him, and -never with any other young ladies; do you imagine want of temper a -necessary accompaniment to his profession?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh no, I am not quite so bad as that," said she laughing, "doctors ought -to be particularly bland and insinuating, able to make all the bitter -realities they inflict on one, pass easily under the sweetening cover of a -smile and honied words."</p> - -<p class='c006'>They were interrupted by the arrival of other visitors. Emma having just -arrived from a prolonged visit to Lady Gordon at Osborne Castle, was likely -to become a very popular character at Croydon; there was so much virtue -comprised in the friendship of a baronet's wife, and as it was whispered, -the admiration of her brother; for accounts of his visit to Croydon had -been whispered abroad, and such an act could only be attributed to one -motive. All her former acquaintance looked on her as a baroness elect, and -all began to find out what a very charming girl they had always thought -her. They would not for the world neglect calling on that sweet, amiable -Emma Watson. They were so delighted to see her back again; they were so -eager that she should make a long stay amongst them all. Croydon would be -so gay with all that was going on. The three Miss Watsons had been such a -very great addition, it had never been like itself since they came.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Amongst her visitors were her sister-in-law and niece. Emma was really glad -to see the little girl, who clung to her and begged her to come back again -very soon, as she had no one to teach her now so nicely as she had been -used to do.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Emma," cried Jane, "how delighted I am to see you again, and so -blooming as you are looking; upon my word, I really begin to see what Mr. -Morgan once said of our likeness. I hope you left your kind friends at the -Castle well—charming young man Lord Osborne; nothing of hauteur or pride -about him. He seemed quite at home with me—but, to be sure, when people -have lived in the same sort of society, they acquire a sort of ease towards -each other. I cannot make out that he knew my uncle, Sir Thomas, but he -reminded me very much of some of the young men that I used to see at his -house."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Here she paused, and Emma, thinking some sort of remark necessary, and yet -not having the least idea what she was expected to reply to, only ventured -to enquire for her brother.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Watson? oh, he is well enough, I believe! I have not seen him this -morning, however, for he breakfasted early with Elizabeth; I believe, if he -can, he will come and see you some day, but indeed, Emma, you must come to -us. We have plenty of room, and should you have any friends coming, we -could easily accommodate them too. I would not mind putting myself to any -inconvenience for your sake, my dear."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am sure I feel much obliged, but at present I mast decline your offers," -said Emma, trying to speak with warmth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, no, not at all, I assure you, you could expect nothing less from us; -<i>we</i>, you know, are your nearest relations, and under certain -circumstances, <i>we</i> may naturally be expected to show our approbation -and patronage; every young woman has a claim on her own family; so you will -certainly come back to us."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed I must decline Jane," said Emma firmly, "at least, for the -present."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And indeed, dear, I will not take a refusal, so I shall certainly get a -room ready for you, and another shall be prepared for a friend whenever it -is needed. Did you leave Lord Osborne at the Castle, did you say?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma replied in the negative of course.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really, for so young a man," continued Mrs. Watson, "his air and manner -were remarkable; so exceedingly high-bred and aristocratic. I have seldom -seen manners which delighted me more, I assure you. Don't blush so, my -dear," added she, making believe to whisper; "nobody here knows anything -about him, except you and me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then allow me to suggest that, as a reason for dropping the subject," said -Emma, "and recurring to some one more generally interesting."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"La, my dear," laughed Jane, "it looks very suspicious, your not choosing -to talk of him. However, if you don't like it, I will say no more—I would -not vex you for the world, my dear sister—what a sweet pretty gown that is -you have on; Lady Gordon's choice, beyond a doubt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, indeed," replied Emma, smiling, "but I dare say Miss Bridge remembers -choosing it for me, whilst we were at Burton."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What sort of bonnets are most in fashion, Emma?" asked Jane, "Elizabeth's -wedding bonnet is, to my taste, vastly ugly; not that I pretend to be a -judge at all,—though I used to be thought to have some taste—but I dare -say, she was quite right not to take my advice; one must not expect to be -always judged candidly—every one cannot see one's merits; so I am not -surprised—how are heads worn now?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma tried to recall and describe some of the bonnets she had seen at Lady -Gordon's <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>fête</i></span>, but Mrs. Watson pronounced her -description unsatisfactory, wished she had been there to see it, and -wondered Margaret had never thought of asking her over for that day. She -might have done it so easily, Jane was sure, and considering how very kind -Jane had been to Margaret, and how large a share Robert had had in bringing -about her marriage, she thought it was the least she could have done, to -shew her gratitude and mark her sense of former favors.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma tried to excuse Margaret, but fortunately, before she had wasted much -eloquence in that way, Jane perceived it was time to withdraw.</p> - -<p class='c006'>No sooner was she out of the room than Sam returned from the window where -he had ensconced himself during her visit, and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Really, I hope it is not very wicked, but that woman puts me more out of -patience than all the rest of the world of Croydon put together."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The rest of the world of Croydon is infinitely obliged to you," said Annie -Millar, walking up to him; "allow me, sir, as its representative, to make -you a grateful curtsey on the occasion. You can bear with us all better -than with your sister-in-law?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She made him a saucy curtsey as she spoke, looking exceedingly pretty as -she did so.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You ought to be ashamed of yourself for such a speech, Sam," said Emma, at -the same moment; "I am sure she meant to be kind."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, but who did she mean to be kind to, Emma? was it to Emma Watson or -some imaginary future baroness," replied Sam.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why should I enquire into motives, or attribute a bad ones? She might have -been just the same if Lord Osborne had never existed."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not believe it," persisted he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Your brother wants to see how violent prejudices become him," said Annie -Millar, "do not argue with him—he does not deserve it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Miss Millar is angry with me for the implied reflection on Croydon," said -he, "but I knew she had not been brought up here, and never thought of her -as belonging to the place."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And what do you know of Croydon, to give you so dark an opinion of its -inhabitants?" enquired she, "I do not think we slander, or court here worse -than in other places."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have heard a great deal about you all, from my two sisters," replied he; -"Emma especially, gave me lively pictures of your proceedings. I was well -acquainted with you and your irreconcileable prejudices against unfortunate -surgeons several months ago.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! you used to correspond with Emma, did you?" said she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"To be sure I did; would not you write to your brother, Miss Millar?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Perhaps I might—but I do not think he would read it if I did—especially if -I crossed the letter! George is not fond of letters!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But you like them yourself?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh yes! I should like to have seen Emma's to you. I am sure they would -have been very interesting—does she not write very clever letters?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"<i>I</i> used to think them interesting and clever—but, perhaps, that was -because I am only a surgeon, and could not be expected to have either taste -or judgment," replied he, with mock humility.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, but I think you might have both on <i>that</i> subject—your admiring -Emma's letters is decidedly a proof of it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Even though I am a surgeon?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, even though you are a surgeon."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And though you have never seen any of those letters, the liking which -secures your approbation?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Ah! you are too clever for me—you want to make me contradict myself, or -something of that sort—but I will not argue with you, and then you cannot -prove me wrong."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You need not say you <i>will</i> not—you <i>cannot</i> argue; no woman -can, they can only feel, and express those feelings."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And taking the converse of your proposition, Mr. Samuel Watson, I presume -that men surpass us so much in argument, because they have <i>no</i> -feelings. Am I to infer that?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"We have them, but we guide them, not they us. It is exactly the reverse -with you, and you never see more than one side of a question," replied he, -in the most straightforward manner possible.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes; you have some feelings very apparent," replied she, "contempt for -women is evidently a prominent one."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Contempt, Miss Millar! no indeed, you do me injustice, if you think -so—but, perhaps, you imagine that a part of my profession?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I certainly think it one that hardens all the feelings," said she turning -away and thus putting a stop to the conversation. It had been settled that -the whole vicarage party were to dine at the Millars' that afternoon, and -it now became time for those who did not belong to it, to return home to -prepare for dinner. Elizabeth Watson, her brother, and Miss Millar -accordingly set off together. Elizabeth taking Sam's arm, and Annie walking -on her other side; they made the passage with scarcely a syllable passing -between them; and as the Millars' house was nearer the vicarage than the -residence of the Robert Watsons, Annie left them at the door of her house.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What do you think of Annie Millar?" cried Elizabeth eagerly, as she and -her brother proceeded together. "Is she not charming?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, she is a very fine girl," replied he quietly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, Sam," continued Elizabeth, "I do so wish you would like her; I have -always thought she was exactly suited to you. She will have twenty thousand -pounds of her own, and I am sure she is much better worth liking than Mary -Edwards."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth, in her open-hearted zeal for Sam's welfare, never for a moment -reflected that she was taking the most probable way to prejudice him -against her, since there is nothing which in general has more influence -that way than a sister's praises; whilst the surest means to interest a -man's favor for any young woman, is to abuse or find fault with her. True -to his feelings as a man, Sam of course replied:</p> - -<p class='c006'>"If you reckon her merits by her pounds, I dare say she is, but I do not -see otherwise in what she surpasses Mary Edwards."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fortunately they had just arrived at the termination of their walk, and Sam -having seen his sister safely deposited in the house, returned alone to -George Millar's residence.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The evening was a very merry one, for the whole party was well assorted and -in good spirits, in spite, as Annie observed, of the tremendous event -hanging over some of them. But it was not Elizabeth's nature to be very -pensive; positive evils did not make her sad, it was not likely then that -what she firmly believed to be a positive good, would weigh heavily on her -spirits. She was perfectly satisfied with her future prospects, and could -look forward without any trembling emotion to her approaching fate. After -dinner, when the ladies had returned to the drawing-room, Elizabeth, who -was burning with anxiety to make known the fact of Emma's engagement, began -enquiring of Annie, if she thought her sister changed since her visit to -Osborne Castle. Miss Millar declared she was looking better, plumper, -gayer, prettier than ever; but in no other respect was she altered.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then you do not suspect her of having fallen in love?" enquired Miss -Watson laughingly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I see no trace of it," said the other, examining Emma from head to foot -with a grave air, taking a candle from the chimney-piece to throw more -light on her countenance. "I see no symptoms at all, pray do not attempt to -raise such unfounded imputations against her, Elizabeth; your insinuations -disgrace you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nay then, in my own justification I must inform you, Annie,—shall I tell, -Emma—or do you blush to own the truth?" enquired Miss Watson with a -significant smile.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Not that she is engaged to that Lord Osborne!" cried Annie, starting back -with horror, "you are not going to confirm the rumour which Miss Jenkins -and Mrs. Watson so industriously circulate, and that brought Miss Morgan -and Miss Fenton to call on her to-day. This can never be."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear Annie," said Emma smiling quietly, "<i>that</i> Lord Osborne, as -you call him, is a very estimable young man, and would make any woman who -liked him very happy I have no doubt."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed! well I hope he will, if you are going to marry him," said Annie -with a mournful countenance and expression, that made Elizabeth laugh -out-right, "but in that case, when you are Lady Osborne, we shall never see -you again."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say not," replied Emma, "but, believe me, I never intend to be Lady -Osborne, so your alarm is unfounded."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And you are not engaged to him, and you are free—oh, how glad I am—I was -sure you could not be," cried Annie quite rapturously.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma looked at Elizabeth and said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Finish the story, as you began it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well then, Annie, I am sorry to lower your opinion of my sister, but as -the fact must come sooner or later to your knowledge, and you seem now -tolerably prepared to receive it, I have to make to you the distressing -announcement that Emma is in reality engaged to be married, though not to -Lord Osborne, who is not the only man in the world I assure you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma engaged to be married," said Annie with a desponding look, "then -<i>I</i> have no hope; the next thing I shall hear, is that my hand is -disposed of; we shall none of us escape it. Dear Miss Bridge, how did you -manage?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I would not recommend you to wish for my fate, my dear, I had a bitter -disappointment," replied the old lady with extraordinary placidity.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear madam," said Annie respectfully, and taking her hand as she spoke, -"I beg your pardon a thousand times, but I assure you I did not know that, -or I would not have jested on the subject."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dear child, the thing is too long passed to hurt my feelings now," said -Miss Bridge smoothing down Annie's glossy hair as she inclined her head -towards her; "but I do not think you would wish to buy my present peace of -mind by undergoing all I have felt and suffered."</p> - -<p class='c006'>A pause ensued, which Mrs. Turner was the first to break.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well Elizabeth, do tell us what is the name of your sister's young man—who -is he and what is he? I am longing to know all about it."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Elizabeth told them all she knew, and when she added that Lord Osborne had -recently given him a valuable living, Emma enquired whether she was not -right in saying that Lord Osborne was an estimable young man.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What, because he has livings to dispose of?" said Annie. "I suppose he -could not help that."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma was silent, but Elizabeth exclaimed,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh! but you must understand that Lord Osborne was in love with her, and -therefore, as he could not marry her himself, it was very generous of him -to give his rival an income to enable <i>him</i> to do so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Elizabeth!" said Emma reproachfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma tries to make a mystery of it," continued her sister; "I cannot get -her to own that Lord Osborne proposed to her; but I am sure if he did not, -it was because she accepted Mr. Howard before he had time to do so."</p> - -<p class='c006'>The gentlemen at this juncture returned to the drawing-room, for neither of -the three seemed disposed to prefer the bottle to the ladies, and Annie sat -down to prepare tea. Sam approached the table, which was a little removed -from the others, and tendered his assistance if necessary. She did not -accept or decline his offer, but looked a little confused; he could not -decide whether she was angry or vexed, and stood quietly by considering her -countenance, and aiding her whenever she required more water from the -elegant silver kettle which swung over a spirit-lamp in the place of our -modern urn.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At length, when the others seemed engrossed with their tea and -conversation, she raised her head and said, with a little embarrassment,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I certainly owe you some apology, Mr. Watson, for the incivility of my -last speech to you this afternoon. I am quite shocked to think I should -have been so rude."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Indeed, Miss Millar, I was not affronted, for I had known your opinion -before, and I thought the apologies were rather due from me, since, though -quite unintentionally, I had given you the idea that I entertained a -contempt for women. I did not deserve that accusation, but my expressions -must have been wrong, if they awoke such an idea."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie could not help feeling that even a surgeon might look very handsome, -and that <i>his</i> tone and manner might convey the conviction of his -perfect sincerity: she liked him, in spite of his profession.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Seriously, Mr. Watson, I should never accuse you of anything of the sort," -returned she after a moment's reflection; "so I suppose we may pass an -amnesty for past offences, and declare a truce for the present."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Let it be a treaty of peace," said he playfully; "permanent peace."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," she replied shaking her head; "that would be promising too much. I -shall be certain to quarrel with you again, and it does not do to break -treaties. Do you know I was never, as a child, so much inclined to be -naughty as when I had just promised to be very good. Let us content -ourselves with a four hours' truce, renewable or not at the end of that -time."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Be it so," replied he laughing, "if you think that the safest proceeding -or the most agreeable. So you were a naughty girl, were you, at school?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh, always in a scrape—the torment of my governess," said she laughing at -the recollection. "They used gravely to shake their heads, and say they did -not know what would become of me; I should never be good for anything; so -idle—so rebellious—so mischievous—so saucy—and withal so merry and happy—I -always got my own way with them all."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And what did you learn at school, may I ask?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"First to play at battledore and shuttle-cock, and repeat 'I love my love -with an A,' &c.—then to dance—I liked that—then to do cross-stitch, tent -and marking—I worked a magnificent sampler, which I will show you some day. -Then I learnt my letters and to read, because they promised me some fairy -tales if I would try. The next accomplishment I acquired was to do a sum in -the rule of three, for which I was rewarded with 'Sir Charles Grandison,' -in seven volumes. I do not know that I learnt anything else, except the way -to govern all my companions, coax my superiors—oh, and write a letter."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Well, I think it must have been a very good school, and if ever I have -daughters they shall be sent there too. I admire the system exceedingly."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, I think it was a very good school," replied Annie; "to be sure, I -learnt nothing worth knowing, and a great deal which I had better have let -alone: one sees a prodigious deal of meanness, and manœuvring, and artful -conduct when thirty or forty girls are assembled together; but I suppose it -is all right, since it has gone on for so many generations, and I do not -know that women are worse than they used to be before they ever pretended -to learn. We do not expect to rival Lady Jane Grey, or Queen Elizabeth, or -the daughters of Evelyn, and I dare say if we did, we should only be -disliked and ridiculed. No doubt it is quite right that women should be -idle and frivolous; it keeps us in our right places in the world."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She spoke with something in her tone between jest and bitterness, to which -Sam hardly knew how to answer.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I protest against your giving the conversation such a turn; it is breaking -our truce," said he, "you must either speak in complete jest, or serious -earnest. I shall be getting into a scrape again with you, if I answer now, -for I do not know which you mean."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Let it pass for a jest then, lest you should think me seriously -discontented with my position in society," replied she, "and in the -meantime, give me Miss Bridge's teacup to replenish!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She is an odd girl," thought he, "I wonder in what light she looks upon -me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"After all, for a surgeon, he really is pleasant," thought she, "it is a -pity he has such a bad profession, I am quite sorry for him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was with these feelings that they sat down to cards; after which, of -course, they had no more private conversation until the company had left -the house.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch17' class='c004'>CHAPTER XVII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The week that preceded Elizabeth's wedding, seemed extremely short to the -whole of the parties immediately concerned; every day was occupied with -some excursion for their amusement, and every evening was passed at the -house of some friendly acquaintance, who would not be refused the pleasure -of their company. Nobody, at this epoch, was more popular than the future -Mrs. George Millar; since her neighbours could not prevent her marriage, -they were determined to extract as much pleasure from the occurrence as -possible. For this end they gave a number of tea-parties to welcome her -brother and say good-bye to her sisters, and learn as much as they could of -the future plans and prospects of each. The handsome Mr. Samuel Watson, -with his lively manners, promising prospects, and probable disengaged -heart, was really a most interesting object; and since Emma was supposed to -be engaged, and there was no further ground for her exciting jealousy, she -was allowed, on all hands, to be uncommonly handsome and agreeable too. -Nothing, therefore, was omitted, which could express their favourable -opinion of the whole family, or their anxiety to be on good terms with them -all.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was no particular misery to Jane that, whilst every one else was -pressing for their company, there was not one day left disengaged for her. -She liked a great better to be invited to meet them, as she was every -evening: for, unless she could quite outshine all her neighbours in the -elegance of her entertainment, she preferred giving none at all; and as it -happened that Robert was in a stingy mood, she had, with difficulty, -extracted from him sufficient money to buy the very handsome gown and -bonnet in which she was to appear at the wedding.</p> - -<p class='c006'>At all these parties where, of course, the Millars regularly met the -Watsons, Sam still contrived to be a great deal with Annie,—but the most -favourable opportunities for intercourse, were during their long rambles in -the country. Then he was always her cavalier, and they quarrelled and -laughed together without interruption. Her spirits seemed as inexhaustible -as her strength; she could both walk and talk for miles without mental or -bodily exhaustion, and often tired out all her companions except Sam.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was no wonder then, when he paid her the compliment of untiring -attention, and unvarying amusement, that she should, in her turn, find him -a most delightful companion, infinitely more agreeable than any one she had -ever known. No more was heard about his profession—she forgot it entirely, -and only considered him in the light of a very pleasant acquaintance.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was natural that, during some of their many engagements, Emma should -again meet Mr. Morgan; and equally natural that she should feel some -embarrassing recollections at doing so. A bow was all that their situation, -at the first moment of meeting, allowed to pass between them; but, when by -a movement amongst her neighbours, a vacant seat, and the power of reaching -it allowed him, he did not hesitate to avail himself of the opportunity, -and place himself by her side.</p> - -<p class='c006'>There was nothing of restraint or embarrassment in his manner—no appearance -of consciousness or shame; he did not know, perhaps, how much their joint -names had been made the subject of gossip and scandal—she thought so for a -moment, but then, from what she remembered, she knew he must have been -aware of it; then she felt angry at his impudence; but finally, she -concluded that, after all, he was taking the wisest course; and that to -converse quietly, as if nothing had passed to raise an unpleasant feeling, -would be, on the whole, the conduct least calculated to excite attention.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Calm and polite as she was, he was sensible of a difference in her manners -from past days, and he did not indulge a hope of regaining her confidence; -but it wounded his vanity to suppose that she, amongst all the women of his -acquaintance, beheld him with calm dislike; whilst he could not even to -himself deny her superiority over the many whose approbation or admiration -constantly followed his footsteps.</p> - -<p class='c006'>If he could not regain her friendship he wanted at least to excite some -emotion in her mind, and call up one of her former smiles so full of -brightness and feeling. With the tact which gave him half his popularity, -he hit upon the subject most likely to awaken kind sentiments in her heart; -he began praising her brother. The introduction had given him so much -pleasure, he was, he would not say astonished, but certainly most agreeably -surprised to find Mr. Samuel Watson so very superior a young man. There was -no likeness to Mr. Watson—no—he could not compliment his good friend, -Robert, by saying that there was; seldom had he seen two brothers more -dissimilar; but her younger brother's manners were so good—such a young man -must make his way in the world, must be a favourite; there was every -probability of his success; nay, there was certainty of it: there was -intelligence and spirit in his eye, which promised nobly. Then he enquired -minutely into his prospects; entered with the warmth of a friend into the -plan for his establishing himself at Chichester, and gave several hints for -his benefit.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma, in spite of her aversion to the speaker, and her determination that -nothing should make her admit even the semblance of mutual friendship in -their future intercourse, found herself speaking with unintentional warmth -and animation. She checked herself immediately, and a shade of vexation -passed over her countenance; which was not lost on her companion. -Accustomed to study the minds and inclinations of his various patients, his -quickness at reading all the little marks of feeling evinced in their -countenances, enabled him pretty well to appreciate the state of her mind; -but when he proceeded on the same subject, in hopes of once more inducing -her to express her feelings, he was extremely vexed to find that, after -making him some short and trivial reply, she rose and walked away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This movement marked a decided aversion on her part which piqued him -deeply, and for which he was not prepared. He remained in his seat, spoke -to no one else, and occupied himself, whilst he continued in the room, in -considering whether he no longer had any chance of regaining his influence -with her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He knew pretty well all that had passed, and all that had been whispered -about their former intimacy; but he thought that since all that had been -set in a favourable point of view, and her character perfectly cleared, she -need not now have been so cold and distant to him. If, as was whispered, -she was engaged to some one else, there was no reason for shunning him, -unless, and the thought actually thrilled his mind with delight, unless she -had really preferred him, and now feared to trust herself in his power. -This would account for all her conduct; her flight to Burton—her engagement -itself, and her present shrinking from him—all might be traced to the same -source. His vanity was excited to the highest pitch, as he thought of this -interpretation, and he could believe her quite capable of such strength of -mind, and firmness of purpose. Other women when they had liked him, had -thrown themselves in his way, but it was perfectly consonant with what he -supposed her character to be, that she should follow a precisely opposite -course of conduct.</p> - -<p class='c006'>If this were the case he felt sure he might regain his former influence by -a little dexterous management, and as a first step towards it, he resolved -to cultivate the friendship of her youngest brother. Had he known that he -was perfectly excluded from her regard by the double barrier of a very ill -opinion of himself, and a warm attachment to Mr. Howard, he might have -spared himself the trouble of the attempt.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Towards the end of the week a sort of gipsy party had been arranged to form -an expedition to a pretty park in the neighbourhood, which from the absence -of the owner was a frequent resort on such occasions. Mr. Morgan was not -originally asked to join it; but knowing what was going on, he presented -himself at the door of George Millar's house just before the company -started, and his expressions of regret at not having time to see more of -Sam speedily produced a very hearty invitation from Mrs. Turner, the -chaperone of the party, to accompany them; for, as she observed, "on such -occasions the more the merrier."</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a very large party without him. Mrs. Turner and the two Millars, -four Watsons, for Jane was of the party, with Alfred Freemantle as her -escort, since her husband would not leave the office, two cousins of hers, -young ladies who had arrived the day before to grace Elizabeth's wedding, -Miss Bridge, and some young ladies, natives of the town: in short they -numbered fourteen without Mr. Morgan, but as ladies were in the majority he -was heartily welcomed by several of the party at least, if not by those -particular individuals whose favour he most desired.</p> - -<p class='c006'>How the whole of the party were disposed of in different vehicles, need not -now be particularised; there was variety at least in their equipages, and -the power of choice in arranging themselves. Sam was the charioteer of an -"inside Irish car," which of course amongst its passengers numbered Annie -Millar, and likewise Emma Watson; Mrs. Robert Watson; two young cousins, -completed this party, and apparently made any addition impossible; but one -of the girls, not liking to be entitled to only a fifth part of the -attention of any gentleman, suddenly abdicated her seat in favour of Mr. -Morgan, that she might enjoy the place of third in a gig, under the escort -of Alfred Freemantle. Nothing could have been more consonant to his wishes, -than this sudden piece of good luck which thus befell Mr. Morgan: his -gaiety was quite remarkable, but his judgment and tact, were still more so. -For he devoted himself at first to please the stranger, and do the honors -of the country to her; he was bent on making himself agreeable, but it was -in the most open and unsuspicious way. There was nothing of tenderness or -sentiment in his manners, nothing approaching to flirtation in his address -to Miss Hall, and to the others it was as perfectly correct, as if dictated -by Lord Chesterfield himself.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Annie, indeed, was too much engrossed by the driver to notice the intruder; -she had no attention to bestow on any one else; and had not the horse been -particularly quiet and sagacious, and the road remarkably smooth and -straight, it is by no means unlikely that their drive might have terminated -abruptly under some hedge, so much more was Sam himself occupied with the -lady behind, than the road in front of him. Neither Miss Hall nor Emma, -however, made any complaint of his coachmanship; for Emma, being opposite -to Annie, enjoyed the full benefit of her lively remarks; and whilst her -neighbour confined his attention to his <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>vis-à-vis</i></span>, -the proximity to him, in which she unexpectedly found herself, did not -discompose her at all, nor did she feel any impatience for the termination -of so agreeable a drive.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When they alighted in the park, which was the termination of their drive, -they found most of the company assembled before them, and separated into -groups strolling about on the borders of the artificial lake, a sail on -which was one of their projected pleasures. In consequence of this, these -five were left together to entertain each other, until the arrival of the -whole party enabled them to arrange their plans for the day's amusement. -The point of rendezvous was an ornamental boat-house, standing at one angle -of the lake, embowered in fir trees, and commanding a pretty view of the -opposite banks, which were high and woody. Miss Hall was, what was then -more rare than now, a sketching young lady: and her pencils were speedily -produced. But she could not bear inspection whilst taking her views, and -unceremoniously desired the other four to walk away.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was a proof of Sam's great good-nature to Emma, that he continued with -her, and declined the tempting opportunity of securing a comfortable walk -with Annie Millar, that he might not leave his sister with no other -companion than Mr. Morgan. Perhaps Miss Millar might not entirely -appreciate this self-sacrifice on his part, or possibly might not thank him -for it, so much as Emma; certainly Mr. Morgan, who had calculated on a -different line of conduct, judging from the evident admiration which Sam -had previously testified for Annie, was very much disappointed at it. He -took care to keep close to Emma's side, ready to improve any opportunity -that might present itself; and thus they wandered about, without thinking -much of where they were going, or paying much attention to the really -pretty scenery around them. The consequence of this was, that they lost -their place in the boat, for being quite out of sight and hearing when it -was ready, their companions did not wait for them; and the intended sail -had so entirely escaped the memory of the quartet, that the first thing -which recalled it to their memory, was the sight of the boat, which caught -their eyes just us they gained the summit of an eminence commanding a view -of the whole sheet of water at their feet.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam expressed a hope that Miss Millar was not vexed at this incident. Annie -protested that for herself she did not care about it, but she should be -very sorry indeed, if she had beguiled Emma from sharing in any pleasure -she would have enjoyed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma, on her side, was of opinion that they were much more comfortable as -they were; the boat seemed very much crowded, and she thought to be -squeezed in such a way that they could not move, nor even turn their heads -to contemplate the scenery, was not half so pleasant as sitting on the -green bank where they were resting so comfortably.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"In parties of this sort," said Mr. Morgan, "all depends on the company; an -uncongenial companion will spoil everything—even the finest landscape in -the world."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very true," replied Annie, quickly; "but how can one help that? One can -not say to a disagreeable person, 'Go away—you annoy and distress me!' One -can only smile politely and suffer internally."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You, I dare say, can smile whilst annoyed," observed Sam, "but I never -can; whether I am happy or miserable, I show it immediately."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Do you indeed," replied she, "I am sorry to hear that; I had been hoping -that the gloomy look and air of despondency with which you have treated us, -were your habitual manners, and might not really indicate the state of -intense suffering to which I suppose I must now attribute them."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am certain my looks have expressed my feelings accurately," replied he -sturdily.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Very well, I shall set my imagination to work to invent some romantic -cause for the dejection of spirits which you display. You are, probably, -repenting over some lost patient, whose end you hastened by your surgical -arts."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not think you ought to jest on such subjects," replied he, gravely; -then, as she turned her head towards him with an expression of surprise, he -added, "Excuse my liberty of speech. I quite forgot who I was speaking to."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was silent and looked down, so that her bonnet concealed her -countenance. He viewed her uneasily, and wanted to know whether she was -affronted—or from what other reason she maintained this silence. Mr. Morgan -saw all this; he could not read Annie's feelings exactly, but he felt -convinced that, had they, at that moment, been without witnesses, some very -tender scene would have ensued.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He now took up the conversation by observing, how much more beautiful the -landscape would be in two months' time, when the tints of autumn gave a -little variety to the scenery. The dull, heavy green of summer, he -declared, reminded him always of mourning; it was so sombre.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He appealed to Emma, and she was compelled to reply. She had nothing to -urge against his preference for the autumnal tints—except, that their -proximity to winter gave them sadness, which, in themselves, they did not -merit.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"The sadness of autumn is, however, compensated by the hopes of returning -spring; we can bear to part with the verdure, which we know will be -restored in fresh beauty. In that respect, how superior is inanimate -nature, and our feeling of love for it, to human friendship, or regard, or -esteem."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I do not see that," said Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Who can tell when a faded friendship shall be renewed, or when a withered -hope shall again look flourishing and verdant. The blast of winter is -certain to pass away, and its consequences vanish with it—but the fatal -breath of enmity—the chilling effects of whispered malevolence—the poison -of calumny—tell me Miss Watson, of a cure for these, if you can."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know of none, save patience and a good conscience," replied Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, patience—one needs that, indeed, to bear what I alluded to—when one -sees the face which used to meet one with a smile, averted gravely—the hand -once freely extended, now drawn back—the kindly words, once gushing out -from the friendly heart, like water from a copious fountain, exchanged for -the slow and measured accents which freeze the heart, as they drop out one -by one; when one sees all this," he continued, lowering his voice, but -speaking with impressive energy; "and knows it to be the cold deadness of -feeling produced by the ill-will of others—the blighting words of -malice—what can one hope—to what spring shall one look forward? when may -one expect the young feelings of friendship to bud again?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Depend upon it they will, unless there is something more than unkind -breath to check them. To pursue your allegory, Mr. Morgan, if the plant of -friendship wither irretrievably, it must be because there is something -wrong at the root, otherwise, it is certain once more to revive."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I believe," said he, after a momentary pause, "my feelings are deeper and -more permanent, than those of most people."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yours Mr. Morgan!" interposed Annie, amazed, "I had no idea you were -troubled with any thing of the sort—when did you first find out that you -had any feelings?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Have I ever given you cause to doubt it," enquired he, significantly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Why, to own the truth, though we have been so long acquainted," said she, -"I cannot say that I ever undertook to investigate the nature or extent of -your feelings on any subject. I had a sort of general idea that you had -some; but of what quality I should have been very much puzzled to say, -except that I certainly should <i>not</i> have thought of constancy as your -particular <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>forte</i></span>. However, I am willing to plead -total ignorance on the subject. Ignorance for which I alone am to blame, -arising from indifference and inattention."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You need hardly remind me of that, Miss Millar," retorted he with mock -humility, "I am quite aware that I am too entirely an object of -indifference to you, for my feelings to be considered worth a moment's -attention."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He walked away, as he spoke, to a short distance, and seemed occupied in -viewing the landscape from the brow of the hill on which he stood, his -features expressing an appearance of wounded feelings struggling with -pride.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have hurt him, Annie," whispered Emma, "you are too severe."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"At least he wants to make us believe so," replied she softly, "but it's -all seeming—seeming—there is nothing real about that man."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Now I rather like him," said Sam, "he seems so kind and friendly towards -me, I am quite indebted to him for the interest which he has taken in my -prospects, and the useful hints which he has given me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Did he recommend you to marry, Sam?" enquired Emma.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I did not consult him on the subject, it is a point on which I should -neither ask nor take advice."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Bravo, Mr. Watson—a most spirited determination. It is a point of so -little consequence indeed, and one in which your own experience must be so -calculated to guide you, that no doubt your intention to reject all advice, -is most judicious and praise-worthy."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Are you of opinion that I am incompetent to act for myself in such a -case?" enquired he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I shall tell you as I did Mr. Morgan just now, I am ignorant and -indifferent on that subject—and now <i>you</i> can go and walk on the other -side of the hill—or if you think it will look more picturesque, by the side -of yonder angry gentleman."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, Miss Millar, your ignorance, and indifference shall not drive me from -you; I would rather try to enlighten the one and overcome the other."</p> - -<p class='c006'>This, though whispered softly, seemed to overpower her; she coloured -deeply; rose from the bank where they were sitting, and walked away to the -side of an adjoining thicket, where she employed herself in trying to -gather some brier roses from the hedge. Sam watched her for some minutes, -then perceiving that in stretching forward to grasp a blossom, her veil had -become entangled in a thorny shrub, he started up, and in a moment was at -her side to aid and release her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma did not like to follow them, thinking she should be in the way, and -expecting that a few minutes would bring them back. In the mean time Mr. -Morgan looked round, and seeing her alone joined her. He still affected to -look hurt and sad, and Emma generously gave him credit for more feeling -than he deserved.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"That volatile girl—" said he, and then stopped.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You must not mind what she says," suggested Emma kindly, "I am certain -she sometimes speaks without thinking, but never from malice or ill will, -even when she seems severe."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"She does not surprise me," replied he; "I am used to her ways, and there -is no change in <i>her</i>; she is always the same, it is vacillations of -friendship, variations of good opinion which I confess astonish and pain -me. And yet why should they—after all, the human mind is so liable to -error, so prone to seek misconstructions, so inclined to change and -variation, that nothing of the kind ought to surprise me."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was determined to be silent, and occupied herself in wishing for the -return of her brother and Annie, who had strayed farther than she had -expected, and were now out of sight.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He was disappointed at her silence, and changed the subject into an enquiry -as to whether she should make a long stay at Croydon. She told him she was -only to remain until her sister's marriage, which would, as he knew, very -shortly occur.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And then," said he, "may I ask where you are going—do you return to -Osborne Castle?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Certainly not," replied she decisively, "I do not think I am likely to go -there at all. Sir William and Lady Gordon have taken a house in the -neighbourhood of his own property, and if I visit them, it will be there."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then where will be your home?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"At Burton, with Miss Bridge, for the present I believe."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I trust <i>you</i>, with your talents and accomplishments, your taste and -your sensibility, are not doomed to pass your life as the companion of an -elderly lady, buried in an obscure country village, unknown and unadmired."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"There might be many worse positions in life, more disagreeable companions, -and more trying situations, Mr. Morgan," replied Emma with warmth.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Forgive me if my interest for you has led me to express my feelings in an -unauthorised way. <i>I</i> cannot entirely forget the past, nor consign to -oblivion all that I once flatter myself was felt between us."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She could not exactly tell what to answer him, for she really hardly knew -what construction to place upon his words. He paused for a moment and then -resumed.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Rumour was wrong then, when it asserted that there were ties in -contemplation, which would bind you closely to Osborne Castle—that, in -short, the young lord, doing justice to the merits which would grace a -higher rank, had sought to make you his wife."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not engaged to Lord Osborne, if that is what you mean," said Emma -calmly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I had thought it strange indeed if a young man so unformed, so bearish, so -almost brutal, had known how to value, much more to win, a jewel so bright -and excellent."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I must beg, Mr. Morgan, if you mention Lord Osborne's name at all, it may -be in terms such as I may listen to without offence. Pray remember that I -am under obligations to that family, for which it would be a bad return to -hear, without remonstrance, such aspersions cast on the head of it. But I -must confess I see no reason why either they or myself should form the -subject of your interrogatories. You have no claim either past or present, -which can make these enquiries anything short of impertinent, and I must -beg they may cease entirely."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She then walked a few steps to see if she could obtain any view of her -brother and friend, for whose return she felt anxious. Nothing, however, -was to be seen of them, and as she paused, her companion was again at her -side.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How unfortunate I am," said he in a low tone, "it is constantly my fate to -offend those for whom I feel the deepest interest, and to be misunderstood -on every occasion where my sentiments are concerned. Interest, friendship, -zeal, constantly carry me beyond the bounds proscribed by cold custom and -formality, and I am repulsed in a way which all but annihilates me. At this -moment <i>you</i> are angry with me; have I sinned unpardonably?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I am not <i>angry</i>" said Emma, drily, "but I must beg that all personal -subjects of conversation may be dropped; we have neither sentiments nor -interests in common, and on all topics connected with feeling I must impose -a total silence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Unfeeling, cruel girl," cried he, then seeing that she resolutely walked -away in the direction of the boat-house, where she concluded the party must -be now assembled, he followed her steps in haste, and placing himself by -her side, he continued in a low but emphatic tone,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma Watson, why should you scorn my offers of friendship, and my -professions of regard? Why should you shun me as if I were some dangerous -enemy? Do you mistrust my word; or am I responsible for the silly gossiping -of idle women? Did I not warn you against it?—why then visit it on me? Or -have I personally offended you?—what have I done?—you will not speak—you -try to elude me—nay, but you <i>shall</i> hear me; you <i>shall</i> answer -me by heaven!—Who has wronged me in your opinion?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Morgan, let go my hand—is <i>this</i> honourable?—is this manly to -attempt to obtain an answer to impertinent enquiries by compulsion?—Let go -my hand—I tell you I will neither hear nor answer you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma, I was wrong—" said he, softening his voice, but instead of releasing -her hand, clasping it in both of his, "I ought to know you better—I -understand your heart and feelings—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You do no such thing, sir,—or you would not detain me here, or compel me -to listen to such language. Let me go—I command you."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma, your heart is no longer your own—am I not right?—you <i>love</i>!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And if I do—what concern is that of yours?" retorted she.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Of <i>mine</i>, it is everything in the world to me—you love -<i>me</i>—deny it if you can."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Insolence!" exclaimed Emma, "unmanly insolence."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, it is not insolence, Emma, you look beautiful in scorn, but you need -not scorn <i>me</i>; I am your equal in birth and education—aye! and in -taste and mental qualities too—and happily possessed of the fortune which -<i>you</i> want. And I love you, and tender all to you. You have done what -no other woman ever did—for your sake I would even stoop to the yoke of -matrimony; so great is my love and admiration for you. Now have I said -enough—now you may venture to confess the feelings long treasured in your -heart—the love which I have long read in your downcast eye, and averted -smile—maiden modesty need no more compel you to silence—speak, <i>my</i> -Emma—bless me with the words I am longing, panting to hear."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He advanced one step nearer as he spoke, and seemed about to pass his arm -round her waist, but Emma availed herself of the movement to snatch her -hand from his, and stepping back, whilst she cast on him a look of -withering scorn, she replied,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Yes, you <i>have</i> said enough, Mr. Morgan, to warrant <i>my</i> -speaking plainly—and I <i>will</i> speak—from what extraordinary perversion -of reasoning, you have persuaded yourself I loved <i>you</i> I cannot tell, -but I trust you will believe me once for all—when I say <i>my</i> feelings -are entirely the reverse of yours—and when I add—I <i>love</i> and am -<i>engaged</i> to another."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan stepped back in his turn with an air in which disbelief and -bitter mortification struggled, with an attempt at indifference and -contempt.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Engaged—impossible—Emma, you are deceiving me—it is a downright -falsehood!" exclaimed he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I must beg you to leave me," said she, haughtily. "I am not accustomed to -associate with those who accuse me of falsehood—I can find my way alone."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She had continued to walk on from the moment she had declared her -engagement, and she flattered herself she must be approaching the -boat-house, but as they had reached the low ground, and were making their -way amidst thickets intersected with narrow paths, they could not see the -building.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And it is for this," he exclaimed, presently, "that I stooped to ask your -hand—that I humbled myself as I never before did to woman, to be scorned -and rejected—false-hearted girl—true type of your weak and vacillating -sex—leading me to believe you preferred me, that you might spurn me from -you with disdain!" he approached one step nearer as he spoke, and his face -wore a look of malignity which absolutely frightened Emma—he saw it.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No, you need not shrink from me—I am not so mad as to do you harm; you are -safe under the protection of the laws. I would not risk my freedom for all -the girls in Surrey. But I must speak my feelings—"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He had no time, however, to say more, for hurried footsteps were heard -behind them, and in another moment Sam was beside his sister.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"My dearest Emma, I beg ten thousand pardons, but I was so sorry that I -left you—I assure you I had no intention of doing so—only—only—Annie Millar -persuaded me; but the moment we met some one whom she could join, I ran -back for you, and found you were gone—I am very sorry. You are not angry -with me?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"No," said Emma softly; "but I am very glad you are come, dear Sam."</p> - -<p class='c006'>He felt her hand tremble under his arm, and looking in her face, perceived -she was very pale.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You have walked too far, dear Emma," said he affectionately; "you wanted -my arm—how sorry I am. Why did not Morgan support you?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>He looked round, but the gentleman in question had taken another path and -was out of sight. Emma tried to speak, but instead of articulating words, -she only burst into tears, and astonished Sam by appearing on the verge of -a fit of hysterics.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He had too much sense to press for an explanation, but contented himself -with making her sit down, removing her bonnet and gloves, and supporting -her till she was calm again.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He then begged for some explanation of her emotion: she said she was -foolish: he admitted that was possible, but only if she refused him all -reasons for her conduct. She promised to be more explicit some other time -if he would only now give her back her bonnet, allow her to make herself -tidy, and rejoin the party.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These very reasonable requests could not be refused, and they returned to -the boat-house together, just as another division of their party entered it -likewise; consequently their appearance without Mr. Morgan created no -surprise or remark.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He returned a short time after, quite calm and happy in appearance, and -nothing on either side transpired to attract the attention of the company, -or give rise to the smallest surmise that anything unusual had occurred. It -was some comfort to have to deal with so complete an actor, one who would -betray nothing undesirable, by word or deed.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch18' class='c004'>CHAPTER XVIII.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>After dinner Sam again drew Emma aside and would not be satisfied till he -had, by close questioning, extorted from her everything that had passed. -Nothing less than the exact words, so far as she could remember them, would -do for him; he supposed things twenty times worse than the truth, unless -she could assert, on her honour, the exact state of the facts. She was -quite miserable at telling him, because she could not get him to own what -he thought, or promise to take no further notice of the circumstance. -Instead of giving her the assurance she required, he sometimes laughed and -put her off with an evasive answer, sometimes frowned and resolutely closed -his lips—sometimes told her to go away for a foolish girl, and not meddle -with what did not concern her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was certain he meditated more than he would own, and her fears made her -apprehend that any demand for explanation or apology from Mr. Morgan, would -produce a quarrel which must end in a challenge. With wretched feelings she -returned to the party.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Here they found a rather noisy scene. Alfred Freemantle and Mr. Morgan, -having both elevated their spirits by the great quantity of bad wine which -they had imbibed at dinner, were trying to induce some of the young ladies -to accompany them in the boat, which was lying near the shore. The two Miss -Halls and Mrs. Robert Watson, were carrying on a half-romping opposition to -this plan, but evidently intending to yield their consent after a proper -opposition.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Alfred Freemantle accused them of being cowards, which the three ladies of -course denied.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Come, then," cried Mr. Morgan, catching her hand and dragging Mrs. Watson -down the bank. "Come and shew that you trust me!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>George Millar turned to Sam, and said softly,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Morgan is half drunk—can you not prevent your sister going with him."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I have no influence with either," said Sam, coolly, "perhaps you could -dissuade her better than I!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>George followed her, and drawing her back, whispered something in her ear, -which was not communicated to the others, but which seemed to have some -effect upon her. She paused a moment, and then returning to the others -said,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you are right, George Millar, it will not agree with me so soon -after dinner. I shall not go."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And if you do not, Jane," said Miss Hall, "I am sure neither my sister nor -I shall venture—it would be quite improper without a chaperone."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I think you are very wise," observed Miss Bridge, quietly.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I know what it is," cried Alfred, "you think we cannot manage the boat, -but you are quite mistaken, as you shall see. I am not drunk, though you -think we are; we will go without you!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>As he said these words he sprang on board after Mr. Morgan, who was already -there, and they pushed off from the shore, and rowed a little way. -Presently two of the other young ladies called to them to enquire where -they were going.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Morgan replied that they were going to land on a little island opposite -to smoke a cigar—would they come?</p> - -<p class='c006'>The girls acceded to the proposition; and, contrary to the advice of the -whole party, persisted in their determination. The boat returned to take -them on board, and no sooner where they seated, than Alfred amused himself -by making the boat roll in the water, in order to frighten them. Had they -sat still, there would have been no danger—but in their alarm they both -started up, and catching hold of him at the same moment, they all three -fell heavily against the gun-wale and upset the boat at once.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A loud scream from the party on shore was, of course, the first effort of -their sympathy. The two other gentlemen simultaneously rushed into the -water, and without much difficulty, succeeded in rescuing the two -ladies—for the accident had happened so close to the shore, that it was not -out of their depth. Alfred Freemantle likewise rose, and scrambled towards -the bank, up which he crept a deplorable object.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The young women of course, excited the greatest sympathy, and none but -Emma, at the first moment, remembered that there had been a fourth person -in the boat. But she had kept her eyes on the place where he had sunk, and -saw, with horror, that there was no trace of him—he did not reappear.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Mr. Morgan," she exclaimed, "what has become of him?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>Every one turned at the name, from the dripping objects round which they -had been crowding—ejaculations on every side were heard.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"True, Morgan! he has sunk—he is drowning! good heavens! can you do -nothing? Call for help! run for the boatmen!" and twenty other -exclamations.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Watson, we must look for him," said George.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam's coat was off before he had done speaking.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But we must be cautious," continued Millar, "he may be sunk in a hole, or -entangled in the weeds—the bottom is very foul."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Where did he sink," cried Sam, "did any one see."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma pointed out, as well as she could, the spot where he had disappeared, -and watched, with breathless anxiety, whilst the two swam round and round, -and dived again and again. His hat was floating on the water at a little -distance; but no sign or trace of him appeared. One of the party had -summoned the boatmen, who, after much delay brought drags and hooks, and -having succeeded in righting the boat, they did their utmost to discover -the missing man; but they did not seem to have much expectation of success; -they said they knew it was a dangerous part of the bank; that there was a -deep hole just thereabouts, into which the gentleman had probably sunk, and -that many years ago, a similar accident having happened, had occasioned the -former owner of the place, to forbid boating there at all. But his son had, -for some years, allowed it, though they should not wonder if he were to -shut it up now from the public.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Their conjectures on the subject might have lasted a long time before any -one interrupted them, for the whole party were too horror-stricken to -speak. The dripping and the dry alike stood together in motionless -excitement, or intense anxiety, watching the result of their efforts. It -seemed impossible, that one but lately so full of life and spirit, one of -themselves—one who had for so long a time belonged to them, could have thus -suddenly disappeared without warning, and have left no vestige behind. It -was too horrible—to perish before their eyes, and from so trivial a cause. -For many minutes, the extremity of their feeling was shown by their total -silence; then, when the conviction was forced on them, that he was really -lost, hysterical sobs and screams were heard, especially from the two -girls, who had been the immediate cause of the accident, and who, shocked -at their own share of the misfortune, shivering with cold, convulsed with -horror, and in every way overcome, now demanded the attention of such of -the party, as had any sense or self-possession left.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Fortunately the carriages were at this moment announced, and the only -possible thing to do, as they were far from all assistance, was for the -sufferers to be wrapped in such cloaks as could be found amongst them, and -conveyed back to Croydon as speedily as possible.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Neither George nor Sam would consent to leave the place, whilst a shadow of -a hope remained that the body might be recovered, but they insisted that -their sisters should return home at once, as they proposed, when all was -over, if the search was unsuccessful, to walk to a public-house on the -outskirts of the Park, and dry themselves there, before returning to -Croydon. Emma had the presence of mind to propose that a carriage and a -supply of dry clothes should be despatched there to meet them, by the first -of the party that arrived at home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Under the escort of Miss Bridge's manservant, instead of Sam, Elizabeth, -Emma, Annie, and Miss Hall, returned in the vehicle which had borne them so -gaily and light-hearted to the Park. But little conversation passed, and -the few words which were said, had no reference to the fatal event; it was -too recent and too shocking to speak of. To Emma, indeed, after what had so -lately passed between them, the circumstance seemed beyond description or -imagination terrible. The angry feelings with which they had parted, the -malevolence he had expressed, and the evident state of half-intoxication, -to which he had perhaps resorted to drown his disappointed feelings, and -conceal his chagrin and mortification, all seemed to rise up, as if to -reproach her conscience. Why had she been so scornful and so bitter; -perhaps, had she answered more mildly, had she shown less contempt and more -compassion, he might still have been alive, all this might not have -happened. It appeared like a horrid dream altogether, their angry -dispute—Sam's indignation, and her fears for him, and finally, Mr. Morgan's -sudden disappearance, all had passed so rapidly, that she could scarcely -feel it a reality.</p> - -<p class='c006'>One thing she was resolved—she would never join a large, mixed -pleasure-party again; it was impossible that real satisfaction could be -found in such society, and so far as her experience went, they seemed -always nothing but preludes to some heavy misfortune. It was a relief to -her to find herself once more at home in the Rectory at Croydon, alone in -her apartment, able to think without distraction, rest without -interruption, and cry without observation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She was so completely worn out, that to sit down and indulge in a very -hearty flood of tears was the greatest relief imaginable.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam called at the Rectory on his return to the town, and saw her for a few -minutes. It was dark and the candles were not lighted, so she had ventured -down stairs to meet him.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Any news?" enquired Mr. Bridge.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Nothing," said he: then crossing the room to his sister, he whispered,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Emma, you are avenged!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>She shuddered and did not answer.</p> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 id='v3ch19' class='c004'>CHAPTER XIX.</h2> -</div> - -<p class='c005'>The next day brought a pleasing change to the current of Emma's thoughts. -She was walking slowly under the old trees on the lawn, and was not aware -of any one's approach until an arm was suddenly clasped round her waist, -and she found herself obliged to submit to several very unceremonious -kisses from her lover, who had contrived as usual thus unexpectedly to meet -her.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"How you do startle one," cried she struggling to release herself. "I will -have you indicted for assault."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"<i>Tears</i>, Emma," said he looking at her attentively; "what are those -red eyes for?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"You had better not ask questions," replied she, "lest you should hear -unpleasant truths."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But I will ask questions, and you must answer me!" said he earnestly; "I -cannot let you cry without knowing the reason."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"But suppose there is none, what then?" suggested she playfully.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Then I shall feel under the necessity of effacing the marks of your tears -in the best way I can," replied he.</p> - -<p class='c006'>She then relieved her mind and his feelings by telling him the whole -history of their yesterday's excursion and its termination, which led of -course to almost interminable references to past events, explanations and -details relative to Mr. Morgan himself, of all which until this moment he -had been profoundly ignorant. The slanders circulated relative to Emma, the -expedition of Lord Osborne to rebut them, and the trouble he had taken on -her account made a great impression on him, and he took a vehement dislike -to Croydon and everything connected with a place where Emma had been -exposed to such misrepresentations. Of course he would not admit that she -was in the least degree to blame for past events, or that she had showed -any undue severity towards Mr. Morgan—on the contrary, he thought she had -throughout been too lenient towards him; but this was an error arising from -the rare goodness of disposition which led her in so remarkable a degree to -tolerate the imperfections and weaknesses of those around her, of which her -attachment to himself was a conspicuous example.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He had some news to communicate in return for hers, which though not of -quite so tragical a nature, was to him a great disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The rectory house at Carsdeane proved to be in so extremely dilapidated a -state that, in order to make it at all a comfortable residence, Lord -Osborne proposed to rebuild it entirely. In the meantime there was no -suitable home for Emma, and he feared their marriage must be delayed at -least for some months, instead as he had hoped of taking place immediately.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This was a very great disappointment to them both. Emma had ventured to -hope that the Autumn would have seen her installed in a settled home, of -which she would be the mistress, and they tried very hard to persuade -themselves and each other, that it would not be more prudent and advisable, -to wait till Mr. Howard had a house to receive his bride. They might have -succeeded perhaps in thinking so themselves, but they could not induce -their friends to agree in the decision. On the contrary, like most friends -when two young people wish to marry, they all concurred in considering it a -very great advantage that they should wait a little.</p> - -<p class='c006'>And I am far from supposing them wrong in the idea. Taking into -consideration Emma's youth, for she was not yet quite twenty, and the -shortness of their acquaintance, which had as yet lasted barely six months, -I am of opinion that the delay even of a whole year would have been by no -means detrimental to their future happiness. It was perfectly natural that -both Mr. and Miss Bridge should adopt this idea, and I trust equally so -that since they urged it, Emma should yield to their prudent persuasions: -the more especially as appearing to yield at this time and agreeing to wait -a twelvemonth, would by no means preclude them from entirely changing their -minds in a couple of months time, in case they should see any occasion for -so doing.</p> - -<p class='c006'>As to any difficulty about Emma's home in the meantime, Miss Bridge -declared it could not exist, since her house was always open to her, and -she could regard her in no other light than as her adopted child. In vain -Mr. Howard remonstrated. Miss Bridge was so firm in her conviction that -Emma had better spend the next year in her house, and professed so much -satisfaction at the idea, that he at last declared, in despair, he was -certain it was for the sake of securing her company that Miss Bridge -interposed to prevent the marriage.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before however the two disputants could settle their conflicting claims on -Emma's society, a new turn was given to the affair by the intervention of -her youngest brother. He should want a companion at Chichester, and it had -always been an understood thing he declared, that Emma was to live with him -till she married. She readily admitted the fact, and so it was settled; she -was to accompany him to Chichester immediately after Elizabeth's wedding, -and remain there as he said, "until they were tired of one another."</p> - -<p class='c006'>Howard yielded this point much more readily than the other. Carsdeane was -much nearer Chichester than Burton, and he could easily visit her there. -Besides his penetration led him to surmise that Sam would be soon desirous -of placing another person at the head of his establishment; that a sister's -society would not long content him, and that when this change took place, -he would probably be thankful to be relieved from the charge he was -undertaking. He thought it likewise a great advantage that she should be -removed entirely from Croydon for a time, and from the painful impressions -which he observed seemed still to haunt her. She had suffered so much -there, as he now began to understand, that he could not help wishing that -she should see the place no more; a wish in which she certainly did not -concur when she remembered it would be Elizabeth's future home.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The wedding that week was a very quiet one: the death of Mr. Morgan had -thrown a damp over the whole town from which it could not at once recover, -and no one felt inclined to indulge in festivities where he would be so -much missed. Accordingly everything was conducted in the simplest manner, -to the great disappointment of Mrs. Watson, who vowed it was hardly worth -putting on her new and handsome clothes, when there would be no one to see -her at Church.</p> - -<p class='c006'>It was some alleviation to her distress of mind however to remember that -they would be equally handsome and more interesting after the wedding was -over, and she should be able to appear in uncommon splendour, when -returning all the congratulatory visits on some subsequent occasion.</p> - -<p class='c006'>When all was over, and Mrs. George Millar and her husband had set out from -Croydon to make a short visit to London, which the bride had never seen, -Emma took an affectionate leave of Annie Millar, and returned to the -Rectory to prepare for her journey.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Sam remained a few minutes behind; it was only to ask Annie if she still -thought marriages as foolish as she had always declared them to be.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Twenty times worse," said she, "they are not only foolish but sad, and I -shall consider myself particularly fortunate when this miserable day is -fairly over."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"What do you consider the worst part of the affair," enquired he, still -lingering.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Oh the leave takings," said Annie hastily, "if Elizabeth had never married -you would all have stayed on here waiting for it, and we have been so happy -for this last week. Now you are going, and you must take Emma too!"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"And will you give me leave to flatter myself that you are sorry at my -going."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I dare say you would not wait for my leave; men always take it for granted -that women sit down and cry when they leave them," said she saucily.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I should certainly entertain no such expectation Miss Millar; I am aware -my profession renders me too unpleasant in your eyes for you to do -otherwise than rejoice at my departure."</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Upon my word you make me out to be a very rational young woman," replied -she; "when did I ever find fault with your profession, or express a wish -that you were other than what you are? Because I should never have chosen -the surgical profession myself is that any reason that I should detest a -man who did—or so long as you do not exercise your skill on me, or in my -presence, do you imagine I object to your exhibiting it elsewhere?"</p> - -<p class='c006'>"I had much rather you should detest my profession than consider it with -indifference, Miss Millar."</p> - -<p class='c006'>She only looked down and blushed, then holding out her hand, said in a -hurried manner,</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Good bye, I must go!" and left him, to his great disappointment.</p> - -<p class='c006'>If Sam felt discouraged by this sudden termination to his interview, the -feeling lasted no longer than till the receipt of Annie's first letter to -his sister after they were settled at Chichester; for there the allusions -and reminiscences were of a most flattering kind, and the frequent mention -of his name, and the manner in which it was introduced gave him very great -pleasure.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Emma became reconciled to Penelope's marriage when she saw how well she was -suited to her situation in life, and though she did not greatly admire her -brother-in-law, he was so very superior to Tom Musgrove, that she thought -her sister quite fortunate in comparison with Margaret. To forget -everything that had passed of an unpleasant nature previous to her marriage -was the wisest source which her friends could adopt; and it is so -exceedingly common that there should be something which requires -forgetting, that if the relatives of all married couples acted in the same -way, there would be a great deal more of unity in the world than at -present.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Before she had been resident at Chichester three months, two events -occurred, which effected a change in her plans. One, as Mr. Howard and many -others had foreseen, was the engagement of Sam and Annie, and preparations -for their speedy marriage. The other was more unexpected.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Her aunt, whose sudden and ill-advised marriage had originally deprived her -of her home, exasperated by the unkind and unprincipled conduct of her -young husband, quitted him abruptly; procured a separation, and as she -still retained the control of her income, he was left very much as he -deserved to be, no better off than when he made his mercenary marriage. She -returned to England, wrote to Emma, then came to her; was delighted with -Sam, with Mr. Howard, and with everything she learnt of their doings, past, -present, or future. She made Emma a magnificent wedding present, both in -money and clothes, and declared her determination of ultimately dividing -her fortune between her youngest nephew and niece. In the meantime, she -took an elegant mansion in the parish of Carsdeane, and insisted on the -marriage taking place immediately, and the young couple taking up their -residence with her, until the rectory house was prepared for them.</p> - -<p class='c006'>This advice was much too agreeable to be long resisted, and before Emma and -Mr. Howard had seen the anniversary of their first meeting, they were man -and wife.</p> - -<p class='c006'>Whether they ever repented the interference of Miss Bridge to delay, or of -Mrs. MacMahon to hurry the union, I leave entirely to the imaginations of -my readers to settle; satisfied with having done my duty in detailing -events as they really occurred.</p> - -<p class='c006'>There is but one more circumstance of any importance to relate; but that -is, that Lord Osborne, after Emma's marriage, joined a regiment abroad as a -volunteer—fought for some years in the Peninsular, and returned to England -about ten years after he had been refused by Emma, accompanied by his wife, -a very charming young Spanish lady, with whom he fell in love, because her -dark eyes reminded him of Mrs. Howard's.</p> - -<p class='c006'>He had forgotten the likeness long before he reached Osborne Castle; and no -one who saw Mrs. Howard when visiting the young bride, or watched his -devotion to Lady Osborne, could, for a moment, have imagined that Lord -Osborne's love could have had such a foundation.</p> - -<p class='c006'>I have nothing more to say of any of the party, and only trust that all who -read my tale, may be convinced, as I am, that prudence, gentleness, and -good sense, will secure friends under the most disadvantageous -circumstances; but that marriage alone, unless undertaken with right -feelings and motives, cannot be considered a certain recipe for worldly -happiness.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div>THE END.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c003'> - <div><span class='sc'>T. C. Newby</span>, Printer, 30, Welbeck-street, Cavendish-sq.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='c010'>30, <i>Welbeck Street, Cavendish Square</i>,</div> -<div class='c011'><span class='sc'>London</span>.</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div><span class='xlarge'>MR. NEWBY'S NEW WORKS.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>Now ready in Two Vols.</div> - <div class='c000'>THE</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>LADY OF THE BED-CHAMBER.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>A Novel. By <span class='sc'>Mrs.</span> CRAWFORD.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>This is a very excellently-written novel, and in tone and manner is far -above the ordinary standard of fashionable fictions that are still so -prodigal in their number. The title of the story does not imply the depth, -the intensity, and the fine passion which it certainly embodies, because it -is far more suggestive of gilded folly, of brilliant vanity and of -meretricious attraction. In itself, however, it is a worthy evidence of the -talents for authorship which the fair writer undoubtedly possesses. The -dialogues are good, the plots excellent, and bears upon them more than the -impress of probability. The descriptions are true to nature, when speaking -of nature and form, otherwise, absolute pictures in themselves, worthy the -pencils of Watteau or Laneret, or any of those charming triflers which the -age (and the one subsequent) of the <span lang="fr" xml:lang="fr"><i>grand monarque</i></span>, -produced.... In the Italian scenery and in the Italian intrigue, there is a -freshness and attraction which the reader will find in these pages much to -his sympathies, while the fidelity and tact with which the accessories of -place, and character are blended together, constitute not the least -attractive charm of a very charming tale.—Despatch.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>2</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>OUR GUARDIAN</span>.</div> - <div class='c000'>A Novel. By <span class='sc'>Mrs. Mackenzie Daniel</span>,</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>One of the most striking and admirable traits of the authoress, is the -strength and yet severe simplicity of the diction. The reputation which -Mrs. Daniel has already obtained by her former works, such as 'My sister -Minnie,' 'Poor Cousin,' &c. will be considerably increased by the real -merits of this novel. Our extracts will give a fair specimen of Mrs. -Daniel's literary power.... <i>Dispatch.</i></p> - -<p class='c006'>It exhibits Mrs. Daniel's wonted elegance of style and pathos.—Spectator.</p> - -<p class='c006'>We must rank this production as one of the 'upper form,' of its -class.—Atlas.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>3</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>SIR ARTHUR BOUVERIE.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By the Author of 'Lady Granard's Nieces.'</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>4</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>THE GOLDEN CALF.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>'It is a general attack upon all persons who have rendered their names well -known by railway enterprise. It will excite a sensation in drawing-rooms, -counting-houses, and circulating-libraries.'—Morning Herald.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>5</div> - <div class='c000'><i>Price</i> 5/.</div> - <div class='c000'>THE NEW CHRISTMAS TALE</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>CHRISTMAS SHADOWS,</span></div> - <div class='c000'>A TALE OF THE DISTRESSED NEEDLEWOMEN.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>The way in which it is worked out is worthy of Dickens in his happiest -moments—the scenes are graphic and life-like, and there are touches of deep -pathos and strokes of humour which bespeak a master hand.—<span class='sc'>Gloucester -Standard.</span></p> - -<p class='c006'>We have few Christmas books this season. The 'Shadows,' is the largest we -have seen. It is a very neat volume got up in the style of Dickens's works, -and well written.... The illustrations are good and numerous.... The -passages in the world of spirits, contain remarkably powerful writing.... -The book will be popular.—<i>Tait's Magazine.</i></p> - -<p class='c006'>It carries with it an excellent moral in favor of the working classes, and -especially of females doomed to starvation of the needle.—<i>Literary -Gazette.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>6</div> - <div class='c000'>In 2 Vols.,</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>LIFE'S SUNSHINE.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>A Novel. By <span class='sc'>Miss</span> M. H. RATHBONE.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>7</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>THE UNCLE'S LEGACY.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>A Novel. <span class='sc'>By John B. TORR, Esq.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>Mr. Torr's pictures of rural scenes are charming and life like as the -farm-yard of Moreland, but elevated and refined by an accomplished -taste.—<i>Court Journal.</i></p> - -<p class='c006'>In all his pages there is an honest, cordial, healthy English morality. The -novel merits perusal.... <i>Morning Herald.</i></p> - -<p class='c006'>This novel possesses a merit to which few of the present day even pretend -... its story is exceedingly well constructed.... <i>Atlas.</i></p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>8</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xlarge'>ROUGH AND SMOOTH.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>By the Author of 'Recollections of a French</div> - <div>Marchioness.'</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>9</div> - <div class='c000'>Now ready. In One Vol. 8vo.</div> - <div><i>Price</i> 14/.</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>CIRCASSIA;</span></div> - <div><span class='large'>OR,</span></div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>A TOUR TO THE CAUCASUS</span></div> - <div>By G. Leighton Ditson Esq.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>10</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>KINGSCONNELL.</span></div> - <div>A Novel. By <span class='sc'>Mrs.</span> GORDON.</div> - <div>Author of 'The Fortunes of the Falconers.'</div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>Now ready. In three Vols.</div> - <div class='c000'>THE</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>FOREST AND THE FORTRESS</span></div> - <div>A ROMANCE OF THE 19<span class='sc'>th.</span> CENTURY</div> - <div class='c000'>BY <span class='sc'>Miss</span> LAURA JEWRY.</div> - <div class='c000'>Author of 'The Ransom,' 'The Vassal,' &c.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>This is the best romance we have read since the days of Sir Walter Scott. -The scene in which it is laid is new to the English reader, and there is in -the portraiture of its principal characters all the freshness of -originality. We doubt if any one, even the most hackneyed of novel and -romance readers, can venture upon perusing the first chapter, without -feeling deeply interested in the progress of the tale, and anxious to -proceed with it to its close. In the perusal of this romance, there is the -conviction that the plot, which makes the work a romance, is the only thing -that takes it out of the range of history; for its incidents are facts to -which only new names are given. Its portraiture of manners and of classes -as they exist in Servia is as correct as that given of England in the reign -of Richard Cœur de Lion, in Ivanhoe. Thus forewarned that a new and -eventful period in the history of a strange country and an extraordinary -people is embodied in this romance, the public is invited to its perusal. -We can assure them that it will be found well worthy of their attention, -and our only regret is, that we cannot spare space for even a single -extract from this truly affecting and interesting romance.—Morning Herald.</p> - -<p class='c006'>One of the finest, most powerful, most truthful romance of the age.—The -Naval and Military Gazette.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The great act of the opening is intensely striking, and colours all the -future.... There is general simplicity. No effort to be fine, or -sentimental, or pathetic. The 'Forest and the Fortress' a genuinely good -historical novel, and does infinite credit to a female pen. We recommend it -as one of the best of its order: keeping close to the realities and truths -of history, and most ingeniously and skilfully impregnated with inventive -charms, to render those realities and truths, dramatically -popular.—Literary Gazette.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>12</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols. 8vo., price 31s. 6d.,</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>RIZZIO.</span></div> - <div>EDITED <span class='sc'>By</span> G. P. R. JAMES, <span class='sc'>Esq.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>We have read it with a pleasure in which method and reason have as much -share as imagination. It is more readable than ninety-nine hundredths of so -called historical novels.—Athenæum.</p> - -<p class='c006'>The author must have read a great deal to enable him to acquire the -information, paint the portraits, dress up individual traditions in the -clever fashion he has reached in his "Rizzio"—the volumes are, in every -respect, curiosities of literature.—Literary Gazette.</p> - -<p class='c006'>A most valuable and interesting publication, valuable to the scholar, who -is well acquainted with the history of the times of which it treats, and -interesting to all who read merely for amusement.—Morning Herald.</p> - -<p class='c006'>"Rizzio" is a curious work. The author has read a good deal upon the -history of the period in which he lays his story, and looked into its -habits and manners. There is a certain imitation of reality about it, which -really carries the reader along.— Spectator.</p> - -<p class='c006'>These volumes will be read with avidity.—Economist.</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c0'> -<div class='nf-center c002'> - <div>13</div> - <div class='c000'>In Three Vols.</div> - <div><span class='xlarge'>MATERNAL LOVE.</span></div> - <div class='c000'>A Novel. <span class='sc'>By Mrs. LOUDON</span>.</div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c006'>A most amusing book.—Athenæum.</p> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - <ul class='ul_1 c003'> - <li>Transcriber's Notes: - <ul class='ul_2'> - <li>A few cases of inconsistent spelling were regularized. - </li> - <li>p. 223: Rosa changed to Fanny ("You give me more credit than I deserve a great - deal, Fanny;) - </li> - <li>With the view of producing a project containing all three volumes, a Table of - Contents was added. - </li> - </ul> - </li> - </ul> - - - - - - - - -<pre> - - - - - -End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Younger Sister, by -Catherine Anne Austen Hubback and Jane Austen - -*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE YOUNGER SISTER *** - -***** This file should be named 54012-h.htm or 54012-h.zip ***** -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: - http://www.gutenberg.org/5/4/0/1/54012/ - -Produced by Barry Abrahamsen, Mary Glenn Krause, David -Edwards, The University of Iowa, Stanford University and -the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at -http://www.pgdp.net (University of Iowa) - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions -will be renamed. - -Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no -one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation -(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without -permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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