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Vol. III., by Charlotte Campbell Bury. - </title> - - <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover-image.jpg" /> - - <style type="text/css"> - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1, h2, h3 { - text-align: center; /* all headings centered */ - clear: both; -} - -h1 -{ - text-align: center; - font-size: x-large; - font-weight: normal; - line-height: 1.6; -} - -h1 small -{ - font-size: small; -} - -.center -{ - text-align: center; -} - -.spaced -{ - line-height: 1.5; -} - -.space-above - -{ - margin-top: 3em; -} - -.big -{ - font-size: large; -} - -.small -{ - font-size: small; -} - -.ph2 { text-align: center; text-indent: 0em; font-weight: bold; } -.ph2 { font-size: x-large; margin: .75em auto; } - -.pagebreak {page-break-after: always;} - -.border -{ - border: 1px solid; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} - -hr.r5 {width: 5%; margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 47.5%;} - -.pagenum { /* uncomment the next line for invisible page numbers */ - /* visibility: hidden; */ - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; -} /* page numbers */ - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.right {text-align: right;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -/* Images */ -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; -} - -.covernote { - visibility: visible; - display: block; -} - -blockquote { - display: block; - margin-top: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - margin-left: 40px; - margin-right: 40px; -} - -/* Footnotes */ -.footnotes {border: dashed 1px;} - -.footnote {margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 84%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -/* Poetry */ -.poem { - margin-left:10%; - margin-right:10%; - text-align: left; -} - -.poem br {display: none;} - -.poem .stanza {margin: 1em 0em 1em 0em;} - -.poem span.i0 {display: block; margin-left: 0em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i1 {display: block; margin-left: 0.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} -.poem span.i3 {display: block; margin-left: 1.5em; padding-left: 3em; text-indent: -3em;} - -/* Transcriber's notes */ -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - padding:0.5em; - margin-bottom:5em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - </style> - </head> -<body> - - -<pre> - -Project Gutenberg's The Exclusives (vol. 3 of 3), by Charlotte Campbell Bury - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - -Title: The Exclusives (vol. 3 of 3) - -Author: Charlotte Campbell Bury - -Release Date: October 13, 2017 [EBook #55746] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1 - -*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE EXCLUSIVES (VOL. 3 OF 3) *** - - - - -Produced by Chris Whitehead and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was -produced from images generously made available by The -Internet Archive) - - - - - - -</pre> - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"> -<img class="border" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;" src="images/cover-image.jpg" id="coverpage" width="500" height="611" alt="Cover for The Exclusives. Vol. III." /> -<div class="transnote covernote"> -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">The cover image was restored by the transcriber and is -placed in the public domain.</p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - - - - -<h1 style="margin-top: 3em; margin-bottom: 2.5em;">THE<br /> EXCLUSIVES.<br /> VOL. III.</h1> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - - - - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 425px;"> -<img src="images/image1.jpg" width="425" height="582" alt="Title page for The Exclusives. Vol. III." /> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - - - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 40em; margin-bottom: 1em;">LONDON:<br /> -Printed by J. L. Cox, Great Queen Street,<br /> -Lincoln's-Inn Fields.</p> - - -<hr class="chap" style="page-break-after: always;" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_1" id="Page_1">[1]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h1 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 2em;">THE EXCLUSIVES.</h1> - -<div class="figcenter" style="width: 56px;"> -<img src="images/image2.jpg" width="56" height="10" alt="fancy line" /> -</div> - -<h2 style="margin-top: 2em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER I.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 1.5em;">THOUGHTS FOR COUNSEL.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Lady Delamere returned with her niece, -and the latter had been left in a state of comparative -composure to the best of all earthly restoratives, -sleep, Lady Dunmelraise listened with -anxious interest to the relation of her daughter's -sudden indisposition, which Lady Delamere did -not hesitate to attribute to her having witnessed -Lord Albert's attentions to Lady Hamlet Vernon -during the whole evening, in the very box opposite -to them at the Opera.</p> - -<p>"I observed her," said Lady Delamere, "for -some time struggling with her feelings, and hesitated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_2" id="Page_2">[2]</a></span> -whether it were best to take notice of, or -allow them to subside uncommented upon: seeing, -however, that at length all her efforts were unavailing, -and that her agitation rather increased -than the reverse, I judged it necessary to propose -our returning home. At that instant, Adeline -fainted; and now, dear sister, I think that, for -Adeline's sake, it is my duty to speak to you without -reserve on the subject of Lord Albert D'Esterre. -The state of your health, on your arrival in London, -and the fear of agitating you, have alone prevented -my touching on this subject sooner; but I -hope you will forgive me, and feel that I was right, -when I acknowledge that I have already spoken -generally to Adeline herself upon the prospects -attendant on her engagement.</p> - -<p>"You will also readily believe, I trust, that, -knowing your sentiments and principles, I could -not say any thing that you would disapprove, nor -that I would assume to myself any parental authority, -which is alone your right, in what I said; -but at the same time I ventured upon what I conceived -to be Lord Albert's very culpable neglect; -and, although I fear much more might have been -said with truth, yet my counsel went merely to -impress on Adeline's mind a sense of the seriousness<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_3" id="Page_3">[3]</a></span> -of married life, and of the necessity of both -parties examining thoroughly the grounds on which -they rest their hopes of happiness, before they become -bound indissolubly together. I also expatiated upon -the propriety of her mixing in the great world -during your stay in London, which would afford -her an opportunity of judging many things which -she could not do in a life of retirement. I added, -that the same person is too often not the same, when -placed in different scenes, and with different objects -of attraction and temptation around him; -for I wished to open Adeline's eyes to a clear -discernment of whatever might be necessary for her -to know; and, having done this, leave it to her own -excellent understanding to draw the salutary conclusion."</p> - -<p>"You are right, my dear sister, and I thank you; -but it is strange that Adeline should never have -mentioned this conversation to me. She never had -a secret from me before in her lifetime."</p> - -<p>"Do not blame Adeline, I entreat you. If there -be any blame any where, it must rest with me; for -dreading the effect which my suspicions might have -produced on your mind, while still suffering from -your recent increase of malady, I could not at -that time bring myself to enter upon a subject<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_4" id="Page_4">[4]</a></span> -which I knew must harass you; and, acquainted as -I am with Adeline's superior prudence and rectitude -of conduct,—qualities which she possesses, -indeed, beyond most persons of her age,—I deemed -it quite sufficient to give her that species of warning -which would make her look warily to certain -points, respecting the observation of which her very -purity might have blinded her, but yet without -saying any thing sufficiently decided for her to -deem it a breach of duty not to repeat the conversation -to you. Having explained this affair, -I trust I have absolved the dear, ingenuous Adeline -from the least blame, which might otherwise -have attached to her concealing any thing of importance -from you, her mother."</p> - -<p>"Oh certainly, my dear sister; entirely so; and -it is needless to dwell on this longer. The matter -of great moment, which I wish to discuss with -you, is, what steps should now be taken in regard -to Lord Albert D'Esterre, for some active measure -does appear necessary after this night's occurrence?"</p> - -<p>"Indeed it is a delicate business, and one on -which I feel very diffident in giving advice; but -since you ask my opinion, I will not conceal from -you, that Lord Albert's character appears to me to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_5" id="Page_5">[5]</a></span> -be much changed since his last visit to you, immediately -after his return from the continent: indeed, -how should it be otherwise, when, by all I can learn, -he has associated only with those persons who form -a distinct circle; and amongst whom he must have -imbibed, at least superficially, all those habits and -prejudices which are directly opposed to his former -life.</p> - -<p>"You knew, my dear sister, that our opinion of -that coterie is pretty much the same; and I believe -it to be impossible for a young man to become -entangled in such a society, and not lose all correct -principle. This in itself would be a reason which -would make me anxious for our Adeline's happiness, -if she were so connected; for to what dangers -would she not be exposed as a married woman, -living in that class of persons! Notwithstanding -her firmness of character, I could not but dread -the contamination of perpetual bad example; -and the more so, as it does not appear in its -own appalling form, but wears the semblance -of elegance and innocent pleasure. Thinking of -these things, and knowing, as I do, besides, that -not only Lord Albert attaches himself in particular -to one of the circle, (I mean Lady Hamlet Vernon) -but that the world are beginning to talk openly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_6" id="Page_6">[6]</a></span> -on the subject, I really think it is time some decision -on your part should be taken."</p> - -<p>"All that you say makes me very sorrowful, my -dear sister," replied Lady Dunmelraise; "and I see -too clearly the truth of your advice not to follow -it; but then, you know, we must consider the dear -Adeline's feelings; we must endeavour to spare her -present pain, so far as we consistently can with -future and lasting happiness. But I fear, let the -blow come as it may, it will fall heavily on her. -I have myself not been without my suspicions, as I -already told you, of Lord Albert's change of sentiments -in respect to my daughter; but knowing -her deep attachment to him, and dreading the -effects of a hasty overthrow of all her long-cherished -hopes, having at the same time no positive -proof of Lord Albert's delinquency, I could do no -more, hitherto, than you have done; that is, speak -in general terms of the very great importance of a -strict examination of oneself, and the object of -one's attachment, previously to marriage, not only -in regard to the more weighty considerations of -principle and temper, but also in respect to those -habits and pursuits, which either cement the delights -of daily communication, or, if dissimilar, -produce at first estrangement, and in time, it may<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_7" id="Page_7">[7]</a></span> -be, indifference or disgust. Of all these, and such -as these, I spoke minutely, and even ventured to -throw out doubts respecting Lord Albert's occupations -and recreations continuing to be of a nature -that accorded with her own. I then hinted at -a change of associates naturally leading to a change -of feelings; 'but,' I added, 'you are the only -person, my dearest child, after all, who can decide -upon the truth of these observations in this -instance; and what I recommend to you is, to -look narrowly yourself to these points, and employ -the interval before your final decision in determining -this momentous question for yourself.'</p> - -<p>"Thus far I have spoken to her. Since, however, -the scene of to-night seems to have precipitated -matters to a climax,—to the necessity, at least, -of a disclosure of the extent of our fears,—I -must endeavour to break them to her to-morrow in -such a manner as will be least likely to shock her -feelings; but, alas! I much fear that the shock has -already been felt, has come to her in its worst -and keenest guise, and on such a heart as hers -I dread the consequences. At her years the blight -of a cherished hope is often physically fatal; the -frame is not strengthened to bear the crush of -sorrow, and life itself yields to the pressure."<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_8" id="Page_8">[8]</a></span> -Lady Dunmelraise's voice faltered, and her sister -felt an answering pang to that which she so touchingly -expressed. "Still," resumed Lady Dunmelraise, -after a moment's pause, "it will be kinder -and wiser, in as far as respects addressing myself -to Lord Albert, to let the matter take its own -course, and end itself. The time when a final decision -must be made is now very short; I shall then -have a right to demand an explicit avowal of his -intentions, or to put a final termination to my -daughter's engagement with him.</p> - -<p>"Meanwhile, I shall speak unreservedly to -her. Now that she has (poor dear! my heart -bleeds for her!) witnessed, at least once, a scene that -confirms all my worst fears, she will be alive to the -justice of my representations, and with her own -quickness of perception and delicacy of feeling, -will judge for herself on similar occasions, should -such recur; in which case, the dignity of her -offended affection will strengthen her for the trial: -for what we take upon ourselves to bear is always -a burden more easily endured than that imposed -upon us by another. If, however, we should be -mistaken; if, haply, we do Lord Albert injustice; -if appearances are deceptive, and that he is in fact -unchanged; we shall have spared much unnecessary<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_9" id="Page_9">[9]</a></span> -pain, and all self-accusation for undue precipitation." -The sisters having thus settled the -point which involved the happiness of one so dear -to them, separated for the night.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert D'Esterre, on his part, when he -reached home from the Opera, became the victim -of those baffling feelings which had more than once -torn his heart in pieces; for although he felt that -he had stronger grounds than ever to suspect Lady -Adeline of a preference for another, yet so long -and so deeply rooted had been his dream of attachment -for her, that at intervals a tide of tenderness -returned, and he involuntarily dwelt on the idea, -that one who had been considered by him as his -own, one who professed to feel herself bound to -him, could not, without some fault on his part, -prove false to herself and him. And was he without -fault in respect to his treatment of her? It -was a question he did not dare to answer; but he -felt sure, that whatever fancy played on the surface -of his heart, Adeline <i>alone</i> was enshrined there; -and this assurance came to him with greater power, -as the excitement he experienced while he had been -in the society of Lady Hamlet Vernon gradually -died away when no longer in her presence.</p> - -<p>The next morning he wavered for a considerable<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_10" id="Page_10">[10]</a></span> -time, whether to go in person to inquire for Lady -Adeline, or merely send; and his feelings of wounded -pride and genuine affection, which latter surpasses -all pride, alternately rose and fell in his breast. -"I would not betray displeasure," he said to himself; -"for, if the offence is real, displeasure would -be too weak a feeling for so deep an injury, and, -to a coquette, the knowledge that she gives pain is -a triumph: I will not go, therefore; I will write." -And he decided on despatching a note, pleading -important business as the cause of his not attending -personally to inquire for her, which excuse was in -part true. After having so far satisfied himself -by doing what he thought best under all circumstances, -he went to Lord Glenmore's, to lose, if -possible, the sense of his sorrow, in matters of so -high and engrossing a nature, that he knew, could -any thing prove a cure for love, they must.</p> - -<p>Far different, however, from the feelings and -thoughts which had agitated the breast of Adeline, -her affectionate relatives, and Lord Albert himself, -were those which agitated Lady Hamlet Vernon. -She had but one thought, one intense interest, and -she cared not by what means she followed up its -success. In recalling the last scene in which she -had been an actor, she was not likely to lose sight<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_11" id="Page_11">[11]</a></span> -for a moment of the advantage she perceived that -she had obtained over the object of her pursuit; -and although entertaining little doubt as to the -cause of Lady Adeline's indisposition, she was still -anxious to assure herself that her surmises were -right in regard to it, and also to learn the visible -effect which had been produced when Lord Albert -hastened to her in the Opera House; for although -she thought she could not be at a loss to unravel -the clue, yet, for a thousand reasons, she was most -anxious to be acquainted, beyond all possibility of -doubt, with every thing respecting the occurrence.</p> - -<p>For this purpose, she sent a note, early in the -morning, to Mr. Foley, requesting him to lose no -time in calling upon her. He was not tardy in -obeying her summons, and when he came, she cautiously -avoided at first entering upon the subject -nearest her heart, and turned his attention to the -circumstance of a change of ministry, asking him -if he had heard any thing decisive on the subject. -He repeated what had been reported the preceding -evening, namely, that Lord Glenmore had certainly -accepted office, and Lord Albert D'Esterre a post -under him. This led to the subject of Lady Adeline's -indisposition, and the question, whether the -marriage between her and Lord Albert would ever<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_12" id="Page_12">[12]</a></span> -take place. Mr. Foley replied, that he thought -the thing very unlikely. A man engaged as Lord -Albert now was, required, he conceived, a different -sort of wife, if any wife were not <i>de trop</i>.</p> - -<p>"But what occasioned the scene she made last -night?" asked Lady Hamlet Vernon.</p> - -<p>Mr. Foley replied, he thought there could be -little doubt as to the cause; adding, courteously, -"You know Lord Albert was in your box all the -evening; and it could hardly be supposed, that any -person at all attached to him could see him engaged -in earnest conversation with you so long a time, -without apprehension as to the consequences."</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon endeavoured to suppress, -at least to conceal, the agitation of pleasure which -she felt; and said, smiling, he was always a flatterer, -but that there could be no foundation for -the uneasiness ascribed to Lady Adeline's feelings, -and that she was sure there was some other cause; -but really, she added,</p> - -<p>"My great interest was to ascertain that <i>your -interests</i> were safe in this ministerial change; and -if Lord Albert be really in power, I feel certain -you <i>have</i> nothing to apprehend. As to Lady Adeline -Seymour, I am quite of your opinion; she is -not at all calculated to be his wife. From the interest<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_13" id="Page_13">[13]</a></span> -which Lord Albert has shown in my welfare, -I really have a feeling of regard for him, and I -should be sorry to see him united to a woman who -I am certain would not promote his happiness. -Now do <i>you</i> think she would?"</p> - -<p>"To confess the truth, I do not believe it. Lady -Adeline is very amiable, very sweet, very simple-minded, -but not at all fitted to play a part in the -busy world. I could not imagine her the wife of a -minister, or throwing any degree of lustre round -an exalted station. Elegant and endearing in -private life as she certainly is; depend upon it <i>that</i> -is her sphere; take her thence, and she would be -nothing."</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon seemed busy in thought, -was silent for a few moments, then turned to Mr. -Foley, and fixing her eyes on his, asked pointedly,</p> - -<p>"But do you think she is fond of Lord Albert?"</p> - -<p>"Fond! yes, perhaps so; the fondness of a child -that has been told it ought to love something, and -has never made any comparisons whereby to know -what it likes."</p> - -<p>"That will <i>not</i> do for Lord Albert D'Esterre, I -am certain, and it would be madness in him to persevere -in forming such a union. You, dear Mr. -Foley, are intimate with her mother, Lady Dunmelraise;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_14" id="Page_14">[14]</a></span> -does she ever speak to you on the subject?" -Then, without waiting for an answer, Lady Hamlet -Vernon went on to say, "If an opportunity <i>should -occur</i>, do you not think that, as a friend of the families, -you ought to state your opinion of this unpropitious -marriage; I mean without prejudice to -Lord Albert D'Esterre, for I would not for the -world be supposed to say any thing which could be -offensive or undervaluing in regard to him. If you -knew him intimately, which I hope you will do, you -would, I feel confident, not only like, but esteem -him. It is from my doing so, who have had opportunities -of reading his real character, that I -think it a duty in any friend of Lady Dunmelraise -to make her aware that her daughter is not -suited to him, from an opposition of tastes and pursuits, -different habits, and different ends in life, -all which would render a union between them destructive -of mutual happiness."</p> - -<p>During Lady Hamlet Vernon's conversation, Mr. -Foley's countenance underwent many changes, of -which she was at first doubtful how to read the meaning. -At length, after a considerable pause, he replied—"Lady -Dunmelraise has never spoken to me on -the business, and I do not see how I could, with -any propriety, touch on any part of the subject on<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_15" id="Page_15">[15]</a></span> -which we have been conversing, unless, indeed, she -were first to open the matter to me; besides," (he -added, with increasing agitation,) "an attempt of -the kind, on my part, would most probably defeat -the end, as Lady Dunmelraise might suppose such -advice, coming from me, was perhaps influenced by -wishes and views of my own, and I would not——."</p> - -<p>"You would not," interrupted Lady Hamlet -Vernon, "so far confess the truth, for I see plainly -that you yourself love Lady Adeline," keeping her -eyes on him as she spoke. Mr. Foley hesitated; -he seemed to wish to answer her, but knew not -how.</p> - -<p>"Now do not, my dear Mr. George Foley, -from any false delicacy, be desirous of concealing -the truth from me: you do love Lady Adeline -Seymour; and if so, why should you not urge your -suit? For <i>you</i>, I conceive this alliance to be very -desirable; it is quite different with regard to Lord -Albert D'Esterre. A quiet, simple, domestic companion, -such as you pourtray Lady Adeline to be, -would prove exactly consonant with your wishes; -her fortune is vast; and the general tenor of her -education and life were well adapted to form her -character to that sort of tranquil obedience which I -know you deem a prime requisite in a wife. Lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_16" id="Page_16">[16]</a></span> -Dunmelraise's interest in you is a great step in your -favour; fortune to you is a <i>great object</i>; and the -marriage would be such as would, I think, contribute -to your wishes and your welfare."</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon saw that she had touched -a theme in which Mr. Foley's interests were deeply -involved; for as she proceeded to expatiate on the -various advantages which would attend Mr. Foley's -adopting her advice, he listened with more and more -attention, and even betrayed the greatest apparent -pleasure. Lady Hamlet Vernon marked the progress -she had made, and felt sure that the discovery -at which she had now arrived, of the coincidence -of his feelings with her own, laid a sure foundation -for the accomplishment of her plans, while, at the -same time, it removed from herself, in a great measure, -the danger of being thought to be the principal -mover in a matter which required so much tact -and delicacy to carry it through successfully: she -saw clearly, that it was only requisite, by following -up her counsel to Mr. Foley (which was in fact to -confirm him in his own wishes), to overcome any -scruples which he might have entertained, from the -fear of appearing to act on selfish motives alone; -and Lady Hamlet Vernon was confident, from this -conversation, that she had already made very great<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_17" id="Page_17">[17]</a></span> -progress. It had required only a spark to set the -train on fire; and she felt certain that every word -she uttered would render him more alive to the -true state of his feelings, and consequently more -apt to betray them in his conduct towards Lady -Adeline.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon had too much knowledge of -the world, and of human nature, to press the matter -further at the present moment, or to attempt to bind, -by any direct promise, a person who only required the -spring of his desires to be set in action, in order to -play his own part. Mr. Foley, too, seemed little -inclined, at the present moment, to enter any further -on the subject, and by tacit consent it was -suffered to drop; but when he took leave of -Lady Hamlet Vernon, it was only a natural consequence -of the counsel she had given him, that he -should bend his steps towards South Audley-street, -to make his inquiries for Lady Adeline. How -easy is it for the stronger to direct the weaker mind -to good or evil, without exciting any suspicion in -the latter that it is assuming the mastery, or doing -any thing but what it meant to do of its own proper -movement; and what small occurrences sometimes -determine a line of conduct either virtuously or the -reverse!</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_18" id="Page_18">[18]</a></span></p> - -<p>Thus it was with Mr. George Foley in the -present instance. It certainly had crossed his mind -more than once, that Lady Adeline Seymour would -make him a very eligible wife, and his affections -(such at least as he could have entertained for any -object, <i>blazé</i> and apathetic as he had become from a -long course of idleness and dissipation) had undoubtedly -been directed towards her; but the -knowledge of the existing engagement between -Lord Albert D'Esterre and herself, and a certain -apprehension, frequent in timid minds that are -neither quite good nor quite bad, lest he should -forfeit Lady Dunmelraise's protection, had always -checked his hopes, and kept these aspirations in -subjection: but it required only the suggestions of -one somewhat less timid than himself on this head, -to direct his views to a determined pursuit of the -object; and he resolved, with proper caution, to feel -his way, but, at the same time, to lose no opportunity -of following up Lady Hamlet Vernon's advice.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_19" id="Page_19">[19]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER II.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">A VISIT TO THE NEW-MADE MINISTER'S WIFE.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">When</span> Lord Albert had sent his note of inquiry -to Lady Adeline Seymour, he proceeded to Downing-street -to meet Lord Glenmore, there to enter -on his official duties; and, notwithstanding the -agitation of his mind on other subjects, he went -prepared to commence his new career with that glow -of ardour, which, when tempered by prudence, is -so conducive to honourable success. The reports -which had so strongly prevailed for the last two -days in the great world, of Lord Glenmore's appointment -in the ministry, and of Lord Albert -D'Esterre's being joined with him in the office which -he had accepted, were now confirmed by a public -announcement of the changes that had taken place.</p> - -<p>Of course there were different opinions as to the -eligibility of the measures resorted to, as there always -are in similar cases; but which were, for the most part, -formed according to the interests and wishes of opposing -parties, without any real feeling or care for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_20" id="Page_20">[20]</a></span> -the public welfare: but, fortunately for the well-being -of that public, there are higher powers over-ruling -the petty engines of mortal government, and -even the evil passions of mankind are sometimes -made subservient to the ways of Providence. Henry -the Eighth, when he threw off the papal yoke, and -became an instrument of mighty and effective operation -in the religious and moral destinies of Britain, -thought little of any other end than that of securing -his own illicit and ambitious projects; but in his day -and generation he was the appointed means to bring -about that invaluable constitution, which, resting -on a firmer basis than mere worldly wisdom could -devise, we may be confident will always have able -defenders raised up for its support—whether they -be those who pursue worldly ends alone, and entertain -no other dream in their philosophy, or whether -some hand of conscientious and religious principle -guide the helm: not that the choice of persons can -therefore be indifferent, for human means are still -to be employed for human measures; only that in -this circumstance, as in all others, there remains a -point of confiding refuge to flee to, even when the -political horizon appears to good men overcast.</p> - -<p>At the present season, when difficulties of an -almost insurmountable nature seemed to gather<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_21" id="Page_21">[21]</a></span> -round the minister, and to impede the easy course -of government, the accession of such a man as Lord -Glenmore, whose character stood too high for any -suspicion to attach to his integrity, and whose situation -was too independent to admit the surmise of -his being influenced by motives of personal interest, -was a matter of the last importance: the same -might in a degree be said of Lord Albert D'Esterre, -with the exception that he was younger, and that -this was his first step in the career of his public -life.</p> - -<p>To Lady Tilney and her political friends, the -recent changes were certainly any thing but agreeable; -for, so long as Lord Glenmore remained unconnected -with party, she considered that he was -yet to be gained over to that whose interests she -espoused: and Lord Albert D'Esterre having likewise -taken the same course, was an additional cause -of regret to her; for she had looked upon him as a -much easier prize than the other, and one of nearly -equivalent value. It was therefore with unqualified -disappointment that she heard the confirmation of -those fears which the current whisper of the preceding -days had not prepared her to receive with -calmness.</p> - -<p>On Lady Hamlet Vernon, this circumstance<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_22" id="Page_22">[22]</a></span> -acted with a different effect. When she heard the -intelligence of the changes in the ministry confirmed, -she considered it as an additional circumstance -of self-congratulation, superadded to those -which had arisen from the occurrence at the Opera -and her conversation with Mr. Foley. Lady -Hamlet Vernon, though ambitious, was a person -attached to no party; and though the love of -power was predominant in her nature, it was for -the sake of its own exercise, without any reference -to any political side of the question: she only saw, -therefore, in Lord Albert's appointment, the first -step towards a career which would involve him at -once in absorbing interests, and leave his mind -more easy to be diverted into a channel in accordance -with her wishes, and more likely to be drawn off -from that attachment which was destructive of -them. She thought too, and with some probability, -that it was a measure which would be discordant -with Lady Adeline's views of private happiness, -and might possibly therefore influence the fulfilment -of the engagement between her and Lord Albert -D'Esterre.</p> - -<p>Whilst the parties in question took these two -opposite views of the business, there was a third -who deplored it in all sincerity of heart, and already<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_23" id="Page_23">[23]</a></span> -sickened under the idea of the protracted absences, -and the bustle of the public career, in which she was -alternately either to be the sufferer, or be called -upon to share: with the sense, however, of submission -due in a wife to the interests and views of -her husband, she prepared to receive the congratulations -of her friends, and to fulfil the duties which -she foresaw must attend on her situation, with as -much cheerfulness and alacrity as she could command.</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore having told her that concealment -was no longer necessary respecting the arrangements -now finally adjusted, he bade her in the course of -the day acquaint her family with the event; and, -on his leaving her, she immediately communicated -the intelligence to her parents. The first to congratulate -her was Lord Melcombe, who considered -the matter as a piece of good fortune, and rejoiced -in this addition to his child's happiness. While -offering his fond wishes for Lord Glenmore's success, -he added, with a smile;</p> - -<p>"I think, Georgina, he ought to be satisfied with -your first <i>coup d'essai</i> in diplomacy, for you almost -persuaded me yesterday that this event was quite -as improbable as my own appointment to office."</p> - -<p>In the course of the day a host of friends—for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_24" id="Page_24">[24]</a></span> -what persons in power ever lacked these?—called -to pay their compliments to the wife of the newly-created -minister: some came from curiosity, some -in sincerity, some with envious feelings, and some -with views of interest. Among those of the latter -class may be enumerated the Leinsengens, the Tenderdens, -and the Tilneys, with smiles on their lips -and detraction in their hearts; the one not believing -Lady Glenmore's indifference to her situation -to be real, and the other two, who knew her -better, despising her for her childish folly.</p> - -<p>"Well, my dear," said the Comtesse Leinsengen, -entering her apartment like a figure made of clock-work, -that glides into the room on a stand, "let -me see how you do look under this <i>changement de -decoration</i>; just the same, I declare! <i>est il bien possible</i>?" -Staring at her, "<i>Tout cela ne vous fait ni -froid ni chaud</i>—dat is <i>impossible</i>. <i>Au reste</i>—you -seem de very ting for your <i>poste, et je vous en fait -mon compliment</i>; for you will never be at a loss to -know vat countenance <i>tenir</i>, as yours does not undergo -any change." The beautiful colour which -tinged Lady Glenmore's cheek at this speech -proved the contrary, as she replied;</p> - -<p>"You are mistaken, Comtesse; there are many -things which would affect me in a lively manner;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_25" id="Page_25">[25]</a></span> -and indeed the present subject of your congratulations -is far from indifferent to me; but——."</p> - -<p>"<i>Allons donc, une confidence</i>; at last we shall -know what you do or do not care for," interrupted -the Comtesse Leinsengen.</p> - -<p>"As far as that confidence goes, certainly. I do -not care, for instance, in the least, either for power -or place, in as far as regards myself, and I prefer -a quiet country life to that of London; but as my -husband has considered it right to take this step, -I must teach myself to like it too." The announcement -of Lady Tenderden and Lady Tilney interrupted -this uncongenial <i>tête-à-tête</i>; and the latter, -to hide her chagrin and disappointment under an -apparent friendly zeal, flew up to Lady Glenmore -in her most energetic manner, and assured her, -that although she could never agree with Lord -Glenmore in politics, yet from personal regard she -sincerely wished him joy of his public success, and -hoped, that now he had the ball at his foot, he -would use it to a good purpose. "It is one thing -to be at the bottom of the ladder, and another -upon it," she added; "and perhaps we may see -Lord Glenmore doing as so many others have done -before now, looking down on his old prejudices and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_26" id="Page_26">[26]</a></span> -mistakes, and taking up quite a different view of -the subject."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore was silent, but received Lady -Tilney's expressions of kindness with her usual -sweetness and courtesy of manner. Lady Tenderden -joined in the congratulation.</p> - -<p>"At length, my sweet lady," she said, "you -are enthroned, and we all come to do you homage. -But how very discreet you were; never -betrayed by word, look, or gesture, the secret -which you were quite sure of; you are really cut out -for the part you have to play. I envy you <i>votre petite -air moue et doucereux</i>; don't you, Lady Tilney?"</p> - -<p>"Nothing can be better," she replied; "I prophesy -that she will play her part well."</p> - -<p>"You are all exceedingly obliging," Lady -Glenmore replied, "but I have no part to play. -My husband, being in the ministry, luckily does -not impose any duty upon me, besides that of -living more in the world than I might otherwise -do."</p> - -<p>"Poor lady, I pity you!" said Lady Tenderden -ironically.</p> - -<p>"You will change your ideas, I foresee that," -said Lady Tilney prophetically.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_27" id="Page_27">[27]</a></span></p> - -<p>"You will remain just vat you are," said -the Comtesse Leinsengen impertinently, when the -door opened, and the Duke of Mercington entered.</p> - -<p>"I beg you to receive my warmest congratulation, -my dear Lady Glenmore," he said, approaching -her in his most <i>empressé</i> manner, as if his -whole heart was in his words, and bowing to the -other ladies slightly as he passed them. "I give you -and Glenmore joy alike; him that he has gained -his wish, and you in the consciousness that he has -done so; for I know that your happiness must be -<i>mutual</i> to render it really happiness."</p> - -<p>"Oh, duke, I assure you all your compliments -are trown away upon dat ladi, on dat subject at -least, for she declare not to like to be a minister's -wife at all."</p> - -<p>"Impossible! she is joking," replied the duke, -looking at Lady Glenmore with one of those apparently -ingenuous smiles which habit had forced -upon his features, and which once were captivating -so long as they <i>were</i> natural; "impossible that -you who were formed to shine in society should -shrink from a situation for which you are so singularly -well adapted."</p> - -<p>"You are too good, duke, and I accept your flattering<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_28" id="Page_28">[28]</a></span> -judgment upon <i>credit</i>, for I have not been -tried yet, and I <i>may</i> disappoint you."</p> - -<p>"Oh never, we all know how charming you are; -don't we, Lady Tilney?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, duke, you know we all bow to your -judgment in every thing, and I am sure we shall -not begin to differ on <i>this</i> point," she replied, with -an air of pique that was ill concealed under an -affected <i>bonhommie</i>.</p> - -<p>"We are not come here," said the Leinsengen, -whispering to Lady Tenderden, "to listen to all his -<i>fadaises</i>; <i>c'est le radotage</i> dat we have been used -to hear uttered by turns to every object of a fresh -<i>engouement</i> for these last ten years." Then gliding -up to Lady Glenmore, she added, "I am quite -charmed to see you <i>en des mains si sures</i>, persons -who vill give you such excellent advice; and now -dat I have rendered you <i>mes hommages</i>, I make -<i>mes adieus</i>. Monsieur le duc, I hope to see you -at my next <i>levée</i>; Lady Glenmore of course; Lady -Tilney, <i>au revoir</i>." And then, when she reached the -door, "<i>Ah ça</i>, by de way, vill you, Lady Tenderden, -go vid me to-night to <i>le théàtre Français</i>?"</p> - -<p>"I should be delighted, but I am engaged to -Lady Glenmore. Is not this our evening?" turning -to the latter.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_29" id="Page_29">[29]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes; but I beg you will not consider that -binding."</p> - -<p>"Oh but I do, though, so <i>you must go with -me</i>."</p> - -<p>"Of course," said the Comtesse Leinsengen contemptuously, -"I am extremely sorry, <i>mais il faut -se consoler</i>;" and turning, she glided away, but -first whispered to Lady Tilney as she passed, "We -shall have nothing now but this tiresome <i>petite -nouveauté</i>;" and she shrugged her shoulders and -departed.</p> - -<p>"What is the matter with the comtesse?" asked -the Duke of Mercington; "that <i>air d'imperatrice -enragée</i> does not at all become her."</p> - -<p>"No," replied Lady Glenmore, laughing, "I -never knew any one that it did."</p> - -<p>"Some persons," rejoined the duke, "some -dark beauties, may look well under the effect of a -storm, though I confess I had always rather see the -lambent flame than the forked lightning;" and he -looked his implied admiration of Lady Glenmore.</p> - -<p>Lady Tilney did not know exactly what part -to play in a scene where she felt she was not the -principal, although it is said there have been -times and seasons when she thought it politic to -kiss <i>even the foot of a person</i> placed in a situation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_30" id="Page_30">[30]</a></span> -of imaginary greatness, and whose favour she forgot -herself so far as to court. She had come, however, -to Lady Glenmore with other views than either -those of curiosity or congratulation. Lady Tilney -felt, that in the situation which Lady Glenmore -now held, she might with ease have led a party -in society independent of Lady Tilney or any of -her coterie; and a fear that she might take this -step determined her on endeavouring, by counsel -and an assumption of directing how Lady Glenmore -should conduct herself in her station, to obtain -in the first instance an influence over her, -and hold her in subserviency to her own wishes -regarding society. She saw, therefore, the Duke -of Mercington and several others, who had come -and gone on the same errand, take their leave with -satisfaction, and seized the first moment when she -was alone with Lady Glenmore to say:</p> - -<p>"Now, my dear Lady Glenmore, you, I am -sure, will believe, that of all who have paid their -court to you on this happy event, there is no one -more sincere than myself: but I will go a step -further than any other of your friends, though -perhaps I may be giving you offence; I would -counsel, I would advise you; for yours, my dear -Lady Glenmore, you will find to be a situation of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_31" id="Page_31">[31]</a></span> -some delicacy: there will be so many ready to -take offence if you do not do all they ask or expect -of you; and yet, you know, you must not <i>compromettez</i> -yourself, nor our society; you must, in -short, be discreet, and not <i>too good-humoured</i>. -It will require great tact to please those whom -I am sure you wish to please, and to give offence -to none. Now Glenmore will be constantly engaged, -and you cannot expect him to give due -attention to these <i>affaires de société</i>. I really -wish, that if ever you feel in any difficulty, you -would consider me as your friend, always ready -to serve you; apply to me, and I will give you my -best advice: there are many, I know, who will be -ready to do the same thing by you, but beware of -those in whom you repose confidence. For instance, -between ourselves, there is the Comtesse Leinsengen, -who is very charming, very clever, but -not sufficiently aware <i>how our</i> society must be constituted, -as indeed no foreigners possibly can or -ever will be, and not at all capable of guiding intricate -points connected with it: and then, you -know, she is <i>diplomate</i> by nature and art; she -will of course endeavour to win you to an intimacy. -At least, <i>c'est son metiér</i>. But again, I say, beware -of this, or you will compromise Lord Glenmore<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_32" id="Page_32">[32]</a></span> -as well as yourself. Against Lady Tenderden, too, -though there is nobody I like better, you must also -be upon your guard; for she is not altogether to -be trusted, and she will betray your secrets from -habit."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore, who had, hitherto, listened to -this long harangue in silence, and without showing -any emotion, now looked a little surprised at this -last caution given by Lady Tilney, for she remembered -the opinion her husband had pronounced on -Lady Tenderden; but still she said nothing. The -expression, however, which played in her countenance, -was not unobserved by Lady Tilney, as -she added, "Oh, I know what <i>you</i> are thinking; -Lady Tenderden <i>is</i> a great favourite with Lord -Glenmore; but it's an old friendship, and now he is -married, of course all that will be on another footing."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore blushed, and felt the tears rising -to her eyes, at the renewal of an insinuation respecting -her husband, which had once before cost -her much acute pain. Lady Tilney did not choose to -observe the effect which she saw her words had produced -on the innocent Lady Glenmore, and proceeded -to object, in rotation, to every one whom she thought -might become powerful rivals in her influence over -her. Then, having proceeded to discuss every point<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[33]</a></span> -political and influential in society, and having persuaded -Lady Glenmore to fix an early day for a -<i>cercle choisie</i> at her house, and canvassed the pretensions -of the persons who were to be allowed to -form it, she at length took her departure, leaving -Lady Glenmore perfectly overcome with the torrent -of eloquence and advice which she had so gratuitously -given.</p> - -<p>While these empty insincerities, these crooked -policies of polite life, had been passing under -Lady Glenmore's roof, and while Lord Albert -D'Esterre was busied in the graver but perhaps -not less intricate and deceptive details of <i>public</i> -affairs, the realities of whose endless mazes he -had that morning for the first time entered upon, -Lady Dunmelraise, in a far different scene, and -on a far other occasion, was preparing for one of -the most painful tasks that duty demands of true -affection; that of probing the breast of a beloved -object, with the moral certainty of its being right -so to do, in the hope of protecting it from yet more -cruel wounds. These are the heroisms of private -life, which pass unknown and unhonoured by the -world, although they are noted elsewhere, and are -of frequent occurrence in the annals of daily existence; -and it was under the pressure of this painful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[34]</a></span> -determination that Lady Dunmelraise passed -a sleepless night, endeavouring to prepare herself -for to-morrow's duty.</p> - -<p>When she met her daughter at breakfast, her -pale and altered countenance half spoke the nature -of her intended counsel before she gave it utterance. -Lady Adeline's own feelings were too -much in accordance with her mother's, for her -not to read the cause of the expression she saw -painted on her face; and although she had -forced herself to leave her apartment, and to appear -at the usual hour, and even endeavoured to -wear her own placid smile, in order not to give Lady -Dunmelraise unnecessary anxiety, still the very endeavour -betrayed the real state of her heart. The -business of the breakfast passed mechanically and -in silence, with the exception of an interchange of -those few kindly monosyllables which convinced -them mutually of the participation each took in the -other's anguish; and while Lady Adeline was trying -to suppress starting tears, Lady Dunmelraise determined -to break this cruel silence, and without preamble -to come at once to the subject.</p> - -<p>"My dearest Adeline, I need not tell you, love, -that I feel with you the sorrow and mortification of -the occurrence of yesterday evening; and it has<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[35]</a></span> -come with double force on me, seeing the anguish -it has brought upon you. However much I may -have been prepared for it by what I have observed -in Lord Albert's altered manner, yet I confess I -am surprised at the want of openness in his conduct, -a want with which I never should have thought -he could have been charged. Love, it is true, is -easily directed into a new channel, unless religious -principle confirm it in its original course; but even -where there is no sin, according to the world's acceptation -of sin in such change, still, from the opinion -I have hitherto entertained of his natural disposition, -I thought he would, with that ingenuousness -of character for which I have given him unbounded -credit, have at least confessed the truth -openly; a line of conduct which, had he adopted, -I am confident that, however heavily the avowal -might have fallen on your heart, there would yet -have remained a consolation in thinking that he -was still worthy of your esteem, and then an -honest pride of the consciousness of self-desert -would have come in aid to sustain you to bear -up against desertion. I begin, however, to fear -that esteem can have no part in our sentiment towards -him; for why should concealment be necessary, -if, at least, the cause of his estrangement<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[36]</a></span> -from us were worthy of himself?" Lady Adeline -covered her face with her hands, as she rested her -arms on the table before her, and her tears trickled -through her delicate fingers, but she could not -speak. "Calm yourself, my dearest Adeline; for -my sake, for your own sake, for resignation's sake, -bear up under this heavy affliction: it is a sore and -early trial for you, I well know; but if rightly entertained, -it will bring its blessing with it, as all -our trials do. I do not mean to pretend that you -are not to suffer, or give a cold unfeeling philosophy -to still the throbbings of a young wounded -heart; but I would lead you to sources of consolation, -which, although they may seem harsh and -bitter at first, will in time, and with God's blessing, -have a beneficial effect."</p> - -<p>"I know," replied Lady Adeline, making an -effort to speak, "I know, dearest mamma, that all -you say is meant in love, and is balm to me, but -these tears, these sobs, must have their course."</p> - -<p>Lady Dunmelraise replied to this natural appeal -with answering tears; and having first regained composure, -she went on to say:</p> - -<p>"Think for a moment, my best child, how hopeless, -how truly wretched, would have been your -situation, had you, when united to Lord Albert, discovered,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[37]</a></span> -when it was too late, that his affections -were not entirely yours; and that he had, on his part, -either from motives of false delicacy, or, from what -was still worse, a desire to possess your fortune, persisted -in fulfilling an engagement in which his heart -at best had a divided interest;—think, dearest, what -would have been your feelings in <i>such</i> a case, and -how mercifully you are dealt by in the present suffering, -in comparison of the irremediable sorrow -which would then have been your portion!</p> - -<p>"I need not now recall to your mind what I said -on Lord Albert's apparently altered state of feelings -on our arrival in town. You, I am certain, saw the -change as well as myself, and felt it,—how deeply, -I hardly can bear to think; though we both seemed -tacitly to agree, that it would be better to await -the result, than precipitate it by any premature remarks, -either to himself, or between each other. -And indeed this conduct, in a great measure, it is -still my opinion should be preserved; only, in as -far as regards ourselves, my dearest child, neither -my sense of duty, nor my sense of sorrow, will permit -of longer silence on a subject which, I grieve -to confess, judging by appearances, is already -settled; and it is with a view to prepare you for -such an issue, rather than to direct you to show<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[38]</a></span> -any alteration in your conduct towards Lord Albert, -that I have thus spoken: when I say show <i>no</i> -alteration, it is impossible that that advice could -be literally followed, after having seen a person -avowedly under the most sacred engagement to -yourself pass the entire evening in the society of -another, whose general character will not authorize -the supposition that such attentions were without an -especial object, and that too on a day on which he -had pleaded important business as his excuse for -your not seeing him; but what I mean by your -showing no alteration of manner towards him is, -that neither our opinions nor our decisions should -be made known to him in this stage of the business."</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline had now mastered herself sufficiently -to listen with calmness to all her mother said; -and she had drawn a seat near her, and held Lady -Dunmelraise's hand tenderly in hers, replying by a -gentle pressure to the sentiments she uttered: and -now, when she could again give her thoughts utterance, -she said:</p> - -<p>"Speak on, dearest mamma, for even my rebel -heart is soothed by listening to your gentle voice."</p> - -<p>Lady Dunmelraise continued, "There are many -reasons, you see, love, for this line of conduct:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[39]</a></span></p> - -<p>"In the first place, we have only, my sweet child, our -own observations and surmises to guide us; and -although these, I grant, are strong," (Lady Adeline -sighed heavily in answer to this remark) "yet to act -upon them would look like forcing Lord Albert -to an immediate decision, a step unwise, and unworthy -of us, and whichever way it ended would -leave a doubt whether the decision were entirely -from his heart or not. Besides, as yet he may -have erred, and perhaps become penitent; if so, his -own spontaneous confession alone could be a surety -for his sincerity. Then too, my love, I must also -remind you, that by nothing do a young woman's -prospects suffer so much, on her first entry into life, -as by becoming the object of the world's observation -and idle talk, especially on the subject of a disappointment -in love or marriage. All that the generality -of the world know at present, concerning the existing -engagement between yourself and Lord Albert, is, -that your dear father and his parents having considered -that you were by birth, fortune, and apparently by -disposition when children, united to -each other; should you grow up, mutually entertaining -the same affection which you then -evinced, that in such a case your union would be a -matter of congratulation to the families of both<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[40]</a></span> -parties. In short, it was one of those alliances that -are often talked of amongst children seemingly -adapted to each other, but to be finally dissolved -or fulfilled, as circumstances should hereafter -decide.</p> - -<p>"How far your own affections have become bound -up in this engagement, or how far Lord Albert has -proved himself worthy or not of the intended union, -is hitherto a matter wholly unknown, and uncared -for, by the world at large: but now, however, that -you are in the scene of London, young, new, and -with various extraneous advantages to excite envy, -if the affair were made a topic of discussion, the ill-natured -part of the community will be too glad to -seize upon any <i>esclandre</i> that might answer them -for a nine days' novelty; and such a hazard, your -own delicacy will point out to you, is therefore carefully -to be avoided. Till lately, the happy termination -of our wishes had seemed probable, and you, -dearest child, have, I fear, given way to the belief -that it was impossible it should fail: but, however -painful it may be to us both, in the several relations -in which we stand implicated in this business, it is, -you will allow, some satisfaction to think, that the -sacredness of these feelings will not necessarily be -broken in upon by a vulgar prying public; and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[41]</a></span> -that, in short, the world need know no more of the -matter than what I have already stated.</p> - -<p>"We have only, therefore, as I before remarked, -to await the period when decision must of course -be made; that will be when we are in the country, -and when we shall escape all the unpleasant remarks -which would take place were we actually -on the scene. Let me hope also, dearest Adeline, -that your eyes being self-opened to the disappointment, -you will know where to seek for succour -against yourself, and which alone can enable you -to bear the blow, come when it may."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, dearest mamma," said Lady Adeline, -with that under tone of voice that seems to fear its -own sound, "whatever pain I endure, I perfectly -agree with you in all you have said, and implicitly -yield to your counsel; not only because it is my -duty and interest to do so, but because I see the -matter exactly in the same light. Oh, I could have -borne all, had Albert only been more open and -honest with me: but why was he so cruel as to deceive -me? why was he so tenderly affectionate to -me at Dunmelraise, after his return from abroad? -why did he write to me so kindly? why has he, -since we have been in London even, made such -constant allusions to past and future happiness?<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[42]</a></span> -Why all this, and then so suddenly and cruelly -neglect me for another? for I am sure he does love -another; mamma, do you not think he does?"</p> - -<p>"Alas! what comfort can I give you? You have -seen with your own eyes, and I must refer you, love, to -your own feelings; who can so well tell all things -as they?"</p> - -<p>"But, dearest mamma, do you not think, that if -he really did love another he would have told me -so?"</p> - -<p>"Why, dearest, it is difficult to reply to that question. -Albert's good feelings and principles could -not be overthrown at once. It is never thus. In -a vicious career, people become unprincipled and -hardened by degrees. He may have found his heart -estranged from you, and yet in the first instance -have been ashamed to own it, even to himself. -The first step to evil is the <i>deceitfulness</i> of sin: -with how many subterfuges does it not conceal its -true nature: it blinds the eyes, lest, looking upon -its native deformity, it should terrify its victim. -There is nothing so likely to have this fatal tendency, -as the constant society and intercourse with -persons whose conduct, if not licentious (though I -fear too many of them deserve that epithet), is -yet not guided by any fixed or determined principle<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[43]</a></span> -of action; whose lives at best are spent from -day to day without any serious thought, and without -regard to any thing but selfish indulgence. -Albert has great influence, and there may be more -reasons than one why the party with whom he -seems at present to associate should wish to entangle -him. I augured ill of his happiness from the -moment I heard of the circle in which he lived; and -it came to me with as much surprise as sorrow, -for I never could have thought to find one of his -dispositions and habits (setting aside principle) -making such a choice of society. This it is which -leads me to suppose that some stronger power of -evil than a mere love of idle pleasure has lured him -into the danger. But let this be your greatest comfort, -that you are not his wife, and are not to be -thrown among persons of such a stamp as his present -associates; for whatever worldly advantages -they may possess, I should tremble for you, my -dear child, were you cast into a situation of such -imminent peril to reason and to virtue. A woman, -to a certain extent, must mingle with the associates -of her husband; and such as these are, so in time -must become, likewise, her own character: for however -incongruous they may be to her tastes and -feelings at first, yet if she is young, inexperienced,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[44]</a></span> -and pliant, the brilliancy and polish of their exterior, -and their whole attractions, must dazzle and mislead -her better judgment; and from the idea alone of -pleasing her husband, in as far as virtue and religion -do not seem to forbid it, she will conform -herself to the habits and manners of those around -her, not being aware how these re-act again upon -the general tone of her own character."</p> - -<p>"But perhaps," said Lady Adeline timidly, and -while a feverish flush of hope and tenderness deepened -in her cheek, "perhaps, were I his wife, I might -reclaim——."</p> - -<p>"Ah, dearest child," interrupted Lady Dunmelraise, -"never hazard evil that good may come -of it; never rely upon such a precarious contingency, -nor upon your own strength; seek not -temptation,—that is presumptuous. Were you -indeed his wife—as there is every reason at present -to be thankful you are not—then would have come -the duty of <i>that</i> trial; but now another is appointed -you, my love. Let us take what is, and -think only of that. We must not wilfully rush -into danger, to indulge selfish gratification."</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline threw herself into her mother's -arms, and wept unrestrainedly. "My dearest -child, it has been a painful task to me to give you<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[45]</a></span> -pain. Soothe this anguish, I beseech you, and assist -me in the performance of what I feel is my duty, -by regaining as much command over yourself as -you possibly can."</p> - -<p>While Lady Dunmelraise was yet speaking, a -servant brought in a note addressed to Lady Dunmelraise: -it was from Lord Albert. She opened, -and having read it, gave it to Lady Adeline, who -had known by its very twist who it came from, and -was in breathless anxiety to see its contents.</p> - -<p>"It is worded kindly," said Lady Dunmelraise, -"but he could not do otherwise; and at the same -time, I dare say, he felt much awkwardness, and -did not know how to come in person. I shall -answer it, my love, in the same spirit of gentleness; -merely saying you are quite recovered, only suffering -the remains of languor after the sickness -produced by the heat of the Opera last night. And -if Lord Albert should call in the course of the day, -do, I entreat you, betray no unusual symptoms of -agitation."</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline, with an aching head and still -sobbing breath, promised acquiescence; and in despite -of herself, a ray of hope seemed to emanate -from the note, which cheered her, she scarce knew -why, and enabled her to suppress her emotion.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[46]</a></span> -Then retiring to her own chamber, she there sought -in prayer that strength and resignation which she -knew no earthly comforter could bestow on her.</p> - -<p>After the exhaustion of spirits which this conversation -with her daughter had produced, Lady -Dunmelraise felt the promised visit of her sister -would be a cordial to her; nor did she wait long -ere Lady Delamere came. As soon as the latter -was made acquainted with what had passed, she -said, "Dear Adeline! I expected this from her; -yet her behaviour is super-eminently amiable on this -occasion, and must reward you for all your sorrows. -I perfectly agree with you on the policy of the line -of conduct you are to adopt with Lord Albert; and -in pursuance of this, should you not call upon the -Tresyllians? You know they are arrived."</p> - -<p>"Certainly I will; for although my health has -for many years precluded my mixing with the world, -and exonerated me from all visiting, I shall forego -my general rule, and call on them without delay."</p> - -<p>"Come with me now," said Lady Delamere; -"my carriage is at the door, and I will bring you -home again." To this proposal the sisters agreed, -and they departed together. The Tresyllians were -not at home, and Lady Dunmelraise felt glad to -escape the meeting. On her return, she learnt<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[47]</a></span> -from Adeline, whom she found admirably serene and -composed, though pale, and with her eyes swollen -with weeping, that Lord Albert had not been there. -The fact was, that the latter had been in reality -occupied the whole day; and it was only on his return -to his house, late in the afternoon, that he received -Lady Dunmelraise's answer to his note, his -mind having been as it were forcibly taken off from -the subject nearest to his heart. He had profited -by that wholesome constraint which the occupations -of men afford them, and prevents that musing of -the tenderer feelings which enervates and unfits for -useful exertion. Something like reason, and the -distinct perception of things which it never fails to -bring in its train, had consequently resumed a sway -over him; and, when this was the case, his heart -could not avoid turning to the object of its first -pure and honourable affection with that ineffable -sweetness of sensation that attends on innocent and -happy love. Then, half forgetting, half scorning, the -suspicions he had entertained, and which the scene -of the preceding evening had but too plausibly confirmed, -he determined to call in South Audley-street -to see Lady Dunmelraise at least, if not Adeline; -and as he walked along, absorbed in mingled feelings -that made him insensible to all the noise and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[48]</a></span> -bustle of the busy crowd he passed through, he -found himself quickly at the door: his hand was on -the knocker, when a cabriolet drove up, and out of -it stepped Mr. Foley.</p> - -<p>All Lord Albert's philosophy was overthrown by -this incident; all his love for and trust in Lady -Adeline was destroyed; and his first impulse was -to leave a house in which he conceived he had no -longer any interest in seeking its inhabitants. But, -the next moment, his better judgment, if not his -pride in not seeming to yield to a successful rival, -determined him to fulfil his first intention; and -making rather a cold and haughty return to Mr. -Foley's salutation, they both entered the door -together.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_49" id="Page_49">[49]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER III.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">THE FRENCH PLAY.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was late when Lady Glenmore returned from -Lady Melcombe's; and as she drove home she -pleased herself with the idea of talking over with -her husband the insipid and insignificant scene of -the morning, as well as losing in his society the -recollection of those uneasy feelings respecting -Lady Tenderden, which Lady Tilney's allusion to -past times had created: and then glowed in her -breast the one natural, honest hope, which was ever -uppermost in Lady Glenmore's heart, of meeting -her husband for the simple, single pleasure she -enjoyed of <i>being in his presence</i>.</p> - -<p>"Is Lord Glenmore come home?" was her first -question when she alighted from her carriage: the -"No" was chilling.</p> - -<p>"Did he leave any message? has he sent any -note?" Still "No, no," sounded heavily in her ears. -She prepared, however, for his return, by taking -more pains with her toilette than usual; and when<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_50" id="Page_50">[50]</a></span> -she had finished arraying herself, not according to the -code of the <i>Belle Assemblée</i> or <i>Feuilles des Modes</i>, -but in accordance with that of her own young innocent -face, her glass told her she had not done so -in vain. She then sat for some time with tolerable -patience, first taking up one book, then another, -then throwing them down again; going to the instrument, -touching a few chords; turning over the -ornamented leaves of a Lilliputian music-book, invisibly -written with a crow-quill; pushing it away, -leaving it to tumble down off the desk as it might, -and going to the window, the shutters of which she -had not allowed the servant to close, in order that -she might listen to every cabriolet that passed. At -length she rang the bell, and was told that it was -eight o'clock.</p> - -<p>"Is there no message from Lord Glenmore?" -"No, my lady. Shall dinner be served?" "No—yes—no—yes; -bring up something, any thing is -enough;" and away she went to her splendid board -in her splendid apartment, with a train of liveried -domestics, to sit down to a lonely dinner with an -aching heart. She hastily dismissed the servants, -and then leaning back on her chair, and suffering -the tears that were choking her to flow over her -face—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_51" id="Page_51">[51]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I wish we were poor, and he not political," she -said, sobbing; "I should not then be left alone, I -should not be absent from him." A servant entered -with a note. She endeavoured to conceal her tears, -and, hastily opening it, read a few kind words from -Lord Glenmore, which spoke his regret at being -prevented from meeting her at dinner; and hoping -she would go early to the French play with Lady -Tenderden, where he would join them if possible. -The ebb and flow of young feelings are very quick; -and this note was such a cordial, that, as she ran up -stairs, she carolled in the gaiety of her altered -feelings: so soon had she forgot disappointment in -anticipated pleasure.</p> - -<p>In a few minutes more she was in her carriage -on the way to the French play. When she came -into the box, she found it empty, and the play begun. -Lady Tenderden was not arrived; and by the -time she had cast a glance round the house, bowed -to some of her acquaintance, and settled her shawls, -&c., she turned all her attention to the stage. It -was a play which had collected a class of audience -seldom frequenting that house; for it was one of -those sterling comedies of Molière's, apart from his -too frequent grossness, which, with the true legitimate -intention of comedy, lashed the follies of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_52" id="Page_52">[52]</a></span> -age for which it was written, and was not without -its prototype in the present. <i>Les Précieuses Ridicules</i> -is a play that all unsophisticated natures -must enjoy, even those who, as in the case of -Lady Glenmore, were not acquainted with the -times and the persons it was written to satirize; -and she herself evinced the pleasure she derived -from it, by laughing naturally and frequently. -Her merry laugh called the observation of several -persons, not accustomed to see pain, or pleasure, -or amusement, ever expressed by any outward sign, -and who attributed to the uneducated only such -marks of unconstrained nature; but others, again, -(some few), were pleased at any thing so unlike -what they generally beheld; and it conveyed -to <i>them</i> a reflected sensation of freshness of enjoyment, -such as they remembered to have felt when -life was new, and before they were schooled by the -false fastidious system of the world of ton, or <i>blazéd</i> -to the zest of pleasure.</p> - -<p>"What a pity," observed Lord Baskerville, -speaking between his teeth, in his company voice, -"that that very pretty Lady Glenmore should make -herself so conspicuous."—He was in the Comtesse -Leinsengen's box, within one of that in which Lady -Glenmore was sitting.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_53" id="Page_53">[53]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Not at all," replied Mr. Spencer Newcombe; -"she only draws attention; and one cannot look at -a prettier woman."</p> - -<p>"<i>Peut-être</i>," said the Comtesse Leinsengen, "she -does it for dat very purpose, and takes dis new -way of being <i>distingué</i>."</p> - -<p>"Insufferable!" rejoined Lord Baskerville; "if -she were as beautiful as an angel, she would disgust -me with those <i>roturière</i> manners."</p> - -<p>"I believe," said Mr. Leslie Winyard with a -yawn, "that I must really take compassion on her, -and give her some good advice on the subject of -education."</p> - -<p>"<i>L'affaire est faite</i>," rejoined the comtesse, "if -you take her <i>en main; mais tout est pour le mieux -dans ce meilleur des mondes possibles</i>."</p> - -<p>Having thus settled the matter in Lady Tilney's -box, Mr. Leslie Winyard proceeded to that of -Lady Glenmore, there to commence his destined -essay on education. "I am delighted," he said, -"to see you in such good health, and so intent -on immortalizing Molière. If he could only know -what homage you are paying his talents in these -expressions of your mirth, how delighted he would -be!"</p> - -<p>"Hush," said Lady Glenmore, "I will talk<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_54" id="Page_54">[54]</a></span> -presently; but now I want to listen to the play—it -is so amusing."</p> - -<p>"So it is," he replied; "and I am glad to be -with any one so natural, and so much of my own -way of thinking. I will, if you allow me, occupy -this place," taking the front seat, "and we will -enjoy the thing together."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," said Lady Glenmore, with a pleased -expression of countenance, which, though he knew -better than to ascribe its influence to himself, he was -yet gratified to think that others might do so; and -while she continued intent on what was passing on -the stage, Mr. Winyard was busily looking round, -<i>à-la-derobée</i>, to see what remarks were passing on -his being alone with the new minister's wife. This, -however, was a privilege which he did not long -enjoy; for Lord Raynham and Mr. Spencer Newcombe -came in to make their bows and give their -meed of homage. After having courteously received -them, Lady Glenmore turned again to the -stage, and they went on talking in an under tone -together at the back of the box.</p> - -<p>"I wish," said Lord Raynham, addressing Mr. -Spencer Newcombe, "I wish that we had any -dramatist as clever now-a-days to lash our follies."</p> - -<p>"Do you think you would like it if you had?"<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_55" id="Page_55">[55]</a></span> -asked his friend. "Somehow or another, for my own -part, I feel I get on just as well without, and I -suspect I am too old to be whipped. Depend upon -it, the reason why we are so well amused with this -and some of the other comedies of Molière is, because -we think we are only laughing at another -generation, and another nation, whose <i>ridicules</i> have -nothing in common with our own. No, no; believe -me, we English do not like to be satirized; we can -bear it less well than any other nation I know. -Broad farce is our <i>sauce piquant</i>; but the exact delineation -of our peculiar vices and follies would not -be well received, and indeed I doubt if legitimate -comedy, however well acted or written, would go -down at all."</p> - -<p>"My good friend," said Lord Raynham, "this -very piece is not so widely different from the follies -of the present day as you may at first sight imagine."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," replied his friend; "but one need -not put on the cap, you know; and then nobody can -tell whether it fits or not."</p> - -<p>Lord Raynham continued (following the thread -of his own fancy, rather than replying to the speaker, -as was his wont), "Change the names and the modes -of <i>Les Précieuses Ridicules</i> to those of a certain set<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_56" id="Page_56">[56]</a></span> -existing now-a-days, and the principle of vanity and -folly is much the same in both; only that, perhaps, -on the whole, those of the Hôtel de Rambouillet were -more to women's advantage after all; and had they -not pushed their system too far, it might have lasted -longer than the present dynasty of <i>ton</i> is likely to do. -Both are entirely false, both equally far from the -real, nay, genuine charm of true good society.</p> - -<p>"However, in all the freaks that vanity and -fashion play, there have been, and ever will be, -some redeeming characters, who mix with all the -<i>fanfaronnade</i> of the day, and yet remain uninfected -with the epidemic follies. She, for instance," indicating -Lady Glenmore with a look; "can any thing -be more young and fresh, in mind and heart as well -as years, more gay, more natural?"</p> - -<p>"Certainly not; and it is quite invigorating to -witness her unsophisticated manners, and the genuine -entertainment she derives from that which she is -come professedly to be diverted by; but then the -more's the pity, for it will not last long thus."</p> - -<p>"Do not forebode evil," replied Lord Raynham, -who was in one of his best <i>couleur de rose</i> humours; -"remember there were, and are, among the <i>précieuses -ridicules, depuis tout les temps, des Mesdames -de Sevigné et de Connel</i>, and I forget all their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_57" id="Page_57">[57]</a></span> -names, who retained their own innocent individuality, -and their natural grace of mind, amid the -most decided affectation and the most ridiculous -pretensions."</p> - -<p>"Yes, but they were exceptions to general rules; -and I do not augur so well of that one," still meaning -Lady Glenmore, "under the care of that <i>Alcoviste</i>," -alluding to Mr. Leslie Winyard.</p> - -<p>"Is not that Lady Tilney sitting alone in her -box?" asked Lord Raynham: "I must go make my -obeisance, as in duty bound, or I may chance to be -discarded; and as we have no Molière to overturn -our Hôtel de Rambouillet<a name="FNanchor_1_1" id="FNanchor_1_1"></a><a href="#Footnote_1_1" class="fnanchor">[1]</a>, we had better keep its -door open to us."</p> - - -<p>"Agreed," said Mr. Spencer Newcombe; and, -bowing to Lady Glenmore, they departed, leaving -Mr. Leslie Winyard tenaciously keeping his conspicuous -place, with cane at lip, and glove in hand, -and eyes that were gathering the observations -passed upon him with lynx-like sharpness, while -they seemed half closed in listless or consequential -apathy. In a few minutes after, the curtain -dropped.</p> - -<p>"Oh!" said Lady Glenmore, "I am so sorry it -is over! I do not know when I have been so amused."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_58" id="Page_58">[58]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I, too, am sorry it is over; but <i>amused</i> is not -exactly the explanation I should give of the <i>cause -of my regret</i>;" and he endeavoured that his eyes -should explain what he <i>did</i> mean.</p> - -<p>"No!" said Lady Glenmore with perfect <i>naiveté</i>; -"then perhaps you have seen the play often before, -and have been looking at the company, not at -the stage?"</p> - -<p>"Did you ever play at the game called Magical -Music?" asked Mr. Leslie Winyard; "and if so, -and that I were the performer on the instrument, -I should now touch it <i>forte fortissime</i>, for you are -very near guessing the truth."</p> - -<p>"I do not understand you," said Lady Glenmore, -still unconscious of his drift, and her attention -caught by some one who was entering, and causing -a considerable stir. She hoped it was Lord Glenmore, -which made her ask suddenly what o'clock it -was. "I am sure," she added, "it must be very -late, and I fear Lady Tenderden is not coming; -and Glenmore, too, said he would come; but -I begin to be afraid they <i>neither</i> of them will;" -and her countenance changed, and another spirit -than that of girlish amusement took possession -of her, and she became silent, overcast, and disquieted.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_59" id="Page_59">[59]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Were they to come <i>together</i>?" asked Mr. -Leslie Winyard, insidiously laying a peculiar emphasis -on the last word.</p> - -<p>"Oh no!—that is to say, not that I know of. -Lady Tenderden did not tell me so." Mr. Leslie -Winyard half smiled, and then, as if checking himself, -he rejoined carelessly, "Oh! you know these -diplomatists are the most slippery fellows imaginable; -that is their trade: they are so taken up -with the affairs of the nation, they forget all other -affairs. But it <i>is</i> odd that Lady Tenderden also -should have forgotten her engagement to you."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore made no reply, but she became -more and more uneasy: her colour went and came -"like colours o'er the morning skies." She looked -anxiously around, and started at every step that -seemed to pass the door of her box, but yet, remembering -certain lessons she had received, she -contrived to keep under her uneasiness.</p> - -<p>"Is there any thing I can do?" said Mr. Leslie -Winyard, with an air of interest and concern. "I -am afraid you are not well. Would you like to go -home? I dare say my carriage is at the door, if -yours is not arrived, and that you would do me the -honour to accept it."</p> - -<p>"Oh no!" she replied; "I am equally obliged<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_60" id="Page_60">[60]</a></span> -to you, but I shall await the end of the performance."</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie Winyard now thought it was necessary -to use all his art, to draw off her attention from -the subject that engrossed it, and, if possible, fix it -on himself.</p> - -<p>"I am not apt," he said, "to be often in good-humour -with myself; in truth, I have not much -reason; but I am half inclined to suppose there -must be some redeeming clause in my composition, -for I have frequently observed that, after an hour -or two of this sort of thing, you grow restless and -weary, and I declare I always feel the same. -I plume myself mightily in having discovered this -similarity between us."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, you are quite mistaken. I am -often exceedingly well diverted in public; and when -Lord Glenmore is with me," and she blushed, as -if she had said something she ought not, "I am -generally well pleased to stay late, for I am never -sleepy."</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie Winyard thought that it was more -troublesome to counteract nature by art, than overcome -art itself by art, as he replied,</p> - -<p>"Oh! certainly, I understand that; but what I -meant to say was, that it is not these scenes which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_61" id="Page_61">[61]</a></span> -afford one any real happiness; it is the society of -a few friends, a selection of persons who suit each -other, and who like the same things, and who are -occupied in the same interests. For instance, how -very much more enchanting it is to be singing a -duet with you, than sitting at an opera, hearing -the artificial execution of those who sing by profession! -for surely the true intention of music is, -that it should express our own feelings, and transport -us into a sort of half-beatific state, such as -that expressed by your '<i>Sempre più t'amo</i>.'"</p> - -<p>All this sentimental jargon, so different from the -real nature of the speaker, was accompanied by -those glances of admiration which spoke a much -plainer language than even his words; but though -the innocent Lady Glenmore was as yet unaware -of their tendency, and did not see through the -artificial refinement which Mr. Leslie Winyard -thought it worth his while to assume, in order to -induce her to listen to him at all, there was, nevertheless, -a secret sense of genuine purity in her -heart, which made her dislike the license of his -gaze; and she answered, fixing her eyes on him -with all the composure of perfect innocence, "It -is very delightful to me to go to the Opera; and -the perfect finish of the singing of professional<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_62" id="Page_62">[62]</a></span> -people teaches me to improve my own. I am much -obliged to you for the compliment; but I assure -you, if you only heard me sing with my master, -you would acknowledge that it is quite a different -thing from what it is when I sing with you, for I -was always afraid of putting you out, and that -spoiled the little power I have."</p> - -<p>This speech certainly did <i>put him out</i>, and in -his heart Mr. Leslie Winyard cursed what he called -her <i>niaiserie</i>; but he determined that, sooner or -later, he would be revenged. Concealing, however, -his mortification, he replied, "You were too -good to consider me in any way; but I am sure nothing -that you could do would ever give me a feeling -of displeasure, whatever it might do of regret." -He modified the expression of his eyes as well as -that of his words, and entered with her into a long -comparison of the charms of Paris and London -in their respective societies and manners, which -engaged her attention; and she listened with great -complacency for some time, during which he had -continued to move his chair nearer and nearer her -own, and to appear to the public to be deeply engaged -in the most interesting conversation, while, -at the same time, he succeeded in allaying any discomfort -she might have felt at his own too-marked<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_63" id="Page_63">[63]</a></span> -admiration, previously shown, by turning her attention -into a totally different channel, and determining -to reserve a more open avowal of his -sentiments for a more favourable and distant period, -when suddenly the box door opened. Lady -Glenmore started forward with an exclamation of -surprise and pleasure, supposing it to be her husband; -but in this she was mistaken, for Lady -Tenderden entered alone.</p> - -<p>"I beg your pardon, my <i>dear ladi</i>, for being -so late," said the latter; "but you know how impossible -it is to get away in any time from a -dinner party"—[the <i>impossibilities</i> of a fine lady are -to be understood with certain modifications and -meanings which do not belong to the literal signification -of the word]—"and I regret being detained -on all accounts;" Lady Tenderden went on to say, -"first, because I have lost your society; then, for -the sake of de play, which of all things I wanted -to have seen: but you have been amused, I -hope?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, exceedingly!" replied Lady Glenmore; and -then her countenance was overcast again at her -husband's absence, and she sighed heavily, so that -Lady Tenderden hardly knew what to think, and -for a moment began to suppose that she had arrived<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_64" id="Page_64">[64]</a></span> -inopportunely, and disturbed a <i>tête-à-tête</i>; but then, -again, remembering the character of Lady Glenmore, -she only turned to Mr. Leslie Winyard, and -whispered, in allusion to a circumstance connected -with the <i>Précieuses Ridicules</i>, "I am sure <i>you</i> have -been well entertained, although you have only been -studying <i>la carte du tendre</i>." Lady Glenmore was -too much absorbed in her disappointment, to pay -any attention to their conversation; and when she -roused herself from her reverie, she longed to ask -Lady Tenderden if she knew any thing of the -House, and whether it had broken up or not; but -she feared to incur her ridicule. Other men came -into the box to pay their court to Lady Tenderden; -and Mr. Leslie Winyard contrived, in the general -move that took place, to secure the chair immediately -behind Lady Glenmore's, and endeavoured to regain -her ear; but her mind was quite abstracted, -and herself totally uninterested in all that was -passing; so he leant back in his chair, and affected -to be absent also, that he might appear to others to -be occupied sympathetically with herself.</p> - -<p>At length Lady Glenmore could restrain her inquietude -no longer; and turning suddenly round, -she said, "I wonder what can detain Lord Glenmore! -he promised to join me here." The different<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_65" id="Page_65">[65]</a></span> -persons looked at each other and smiled significantly; -some in pity, some in derision, all in contempt.</p> - -<p>"Oh you know, my dear," replied Lady Tenderden, -"dese conjugal appointments are <i>sensé</i> to be -broken; dey are de pie-crusts of life." Every body -laughed, and poor Lady Glenmore coloured, as she -felt a sort of indignation rise in her heart against -the whole scene and the actors therein.</p> - -<p>"But make yourself quite easy," Lady Tenderden -added in a sort of childish voice, "dere is no -danger for Lord Glenmore; I will be answerable for -his safety."</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie Winyard affected to feel for Lady -Glenmore, and to disapprove of this joke; and turning -to her, he said in his most <i>doucereux</i> tone, "You -may depend upon it, a very long debate has taken -place, and engages Lord Glenmore's absence from -hence <i>necessarily</i>. It was always expected that the -House would sit very late to-night: what else could -keep him away from <i>you</i>?" he whispered, with an -expression that was intended should soothe her; and -it did soothe her, and she felt grateful, and rewarded -him by one of her sweetest smiles, saying,</p> - -<p>"I conclude you are right." It was not long, -however, before Lord Boileau came into the -box.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_66" id="Page_66">[66]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Boileau, are you come from the House?" said -Mr. Leslie Winyard.</p> - -<p>"No," he replied; "the House was adjourned -very early on account of the ex-minister's illness, -whose explanation was looked for."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore heard this circumstance with a -beating heart; and looking reproachfully at Mr. -Leslie Winyard, she said, "You see you were mistaken; -why did you deceive me?"</p> - -<p>He affected, for a moment, to be overcome with -disappointment and chagrin, and then said in a low -voice, "Oh, be not uneasy; there are so many -things may have detained a man in his station. Why -do you suffer yourself to be thus wretched? -Would to Heaven he knew! If he did but know, -surely, surely he would be here. But how people -mistake their own happiness! Were I in his place—"</p> - -<p>"You would be where he is," said Lady Glenmore -with composure.</p> - -<p>"Doubtless," rejoined Mr. Leslie Winyard with -great presence of mind, "for we cannot change -natures with any one; nor indeed do we ever wish -it." And then he relapsed into silence.</p> - -<p>Although Lady Glenmore felt piqued and mortified -at her husband's having broken his promise to -her, she could not bear that any one else should<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_67" id="Page_67">[67]</a></span> -cast the least blame upon him; and she dismissed -her chagrin, and forced herself to talk gaily, as -though her heart was light.</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie Winyard, apparently yielding to an -irresistible impulse of admiration, once, and once -only, whispered to her, "Admirable creature! it -is only I that see through this disguise, and honour -you for the sacrifice you are making of your feelings, -considering the motives by which you are actuated."</p> - -<p>She turned this speech off as a joke; but there -was something in it which, though it pained, yet -pleased her. How difficult it is for the purest natures -not to lean to self-approbation when it comes in the -soft breath of praise! Nevertheless, the minutes -seemed hours to her till the curtain dropped, and -she arose quickly to depart.</p> - -<p>"Where are you going, <i>ma chère dame</i>?" said -Lady Tenderden. "Positively you must come -with me. I have a <i>petit soupèr</i> on purpose for -you; and as Lord Glenmore knows of old that it is -my custom to have this always after de play, having -been prevented from joining us here, he will not -fail to come to my house, and we shall find him -waiting for us."</p> - -<p>"Do you really think so?" asked Lady Glenmore -hesitatingly.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_68" id="Page_68">[68]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes, to be sure I do; at all events, you can -but come and try; it will be always time enough to -go home afterwards." These persuasions, adroitly -pressed, won upon Lady Glenmore's easy credulity, -and she suffered herself to be handed down stairs, -and got into Lady Tenderden's carriage.</p> - -<p>"You look quite divinely to-night," said Lady -Tenderden to her as they drove along—"positively -<i>ravissante; vous ferez fureur, je l'avois toujours -prédit</i>. Even when you had dat horrible English -<i>modiste</i> to dress you, you were always lovely; but -now—now that you have de <i>vraie tournure</i>, and dat -<i>le coupe de vos cheveux</i>, and de plait of your petticoat, -is <i>d'après le dernier goût</i>, depend upon it, all -de hearts will fly to you."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore laughed outright, it might be a -little maliciously; for she knew that no scissors, -however classical in the estimation of her companion, -had touched the luxuriance of her beautiful hair, -or any body but her old English maid fashioned -her petticoat; but she enjoyed the mistake, and -only thought, "This it is to be a minister's -wife!"</p> - -<p>When arrived at Lady Tenderden's house, every -thing was prepared for the reception of the <i>petit -soupèr</i>, that is to say, about twenty people of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_69" id="Page_69">[69]</a></span> -<i>élite</i>; and the rooms were lit only to that precise -degree of brilliancy which is best expressed by a -<i>jour tendre</i>; but there was <i>no Lord Glenmore</i>.</p> - -<p>Some of the gentlemen loitered round the instrument, -touching the notes, and humming some -fashionable airs. "Apropos," said Lady Tenderden, -"nobody sings like Lady Glenmore, and -Mr. Leslie Winyard will accompany her in a -duet."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," said the latter, "I sing so ill, I -should only <i>put Lady Glenmore out</i>," and he looked -at her significantly; "besides, joking apart, I have -such a cold, it is impossible I could utter a sound. -But perhaps Lady Glenmore may be prevailed -upon to favour us with an air, which will come -doubly recommended when not marred by such an -ignoramus as myself. Here are all sorts of beautiful -things lying about;" and he turned over the -music. "Not only all the modern, but all the -half-antiquated compositions. Above all, here is my -old admiration; and it has this advantage over -many of its cotemporaries, it has <i>echappé belle</i>, -and is not hackneyed, for this cogent reason, that -hardly any body <i>can</i> sing it. I mean Haydn's -<i>Ariana à Naxos</i>."</p> - -<p>"Oh, charming!" echoed one or two <i>real</i> amateurs;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_70" id="Page_70">[70]</a></span> -"do, Lady Glenmore, do let us prevail with -you to grant us the favour."</p> - -<p>"Come," joined Lady Tenderden's voice with -the rest, "I am sure you will not have ended before -<i>Teseo</i> will have arrived." Lady Glenmore -<i>was</i> prevailed on to comply; and though she began -unwillingly, it was a composition so much in unison -with her actual feelings, that unconsciously she became -identified with its expression; and she sang -with such impassioned tenderness, and looked so -much the Ariana that she sang, that all the men -were in unfeigned raptures, and Lady Tenderden -sat biting her lips in despite for having pressed -her to the trial of her skill. Once or twice Lady -Glenmore paused when there was a change in the -movement, and half rose, saying, "This is too long, -you will be tired;"—but she permitted a <i>douce</i> -violence, and, reseating herself, finished the whole -<i>scena</i>. However delightful her performance, and -however delighted her audience might be, the -odour of the delicate viands that now awaited -them made a powerful diversion in favour of the -latter; and with <i>empressement</i>, while murmurs -of applause were still on the lips of many of her -auditors, they hastened to arrange themselves at -the table.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_71" id="Page_71">[71]</a></span></p> - -<p>The Comtesse Leinsengen, who was of course -of the party, observed to Lord Baskerville, as he -placed himself by her, "I am quite glad to put -de taste of dat horrid dull <i>Teseo</i> out of my mouth. -How people can be so <i>baroque</i> as to choose such -long old-fashioned things, good for nothing but -your German professors!"</p> - -<p>Lady Tenderden said, "<i>Avouez, moi milor, -qu'une romance ou barcarolle vaut bien mieux</i>."</p> - -<p>"After all," said Lady Baskerville, "music is -a good thing, but supper is a better." And now -came the general clatter of tongues and knives and -forks, sweeter than all the harmony of the spheres.</p> - -<p>"I have made a vow," said Mr. Leslie Winyard -to Lady Glenmore; "guess what it is."</p> - -<p>"No, tell me; for I never guessed any thing in -my life."</p> - -<p>"Why, never again to sing with you, even -should you deign to ask me, for I am quite convinced -of the truth of your hint, that I only mar -the perfection of your song; and besides, the true -way to feel <i>with you</i>, is to see <i>you feel</i>, unoccupied -by any thought of one's own." Then, as if he -avoided dwelling on the theme of his admiration, -he talked gaily, and glanced at various topics with -that agreeable lightness of manner which scarcely<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_72" id="Page_72">[72]</a></span> -touches what it lights on, and alternately made her -laugh and nearly cry, till her spirits got into that -state of excitement which obscures reason, and -leaves the mind in some degree open to impressions -that, at soberer and more reflective times, -it would cast off as not analogous to its healthful -state.</p> - -<p>It was at a very late hour that this party broke -up. Day was breaking, and with its clear pale -light shaming their orgies, before Lady Glenmore -was actually on her way down stairs to depart; -but suddenly the morning was overcast with one -of those thunder-storms not unusual at the season, -and torrents of rain burst from the clouds. A -heavy thunder-clap, that made the very houses -rattle again, broke over the spot where she stood: -for an instant she paused, appalled, while the -company were rushing up and down past her, and -snatching their various coverings, to shield them as -they flew to their carriages.</p> - -<p>"You are not afraid?" said Mr. Leslie Winyard, -gently pressing the arm that rested upon his.</p> - -<p>"No, not afraid," she answered; but her countenance -was very serious, and something seemed to -reproach her for being in such a scene at such an -hour without any natural protector. She moved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_73" id="Page_73">[73]</a></span> -on, however, to her carriage: it was the last at the -door. "How do you go home?" she said to Mr. -Leslie Winyard.</p> - -<p>"Oh! any how," he answered; and he looked -around. "I see my people have thought it wise -to avoid the storm, and left me to take care of -myself."</p> - -<p>"Can I not set you down?" she asked, from an -innocent impulse of good-nature; and again a -still louder clap of thunder rebounded over their -heads, and it was with difficulty the coachman -held his horses, as they reared and plunged violently.</p> - -<p>"If you will be so very gracious," he answered, -stepping in after her; and at the same time the -carriage door was shut, the footman leaped up behind, -and off the horses flew to —— street.</p> - -<p>"I am quite shocked," he said, "to take you -out of your way; but really I think it was not -quite safe, with these young horses, to let you go -home alone, and unattended by any protector, in -the midst of this terrific storm."</p> - -<p>"Oh! as to that, I am sure Lord Glenmore -would never let me have horses that were not to be -depended upon."</p> - -<p>"Will that tiresome name," thought Mr. Leslie<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_74" id="Page_74">[74]</a></span> -Winyard, "never be out of her mouth;" while he -replied at the same time, "Doubtless he would -have <i>that</i> care; for who would not be happy to -have such a precious charge as your safety delegated -to him?"</p> - -<p>"I am very tired," said Lady Glenmore, yawning; -"I wonder what made me stay so late; but -I will never do so again."</p> - -<p>"I fear, indeed," he answered, "that this, to -me, most fortunate moment will never return, and -that I may never again be able to feel that I am -of the least use to you." At length they arrived -at Mr. Leslie Winyard's door. He reiterated his -thanks, took his leave, waited at the threshold till -he saw her carriage depart, and Lady Glenmore -proceeded home.</p> - -<p>No sooner was Lady Glenmore alone, than -she began to reflect on the unsatisfactory way in -which she had passed the night. She felt sorry -that she had been prevailed upon to go to the -supper, or, having gone, that she had staid so long; -and, last of all, she regretted having set Mr. Leslie -Winyard down in her carriage. With these excited -feverish feelings, she arrived at her own door.</p> - -<p>As soon as she began to undress, she learnt from -her maid that Lord Glenmore had come home<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_75" id="Page_75">[75]</a></span> -early, had waited till one o'clock for her ladyship, -and then gone to bed. "Dear, how provoking!" -she said, tearing off the ornaments she wore; "what -could possess me to remain out so late! How sorry -I am!" and all the while she was demurring in her -own mind whether she should tell her husband -that she had set down Mr. Leslie Winyard, or -pass the affair over in silence. "He may be angry; -and I meant no harm; and I cannot bear to see him -displeased. Why should I tell him? a thing, in fact, -of such common occurrence, and, in itself, so perfectly -innocent." Thus, instead of going to peaceful -rest, did a feverish inquietude take possession -of her mind; for the first step of a married -woman from the high road of unquestioned purity -is doing any thing, however trivial in itself, of which, -having done it, she feels she would <i>rather not</i> tell -her husband.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_76" id="Page_76">[76]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER IV.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">CROSS PURPOSES.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> Lord Albert ascended to the drawing-room, -followed by Mr. George Foley, whom he had so -inopportunely met at Lady Dunmelraise's door, he -felt his heart beat quick within his breast (notwithstanding -the chilling reserve with which a cold -indignation steeled it), on the sudden return of -those jealous suspicions which blazed forth afresh -on finding the object of them on the very threshold -of Lady Adeline's presence at the same moment -with himself.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert was uncertain whether he should -see Lady Adeline, or only be admitted to Lady -Dunmelraise. The former, however, had so far -regained an outward composure, that she had determined, -should Lord Albert call, to get over the -pain of their first interview, and drink the very -dregs of her mortification at once. "I cannot suffer -more," she said, "under any circumstances; and -in the strength of this anguish I may be better<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_77" id="Page_77">[77]</a></span> -able to endure, and receive it with becoming dignity, -than at an after-time, when my treacherous -heart may again yield to delusive hopes."</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline's mind, however, during the few -hours which had elapsed since Lady Dunmelraise -had spoken to her, had profited by her mother's -kind and salutary counsel, and had, besides, found -strength, in that true spirit of resignation which -bows to every event, with a perfect conviction that -every thing which concerns us is under the guidance -of a merciful Power who directs all things for our -ultimate happiness; and she acknowledged, with a -feeling even of thankfulness, that, painful as the -trial was, it might have been far more painful, -under circumstances which must have rendered -it of a deeper and more irremediable nature. But -after all that poor <i>human</i> nature can do, the sense -of sorrow for a time overpowers all others; and -when Lady Adeline heard Lord Albert's well-known -step, she would have fled his presence in -despite of all her previous resolves, had she not -felt rooted to the spot.</p> - -<p>It was a relief, therefore, to her, when he was -announced, to see Mr. Foley enter with him. -Lady Dunmelraise was not in the room; and it was -perhaps as well that Adeline had no conscious<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_78" id="Page_78">[78]</a></span> -witness of what was passing in her breast at the -moment, as it enabled her to bear herself with -more apparent ease of manner, than if any person -acquainted with her heart's secret had beheld the -meeting. She received Lord Albert's extended -hand, but there was a mutual and chilling coldness -in the touch, too unlike the feeling which usually -accompanied the action, for them not both to be -aware of the difference of this from any former -greetings; and each ascribed to the other the cause -of this sad change.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert was looking pale and harassed, but -he was perfectly calm, and inquired, with that -steady voice which a sense of deep injury conveys -at the moment, after Lady Adeline's health, while -he expressed his concern at the indisposition under -which she seemed to have suffered so much the -preceding evening. Her reply was short (for she -did not dare to trust herself with any allusion to -the cause of her illness), and she thanked him in as -natural a manner as she could assume; but her lip -was blanched and quivered, and a tear was almost -glistening in her eye. To any one who knew what -was really passing in her heart, she would have -appeared to have been saying to herself, "Is it possible -this is Albert? my Albert?" But turning the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_79" id="Page_79">[79]</a></span> -conversation to some indifferent subject, she addressed -herself with a semblance of vivacity to Mr. -Foley; that false vivacity to which the suffering -heart, when taking refuge from the moment's pressure, -resorts, in order to conceal its true feelings. -Unfortunately Lord Albert was himself too much -blinded by his own at the time, to see through the -specious disguise she assumed; and with the perversity -of jealous love, he put a false construction -on her every word and whole demeanour, and -thought he beheld in both the full confirmation of -his suspicions.</p> - -<p>Under this false view, Lord Albert turned with -visible indignation away, as if to avoid the pain -which Lady Adeline's behaviour inspired; and he -seemed to be intently admiring the pictures which -hung on the walls, and which he knew by heart: -but as his eye wandered over them, in fact, unconsciously, -it rested on a portrait of himself,—the -same which, when awaiting Lady Adeline's arrival -in London with such lively impatience, he had -then missed from its usual station. How a trifling -circumstance has power to double pain or pleasure, -when it comes thus laden with past and present -allusion to the interests of the heart! The -idea at that time of its being her companion was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_80" id="Page_80">[80]</a></span> -joy to his spirit. With what very different feelings -did he regard it <i>now</i>! The whole of his -late hopes seemed to him a mockery, and his heart -sickened at the thought as he again turned from -the contemplation and threw himself into a chair.</p> - -<p>There was a soul-searching glance of tender reproach -in the look which he cast upon Lady Adeline. -She coloured deeply, and was so intensely -affected, that it was with difficulty she could support -herself. Had there been no witness of their -emotion, that moment would have brought them to -a mutual conviction of their true sentiments for -each other; but as it was, Lady Adeline strove to -hide her feelings by turning her countenance away -from him, and talking with more earnestness in a -low, quick voice to Mr. Foley. Lord Albert rose, -paced the room hurriedly, and was on the point of -rushing away, when at that moment Lady Dunmelraise -entered the apartment. At sight of her -Lord Albert recovered his self-possession. He -approached Lady Dunmelraise with composure, -though with rather more of formal dignity in his -manner than he was accustomed to show towards -one whom he knew so well, and whom he had so -long considered almost as a mother. There was a -similar restraint on her part; and to his measured<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_81" id="Page_81">[81]</a></span> -expressions of regret on the subject of Lady Adeline's -sudden illness the preceding evening, she -replied coldly and briefly, and then passed on to -indifferent subjects, in which all present took their -share. Lord Albert, however, rarely addressed -himself to Lady Adeline or Mr. Foley, but -seemed pointedly to confine his conversation to -Lady Dunmelraise; while Lady Adeline, on her -part, fearing to lift her eyes to him, or trust her -voice with the most trivial expression immediately -directed to him, continued to talk to Mr. Foley, -though in so unconnected and absent a manner, -that could he have overheard what she said, something -like the truth must have been forced upon -his mind.</p> - -<p>After remaining a short half hour, which appeared -to the parties most interested like half a -century, Lady Dunmelraise, wishing to act on the -principle she had explained to her daughter, of -showing no very marked difference towards Lord -Albert, said, "Adeline will not venture out this -evening for fear of a return of her headache. Perhaps, -Lord Albert, if you are not engaged, you will -dine and pass a quiet evening with us?" It is difficult -to say how far Lord Albert, whose heart was -ever alive to the slightest kindness, would have rejoiced<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_82" id="Page_82">[82]</a></span> -to accept this offer, and grasp at the cherished -idea that his society was still wished for, had not -Lady Dunmelraise, in the same breath, turned to -Mr. Foley, saying;</p> - -<p>"George, will you not be of the party, and dine -here too?" There was a momentary cloud passed -over Lord Albert's brow, and Mr. Foley had accepted -the invitation before he could reply. At -length, after a painful pause, Lord Albert said;</p> - -<p>"I should be happy, Lady Dunmelraise," and -he spoke rather pointedly, "to avail myself of the -wish you have expressed to see me, but your invitation -reminds me that I have neglected to announce -an event with which, perhaps, you are -already acquainted, but which I conceive our intimacy -demanded that I should make known to you -myself, and which I came here this day for the -express purpose of doing, or I should not have -obtruded myself while I thought Lady Adeline's -indisposition would probably have prevented you -from receiving <i>any one</i>;" and he looked reproachfully -at her as he said this. Lady Dunmelraise -could not suppress a movement of astonishment. -Adeline stopped for want of breath in her conversation -with Mr. Foley, not knowing to what announcement -Lord Albert alluded; and there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_83" id="Page_83">[83]</a></span> -but one thought present to her fancy, one subject -superseding all others in her mind; but she endeavoured -to still her extreme agitation by saying to -herself, "He never could have the refinement of -cruelty to break off our engagement so publicly in -the presence of an indifferent person." She awaited, -nevertheless, in a state of terror that almost deprived -her of a sense of hearing, what he would next -say.</p> - -<p>After a considerable pause, or one which seemed -such to her, Lord Albert spoke.</p> - -<p>"I do not know whether you care about politics, -Lady Dunmelraise?" At this word, politics, -Adeline took courage.</p> - -<p>"No," said Lady Dunmelraise, at once relieved -and recovered from her surprise, for she also had -thought his preface strangely portentous; "no, I -do not," she said: "they are not a woman's -province, except in as far as regards the interests -of those dear to her. But what of -them?"</p> - -<p>"Why only that changes have taken place, -and——."</p> - -<p>"Oh yes," interrupted Lady Dunmelraise, as an -increasing expression of sunshine broke over her -countenance, "I have heard that various changes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_84" id="Page_84">[84]</a></span> -in the cabinet were intended, and that some of my -friends were to be advantaged by the move."</p> - -<p>"It is in confirmation of these reports that I came -to inform you. I now myself fill a place in the -administration: not that it can be of any consequence," -he added, with some pique, and his lip -trembled as he spoke; "but as you used kindly to -express an interest in me in former times, I have -thought it my duty that you should not learn this -circumstance from any other than myself."</p> - -<p>"Oh, my dear Lord Albert!" replied Lady Dunmelraise, -"I am always happy to hear of any event -which you deem conducive to your happiness: -I hope that this, together with every future step in -your life, will be so likewise; and I very sincerely -give you joy of having obtained this object of your -wishes. Adeline," turning to her daughter, "you -too must express your congratulations to Lord -Albert." This was almost too much for Lady -Adeline's full heart, but without venturing to look -directly at him, she said;</p> - -<p>"Oh, I always do, mamma, wish him happy in -every way." Lady Dunmelraise was aware of her -daughter's emotion, and endeavoured to relieve her -by addressing Lord Albert herself.</p> - -<p>"These arrangements will not, however, I hope,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_85" id="Page_85">[85]</a></span> -prevent our seeing you at dinner to-day: you are -not already so involved in the affairs of the nation -as not to be able to spend a few hours with your -friends?" Lady Adeline listened with the impatience -of sickening hope for his reply; in vain -trying to soothe herself with the idea, that were he -once more as much in their society as he used to be, -he would love them as dearly as ever.</p> - -<p>"I am grieved," he said, in answer to Lady -Dunmelraise, "that it is quite out of my power, -for I must be at the House almost immediately: a -lengthened debate is expected on the subject of the -late changes, and it is necessary I should be in my -place."</p> - -<p>"We are equally sorry with yourself, dear Lord -Albert! but we hope another time to be more fortunate." -Another pause ensued. Lady Adeline's -spirits again sank, but she continued her painful -effort to rally, by talking more than ever to Mr. -Foley; and Lord Albert, fancying that his presence -was as irksome to her, as remaining longer was painful -to himself, immediately took his leave, and left the -house mortified, miserable, and out of humour with -himself and the whole world. He had really -stated the fact, in pleading public business as the -cause of his declining Lady Dunmelraise's invitation;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_86" id="Page_86">[86]</a></span> -and he had hardly time to reach the House before -the commencement of the debate. On arriving -there, and soon after he had taken his seat, it -was announced that the member was seriously indisposed -who had been expected to give one of those -explanations which (such is the low ebb of character -among British statesmen of the present day) -every one who has held part in the government of -the country has latterly thought it necessary to -make in vindication of his public conduct. The -question was consequently put off; and the House, -after some business of little importance, and moving -for new writs for those members who had accepted -situations under government, adjourned at an early -hour.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert found himself thus relieved from -the tie which had prevented his accepting Lady -Dunmelraise's invitation; but it was no longer a -question with him, as it would have been under -other circumstances, of returning to South Audley-street, -and stating what had occurred to set him at -liberty, and requesting to avail himself of the opportunity -to receive the pleasure of dining there. This -would have been the act of a healthful mind, but -under the mental disease which now tormented him, -he turned with scorn from the idea; for he saw every<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_87" id="Page_87">[87]</a></span> -thing in a distorted point of view, and ascribed to -Lady Dunmelraise and her daughter the unworthy -design of intending to provoke him to a -relinquishment of his engagement with the latter, -either because they did not choose to break with him -themselves, or because they were not, perhaps, yet -sure of Mr. Foley's intentions. Nothing but -jealousy could have raised such a suspicion, so unworthy -of them and of himself, respecting persons -so long known, so much and justly esteemed, so -clearly loved: but what chimera is too monstrous -not to be born of that fiend which had taken possession -of him? Under this species of aberration, -for it can be called by no milder name, he threw -himself on his horse, rode off, careless whither he -went, and found himself in the park.</p> - -<p>All the <i>élite</i> of <i>ton</i> were congregated around -Kensington Gardens, and amongst the carriages -waiting, he observed Lady Hamlet Vernon's. In -the turbulence of his emotions, and in the press of -business during the morning, he now recollected -that he had forgotten to tell her of his official -situation, although he felt that from her at least he -would meet with a sincere and lively participation -in the satisfaction he experienced at the success of -his opening career in the political world. But his<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_88" id="Page_88">[88]</a></span> -heart was not satisfied; and, suffering under his -fatal delusion, he needed the balm of kindness, -and turned to her for its bestowal. Giving his -horse, therefore, to his servant, he went into the -Gardens with the intention of finding her. They -met as she was on the point of leaving the party -she was walking with, and returning to her carriage. -He accosted her with a sort of interest in his manner -which could not fail of being agreeable to -her, and they continued walking and conversing -earnestly on the subject which he briefly communicated -to her.</p> - -<p>So earnestly, indeed, did they discuss the matter, -that they found themselves at length almost the -only persons in the Gardens, and were reminded -only, by this circumstance, of the lateness of the -hour. Lady Hamlet Vernon, astonished, looked -at her watch, and finding it past seven o'clock, -said she must hasten home, as she had invited -persons to dine with her, and pressed Lord Albert -to join the party. This he promised to do; and he -felt a kind of false pleasure in thinking he should, -at least, be in the society of those who really -valued him; for there was a sting of pique and -mortification at his heart, which Lady Hamlet -Vernon's conversation had not diminished, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_89" id="Page_89">[89]</a></span> -which made him gladly seek refuge out of himself -for consolation. After the dinner, the party broke -up to go to Almack's, and Lord Albert D'Esterre, -<i>desœuvré</i> and dissatisfied, was easily persuaded to -accompany Lady Hamlet Vernon. On entering -the room, the first person whom he recognised -was Lady Delamere and her daughters. He -bowed to them, and he thought they returned his -bow coldly. This circumstance did not escape -the observation of Lady Hamlet Vernon, and she -talked of the Delameres in a way which, though -quite untrue, Lord Albert was at the moment too -much in a temper to listen to.</p> - -<p>"I often wonder," she said, "if all the uninteresting -persons were ejected from society, how -few would be left. But I believe, if this were the -case, the evil would only assume another shape; for -an assembly like this, if all were perfect, would be the -dullest thing in the world: it is the mixture which -affords us amusement."</p> - -<p>"Besides," rejoined Lord Albert, "<i>le monde -est plein de fous, et qui n'en veut pas voir doit -demeurer tout seul, et cassèr son miroir</i>."</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon did not quite like the -possible application of the adage; but she endeavoured -to turn the spleen which she saw was the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_90" id="Page_90">[90]</a></span> -feeling of the moment with him into the channel -best adapted to her views. "It is not fools," she -continued, "that I find so much fault with, as -dull and insipid people. There is Lady Delamere, -again, for instance, who is one of your good mammas -walking about with her chickens, all so measured -and so <i>mime</i>, that one is sure a happy erratum could -never occur in their life or conversation. There -is no hope that they will ever change, for they -are 'content to dwell in decencies for ever.' Their -very loves and hatreds are measured out by the -square rule of fit and proper; and if the friend -they liked best made any deviation from what -they deemed the proper course, they would discard -such an one from their favour. This I hold to be -cold-hearted and selfish policy, sheltering itself -under the mask of virtue; for the fact is, that -half that class of people build their power upon a -pretence to superiority in moral excellence, not -for its own sake, I am certain, but for the sake of -obtaining the favour of general opinion, which their -slender means of <i>agréments</i> (they have sense -enough to know) would never give them."</p> - -<p>"Do you mean, then, to say, that all superiority -of purity in conduct or character springs from such -false and ignoble sources? That, dear Lady Hamlet,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_91" id="Page_91">[91]</a></span> -you know is impossible; for the same fountain -cannot send forth sweet waters and bitter." Lady -Hamlet Vernon felt that Lord Albert was not in a -mood to pass lightly over any thing that was said -on serious subjects, and quickly corrected herself, -adding;</p> - -<p>"Far be it from me to think that there are not -<i>some</i> natures genuinely pure and noble. <i>Mais -ne vous en déplaise.</i> I cannot endow that <i>bonne -pâte de femme</i> with such brilliant investment. Lady -Delamere, my dear Lord D'Esterre, is, as you must -know, the dullest, heaviest person I ever conversed -with; and allow me to tell you she can give herself -sufficient airs of consequence. Nevertheless, I have -known several instances in which she scrupled not -to sacrifice persons that it suited her to put down. -<i>Au reste</i>, I make no doubt she has all those good -qualities which quizzes always teem with."</p> - -<p>"Really," said Lord D'Esterre, "you astonish -me! I thought at least she had been good-natured."</p> - -<p>"Your own good-nature does not allow you to -see these things; you have been used, you know, -to consider all that party perfect; but"—Lord Albert -sighed deeply—"but you will find," continued -Lady Hamlet Vernon, fully aware of the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_92" id="Page_92">[92]</a></span> -meaning of that emotion which had escaped -him, and wishing to abstract his mind from the -cause, by adverting to mere general topics, "you -will find that the world is made up of classes. -There are the Duchess D'Hermanton, Lady Borrowdaile, -Lady Aveling, form one class; Lady Melcombe -and her people form another; your friends -the Misses D. another; and we, you know, form -a class totally apart." Lord Albert listened to this -kind of conversation sometimes with attention, -sometimes abstractedly. His mind frequently adverted -to totally different subjects; but still he sat -by Lady Hamlet Vernon's side the whole evening, -or walked with her about the rooms.</p> - -<p>In doing this, he was not aware of the occasion -he gave for remark; still less did he know that -Lady Delamere had observed him in Lady Hamlet -Vernon's box the preceding evening, and that that -very circumstance had caused Lady Adeline's illness; -for if he had guessed this truth, different indeed -would have been the result of his morning's -interview with her. His appearance again, on -the present evening, with Lady Hamlet Vernon, -very naturally occasioned Lady Delamere's altered -manner; but he saw in her behaviour only the confirmation -of an intention, on the part of Lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_93" id="Page_93">[93]</a></span> -Dunmelraise and her daughter, and of the whole -family, to break with him altogether. Neither did -it occur to him, so prepossessed was he with the idea -that Adeline was happier in Mr. Foley's society -than in his own, that his excuse for not dining with -Lady Dunmelraise must now appear to have been -false, and framed expressly for the purpose of fulfilling -another engagement. How very different -would have been his feelings, could he have known -the anguish he inflicted on her who still loved him -so truly; and the additional wounds she would -receive, when the circumstance of his seeming devotion -to Lady Hamlet Vernon, during the whole -of that evening, with the aggravation attending it -of his supposed duplicity, should become known to -her!</p> - -<p>The fact was, although he was perfectly unconscious -of it, that Lord Albert's attentions to Lady -Hamlet Vernon began to be considered in the light -of a <i>liaison</i> by the world; yet notwithstanding -he was deemed too wise to risk matrimony, yet -that was the last thing cared for. In society, arrangements -which included <i>one</i> now generally included -the other. The young men rejoiced in Lord -Albert's being brought to their own level, as they -thought; and all who had any thing to hide in their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_94" id="Page_94">[94]</a></span> -own conduct felt less afraid of his superiority, -when they saw him on the verge of an intrigue of -the same nature as many of their own.</p> - -<p>When, at length, Lord Albert D'Esterre returned -home, the hum of voices, and the unmeaning admixture -of dancing tunes, mingled together in utter -discordance, still sounded in his ears, and he felt -provoked at himself for having wasted many hours -so unsatisfactorily. The tension of the mind, -under the action of such feelings as those which -agitated his breast, is never really relieved in similar -scenes or by similar means; and the false, feverish -excitement produced by them, when it passes off, -leaves the sufferer a thousand times more low and -debilitated than before he had recourse to them. -Lord Albert turned every way but the right way -to find peace; and when sleep did visit him, it was -not the balmy friend which comes to the pillow of -an approving conscience.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_95" id="Page_95">[95]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER V.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">THE PRESENTATION AT COURT.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> day at length arrived, to which so many -had looked forward with lingering expectation, and -which, to the young in general, was one of delightful -anticipation. Among these, however, there was one -who, though both young and beauteous, and likely, -under other circumstances, to have enjoyed the idea -of coming out into the dazzling scene of the world, -remained unmoved by the general festivity, from a -dread of the trial which the scene would probably -bring to her feelings.</p> - -<p>Lady Delamere had communicated to Lady -Dunmelraise the circumstance of her having seen -Lord Albert D'Esterre the preceding evening at -Almack's, and of his being engrossed the whole -time with Lady Hamlet Vernon;—intelligence naturally -productive of the most painful conclusions, -and which, of course, received considerable aggravation -in Lady Dunmelraise's mind from the -excuses made by Lord Albert for not dining in<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_96" id="Page_96">[96]</a></span> -South Audley-street on that day. She however -felt that, although most painful, it was right to -inform Adeline of this fresh instance of Lord -Albert's unfeeling conduct, in order that she -might, by so doing, lead her more and more to -wean her affections from a person so unworthy -as he now appeared to be, and help to destroy the -remaining hopes which her daughter might otherwise -retain of his returning affection.</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline might well have thought that she -had been prepared for the worst, and imagined -that her cup of sorrow was filled to the brim; but -at this additional circumstance she felt, that the -human heart is never so full of bitterness, but that -there may be added some drops of gall. Her usual -serenity, however, did not wholly forsake her; but -her first impulse was to entreat her mother to spare -her the trial of attending the drawing-room.</p> - -<p>"I wish," she said, "to be suffered to gain -strength in retirement, and to seek for resignation, -where you, my dearest mamma, have ever taught me -it can alone be found. Some day or other," though -she did not believe what she was saying, "some -day or other, I dare say, I shall be quite happy -again; only <i>now</i>"——But at that moment the <i>quite -happy</i> were words too much in contrast to the <i>quite<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_97" id="Page_97">[97]</a></span> -wretched</i> at her heart, for her lips to be able to -pronounce, and in a passion of tears her feelings -found relief.</p> - -<p>Lady Dunmelraise suffered them to flow unimpeded, -and when she regained composure, said, -"My dearest child, I insist on nothing to which -you think yourself unable; but if you <i>can</i> make -the exertion, do so, for my sake and your own. -Reflect on the humbled feelings of your mother and -of yourself, if Lord Albert should ever know into -what a depth of sorrow and humiliation he has -plunged us both."</p> - -<p>"Mamma, mamma, he must know that; for -does he not know, has he not seen, have I not -shown him a thousand times how very dear he is to -me? and, after all, what should I be, if I were not -humiliated by his desertion?"</p> - -<p>"Most true, dearest, in heart; but there is a -prudence and decorum to be preserved in outward -seeming; a respect due to ourselves, in not displaying -our feelings to the unfeeling world, who -only trample upon them with unheeding carelessness, -and can never appreciate their depth or value. -I can well understand, my dear child, that you -will be making an heroic effort, by going into -public under the present suffering state of your<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_98" id="Page_98">[98]</a></span> -heart; but I do ask of you to make that effort; for -I know, by experience, that there is much <i>real</i> -power gained over ourselves by assuming its <i>appearance</i>."</p> - -<p>This conversation ended by Lady Adeline's promising -to do every thing her mother wished for her -dear sake, whom she loved with more than filial -affection; and, having once given this promise, she -determined to fulfil it nobly. The satisfaction -which follows any sacrifice of selfish feelings to the -wishes of those whom it is our duty to please is -never-failing, and, under every circumstance, affords -a peace which can never be obtained by their indulgence -to the dereliction of principle.</p> - -<p>But, notwithstanding all Lady Adeline's amiable -qualities, and all the estimable motives of her conduct, -she could not avoid the natural pangs of -sorrow and anxiety, which she, in common with -every human being, is doomed to experience. Come -they must in some shape or other to all; happiest -are those who entertain them wisely. The whole -of that day, an ebb and flow of dread and doubt -passed over her in alternate tides of hope or despondence;—of -doubt, if Lord Albert would again -call,—of dread, lest, if he did call, she should betray -herself to him; yet of hope, that he might put<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_99" id="Page_99">[99]</a></span> -this trial to the test,—and of despondence, as the -hours passed away and no Lord Albert appeared.</p> - -<p>Fortunately, before we are tired of sorrow, sorrow -tires us, so that wearied nature finds refuge in sleep -despite of itself; and this was the case of Lady -Adeline, whose eyes, while yet full of tears, were -closed in slumber: but it is the wakening again -which is the trial; then we seem to have derived -fresh power to suffer, and the sad vision of grief is -presented to us with renewed vitality. Such were -Lady Adeline's feelings when her maid brought to -her bedside the attire and the ornaments with which -she was that day to be adorned, in order to enter -upon a scene of pleasure which to most young hearts -is attended with so many fascinations.</p> - -<p>"Take them all away, Mourtray," she said, "take -them all away; it is not time to dress yet." And -when the time did come, how many painful recollections -marred every thought of pleasure! Should -she see Lord Albert in the crowd? was the first -question she asked herself; and if she did see him, -how would he behave to her? how should she -behave to him? If he were unoccupied by any -one at the moment, and apparently disengaged from -any interesting conversation, she thought she could -go through the scene; but if he were talking to one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_100" id="Page_100">[100]</a></span> -whose name was now too well known to her, and -too closely allied with the cause of her misery, she -feared that neither the time nor the place would -be sufficient restraints to sustain her under the -trial.</p> - -<p>"Every body," she said, looking at herself in -the glass, "every body must read my story in my -face. These red, red eyes, these swollen lips!"—And -then she started up from her seat and cried, "No, -no, it must not be thus! it is for my dearest -mamma's sake I am going, and for her sake I will -master my emotion, I will endeavour to assume the -tranquillity which she recommends." Repeated immersion -of her face in cold water, and the being told -that a short half hour only remained to the time appointed -by Lady Delamere for her to be at her house, -restored, in some degree, the beauty of her complexion -and the animation of her eyes; while the -bustle of necessary haste imparted that glow to her -cheeks, which, though called forth by feverish and -fervid feelings, could still boast of being the delicate -dye of the rose. Her dress was in itself of the simplest -and most unadorned fashion; and when her jewels -were presented to her by her attendant, most of -which had been gifts from Lord Albert, she laid -them all aside, and positively declined wearing any.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_101" id="Page_101">[101]</a></span> -The extreme luxuriance of her light, crisped hair, -braided and curled in many a graceful fold, was her -only decoration; except that, as she passed a myrtle -(the gift of Lord Albert also), she hastily plucked -a branch of it, and placed it with some care in her -bosom. How deceitful is the human heart! and, -above all, how deceitful is the passion of love, which -conceals itself under a thousand disguises! The -jewels were discarded, but the flower was chosen; -that flower, which, for its emblematic associations, -was ten times dearer to her, and spoke a softer -language than the diamonds' blaze or the rubies' -dye. Thus while denying, she cherished, love! -Oh, woman, woman! you alone know the meaning -of the word, its thousand concealed tendernesses, -its purity of essence, its endless springs of increase!</p> - -<p>Lady Dunmelraise, when she took leave of her -daughter, pressed her to her heart, and as she -blessed her with an honest pride, thought there -could not be a fairer, purer being, among the glittering -throng. "Be of good cheer," she said, "love, -and sustain your own dignity."</p> - -<p>When Lady Adeline arrived at her aunt's house, -she had to undergo the gaze of the persons assembled -to look at the dresses of those who were<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_102" id="Page_102">[102]</a></span> -going to court, whose remarks, as she passed, kept -alive that flutter of spirits which prevented her -from indulging in softer feelings, and on the -present occasion was of infinite use to her. On -beholding her dress, her cousins exclaimed against -the total absence of ornament or jewels; but she -said, it was of no consequence, nobody would -look at her; and when they all offered her various -<i>aigrettes</i> and necklaces, she besought them not to -insist on her wearing them.</p> - -<p>"I have plenty at home," she said; but added, -with a melancholy smile, "I have made a vow to -wear none." Lady Delamere understood her, and -thought her own loveliness stood her in good stead -of any extraneous aid. At all events, she conceived -it was cruel to press her further; and as time admitted -of no delay, they went to their carriage through -a line of persons drawn up on each side, all of whom -bore testimony to Lady Adeline's beauty. They -went slowly along in the splendid equipage, which, -in the magnificence of old family state, attracted -unusual attention; till, coming to St. James's-street, -they were obliged, by the string of carriages, to -continue moving on at a foot's pace. And here -again the gaping crowd made no inapt observations -as the glittering throng passed in array before -them.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_103" id="Page_103">[103]</a></span></p> - -<p>One singular-looking, fat man actually followed -the carriage a considerable way, evidently in admiration -of Lady Adeline; and observed to the person -near him, loudly enough for her to hear what he -said, "As for <i>she</i>, so plain-dressed like, she's the -biggest beauty of 'em all," pointing at her; "but she -wears all her diamonds and pearls in her eyes and -mouth." The people around roared and laughed, -apparently in approbation, and even Adeline smiled -and blushed. By the time they arrived at the -entry of Buckingham House, her cheeks were glowing, -and her eyes sparkling, with an excitement -which was, she acknowledged to herself, salutary -at the time, though factitious and evanescent. -The brilliancy of the scene too, so new to her, -was not without its effect. The rich liveries of -the attendants, the military, the truly British -grandeur of the yeomen of the guard, the blaze of -beauty, of dress, and of smiles, struck Adeline with -admiration and momentary pleasure; and in her -own natural way, she said to one of her cousins,</p> - -<p>"This is a noble sight. I am glad I came. -Mamma is always in the right." But then in another -moment she sighed; and remembering all the circumstances -that had so recently passed, the whole moving -mass of feathers, flowers, and jewels, became one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_104" id="Page_104">[104]</a></span> -undistinguishable confusion, without power to charm -or awaken her interest. But all this while, she was -borne along on the stream of the crowd; and she -heard, amid the buzz of voices, her own name, and -then the observation which followed it. Women -always talk of the dress of those they wish to -<i>denigré</i>, and of course Adeline's was commented -upon, and found great fault with. "Quite improper, -I declare!" said old Lady Honeyman to her -distorted daughters, whose features, under the influence -of the dancing St. Vitus, seemed to redouble -their activity in honour of the shaking brilliants -with which they were covered; "I declare it is -quite improper to come to court as if one was in one's -chemise! perfectly shocking! quite indecent! Poor -thing! had she nobody belonging to her who could -lend her a pair of earrings, at least?"—"What a -beautiful creature!" cried another voice; (a man's, of -course) "did you ever see any thing like the harmony -of her features and the shape of her ear? it -is quite classical; and she has none of those horrid -girandoles pendent to it to spoil its form."</p> - -<p>"Who is she?" "who is she?" went round and -round in audible whispers; and the last speaker -pressed onwards, somewhat careless of the convenience -of his neighbours, on purpose to get another -view of her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_105" id="Page_105">[105]</a></span></p> - -<p>"How people do squeeze!" said the enraged -Lady Honeyman; "it is like a bear-garden. Elfrida, -my love, take care of your diamond cestus: -Lauretta, do not lose your ruby <i>aigrette</i>.—There, -sir, there!—you have torn my Brussels lace lappet -all to pieces with the hilt of your sword!"—And at -this appeal the gentleman looked down on the little -yellow dwarf with infinite dismay and many apologies; -and stopping to disengage his sword from -the ill-fated lappet, cast an evil eye upon the black -Lauretta, who assisted to disengage the lappet, -wishing her in the shrine of her namesake, where all -her diamonds might receive that homage which he -was only endeavouring to pay to the unadorned -Adeline's genuine beauty.</p> - -<p>At length Lady Adeline and her party reached -the room in which the sovereign stood; and Lady -Adeline found herself suddenly in an open space, -from whence the monarch, and those persons attached -to his household, could distinctly see every -person separately who entered. Lady Adeline felt -awed, for she had imbibed a respectful attachment -to the person of her sovereign, and her young feelings -were those of enthusiastic loyalty.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert, who in his official situation had the -private <i>entré</i>, had not yet seen Lady Adeline, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_106" id="Page_106">[106]</a></span> -at the moment she appeared in the door-way, was -talking to Prince Luttermanne; when the latter, -with his habitual admiration for every thing young -and new, was so struck with her appearance, that -he broke off his conversation, saying, "Who is that -very extraordinarily beautiful girl now entering?" -Lord Albert, whose back was towards her, turned -suddenly round, and, on beholding her, was so overcome -by a sudden revulsion of feeling, that he could -not directly reply. He hesitated, his countenance -changed, his lip quivered; and, after a considerable -pause, he abruptly said, "Oh! that is Adeline." -Prince Luttermanne looked astonished, saying at -the same time, "Who the deuce is Adeline?" but -Lord Albert had not waited to answer any further -inquiries. He moved away round the back of the -circle, to get a more distinct view of the object so -unexpectedly presented to him;—an object still -dearer to his heart than any other upon earth, and -one whose presence, when, as thus, suddenly brought -before him, was never-failing in overturning all the -sophistry of art, and all the juggles and distortion -of jealous passion. In the present instance she stood -before him as the personification of innocence and -truth.</p> - -<p>In the midst of splendour and of beauty, <i>her</i><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_107" id="Page_107">[107]</a></span> -beauty shone forth in its unadorned power, and in -the freshness of its morning purity, pre-eminently -bright in perfect simplicity. She was not unconscious -of the admiration she excited; but that very -consciousness added to her charms: it deepened -the roseate colour of her cheek, gave additional -lustre to the tremulous sparkle of her eye, and -threw over her whole air and person that veil of -diffidence which imparts grace to every movement -and interest to every glance. Lord Albert gazed -on her with intense admiration. He thought of -the time when he had looked forward to the present -epoch in Lady Adeline's existence, as to one in -which he should be a partaker in her triumph, -and gather up the suffrages paid to her beauty as -though they were so many offerings bestowed to -gratify his own feelings and confirm the superiority -of his own choice;—but, as it was, how differently -did he feel!</p> - -<p>She was now nothing to him, he was nothing to -her; she cared not for his approbation or his censure; -she knew not whether he was to be present -at this her first <i>debut</i> in the world, or not: and then, -again, a change came over his fluctuating feelings, -and recalling to mind the thousand instances in which -she had proved her attachment to him, the truth for<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_108" id="Page_108">[108]</a></span> -a moment flashed before his fancy, and in despite -of all that had lately occurred, he believed himself -dear to her. How an enamoured imagination catches -at trifles, and is the sport of hope or fear! Lord -Albert for a moment felt the full glow of tenderness -and trust float over his whole being, like a refreshing -dew over a thirsty land; and as he moved along, unheeding -the gay crowd that flitted past him, he -sought only for the one object whom he desired to -behold. He now caught a glimpse of her, and then -lost it again, obscured by some feathered headdress, -or some uninteresting intervening object; but, -at length, he reached a spot from whence he had a -full view of her, as she half knelt to kiss the -sovereign's hand, and was raised again by the most -graceful action; and Lord Albert had the gratification -of thinking he saw an expression of gracious -admiration in the sovereign, as he turned to one of -the lords in waiting, evidently making some remark -on Lady Adeline.</p> - -<p>But all this while Lord Albert failed in catching -her eye; and he now retraced his steps as hastily as -the crowd would allow, in order to reach the door -by which Lady Adeline must necessarily go out. -In this attempt, however, he was disappointed, for -such was the pressure and hurry of the officers to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_109" id="Page_109">[109]</a></span> -prevent a crowd in the presence-chamber, and Lady -Adeline was so rapidly hurried on, that she was -quickly lost to Lord Albert's view by the intervening -multitude. He had not even the gratification of once -catching her eye as she passed; for, added to the -celerity with which she was compelled to move on -after her presentation, she felt, as was natural to one -so young, a degree of mingled flurry and awe, which -kept her eyes fixed on the ground.</p> - -<p>This, however, did not suggest itself to Lord -Albert, and he questioned himself to ascertain -whether her apparent unconsciousness of his -presence was real or feigned. Notwithstanding -this doubt, Lord Albert continued his pursuit of -her, and was so long unsuccessful, that he began to -think she must have left the Court. As he made -his way with difficulty through the crowd, he -heard her name frequently mentioned, and always -accompanied with praises of her beauty. As expressions -of this kind fell on his ear, he could not -forbear feeling that it was profanation for any one -to dare to speak of Lady Adeline but himself: so -unjust and so monopolizing is the spirit of jealous -love.</p> - -<p>At length, Lord Albert, almost despairing of -meeting with Lady Adeline by moving about, determined<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_110" id="Page_110">[110]</a></span> -to fix himself at the outward door of the -saloon, where he knew that she must pass in going -away. Here he resolved to await the departure of -the whole crowd, and, at least, ascertain the fact; -but he had only taken this position a very short -time, when Lady Hamlet Vernon appeared on the -stairs, and nodding to Lord Albert as she descended -into the great hall, approached, and took the seat -which of course he relinquished to her. However -much he had, of late, sought her society, and felt -entangled by the spell which she knew so well to -cast over him, there existed, at the present moment, -a disposition to emancipate himself from the thraldom, -and he felt her presence to be an intrusion. -In proportion as these feelings increased, so did the -restraint in his manner and conversation become -more evident; and Lady Hamlet Vernon was much -too penetrating, not to be aware that some strong -interest directed his attention from her.</p> - -<p>He had remained some time in this embarrassed -situation, which a mutual consciousness rendered -every moment more painful. Answering Lady -Hamlet Vernon's questions mechanically with his -lips, while his thoughts and eyes were wandering -in quest of the only object he wished to see, he -suddenly beheld Lady Adeline, with Lady Delamere<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_111" id="Page_111">[111]</a></span> -and her cousins, at the bottom of the staircase, -and was on the point of abruptly leaving Lady -Hamlet Vernon's side, and darting towards her, -when Lady Adeline's eyes were for a moment directed -to him. A mutual glance was interchanged, -as brief as it was powerful, and he felt that at least -she had seen, had recognized him, and in that single -glance their souls had met and felt together; but -her eyes quickly dropped, she spoke hastily to -Lady Delamere, and they mutually turned, as if to -re-ascend the staircase. This movement, however, -although its intention was evident, was so in contradiction -with Lady Adeline's glance of recognition, -that it did not deter Lord Albert from ardently -wishing to speak to Lady Adeline; and he was hastening -away, in despite of Lady Hamlet Vernon's endeavours -to arrest his attention, to join the former, -when a cry of "Throw open the window! water! -she faints!" struck his ear. The sound came from -the opposite quarter in which he was going; but -when he perceived the bustle, and the crowd endeavouring -to make way for some person who was -ill, and whom they were trying to bring into a freer -current of air, his first impulse was to stand aside -also, and lend his assistance for that purpose. In -doing this, he soon recognised the lady who had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_112" id="Page_112">[112]</a></span> -fainted to be Lady Glenmore, borne in the arms of -Mr. Leslie Winyard; and then, with renewed interest, -as the wife of his friend Lord Glenmore, he -pressed forward, and succeeded in making a passage -to the window, the sash of which he threw up, and -partly aided in placing Lady Glenmore on a seat: -he then hastened away for water and restoratives.</p> - -<p>Every one was forward in tendering assistance to -the minister's wife; and whilst many officiously stood -around her, others, of better judgment and kinder -intentions, went in search of Lord Glenmore.</p> - -<p>"What a lucky fellow!" cried Lord Boileau, one -of the idlers who was standing near; "what a lucky -fellow that Leslie Winyard is, to have the carrying -of that beautiful creature in his arms!"</p> - -<p>"Oh! you know <i>c'est une affaire arrangé</i>," said -Lord Gascoigne. "She never speaks to any one else -now."</p> - -<p>Lord Albert heard these remarks with indignation -as he returned with water, and could not help -casting a look at the speakers, that they well understood.</p> - -<p>"Upon my word," observed Lord Boileau, "that -man is quite insufferable. I thought he was improved -since he lived amongst us; but I suppose he -looks forward to rival Leslie Winyard, and will not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_113" id="Page_113">[113]</a></span> -hear the lady's fame called in question on account -of any one but himself."</p> - -<p>"Bah!" replied Lord Gascoigne; "Lady Hamlet -Vernon will never suffer that."</p> - -<p>"Is that really as people say?" asked Lord -Boileau.</p> - -<p>"Oh! quite settled long ago," answered Lord -Gascoigne; "and as she is a <i>maitresse femme</i>, she -will not allow him to forsake her quietly."</p> - -<p>"How very beautiful, how very lovely she is, -Boileau!" said Lord Baskerville, approaching at -that moment; "now that she can neither talk nor -laugh, she is quite charming—hem! I never -knew before that she was handsome—hem! She -ought to do nothing but faint—hem!"</p> - -<p>"Yes," they both replied, "she is very lovely -indeed." "I rather envy Leslie Winyard," cried Lord -Boileau: "that fellow has always been lucky. But -have you seen Lady Adeline Seymour, <i>la nouveauté -du jour</i>? Rather raw and unfledged yet, but she will -be a very fine creature a year or two hence."</p> - -<p>"Don't you know her story?" whispered Lord -Baskerville, approaching his mouth to the ear of -Lord Boileau.</p> - -<p>"No—yes—I did hear something of it. She is -going to be married, isn't she?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_114" id="Page_114">[114]</a></span></p> - -<p>"She <i>was</i>," rejoined Lord Baskerville, looking -very wise; "but, a-hem! that's all off now. I -know all about it—hem! for <i>he</i> is so involved, hem! -that marriage is impossible—hem! And really the -poor girl has <i>echappé belle</i>; for I never knew such a -puritanical affected—hem! I cannot conceive what -the women see about him to endure him for a moment—hem!"</p> - -<p>By this time the report of Lady Glenmore's -having fainted spread through the rooms, and there -were assembled around her Lady Tilney, Lady -Ellersby, and the Comtesse Leinsengen.</p> - -<p>"I do not wonder you were overcome, my dear -Lady Glenmore; it was terribly hot," said Lady -Tilney in her most coaxing manner. "These vile -drawing-rooms are quite enough to kill one. Such -a heat, and such a crowd of Heaven knows whom! -And then to see whom, or what? for one never sees -the ostensible object for whom one comes here. If it -were not to oblige Lord Tilney, and because one -must, I would never come to such a horrid place -again. My dear Lady Glenmore, you who have -suffered so much are, I am sure, out of all patience -with the whole thing."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore, who had by this time quite recovered, -and who was placed very comfortably enjoying<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_115" id="Page_115">[115]</a></span> -the fresh breeze that came to her unpolluted -by the heat and breath of the crowd, as she sat -close by the window, now resumed her accustomed -smiling cheerfulness, and replied,</p> - -<p>"Not at all, Lady Tilney; I assure you I have -been much amused, and think it is a very splendid -scene;—so much beauty, so much magnificence, -that I was quite provoked at myself for being overcome, -and unable to enjoy it; but I am perfectly -well again <i>now</i>, and I hope another time to be -more used to it."</p> - -<p>"<i>Quelle niaiserie!</i>" whispered the Comtesse -Leinsengen to Lord Baskerville. "She ought to -go back to her nursery."</p> - -<p>"Nothing is so tiresome," replied Lord Baskerville, -"as low people who are always diverted. -They must be false or fools, a-hem! after their first -existence in the world—hem! <i>our</i> world I mean—hem! -As to me, I don't care for any thing or any -body, and am always bored to death here, a-hem! -ar'n't you?"</p> - -<p>"<i>C'est selon</i>," answered the comtesse in her -most abrupt manner.</p> - -<p>"Don't you know," cried Lady De Chere, -"that there are a certain number of people who -live upon getting up scenes all their life? they are -always either fainting, or crying, or haranguing."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_116" id="Page_116">[116]</a></span></p> - -<p>"It's very bad taste," rejoined Lord Baskerville, -"at all events—hem!" At this moment -Lord Glenmore came up to his wife, betraying -considerable agitation, and inquiring tenderly of -Lady Glenmore how she felt, and speaking to her -in a low voice of earnest solicitude; to which she -replied with answering affection.—Mr. Leslie Winyard -moved away, affecting more displeasure than -he really felt.</p> - -<p>"What a fuss Glenmore is in! Vulgar!—hem! -I cannot conceive," said Lord Baskerville, "why -people should display their conjugal felicities to -the world."</p> - -<p>"The old song, I think," observed Lord Raynham, -who was passing by, and overheard the remark, -"gives good advice:—</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'Ne cherchez pas la quintessence;<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Contentez-vous de l'apparence.<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Qui veut trop voir, et trop savoir,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Trouve souvent plus qu'il ne pense.'<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>"A polite inquiry, that did not enter into particulars, -might perhaps have suited better the interest -of all parties, than that apparently minute -inspection of circumstances—eh! Baskerville?" -with a sort of sneering smile—"don't you agree -with me?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_117" id="Page_117">[117]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Certainly, hem! nothing is so mistaken, or -argues such want of knowledge of the world, as to -be <i>affairé</i> about any thing."</p> - -<p>"<i>To be</i>," observed the Comtesse Leinsengen, "is -one ting, to <i>seem</i> to be is anoder: in dat lies de -<i>savoir vivre</i> or de no <i>savoir</i>. But did I not hear -my carriage was up?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, comtesse; allow me to have the honour;" -and she accepted his offered arm and departed.</p> - -<p>"D'Esterre," said Lord Glenmore, "I leave you -to take care of Lady Glenmore, whilst I go in quest -of our carriage; your gallantry will, I am sure, -accept the charge."</p> - -<p>Lord Albert felt really flattered, and would at -any other time have been happy to have such a post -assigned to him, had it not been that he feared in -consequence to lose seeing Lady Adeline. This -thought gave his countenance an anxious, serious -air, which the men around did not fail to comment -upon. But Mr. Leslie Winyard could -scarcely conceal his ill-humour. The husband -to cross him was bad enough, but another man, -and that man Lord Albert D'Esterre, whom of -all others he most disliked, was gall and bitterness -to him. He approached Lady Glenmore, -however, casting a look of insolence towards Lord<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_118" id="Page_118">[118]</a></span> -Albert; but the serious, preoccupied demeanour of -the latter prevented his even observing the impertinence -intended for him.</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie Winyard now bent over Lady Glenmore, -and whispered in her ear. She listened with -rather more complacency than Lord Albert seemed -to think was fitting, and she thanked Mr. Leslie -Winyard for his care with somewhat more of feeling -than he thought the occasion merited; but she -spoke aloud, and seemed to avoid the whispered -conversation which the other affected to hold.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert, however, who was the last man in -the world to play the mean part of a spy over the -actions of any one, felt his situation sufficiently -awkward; and considering that his every wish was -on the wing after Lady Adeline, it became every -instant more painful. He almost determined on -leaving Lady Glenmore; but then he thought Lord -Glenmore would naturally feel hurt at his doing so. -Whilst weighing this matter with himself, Lord -Glenmore returned, announcing the carriage to be -at hand.</p> - -<p>"D'Esterre, have the goodness to give your arm -to Lady Glenmore on one side, and I will take care -of her on the other, and then we shall be able, -Georgina, to take you through the crowd without<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_119" id="Page_119">[119]</a></span> -your suffering any inconvenience." Mr. Leslie -Winyard bit his lip with mortification, and Lord -Boileau said to him, with some degree of sarcasm,</p> - -<p>"Really, Winyard, I think you <i>are</i> ill used; -after your services, to see another preferred before -you."</p> - -<p>"Oh! <i>c'est la fortune de la guerre</i>," he replied, -with an air of <i>affected</i> triumph; "but as for preference, -<i>reste à savoir</i>."</p> - -<p>"Upon my word, Winyard's coolness is admirable," -said Lord Gascoigne, "and I would bet an -even hundred that he is right. Georgina, as he -calls her, I dare say understands a thing or two by -this time, and knows how to hoodwink Glenmore." -No sooner had Lord Albert handed Lady Glenmore -into her carriage, than he returned swiftly, with a -faint, sickening hope that he might not yet be too late -to catch at least one precious look more of Adeline; -nor was he disappointed, for he met her suddenly, -standing near the door with her party. Addressing -Lady Delamere with an <i>empressement</i> of manner, -and an intonation of voice, that spoke the temper -of his soul, his eyes fixed upon Lady Adeline's, -he scarcely knew what it was he said to Lady -Delamere, till the extreme coldness of the latter, -and her marked asperity of reply, checked the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_120" id="Page_120">[120]</a></span> -flow of his feelings, and he remained mute and -abashed, when the silver sound of Lady Adeline's -voice, inquiring for Lady Glenmore, re-animated -him.</p> - -<p>"The heat was overpowering," she observed, "and -she could not be surprised that any one had fainted; -she herself had suffered from it."</p> - -<p>Lord Albert made some answer, expressive of -concern for her; and gazing at her with unrepressed -tenderness, he remarked the myrtle sprig in her -breast; for it was associated in his mind with some -recollections that made it, in his estimation, an object -of infinite interest. At that instant it dropped -on the ground. He stooped to recover it hastily; -and as he half tendered to restore it to her, said, -"Its freshness was surprising, considering the atmosphere -it had been in for so many hours; yet not -so, neither," he added, "when I remember where -it has been placed: but it is not worthy of such -felicity. Allow me to retain it, for I, at least, can envy -and appreciate its happy fate." A glow of lustrous -joy illumined Lady Adeline's countenance; and if -before the agitation of doubt and sorrow had shook -her frame, an emotion not less intense, though -proceeding from feelings the very opposite, now -affected her.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_121" id="Page_121">[121]</a></span></p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"Far as distress the soul can wound,<br /></span> -<span class="i3">'Tis pain in each degree:<br /></span> -<span class="i0">'Tis bliss but to a certain bound;<br /></span> -<span class="i3">Beyond is agony."<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Her emotion could not escape Lord Albert's observation, -nor could he mistake its cause. With -all the warmth of renewed and genuine affection, -he again whispered to her,</p> - -<p>"Adeline, will you be at home to-night if I -come?"</p> - -<p>Before she could reply, Lady Delamere's carriage -was called. She turned rather abruptly to -Lady Adeline, saying, "Adeline, come; the carriage -waits;" and at the same instant Mr. Foley, -who had been in quest of it, joined them, as though -in much haste.</p> - -<p>"If you delay an instant, Lady Delamere," he -said, "your carriage must drive off, and then it -is difficult to tell when you may get away."</p> - -<p>"Adeline," cried Lady Delamere, speaking authoritatively, -"take Mr. Foley's arm." And at the -same time courtesying coldly to Lord Albert, she -showed him his attendance was not desired, and -hurried after her niece and daughters; for Lady -Adeline, confused and agitated, had only time to -cast a look at Lord Albert, and was in a manner<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_122" id="Page_122">[122]</a></span> -obliged to suffer herself to be led away by Mr. -Foley.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert stood for a moment like a statue: -the sprig of myrtle, however, was in his hand, or -he might have fancied he had dreamed the scene, so -quickly had it passed. "What can this mean?" he -said to himself, lingering on the spot where Lady -Adeline had parted from him, quite unconscious -of the crowd that passed by him in all directions. -But where is one more alone than in a crowd? -His reverie, however, was speedily broken in upon -by hearing Lady Hamlet Vernon's name loudly -called; and the next instant, as she was passing, unattended, -to go out, she said to him:</p> - -<p>"Do, Lord Albert, be so obliging as to give me -your arm." In common courtesy he complied; -but it was mechanically, and like the action of one -in a dream. "You had better let me set you -down, Lord Albert, if your carriage is not up, or -you will never get away." An anxious wish to -leave a scene in which he had now no interest, induced -him to avail himself of the proposal. He -leaped in after her, and they drove rapidly away. -He said something expressive of thanks to her, of -the crowd, of the heat, of Lady Glenmore; and this -brought them to Cleveland-row, when their progress<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_123" id="Page_123">[123]</a></span> -was stopped, and the clatter of horses, and -the crash of carriages, and the screams of women, -and the oaths of servants, resounded in all directions. -Lord Albert hastily looked out, and saw -Lady Delamere's equipage, which had been forced -out of the line among other carriages, and, in order -to disentangle itself, was backing so as to come -immediately parallel with Lady Hamlet Vernon's. -He was grateful to think it was not in any present -danger at least; but in lowering the glass and -looking out to see what had occasioned the disturbance, -he had forgotten and left the myrtle sprig -on the seat of the carriage, and did not remark, in -reseating himself, that Lady Hamlet Vernon had -taken it up and was holding it in her hand, so -absorbed was he in anxiety for Lady Adeline's -possible danger.</p> - -<p>Lady Delamere's carriage was by this time in -contact with that of Lady Hamlet Vernon's. Lord -Albert was just about to put his head again out of -the window, to assure the former there was no danger, -when he saw Lady Adeline lean back suddenly -in the carriage, and at the same instant one of her -cousins, as he thought, by her desire quickly drew -up the window, evidently to prevent all communication. -Lord Albert could not mistake this action.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_124" id="Page_124">[124]</a></span> -It perplexed and wholly overthrew all his presence -of mind; and under the painful pressure of contending -feelings he made some brief excuse to -Lady Hamlet Vernon, of endeavouring to see if -the carriage could be extricated, and opening the -door he darted out, without any thought but that -of yielding to the impulse of his feelings, and proceeded -home in a state of distraction.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_125" id="Page_125">[125]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER VI.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">INTRIGUE.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">As</span> soon as Lord Albert was alone, and could -recall his scattered senses, he reviewed every -look and every gesture of Lady Adeline; and notwithstanding -all that passed at the drawing-room -and subsequently, notwithstanding the marked -coldness and disapprobation which her manner had -of late implied, he yet thought that her real feelings -were not those, at least, of indifference towards him; -and he resolved to try the issue of calling in South -Audley-street that evening, as he had proposed to -her.</p> - -<p>For this purpose, he got away early from a ceremonious -dinner which he was obliged to attend, -and which appeared to him to last longer than any -dinner had ever done before: and with his heart -and head full of Adeline, and of Adeline alone, he -found himself once more in her presence. Lady -Delamere and her daughters, and one or two others, -were sitting around Lady Dunmelraise's couch,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_126" id="Page_126">[126]</a></span> -amusing her with accounts of the drawing-room; -but Lady Adeline was at the piano-forte, and Mr. -Foley sitting by her, with a certain indescribable air -of being established in his place by right.</p> - -<p>At one glance of his eye, Lord Albert took in the -whole room on entering, together with the relative -position of its occupants; and his feelings underwent -a sudden and painful revulsion. He advanced, however, -towards Lady Dunmelraise, who extended her -hand to him, but in a way that he could not mistake; -and her coldness struck an additional chill to -his heart. From Lady Delamere and her daughters -he met no kindlier greeting; and he determined at -once to try if Adeline's heart was equally shut against -him. For this purpose he moved towards her; and -although she could not see him, her back being -turned to that part of the room from whence he -came, yet she heard his approaching footstep, and -trembled in every nerve.</p> - -<p>Mr. Foley, who had followed Lady Hamlet -Vernon's advice respecting his own conduct, and -who lost no opportunity in acting in conformity -to it, was now determined that he would not resign -his seat or quit his station near Lady Adeline. -The latter, on her part, had been too much -agitated by her own feelings to see things in their<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_127" id="Page_127">[127]</a></span> -true light; and was glad of any person to talk to, -in order to conceal her emotion. But no artificial -means were sufficiently powerful to still the beatings -of her heart; and when Lord Albert inquired -after her health, saying, he hoped she had -not suffered from the morning's fatigue, she started -at the sound of his voice, although she expected -to hear it, and made some hurried reply, which -he construed into a disdain of his inquiries.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert, wretched and astonished, stood -mute; questioning within himself if this could really -be the same Adeline whom he had a few hours ago -seen with such a different expression in her whole -countenance and demeanour, as to make him doubt -the evidence of his senses. He would at once have -broken through the mystery, could he have obtained -her ear for a moment; but the presence of Mr. -Foley, who pertinaciously, and, as it appeared to -Lord Albert, in defiance of him, kept his place, -prevented all explanation. And then again returned -those false conclusions which arose from jealous -doubt; and he conceived that it would be unworthy -of himself even to seek an explanation from one -whose evident preference of another appeared to -him so very decided.</p> - -<p>In this dark spirit of jealous indignation, he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_128" id="Page_128">[128]</a></span> -turned away, and sank into gloomy silence. Could -he have known what was passing in Lady Adeline's -breast, he would have acknowledged the justice of -her feelings; he would have seen that all which -seemed coldness and indifference was only the result -of a proper sense of what she owed herself; and -that under that assumed demeanour lay hid the -truest, warmest love. Strange as it may appear on -a slight review of the matter (although it is the common -infirmity of human nature never to see its own -defects), he was not aware of the effect which his -constant intercourse with Lady Hamlet Vernon -produced on the minds of all those who witnessed -his intimacy with her; and, perhaps, as matters -now stood, even if he had been at one time inclined -to own himself in the wrong, the still greater dereliction -from all truth and delicacy, which he thought he -discovered both in Lady Adeline and Lady Dunmelraise, -respecting their behaviour to him, completely -exonerated him in his opinion, and he lost all sense -of the evil of his own conduct in blaming theirs.</p> - -<p>Little did Lord Albert dream (indeed, in the excitement -of greater things, he had totally forgotten -it) that the sprig of myrtle which Lady Adeline -had given him that morning, and which had -been apparently the medium of so much mutual<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_129" id="Page_129">[129]</a></span> -tenderness, had been seen by her in Lady Hamlet -Vernon's hand, when their carriages were entangled -in coming from the drawing-room. It -was this circumstance, combined with Lord Albert's -being again in assiduous attendance on one whom -she was now compelled to consider in the light of a -rival, that had made Lady Adeline draw up the -glass at the moment Lord Albert was about to speak -to her, in order to escape witnessing so painful a -truth. As she threw herself back in the carriage, -and reflected on the unworthiness of his conduct, -she became the victim of the most agonizing feelings; -for what is so painful as the conviction of unworthiness -in the object of our love? and it was this conviction -which had effected the alteration in her manner towards -him, which he could not but observe from -the first moment of his entering the room.</p> - -<p>While she was actuated by these sentiments, Lord -Albert, on his part, writhed under the idea that Mr. -Foley was his favoured rival, and that he was only -allowed to witness his triumph, in order that he might -be provoked to become the party who should break -off the engagement existing between him and Lady -Adeline. But this he inwardly determined should -never be the case. He endeavoured, therefore, at -the present moment, to devour his chagrin, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_130" id="Page_130">[130]</a></span> -force himself to converse on indifferent topics; addressing -himself, however, to Lady Dunmelraise, -rather than to Lady Adeline. Among others, he -made allusion to the <i>fête</i> which was to take place -at Avington Park the day after the following, and -expressed his regret that he had been unable to -procure the tickets which he had hoped to have -presented to herself and Lady Adeline; "a circumstance," -he added, "which I consider very unfair, -since I was one of the original subscribers to this -<i>fête</i>; but the names of the parties to be inserted -have been all chosen by ballot, and my single voice -alone did not prevail in obtaining the insertion of -those whom I wished to be on the list."</p> - -<p>This was really the fact, however extraordinary -it may appear. Lord Albert, with the other persons -who formed the committee appointed to give and -arrange this <i>fête</i>, had paid five hundred guineas -each towards defraying the expense, but not one -of them had the power of inviting any individual -apart from the consent of the whole body; and as -Lady Dunmelraise and her daughter were not of -that circle which Lady Tilney and her <i>coterie</i> considered -to be <i>ton</i>, Lord Albert's wishes on this -point, which were perfectly sincere, had been wholly -unattended to. Under the circumstances, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_131" id="Page_131">[131]</a></span> -in which he stood in the opinion of all those who -now heard him, the exclusiveness of this measure -could not be comprehended or believed, and, in -short, passed for a mere deception.</p> - -<p>His excuse, consequently, was received with great -coldness by Lady Dunmelraise, who only replied, -"That, as to herself, her going was quite out of the -question; and as to her daughter," she added with -emphasis, "I dare say Adeline has no wish to be -there." Here the subject dropped; and Lord Albert, -torn by a thousand contradictory feelings, -could no longer continue to play so painful a part -as that which he now saw devolved upon him. -In this state of mind he quitted Lady Dunmelraise's -house, having bade her a cold adieu. Little -did he imagine it was for the last time.</p> - -<p>If Lord Albert had exercised the power of sober -reason, if the sorrow he felt had been free from all -reproach of conscience, he would not have feared to -look into his own breast, and would have sought -counsel from that best adviser, his own mind, in the -quiet of his chamber; "for a man's mind is wont -to tell him more than seven watchmen that sit upon -a high tower." But miserably he had suffered -many entanglements to embarrass his steps, and -direct them from the straight-forward path. The<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_132" id="Page_132">[132]</a></span> -natural consequence of this was, that his mind had -become a chaos, in which he distinguished nothing -clearly; and in the bitterest moments of suffering, -instead of coolly resorting to his understanding, as -he once would have done, he now always sought to -elude reflection by plunging into crowds. Whenever -we dread to be left alone with our own -thoughts, we are in peril. This melancholy change -in Lord Albert's character was one which the alteration -in his mode of life, and his associates, had in a -short period of time effected.</p> - -<p>Instead, therefore, of returning home when he left -South Audley street, Lord Albert drove to Lady -Glenmore's, who was that night to receive the -<i>coterie</i> of their peculiar circle for the first time at -her own house. There had been no little arrangement -on Lady Tilney's part, as well as on Lady -Tenderden's, to give to Lady Glenmore's <i>soirée</i> its -full effect in the annals of <i>ton</i>, by stamping it with -that exclusive mark of self-arrogated distinction, of -which they considered themselves to be the sum -and seal.</p> - -<p>No pains had been spared by these ladies, -therefore, to render this assemblage of persons -select, according to their acceptation of the meaning -of the word, and, <i>pour trancher le mot</i>, as they said,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_133" id="Page_133">[133]</a></span> -to exclude every one not on their own private lists, -with the limited exception of those <i>diplomates</i> and -official persons whom Lord Glenmore's ministerial -situation obliged them to permit Lady Glenmore to -invite.</p> - -<p>At Glenmore House there was of course assembled, -on the present evening, the Tilneys, Leinsengens, -Tenderdens, Boileaus, Gascoignes, De Cheres, and -the rest of the <i>élite</i> who formed the <i>société choisie</i> -of Lady Tilney; and as the latter looked around -the apartments, and only saw there those whom -in fact <i>she</i> had bidden, she was gratified with this -fresh accession of arbitrary power, and considered -it no small triumph thus to have set the seal of her -supremacy over the yielding Lady Glenmore, who -might, under other circumstances, if she had not -been an ally, have proved a formidable enemy. As -it was, Lady Tilney expressed the sense of her satisfaction -by a thousand <i>cajoleries</i>, which one woman -knows so well to practise upon another when it -suits her purpose. She praised Lady Glenmore's -dress (that touchstone of female friendship), although -she could not help saying apart to Lady -Tenderden, that it was a pity Lady Glenmore still -persisted in her <i>baroque</i> modes, which in fact were -no modes at all, but contrivances of her own. To<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_134" id="Page_134">[134]</a></span> -herself, Lady Tilney however next observed, that -Lady Glenmore's choice of society was excellent, -and that the manner in which she had arranged her -rooms was managed with infinite taste.</p> - -<p>These approving, encouraging speeches, from -one so versed in the knowledge of the world, and -so much looked up to as the arbiter of the elegancies -of life, together with all the other incense -of flattery which was lavished upon Lady Glenmore -on every side, could not fail of taking some -effect on her mind. Young, fair, unformed in character, -brought up by fond and indulgent parents, -who thought she never could err, and who had -miserably neglected to implant those religious principles -in her breast which alone give stability to -character, which impart strength by making us -aware of our own weakness, Lady Glenmore was -launched on a scene where dangers surrounded her -in every shape, and which she was wholly unprepared -either to foresee or to sustain. Gentle, -amiable,—as yet pure, and unsuspicious of evil, -from being herself free from it,—she was a fitting -subject to be moulded into any shape by any evil-designing -person that knew gradually to undermine -her innocence without alarming her fears. -Lady Glenmore's situation in the world, therefore,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_135" id="Page_135">[135]</a></span> -with a husband incessantly employed in public -duties, consequently often absent, while she was -thrown in the midst of a peculiar society, which -became, from various circumstances, her only sphere -of action, was one of infinite temptation and peril.</p> - -<p>At first, as was seen, she mourned over the -deprivation of her husband's presence,—a husband -whom she loved with child-like tenderness; but -time, <i>ton</i>, and necessity, soon softened down this -infantine regret, and merely at first as a solace for -the pain she endured in being absent from him, -she entered on the routine of dissipated pleasure -which presented itself to her on all sides. No -wonder, then, that those worldly pursuits, which -were at first resorted to as palliatives for pain, became -gradually habitual and necessary to her; and -it is the fatal but inevitable consequence of such a -habit of life, to unfit the capacity (even the best -and most vigorous capacity) for any higher or -nobler aim.</p> - -<p>In the thoughtless vivacity of her age, alive to -the zest of gaiety and pleasure, her better qualities -lay dormant; and in this Circean circle her beauty -and her youth were certain passports to general -admiration, independently of all the adventitious -circumstances by which she was environed. On<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_136" id="Page_136">[136]</a></span> -the present occasion, when for the first time she -opened her house, she appeared the presiding -spirit that gave life, animation, and novelty even -to the <i>blasé</i> and hackneyed beings around her. -Had Lady Glenmore used, without abusing, the -many advantages of her brilliant station, she -would not have been to blame, whatever may be -said by gloomy ascetics; nor would they have -had power to lead her into danger, had she possessed -the stay and guide which a husband's constant -presence in society always affords.</p> - -<p>This, however, was not <i>her</i> case; and the very -nature of her ingenuous and guileless disposition -became, in her present circumstances, an additional -source of danger, since it rendered her the easy -prey of the experienced and practised in deception, -by too many of whom she was surrounded, and -who, envious of that purity they affected to despise, -were restless agents in endeavouring to reduce it -to their own corrupt level. It was from some such -motive as this, rather than from any impulse of love -or passion, that Mr. Leslie Winyard first paid Lady -Glenmore attention. He was clever, and knew well -how to be prodigal of assiduities to the one object -of his pursuit, in contradistinction to the contempt -in which he apparently held all others. This flatters<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_137" id="Page_137">[137]</a></span> -the vanity of the individual to whom they are -addressed, and proves a ready passport to a woman's -smiles, particularly when experiencing that perfect -<i>délaissement</i> which is most felt in a crowd, where -"there is none to bless us, none whom we can -bless."</p> - -<p>Under these circumstances Lady Glenmore first -listened to Mr. Leslie Winyard; and that advantage -once gained, he had art enough to avail himself of -it as a step towards intimacy. In a very short -space of time, he so far succeeded as to raise at -least a <i>bruit sourd</i> of his being <i>l'objet préféré</i>; an -idea which at this period, could any real friend of -Lady Glenmore's have suggested to her, she -would have started from with indignation; but -as it was, she continued laughing and talking -on the present occasion with Mr. Leslie Winyard. -Had she overheard the observations made upon her -by various persons, more particularly those of Lady -De Chere and Lord Boileau, she might have learned -a lesson which she was destined to buy at a higher -price.</p> - -<p>"Well, for a <i>debutante</i>," said Lord Boileau, "I -think <i>la petite</i> Georgina has made considerable -progress in her career. And how does Glenmore take -it?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_138" id="Page_138">[138]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh!" replied Lady De Chere, "as every one -does what they cannot help, I suppose. Besides, -doubtless, he has other things to think of, and must -feel glad to have escaped her childish fondness: it -must have been exceedingly tiresome; and, after all, -the sooner a matrimonial understanding is settled -upon a right and proper footing, the better for both -parties."</p> - -<p>"Very true, Lady De Chere; and nobody settles -those matters so well as yourself; you are a model -for all married ladies; so much <i>retenu</i>, so much -<i>bienséance</i>, and such a lady-like way of doing -exactly what you choose, and allowing De Chere to -do the same. It is the only way for married persons -to be comfortable, or <i>comme il faut</i>."</p> - -<p>"I am glad you think so, for that has long ago -been Lady Boileau's opinion," replied Lady De -Chere, with one of her most contumelious smiles, -and left Lord Boileau to the satisfaction of his reflections -on domestic happiness.</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," said Lord Baskerville, gently -pulling him aside, and conducting the Comtesse -Leinsengen to the other apartment, "but <i>en qualité -de preux</i>, hem! I must be permitted to say, <i>Place -aux dames</i>—a-hem!"</p> - -<p>"Oh! my reveries," rejoined Lord Boileau,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_139" id="Page_139">[139]</a></span> -"were on very every-day topics; they can be resumed -at any time; and I am happy in the honour -of—"</p> - -<p>"Getting out of de way," quickly interrupted -the Comtesse, who had the happy knack of cutting -all long speeches short, "<i>milles graces</i>:" and she -glided past him with a sliding bow, adding aside to -Lord Baskerville, "I would always make my best -thanks to him for dat; he is quite a dullification. -<i>Mais voilà du nouveau</i>," she went on to say, in the -same breath, looking towards Lady Glenmore and -Mr. Leslie Winyard, who were still conversing; -"dat is always de way with your English virtuosos; -dey go <i>grand train</i> when dey do go. You are an -odd people altogether; always <i>en caricatura</i>. <i>Et le -mari farouche apprivoisé!</i> quite used to it already! -Well, he is more sensible dan I took him for; <i>vogue -la galère</i>." And by this time she had approached -close to Lady Glenmore with her sliding step.—"I -wished to make you my courtesy, and pay you my -compliments on the brilliancy of your <i>soirée</i>; and -I am happy to see you did not suffer more from -your indisposition at the drawing-room. Indeed, -I am sure you could not, for I never saw you looking -more <i>triomphante</i> than to-night. That heat was -enough to kill one; but you had only a <i>vapeur</i>;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_140" id="Page_140">[140]</a></span> -and I assure you it was quite becoming: was it -not, Lord Baskerville?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, done in excellent style, as all that Lady -Glenmore does must be—a-hem! quite in good -taste; no distortions or hysterics or vulgar violences; -all suavity and gentleness—a-hem! never saw -so beautiful a specimen of feint in my life—hem!"</p> - -<p>At that moment Lord D'Esterre came up to make -his bow to Lady Glenmore, and the Comtesse Leinsengen -walked abruptly away, saying, "De very -sight of dat man gives me what you call de blue -and de green devils."</p> - -<p>But Lady Hamlet Vernon was quite of a different -opinion; she had long been a fixture in the -door-way, looking anxiously for his arrival. It was -late when he came, and she sought to attract his -attention, and engage him in conversation. Solicitous -as she was to learn the cause of his having -left her in such an unaccountable manner in -Cleveland-row, she did not immediately enter upon -that subject, but said something expressive of a -general interest in his welfare, and of concern at -seeing him look unwell. He eluded her inquiries, -and professed being in perfect health; but she was -evidently aware that his mind had undergone some -sudden change since she had seen him at the drawing-room,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_141" id="Page_141">[141]</a></span> -for he no longer spoke in the abstracted -manner he had done when there, but joined with an -apparent animation and interest in a conversation -which she dexterously led to topics that she knew -to be most in accordance with his tastes and habits, -and particularly so when he was depressed and -under the influence of blighted feelings; at which -times he never failed to seek refuge in dreams of -ambition and power.</p> - -<p>Though Lord Albert D'Esterre had never yet -arrived at that degree of intimacy with Lady -Hamlet Vernon which might have induced him to -open his whole heart to her, on its dearest interests, -yet there always seemed to him to be a tacit and -delicate understanding of his sentiments, which he -felt was soothing, and believed was sincere; while, -on her part, there was a consummate art in appearing -to compassionate his disappointment, while, -at the same time, she never failed in administering -some baneful suspicion, or insinuating some deteriorating -observation on the character and conduct -of Lady Adeline and her mother, in respect to their -behaviour towards himself.</p> - -<p>Had Lady Hamlet Vernon, by any incautious or -violent language, betrayed her own malignant feelings, -his eyes would have been at once unsealed;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_142" id="Page_142">[142]</a></span> -but all she said was so well adapted to effect what -she intended, to throw his mind into a sea of doubts, -and yet leave no suspicion of her intending to do so, -that he yielded, by degrees, an unwilling belief to -this sapping, undermining influence, so totally -destructive of his peace.</p> - -<p>While listening to discourse of this kind, their -conversation was interrupted by Lord Raynham's -addressing Lady Hamlet Vernon as he passed her, -putting some common-place question (to which, -however, he did not wait to hear an answer) about -the ensuing breakfast, and then he walked on, talking -to himself as usual.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon turned quickly to Lord -Albert, saying, "Of course you <i>must</i> be there!"</p> - -<p>He replied vaguely, apparently not knowing -what he was saying; and it was evident to Lady -Hamlet Vernon, that, for some reason or other, the -mention of the breakfast raised in his mind a perplexity -of thoughts, for he relapsed into an abstracted -mood, and became perfectly silent. She -was too wary to make any direct observation upon -this, and too much accustomed to the fluctuation of -his spirits not to know that they must be suffered -to ebb and flow without animadversion on her part, -if she desired to maintain her influence over him;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_143" id="Page_143">[143]</a></span> -but she determined secretly to trace the cause of -this sudden change to its source, and felt sure that -there was something connected with the breakfast -of higher interest to him than itself. She endeavoured -to regain his attention by turning her conversation -into other channels; but in vain: the -spell was on him, and soon afterwards he glided -from her side and left the assembly.</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore's party was prolonged to a -late hour, and when the people began to move, -a considerable time elapsed before they could -all depart. To dissipate the <i>ennui</i> of these last -moments, Lady Glenmore went to her piano-forte, -and, in that excitement of spirit which the incense -of flattery and the consciousness of worldly success -inspires, she sang in her very best manner and in -her most brilliant style, and was herself so absorbed -in the sweet sounds she made, that she perceived -not that the last of her visitors was gone, till, on -looking up, she beheld no one save Mr. Leslie -Winyard leaning over her chair. Abashed and -somewhat confused, she scarce knew why, Lady -Glenmore was about to rise, when Mr. Winyard -entreated her just to finish the romance. "It is -only two stanzas more," he said, in his most entreating -and persuasive tone. Fluttered, and not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_144" id="Page_144">[144]</a></span> -wishing to show she was so, she thought it better -to comply, and endeavour to recover herself while -singing. In this she succeeded to a certain degree; -and having sang the two stanzas he pleaded for, -she arose with an intention of immediately retiring, -when Mr. Leslie Winyard, who had always <i>l'apropos -du moment</i> at command, contrived again to -arrest her departure, by starting some question -which she could not avoid answering, and then -proceeding to further converse; while Lady Glenmore, -on her part, caught by the glitter of his wit, -was amused, and laughed in gaiety of spirit.</p> - -<p>This scene had continued fully half an hour -after every body had left the room, when Lord -Boileau, who had been one of the last to go away, -made his reappearance suddenly in the apartment -where they were sitting.</p> - -<p>"I beg you a thousand million of pardons, Lady -Glenmore; I am sadly afraid I—I have intruded. -I am vastly unfortunate; I must seem exceedingly -impolite; quite accidental, I assure you. The -truth is, my carriage did not arrive, and rather -than wait any longer in the room below, I ventured -to come up stairs again. You will, I trust, therefore, -pardon my reappearance. But, Winyard, if -your carriage is waiting, as I believe it has been<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_145" id="Page_145">[145]</a></span> -for some time, will you allow it to set me down, -and I will send it back immediately?"</p> - -<p>"Oh yes!" cried Leslie Winyard, "with the -greatest pleasure; by all means."—And Lord -Boileau turned to go away as he spoke. Lady -Glenmore happily, at the moment, felt the awkwardness -of her situation, and had sufficient presence -of mind to say, "Stop, Lord Boileau, I beg. -Mr. Leslie Winyard, I must make my adieus, and wish -you good night. I am afraid you will find it dull -waiting alone till Lord Boileau's carriage returns." -She said this with a determination of manner which -sufficiently proved to Mr. Leslie Winyard that he -ought to depart, and not press matters further at -that time. He bowed, therefore, and whispering -something in her ear with an appearance of familiarity, -reluctantly took his leave.</p> - -<p>As he joined Lord Boileau on the staircase, -the latter said to him, in a low tone, "You will -never forgive me, Winyard, I fear, for this interruption; -but how very cleverly the Glenmore -turned it off! I give her great credit for her -address."</p> - -<p>Leslie Winyard made no answer, but smiled -complacently, and in a manner that left little<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_146" id="Page_146">[146]</a></span> -doubt of the innuendo which he wished his silence -to convey; while he inwardly triumphed in the -assurance, that he had in Lord Boileau a willing -witness and ready herald of all he could wish to be -believed.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_147" id="Page_147">[147]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER VII.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">THE TICKET.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> allusion made by Lord Albert D'Esterre on -the preceding evening to the <i>fête</i> at Avington -Park, his excuses and explanations on the subject -of the ticket, together with Lady Dunmelraise's -doubtful mode of receiving them, were circumstances -not lost on Mr. Foley; and the hope that -he might not only please Lady Adeline by the attention, -but also, in the event of his success, tacitly -throw suspicion on Lord Albert's sincerity, determined -him on endeavouring to procure her, himself, -a ticket for the <i>fête</i>.</p> - -<p>Consequently, at an early hour the following -morning, he sought Lady Hamlet Vernon, to request -her assistance in the accomplishment of his -wishes. The latter possessed too much penetration -not to see, in Mr. Foley's anxiety, an elucidation -of the disquiet and uneasiness betrayed by Lord -Albert D'Esterre when the subject of the breakfast -had been accidentally alluded to at Lady Glenmore's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_148" id="Page_148">[148]</a></span> -by Lord Raynham; and imagined that she -perceived, at once, a point where her own wishes -might be advanced, at the same time that she appeared -attending only to those of the friend who -now applied to her. If it was clear to Lady Hamlet -Vernon that some misunderstanding, some unpleasant -feeling, had existed in Lord Albert's mind, -connected with the subject, no better or surer index -of it could be found, than in the eager and -pressing solicitude displayed on the same point by -the person whom she had herself principally influenced -in the attempt to become his rival; and to -procure the ticket so much wished for (if a possibility -of doing so remained) was therefore the -immediate conclusion in Lady Hamlet Vernon's -mind.</p> - -<p>In individuals similarly constituted, an explanation -of sentiment, or even of design, is not always -requisite; an intuitive principle seems to guide to -the same point, and directs them generally to the -use of the same means; and no interpretation of his -wishes was necessary on the part of Mr. Foley, in -the present instance, to ensure him the earnest -co-operation of Lady Hamlet Vernon. The conversation -which had passed on a former occasion -between them, on the subject of Lord Albert<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_149" id="Page_149">[149]</a></span> -D'Esterre's engagement with Lady Adeline, and -the result hinted at of Mr. Foley's probable success, -if disposed to hazard his suit, was alone sufficient -to produce an understanding throughout all -future manœuvres in the proceeding, and without -a word passing to that effect: therefore, on the occasion -in question, Mr. Foley felt that he left his -application in Lady Hamlet Vernon's hands with -a well-founded assurance of its accomplishment, as -far, at least, as her exertions could promote such an -issue.</p> - -<p>In a few hours the ticket was procured and transmitted. -On receiving it, Mr. Foley proceeded, with -a feeling approaching to triumph, to South Audley-street; -and in presenting it to Lady Dunmelraise, -said something about his happiness in offering what -he thought would be agreeable to Lady Adeline, -and his hope that some other opportunity would -afford itself of proving that her wishes were always -laws to him; at the same time, to enhance his air -of importance, throwing out hints (as if carelessly) -respecting the small number of persons who were -to constitute the <i>fête</i>, and the peculiarities attending -its management, all which insinuated the distinction -attached to such as were amongst the -<i>prièes</i>. Lady Dunmelraise looked expressively at<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_150" id="Page_150">[150]</a></span> -her daughter, as she held the ticket in her hand; -as though she would have said, Lord Albert could -not procure one; and Lady Adeline, who had sat -like a statue, not daring to trust herself to speak, -lest she should betray her feelings, now felt -this silent appeal too much for endurance, and -sought her chamber, there to indulge in an unrepressed -burst of sorrow. "Yes," she cried, -in broken utterance, as sobs choked her voice; -"yes, he is faithless, perfidious, and I—I am -wretched."</p> - -<p>While Lady Adeline gave way to this natural -transport of wounded feeling, her mother guessed -too well what her poor child was suffering, and -though she suffered with her, yet she could, in -the comparative calmness of <i>her</i> regret, consider -how it was best to act; and Lady Dunmelraise -determined on the propriety and expediency of -Adeline going to the breakfast. She therefore -continued to converse with Mr. Foley, in order -to settle all the necessary arrangements, saying,</p> - -<p>"But by whom is Adeline to be <i>chaperoned</i>? -There do not seem to be many of our acquaintance -going, unless, indeed, Lady Borrowdaile, Lady -Aveling, or Lady Feuillemorte; yet she would, I -think, prefer Lady Aveling."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_151" id="Page_151">[151]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Pardon me," rejoined Mr. Foley; "none of -those ladies are invited."</p> - -<p>"Indeed! you astonish me! But the Duchess -D'Hermanton; she, at least, cannot be left out?"</p> - -<p>"Her grace's name, I know, is not on the list," -replied Mr. Foley.</p> - -<p>"That is astonishing! Which of the nobility, -then, now in London, are to be of this party?"</p> - -<p>"Those," answered Mr. Foley, "who are of the -<i>scelta</i>."</p> - -<p>"And pray who are those?" He named the -Boileaus, De Cheres, Tenderdens, Tilneys, Leinsengens, -&c. &c. Lady Dunmelraise smiled, and -then looked rather grave.</p> - -<p>"This would be laughable," she said, "if it -were not melancholy to think, that people can suffer -themselves to be so led away by a love of false distinction, -as to attempt to set aside all that is truly -good and great, and to impose laws and rules upon -society, whose general tendency cannot be productive -of any real advantage, but the reverse." Mr. -Foley affected to agree with her in part, but said, -"There was always, at all times, something of the -same sort existing. It was a species of excrescence," -he said, "which grew out of the plethora of the -London world. It might be dangerous for some;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_152" id="Page_152">[152]</a></span> -but for Lady Adeline—he conceived she might look -at its folly, and <i>effleuré</i> the charm of its novelty and -splendour, without the least danger."</p> - -<p>"It is from this persuasion," rejoined Lady -Dunmelraise, "that I can augur no harm in her -attending the breakfast, although I should be sorry -to see her always forming a component part of such -a society. But whom can she accompany on the -present occasion? Is Lady Louisa Blithewaite -going?"</p> - -<p>"She is: as a sister of the Duke of Mercington's, -she has been admitted."</p> - -<p>"That will do," said Lady Dunmelraise. "She -is the very person under whose care I should like -my Adeline to be placed. I will write to her -directly." Mr. Foley, who began to fear that after -all he should not carry his point, was now delighted; -and he took leave of Lady Dunmelraise, well pleased -with the prospect of his success. When Lady -Dunmelraise had despatched her note to Lady -Louisa Blithewaite, she sought Lady Adeline in her -chamber, whom she found in some measure calm -and composed.</p> - -<p>"You see how it is, my dearest child; but your -painful task will soon be over, I trust. It is suspense -only that is not to be borne, since it prevents<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_153" id="Page_153">[153]</a></span> -the mind from resting on any one point, or coming -to any conclusion; and it is for this very reason, -my loved Adeline, that I wish you to summon -resolution and attend the breakfast. It is right -Lord Albert should know that we are aware of the -idle subterfuge he wished to palm upon our belief; -and it is well, too, for your future peace, that you -should so convince yourself of his dereliction of all -honourable principle, that you will not in any after-moment -fancy that you have forfeited all happiness -in losing him." By these and similar reasonings -and persuasions, Lady Dunmelraise convinced her -daughter that she ought to comply with her wishes, -and prepare to meet this painful trial. Having, -therefore, given way to the infirmity of human -weakness only so far as that indulgence was necessary -to a recovery of self-management, Lady Adeline -rallied her powers of mental control; and with -that steady serenity and determination of character -which proceeds from one only source, and which -bears up those who act upon its influence through -all the storms of life, she acceded to whatever Lady -Dunmelraise required of her.</p> - -<p>In the course of that day, Lord Albert called in -South Audley-street; but neither Lady Adeline -nor her mother were at home. In the distempered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_154" id="Page_154">[154]</a></span> -state of his mind, he thought he had been denied, -and in this idea he was almost confirmed by seeing -Mr. Foley leave the house a few moments after he -had ridden from the door; though, in fact, this was -not the case, the latter having merely gone into -the drawing-room a short time before Lord Albert -called, to leave a note explanatory of some points -respecting the hour of going to the <i>fête</i>, &c. &c. -and which Lady Dunmelraise had requested him -to ascertain. The effect, however, produced upon -Lord Albert's imagination was the same as if the -fact had been so; and in this effervescence of mind -he directed his horse's head, with a feeling of something -like habit, towards Lady Hamlet Vernon's.</p> - -<p>When the heart is bruised, and the understanding -perplexed, it is astonishing to think how the -strongest minds turn to lean on some one being -whom they deem willing to soothe and share in their -feelings; and if it is a weakness, it is one so linked -to all the best parts of our nature, that there would -be no advantage gained by exchanging it for that -cold hardness of self-sufficiency, to which some -persons lay claim as affording them a superiority -over their fellow-creatures. Such was certainly -not Lord Albert's case. Whatever he might or -might not confess to himself, it was with a worn-out<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_155" id="Page_155">[155]</a></span> -spirit that he sought Lady Hamlet Vernon; -and on hearing that she was at home, he threw himself -off his horse, and hastened into her presence. -Although she was too well skilled in reading the -human heart, not to be aware that she owed this -visit rather to his displeasure in other quarters, -than from a spontaneous wish to enjoy her society, -yet she received him, as she always did, with those -gentle smiles which captivate the heart, and which -is the temper ever sought for and expected in -woman.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon knew that the general -selfishness of man seeks only the reflection of his -own sensations from the sympathy of women; -and that whatever cause a woman may have of -pain or pleasure, it is <i>his</i> feelings, and not her -own, which she must consult, soothe, and influence; -and that, in short, when she ceases to be his sunshine, -he ceases to court her influence.</p> - -<p>It was acting under this conviction, which made -Lady Hamlet Vernon, with infallible delicacy and -truth of tact, neither seem to search into secrets -which Lord Albert did not choose to reveal, nor -yet appear carelessly ignorant of the melancholy -restlessness by which she saw him affected; but -alternately she soothed, flattered, and sympathized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_156" id="Page_156">[156]</a></span> -in all he said, till at last she succeeded, for the time -being, in reconciling him with himself, and in a -great measure allaying the irritation of those various -feelings which almost distracted him when -he first entered her apartment.</p> - -<p>Before he took his leave, it was finally arranged -between them, that he should accompany her to -the <i>fête</i> the next day, if he could leave Downing-street -in time; and if he could not, he would, he -said, meet her at Avington Park, and go there -with Lord Glenmore, who, in the event of his -being detained, would be detained also.</p> - -<p>While thus variously agitated had been the -feelings of some, whose hearts, by circumstances, had -become interested in this idle <i>fête</i>, the principal -movers in it, in <i>their</i> way, were not less anxious for -its success and brilliancy. For the preservation -of its exclusive and chosen character, and the -arrangement of all its endless detail of luxury, -each member of the <i>société choisie</i> was more or -less busy and <i>affairé</i>. Lady Tilney, with her -usual activity, was the first in her exertions; -driving to the houses of all connected with the -arrangements, examining into every minute particular, -and, above all, guarding against the possibility -of any persons whose name was not on her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_157" id="Page_157">[157]</a></span> -list creeping in through the weakness of some -member of the committee, who, in a moment of unallowed -natural feeling, might have invited a sister, -or a mother, or a brother, who were from a class -<i>without the pale</i>.</p> - -<p>At Lady Ellersby's she met Lady Tenderden, -and the Countess Leinsengen, and Lady De Chere, -and Lord Boileau, who came in, as though by -chance, one after the other, each saying, in different -words, the same thing.</p> - -<p>"How fortunate I am to have met you! I wished -to know at what hour you are to go to Avington -Park to-morrow;" and all applied to Lady Tilney. -She named three o'clock.</p> - -<p>"La!" cried Lady Ellersby, "I shall not have -awoke from my first sleep at that hour: surely -four o'clock is quite time enough."</p> - -<p>"<i>I</i> shall not go till den," cried the Comtesse -Leinsengen. "One has always enough of dose tings -dat last for ever. Breakfast, dinner, supper, and -den breakfast again, before one gets away."</p> - -<p>"Oh! but you know," replied Lady Tenderden, -"dis <i>fête</i>, my dear comtesse, is not like any other; -dere will be no one dere but ourselves, our own -<i>société</i>; and dere are so many pleasant tings to be -done,—going on de water, walking about, and de -<i>loterie</i>; one would not choose to lose dat."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_158" id="Page_158">[158]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh! certainly not," exclaimed Lady Boileau. -"I am told there are to be some exceedingly magnificent -things. Lord Albert D'Esterre has bought -some really fine jewels."</p> - -<p>"Perhaps so," said Lady De Chere in her blunt -way; "but we all know <i>who</i> will have these: the -chances are wisely ordained <i>beforehand</i>."</p> - -<p>"Have you got your <i>billet de loterie</i>?" asked -the Comtesse Leinsengen of the speaker.</p> - -<p>"No," replied Lady De Chere with an air of -pique, "but I <i>am</i> to have one."</p> - -<p>"Certainly," rejoined Lady Tilney, who read -the Comtesse's intended triumph; and who chose to -show her, on many occasions, that if any one had -a right to tyrannize it was herself, or that at least, -if such a thing were attempted, it should be <i>à qui -mieux mieux</i>.</p> - -<p>"Certainly, Lady Boileau, there will be a -lottery ticket for <i>you</i>, and all the <i>other</i> ladies; at -least, I shall conceive it exceedingly wrong indeed -if there is not. But should there be any mistake, -depend upon <i>my</i> rectifying it. And now, ladies," -she continued, addressing them generally, "there -is one point we have not touched upon—our -costume."</p> - -<p>"Oh! <i>demi-toilette</i>, of course," exclaimed Lady -Tenderden.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_159" id="Page_159">[159]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Of course," echoed Lady Tilney, afraid lest -it should be thought that she had asked the question -with a view to arrange her own dress according -to her friends' dictation: "but I meant, should -we have a <i>change</i> of dress for the evening?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! what a trouble!" said Lady Ellersby.</p> - -<p>"Yes, my dear; but you know, after walking -about all day, our dress will not look fresh for -the evening," said Lady Boileau. "However, I -am told, that among other <i>galanteries</i> our cavaliers -have engaged a certain number of milliners, -to be in attendance with every kind of -decoration, so that we need think little on that -point."</p> - -<p>"No, really!" cried Lady Ellersby, with something -more than her usual animation: "that is -well imagined."</p> - -<p>"And I will tell you," said Lady Tenderden, -"what is the prettiest ting of all, de best imagined -possible,—every lady is to have her cipher -formed of her chosen flower. As to me, I shall be -like Louis de Fourteenth's favourite, and am to -have <i>un salon tout tapissé de jonquilles</i>. After all -is said, dere is nobody but the French dat know -what it is to be gallant. And now, <i>mes chères -dames</i>, I must depart. If any thing occurs,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_160" id="Page_160">[160]</a></span> -any change takes place, you will let me know. -You have all settled your parties for going, -of course: mine has been long arranged wid -de Glenmores and Mr. Leslie Winyard. Adieu, -adieu!"</p> - -<p>"Of course," said the Comtesse Leinsengen: -"mi ladi need not to have taken de pains to inform -us on dat subject."</p> - -<p>"I think," said Lady Tilney, "considering -that this party is made expressly by <i>us</i>, and is -quite a thing apart, that she might have passed -over for once her tiresome preference of every -thing French. But she is always making out that -it is the French alone who do every thing in perfection; -and that is exceedingly impolite, to say -the least of it."</p> - -<p>"Very true," added Lady De Chere; "and considering -that she is what she is by having married -an Englishman, <i>c'est un peu fort</i>."</p> - -<p>"But," said Lady Tilney, breaking abruptly -off, "I must say adieu. <i>Chère</i> Lady Ellersby, -adieu! Remember! three o'clock, at the latest, to-morrow. -And we positively can allow no more -tickets. No persuasions or entreaties must be suffered -to prevail. The affair is finished. I have put -my veto on the D'Hermanton," she added, turning<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_161" id="Page_161">[161]</a></span> -round as she approached the door: "that would -have been too much."</p> - -<p>"I wonder," said Lady Ellersby, as Lady Tilney -left the room, "that she is not dead with fatigue. -Surely never any body did so much."</p> - -<p>"To so little purpose," said the Comtesse Leinsengen -sharply; "for, after all, de public of your nation -are a great deal too <i>revêche</i> to let any one person -lead dem about <i>à droite et à gauche</i>. Much better -it is to cut de matter short, to have one's own <i>société</i>, -and never care what any body says or does -or tinks. Please oneself one's own way, dat is de -true liberty. But dat ladi has so <i>many fire-irons</i> -all going at once, some of dem must fail, and -den she is out of humour."</p> - -<p>There was a general smile at what the comtesse -had said; and they all enjoyed hearing Lady -Tilney found fault with, though no one exactly -chose to be the person who should hazard such an -opinion.</p> - -<p>"Ah! comtesse," observed Lady Boileau, "you -are the most amusing person in the world."</p> - -<p>"<i>Seulement parce que je suis la plus franche</i>," -she replied; and kissing her hand to Lady Ellersby, -glided out of the room.</p> - -<p>"If she had said <i>brusque</i>, instead of <i>franche</i>,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_162" id="Page_162">[162]</a></span>" -cried Lady De Chere, "she would have been -nearer the truth."</p> - -<p>"Eh, eh, eh!" laughed Lady Ellersby, as she -observed, "Perhaps so; but it is like smelling -salts to hear her remarks; and really I do not -know what I should do without something pungent -now and then to keep me awake."</p> - -<p>"Besides," rejoined Lady Boileau, "we have -all our own particular meanings for particular -phrases; and Comtesse Leinsengen is not the only -person who gives her own meaning to a phrase which, -in its general acceptation, is of quite a different -import. Don't you agree with me, Lady De -Chere?"</p> - -<p>"May be so. But in as far as regards myself, I -always mean what I say, though I do not say -always all that I mean. But we are quite philosophical, -and I have no time for disquisitions; -so, fair ladies, good day, and may to-morrow be -propitious for hats, caps, and <i>falbalas</i>. In that -we are all agreed. Farewell!" And she departed.</p> - -<p>"My dear Lady Ellersby," said Lady Boileau, -approaching her in a voice of earnest entreaty, "do -not let Lady Tilney forget my lottery-ticket; for, -after all, you know, one likes to have a <i>chance</i> of -the fine things."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_163" id="Page_163">[163]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Oh yes! <span class="smcap">ONE</span> does. I will not forget. Trust to -me."</p> - -<p>"You are always <i>so</i> good-humoured! Adieu, -then, <i>till</i> to-morrow! I know you will not forget -me."</p> - -<p>"Not if you can prevent it," said Lady Ellersby -to herself, as she closed the door, and rose to ring -her bell. "Send Fanchon to me." And when -Fanchon, the maid, obeyed the summons, her -mistress said, "I am half dead with the clamour -of those dear friends of mine. Put my <i>roquelaure</i> -over me, and let me sleep. See that I be not disturbed. -How loud they did all talk!"</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_164" id="Page_164">[164]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER VIII.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">THE BREAKFAST.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Every</span> one has felt, some time or other, that -when the first warmth of indignation against a -loved object begins to cool, the recollection of a -thousand tender reminiscences comes floating in to -soften and subdue resentment; and that many an -ebb and flow of fondness must take place before -the deep trace of love is washed from our remembrance. -Thus it was with Lady Adeline: there -was a lurking weakness in her heart (if the tenacity -of true love can he called a weakness), which made -her loath to cast Lord Albert thence, even if he -<i>were</i> guilty, for the moment, of deserting her.</p> - -<p>Even in that case she thought he might be reclaimed. -It was difficult, it was impossible, to -fathom the heart: who had a right to do so? and -with these thoughts she condemned herself as -wrong and precipitate in her judgment. The best, -she conceived, that remained for her to do, under -her present painful circumstances, would be to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_165" id="Page_165">[165]</a></span> -retire to the country, and await there the issue of -his determination; but not to brave him. Under -the impression of these feelings, she lamented -having yielded her consent to be present at the -breakfast.</p> - -<p>"If I am to see him there," she exclaimed inwardly, -"devoted to another, what good end will -it answer thus to add anguish to anguish? And, -at all events, Albert will think better of me if I -avoid his presence, and, by so doing, show how -much I feel, and how little I am desirous of prying -into his conduct."</p> - -<p>Lady Dunmelraise soon saw that such were the -feelings of her daughter, when, in the course of -the day, a recurrence was made to the subject of -the breakfast; and it was with pleasure that she -received a visit from her sister, Lady Delamere, in -the evening, from the hope that her persuasions, -joined to those which she had already availed herself -of, might have additional weight with Lady -Adeline.</p> - -<p>Many concurring circumstances had led both -Lady Dunmelraise and Lady Delamere to the conviction -that Lord Albert was wholly undeserving of -such a treasure, and induced the suspicion that -he perhaps enjoyed the consciousness of being<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_166" id="Page_166">[166]</a></span> -beloved by her daughter, while, at the same time, -he played with her feelings, and sacrificed them -remorselessly at the shrine of his own vanity. To -impress their opinions upon her Adeline's mind, -Lady Dunmelraise conceived to be absolutely necessary, -with a view to wean her from her strong -attachment: and so convinced was she of the necessity -of this measure, in order to restore Lady -Adeline to any thing like happiness, that much -as it pained Lady Dunmelraise to make her herself -the witness of Lord Albert's desertion and insincerity, -yet she felt convinced that to do so would be -at once the kindest and most effectual measure.</p> - -<p>In this she was confirmed by Lady Delamere; -and with all the persuasion of affection, and all the -force of truth, they both represented the matter in -so strong a light to Lady Adeline, that she yielded -her feelings to their direction, saying,</p> - -<p>"Well, dearest mamma and dearest aunt, make -of me what you will, do with me as you choose; but -remember I am a poor automaton that can no -longer act or think for itself. I feel crushed, withered, -wretched, unable to do any thing but yield -a passive obedience. In that I know I am fulfilling -my duty; and if I live, that thought must bring -peace in its train."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_167" id="Page_167">[167]</a></span></p> - -<p>"<i>If</i> you live!" exclaimed Lady Dunmelraise, -shuddering, as she looked earnestly at her altered -countenance. "Dearest child! talk not thus:" and -as she pressed her to her breast, she felt that she -must evermore consider Lord Albert as the destroyer -of her child's happiness. At an early hour -that evening, Lady Adeline retired to rest; and -worn out with the agitation of the day, yet calmed -by the secret sense of satisfaction which a fulfilment -of duty and obedience to a loved and loving parent -never fails to produce, she fell into that sweet, child-like -sleep of innocence which is the balm of peace.</p> - -<p>The morning came in lowering, and a few heavy -drops of rain seemed to announce the impending -overthrow of the splendour of the <i>fête</i>; but about -midday the dark clouds broke away, and the sun -came out clear and bright, giving assurance of fair -weather. By three o'clock, the park, and the squares -and streets in its immediate vicinity, presented a gay -sight in the splendid equipages that were waiting at -the doors, or driving to the destined scene of the -rendezvous. Lady Adeline had suffered herself to -be attired in the dress her mother had prepared -for her, which was well adapted for the hour and -scene, and at once splendid, yet chastely beautiful: -and as something of the natural weakness of youth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_168" id="Page_168">[168]</a></span> -and vanity found a brief place even in the breast -of the ingenuous Adeline, a consciousness of her -charms stole over her, as she cast a rapid glance at -her person reflected in her mirror, and she thought -with a feeling of something like renovated hope and -pleasure; "He may not deem me so beneath his -attention." And then again a quick return of reflection -made her sigh; remembering how valueless -the affection is, how undeserving the name, which -depends alone on personal charms. But still a -secret hope remained, that if she could once again -attract his regards, she might find the way to retain -them on a sure foundation.</p> - -<p>As this hope, in despite of reason, took possession -of her heart, it tinged her cheek with a brighter hue, -and gave an animation to her whole appearance -which even deceived those who loved her most. -There was a feeling of exultation in Lady Dunmelraise's -breast, as she gazed delightedly on this -dear object of her solicitude; for conscious that -the gem within was as precious as the fair casket in -which it was enshrined, she thought that Lord Albert -little knew his own true interests in exchanging -such a pearl of price for common merchandise; and -she was right.</p> - -<p>When Lady Adeline arrived at Lady Louisa<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_169" id="Page_169">[169]</a></span> -Blithewaite's, she found a party assembled there, -amongst whom were the Duke of Mercington and -Mr. Foley. The former was exceedingly struck -with her appearance, and manifested his admiration -in a way not to be overlooked or misunderstood, at -the same time with all that delicacy which was due -to the person by whom it was excited. Lady -Louisa Blithewaite received her with marks of the -greatest interest; and relieved the embarrassment -she felt on perceiving herself the object of general -remark, by entering immediately into discourse -with her on various subjects connected with the -immediate object of their meeting.</p> - -<p>As soon as the first awkwardness was passed, Lady -Adeline recovered her presence of mind, and joined -in the conversation with that natural yet cultivated -understanding which is felt in touching on the most -trivial topics, as well as in discussing the most serious -ones, and never fails to win admiration and -respect. Mr. Foley hovered around her, sometimes -leaning on the back of her chair, and affecting to -speak to her with the familiarity of intimacy; -alluding to times and circumstances of which the -present company were ignorant, and endeavouring, -by this conduct, to wear the appearance of being an -<i>attaché</i> of Lady Adeline's. But as she did not<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_170" id="Page_170">[170]</a></span> -share in this intention, and her conversation being -directed equally to the different persons around, his -attempt was a failure.</p> - -<p>It was impossible, at the present moment, but that -Lady Adeline's mind should be taken off from herself; -and the bustle of arranging how the parties -should go, together with the constant and varied -homage she received from all present, but particularly -from the Duke of Mercington, which could -not fail of being for the time gratifying, all combined -to produce that species of excitement which -diffused an animation and lustre over her features -and manners altogether magical.</p> - -<p>After much disquisition, it was finally arranged, -that the Duke of Mercington should accompany -his sister and Lady Adeline in the same carriage; -and Mr. Foley, with evident mortification, was -obliged to attend another party. Nobody knew -better than the duke how to render himself agreeable -when he chose it. There was a bland sunshine -on his countenance, and a kindness in his manner, -which was a key to all hearts; and on the present -occasion he felt irresistibly impelled to endeavour -to please. Every word Lady Adeline spoke during -the drive, though her words were not many, and -not directed to any subject on which the stronger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_171" id="Page_171">[171]</a></span> -qualities of her mind could be called into exercise, -had yet so much originality in them, from that -perfect nature, unobscured by the factitious ways -of the world, which makes even the most trite and -common things appear in a new light, that the -duke whispered to his sister, when they arrived at -Avington Priory, "She is perfection. I never met -with such grace of mind."</p> - -<p>On entering the gay, enchanted scene of the -breakfast, all eyes were directed towards Lady -Adeline; and as the duke walked between her and -his sister, the envious whisper ran round, "Who is -she? Who invited her? How very odd she should -be here!" but none durst openly find fault with -one whom the Duke of Mercington protected and -countenanced. Lord Gascoigne observed, as they -walked in,</p> - -<p>"So at last he is caught," to which Lord Baskerville -maliciously replied, "He may be caught—hem! -but there are two words to that bargain—a-hem! -For my part, I would rather be the -cobbler at the corner of the street, who knows his -stall's his own, than be in the questionable position -of any man, however great. I do not envy him—hem!"</p> - -<p>Mr. Foley continued to take every opportunity<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_172" id="Page_172">[172]</a></span> -of affecting intimacy with Lady Adeline; addressing -her at every moment, asking her opinion -of the <i>fête</i>, of the arrangement, of the scene; and -then passed to observations upon the <i>superior</i> beauty -of Dunmelraise, and the happiness of riding with her -about that wild scenery: to all of which she replied -naturally, saying,</p> - -<p>"They were perfectly different, and admitted of -no comparison."</p> - -<p>In this manner he endeavoured to create an appearance -of greater intimacy than belonged to common -acquaintance; and then requested her, if disengaged, -to dance the first cotillon with him.</p> - -<p>To this she agreed. But, in the meantime, the -Duke of Mercington, who had, with one of his <i>engouements</i>, -selected Lady Adeline as his favourite of the -day, and therefore considered every other person's approach -an intrusion, being annoyed by Mr. Foley's -constant interruption of the conversation, proposed -to his sister and Lady Adeline, and their party, to -go on the water. Although the duke could not -without positive rudeness exclude Mr. Foley as -they entered the boat, yet, by taking a seat on one -side of Lady Adeline, and placing his sister on the -left, he secured something like a conversation <i>suivie</i>, -which he could not otherwise have done.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_173" id="Page_173">[173]</a></span></p> - -<p>As they were embarking, the same junto of young -men who had made their remarks on the duke's -party when he entered, now stood by the lake; for -the same system observed in Hyde Park, of arranging -themselves in line wherever there were -women, in order, as Leslie Winyard said, <i>pour se -laisser admirer</i>, was adhered to on the present occasion. -"His grace," said Lord Baskerville, "seems -to be really <i>épris</i>, and to be meditating matrimony."</p> - -<p>"Who is she?" again questioned Lord Gascoigne. -"She must be something quite new, for I never saw -her before."</p> - -<p>"Oh! she, you know," replied Lord Baskerville, -who always affected to know every body's story, -"she is the girl that Lord Albert D'Esterre was said -to be engaged to, but who broke off the engagement -from some reason or other; probably because she -had no intention of marrying a field-preacher."</p> - -<p>"It would have been a confounded pity if she -had," growled Lord Tonnerre. "She is a very -beautiful creature. I should not care if I married -her myself."</p> - -<p>"How very gallant you are become, Tonnerre," -said Lord Boileau. "But, Baskerville, you forget, -in passing sentence on Lord Albert, that he is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_174" id="Page_174">[174]</a></span> -become one of <i>us</i>, has cast his slough, and come out -with a new skin."</p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Lord Gascoigne, "thanks to -Lady Hamlet Vernon, he has found out <i>que le -diable n'est pas si noir</i>."</p> - -<p>"I don't care," said Lord Baskerville, "what -he has found out; but I have found out that he is -very disagreeable, and I never wish to have him in -my society—hem!"</p> - -<p>"Pardon me," said Lord Gascoigne, "I think -you are too severe to-day, Basky. The man is well -enough; mighty polite; makes a good bow; and -is well received by the ladies."</p> - -<p>"Upon my word," observed Lord Tonnerre, -"the women, now-a-days, are all gone mad, I think, -upon my word. I'd keep those under my care, at -least, in good order. One must have a tight hand -upon the best of them." At that moment, Lady Tenderden -and Lady Glenmore arrived, escorted by -Mr. Leslie Winyard and two or three other young -men. Every body crowded round Lady Glenmore -to pay her their court; hoped she admired -the <i>fête</i> and the decorations: to all which she replied -in the affirmative with childish gaiety and -delight.</p> - -<p>"But you have not seen the bower, the beautiful<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_175" id="Page_175">[175]</a></span> -bower," said Lord Gascoigne; "allow me to -conduct you thither."</p> - -<p>"Oh! but first come and see my alcove <i>tout -tapissé de jonquilles</i>;" and they passed on, Lady -Glenmore continuing to lean on Mr. Leslie Winyard's -arm, and tacitly rejecting the offer of Lord -Gascoigne, in that hurry of pleasure which leaves -no capability for real enjoyment.</p> - -<p>"Well," said Lord Baskerville, looking after -Lady Glenmore, "I am of the same opinion still. -There is a sort of rude health and vulgar jollity -about that Lady Glenmore, hem! which she will -never get rid of. I wonder how Leslie Winyard -can waste his time in that quarter."</p> - -<p>"He does not <i>waste</i> it, I can assure you," said -Lord Boileau significantly. "Remind me, Basky, -to tell you a good story, of the truth of which I -myself am a witness. It happened on the night of -<i>la petite</i> Georgina's party. I never looked so -foolish in my life. I shall never forget it."</p> - -<p>"But the odd thing is," interrupted Lord Gascoigne, -"that Glenmore, who set out by being the -most tenacious husband imaginable, is as quiet as a -mouse about it. How can you account for this, -Tonnerre? Do you think apathy is one of the -fruits of marriage?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_176" id="Page_176">[176]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Why do you ask me the question, who have -never tried? But this I am certain of; I would keep -my wife in order, if I were married to-morrow. -You had better ask Glenmore himself."</p> - -<p>"So I will," said Lord Gascoigne, turning on -his heel. "I will go look for him for the purpose."</p> - -<p>"What a cool hand Gascoigne is!" observed -Lord Boileau, addressing Lord Baskerville. "I -would give the world to be like him."</p> - -<p>"It might suit <i>you</i>."</p> - -<p>"<i>Ehew!</i>" replied the latter, "but it wouldn't -me;" and he walked slowly away to join the -Comtesse Leinsengen.</p> - -<p>It was by this time pretty late in the afternoon, -and the various persons were beginning to draw together -with a view to making up their dinner -<i>coteries</i>. Lord Albert and Lord Glenmore had -been prevented, as they anticipated they should, -from setting out early by business. The former -had in consequence despatched a note to Lady -Hamlet Vernon, to let her know of his being detained -beyond the hour she had named for going -to Avington Priory, but saying he would join -her there; and this had determined her to excuse -herself from accompanying Lady Glenmore's party,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_177" id="Page_177">[177]</a></span> -with whom she was to have gone; for, well aware -of all the circumstances attendant on Lady Adeline's -being present at the breakfast, she was particularly -anxious to appear there herself accompanied -by Lord Albert D'Esterre.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon, therefore, ordered her -carriage a short time before the hour named by -Lord Albert for his departure; and having driven -slowly towards Avington Priory, she calculated the -time so exactly, that Lord Glenmore and Lord -Albert overtook her on the road. They kissed -their hands to her as they passed, and she thought -that Lord Albert looked pleased in the idea that -she might have waited for him. Their carriages -entered the gates of the Priory together; and -having alighted, Lady Hamlet Vernon took the -offered arms of Lord Albert and Lord Glenmore, -and they proceeded in quest of Lady Glenmore -and her party, making inquiries, as they went, of -every one if they had seen her. Some said she -was here, some there; and Lord Gascoigne, who -now approached, observed, that he had seen her -last with Lady Tenderden, Leslie Winyard, Raynham, -Frank Ombre, &c. going towards Rosamond's -Bower. "But," continued he, "if one really -wants to find any body in a crowd, the way is, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_178" id="Page_178">[178]</a></span> -sit down in one place. My advice, therefore, is -tranquilly to await their repassing; and you will -have time enough to see the lions afterwards." As -he concluded this speech, he turned round to -Spencer Newcombe, and whispered in his ear, "I -think Winyard owes me one for this."</p> - -<p>"Oh! a hundred, I should say; for</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">'Quand on est jeune, et gentillette,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">On ne va pas au bois, fillette,<br /></span> -<span class="i1">On ne va pas au bois pour rien.'"<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon, however, on this occasion, -rather wished to see than be seen, and deemed it -more agreeable to walk about leaning upon Lord -Albert D'Esterre's arm, and therefore replied, "I -have not patience to sit still; let us rather have -the amusement of looking for Lady Glenmore;" -and as she spoke, they moved on.</p> - -<p>"That affair goes on well," remarked Lord -Gascoigne, as his eye followed Lord Albert and -Lady Hamlet Vernon.</p> - -<p>"Yes," said Mr. Spencer Newcombe, "she is -a clever woman; <i>elle pique ses attachés</i>. I give her -credit for having angled so dexterously. A little -while, and D'Esterre will be well landed."</p> - -<p>While these persons thus passed their kindly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_179" id="Page_179">[179]</a></span> -comments, Lord Albert, Lord Glenmore, and Lady -Hamlet Vernon walked about the gardens, and after -a search of some time found Lady Tenderden, Lady -Glenmore, and their party, who were laughing and -talking gaily in the alcove <i>tapissé de jonquilles</i>. -Mr. Leslie Winyard was playing with one of the -long ribands that pended from Lady Glenmore's -hat, and she seemed listening complacently to his -conversation. The moment, however, that she beheld -Lord Glenmore, she darted towards him, her -face beaming with pleasure, and passing her arm -through his, and looking up fondly in his face, said -something in a low voice, to which he replied with -answering tenderness; and as she continued to hang -upon his arm, expressing her admiration of the -<i>fête</i>, he appeared to enter into her delight, and to -be as much amused as herself.</p> - -<p>"What perfection of duplicity!" whispered Lord -Boileau to Lord Tonnerre, as they entered the -alcove together, and witnessed this meeting.</p> - -<p>"And what a wide swallow <i>he</i> has," replied the -other; while Mr. Leslie Winyard, mortified at the -interruption which Lord Glenmore's arrival had occasioned, -but at the same time too much master of his -art to evince his <i>real</i> feeling, endeavoured to show -himself satisfied with the semblance of a secret understanding<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_180" id="Page_180">[180]</a></span> -between himself and Lady Glenmore -as to her conduct towards her husband.</p> - -<p>"What perfection of duplicity!" repeated Lord -Boileau, as he observed what passed, and as Mr. -Winyard, approaching Lord Glenmore, addressed -him in easy, familiar terms, making himself appear to -be, as in all similar cases, and <i>selon tous les règles depuis -tous les temps, l'ami de la maison</i>, and equally -necessary to both parties. The whole scene did not -pass unobserved by Lord Albert, who recollected -what observations had been made before, by some -of the same party, on Lady Glenmore at the drawing-room; -and he felt he despised those who could thus -lightly tamper with the honour of the man whose -notice they courted, whose society they affected to -like, and to whose intimacy they endeavoured to -aspire. But it was a subject on which he could only -think. Miserably, our best friends are frequently -precluded, from circumstances, from being of the -least use to us.</p> - -<p>After a short interval, passed in visiting the different -objects of beauty and interest in the gardens -of the Priory, the hour arrived for assembling the -guests under the marquees where the <i>déjeûner -dinatoire</i> was prepared; and Lord and Lady Glenmore, -with their party, adjourned thither. The Leinsengen,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_181" id="Page_181">[181]</a></span> -Baskerville, Boileau, and Lady De Chere, -were already placed when they arrived; but all made -way for them, and in the <i>mêlée</i> of the moment Mr. -Leslie Winyard succeeded in securing his post by the -side of Lady Glenmore. After the first clamour of -voices had subsided, every one spoke to his neighbour -only; and Mr. Leslie Winyard availed himself -of this opportunity to engross Lady Glenmore's attention -in every possible way. Lady Boileau, who -was seated opposite and rather <i>desœuvré</i>, amused -herself by remarking every glance and every little -attention which Mr. Winyard addressed to Lady -Glenmore; and whispered to the Comtesse Leinsengen, -"<i>Ça va grand train</i>," indicating by a look -those of whom she spoke.</p> - -<p>"O dat is always de way in dis country: either -<i>des dragonnes de vertu</i>, or else, <i>tête baissé</i>, you -give de <i>grand scandale</i>. 'Tis noting new; 'tis -<i>à votre ordinaire. Ça fait pitié</i>, but it cannot be -help. <i>Toujours des grandes passions</i>, which end in -de run away, de food for de newspapers; and den -<i>sauve qui peut</i>, and de woman is left to sink or -swim, <i>que vous êtes maladroites, vous autres Angloises</i>."</p> - -<p>"Pardon me, dear comtesse," said Lord Gascoigne, -joining in the conversation, and speaking in the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_182" id="Page_182">[182]</a></span> -tone of satire with which he sometimes lashed the -foibles of the day, "pardon me, comtesse, not -always: there are many who, a little while after their -<i>écarté</i>, have retired from the scene in order to return -to it with a fresh title and fresh fame. It only -depends upon the rank that is held by the <i>préféré</i>. -It is true, were he as handsome as Adonis, and as -seducing as Love himself, that would be no excuse; -but if he has wealth, power, title, the affair passes -through a regular process of <i>sous entendu</i>, and then -all is smooth again, <i>et on passe à des nouvelles amours</i>."</p> - -<p>"Very true," rejoined the Comtesse Leinsengen -sharply; "and so much for your boasted London -<i>morale</i>."</p> - -<p>"Pray, however, remember, comtesse, that London -is not England, nor England London; although, -in regard to foreign capitals, that inference might -once have held good, and Paris could be justly -said to be all France. But our system of politics, -as well as of private life, is one which no foreigner -ever did or ever will understand."</p> - -<p>The Comtesse Leinsengen gave her accustomed -shrug, turned away before Lord Gascoigne had -finished speaking, and the whole party soon after -broke up, the ladies retiring into the house to change -their dress and prepare for the ball.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_183" id="Page_183">[183]</a></span></p> - -<p>The dancing was already begun when Lady -Glenmore's party entered the ball-room. The whole -glitter of the beautiful scene, the perfume exhaled -from the plants, which floated through the freshness -of the country air, all conspired to take the senses -captive; and never did Lady Glenmore look more -brilliant, or appear in more joyous spirits. There -was an ingenuousness about her which enchanted -even those who had least of it themselves, and who -thought that perfection of manners consisted only in -the refinement of art, to the exclusion of all natural -feeling. As she was led away to the dance by Mr. -Leslie Winyard, Lord Glenmore's eyes followed her, -beaming with love and admiration.</p> - -<p>"<i>Elle est ravissante</i>," said Lady Tenderden.</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore evinced his assent to the truth of -this remark by a smile, which Lady Tenderden was -willing that those around should consider directed -to herself; and she continued to keep Lord Glenmore -in conversation for some time, to improve an -opinion, which it was always her aim to maintain, of -her possessing an influence over him. Nor was the -powerful charm of the scene, and the circumstances -attendant upon it, experienced alone by Lady Glenmore. -Lady Hamlet Vernon, in her turn, also acknowledged -their influence. The consciousness of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_184" id="Page_184">[184]</a></span> -the presence of the object of her love, and the unalloyed -confidence of the continuance of that enjoyment -throughout the evening, gave to her beauty -an air of triumph and of joy, which, had it sprung -from an honest, innocent source, instead of being -founded on intrigue and artifice, would have possessed -a power and a charm which, as it was, her -beauty missed. As she walked up the ball-room, -leaning on Lord Albert's arm, a crowd intervened -between them and the dancers; for every body had -clustered together in one spot, attracted by some -object which was hid from those at a distance.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert heard on all sides exclamations of -admiration on the beauty and the grace of some -person who was at this moment dancing. Their -curiosity was excited, and they pressed the more -eagerly onwards; till, arriving suddenly at an opening -in the circle formed round the dancers, Lord -Albert perceived Lady Adeline Seymour immediately -opposite to him,—the attraction of all eyes, -the object of the concentrated admiration of the -whole room. She was dancing with Mr. Foley;—dancing, -not with the affectation of drawling over -the floor as though she were doing penance, but -with airiness and elasticity of spirit, tempered by -grace and feminine delicacy. Lady Adeline was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_185" id="Page_185">[185]</a></span> -not at first conscious of his presence; while, as he -stood rooted to the spot, he had leisure to gaze upon -her in mingled surprise and agitation before she -perceived him: but when she did, her eyes for a -moment rested on his, with an expression which, -brief as the moment was, shook his very frame. It -was an agonized look of love and reproach; for -not only did she see one whom she now was forced -to believe a rival in his affections leaning fondly on -Lord Albert's arm, but in the bosom of that rival -the very myrtle sprig which Lord Albert had taken -from her at the drawing-room with such seeming -devotion. She identified it too well as being the -same; for in her bitterest agony, when she plucked -it on the morning of the Court, she had told over -every leaf and every flower; and connecting each -of them with some allusion to past days, and again -feeling it to be the medium of a returning act of -fondness, how could <i>she</i> forget, or mistake it for -any other myrtle? As Lady Adeline now beheld -this corroborating evidence of Lord Albert's -cruelty and deceit, the colour glowed and faded in -rapid alternation on her cheek; she seemed lost -in thought; her footsteps became unsteady, and -ready to sink under her; and it was a moment or -two before Mr. Foley, holding her hand, could<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_186" id="Page_186">[186]</a></span> -succeed in drawing her attention. She appeared to -gaze at him like one whose senses had fled: then, -as if making an effort to recal them, she stepped -forward to continue the dance: but the buoyancy -of her motion was gone; her late gossamer footstep -seemed exchanged for one of lead; her eyes sought -the ground; and when it was her turn to go back -to her place, she remained in the middle of the -circle till again rendered conscious of her mistake -by the other parties advancing.</p> - -<p>In this pause of the dance Lady Adeline had an -opportunity of recovering her presence of mind; -and, calling to her aid the just indignation which -Lord Albert's conduct inspired, she felt herself -armed against the tenderer feelings; and by what -she construed his treachery and desertion, she was -enabled to steel her heart to every soft emotion, -and not afford greater triumph to her rival, or -greater gratification to his self-love, by betraying -any marks of sensibility. This idea, together with -what she owed her mother, whose feelings she well -knew would be deeply wounded if through weakness -she made any public disclosure of her suffering, -enabled Lady Adeline to rally her spirits sufficiently -to go through her painful part with apparent -ease and indifference; and so completely did she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_187" id="Page_187">[187]</a></span> -obtain the mastery over herself, that perhaps no -one, save Lady Hamlet Vernon, was conscious of -the workings of that breast, the peace of which -she was perfidiously destroying. Lord Albert even -was a stranger to what she endured; for, blind to the -errors of his own conduct, he of course became -blinded to their consequence, and never attributed -Lady Adeline's behaviour towards him to the -natural result of his own in respect to her. It is -ever thus:—we look not to our errors as the cause -of the misfortunes which befall us, and the pains -and penalties to which we are doomed.</p> - -<p>From the moment Lord Albert first beheld Mr. -Foley dancing with Lady Adeline, he had remained -transfixed to the spot. And how can language render -by its slow process the thousand rapid feelings which -gush simultaneously from the heart, and seem to -pass through the mind at the same moment? -Jealousy, indignation, scorn (though love in ambush -was concealed beneath these bitter passions), -alternately distracted him. The mother and -daughter he alike accused of subtilty and subterfuge. -He recalled to mind Lady Dunmelraise's -manner to him; her words especially, and her expression, -on the subject of the breakfast; Adeline's -feigned indifference to it, now contrasted with her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_188" id="Page_188">[188]</a></span> -actual presence there, dancing with Mr. Foley. -All these circumstances seemed to confirm the -fatal truth; and disappointed love and mortified -vanity, and a sense of having been deceived, juggled, -contemned, were struggling at one and the same -moment for ascendancy in his bosom. In this state -of mind, the time, the place, the whole scene, save -only this one prominent feature of interest, were to -him as though they existed not. As the dance drew -to a close, he asked himself what line of conduct he -should pursue. Should he speak to Lady Adeline -in a language of reproach? should he give utterance -to his feelings in a few brief words of overwhelming -import? No, he would not; it was beneath him. -And if she <i>was</i> unworthy, and had forgotten what -was due to him and to <i>herself</i>, <i>he</i> would never -forget what was due to <i>her</i>. Could he address -Adeline with calm indifference?—impossible!—his -heart would not second the deception.</p> - -<p>While he stood thus lost in thought, like one -bereft of sense, the workings of his soul were not -unheeded by her who leant on his arm the while. -She felt that this very instant was the critical point -of all her hopes, and she almost unconsciously -pressed the arm on which she rested closer to her -breast. Her respiration was broken; her eyes<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_189" id="Page_189">[189]</a></span> -wandered in quick succession on Lord Albert and -Lady Adeline alternately; and though she dared -not propose to move from the spot where they -stood, yet to remain there was torture. At last -the dance, which had appeared to her interminable, -ended; and Lady Adeline passed on with Mr. Foley, -without taking any notice of Lord Albert whatever, -as though she saw him not.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet once more felt that she could -breathe again, when she no longer beheld the object -of her fears before her, and without any mutual -recognition of each other having passed between -Lord Albert and Lady Adeline. Fresh hopes revived -in her breast. She now ventured to address -the former in a tone of tremulous gentleness.</p> - -<p>"Shall we not walk about in the garden? it is -very hot here." He started, looking at her as a -man awakening from a dream; and as he suffered -himself to be led whither she would, he continued -to muse in silence on all that had passed: then -suddenly murmured, in a half-broken sentence,</p> - -<p>"I <i>will</i> see Adeline; I will see her <i>to-morrow</i>." -Lady Hamlet knew too well from this -what must be the purpose he was revolving, and -the fervency of his still remaining attachment for -Lady Adeline. An icy chill withered her heart<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_190" id="Page_190">[190]</a></span> -as she thought of the possible result of that interview, -which the words that had involuntarily escaped -him too surely predicted. But deeply skilled in -the human heart, she did not attempt to say any -thing to dissuade him at that moment from his -purpose, nor did she venture to make any allusion -whatever to Lady Adeline; for she was well aware -that all interference would not only be fruitless, -but might hazard the very object nearest her -heart. Besides, Lord Albert had never suffered himself -to pronounce Lady Adeline's name, even when, -in the many conversations which he had held with -Lady Hamlet Vernon, she had been covertly alluded -to; neither had Lady Hamlet Vernon dared openly -to touch upon his attachment to Lady Adeline, -since their first interview after the visit at Restormel, -when in the fervency of her feelings, and the plenitude -of her despair, she said,</p> - -<p>"Lady Adeline will never make you happy."</p> - -<p>From the constrained and painful situation in -which she now found herself placed, when silence -was scarcely to be borne, and yet to break it was -perilous, she was relieved by the approach of Mr. -Spencer Newcombe, Lord Raynham, and Lord Glenmore; -and glad to arrest them by way of saying -something, asked if they had seen Lady Glenmore.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_191" id="Page_191">[191]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Yes," replied Lord Raynham. "I left her -some time ago enjoying that most enviable amusement, -which only demands strength of wind and -limb, and spares all the wear and tear of brains -that graver cares demand. I wish it were the -fashion for men of my age to make <i>girouettes</i> and -<i>pirouettes</i>, and cut <i>entrès</i>. Grown gentlemen <i>are</i> -taught to dance, and I have long had serious -thoughts of learning <i>incog.</i>"</p> - -<p>"I hope you will let your intimate friends at -least enjoy your first <i>début</i>," cried Mr. Spencer -Newcombe. "But, after all, you know, Raynham, -that <i>girouettes</i> and <i>pirouettes</i> belong equally to the -dance of life as to the dance of the ball-room; and -we are none of us quite ignorant of these, though -some of us make them more gracefully than others."</p> - -<p>Lord Raynham had a way of not hearing when -it did not suit him to hear; and having no impromptu -<i>fait à loisir</i> ready at that moment, by way -of reply, he passed on, apparently insensible to the -sting, which he was much better skilled in knowing -how to inflict than how to receive.</p> - -<p>"I think," said Lord Glenmore, "that at all -events Georgina must have had enough of that enviable -amusement, as Raynham calls it, by this -time; and that if we do not go in quest of her, we<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_192" id="Page_192">[192]</a></span> -shall not be together at supper." So saying, he -sought her first among the dancers; but passed on, -inquiring, as he went, if any one had seen her. -Some replied one thing, some another; and many -answered in a pointed manner, which, however, -was unobserved by him, for it was contrary to -Lord Glenmore's nature to entertain a doubt of -those whom he once loved and esteemed. Being -wearied of seeking Lady Glenmore, and concluding -she had gone to the refreshment-room, he sat down -by Lady Tenderden, whose vanity was always -gratified in every opportunity of keeping up the -remembrance of a past juvenile gossip in the eyes -of the world.</p> - -<p>In the meanwhile, Lady Glenmore, who had -been overcome by the heat of the ball-room, had -been easily prevailed upon to seek the refreshing -coolness of the terraces; and having walked about -some time, entered the conservatory, and sat down -for a moment to inhale the perfume of the flowers -and plants, and to enjoy the tranquillity it afforded -from the noise and bustle of the dancers. Here -Mr. Leslie Winyard beguiled the hour, and interested -Lady Glenmore by reciting various passages -from various poets, analogous to the spirit of -the place, and then passing from these to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_193" id="Page_193">[193]</a></span> -theme of such feelings as the lines he quoted were -calculated to inspire. He dwelt with eloquence on -the imperfection and little refinement of all attachments -of the present day, expatiated on that homage -which ought to be paid to woman, and which, as -he spoke, he seemed to imply was willingly paid -by himself to her.</p> - -<p>There was an inebriating danger in this address, -which Lady Glenmore was too young and too pure -to see; and she listened complacently and unsuspectingly -to the perilous flattery, forgetting how -the moments flew, and unconscious of the impropriety -of her remaining so long absent from the -general circle, and in a place so remote from observation. -Nor was she aware of the appearance -which might attach to her, till a whisper fell on -her ear, and, startling, made her arise hastily from -her seat. It proceeded from Lord Gascoigne and -Lord Baskerville, who stood behind some orange-trees.</p> - -<p>"Basky," said the latter, arresting his companion -by the arm, "we are <i>de trop</i> here," directing -his attention to the spot where Lady Glenmore -and Mr. Leslie Winyard were.</p> - -<p>"Upon my word," replied Lord Baskerville, -"this is worth all the <i>fête</i> put together."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_194" id="Page_194">[194]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Hush!" said the latter distinctly; "let us be -off: it is not fair."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore looked round, but saw no one: -it aroused her, however, to a recollection of the -length of time that she had been sitting there, and -moving forward on the instant, she said,</p> - -<p>"We must return to the ball-room."</p> - -<p>Mr. Leslie Winyard would willingly have detained -her, but he felt that it was injudicious to -press her to remain when she seemed to have taken -alarm; and having himself heard the voices, which -he believed to have occasioned Lady Glenmore's -sudden departure, he was conscious that some -curious intruders had witnessed the fact of his <i>tête-à-tête</i>; -and he consoled himself for its interruption -with the idea that its fame would soon be spread -abroad, and in colours far more glowing than the -reality.</p> - -<p>When Lady Glenmore returned to the ball-room, -she saw her husband in the midst of Lady -Tenderden's <i>coterie</i>, enjoying that easy flow of -spirits, which, tempered with elegance and refinement -of fancy, marked peculiarly the charm of his -society. As she approached, he arose and took her -hand, and with an expression of pleasure drew her -arm through his, as though he had found all that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_195" id="Page_195">[195]</a></span> -he wanted to complete his enjoyment of the pleasure -of the scene. Lady Glenmore, too, seemed -delighted; while some of those who witnessed this -meeting exchanged significant looks, and whispered -remarks upon the cunning duplicity of the -one, and the consummate <i>bonhommie</i> of the duped.</p> - -<p>"It is the best thing," said Lord Baskerville, -"that I have seen this many a day:" and by -Lord Tonnerre, Lord Boileau, and the rest of that -knot of persons, Lady Glenmore was pronounced -to be the cleverest woman in the world, her husband -the greatest fool, and Leslie Winyard the -most fortunate of men.</p> - -<p>All this while Lord Albert had been close at Lady -Hamlet Vernon's side, mute, and apparently insensible -to every thing around. Once only did Lady -Adeline pass before him; but he could not be deaf -to the lavish encomiums he heard repeated on all -sides, of the beauty and the grace of her who was -to have been his own, but who was now lost to him, -he feared, for ever; and all these things, and the -sad contrast of the past and of the present, aggravated -the bitterness of his soul.</p> - -<p>The last glimpse he caught of her was on her -leaving the Priory, when she was leaning on the arm -of Mr. Foley, accompanied by Lady Louisa Blithewaite.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_196" id="Page_196">[196]</a></span> -Her spirits, wound up for some time to a -factitious spring, had given way at last, and she -could no longer keep up the deception. Languid, -inanimate, almost unable to stand, she thought that -she had done all which Lady Dunmelraise could -demand; and, under the plea of excessive fatigue, -she easily prevailed on Lady Louisa Blithewaite -not to await the end of the <i>fête</i>, but to return to -town. The general homage she had received, and -the very particular <i>dévouement</i> of the Duke of -Mercington, might, under other circumstances, have -been powerful stimulants to the vanity of any young -mind; but one absorbing passion is the best <i>natural</i> -preservative against the follies of the world, and the -heartlessness of vanity; for the incense of flattery -palls upon a heart that is deeply engaged, and -which scorns all praise that is not uttered by the -lips of the one object of its devotion.</p> - -<p>Before Lady Adeline reached town, the morning -light streaked the horizon; and she felt that this -rising of day, with its accompaniment of vernal airs, -and twittering birds, and sparkling dew-drops, and -all the gladness of an awakened creation, were but -a mocking contrast to the setting sun of her hopes, -the mournful notes of sorrow which rung in her -ears, and the deadness of that affection which she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_197" id="Page_197">[197]</a></span> -had once thought could suffer no diminution or -decay. The chilling damp of disappointed love -clung around her heart and withered every hope, -rendering her wholly spiritless, and unable to converse; -and when she arrived at Lady Dunmelraise's -door, she took a hasty leave of Lady Louisa Blithewaite, -and stealing as noiselessly as she could to her -apartment, she courted the silence of reflection, but -not the calm of sleep.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_198" id="Page_198">[198]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER IX.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">LOVERS' ERRORS.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Had</span> Lord Albert D'Esterre been himself at -the time, and not the victim of contending passions, -he would have left the <i>fête</i> at Avington Priory -the moment he had seen Lady Adeline depart. As -it was, he remained; it cannot be supposed from -any entertainment or delight that he derived from -the scene, but from that species of suffering which -renders <i>all</i> scenes alike; and in the bitterness of his -heart he even affected a gaiety such as the poor -maniac feels,</p> - -<div class="poem"><div class="stanza"> -<span class="i0">"With moody madness laughing wild<br /></span> -<span class="i1">Amid severest woe."<br /></span> -</div></div> - -<p>How many hearts are there in similar situations, -whose gangrene wounds are festering at the core -while the mask of pleasure is painted on the face! -But there are few persons in the world who know -us sufficiently, or think of us enough, to detect the -assumed disguise; and thus the wretched are numbered<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_199" id="Page_199">[199]</a></span> -with the happy. Some few, however, there -are, who, mingling in this cheating crowd, have yet -their hopes and hearts anchored in a far different -sphere, and pass through the infected mass, themselves -unspotted, like Milton's personification of -Purity amid the crew of Comus.</p> - -<p>These, with deep commiseration of spirit, penetrate -the paint and varnish of deceptive pleasure, -and, shuddering, see what waste they make of life -who never look beyond it—losing, for its shadow, -the sum and substance of true happiness. But <i>such -as these</i> were not to be found in the circle in which -Lord Albert moved. He had often, since his <i>entrainement</i> -in that delusive scheme of existence in -which he was involved, exclaimed, "I was not -made for this!" The nobler, truer purposes of existence -were still the inmates of his breast, but they -were under a spell which he had no power to break: -they were dead letter, and were in peril of becoming -obsolete.</p> - -<p>In this state of moral danger, had he confided -to Lord Glenmore's ear the contradictory feelings -by which he was alternately swayed, in him Lord -Albert would have found a true friend; for he was -not one of the many who pass by exultingly, in the -ride, or indifference, or selfishness of their nature,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_200" id="Page_200">[200]</a></span> -and say, "You, too, are happy," careless of the -reality, so long as the sunshine of their own amusement -is not darkened by the sorrow they see another -wear. No: Lord Glenmore would have not only -commiserated, but counselled; not only counselled, -but aided. Alas! we may suspect, that when we -shrink from confiding our sorrows to a friend whom -we know to be good and true, we are ourselves -under some fatal delusion.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert sought not to unbosom himself to -Lord Glenmore, from a latent feeling that he was -himself in error; and he had not had, for many a -day, the courage, or rather the virtue, to probe his -own conduct, but suffered the blindness of self-deception -to gather like a cataract over his mental -vision; he acted under the consciousness that he -was to blame, yet without sufficient energy to -attempt to dispel the film, and look on things as -they really were. It may seem matter of surprise -that Lord Glenmore, who lacked not penetration, -had not openly spoken to his friend on the subject of -his engagement with Lady Adeline: but while Lord -Glenmore was happy himself, in that deep sense of -the word in which it most imports us to be happy, -the mazes of entanglement which gather around -those who swerve from the path of rectitude<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_201" id="Page_201">[201]</a></span> -entered not into his imagination. He had always -pursued a straight-forward path, and truth and -sincerity had given him a clue to pass through -life without entering on any of those tortuous -ways, such as now distracted his unhappy -friend.</p> - -<p>This clear moral light of action rendered him, in -the present instance, blind to the conduct of Lord -Albert; and though the rumour was prevalent -amongst the circle in which they lived, that his -engagement with Lady Adeline was at an end, yet -it had not reached Lord Glenmore's ear; and even -had it done so, perhaps, from ignorance of Lady -Adeline's merits, he might have thought that his -friend's affections would be better bestowed elsewhere; -but, at all events, he would have felt, that -to mention the subject, while Lord Albert had made -no allusion to it himself, would have been an indelicacy -on his part.</p> - -<p>Thus was the former, from his own want of -confidence, deprived of the only counsellor who -might, by a word, have dispelled the mist of error -which surrounded him; and by assisting Lord -Albert to recover his self-esteem, have restored him -to a happiness which was now eluding his grasp, if -it had not already done so. Experience, however,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_202" id="Page_202">[202]</a></span> -must be bought. There is an ordeal to be passed -through by every one. Happy are those who are -purified seven times in the fire, and come forth -humbled and ameliorated!</p> - -<p>However much Lord Albert's sufferings might -have been unnoticed by the general eye, there was -one who read his soul's secret but too plainly. -Lady Hamlet Vernon saw through the veil of the -false gaiety and forced spirits which he assumed; -and again and again felt, with an impassioned -woman's feelings, that the hour was come which was -to decide her fate.</p> - -<p>On the night, or rather morning, when the festivities -of Avington Park were ended—when the -last lingering footsteps of the votaries of pleasure -passed away, satiated but not satisfied with the -very continuance of that diversion which for ever -demands fresh food to feed its sickly appetite, -although it palls upon the aliment it craves—Lord -Albert could no longer drown his senses in the hum -and glitter of the gay crowd; and having handed -Lady Hamlet Vernon to her carriage, sought his -own. And there once more alone, with a perfect -abstraction of mind he threw himself back, and, -covering his face with his hands, shuddered at the -broad blue light of day, which seemed, in its pure<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_203" id="Page_203">[203]</a></span> -serenity, to mock the dark turbulence of his stormy -thoughts; but he could not shut out the beam of -conscience, before whose searching ray the light and -darkness are both alike.</p> - -<p>His pillow brought no repose, and he felt glad -when the hour came which called him to attend -the routine of his official situation. Distasteful as -the occupation was become, harassed and preoccupied -as were his thoughts, he went through -the duties it imposed with his usual precision and -power; and found, what every one will find, that -duties, however dry, when they are strictly fulfilled -bring a palliative to suffering, and act as correctives -of evil. It must be allowed, however, that it is a -great prerogative which men enjoy over women, in -experiencing, from the very nature of the employments -which generally devolve on them, a relief that -strengthens and invigorates, while those of women -bear them invariably back to the very source and -centre of their sorrows, and awaken all the enfeebling -tenderness of the heart. But neither should -this create a spirit of repining. Doubtless, every one -who seeks for strength where alone it can be found -will not seek in vain; and the feeble may become -strong when they place their trust aright.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert D'Esterre, having finished the business<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_204" id="Page_204">[204]</a></span> -of the day, was enabled with more calmness -to meet the pain which he expected would attend -his visit in South Audley-street, whither he went -to seek an explanation from Lady Dunmelraise and -Lady Adeline. As he crossed Piccadilly from St. -James's, with the intention of avoiding the throng -of Hyde Park, and as he was turning into a -street leading more directly to the point whither he -was going, Lady Hamlet Vernon's carriage passed -him. She looked out of the window, at the same -time kissing her hand as though she wished him to -stop; but returning her salute, he passed on. Still -there was something peculiar in her expression -which did not escape his observation. It spoke a -triumph, of which, had he known the cause, it would -have proved an antidote to the misery that was in -store for him; for in that case he would, under -every circumstance, have persevered in his determination -of obtaining an explanation from Lady -Adeline in person.</p> - -<p>When arrived at the well-known door of Lady -Dunmelraise, he waited with impatience for its -opening, but no one came. He desired his servant -to knock again; and looking up, he perceived the -windows were open, and maid-servants passing to -and fro in the rooms with an air of unusual bustle,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_205" id="Page_205">[205]</a></span> -which made him shudder, although he knew not -why. At the same moment, the porter opened the -door, and informed him that Lady Dunmelraise -and Lady Adeline had left town a few hours before. -He was for a minute mute with astonishment.—"Left -town!" he exclaimed; "for how long?"</p> - -<p>"I really do not know, my lord."</p> - -<p>"When do you expect their return?"</p> - -<p>"Not this year," was the reply: "at least, we -have received no orders to lead us to suppose my -lady is coming back; but, on the contrary, we have -directions to take down the furniture."</p> - -<p>"This is unaccountable!" ejaculated Lord Albert, -with a movement of mingled indignation and -grief. "Where is Lady Dunmelraise gone?" he -asked, after another pause.</p> - -<p>"To Dunmelraise, I believe, my lord."</p> - -<p>Lord Albert continued to sit on his horse mechanically -for some minutes, as if wholly unable to -collect his thoughts, or to believe the truth of what -the servant said. Again and again he asked the -same questions, and invariably received the same -answers, till there was no longer any doubt of the -fact; and then in broken sentences he said, unconscious -that he spoke aloud,—"It is too true, -too evident—unnecessary!—unworthy!"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_206" id="Page_206">[206]</a></span></p> - -<p>"My lord?" said his groom, thinking he addressed -him.</p> - -<p>"Nothing, James, nothing," he said, starting -from his reverie; and suffering his horse to choose -its own direction, he allowed the reins to lie heedlessly -on its neck; and then, again, actuated by a -change of impulse, he urged it to its speed, dashing -rapidly through the streets; when some of his acquaintance, -who saw him as he passed, observed, -"D'Esterre is certainly quite mad; I always thought -so." And thus he continued his way homeward, -now riding furiously, now creeping along, as the -wayward mood of the moment directed, till he -found himself at his own door; and then, flinging -himself from his horse, he rushed to his apartment, -forbidding all interruption. Lord Albert's -servants, who were exceedingly attached to him, -looked aghast at his altered demeanour, and marvelled -what had befallen their master.</p> - -<p>No sooner was he alone, than he paced the room -in all directions, uttering broken sentences of, -"Gone—gone—not to return!—without one word of -farewell!"—Then he cast himself first into one chair, -then into another; then arose abruptly, and striking -his forehead, cried, "It is so. The die is cast, and -all is over. But I will write to Lady Dunmelraise.—No;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_207" id="Page_207">[207]</a></span> -rather I will go myself to her. I will upbraid -her duplicity, and shame Adeline for this -unworthy conduct." Then again, sinking into a -calmer mood, but one of deeper anguish, he said, -"It is too plain, it is too evident. Why should I -seek that which I know already? No, no," he -added, with a bitter smile, "Adeline shall not have -it in her power to say that I was the first to break -our engagement. Lady Dunmelraise shall not avail -herself of any precipitation on my part, to dissolve -a tie which she wishes broken, but knows not how -to break. Adeline shall herself give me my dismissal; -for <i>it is</i> Adeline who has coldly, cruelly, -and shamelessly cast me off." Here he felt a check. -There was a sort of echo that gave back the sentence -in mockery to his ear. "Adeline has cast <i>me</i> -off," seemed repeated in bitter derision. There are -words and circumstances which occur in the life of -every one, when something more than the usual -meaning of the one, or the common import of the -other, appears to attach a consequence to them -beyond their own individual value. So strongly -did this feeling come over Lord Albert at the present -moment, as he referred all blame to Lady -Adeline, that a sudden revulsion of sensation rendered -his mind a chaos. Still his unwillingness to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_208" id="Page_208">[208]</a></span> -acknowledge himself in fault made him recall every -trivial occurrence which could confirm his jealous -doubts, and dwell on these till he again persuaded -himself that he was the innocent and aggrieved -person.</p> - -<p>Mastered by this false impression, he determined -to remain silent, and await his expected dismissal. -"Then," he said, "then will be the time for me to -speak of my wrongs." His mind was turbulent and -gloomy all that day; but when the evening came, -he habitually sought the circle in which he had -been too much accustomed of late to pass his time, -and which had become necessary to him. As Lady -Tilney had a <i>soirée</i>, he drove to her house; and in -this routine of what is termed pleasure he courted -and found that torpor of reflection which it is its -peculiar and baneful property to produce.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon, who had heard from Mr. -Foley of Lady Dunmelraise's sudden departure, -and who felt like one snatched from the perilous -brink of an abyss on receiving the intelligence, was -now once more enabled to put forth all her fascinations; -and on that evening devoted herself, with -successful ardour, to the task of engaging Lord -Albert's attention, and diverting his mind from -painful retrospection. With all a woman's wiles,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_209" id="Page_209">[209]</a></span> -she suited her discourse to his taste; and, without -too much or too little display, brought her varied -talents into view, not as though they were her -<i>own</i>, but merely the reflection caught from Lord -Albert's; existing but <i>through</i> him and <i>for</i> him; by -him to be fostered and improved, or by him to be -crushed and dissolved, at pleasure.</p> - -<p>Who but a woman can enter into this refinement -of enchantment? Who but a woman can glory in -being a slave? The effect Lady Hamlet Vernon -produced on Lord Albert this evening was that of -a lulling spell; an influence which she always possessed -in greater degree, in proportion to the racking -doubts and anxieties under which he laboured, and -which rendered him the easier prey to her seducing -arts. When he parted from her, accordingly, on -that evening, he felt grateful for the solace which -her friendship and devotion seemed invariably to -afford. False and unstable as was its basis, he -leant on it with mistaken confidence; for he had -plunged into the deceptive sea of error, and was -doomed to be the sport of every incidental circumstance -that floated on the surface of his affections.</p> - -<p>On the following morning, his cruel, unjust opinions -of Lady Dunmelraise and her daughter were -confirmed, upon reading in the newspapers an<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_210" id="Page_210">[210]</a></span> -announcement of Lady Dunmelraise's having left -town, accompanied by a remark, in the usual language -of similar information, that it was understood -the lovely Lady Adeline was soon to be led -to the hymeneal altar by Mr. George Foley. He -cast down the paper with a feeling of sickness at his -heart, which again gave way to a sense of deep injury; -and then once more was renewed the determination -to clear up the question by a direct application -to Lady Dunmelraise: but the false pride -of wounded feelings, offended honour, indignation -at being deceived, and all the minor concomitants -of self-love, brought back the tide of error which -swept his thoughts into another channel, and with -the sullen gloom of despair he finally said, "No; -the issue of this strife must soon come of itself: -let it come: it shall neither be retarded nor hastened -by me."</p> - -<p>While Lord Albert was thus suffering the -penalty of his own mistaken, erring conduct, Lady -Adeline's sufferings had not been less painfully -acute; with this only difference, that self-reproach -had never torn her breast; and agonizing as were -her feelings on the morning when she returned -from Avington Priory, they were enviable in comparison -with those which racked his heart. Lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_211" id="Page_211">[211]</a></span> -Dunmelraise had given orders, the previous evening, -that her daughter should not be disturbed on -the following day; concluding that the fatigue of -the <i>fête</i> would be to her doubly trying, and that -she would require a long and complete rest. She -was much surprised, therefore, when she came to -breakfast, to find Lady Adeline awaiting her. Her -countenance and air at once told a melancholy truth -to Lady Dunmelraise; and she felt not only that -rest had been a stranger to her, but that some more -decided event, and more painful than any which -had yet befallen her, must have occurred, to have, -in so brief a space, effected such ravages on her -youth and bloom. Nor did she remain long in -ignorance of this so sudden change; for Lady Adeline, -meeting her mother's embrace, with many convulsive -sobs breathed out her entreaty to be taken -immediately from London, and to be spared her being -called upon to witness any more of those agonizing -scenes, such as she had been exposed to at Avington -Priory.</p> - -<p>"I have done enough, I have done enough, -dearest mamma," she exclaimed, "to show Albert -an indifference which I never can really feel towards -him; and you will not, I am sure, condemn -your poor child to any more similar trials." She<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_212" id="Page_212">[212]</a></span> -then detailed to Lady Dunmelraise the particulars -of the last night's occurrences, who saw too plainly, -and shuddered as she saw, that this strife of suppressed -feeling had shaken the frame of her child, -and not only blighted her happiness, but endangered -her very existence.</p> - -<p>"My sweet Adeline," said Lady Dunmelraise -with the tenderest earnestness, "would that I could -as easily take all sorrow from you as I can now -comply with this your request! You shall no -longer endure a protracted stay here: we will leave -town directly."</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline knew her mother's heart, and -doubted not of her acquiescence in her wishes; but -there was a manner of feeling <i>with</i> her at the -moment, which was grateful to her wounded heart -beyond the mere act of compliance; and as she wept -on her mother's shoulder, she said,</p> - -<p>"I am an unthankful being to feel unhappy -when I have such a parent." Lady Dunmelraise -kissed away her tears; and having done all in her -power to soothe, left her with the secret intention -to arrange their immediate departure. Scarcely -was Lady Adeline alone, than she looked fearfully -around, as though the very precincts of the room -upbraided her for going away, and as though she<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_213" id="Page_213">[213]</a></span> -had voluntarily sought to take a step which was -for ever to part her from Lord Albert.</p> - -<p>An icy coldness clung round her heart, as she -gazed again and again at the walls of the apartment, -and in every article of their decoration recognized -some trace of him she loved. She murmured -inwardly, "Even where his shadow fell, the -senseless wall recalls all my grief; for though it left -no trace upon the spot on which it passed, what -can efface the reflection of his image from my -heart?</p> - -<p>"Can it be," she went on to say, "that so short -a time ago I entered this house, elated with hope -and delight at the idea of meeting him? can it be -that he should have appeared inspired with the -same feelings as myself, and then, without any -reason, so cruelly, so heartlessly desert me? I -think I could have better borne this sorrow, had -he only confided in me as a friend. Yes, had he -but told me the truth, I might have mourned in -secret; but I never should have wept for him -as I do now in bitterness of heart, to think that I -have so loved an object unworthy of my esteem."</p> - -<p>Alas! when we are in sorrow, we fancy any -other grief would be easier endured than that -which weighs us down; but we judge erroneously.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_214" id="Page_214">[214]</a></span> -Sorrows spring not out of the ground; and it is -knowing how to suffer the scourge under which we -smart that can alone bring us any alleviation. -There are few persons, so young as Lady Adeline, -with feelings as finely strung, who are so well prepared -to meet with trial; yet still poor human nature -is in its best estate a mart for sorrows; and -those are happiest who soonest learn to barter the -bright, delusive hopes of youth for the sober, subdued -views of real life, which, without producing a -distaste for this world's enjoyments, despoil them of -that vivid colouring which cannot last, and detaches -them from considering it as their abiding place.</p> - -<p>Such was the lesson now taught to Lady Adeline, -as she was called, with unexpected haste, to quit -South Audley-street; and she cast a last hurried -glance at the chair where he had sat, who was still -her heart's idol, at the carpet on which he had -trod, the book he had opened, and, lastly, the picture, -the image dearer than all except himself, -which she now left for the first and last time, as no -longer worthy to be her companion. Notwithstanding -the abruptness with which she was snatched -from these melancholy contemplations, and the revulsion -of feelings which her sudden farewell to -these cherished objects occasioned, Lady Adeline,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_215" id="Page_215">[215]</a></span> -after a few hours' reflection, acknowledged that the -promptness of Lady Dunmelraise's decision had -been made in kindness, and that the blow which -was to sever her from him she most loved, if it were -inevitable, were best to fall suddenly.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_216" id="Page_216">[216]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER X.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">AN AWKWARD DILEMMA.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">The</span> <i>fête</i> at Avington Priory afforded a theme of -conversation, if such a term is not inapplicable to -such a subject, of much longer duration than was -usual; for in the existence of those who were actors -in the scene, or participators in its pleasures, one folly -generally succeeded another so quickly as to chase -away all remembrance of its immediate predecessor. -Perhaps, too, in this instance, more interest was -experienced in the discussion of the entertainment, -from the zest which some signal <i>esclandres</i> gave to -it, and which were generally whispered about; particularly -that in which Lady Glenmore's and Mr. -Leslie Winyard's names were involved.</p> - -<p>Of this report, Lord Baskerville and Lord Gascoigne -were the active propagators; and which, corroborated -by the condemning facts they themselves -had witnessed, led those who listened to the conclusion -that the matter was <i>une affaire decidée</i>. -The only question then was, whether it was well or<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_217" id="Page_217">[217]</a></span> -ill arranged; for in all things the creed of these -parties taught them to estimate the <i>manner</i> of an -action without any reference to its morality. Opinions -were given respecting the good or bad taste -of the thing; and speculation ran high how Glenmore -would take it. However far from the truth, -or unjust, these conclusions and opinions might in -reality be, it cannot be denied that Lady Glenmore -had in some measure afforded subject of conversation -to the licentious and censorious tongues -of these traducers, by permitting the very marked -and exclusive attentions of Mr. Leslie Winyard in -society; and, in doing so, justified an apprehension -which the most candid and the most kind observer -(if any such had been there as witness) could not -but feel, that she must inevitably fall a victim to a -man of Leslie Winyard's character, unless some -powerful hand snatched her from the peril.</p> - -<p>In the example of Lady Glenmore's present -danger, the mischiefs arising out of the system of -the society in which she lived are painfully apparent; -and although they have more than once been dwelt -upon, yet, with the object of unmasking a disguised -evil, they cannot be too frequently alluded to or -minutely detailed. Nor can the observation be too -often repeated, that such dangers must unavoidably<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_218" id="Page_218">[218]</a></span> -accrue to the young and inexperienced while receiving -none of those salutary checks which are -afforded them in a society differently organized, -and where the ties of families, and the counsel and -protection of sincere friends, are <i>not</i> sacrificed to -the laws and rules of exclusive fashion.</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore's absence, it might almost be called -alienation, from Lord and Lady Melcombe and the -bosom of her own family, had been so gradual as -scarcely to be perceptible. Had it been otherwise, -she would have recoiled from the idea, and her excellent -heart would have sufficed to guard her from -so unnatural a fault; but the evil grew out of the -circumstances in which she was placed, and increased -without any appearance which could awaken a suspicion -of its real tendency. She did not go to-day -to Lady Melcombe, because Lady Tenderden, -or Lady Tilney, or some other of her friends, had -prevented her at the very moment she was stepping -into her carriage; but she would go to-morrow: -and when to-morrow came, fatigued with the ball -or the assembly of the preceding evening, she did -not rise till at so late an hour, that Lady Melcombe -would be out, and it was in vain for her to go. -When the evening in its turn came round, then -some ceremonious diplomatic dinner, followed by<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_219" id="Page_219">[219]</a></span> -the <i>soirées</i> of the different members of her <i>coterie</i>, -equally precluded her from fulfilling this duty.</p> - -<p>Thus one day passed on after another, and the -rare and short visit to her parents, when it was -paid, afforded no real communion of heart or -thought. Yet all this happened not wilfully, not -in positive indifference, or forgetfulness of natural -affection, but arose, as it were, unavoidably, out of -the life she led. Let it not excite surprise that this -alienation had been productive of no alarm in the -tender and affectionate hearts of Lord and Lady -Melcombe. They, indeed, saw less of their daughter -than they wished; but though they sometimes -sighed over the "angel visits, few and far between," -of their estranged child, still, in the indulgent fondness -of their hearts, perhaps too in a mistaken pride, -they found an excuse for her constantly living in a -round of dissipation, partly from the pomp and -circumstance attendant on the public situation which -her husband held, and partly from thinking it natural -that one so young, and gifted with external -graces, should indulge in the pleasures that courted -her on all sides.</p> - -<p>Another cause, too, existed, to render their separation -an apparent consequence of her marriage. -Lord and Lady Melcombe had not lived at any<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_220" id="Page_220">[220]</a></span> -time on terms of intimacy with that circle which -now exclusively formed their daughter's and Lord -Glenmore's society; and a further barrier by this -means stood between their meeting; but it was one -which, if natural feelings had been allowed their -proper influence, and had any advance been made -to Lord and Lady Melcombe, on the part of those -persons, towards their acquaintance, might easily -have been removed.</p> - -<p>In this case, for their daughter's sake, they would -readily have met any advance, and in order to do -so, have stepped out of their own habitual line of -society; a society founded on the dignified principles -of high rank, and the rational grounds -of real social happiness: but they were the last -persons to court an intimacy where a mutual -desire was not expressed for its formation; and the -question, however painful as it affected their -natural intercourse with their child, was not, however, -one which gave rise to any seriously uneasy -feelings. When they did see her, they saw her so -fondly attached to her husband, and so happy, -what could they fear for her? It would almost -have seemed like a selfish apprehension, to have -indulged any doubts regarding her future welfare.</p> - -<p>Their own course through life had been one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_221" id="Page_221">[221]</a></span> -perpetual gleam of sunshine, a circumstance which -is apt to render us more blind to the possibility of -evil, than when we have been exercised in the -school of adversity; that school by which we are -alone perfected, and without whose salutary -discipline the false security is indulged, that -"<i>to-morrow will be as to-day, and even more -abundant</i>," and we dread no check to our earthly -career.</p> - -<p>How fearful is this species of happiness, which, -resting on itself, forgets the hand by which it is -alone upheld! Could Lord and Lady Melcombe -have seen through this delusion—could they have -guessed that their child stood at the moral point -where the two paths separate which lead to virtue -or to vice, and where the traveller in the road of -life, according as he makes his choice, will be admitted -in the end to misery or happiness—they -would have performed their duty as parents unhesitatingly; -they would have pointed out to their -child the excellence of the one course, and have -warned her of the inevitable ruin and degradation -attendant on the other. As to the current reports -of the day, they were the last to hear them, as is -usually the case with those most concerned; and -in this respect Lord Glenmore was removed still<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_222" id="Page_222">[222]</a></span> -further from a knowledge of the truth. Lady -Glenmore, deprived of her natural and true guides, -surrounded by persons whose lives were, generally -speaking, characterized by the same errors, on the -brink of which she now hung, and who, if they looked -on such conduct as error, held it in a very venial light -even when detected, and as nothing, if it evaded -open discovery, had little chance of receiving any -counsel in time to save her.</p> - -<p>Speaking thus of Lady Glenmore, it must not -be supposed that she viewed her own conduct and -career in its true light, or that she erred from -any determination to err, or even from being led -away by any impulse of passion; far from it. The -innocence of her nature, her domestic habits and -education, as well as her attachment to her husband, -had in the first instance rendered her present mode -of life distasteful. But it is the very property of -the subtle poison of that atmosphere in which she -lived and breathed to pollute the healthful springs -of being, till the moral taste becomes less and less -acute, and is at length wholly corrupted, leaving -the mind totally unable to discriminate between -right and wrong.</p> - -<p>Although, with the young men who lived in the -same society, the event of the downfall of her<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_223" id="Page_223">[223]</a></span> -reputation was looked upon as a thing of course, -and hailed, in their licentiousness of spirit, as a -matter of congratulation, since it would level another -victim to their standard, still there were -others of the <i>coterie</i>, who, from motives of policy, -were anxious that no further <i>esclandre</i> should take -place, than that which had already arisen on the -subject, to call forth the loud reprehension of a -public whom they at once feared and despised, and -whose opinions, though they set them at defiance, -they in reality wished not to brave unnecessarily: -for in the instance of Lady Glenmore, the destruction -of so much happiness as was supposed to -have centred in her union would be likely to -create proportionate abhorrence and condemnation -of a system of society which had been the occasion -of it, and lead to a sifting and exposure of the principle -and motives on which that system was based.</p> - -<p>Lady Tilney was the first person whose acuteness -and vigilance descried the danger; and was -impelled to attempt an arrangement of the business, -as well from her general love of managing -every body and every thing, as from the more -weighty reason attached to it. Being perfectly -aware of Lady Glenmore's character, she dreaded -lest an affair which, in the hands of a woman of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_224" id="Page_224">[224]</a></span> -tact, might have been managed without any <i>éclat</i>, -would with her be precipitated to a point which -must end in an exposure. She felt, however, that -to speak to Lady Glenmore openly would be to -commit herself with a person whose want of discretion -was the chief ground of her apprehensions -respecting her; and therefore, after much reflection, -she determined to seek the assistance of -Lady Tenderden in the business, and employ her -in its management, as being more intimate with -the parties than she herself was.</p> - -<p>It was not the first time that Lady Tilney had -availed herself of an intermediate hand to work out -a favourite undertaking. With this view, some ten -days after the <i>fête</i> at Avington Priory, and when -the whole affair was openly spoken of throughout -their circle, Lady Tilney sought an opportunity of -communicating her views to Lady Tenderden; and -having denied herself to every one else, they were -soon in deep conference in the <i>boudoir</i>.</p> - -<p>"Dear Lady Tenderden," said the former, addressing -her, "I am sure that I may speak to you -in confidence on a subject in which you will feel an -equal if not greater interest than myself: I allude -to our <i>élève</i>, <i>la petite</i> Georgina. This is a very -silly affair of hers with Leslie Winyard, and is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_225" id="Page_225">[225]</a></span> -going too far: don't you think so?" Lady Tenderden -gave no direct answer.</p> - -<p>"Surely you must allow that she is not the <i>sort</i> -of person to risk any hazards, or to manage this -kind of affair well or with prudence. If allowed -to go on by herself, she will run headlong down the -precipice, and no earthly power can save her. Besides, -it would be such a terrible thing <i>for us</i>, if -there was any public scandal to ensue. Consider, -my dear Lady Tenderden, we should all incur -some portion of blame, and <i>she</i> would be pitied; -while we should have all those persons whom we -have banished without the pale of our society -raving against <i>us</i>, and our system, as though it -were a <i>lazaretto</i> in which all the plagues of Egypt -were assembled. Now, though <i>we</i> know how false -this is, still we ought to provide against it."</p> - -<p>Lady Tenderden nodded assent as Lady Tilney -went on:—"<i>You</i> agree with me, I am sure; for -the curious and the disappointed will not judge -<i>coolly</i>, and we must try to shelter ourselves from -their imputations, however groundless. We ought -to move on in a sphere out of the general nature of -things; but, in order to do this <i>impunément</i>, it is -necessary to be vigilant and prudent; and I assure -you I am never off the watch."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_226" id="Page_226">[226]</a></span></p> - -<p>"<i>Peut-être</i>; but den <i>how</i> would you do in this -instance?"</p> - -<p>"Ah! there lies the delicacy; in that <i>how</i> consists -the difficulty of the business; for you know, as to -<i>la petite personne</i> herself, we cannot with any safety -<i>compromettez</i> ourselves by speaking to her on this -subject. She is one of those innocent persons who -would, I am sure, either start off at the bare mention -of any <i>liaison</i>, and would make a great fuss, -and a scene which might be very unpleasant to us -all in a thousand ways; or else she might give <i>tête -baissé</i> into the thing, so much the more from being -warned against it, as your meek people always do; -and, though not discreet, she has cunning enough -to keep it strictly secret till the moment when she -steps into the carriage which is to take her from -her disconsolate husband."</p> - -<p>"<i>Peut-être</i>," was again Lady Tenderden's brief -reply.</p> - -<p>Lady Tilney proceeded. "Now, I think there -is one, and only one, way in which it can be managed; -and your assistance will be vitally important -for its success."</p> - -<p>"Oh <i>de graces</i>! do not involve me in any of -dese troublesome <i>rôles</i>: I am not at all de <i>personne</i> -to play dem well; and <i>l'inconduite de la petite en<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_227" id="Page_227">[227]</a></span> -question</i> makes me quite <i>frissonné</i> to think of any -thing of the kind."</p> - -<p>"Oh! but, my dear Lady Tenderden, for Glenmore's -sake, you know, for all our sakes, you will -not let this affair terminate as it must do if something -is not done to put it on a right footing? You -will not surely let the <i>scandale</i> of such a common-place -<i>dénouement</i> attach to our society, as the infallible -issue of the affair must cause, unless we -attempt to save appearances, and settle the <i>marche -du jeu</i> in <i>better taste</i> at least?"</p> - -<p>Lady Tenderden's countenance relaxed, as if -she was pleased at the idea of holding an influence -over Lord Glenmore; and Lady Tilney was satisfied -that she had done wisely in condescending to -flatter her <i>amour-propre</i>, by confessing herself secondary -in influence; a point which she was never -very willing to yield: but she felt it was the surest -way of securing Lady Tenderden's co-operation, -and proceeded to say,</p> - -<p>"Now listen, I entreat you, to what I have to -propose; and if you do not approve my idea, then -suggest something better. The only thing that -remains to be done, in my opinion, then," continued -Lady Tilney, "is to get Georgina out of England. -You know Glenmore cannot move; but that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_228" id="Page_228">[228]</a></span> -is no reason why <i>she</i> may not be absent for a few -months. The advantage of your company, her -health, a thousand excuses may be found: and if -she is not as deeply involved as we suspect with -Winyard, <i>this</i> will break off the affair; while, if she -is, absence, and distance, and the chances of time -and place, <i>que sais-je enfin</i>——a million things -may turn away the tide of observation from <i>us</i>: -at all events, the <i>éclat</i> will be less offensive abroad -than at home. Now, could you not propose to -her a little tour to Spa, or <i>Les Eaux de Barèges</i>, -when the season comes round for leaving London?"</p> - -<p>Lady Tenderden seemed half inclined to acquiesce, -but, like most people who make sudden -changes of opinion, she did not know exactly how -to give as ready an assent as she was willing in her -heart to do; while, at the same time, there was a -little demur at the idea of being made the tool of -Lady Tilney, as well as of being mixed up in an -affair in which, if it ended wrong, she would regret -to have been implicated.</p> - -<p>Lady Tilney's flattery and persuasive reasonings, -however, as was generally the case when she had a -favourite point to carry, prevailed; and the conversation -ended with an arrangement, that Lady -Tenderden should, in the course of a few days,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_229" id="Page_229">[229]</a></span> -open the subject to Lady Glenmore, and put it <i>en -train</i>.</p> - -<p>Although the solicitude of the polite Lady Tilney -for the fate of her young <i>élève</i> might have been -premature as to the precise degree of her <i>liaison</i> -with Mr. Leslie Winyard, still, if it had been entertained -on a better principle than that of mere expediency, -it would have been amiable and justifiable; -for when a married woman's name is once -connected with that of any man in particular, there -is an immediate taint on her character, which, while -it is degrading to herself, attaches to her husband -the character of dupe, or something worse, and -affords an example to others, productive of almost -as much evil as would accrue from actual guilt.</p> - -<p>There are very few women on whom this stain is -cast, who could, like the youthful Lady Glenmore, -plead perfect innocence of intention; but she had -been, almost at the outset of her marriage, thrown -alone in the midst of the most dangerous class of -the most dangerous society of London. She had -not certainly to complain that Lord Glenmore had -wilfully deserted or neglected her: his absence was -a necessary consequence of the duties he had taken -upon himself in his public career.</p> - -<p>While, however, she acknowledged this, she could -not but feel and mourn over his absence with childish<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_230" id="Page_230">[230]</a></span> -simplicity of tenderness: and when at last, partly -from necessity, and partly from the various arts used -to wean her from this innocent love, she felt, as it -was natural she should feel, considering that no -very strong principle of religion had been instilled -into her mind, or given stability to her character, -that there could be no impropriety in having recourse -to the pleasures and pursuits of fashion—pleasures -which pertained to her situation, and were -not only sanctioned, but encouraged, by her husband—still, -in doing this, it was not in her nature to -aspire to any leading part, or to take any particular -station, in the circle in which she moved. Had it -been so,—had she been, in short, more worldly,—her -conduct would have been more measured, more -under the control of appearances; and though she -would not have had so much real virtue, she -would better have known how to preserve its semblance. -But as it was, the object sought by her in -the maze of pleasure was simply an indemnification -for her husband's absence: and not possessing a -mind stored by solid instruction, or gifted with -strong judgment, amiable, pliant, and fond, she -entered on this perilous career without one of those -qualities which might have enabled her to steer her -course with safety.</p> - -<p>Thus exposed, she risked becoming the victim of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_231" id="Page_231">[231]</a></span> -any designing persons who found it their amusement -or their interest to render her the subject of -licentious animadversion. Where almost every -event, as in the kind of life described, bears some -analogy, little variety occurs to mark the progress -of time. One intrigue resembles another; one -slander is like its neighbour; one <i>soirée</i> is a specimen -of all: and unless, indeed, some defiance of -morality more glaring than usual, some solecism in -a marriage or a ball, a death or a breakfast, take -place, there is little for the chronicler of the system -to register in his page.</p> - -<p>Ministers had looked forward to rest after the -burthen of the session; the nobles had gone to -their country seats to enjoy the beauties of the -"sere and yellow leaf," there to renew the dissipations -of the town. Hither, too, the invited <i>intrigant</i> -had followed the object of his present pursuit, to -tell in shady bowers the tale, so often told before -to others, of treacherous love; while the sportsman, -with more open and more honest if not nobler aim, -hied him to moors and highlands in pursuit of his -ruling passion.</p> - -<p>If, during the last moments of the waning season, -nothing of stronger character had occurred, on Lady -Glenmore's and Mr. Leslie Winyard's part, to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_232" id="Page_232">[232]</a></span> -attract the particular notice of the circle in which -their <i>liaison</i> was matter of conversation, still there -was no relaxation of <i>his</i> attentions, or of <i>her</i> -apparent preference, to justify the belief that he -had relinquished his pursuit, or that she had discarded -him.</p> - -<p>Lady Tilney, therefore, continually urged Lady -Tenderden to the necessity of adopting the measures -she had proposed; and the latter, having satisfied -herself that no unpleasant responsibility was likely -to attach to her, consented to fill her allotted part -in the measure, and propose to Lady Glenmore to -accompany her on a tour.</p> - -<p>"What do you do with yourself this summer?" -said Lady Tenderden to the latter, as she was sitting -<i>tête-à-tête</i> with her one morning.</p> - -<p>"Indeed I do not in the least know what are -Glenmore's plans; but I should hope we shall go -to the country somewhere, for I begin to feel that -my health suffers from the racket of a town life. -But whatever <i>he</i> chooses I shall like best, for nothing -would do me any good if he were not to be of the -party."</p> - -<p>"<i>Oh! quelle enfantillage!</i> Well! I hoped you had -chased away that bad habit of being always in de -leading-string. What! <i>you</i> a minister's wife, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_233" id="Page_233">[233]</a></span> -suppose that he is to follow you up <i>stair</i> and down -<i>stair en nourrisson</i> all your life! My dear, how -would de state be taken care of after this fashion?"</p> - -<p>"True," said Lady Glenmore, sighing, "and I -am now used to be alone." In fact Lady Tenderden -knew that these words were uttered more from habit -than from feeling them in the painful degree in -which they would once have been spoken; and she -replied,</p> - -<p>"Well then, my dear ladi, <i>il faut prendre son -partie</i>; and since it is impossible you should have -him always <i>à vos trousses</i>, what think you of making -a little excursion with me to <i>Les Eaux de Barèges</i>, -or to Spa, for two or three months in the <i>belle -saison</i>? This would, I should think, exactly suit -you: it will refresh your beauty, refit your <i>toilette, -et vous reviendrez entièrement renouvellée. On se -ressent de la fumée de Londres.</i> It is quite necessary -to go away; and a <i>villegiatura</i> in England is -so dull!"</p> - -<p>"What, go abroad!" said Lady Glenmore with -unfeigned surprise.</p> - -<p>"<i>Vous êtes impayable</i>," rejoined Lady Tenderden, -"<i>comme j'ai souvent eu l'honneur de vous -dire</i>. One would imagine you lived a hundred -years ago, when people talked of going abroad as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_234" id="Page_234">[234]</a></span> -they would of going to the moon;—but, now, abroad -is at home. <i>Allons!</i> I will not allow you to hesitate. -Leave me to settle the matter with Glenmore. I will -arrange every thing; and he shall come and meet -you, and bring you home, in case I choose to pass -the winter at Paris."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore had not the least idea that her -husband would think of consenting to this proposal, -but gave a sort of half acquiescence, more to escape -from Lady Tenderden's persecuting entreaties, than -from any wish to realize the scheme; and she was -quite astonished, some days afterwards, to find Lord -Glenmore of opinion that this plan would be the -pleasantest thing in the world for her, the best -adapted to recruit her health, and in all ways the -most eligible. Half grieved at the thoughts of -absence from him, half gratified at his eager -desire to procure her a pleasure, and persuaded at -length by his solicitations to try the remedy of -change of air for the languor which had of late -appeared to have affected her naturally good constitution,—the -wish too of yielding implicit obedience -to his will,—all combined to determine to consent; -and she finally agreed to the proposed excursion, -which was soon followed by preparations -and arrangements for their departure to Barèges.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_235" id="Page_235">[235]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XI.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">MARRIAGE MANŒUVRES.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">While</span> events thus intimately connected with -Lady Glenmore's happiness were silently progressing, -Lord Albert D'Esterre's mind was engrossed -and torn by a thousand contending feelings of a -nature wholly different, but not less fatally destructive -of his peace. After recovering from the violence -of the first shock which Lady Dunmelraise's -sudden departure had occasioned, he had remained -torpid and incapable of action: then again, inwardly -harassed by the most lively anxiety, he had awaited, -with an agony of suspense which none can know save -those who have experienced how "hope deferred -maketh the heart sick," the communication which -he felt Lady Dunmelraise could not possibly long -delay, relative to Lady Adeline.</p> - -<p>During each of the four and twenty hours which -had passed since the blow had fallen on him, Lord -Albert had thus been the victim of one contradictory -passion or other: but still, in the alternate<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_236" id="Page_236">[236]</a></span> -storm or lull of his emotions, he had mechanically -sought the society of the only person in the world -whom he now believed entered into his feelings, or -took any real interest in his fate. It may be readily -supposed that Lady Hamlet Vernon did not lose the -advantage which this undivided share of his time -afforded her; and she found means, even in the state -of apathy in which Lord Albert seemed plunged, -and during the lengthened silence to which, at -intervals, he gave way even in her presence, to impress -him, by a thousand attentions, with a sense -of the deep sympathy she felt in all his sufferings. -At the same time, she knew the wound that rankled -at his heart was yet too recent to be rudely touched, -and the paroxysm of his malady too violent to bear -those remedies which, with the skilful and tender -solicitude of one who watches a patient on the bed -of sickness, she awaited a favourable moment to -administer, but forced not injudiciously upon his -acceptance.</p> - -<p>With one exception only, no event occurred, no -word was spoken, no circumstance had been alluded -to, that could in the remotest degree bring forward -the dreaded name of Lady Adeline. When, however, -Lord Albert heard, accidentally, at Lady -Hamlet Vernon's, that Mr. Foley had also left town<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_237" id="Page_237">[237]</a></span> -a few days after Lady Dunmelraise, his feelings -were roused to a pitch that nearly decided him -on hastening to Dunmelraise in person. Nor is it -probable, notwithstanding Lord Albert's former resolves, -that he would longer have hesitated to take -this step, had he not been assured, in the most -pointed and positive manner, by Lady Hamlet -herself (who foresaw and dreaded the effect of this -natural impulse), that Mr. Foley had <i>not</i> followed -Lady Adeline, but was gone on a visit to some other -part of the country.</p> - -<p>This intelligence again changed the current of -his feelings, and for the moment he was lulled -into a security, that while his rival appeared not -in Adeline's presence, she would have leisure and -freedom of mind to reflect and repent of the cruelty -of her behaviour towards himself; and vainly -imagined that there was better hope in leaving her -to the workings of her own heart, than by giving -way to any reproaches which he might have made.</p> - -<p>Thus he lost the only chance that remained to him, -of avoiding the blow which was so soon to annihilate -all hope. It was a fortnight after Lady Adeline's -leaving London, that the post brought him a letter, -at sight of the well-known characters of which -he trembled; for with one glance he recognized<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_238" id="Page_238">[238]</a></span> -them to be the hand-writing of Lady Dunmelraise. -He knew that that letter must be the arbiter of his -fate, that it must lead to an explanation; and he -felt that no explanations were likely to prove happy -ones. For a few moments he held the letter in his -hand, dreading to break the seal, for he was aware -that it was the messenger which was either to condemn -him to the loss of Adeline, or give him the -power to seek her as his wife; and, of the latter, -something within his breast forbade the hope. At -length he slowly tore open the paper, and, with a -gasping eagerness, read as follows:</p> - -<blockquote> -<p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> "My dear Lord Albert D'Esterre,</p> - -<p>"The period which was to decide the fulfilment -of the wishes entertained by Lord Tresyllian and the -late Lord Dunmelraise respecting yourself and Lady -Adeline has at length arrived. Wishes of this -kind, however, are unfortunately too often subject -to the same changes which attend on every thing -earthly; and it would be weak, therefore, as well -as wrong, to lament over them when unrealized: -still less should we do so, when their accomplishment -no longer appears to hold out that prospect of -felicity which, in the present instance, I am certain, -was the only motive for their first indulgence. I<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_239" id="Page_239">[239]</a></span> -need not, my lord, enter upon the reasons which -have induced my daughter to resign the honour of -an alliance with your house: they will naturally -suggest themselves to your own heart; and if they -do not do this, I consider an explanation of them -would be an intrusion on my part, of which I should -be sorry to be guilty.</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">"I remain, my dear Lord Albert D'Esterre,</p> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> "Your very faithful and obedient</p> - -<p style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1em;">"<span class="smcap">Eliza Dunmelraise</span>."</p> - -<p>"P. S. I forward a copy of my letter to Lord -Tresyllian by this post."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>"It is then as I thought," exclaimed Lord Albert. -"Faithless, treacherous, cold-hearted Adeline! -why did I ever love you? Why place my happiness -on so frail, so unworthy a tenure? But it is well; -it is better thus. Since I have now no cause to -mourn your loss, I will not suffer grief for such an -object to master me. It is well that you are lost to -me. Lost!"—he started at the sound, as he repeated, -"Yes, lost to me for ever!" and his lip trembled, -while a sense of suffocation oppressed and overpowered -him, and tears, burning tears, burst from -his eyes. Not softly, not refreshingly, did they flow, -but like the lava's flood, which scathes the path<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_240" id="Page_240">[240]</a></span> -down which it courses. For two days and two -nights Lord Albert remained in the most pitiable -state of mind. He would see no one, for to whom -could he unburthen his griefs? and not to speak of -them was impossible: to whom would he deign to -show his lacerated heart? yet to what other subject -than that by which it was torn could he give utterance?</p> - -<p>The necessity of replying to Lady Dunmelraise's -letter was the first thing that aroused him from this -lethargy of sorrow; but when he essayed the task, -he found it one of no easy nature. He read and -<i>re-read</i> the letter; he endeavoured to extract from -it some gleam of hope, some opening of possible -change; but it was so calm, so cuttingly and despairingly -reasonable, so dignified yet so decided -in its tone, so meek yet so authoritative, that he -felt it pronounced a verdict which admitted of no -appeal.</p> - -<p>"Be it so," he said, with the composure of despair; -"but, at least, I too will speak my mind. -Yet how? In a brief answer embody a world of -thought? How can words convey the sense of a -broken heart? No! language cannot do that. -And if it could paint my feelings, why should I -humble myself before those who have thus sported<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_241" id="Page_241">[241]</a></span> -with and spurned them? why lay bare the weakness -of my heart to those who have proved themselves -incapable of compassion? What can I expect -to gain by so doing? Nothing."</p> - -<p>Blinded by this false reasoning, he felt, at that -moment, that he would have rejected Lady Adeline's -hand, could he have gained it; convinced, as he -was, that her affections were no longer his own. -Besides, who ever reclaimed or regained a heart by -reproaches? And then again relapsing into tenderness, -he mourned over the defalcation of that purity -and truth which he had worshipped even more than -her charms. All these, and more than these, were -the thoughts which checked the flow of Lord -Albert's pen as he wrote copy after copy in answer -to the letter, and tore each, in despair of ever writing -one which could in any degree comprise or convey -his mixed and agonized feelings.</p> - -<p>But again the necessity of some answer pressed -upon him; and, although with the conviction that -none which he could write at that moment would -be adequate to express what he felt, or prove a -faithful interpreter of the thousand tortures that -possessed him, he finally traced and folded up a -few brief sentences, sealing the envelope immediately, -as if to preclude the possibility of further delay.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_242" id="Page_242">[242]</a></span> -Yet once more he hesitated, once more a wish arose -to write altogether in a different tone and strain; -but then he rapidly recalled to his aid all his late -reasonings and feelings on the subject, and finally -despatched the following letter:</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;"> "Dear Lady Dunmelraise,</p> - -<p>"It would be doing injustice to my own feelings, -if I did not state that they alone have prevented my -answering your letter sooner; the purpose and tenor -of which made me too plainly feel, that any development -of the sufferings called forth by its -contents would be equally misplaced and obtrusive -to you, as well as to Lady Adeline.</p> - -<p>"To say that any emotion of <i>surprise</i> has mingled -with my sorrow would be contrary to truth, because -I had felt the sudden and unexpected departure -of your ladyship from London (not even -communicated to me till your present letter) announced -some decided change in your opinion and -determinations in regard to myself. There is one -point, however, for which, in the midst of all my -sufferings, I must feel grateful: it is, that the letter -which announces to me the forfeiture of that happiness -which for years I have been taught to -cherish and consider as my own, leaves me no<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_243" id="Page_243">[243]</a></span> -doubt that the future welfare of Lady Adeline now -centres in some other object, in the attainment of -which it will be more surely realized, than had it -continued to rest on me. That that welfare may -be realized in every sense of the word will ever be -the prayer of,</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">"Dear Lady Dunmelraise,</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">"Your faithful and affectionate servant,</p> - -<p style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1em;">"<span class="smcap">D'Esterre</span>."</p> - -<p>"P. S. I shall of course communicate your letter, -accompanied by my answer, to my father, Lord -Tresyllian."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>No sooner was this letter beyond the power of -Lord Albert's recall, and actually on the way to -Dunmelraise, than he would have given every thing -he possessed could he have changed its tenor: but -this was only one of those fluctuations of passion, -of which he had of late been so cruelly the sport; -and the impulse of the moment, had its object been -attained, would as readily have given place to some -other of a quite different tendency. When the -mind is once suffered to float about without a -guiding principle of action, it is a mercy and a -miracle if the being thus actuated does not become -the prey of destruction.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_244" id="Page_244">[244]</a></span></p> - -<p>As Lord Albert perused over and over again the -copy of his answer, he imagined he read in it sufficient -ground to call forth an explanation, on the -part of Lady Dunmelraise, of the causes which had -led to her sudden abandonment of Lady Adeline's -engagement with himself. But then he speculated -upon objects which like a blind man he could not see; -for never admitting, nor indeed feeling conscious, -that it was his own errors which had wrought the -change in Lady Adeline, he never could rightly apprehend -the line of conduct which of necessity she -must pursue. If he had done so, had he taken the -beam from his own eye, then would he clearly have -seen to take the mote from hers; and it would not -have required a second perusal of his answer to Lady -Dunmelraise to have acknowledged that it afforded -no opening whatever, whether from its tone or its -contents, to induce herself or Lady Adeline to -swerve from the course they had adopted, or lead -them to any other determination than that which -they had already avowed.</p> - -<p>He however endeavoured to make himself think -otherwise, and in some degree he succeeded in this -object; for what distortion will the imagination not -assume when warped by passion? In this delusive -hope he continued for some days, vainly expecting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_245" id="Page_245">[245]</a></span> -every post to bring him some communication from -Dunmelraise. How little he knew Lady Dunmelraise's -feelings! how falsely he judged of his -own! As soon as she perused his letter, she did -not for a moment think of replying to it. She had -indeed not doubted, for weeks past, that Lord -Albert's heart and affections were totally alienated -from her child; but the degree of cold indifference -with which, in her <i>reading</i> of his answer, he seemed -to cast her off, exceeded what she could have thought -possible. It may be that, in her interpretation of -the letter, Lady Dunmelraise yielded in some degree -to her previously-formed prejudices; and, as -is ever the case when we yield to prejudice, saw -through them as through a glass darkly, and -pronounced the being who could thus coldly renounce -such a treasure as Adeline wholly unworthy -of further thought. Far from feeling, therefore, -that Lord Albert's reply required any further notice, -or that it contained any thing which could -raise an after-regret if passed by in silence, or reanimate -a dying spark of hope in Lady Adeline's -breast, she considered it final and definitive, and -without hesitation placed the letter in her daughter's -hands.</p> - -<p>Lady Adeline's sentiments, on having perused<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_246" id="Page_246">[246]</a></span> -it, were in accordance with Lady Dunmelraise's; but -as soon as the first brief flush of indignation had -passed away, the bitterness of sorrow that was -rooted in her heart claimed its full power, and <i>grief, -not anger</i>, preyed like a canker on the bloom of -her existence. Lady Dunmelraise watched, week -after week, with an anxiety proportioned to its object, -for a return of something like cheerfulness on -the countenance of her dear child; but though -resignation sat on Lady Adeline's pallid brow, and -beamed in her angel smile, still there was a settled -melancholy, a change of fearful import, impressed -on her whole person. Even her very movements, -once so gay and elastic, were now languid and -measured, like one who was soon to pass to another -sphere. Nothing of the vivacity of her age and temperament -remained; and Lady Dunmelraise felt -that she waited for the hoped-for change in vain.</p> - -<p>It was therefore some relief to her, when a visit -from Mr. Foley created a variety in the daily routine -of their lives; and Lady Dunmelraise thought -or fancied that the exertions which Lady Adeline -made, in order to be agreeable to one for whom she -had always entertained a maternal solicitude, seemed -the only circumstance that at all dissipated the -gloom in which her daughter was now habitually<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_247" id="Page_247">[247]</a></span> -involved. Mr Foley, however, while he remarked -this favourable change, ascribed it to other motives; -and with that self-love which predominated in his -character, he saw in it a growing preference for himself, -and waited only for a season in which he conceived -the feelings of Lady Dunmelraise and her -daughter would be sufficiently prepared to admit -of a disclosure of his sentiments, to make an open -avowal of them.</p> - -<p>Meanwhile, Lord Albert, who was equally with -Lady Adeline the victim of self-delusion and martyred -affection, continued to drag through the -heavy hours till even suspense itself became blunted. -But Lord Albert continued to strengthen himself in -what he deemed the duplicity and heartlessness of -her conduct, and found a diversion to his sufferings -in the idea that they were occasioned by an unworthy -object, whom he was called upon by every -rational principle to banish from his remembrance.</p> - -<p>At length it likewise became known to him that -Mr. Foley was actually an inmate of Dunmelraise, -and this circumstance set the seal to the erroneous -conviction which for so many months had been -gaining on his deluded mind. Whilst thus discarded, -as he imagined, by her whom he had, in -fact, always loved dearer than the whole world beside;<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_248" id="Page_248">[248]</a></span> -wounded in his tenderest feelings, and offended -in his family pride; Lord Albert unhappily -found himself supported in his mistaken apprehensions -by his father, Lord Tresyllian, who, accustomed -to refer most actions to love of aggrandisement -and power, and having survived those -softer affections which at one time bound him to -Lord Dunmelraise, and made him anxiously wish -for a union between their children, now only saw -in Lady Dunmelraise's withdrawing from this engagement -some concealed object of interest, which -impelled him scornfully to resent her behaviour, -and thus confirm the delusive views of his son.</p> - -<p>From the time of Lord Albert's having come of -age, the entire independence of his circumstances -had (without violation, however, of any filial duty -on his part) occasioned his intercourse with his -father to be of rare occurrence; but when he -communicated the purport of Lady Dunmelraise's -letter to Lord Tresyllian, an identity of feelings -seemed to arise between them; and in their offended -pride a tie of sympathy was freshly formed, by -which they mutually encouraged each other in an -ill-founded and unjust resentment.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert's heart, however, was far differently -constituted from his father's, and in most other<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_249" id="Page_249">[249]</a></span> -respects they felt not together. Still, therefore, he -found himself alone, as it were, in the world, without -one kindred breast on which to lean. Perhaps -no sensation of pain is greater than this conscious -loneliness of being. He had hitherto avoided all -open confidence with Lady Hamlet Vernon on the -subject of Lady Adeline; for though she was well -acquainted with all that had passed, yet, from motives -of delicacy, as well as from a secret mistrust -even of her sympathy, he had remained silent. But -when at length freed from the only tie which -sealed his lips, the long-cherished and lingering -hope of Lady Adeline's returning affection, it required -no stimulus to make Lord Albert unburthen -his heart and all its griefs to one, the only one, -who, he thought, entered into them. The subject -once commenced, the whole troubled tide of fears, -belief, conviction, and subsequent indignation, was -poured into her ear.</p> - -<p>Too readily, and with too greedy delight, did she -receive this confidence, as the sweet confirmation of -all her long-nurtured and most ardent wishes; -and the first step she took, in consequence, to -heighten his resentment against Lady Adeline, -was to avow a knowledge of Mr. Foley's long residence -at Dunmelraise to be the result of his passion<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_250" id="Page_250">[250]</a></span> -for her; a passion approved, she said, by -Lady Dunmelraise, as well as by her daughter, -and which was soon to terminate in marriage; adding, -at the same time, that she felt, as well as their -mutual friends (meaning Lady Tilney and her -<i>coterie</i>), that it was matter of congratulation that -an alliance so thoroughly destructive to his views -and pursuits of life should thus be dissolved.</p> - -<p>While in this manner Lady Hamlet Vernon -fixed the dagger more firmly in Lord Albert's -breast, she no longer hesitated to evince for -him, in every word, and look, and action, her devotedness; -and it was not in nature, that under -such an influence he should be allowed to retrace -his steps, even had he wished to do so, or to -reflect on his own conduct; although, had he -had recourse to self-examination, even in this stage -of the business, he might still have retrieved his -error.</p> - -<p>Day after day, week after week, his diseased -state of mind gained ground, till at length the -whole moral man became corrupt, and Lord Albert -was the slave of her whom he would have -loathed, could he but have seen the snare she had -so artfully drawn around him. It is true, the -duties of his official situation employed him some<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_251" id="Page_251">[251]</a></span> -hours every morning; and in the routine of these -there was no analogy to any thing like feeling, so -that they proved a temporary antidote to pain: but -when they were over, he was in the society of Lady -Hamlet Vernon, and of Lady Hamlet Vernon -alone; for it was the nature of a mind like his to -be wholly engrossed by one object.</p> - -<p>The world, that in reality cares for no one's -actions, except as affecting itself, looked on with -indifference, and saw in Lord Albert's course only -curious matter for speculation. Some pitied him -as a fool, should he contemplate matrimony with -Lady Hamlet Vernon; while others applauded the -dexterity of the woman who could succeed in -leading him captive, and secure to herself so great -a prize. But one friend yet remained to Lord -Albert, who would have sincerely lamented the -circumstance, could he have believed such an event -as marriage possible; because though Lady Hamlet -Vernon was undoubtedly clever, handsome, fascinating, -yet he saw in her no sound intrinsic qualities, -nor was there attached to her rank or situation -any of that preponderating family influence, -which he could have wished should distinguish the -wife of his friend. But Lord Glenmore was not -one of those who doubted Lord Albert's good<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_252" id="Page_252">[252]</a></span> -sense or principles; and though he saw him involved -in a <i>liaison</i> which he was far from approving, -still he looked upon it as one of those temporary -attachments from which he hoped soon to -see him liberated, and therefore discarded all -serious fears for him. But Lord Glenmore was unfortunately -mistaken. The entanglement in which -Lord Albert was involved was not one easily to be -broken through.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon's object was advancing -rapidly, and her victim nearly sacrificed. London -was now almost empty. The only individuals of -note remaining in it were some official persons, who -were looking forward with anxiety to the moment of -their departure. Lady Glenmore's arrangements -for her visit to the continent had been finally adjusted; -and she had at length quitted town with a -heart divided between regret at leaving her husband, -and that kind of anticipated pleasure which -attends a first visit to a foreign country.</p> - -<p>Whether any regret mingled with these sentiments, -as she journeyed with Lady Tenderden -to the point of embarkation, at the idea of -being likely to lose in her absence the society of -Mr. Leslie Winyard, it is difficult to say; and -equally so whether the result of this absence would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_253" id="Page_253">[253]</a></span> -break through that intimacy with the latter, which -her <i>soi-disant</i> friends considered to be of such -perilous tendency. Mr. Leslie Winyard certainly -did not leave town immediately on her departure.</p> - -<p>In the midst of these final removals for the season, -Lady Hamlet Vernon found it difficult to -arrange her passing the approaching autumn in -the society of Lord Albert. To propose to himself -directly any project of the kind was, she thought, -hazardous; and though feeling the importance of -securing to herself his presence, she was obliged to -trust to chance, and to the habitual influence which -she knew she had obtained over him, in order to -ensure his following her wherever she went.</p> - -<p>"Where do you mean to pass your autumn, -Lord Albert?" she said one day to him, speaking -as if in an unpremeditated manner, and announcing -at the same time her intention of going to Tunbridge. -"Perhaps you will be induced, if you have -no other plan in view, to pay me a visit there?"</p> - -<p>"Yes," he replied, sighing, "I shall like it exceedingly. -Where can <i>I</i> go but where you are? -Nobody else in the wide world, save yourself, cares -for me;"—and a tender glance from Lady Hamlet -Vernon gave back a confirmation of the latter part -of this querulous speech.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_254" id="Page_254">[254]</a></span></p> - -<p>Many days more did not elapse, when Lord Albert, -although pressed by Lord Glenmore in the -most friendly manner to accompany him to his -country seat during the recess, misled by the -unfortunate and false conviction that no one participated -in his feelings save her who had in reality -caused their bitterness, blindly yielded to the delusion -of this hollow attachment, and found himself -loitering round Lady Hamlet Vernon's footsteps -on the furze-clad hills of Tunbridge.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_255" id="Page_255">[255]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XII.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">PROCEEDINGS ABROAD.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">However</span> small the interest which Lady Tilney -really took in preserving the purity of Lady Glenmore's -character <i>intacte</i>, still her wishes for the -preservation of that outward decorum which she -deemed necessary towards the maintenance of her -<i>coterie</i>'s respectability were perfectly sincere. It -will not, however, appear that in this instance her -wishes were likely to be realized.</p> - -<p>On landing on the continent, the point to which -Lady Glenmore and Lady Tenderden directed -their steps was Spa, having abandoned their previous -intention of going to Barèges; a change in -their plans, which they decided upon partly from -the length of the journey, and partly from Lady -Glenmore's not liking to be so very far from her -husband. When they reached Spa, they found some -few of their acquaintance already there, foreigners -as well as English; and ten days had not elapsed -from their arrival, before Mr. Leslie Winyard, accompanied -by Lord Gascoigne, joined their circle.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_256" id="Page_256">[256]</a></span></p> - -<p>Lady Tenderden had already made a selection -of such as were to constitute her society, and of -course these latter persons were admitted in the -number. Allowing for change of place and difference -of hours, the same desultory mode of life was pursued -by them at Spa as in London, and at best -the same vacuity of mind and intention became the -result. This negative description of the passing -hours, however, was not applicable to all. Of -course, in the present instance, there could have -been but one motive which induced Mr. Leslie -Winyard to resign the pleasures of an English -autumn for the waters of Spa; and this fact he -seemed at no pains to conceal. Lady Glenmore -was his avowed object.</p> - -<p>There is something always unfavourable to virtuous -happiness in the <i>voluntary</i> absence of a wife -from her husband, and especially if she has designedly -or carelessly, from vanity or <i>désœuvrement</i>, -given encouragement to marked attentions -from any other than her husband. Whatever may -be alleged by some, that absence makes meeting -sweeter, and renovates affection, it may be laid down -as a rule well known to experience, that genuine -wedded love is best maintained by that sweet habitude -which renders each a part of the other, and which<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_257" id="Page_257">[257]</a></span> -feels not that it can live separate from that dearer -self; and happy, and only truly happy, are those -married persons who, in an honest heart, feel that -they can add to love virtue, and to virtue habit; -so that, when long years have gone by as a tale -that is told, they can look back upon their course -with joy, and feel it dearer as they know it to have -been hallowed by the <i>lungo costume</i> and the <i>dolce -memorie</i>.</p> - -<p><i>Unnecessary</i> absences, on the contrary, between -married persons, are at best very dangerous experiments: -they induce in women an independence -of feeling inimical to tenderness, and incompatible -with the duties of a wife; and encourage, on the -part of others, an intimacy and a freedom of manner, -to the abandonment of those forms which, in the -presence of the husband, would perhaps be observed.</p> - -<p>Thus it was in the case of Lady Glenmore. Mr. -Leslie Winyard, already too much encouraged by -her easy good-nature and affability, impelled by -vanity to suppose himself irresistible when he chose -to give himself the trouble of being so, and not -wholly indifferent to her whom he now pursued, -considered Lady Glenmore's absence from England -as intended to afford an opportunity for the furtherance -of their intimacy. The mode of life at Spa,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_258" id="Page_258">[258]</a></span> -and similar places on the continent, where the English -congregate, however resembling the empty -folly of London in its moral effect, differs in this -respect, that it is more like living in a family circle, -divested of the ceremonious restraints of societies in -great cities. The daily routine of arrangements -which threw all those who circled together into an -unavoidable familiarity, the long excursions during -the day, the repose under some shade after fatigue, -the return at night, the supper, the dance that not -unfrequently followed, proved all of them too favourable -opportunities for a man of intrigue.</p> - -<p>If, therefore, Lady Glenmore was in peril, when -guarded by the forms of society, in the presence of -a husband whom she loved, and feeling the wholesome -moral check which, to a young mind entering -on the snares of life, the consciousness of a supposed -cognizance of parents and friends so usefully imposes,—if, -under all these circumstances of protection, -she had yielded to, or rather been entangled -in, an indiscretion respecting her intimacy -with Mr. Leslie Winyard,—how much more fearful -was her present danger, when no restraints of the -kind were at hand to guard or to warn her!</p> - -<p>Had Lady Tilney's object been of that true and -high nature which proposed no result but to save<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_259" id="Page_259">[259]</a></span> -Lady Glenmore's virtue, she would not have intrusted -her to the guardianship of such a person as -Lady Tenderden, who united to the airy flightiness -of a Frenchwoman the spirit of an <i>intrigante</i>, -which is to be found in all nations. But Lady -Tilney's object was merely worldly and prudential, -namely, that of removing a probable <i>fracas</i> -from her own circle in England; and this point -carried, the other was of small importance. Lady -Tenderden had drawn round her a society at Spa, -quite in harmony with that which she had been -accustomed to live in. There were several persons -of the <i>coterie</i> of London, who, from time to time, -made their appearance among them, and kept up -the tone of the <i>rassemblement</i> to its own peculiar -pitch. Mingled with these were foreigners of distinction -and diplomatists of various nations, who, -from forming a false estimate of English society, as -most foreigners do, fall into a very natural mistake -respecting the higher classes in England, of whom -they judge <i>en masse</i> by the limited specimen which -they are taught to consider as the sample of our nobility, -and who therefore, with this false view, circled -round Lady Tenderden and her friends on the present -occasion, as the centre of attraction and a model -of English manners; a melancholy mistake, and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_260" id="Page_260">[260]</a></span> -one by which foreigners have been led into the -greatest errors respecting our higher classes.</p> - -<p>Although this remark did not at first apply personally -to Lady Glenmore, yet, under the circumstances -of the case, Lady Tenderden was not a fitting -guardian in any respect for her; and in the end, -during their residence at Spa, the permission of -Leslie Winyard's <i>dévouement</i> made it attach to her -with too much truth, and she became, consequently, -as much the subject of animadversion and example -as Lady Tenderden herself. In the life of dissipation -thus followed, not even the seventh day was -left for reflection or repose. The too often misapplied -and dangerous adage, that "one must do at -Rome as they do at Rome," was an excuse for entirely -forgetting the Sabbath to keep it holy, an -observance which is in some degree attended to -amongst us (except by the most notoriously profligate); -but it has been a just reproach of many -thinking Roman Catholics on our nation, that, -when abroad, we lay aside the religion we profess, -at least its forms, while we laugh at those which -<i>they</i> follow.</p> - -<p>Of what religion are we, then? might be the natural -question asked, and was one which applied -certainly to Lady Glenmore, who had now learnt the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_261" id="Page_261">[261]</a></span> -most fatal of all lessons, that it is unnecessary to hallow -the Sabbath day; and she went on to learn, that -she could live and be happy without her husband. -Letters came from him, breathing kindness and affection, -and these were answered with something like a -corresponding feeling, for still in her heart his image -was enshrined, although her vanity betrayed her -into the perilous error of being engrossed at the -moment by the attentions and presence of another. -Lord Glenmore's letters, however, contained no -hope of his being able to join her at Spa; for government -contemplated an earlier assembling of -parliament than usual, and the presence of all the -ministers was required at an unusually early period. -This circumstance, however, affected Lady -Glenmore but little, for her regret was waning into -carelessness at his absence. Thus bound to England, -Lord Glenmore expressed his wish that Lady -Glenmore should leave Spa about the end of October -or middle of November, and proceed by the way -of Paris, where he still indulged a faint hope that -he should be able to join her.</p> - -<p>Notwithstanding much dissuasion on the part of -Lady Tenderden and Mr. Leslie Winyard against -obeying these injunctions, Lady Glenmore remained -firm, and they shortly after were on their way to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_262" id="Page_262">[262]</a></span> -Paris. Mr. Leslie Winyard, of course, took his -route to Paris likewise; for though he began to -feel that the affair <i>trainé en longueur</i>, he was determined -at least to enjoy the <i>renommée</i> of adding -another name to the list of his successes. At Paris -the rumour of his attachment to Lady Glenmore -found a wider range, and amongst the mixed, and -larger aggregate of English, became the subject of -more marked and varied observation. Here, therefore, -in the same selfish spirit of worldly-mindedness -which had induced Lady Tilney to send Lady -Glenmore to the continent, Lady Tenderden saw -the propriety of giving some admonitory hints to -the latter: such as, "<i>It was not well to stake all on -one throw</i>: that it was not in <i>good taste</i> to have -but one cavalier always in attendance; and that the -<i>préféré</i> himself would cease to be flattered by that -preference, if he had <i>champ libre</i> always at command, -without any competitors to dispute the honour -with him. Besides, there is a certain <i>retenue</i> -to be observed," she went on to say, "by women of -fashion, who should never give the vulgar an advantage -over them, by not having a ready reply to -make, or be made, to any disadvantageous or impertinent -observations: for example, if they should say, -'Mr. Leslie Winyard is always at Lady Glenmore's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_263" id="Page_263">[263]</a></span> -elbow,' it might be answered, 'And so is Prince -Luttermanne, and Lord Gascoigne, and Lord Baskerville, -and a thousand others.' A little address, -my dear Lady Glenmore, sets all this sort of -things to rights; only one must know how to conduct -oneself."</p> - -<p>"There is nothing wrong," replied the still innocent -but somewhat perplexed Lady Glenmore, -"and therefore there is nothing to set right."</p> - -<p>"<i>Non, assurément, nothing wrong</i>," answered -Lady Tenderden; adding in her <i>doucereux</i> voice, -with more of truth than was usual under her <i>patte -de velours</i>, "and that is <i>just the reason</i> why you are -not sufficiently upon your guard."</p> - -<p>These hints, however, appeared so indirect in -their tendency, and of so little consequence in the -eyes of her to whom they were addressed, that they -were merely smiled at, and passed by unheeded.</p> - -<p>In this state matters continued till far on in November. -It was the very season when Paris was -beginning to fill. A few weeks of protracted absence -from home was again pleaded for by Lady -Tenderden, even though Lord Glenmore, from -press of business in the ministry, had been obliged -to abandon all idea of joining them; and accordingly -they lingered on from day to day at Paris.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_264" id="Page_264">[264]</a></span></p> - -<p>The same cause which prevented Lord Glenmore -from leaving London obliged Lord Albert D'Esterre -to quit Brighton, whither he had accompanied Lady -Hamlet Vernon. In returning to the subject of -this <i>liaison</i>, few particulars can be adduced which -would not appear trite and stale. Like all intimacies -of the same nature, it had during this interval gradually -approached a climax. Nothing in this world -is stationary: the world itself is passing swiftly -away; but the use or abuse we make of existence -remains. Lord Albert's intimacy with Lady Hamlet -Vernon, must of necessity have either assumed a decided -character, or have been totally broken off; and, -unfortunately for him, she played too deep a stake -to lose for one moment that vigilance and foresight -for which she was so distinguished, and which alone -had constituted the success of her designs. It may -be readily imagined that she now redoubled all her -care, to secure the prize which was so nearly within -her grasp. During the last few weeks, in which Lord -Albert and herself had continued isolated from all -other society, with nothing to call his attention -away from her, or to direct the current of his -thoughts into any other channel, the result may be -easily guessed.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert made proposals of marriage; and it<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_265" id="Page_265">[265]</a></span> -is unnecessary to add they were accepted with a -transport of joy which Lady Hamlet Vernon could -ill conceal within the bounds of prudence, but -which, to his deluded view, appeared to be the -effusion of a genuine and devoted passion. It is -impossible for any generous nature not to feel gratified -by the devotion of another; and Lord Albert -was glad to mistake this gratitude for a tenderer and -more spontaneous movement of the heart. Yet, as -the moment approached for allying himself for -ever to any other than her whose image, in despite -of all his endeavours to the contrary, came back to -him at intervals in the clouds of the air, in the -shadows of the waters, or the dreams of the night, -he sought for delay. Strange to say, too, some -lingering doubt of Lady Adeline Seymour's becoming -the wife of Mr. Foley at times crossed his -fancy, for it was more like a vision of the fancy -than a rational belief; but still he wished to think -that she should be the first to bind herself to -another; and with a feeling not amenable to the -laws of reason, he looked anxiously in the newspapers -every day to see the announcement of her -nuptials.</p> - -<p>Under these circumstances, and with this feeling, -he was called to town to attend official business,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_266" id="Page_266">[266]</a></span> -with the hope, however, in a few days, of returning -to Lady Hamlet Vernon. Arrived in London, he -found himself, the first time for many months, absent -from her, and robbed of the illusory charm of her -society; a charm which he had taught himself to -consider as necessary to him as the air he breathed. -He now found, when official duties were over, that -the hours hung heavily on his hands.</p> - -<p>It had perhaps been owing to the idea of his -having so long indulged in a selfish gratification, -which must of necessity have drawn down observations -derogatory to the character of Lady Hamlet -Vernon, that had finally determined Lord Albert -to make her the offer of his hand. But now, when -away from her influence, he looked back upon the -gulf over which he had passed, and contemplated -it with somewhat different sensations; conscious -that the step he had taken was irretrievable, he felt -less than ever disposed to seek diversion from his -own thoughts, or relief from them in any other -quarter. He even avoided much intercourse with -Lord Glenmore, as though he was afraid the latter -should read his secret; for it was intended that his -marriage should yet be kept profoundly secret; -partly in compliance with his own feelings, which -suggested that the world (and who can, or who<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_267" id="Page_267">[267]</a></span> -ought to be totally reckless of the world's award?) -might blame him for allying himself to a woman of -Lady Hamlet Vernon's character, and partly at the -instance of the latter, who, though she could not -explain the cause of her apprehensions, yet dreaded -lest the cup should be dashed from her lips by some -unforeseen interference.</p> - -<p>The time that Lord Albert did not pass literally -in business, he employed in reading over Lady -Hamlet Vernon's letters, which he received daily, -or in answering them; and as those she wrote -breathed the most impassioned language, his own -contained enough of that reflected hue of tenderness -in them to please, if not to satisfy, her to whom -they were addressed. The time was past when -solitude and reflection could avail Lord Albert; for -he had decided his fate. It was his duty, therefore, -now, as well as his interest, to encourage himself in -the belief that he truly loved the present object to -whom he devoted himself; and he carefully endeavoured -to shut out all remembrances which might -recall the thought of another. Lord Albert had -been nearly three weeks absent from Lady Hamlet -Vernon, when he hastened one morning at an earlier -hour than usual to Downing-street, where his letters -were always directed. He found one from her, as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_268" id="Page_268">[268]</a></span> -was customary; but, in taking it eagerly in his hand, -he was aware it did not consist, as usual, of many -sheets, but was a single letter in an envelope.</p> - -<p>Something, he knew not what, struck him with -agitation on this recognition, and he paused on -breaking the seal; then cast his eyes hurriedly -over the open page, and looked in vain for the terms -of endearment which were wont to be the first that -courted his glance; and he grew sick and dizzy as -he read the first few lines, which ran thus: "Grieved -I am at heart, and stunned by this fatal blow, so -unexpected, so subversive of all our hopes. Is it -not possible that, in the dismay of the moment, you -may have interpreted more severely the words of -Lady Dunmelraise than they required?" Lord -Albert started at the name of Dunmelraise, and -held the letter from him, and gazed at it again. -"Lady Dunmelraise!" he repeated aloud. "What -can this allude to? And in Amelia's hand!" Again -he looked at the letter, and turned over the page, -and saw the signature. A death-like shudder seized -him, and an icy chill ran through his heart. As -his eye continued to run rapidly along the lines, it -met the words, "dearest Mr. Foley." Again he -paused. But he was not now in a state to reason -on the propriety of reading through a letter evidently<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_269" id="Page_269">[269]</a></span> -not addressed to himself, although he continued -to do so; but, breathless with surprise, in -vain essayed to read collectedly. At length, mastering -the contending feelings which for a few moments -overpowered him, he perused the letter consecutively.</p> - -<blockquote> - -<p>"Grieved I am at heart, and stunned by this -fatal blow, so unexpected, so subversive of all our -hopes. Is it not possible that, in the dismay of the -moment, you may have interpreted more severely -the words of Lady Dunmelraise than they required? -Yet when I return to the copy of her letter, which -you enclose to me, I cannot but think with you -that there is nothing to hope. Still, how strange -that both she and Lady Adeline should have allowed -those demonstrations of your passion, which -they must have understood, for such a length of -time, without expressing any explicit disapprobation! -And then you say, too, that you are confident, from -every circumstance, and every word, and every look, -that has occurred, or fallen, either from Lady Dunmelraise -or her daughter, that D'Esterre no longer -holds any place either in their affections or their -esteem; and the conversation you report to have -heard between Lady Delamere and her sister was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_270" id="Page_270">[270]</a></span> -certainly as conclusive as any thing could be of -their utter rejection of the thought of any renewal -of engagement with D'Esterre." (Lord Albert -groaned aloud.)</p> - -<p>"I know not what advice to give you. I dare -not urge upon you a perseverance in your suit, because -that might eventually, if Lady Dunmelraise -and her daughter are firmly decided against it, -draw down an interference which would give publicity -to the affair; a circumstance, on all accounts, -decidedly to be avoided. Hitherto, I should suppose -what has passed has been confined to their -own breasts; for Lady Dunmelraise is too much -acquainted with the world to make herself, or any -one belonging to her, unnecessarily the subject of -public remark. At present, you know, the secret is -safe in our own keeping; and after many hours of -painful reflection as to what you had best do, I -think nothing remains but your going immediately -abroad for a time, to avoid the singularity of your -absence from Dunmelraise.</p> - -<p>"In regard to the heavy pecuniary disappointment -which you must have experienced, dearest Mr. -Foley, by this defeat of our plans, I hope I shall -soon be in a situation to make you ample recompense; -for D'Esterre has at length so openly declared<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_271" id="Page_271">[271]</a></span> -himself, that my marriage cannot long be -delayed; and that once accomplished, you may -depend on my most constant exertions for all connected -with your interest. In the meanwhile, -should you require any funds for your sudden -departure, I enclose a draft for £200. I would -not have you come by Brighton to embark, which -perhaps you might be inclined to do, knowing me -to be there; and I think it better, for the present, -that you do not write to me on this subject; but -let me have a few lines announcing your arrival on -the continent.</p> - -<p>"Again I repeat to you to count upon my most -friendly assistance at all times. You may depend -on my acquainting you, when the event on which -now all depends shall have taken place;</p> - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 1em; margin-bottom: 1em;">"And I am ever yours, affectionately,</p> - -<p style="text-align: right; margin-bottom: 1em;">"<span class="smcap">Amelia Hamlet Vernon</span>."</p> - -<p>"P.S.—I would not have you state your intention -of going abroad to any person; and prevent, if -possible, any announcement of your departure in -the newspapers."</p> -</blockquote> - -<p>No words can adequately convey an idea of Lord -Albert's feelings as he finished the perusal of this<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_272" id="Page_272">[272]</a></span> -letter. It was plain, it was clear, that a conspiracy -had existed between Lady Hamlet Vernon and Mr. -Foley, of which he and Lady Adeline Seymour had -become the victims. The detailed process of language -cannot concentrate in one point the thousand -varied feelings which combined in his bosom all -the pangs of self-accusation with all the joy of -believing that the precious being whom he had -wronged was free from stain. Grief mingled with -the conviction that he had again found his own -transcendent Adeline, bright in all her purity, -only to be convinced, at the same moment, that he -had himself placed a wide gulf between them that -could never be overpassed; and the knowledge -that this was the case excited such overwhelming -emotion in his breast as defies the power of language.</p> - -<p>It would be wrong, however, in this instance, as -in all others where reflection points a moral, not to -observe the omnipotence of virtue, which, it may be -truly said, is a light to lighten our darkness; for in -the depth of Lord Albert's present sufferings there -was a latent spring of consolation in his heart, the -cause of which he could little understand or account -for at the moment, and from which he was not prepared -to derive the benefit it was intended afterwards<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_273" id="Page_273">[273]</a></span> -to convey; and this consolation was a sense -of humble contrition, derived from the consciousness -that the blow which had fallen upon him was -righteously dealt, and that it was only retributive -justice that he should meet his punishment from -the very person for whom he had, in the indulgence -of his vanity, played with the feelings of another -till at length he sacrificed and lost her.</p> - -<p>This sense of humility is ever the foundation of -true repentance; and true repentance brings resignation; -and resignation is the balm which soothes -a wounded spirit. He soon felt that the merciful -ways of Providence had forced him unwillingly to -a knowledge of his own fault, and with a contrite -heart he kissed the rod that smote him. He felt at -once as though a heavy burden were lifted from -his breast. None of the double-mindedness, none -of the obscure uncertainty, by which of late he had -been oppressed and involved, now darkened his path. -He was like one who is brought from a prisoned cavern -to rejoice in the wholesome air and light of heaven. -He no longer hesitated in his course, or wavered -how he should conduct himself, but determined to -profit by the severe lesson he had received, and act -once more uprightly. He felt, as it were, instantaneously, -that he had never really loved Lady<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_274" id="Page_274">[274]</a></span> -Hamlet Vernon, and that vanity alone had betrayed -him into her snare.</p> - -<p>Had he loved her, would he not, even with the -conscious proof before him of her perfidious conduct, -have at least mourned over a knowledge of her -baseness? As it was, he thought not of her, save in -reference to his own erring conduct.</p> - -<p>"Oh Adeline, Adeline!" he exclaimed in bitterness -of heart, "is it for such a one as this that I -have lost you, and deprived myself for ever, not -only of your affection, but your esteem? Yet, -though to retrieve the past is impossible, and to -become what I once was in your eyes is as impossible -as it is to recover mine own consciousness -of desert, still I will live for you and you alone." -The virtuous principle which had thus been restored -to its rightful place in Lord Albert's breast gave -him power to struggle with sorrow successfully in -this his hour of need: and though at intervals he sunk -into that despondency which, lost as he was to all -his best affections and brightest hopes, could not -but flow back upon him with an overwhelming tide, -still the sense of returning virtue bore him up -again, and fixed him on a rock from whence no tide -of circumstances could hurl him.</p> - -<p>In this situation he thought, for a time, that<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_275" id="Page_275">[275]</a></span> -he stood alone in the world, without one sympathising -friend; yet, perhaps, there was one who still -remained—Lord Glenmore. Should he open his -heart to him? Should he seek succour and counsel -from him? No. Counsel he needed not, for his -mind was made up <i>how</i> to act; and consolation -could not, at the present moment, flow from any -earthly source. As involuntarily he read over and -over again Lady Hamlet Vernon's letter, a still renewing -sense of the baseness of the writer flashed -upon him. In every turn and phrase he thought -he traced some clue to each individual circumstance -which had occurred to poison his mind, and give -birth to the unworthy suspicions he had entertained -of his Adeline: every one of them, in turn, seemed -to rise up, as it were, in judgment against him; and -again he wondered how the artifices with which -he had been deceived had not before been detected -by him.</p> - -<p>The whole of his intimacy with Lady Hamlet -Vernon, from its commencement, was next reviewed. -His mind went back to the first evening in -which he met her; her praises of his Adeline; the -seductive grace with which she expressed her hope, -when he spoke of foreign intimacies, that he would -find some objects worthy also of his regard and<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_276" id="Page_276">[276]</a></span> -friendship in his native land. He saw, as if at the -moment, her downcast looks, and felt over again the -surprise which her tone and manner caused him. -He recalled their interview at the church at Restormel; -her subsequent conversation, relative to Lady -Adeline, before he left that place for London; and -in all these, and in every other incident connected -with his growing intimacy, he now beheld the wily -stratagem of a preconceived plan to win away his -heart and affection from one to whom this Circean -destroyer of his peace was as widely opposed -as darkness to light.</p> - -<p>This probing of his wounds, this investigation of -the circumstances which had involved him in error, -was a wholesome though painful exercise to his -mind; for he traced his misery to its rightful source—himself. -He could not but dwell on the fearful -and rapid change which had been produced in him -by a life passed in a circle whose whole tendency -was to undermine principle and destroy the understanding. -He asked himself, what was he now, -compared to what he had been eighteen months before? -what action, during that period, could he recall -without blushing for the misuse or waste of -time? How had his pursuits been abandoned! his -honourable views in life lost sight of! his studies<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_277" id="Page_277">[277]</a></span> -neglected! all the fruits of long and virtuous education -scattered! and himself become an object of his -own and of all good men's contempt!</p> - -<p>In reflections such as these, the hours passed -away, on the day of his receipt of the letter. He -had hurried through his official business as quickly -as possible, in order to seek the retirement of his -own apartment; and there, with the picture of -Adeline before him, he sat absorbed in harrowing -contemplation. So entirely had the current of his -affections been sent back to their proper channel -by the revulsion which had shaken him, that -with the exception of perusing Lady Hamlet -Vernon's letter, for the purpose of bringing home -more strongly the clear conviction of her infamy, -he had not felt one regret on her account. Even the -feeling of indignation, which conduct so base was -calculated naturally to excite, had not for more than -a moment occupied his heart; a heart which was -as dead to any impression she could make upon it, -as though he had never known her.</p> - -<p>Midnight had already passed, and the idea that -Lady Hamlet Vernon would be in ignorance the -while of what had occurred had not struck him. -He then felt the painful part which he was called -upon to perform, in addressing the person whom<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_278" id="Page_278">[278]</a></span> -he had been on the verge of making his wife in -language such as her conduct merited and his own -reproaches might dictate. He at length resolved to -let the night pass, and in the morning, if possible, -to set himself to the task with a calmer mind.</p> - -<p>He slept not, however, and arose feeling distracted -and feverish. Finding himself unable to -go out, he sent, therefore, to Downing-street for -some official papers which were to be looked over. -The messenger brought back with these his letters -also: amongst them there was one from Lady -Hamlet Vernon. His soul sickened at the sight, -and he cast it from him with disgust. He resolved -not to open it, for he must necessarily loathe the -expressions of attachment with which he knew it -would be filled; and he determined to return it unopened, -together with his answer. This answer, -in the course of the day, he despatched by express; -feeling, the moment he had given vent to -his indignation, that it was but justice to do so, -both to himself, and to his injured and lost -Adeline.</p> - -<p>The tenor of his reply may be easily conceived. -He kept the original of the letter which had so -happily removed the veil of wickedness from his -eyes, but he transcribed a copy; and having animadverted<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_279" id="Page_279">[279]</a></span> -on the baseness of the arts that had been -practised on himself, and the fiend-like cruelty -that had been exercised on the former cherished -object of his affections, he avowed his determination -never again to hold intercourse with her who -had been the cause of so much misery and delusion. -At the same time, with a feeling of that nice honour -and noble generosity of soul which had never -entirely left Lord Albert's breast, he informed -Lady Hamlet Vernon that her infamy would remain -a secret with him, unless her own future conduct -towards himself should make it necessary, in -self-defence, to do otherwise.</p> - -<p>Before this answer reached Lady Hamlet Vernon, -she had been in some degree prepared for the -blow, for Mr. Foley, who was in town, on receiving -the letter which had been intended for Lord Albert, -instantly surmised the worst, and had proceeded -with the utmost haste to Brighton.—There -Lord Albert's answer found him and Lady Hamlet -Vernon in all the dismay and terror which detection -of so sinister an intrigue would naturally -cause.</p> - -<p>The arrival of Lord Albert was hourly looked -for by them, as the sure consequence of what had -taken place, in order to demand an explanation of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_280" id="Page_280">[280]</a></span> -the letter which had fallen into his hands; for Lady -Hamlet Vernon was certain that she had written -no other letter by that post except to himself and -Mr. Foley, and felt, therefore, a conviction on the -subject of his arrival, which was anticipated as a -certainty: and although the necessity of the moment -obliged Mr. Foley and Lady Hamlet Vernon to be -in consultation together, a person was on the watch -to apprise them of his approach, so that Mr. Foley's -presence might not strengthen the suspicions already -connected with his name.</p> - -<p>Under these circumstances therefore, the arrival -of a letter only was, at the moment, rather a -relief; though it had been felt by the parties -that there was more chance of Lord Albert's being -still deceived, had he been exposed to the influence -of Lady Hamlet Vernon's charms in a -personal interview.—His letter was broken open -in haste: the return of her own last unopened, -which fell from the envelope, sufficiently foretold -its purport. The messenger had departed after -giving in the packet, with a brief announcement -that there was no reply. It would be impossible to -characterize all the feelings of disappointed passion, -self-interest, hatred, and revenge, together with -the mutual reproaches to which these gave birth<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_281" id="Page_281">[281]</a></span> -between the detected actors of this infamous intrigue.</p> - -<p>After giving way, however, to the first ebullitions -of anger against each other, mutual recrimination, -and all those scorpion-like feelings which are the consequences -of a copartnery in guilt, the sense of necessity -to secure self-preservation, and to shield themselves -from public ignominy, made them both catch -eagerly at the terms of secrecy implied in the latter -sentence of Lord Albert's letter; and when Lady -Hamlet was convinced that there was no hope of -regaining him to her views, she felt the necessity -of submission, and sheltering herself under such -terms as the exigency of the case required. All -love was banished from her breast by feelings of rage -and shame at her detection; and with the heartlessness -of an <i>intrigante</i>, she determined to put <i>bonne -mine à mauvais jeu</i>, and boldly deny a guilt which -she knew could be but covertly imputed to her. -She wrote an answer, therefore, on the instant, to -Lord Albert, couched in terms such as the offended -feelings of a haughty woman would dictate. In -her turn she cast off Lord Albert—"one for whose -happiness she avowed that she had been ready to -sacrifice every thing. But now she found that the -very measures she had taken from pure devotion to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_282" id="Page_282">[282]</a></span> -himself had been made matter of accusation against -her; measures easily explained, if an explanation -had been solicited. It was he who had sought her -affections, not she his; and when he thus rudely -rejected a heart which he had taken pains to win, -she could not but feel that she had escaped from -that irretrievable ruin which must have followed -her union with him." Having thus endeavoured to -turn the tide of recrimination against Lord Albert, -the feeling which at the moment pressed most urgently -upon her was, as in the case of all criminal -confederacies, to rid herself of the insufferable presence -of the partner of her crime; and therefore -pressing upon him the draft which had been intended -originally to remove him to the continent, -she placed it in his hands for the same purpose -now, and in a few hours afterwards he had embarked -for Dieppe.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert read Lady Hamlet Vernon's communication -with calm indifference. His eyes were -unsealed. He knew her character now too thoroughly -to be surprised: still less was he to be -shaken from his purpose; and was far more firmly -resolved to pursue the right course than he had -ever been to follow the wrong: and wretched as he -was at heart, he found consolation in reflecting<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_283" id="Page_283">[283]</a></span> -deeply on the merciful interposition of a higher -power than any earthly one, which had thus -snatched him from misery. Wretched as he was -at heart, he found consolation; and with this feeling -commenced the arduous task of bringing back his -mind and heart to former principles of uprightness -and virtue.</p> - -<p>Lady Hamlet Vernon, on her part, took a different -course. Sensible that to betray any feeling on the -event would only draw down further remark and -observation, she again plunged into the society -from which she had of late withdrawn; and prolonging -her stay at Brighton, avoided all those -unpleasant circumstances which, for a time at least, -would have attended her meeting Lord Albert in -public.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert D'Esterre had formed his resolution -on a principle of rectitude, and acted upon it with -that degree of promptitude which is the sure test -of sincerity in well-doing. When the moment's exertion, -however, was over, his mind, enfeebled from -the lengthened moral disease under which it so long -had laboured, shrunk back in conscious weakness: -and he became sensible, that however earnest the -will may be, the difficulty is great to retrace our -steps from error; and that it is still more difficult to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_284" id="Page_284">[284]</a></span> -regain firm footing in the path of virtue, when we -have wandered from it for any length of time.</p> - -<p>The painful recollection of the hours he had lost, -or more than lost, the conviction of the misuse of -his intellectual faculties, pressed upon him with a -leaden weight that seemed to defy all his efforts to -recover the power and energy of his mind. That -solitude of the heart, too, which was now in prospect -before him, shed a gloom around; for, for -whom was he to live? was the natural question -which now suggested itself, and one not likely to -meet a wise reply at the moment.</p> - -<p>After-reflection, indeed, might tell him, that there -is a higher motive to live to virtue, than any which -this world's affections can afford; but to this nobler -impulse he had unfortunately for the present become -insensible, and in having become so he had -lost the surest means of happiness. Lord Albert -was, however, notwithstanding this sense of destitution, -unwilling, for many reasons, to throw himself -on the only stay left him—the supporting -friendship of Lord Glenmore: partly, perhaps, -from that averseness to humble himself in the -sight of another, however dear, or however honourable, -the individual may be, which it is so -common to human nature to feel; and also from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_285" id="Page_285">[285]</a></span> -many mixed motives, alike of genuine good and -<i>spurious</i> quality, which affect the purposes of all -at some times and in some degree.</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore had in part heard and part -guessed Lord Albert's rupture with Lady Hamlet -Vernon, and secretly rejoiced in the event: but -with the delicacy and kindliness of feeling which -was his particular characteristic, he tacitly entered -into the unhappiness of his friend; and thought, as -he always did when he saw another fall into -temptation's snare, that had <i>he</i> been tempted in as -powerful a degree, he also might have fallen under -the like condemnation.</p> - -<p>Without, therefore, appearing to seek Lord Albert's -confidence on the present occasion, Lord -Glenmore showed him all the tender sympathy he -entertained for him by a thousand nameless kind -attentions; attentions which rekindled in Lord -Albert's breast all his feelings of former friendship, -and a sense of the value of that friend from -whom of late he had been so entirely estranged. -Gradually and imperceptibly they became once -more reunited in their habits of intercourse, and -Lord Albert's vacant hours were again devoted to -Lord Glenmore's society. Little did the latter suspect -that the time was drawing nigh, when he himself<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_286" id="Page_286">[286]</a></span> -should require similar support and consolation -to that which he was now affording Lord Albert. -But thus it is:—we are all dependent beings one -upon another; and they are wise who, by mutual -good offices, lay up for themselves a store of kindness -for the hours of perplexity and bereavement.</p> - -<p>Several weeks had passed away, after Lord Glenmore's -express wish for Lady Glenmore's return, -before the latter quitted Paris. This delay arose -not so much from a positive reluctance on her part -to return home, as from that idle habit of living in -the momentary excitement of frivolous pleasures -which so much enervate the mind, and deaden the -sense of virtuous affection. Lady Tenderden's -character afforded no antidote to the bane of this -growing evil; and Mr. Leslie Winyard, of course, -still bent on the pursuit of Lady Glenmore, used -all his endeavours to retard her stay in Paris as -long as possible.</p> - -<p>At length, however, the day of their departure -came; and when she arrived in London, she was -received in the arms of an affectionate and too confiding -husband. Perhaps, on the first moment's reflection, -brief as these moments were, Lady Glenmore -felt in this cordial reception somewhat of self-reproof -that her return had been so long unnecessarily<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_287" id="Page_287">[287]</a></span> -deferred: but it is one of the concomitant -evils of such a mode of life as hers was, that it is -utterly impossible reflection should have any permanent -seat in the mind; so that the natural checks of -conscience, which at intervals will force themselves -into view in hearts not quite hardened, become -gradually smothered and suppressed, till at length -they are wholly discarded.</p> - -<p>Thus, on the morrow after Lady Glenmore's -arrival, the better though perhaps painful feelings -with which she arose were not suffered long to -maintain their ascendancy. The throng of inquirers -and friends, and of <i>désœuvré</i> persons, who -flocked around her, soon banished all reflection. -The inquisitive, investigating spirit of a long morning's -<i>tête-à-tête</i> with Lady Tilney, the empty -nothingness of Lady Ellersby's converse; the -worldly-mindedness of Lady De Chere, and the -frivolity of all; with a subsequent <i>soirée</i> that closed -the scene of her first recognizance in London; were -circumstances well calculated to turn away Lady -Glenmore from any salutary train of thought, -which, if steadily entertained, might have led to a -good result. She found even in Lord Albert's constant -presence (for he now almost lived with Lord -Glenmore) a secret satisfaction, a something of<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_288" id="Page_288">[288]</a></span> -the continuation of that scattering of attention -which had become habitual to her during her -last four months' residence on the continent; and -the circumstance of never being alone with her -husband in the once happy privacy of domestic -quiet, which some time previously she would -have mourned over and regretted, was now an -agreeable relief to her. What a fatal symptom -it is of the state of the affections, when the presence -of any third person is felt to be a relief, in -the habitual intercourse of daily life between man -and wife! It is a touchstone by which all married -persons may try the condition of their hearts; and -one by whose proof it is always well to abide, if any -lurking evil is found to endanger happiness.</p> - -<p>Although Lady Glenmore might not feel that -there was much to hide in what had passed during -her absence, and that many would have called her -conduct, only living as others do who live in the -world, yet her nature, originally, was so amiable -and ingenuous, that she still reserved a place in -her breast for that silent monitor which had never -wholly left its station; and it told her that perhaps -all that had been said, and done, and written, and -permitted, would not have been agreeable to her husband. -There are a thousand minor occurrences,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_289" id="Page_289">[289]</a></span> -which, when considered apart, are <i>not</i> of criminal -nature; but which, when taken together, form a -tremendous aggregate of danger, and which are -most certainly detrimental to the purity of married -love. If the sources of the heart are polluted, of -what value is the nature of the virtue that is left?</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore certainly did feel that there were -circumstances attendant on her <i>séjour</i> at Paris and -at Spa which she would not relate to her husband; -and she was happy to think Lord Albert's constant -presence afforded a check to any but general -allusions on the subject of her tour. Had Lord -Glenmore been unoccupied with public affairs, or -had he <i>not</i> been one whose own uprightness of -heart and conduct shut out all suspicion of others, -he might have observed that something of <i>gêne</i> -in Lady Glenmore's manner rendered her different -from what she had been. But, delighted to be -once more with his wife; happy in her presence, -and in the joyousness which her renovated health -and beauty diffused around him; and frequently -absorbed, besides, in those cares which abstract a -man from many of those minute perceptions that -idle people are alive to, he observed not the alteration -in her manner.</p> - -<p>Three days, however, after her return, a case<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_290" id="Page_290">[290]</a></span> -addressed to Lord Glenmore at his office in Downing-street -was forwarded from the custom-house at -Dover. On the box being opened, it was found to -contain a <i>porte-feuille</i> resembling those in which -public papers are transmitted between official personages, -and was stamped with a coronet, and with the -initials G. G. The box itself was not fastened, and -was accompanied by a note from one of the heads -of the custom-house, stating, that it had been left -at Dover some days back; and, from all accounts, -by one of his lordship's servants in the hurry of departure, -the initials on the box seeming to authorize -the supposition. On the note being handed -to Lord Glenmore by his secretary, he desired him -to inspect the contents of the <i>porte-feuille</i>; and when -informed that it seemed to contain papers of a -private nature, Lord Glenmore desired to see it -himself. He found it filled with letters addressed -to Lady Glenmore, and amongst others, some which -he recognised as being his own; and he was about -to give orders that it should be sent to his house, -concluding it was a mistake, when, on removing some -of the letters, and lifting them up for the purpose -of shutting the box, a miniature portrait attracted -his eye. He thought he recognised the features. -He paused for a moment, still gazing at it. At<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_291" id="Page_291">[291]</a></span> -last he exclaimed, "Why! this is surely Leslie -Winyard's portrait! How came it here? This must -be a mistake!" Again he looked at the letters, but -there was no mistake. The letters were all addressed -to Lady Glenmore, and some of them were -his own.</p> - -<p>He involuntarily shuddered. For a moment he -half doubted <i>what</i> to do; whether to close the box, -and leave it to Lady Glenmore to explain a circumstance -which appeared so strange, or whether -himself to endeavour to elucidate the mystery by -an investigation of the contents. He hesitated between -these two resolves, while his hand mechanically -turned the papers over. In another moment -his attention was arrested by a few brief words -beginning, "You will not leave Paris, surely, so -cruelly, so unexpectedly? Remember there are duties -of the heart, as well as those of <i>convenance</i>. I rely -upon your giving me some days to prepare for your -absence: indeed you owe me this favour;"—and -the note ran on in a similar strain of familiarity, -and implied confidence of a return of sentiment.</p> - -<p>To a person of Lord Glenmore's open, unsuspicious -nature, the shadow of such a discovery as seemed -now unfolding itself was paralyzing; yet he was a -man of too much strong sense alike to shrink from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_292" id="Page_292">[292]</a></span> -investigation when such was necessary, as to act -upon any sudden impulse, or form a hasty conclusion. -There was enough, however, in what he had -seen, to make him think deeply, fearfully, and to -determine him on probing the matter at once to its -very source.</p> - -<p>After a few moments' reflection, his resolution -was taken. He knew that to breathe such a suspicion -as these circumstances created of the woman -he loved, even to herself, if she <i>were</i> innocent, would -be the severest wound and deepest degradation that -could be inflicted on her heart; and if she were <i>not</i> -innocent, that it would demand more of calm reflection, -than, in the agony of excited feelings, he -could perhaps command, in order to come to any -decision. He determined, therefore, ere he took -any further step in the business, to proceed to an -immediate examination of the <i>porte-feuille</i>. With -every nerve stretched to agony, and a brain on fire, -he removed the papers one by one, turning over all -the letters and notes it contained. He dreaded to -find what he was searching for. Who can express -the pain of such a search? It was some time before -he found any character assimilating to those of the -note he had already perused. At length, when he -came near the bottom of the portfolio, the same<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_293" id="Page_293">[293]</a></span> -hand-writing presented itself on a thousand scraps -of paper, and on the direction of various letters.</p> - -<p>Again he started, and was obliged for a moment -to pause,—his senses refused their office; but, -in another, he rallied; though with that inward -tremor which checks the pulse of life, he turned -them over, and, seizing the first that presented itself, -read it with a perfect knowledge of its contents. -The notes and letters were numerous, yet he missed -not one; but continued to read them carefully -through with breathless eagerness, alive to the apprehension -of discovering, at every line of their -perusal, something that would inflict a more deadly -wound than he had yet received. When he came -to the conclusion, he literally gasped for breath. -"Thank God," he exclaimed, as he dashed a burning -tear from his cheek, "there is nothing positively to -criminate the wife of my bosom!" But to so fond, -so noble and faithful a heart as Lord Glenmore's, -was it not sufficient agony to find, that, while absent -from him, her intimacy with another had been of -that kind which could permit of such a correspondence?—a -correspondence which proved that her intercourse -with Mr. Leslie Winyard had been of that -nature which sullies the purity of a married woman; -and which proved, likewise, that it had been one<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_294" id="Page_294">[294]</a></span> -of daily habitude, and that not only had the hours -of the day been passed in his presence, but often, -by the dates of the notes, it was evident she must -have received them in the morning before she arose, -and at night, after she had retired to rest. Was -this not sufficient to harrow up his soul? Calling, -however, to his aid as much calmness as the circumstances -in which he was placed could admit, he -reperused the notes, to avoid all chance of a hasty -or superficial judgment; and again he had the consolation -of feeling certain that they in nowise -criminated Lady Glenmore, however much they -proved her guilty of an indiscretion of a most -perilous kind.</p> - -<p>The letters were the artful compositions of a man -of intrigue, such as he knew Mr. Leslie Winyard to -be; and in the intimacy which they discovered -there was a stain on the character of Lady Glenmore, -which, though many degrees removed from -positive vice, was still a degradation to her and to -himself. And is there not a pang of long remorse -to follow such a dereliction of duty? And are there -not tears of penitence, wrung from the heart's inmost -core, to be shed, which, though they through -mercy wash out sin, cannot wash out shame? And -is there not a something, too, of self-condemnation<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_295" id="Page_295">[295]</a></span> -that pierces the heart of the husband who can, in -the veriest shadow of a shade, impute to his own -neglect, or carelessness, or over-weening security, -his wife's aberrations? Oh! what a world of -solemn reflection was now opened up before Lord -Glenmore's view! Bitterly did he repent having -ever suffered a man of such a character as Mr. Leslie -Winyard to be on terms even of acquaintance in -his house.</p> - -<p>It was not the time, however, to dwell on this -irretrievable point; neither to give way to the suspicions -which flashed across him, of Lady Tenderden's -having been, at least, deeply to blame in suffering -the progress of an affair of which she must -have been aware, and which she ought to have -arrested in its course by returning home directly. -Neither did he suffer himself to dwell on the reflection, -that perhaps the society into which Lady -Glenmore had been thrown in England might -have laid the foundation of her present deviation -from propriety. It was all too late. It was enough, -for the present moment, to know, by the evidence -before him, that a fearful evil existed; and he -prayed inwardly that he might already have learned -its full extent. He felt that he could have no surer -test how far Lady Glenmore's heart was involved<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_296" id="Page_296">[296]</a></span> -in the error of her conduct, than by a direct appeal to -herself; for he thought, "It is impossible she could -as yet have lost that ingenuousness, that openness -of disposition, which was ever her peculiar charm! -The brief space of a few months cannot have uprooted -virtues which were the growth of years! -Should it be,"—and again he offered up aspirations -to Heaven that strength and counsel might be given -him to act for the best under all circumstances, -and as in a Christian spirit he ought to do.</p> - -<p>Immediate action, under a sense of mental agony, -is less painful than an inactive endurance; and Lord -Glenmore hastened home to sound the full depth -of his misery. Arrived at his house, he found -Lady Glenmore was out. He felt it impossible to -meet her any where but under his own roof and -alone, and was therefore determined to await her -return. It was late before she came in; and as -she hurried from her carriage, she gave orders that -it should be at the door again in an hour, and was -proceeding hastily to her apartment to change her -dress for dinner, when a servant followed her half -way up stairs, saying that Lord Glenmore had -desired to see her ladyship as soon as she entered. -"Tell Lord Glenmore," she replied, in a gay tone -of voice, "that I am very late, and have hardly<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_297" id="Page_297">[297]</a></span> -time to dress. I am going to dine with Lady -Tenderden; but I will see him before I go out. -At what time is Lord Glenmore's carriage ordered? -at eight, is it not?"</p> - -<p>"I believe so, my lady," was the reply.</p> - -<p>"Oh! very well. Then I shall be with him before -I go out."</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore, however, had heard his wife's -voice; and coming out of his room he called to her, -"Georgina, I must speak with you." There was -something in the tone in which he spoke unlike its -usual sound, which made Lady Glenmore, without -waiting to answer, descend immediately to his -room. She entered, and was beginning to state -the purport of the message she had sent to him by -the servant, when he said to her, in the same grave -and impressive tone, "Georgina, you cannot leave -home to-day."</p> - -<p>"What is the matter?" she exclaimed. "My -father! is he ill? or my mother? What <i>has</i> happened? -Has any thing befallen <i>them</i>?—For mercy's -sake tell me;"—and she rushed into his arms trembling -and in tears. Lord Glenmore bade her compose -herself. "They are well, quite well," he said; -and gently disengaging himself from her, he gazed -at her for a moment in silence, as though he would<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_298" id="Page_298">[298]</a></span> -read her inmost soul; and then said, "Georgina, -have you no other cause for apprehension than for -the safety of your parents?"</p> - -<p>"Oh, yes!" she replied wildly, "for yourself;" -and again flung herself into his arms. "Has anything -grieved <i>you</i>? has any thing befallen you?"</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore was touched by this genuine -mark of feeling for himself, which he knew her too -well to think was assumed. He sighed deeply; -and pressing his hand on his breast, unconsciously -gave utterance to the hope which, at the moment, -this proof of her affection afforded him, murmuring -audibly, "All may yet be well." Lady Glenmore -looked at him with inquiring eye; when at length, -taking from the table the packet of Leslie Winyard's -letters, he opened them before her, asking her if -she knew them, and if they had been addressed to -herself. She looked at them with an expression of -surprise; and then mingled shame and dismay -were painted on her countenance, the colour went -and came in her cheek, her lip trembled, and -covering her face with her hands, she burst into an -agony of tears.</p> - -<p>"Georgina, I adjure you," said her husband in -the most solemn tone, rendered hollow and tremulous -by emotion, "I call upon you by all that is<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_299" id="Page_299">[299]</a></span> -sacred; by your vows, plighted to me at the altar; -by the love which, if all things are not alike deceptive, -you have till lately evinced towards me——."</p> - -<p>"Till lately!" she interrupted him, with a gesture -and an expression of the most harrowing -agony, "oh! ever, ever!"—and would again have -thrown herself into his arms, but that Lord Glenmore -retreated from her advance, and she fell on -her knees with clasped hands before him, and raising -her eyes stedfastly to his, remained in silent supplication, -till Lord Glenmore, evidently as much -moved as herself, gently raised her, and bidding -her sit on the sofa by him, said, "You must be -calm, Georgina. I must hear your explanation. -I need not ask you if you felt there was no impropriety, -as a married woman, in your receiving -notes of this description: your agitation proves -that you feel it was wrong. But I must first know -how you came to admit of any addresses of the sort; -and then I must learn how far your error has proceeded, -and whether your heart is engaged in it."—Lady -Glenmore shook her head in agony of denial.—"And -remember, Lady Glenmore," continued -Lord Glenmore, "that whilst the most perfect -openness on your part can alone restore you in time -to my affection, so also any deception for the moment,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_300" id="Page_300">[300]</a></span> -or any success in imposing on me, must -eventually recoil on yourself, and only hasten -your ruin and the entire loss of my heart and -esteem."</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore remained bathed in tears, apparently -unable to give utterance to what was passing -in her breast.</p> - -<p>"If I understand you right, Georgina, by the -gesture which this moment escaped you, your heart -is <i>not</i> engaged in this affair. But how, then, I ask, -could you for a moment suffer any one to assume -an intimacy with you such as these notes testify? -Surely it could not be vacancy of affection, and in -default of any object of attachment; for was I not -myself, a few short months before, the husband of -your free choice? Or is it that you are changed -indeed?" he added, with a look of inquiring -anxiety.</p> - -<p>Again Lady Glenmore shook her head in bitterness -of sorrow.</p> - -<p>"Tell me, then; how long has this kind of familiarity -existed between you and the writer of -these notes? and tell me, is any one aware of this -degrading intimacy?"</p> - -<p>"I will tell you all, Glenmore," she exclaimed; -"all—all!" Lord Glenmore shuddered to think<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_301" id="Page_301">[301]</a></span> -how his happiness rested on the awful revelation of -what that all might be. "I will tell you every thing," -she repeated; and endeavouring to still the sobs -that burst from her heaving bosom, she began.—"That -you, Glenmore, should think my heart -engaged to any one but yourself is the deepest -pang I feel; and if I have been guilty, in appearance, -of any imprudence or indiscretion, it is <i>only -in appearance</i>. In judging me I hope you will be -merciful, though perhaps I cannot ask this at your -hands. But if you see fit to cast me off, and if what -I shall say avail me nothing in restoring me to -your affection, still my heart will be yours till it -ceases to beat; and as no one has ever shared it for -an instant, so shall no one <i>ever</i>, to my dying hour. -<i>I</i> give my heart or my affections to such a one as -Mr. Leslie Winyard?—impossible! I could not if I -would. You, you alone, can ever possess it. But -to evince the tenderness which I feel for you in -public, I was told was wrong, was ridiculous; -and I was taught to think that you yourself would -cease to love me if I troubled you with demonstrations -of this fondness. I was told, also, that another -than you ought to be my attendant in the world; -and the example of those around me confirmed -in this idea." Lord Glenmore sighed heavily as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_302" id="Page_302">[302]</a></span> -he felt the truth of what last fell from Lady Glenmore.</p> - -<p>"Who <i>could</i> have told you this?" he uttered involuntarily.</p> - -<p>"Glenmore, did you not yourself tell me that I -must look to the conduct of those with whom I -lived as the best guide for my own? did you not -tell me that Lady Tenderden would be my best -model? And if I have displeased you in my late -conduct, think how much I have been led into the -error by your own directions?"</p> - -<p>"Georgina, your heart must tell you, that I -could never intend, by any suggestions on my -part, that you should form an <i>intimacy</i> with such -a person as Mr. Leslie Winyard, at least such an -intimacy as you seem to have done by these notes. -It is true I might have bid you lay aside the foolish -expectation that I should be ever at your side in -public; but I could never judge so ill of your -understanding, as to suppose that such expressions, -on my part, could be interpreted to the extent of -endangering your honour and my happiness. But -proceed. You have not yet told me how this intimacy -has grown, or what encouragement you have -given to justify such insolent presumption."</p> - -<p>"Indeed, indeed, Glenmore, I can hardly tell<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_303" id="Page_303">[303]</a></span> -you how. But first, whenever I <i>was</i> in public, -you were always absent; or, if not absent, at least -occupied with others and not with myself. I sat -alone, <i>ennuyé</i>, and with a feeling of desertion. At -the <i>écarté</i> parties, especially, I felt desolate. To -them, you know, no young, unmarried ladies were -admitted; and the persons who composed the society -were either engaged in play, or else those -who sat out were so engaged, two and two, in conversation -at distant parts of the room, that I felt -awkward in attempting to join them. Oh! how -I have sat, night after night, in those fine rooms, -thinking how little they afforded happiness, and -wishing myself any where else! The first person -who paid me any attention was Mr. Leslie Winyard. -I found him agreeable and entertaining; and neither -saw nor heard, in his manner or conversation, any -thing that the whole world might not have seen or -heard with me. If others spoke to me, it was a -matter of form, or only a passing word, without -seeming to care whether I answered or not; while -he, on the contrary, always listened to what I -had to say with apparent interest,—always seemed -impressed with a wish to please me whenever we -met; and thus our intimacy commenced. Deprived -of you, Glenmore, I thought there was<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_304" id="Page_304">[304]</a></span> -no harm in amusing myself in public during the -time that I was there; instead of being quite <i>délaissée</i>. -<i>You</i> know how unwilling I was to enter -on a life of dissipation." Lord Glenmore again -sighed, as if in assent to the truth of these words; -and blamed himself inwardly that he had ever -suffered Lady Glenmore to mingle, unprotected by -himself, in society which now, for the first time, -appeared to him, in its full force, to be of such -dangerous tendency, that he felt he ought to have -known better.</p> - -<p>"But your greater intimacy abroad," he went -on to ask, "Georgina? for it was abroad that these -notes seem to have been written. Did you receive -none such before your departure?"</p> - -<p>"None, on my sacred word," she replied.</p> - -<p>"Then how came you to admit them?"</p> - -<p>"Oh! I can scarcely tell. Sometimes we were -left in doubt, the evening before, whether our party -was to take place on the following day or not, and -he wrote to me to know <i>how</i> it was to be. Then I -sometimes returned fatigued with our day's excursion, -and a note of inquiry would arrive. Then -another morning would come flowers, another music, -and with all these came notes."</p> - -<p>"Did you ever answer them?"</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_305" id="Page_305">[305]</a></span></p> - -<p>"Very seldom, for you know I hate writing; and -when I did it was only a literal word of reply to -some question about the hour at which we were to -ride or dine out. The notes themselves will tell you -this, Glenmore, for they complain of never being -answered."</p> - -<p>"But if you did not answer, you valued them, -Georgina, or you would not have preserved them."</p> - -<p>"Yes," she replied, "I liked the attention they -proved; but that was all. <i>I</i> meant no harm; and -though Lady Tenderden frequently knew of the -circumstance, she never reproved me for receiving -them."</p> - -<p>"Did Lady Tenderden," exclaimed Lord Glenmore -with surprise, "never tell you you were in -the wrong, or, at least, imprudent?"</p> - -<p>"No—no," Lady Glenmore answered with some -hesitation, and as if endeavouring to recollect herself.</p> - -<p>"You hesitate, Georgina. Did Lady Tenderden, -I ask you pointedly, never make any remark on Mr. -Leslie Winyard's attentions to you?"</p> - -<p>"Yes, yes; once she did say something."</p> - -<p>"What was it?" asked Lord Glenmore, with -breathless impatience.</p> - -<p>"She told me that I should not encourage Mr.<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_306" id="Page_306">[306]</a></span> -Leslie Winyard <i>alone</i>; that it was bad taste to have -but one cavalier; that he would grow tired of me if -I did not divide my preference."</p> - -<p>"Gracious heaven!" exclaimed Lord Glenmore, -striking his hands together; "and is it to this -guardianship that I have intrusted you?—But the -picture, Georgina, the picture! tell me, how came -the picture of that man in your possession?"</p> - -<p>"His picture!" repeated Lady Glenmore with -surprise.</p> - -<p>"Yes," rejoined Lord Glenmore sternly; and -taking it from beneath the papers, pointed to it.</p> - -<p>"Oh! I remember now; I had totally forgotten -it. But one day, when I was writing, he came up -to me. We had been talking, the evening before, of -remembering people and their features in absence, -and I had declared my inability to recall any one, -however intimate, to my memory, when I did not -see them; and then he said he could not bear me to -forget him, and he would put his portrait in my -<i>porte-feuille</i>, which I conclude he did; but indeed, -indeed I have never looked at it or thought of it -since;"—and she raised her eloquent eyes, streaming -with tears, full in Lord Glenmore's face.</p> - -<p>The latter, during the whole of what had passed, -felt that his wife was only the victim of the system<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_307" id="Page_307">[307]</a></span> -of that society in which she had been cast. He -could not for a moment believe that the expression -of that genuine feeling which had been displayed -could have been assumed,—that the undisguised -truth had not been elicited in every word that had -fallen from Lady Glenmore's lips,—that she had -been led away by the vanity of a designing man's -attention, and during a season, <i>perhaps</i>, of neglect -on his part.</p> - -<p>How could he then, if his honour and her heart -were still unpolluted, deal harshly by her? Lord -Glenmore's views, on all subjects, were clear and -decided; and from what he had elicited from Lady -Glenmore, his purpose was fixed, provided she -answered him satisfactorily on two points, and with -the same ingenuous spirit, and the same conviction. -Turning to her, therefore, with much solemnity, he -said,</p> - -<p>"Georgina, you have been foolish: I believe -this to be the extent of your error. I, perhaps, have -been unwise in trusting too much to your discretion. -But before I can again repose confidence in you, -you must first assure me, in the most solemn manner, -that you have told me <i>all</i>,—that you have concealed -no part of this transaction from me:—you must -swear it."</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_308" id="Page_308">[308]</a></span></p> - -<p>"I swear," exclaimed Lady Glenmore; and falling -on her knees, once more raised her hands and -eyes to heaven, in affirmation of her words, and in -agony of feeling.</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore was deeply agitated. "And then," -he continued, his voice faltering with emotion, -"you must promise me that you will break off all -intercourse and acquaintance with that man."</p> - -<p>"All, all!" she cried, embracing his knees; "joyfully -I will break it off," and raising an imploring -look of love up to his face.</p> - -<p>"Voluntarily, freely," he continued, as he gazed -at her.</p> - -<p>"Yes, Glenmore," she repeated, with deep -earnestness. "What is he or his hated name to me, -if you but love me? Only trust me, try me, and -you will find how devotedly I am your own."</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore was deeply affected; and as she -clung to his knees, raised her in his arms, and -pressed her convulsively to his heart.</p> - -<p>"<i>I will trust you, Georgina</i>," he said, as he -impressed a kiss on her forehead—the seal of peace; -nor was it impressed in vain. "And now," he -added, "you require repose. This has been a deep -lesson to you and to myself. Go to your chamber, -Georgina, and thank God, as I do, that you have<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_309" id="Page_309">[309]</a></span> -been thus saved from degradation and misery." -Again Lady Glenmore flinging herself into those -dear arms which no longer repelled her embrace, -wept for some moments on his neck delicious tears -of penitence and love.</p> - -<p>Once more alone, Lord Glenmore reviewed all -that had passed; and in the calm reflection of a -strong mind saw at once the miserable cause, and -the nearly fatal effects, of a mode of life, the -awful dangers of which he had never till then -questioned. He had the honesty to perceive in his -own conduct much more to blame than in that of -his young and inexperienced wife. His belief -amounted to conviction of her innocence, even in -regard to the imprudence into which she had been -betrayed. A thousand times did he condemn his -own mistaken course, and his too confiding nature, -as the cause of all that had occurred. A thousand -instances did he recall of his having placed Lady -Glenmore in circumstances where a less virtuous -nature than hers would have fallen a more easy -sacrifice.</p> - -<p>The delusion of the false system of society in -which she had been cast was now unveiled, and a -thousand proofs of the immorality and viciousness -which marked the course of those with whom he<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_310" id="Page_310">[310]</a></span> -had habitually lived now stared him in the face; and -with a deep feeling of gratitude he raised the voice -of thanksgiving to Heaven, that the mist of error -had been dispelled in time to save her who was -dearer to him than his own life, and in whose -happiness his own was involved. How to break -from the entanglements of a society which had -produced these baneful results was a reflection of -difficulty.</p> - -<p>Lord Glenmore was too much a man of the -world, and too good and just a person, to act -hastily in such circumstances; for he well knew -that to do so would be only to draw down upon -himself and his wife the animadversions of the -world at large, and the rancour of those from -whom he separated; and in this his wife's character -must suffer. It required, therefore, the calmness -of repose, and the deliberation of a less agitated -mind, to decide on the after-measures to be taken; -and with the determination of adopting such as -might appear best suited to the circumstances of -the case, he retired, at length, to rest.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<p><span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_311" id="Page_311">[311]</a></span></p> - - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em; margin-bottom: 1em;">CHAPTER XIII.</h2> - -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">FINAL DEVELOPMENT OF A DANGEROUS SYSTEM.</h3> - - -<p><span class="smcap">Whatever</span> confidence Lord Glenmore felt in -possessing the full and undivided affections of -Lady Glenmore, yet the particulars of such a -disclosure as had come to light, of her intimacy -with Leslie Winyard, could not fail, for a long -period, to throw a gloom on his existence; and -gave birth to a feeling, that the happiness which he -had hitherto contemplated as unclouded was now -obscured by some of those shades which are incident -to all human enjoyments, and which are -wisely ordered to wean us, perhaps, from a world -we might otherwise love too well.</p> - -<p>Convinced, however, that Lady Glenmore had -been timely saved from falling a prey to circumstances -arising out of the nature of the society into -which she was thrown, and which he could not -help considering were in a great measure the result -of his own want of forethought and care, he felt -assured that the decision he had come to was as<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_312" id="Page_312">[312]</a></span> -much his <i>duty</i>, as his heart told him it was his -<i>desire</i>.</p> - -<p>To withdraw Lady Glenmore from that circle -was nevertheless no easy task. Habits of conventional -dissipation are seldom broken through -without producing a mutual aversion between the -parties. From this feeling, on the part of her former -associates, it was his anxious wish to guard Lady -Glenmore; for he felt that to a young and inexperienced -heart there can be no greater temptation -to return to error, than to be exposed to those -sneers and contemptuous remarks which the world -of folly is ever ready to apply when it finds itself -tacitly reproved.</p> - -<p>While, therefore, Lady Glenmore remained exposed, -as she must of necessity be for a season, to -the casual society of Lady Tenderden, Lady -Tilney, and the rest of that party, it would have -been impolitic, with the views Lord Glenmore entertained, -for him to have adopted any very -marked change in his own or Lady Glenmore's -outward deportment towards them. But he laid -a sure and better foundation of future propriety -in the conduct of his wife, by developing to her -the dangers and awful consequences which, now -that his fears had been timely awakened, he saw<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_313" id="Page_313">[313]</a></span> -existed in the mode of life and peculiar society in -which they had hitherto taken a part.</p> - -<p>Struck with dismay at the contemplation of the -picture he drew, and while there was no reason to -appeal further than to her own good sense, Lord -Glenmore felt convinced that the veil had been -seasonably removed from <i>her</i> eyes as well as <i>his -own</i>; and that, with a conviction of the danger -which surrounded her, and with affections firmly -fixed upon himself, he might discard all fear for the -future on <i>her</i> account. In regard to her acquaintance, -however, with Mr. Leslie Winyard, a more -decided line was necessarily taken; and although -this step gave rise to some whispers among the -younger and more licentious part of the society, and -elicited innuendos from Leslie Winyard himself, -under which, with real baseness, he sought to conceal -the mortification of his abrupt dismissal, yet -the more prudent of the <i>coterie</i> rejoiced in the circumstance, -as averting the danger of a <i>public -scandal</i> which threatened them.</p> - -<p>Amongst this number Lady Tilney was loud in -dwelling on the fortunate <i>dénouement</i> of an affair -which, had it terminated otherwise, might have been -detrimental to the interests of the circle in which -she reigned; and arrogated to herself the whole<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_314" id="Page_314">[314]</a></span> -merit of having, by her good policy, been the means -of bringing it to this conclusion:—a false and unhallowed -presumption, thus to attribute to human -agency alone, and human foresight, events which -proceed from a higher source than this world's -wisdom can reach! but which is too common an -error in minds where religion is not the abiding -principle.</p> - -<p>Neither Lady Tilney, however, nor any of the -<i>coterie</i>, were aware of the determination of Lord and -Lady Glenmore to withdraw themselves ultimately -from their circle; an event which movements in the -political world, as unexpected as they were generally -deprecated, greatly facilitated, and of which Lord -Glenmore failed not to take advantage, as much for -the sake of his domestic peace, as for the maintenance -of his political principles. Measures which -he felt he never could consistently support were on -the point of being brought forward by the head -of the ministry; and with that frankness and decision -of character which had marked his whole -life, he sought permission to retire from public -affairs, and resign the office which he held.</p> - -<p>Aware of the importance of his support, the -minister of the day long sought to retain him on his -side; but no arguments of expediency could overcome<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_315" id="Page_315">[315]</a></span> -the fixed principles of right and wrong by -which Lord Glenmore was actuated; and he finally -succeeded in liberating himself from the toils of an -office which, since the late threatened overthrow of -his domestic peace, he had found induced too great -a sacrifice of more essential points of happiness. -Equally rejoiced with Lord Glenmore was Lord -Albert D'Esterre at this event, for in the present -state of his mind he found mixing in public, which -his official situation imposed upon him, a most irksome -burden; and he hailed with satisfaction a circumstance -which, as a natural consequence of Lord -Glenmore's resignation, freed him also from the -toils of office. The first favourable result that accrued -from this change was, that it threw Lord Glenmore -and Lord Albert more together; who, in the leisure -of retirement, experienced the sweets of that steady -friendship which is the offspring of mutual esteem.</p> - -<p>In a proposal which, soon after these occurrences, -Lord Glenmore made to Lord Albert, of taking advantage -of their liberation to go abroad, the latter -readily joined; not only as being his friend's wish -but also as one in which he would have sooner -indulged himself, except for the pain he endured at -the thought of quitting Lord Glenmore. All barriers -to his wishes in this respect being removed, the arrangements<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_316" id="Page_316">[316]</a></span> -for a foreign tour were soon completed; -and leaving the <i>coterie</i> astonished at the <i>mauvais -ton</i> of their quitting London in the middle of <i>the -season</i>, and when no one was at Paris, and no inducement -could exist for a <i>séjour</i> abroad, according -to their calculation, Lord Glenmore and Lord -Albert were soon consigned to oblivion, and ceased -to be subjects of conversation.</p> - -<p>They, on their part, quitted London without one -of those regrets so generally experienced by the -young and gay when bidding adieu to so many -seducing phantoms of pleasure—phantoms, however, -whose fallacy they had too deeply proved, ever to -permit a moment's power over them in future.</p> - -<p>The reunited friends pursued their journey in -the same route; and although Lord Albert's heart -was any thing but light, a degree of serenity was -gradually restored to him in the calm of reflection, -the interest of the scenes he passed through, and -above all in that reflected ray of happiness which -he caught from his friend.</p> - -<p>A year in this manner had passed away, and -Lord Glenmore had recovered that even cheerfulness -which is a test of the heart's happiness, and -which the assurance of Lady Glenmore's devotedness -to himself, and total abandonment of all wish to re-enter<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_317" id="Page_317">[317]</a></span> -scenes from which he had withdrawn her, were -calculated to restore. It was at this period that the -party found themselves at Naples: and here Lord -Albert's proximity to that country of classic name -which he had once before visited, and which again -seemed to call him to the contemplation of all the -interests and beauties which it ever retains, together -with that spirit of restlessness, which is the concomitant -of an unoccupied heart, tempted him once -more to revisit Greece.</p> - -<p>In fulfilling this wish, however, he remained -some time undecided, from his averseness to quit the -Glenmores; but when Lady Glenmore's health at -length prevented the possibility of their removing -from Naples, he decided on resigning the society of -his friends for a few months, and prepared for his -departure. However lively his regret at the moment -of separation, and however irksome his absence, -from Lord Glenmore might appear, Lord -Albert's stay in Greece was prolonged far beyond -his original intention; for who, once having -tasted the delights attendant on Grecian travel, can -readily forego the charm it affords? If there -is earthly balm for a wounded spirit, it is in the -feelings and reflections which such scenes inspire.</p> - -<p>In the correspondence that continued between<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_318" id="Page_318">[318]</a></span> -Lord Glenmore and Lord Albert D'Esterre, he -found the former had quitted Italy, and intended -to pass the winter in Munich. When, therefore, his -own affairs called him imperatively back to England, -he took his route through Germany; and arriving late -at Munich, stopped there for the night, in order to -enjoy a few hours society with the only persons who -still, he believed, were solicitous to retain his friendship. -The announcement of his arrival was quickly -followed by his presence at the hotel inhabited by -Lord Glenmore. The meeting and reception were -such as may be imagined, though seldom realized, -between friends so cordially united; and if it suffered -any alloy, it was the contrasted loneliness -of Lord Albert's heart with the domestic felicity -of Lord Glenmore. But although he felt the -pang of self-regret, he was not insensible to the reflected -joy of Lord Glenmore's happiness.</p> - -<p>His transient visit was soon followed by the declaration -of his intended departure on the morrow. But -who can tell what a day may bring forth? From this -intention he was eagerly dissuaded by the joint entreaties -of Lord and Lady Glenmore; and yielding -to their solicitations, and the prospect of the pleasure -of their society, rather than to the inducement -they held out of a court festival that was to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_319" id="Page_319">[319]</a></span> -take place the following day, he gave a reluctant -acquiescence to retard his journey, and promised -his attendance at the Court.</p> - -<p>On the morrow, Lord Albert arrived at the palace, -but late; and was obliged to hurry through the -apartments, in order to be in time for his presentation. -This formality gone through, he was leisurely -retracing his way to rejoin the Glenmores, -who stood in a distant part of the circle, when his -eyes were attracted to a form which he thought he -recognised, but so changed, so pale, so much taller -than he had been used to recollect as the image of -the person whom the features represented, that he -stopped for a moment in doubt. But that moment -was sufficient to make him remember all. It was -Lady Adeline Seymour who stood before him. For -a moment he paused, and was irresolute how to act. -His head swam round, and every object in the room -became one confused mass. He looked for a way to -escape; but escape there was none, without causing -much observation, the circle was so closely drawn; -and he found he must inevitably proceed in the direction -where this magic phantom stood. He endeavoured -to arm himself for the dreaded trial; but -with every nerve trembling, and every pulse beating, -he was forced to move on. He endeavoured to fix<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_320" id="Page_320">[320]</a></span> -his eyes on the ground, but, in despite of himself, -they were constantly raised to the object that so -irresistibly attracted them. As he drew nearer, he -observed Lady Dunmelraise leaning on the arm of -her daughter. Again he started, and gasped with -uncontrollable emotion. The Court was breaking -up. The current of the throng set in one way, and -pressed upon him till he found himself absolutely -borne close to the very beings whom, of all others, -it caused him the most violent agitation of mingled -feelings to meet. "Lord Albert D'Esterre" exclaimed -Lady Dunmelraise, and, courtesying, she -half smiled as she recognised him. He bowed in -silence, unable to speak. Lady Dunmelraise continued -to address him:—"Have you been long -at Munich, Lord Albert?" "Yes—no—yes—no. -I have been"——and he murmured a few incoherent -words that admitted of any interpretation, but -which she did not misunderstand.</p> - -<p>"Adeline, dear!" she said, turning to her daughter, -whose head had drooped, and whose eyes sought -the ground, "Adeline! do you not recognise Lord -Albert D'Esterre?" Lady Adeline bowed without -speaking, or raising her head. She was powerless. -Lord Albert's eyes were fixed in stupified amazement -on her. The crowd had now congregated<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_321" id="Page_321">[321]</a></span> -around them, and it was impossible for either party -to move. Painful as this situation was, Lord Albert -thought he read, in the tremor of Lady Adeline's -frame, a something indefinable indeed, but -which, nevertheless, breathed of tender reminiscence. -In another minute, the glove and fan which she held -in her hand dropped from her trembling hold.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert hastened to recover them; and, in -presenting them to her, the whole recollection of -the scene at the Court of London flashed vividly on -his mind: the myrtle sprig, the look that had accompanied -the bequest of it to him, all returned to <i>his</i> -remembrance; and had it faded entirely from hers? -He ventured not to speak; but in this act of common -courtesy, while holding the fan by one end as -she touched it at the other, there was a mutually -tremulous vibration that passed through it, which -told him of <i>all that was thrilling</i> in her heart at the -moment, and which instinctively conveyed to him -a renovated gleam of hope. Under these feelings, -Lord Albert, in his turn, stooped his head to hide -the tear that started to his eye, as he acknowledged—for -how could he do otherwise than acknowledge?—that -<i>this</i> was not the feeling of one indifferent to -him.</p> - -<p>It needed, however, only a moment's reflection to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_322" id="Page_322">[322]</a></span> -repress the presumptuous joy which for an instant -filled his breast; and, with wounds fresh opened, -he sought the opportunity which a movement in -the crowd afforded him to rush from the palace to -his carriage. Thence he drove impetuously to his -hotel, called his servants, gave orders for instant -preparations for departure, and hastily changing -his dress, and desiring his carriage to attend him -at Lord Glenmore's hotel, proceeded thither.</p> - -<p>He entered with excited feelings, and a spirit -irritated by the most contradictory emotions, and -half-inclined to reproach Lord Glenmore for having -exposed him to the painful scene which he had just -passed through. Lord Albert met him on the staircase, -that moment returned from Court. Lord -Glenmore looked at him at first with astonishment, -and then at his change of dress.</p> - -<p>"Glenmore," said Lord Albert in a hurried tone, -"I must speak to you;"—and as they entered his -apartment, he continued, in agitation:</p> - -<p>"Why have you exposed me to this scene? Why -did you not tell me that she was here? I have met -Adeline;"—and he sunk into a chair, unable to utter -more.</p> - -<p>"My dear D'Esterre," Lord Glenmore replied, -"forgive me. You must know how far it is from<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_323" id="Page_323">[323]</a></span> -any wish of my heart to pain or agitate yours. That -you should have met Lady Adeline under circumstances -distressing to your feelings, you may believe -I deeply lament: that I knew she was resident here, -it could never be my intention to conceal from you: -but that your meeting will be ultimately productive -of mutual happiness to you both (however agonizing -at the moment), I cannot for an instant doubt." -Lord Albert paced the room in agitation.</p> - -<p>"Hear me; only hear me, D'Esterre, for a few -moments." Lord Albert again cast himself into a -seat.</p> - -<p>"Let me tell you, then, quietly, that since we -parted, and particularly since our residence in this -place, Lady Adeline has become the intimate friend -of my wife. Her secret thoughts have been revealed -to Georgina. Need I tell what these thoughts are? -They reveal an attachment the truest and most -refined that ever warmed a heart, and that heart is -wholly and unchangeably your own. Was it possible, -D'Esterre, that, knowing you as I do, I -should allow what I believe to be the truth to remain -secret, and not inform my wife that your -affections were in reality centred in Lady Adeline? -And again, as your friend, knowing, or, at least, -surmising, all those unfortunate circumstances<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_324" id="Page_324">[324]</a></span> -which had arisen to separate you, that I should -not endeavour to clear up the misapprehension, -and remedy the evil? Was it, too, possible, would -it have been the part of a real friend, had I -deferred for an instant seeking to place every -thing in its true light to Lady Dunmelraise? I -should, indeed, have been unworthy of the character, -if, from a momentary fear of your displeasure, -I had forborne to do so. This I have -done, D'Esterre;"—and Lord Glenmore added, -half smiling, and extending his hand to him as he -spoke, "and for this, as well as for the meeting -that has just taken place, I feel you cannot <i>blame</i> -me."</p> - -<p>"You are all goodness," exclaimed Lord Albert -mournfully. "But what then?" he cried with gasping -eagerness, "what can it all avail me?"</p> - -<p>"What then! why this, D'Esterre—the crowning -of your wishes, the fulfilment of your happiness. -I found Lady Dunmelraise almost as much -enlightened as to the circumstances which broke off -your engagement with Lady Adeline as myself; -and, in avowing this knowledge, she accompanied it -with expressions of regret that she had not herself -been more explicit on the subject to you.</p> - -<p>"With this understanding of Lady Dunmelraise's<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_325" id="Page_325">[325]</a></span> -sentiments, and the conviction of Lady Adeline's -affections being wholly yours, have I acted wrong, -even in apparent violation of your feelings, in -bringing about this interview? After all, the first -meeting has been, perhaps, as little trying to both -as could well be; and it has, with this explanation, -I hope, opened the way to a more delightful reverie -still. D'Esterre, I adjure you by our friendship, by -your own happiness, trust to me, trust to Georgina, -and suffer not this fortunate moment to escape! Give -way to the genuine impulse of your heart. Let not -any false pride, any untimely fears, influence you; -but empower me, this very instant, to go to Lady -Dunmelraise, and prepare the way for your reception."</p> - -<p>Lord Albert D'Esterre, with a sense of happiness -too overpowering to admit of any distinct feeling, -yielded up all the latent prejudices and pride of his -nature, which Lady Dunmelraise's rejection still -left rankling in his bosom; and, overcome by the -tender entreaties of Lord Glenmore, he at last convulsively -exclaimed,</p> - -<p>"Go, go, Glenmore! but do not deceive me; -do not place me in any position unworthy of your -friend." Lord Glenmore waited not an instant, -but flew to Lady Dunmelraise, the happy messenger<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_326" id="Page_326">[326]</a></span> -of happy tidings. The purpose of his mission was -soon made known, and as soon acceded to; and -when Lord Albert, the victim of delusion, found -himself once more in Lady Dunmelraise's presence, -the cordial pressure of the hand, the expressions -of pleasure at again meeting, the tearful eye, and -soft intonation of voice, soon assured him that all -the justice that could be done him had already -taken effect in Lady Dunmelraise's mind; and the -half-broken, half-murmured sentences which he attempted -in reply were interrupted by the latter -calling to Lady Adeline Seymour from the adjoining -room. As she came forward with downcast looks and -trembling footstep, Lord Albert hastened towards -her, took her hands in his, and as he pressed them -to his lips, asked her "if she could forgive him?"</p> - -<p>In sounds almost inarticulate, she pronounced -his name; and as her head was bowed down, overcome -with the agitation of such a moment, Lady -Dunmelraise approached, pressed their united -hands together, and blessed them as her children.</p> - -<p>With what inebriation of happiness did Lord -Albert quit this scene! with what a cheered and -gladdened spirit did he return to Lord Glenmore! -with what an overflowing spirit of thankfulness -did he pour forth his acknowledgments to the<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_327" id="Page_327">[327]</a></span> -friend who, under Providence, had restored him to -happiness, and with such judicious zeal guided -and counselled him to reach the goal!—For these -feelings there are no words. To Lady Glenmore also -he opened his whole soul, and condemned repeatedly -his misapprehension of Adeline's conduct, and his -own want of candour; while he listened with rapturous -delight to every fresh proof which fell from -Lady Glenmore's lips, of Lady Adeline's love; -though even in this, there was an anguish mingled -with the joy, to think how little he had merited the -devotion of such a heart. After some hours had -passed, during which Lord Albert, in the delirium -of his felicity, scarcely could persuade himself of -the reality of a change which so short a time had -wrought in his existence, he became calmer; and -looking back on the past, he could not but see -the over-ruling hand of Providence in all that had -befallen him.</p> - -<p>The unthinking might call it a chance, which -had opened up to him the real character of Lady -Hamlet Vernon; and, in the same mistaken levity, -might have attributed to the same blind accident -the serious reflections which this discovery brought -in its train: and continuing in this error, they might -ascribe to the same fortuitous power, that he had<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_328" id="Page_328">[328]</a></span> -reached Munich, a desolate and forlorn being, to -whom no object in life presented itself to cheer -existence or stimulate exertion; and that, now, how -the evolution of a few hours had reversed the whole -picture, and placed him on the summit of human -happiness!—Yes, the unthinking and the hardened -may ascribe all this to chance: but the wise and -good know that <i>chance</i> is only another word for -Providence; and that in every turn of our lives, in -every minutia which affects our existence here or -hereafter, there is a mightier power to be acknowledged -than any secondary cause can alone produce.</p> - -<p>"D'Esterre," said Lord Glenmore, as the latter -entered the apartment where he was sitting with -Lady Glenmore, "D'Esterre, do you know that -your carriage has been waiting for hours at the -door?" and smiling as he added, "I presume it may -go back to your hotel, for I have to tell you that -Lady Dunmelraise and Lady Adeline will be here -directly." Lord Albert looked his delighted thanks. -"And if you intend to make any toilette for dinner," -continued the former, "there is no time to lose." -Lord Albert arose, pressed the hands of both his -friends to his heart, and promised to return instantly.</p> - -<p>As he descended the staircase, he saw his old servant<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_329" id="Page_329">[329]</a></span> -Comtois, who held his travelling cloak. Lord -Albert said, as he passed him, "No, Comtois, no." -The former made a sign to the courier to mount. -Lord Albert observed this, and turning round, -added, "Comtois, I shall not set off to-day."</p> - -<p>"No, <i>milor</i>?" rejoined the latter with surprise, -his features catching a portion of the joy that -gleamed from his master's face, and to which such -an expression had long been a stranger. "<i>Milor, -donc, a changé d'intention: il ne part pas.</i>"</p> - -<p>"No, Comtois; and I must dress as soon as possible, -so go to my hotel." The servant hastened -forward to execute these orders, with as much alacrity -as Lord Albert had shown in giving them; -and the grave tone of command to the courier to -return with the carriage was changed to one almost -of friendly familiarity, as he said, nodding to -him, "Luigi, <i>nous ne partons pas</i>. <i>Vite à l'hôtel.</i>"</p> - -<p>It would be vain to attempt to describe all that -passed, all that was said and looked, when they met, -between the now happy Lord Albert and Lady -Adeline. Much time at Munich was not suffered -to elapse, before arrangements were made for Lady -Dunmelraise's and her daughter's return to England, -whither they were accompanied by Lord Albert; -and when arrived there, their union was to take<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_330" id="Page_330">[330]</a></span> -place as soon as possible. Lord and Lady Glenmore -were entreated to return in time for the ceremony; -and the former, re-assured by the two years' devotion -and increasing attachment of his wife, now saw -no reason for his prolonged stay on the continent.</p> - -<p>Lord Albert D'Esterre, on his arrival in England, -found some little difficulty in explaining satisfactorily -to his father Lord Tresyllian's mind all -the contradictory circumstances which had led to -Lady Adeline's rejection of him, and in regaining his -approbation of their union; but the wounded pride -of the latter was at length appeased by the most -satisfactory details of all the occurrences, and beyond -this Lord Tresyllian had little feeling. The -marriage took place a few days after the arrival of -the Glenmores, and for nine days formed the subject -of wonder and conversation in the <i>coterie</i> of the -exclusives, in which Lord Albert had so nearly made -a wreck of happiness.</p> - -<p>With this circle, a few excepted, no renewal of -intimacy took place, either on the part of Lord -Albert or Lord Glenmore. They found, by public -report, that the fate of some who had figured in it -had been such as their course must sooner or later -have brought them to. Mr. Leslie Winyard had -married, a few months after Lady Glenmore's departure,<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_331" id="Page_331">[331]</a></span> -an heiress of immense wealth; who, dazzled -with the idea of obtaining the <i>entrée</i> into that circle -of <i>ton</i> in which he moved, and betrayed by the -delusive hope of reclaiming him from its more destructive -follies by her love and devotion, had given -him her hand, her fortune, and her happiness. Enormous, -however, as was her wealth, it was soon dissipated -in the payment of his previous debts, and -the endless extravagances into which he plunged: -and in eighteen months after their union she had -died of a broken heart; having lived to witness the -foul desertion of the man for whom she had sacrificed -every thing, and who was then living, in open -violation of all religious and moral feeling, with a -recent victim of his seduction.</p> - -<p>Lady Glenmore shuddered as she heard these -details, and lifted up her hands in silent thanksgiving -to the Almighty for having been preserved -from so awful a fate. As regarded Lord -Albert, if any thing could have been requisite -to confirm him in the proper estimate he had -formed of Lady Hamlet Vernon's character, and -the danger he had escaped, he would have found -it in <i>her</i> subsequent history; for, pursuing the same -course of intrigue in which she had so nearly involved -him, she at length fell into the toils spread<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_332" id="Page_332">[332]</a></span> -for others, and became the dupe of her own vicious -folly. Brought to a situation in which the fruits of -her conduct would soon become glaringly apparent, -and which, if discovered, must have driven her from -that circle where every thing depended on avoiding -<i>detection</i>, and scorned by the man she had sought -to inveigle, she was obliged, as a last resource, to -veil her infamy by a marriage with Mr. Foley, -with whom she lived at present on those terms of -mutual unhappiness which would naturally be the -consequence of such a union.</p> - -<p>Some few there were of the <i>coterie</i>, who had been -timely warned, and, seeing the tendency of the course -they were pursuing, had withdrawn from the magic -sphere to better and more stable pursuits. Among -these was Lord Gascoigne, whose quick intelligence -and clear head, accompanied by a goodness -of heart which he often concealed under a show of -levity, had preserved him from losing himself entirely -in the vortex of folly. Lord and Lady Baskerville, -too, had seen their error—an error more of the -head arising from the contamination of example, -than of the heart; and who now lived as became their -station, and in the way which bade a fair promise -for virtuous happiness; while others of the number -continued their heartless round, without coming to<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_333" id="Page_333">[333]</a></span> -any open disgrace, and yet without making any reform. -Among these, again, was Lady Tilney, who -continued still the <i>soi-disant</i> queen of <i>ton</i>, blind to -the approach of that period when her empire -must yield, in despite of all her strenuous efforts -to uphold it, to that of some fresh rising beauty; -and still insensible to the dreadful vacuum which -in the decline of life, without the sincerity of -friendship and the resources of a well-cultivated -mind—above all, without religious trust to cheer -and gild the setting sun of life—must be the -miserable portion of every human creature.</p> - -<p>One <i>distingué</i> member of the <i>coterie</i> was on the -eve of leaving it and the country, not willingly, -but from imperative circumstances. The Comtesse -Leinsengen, who had for years played the part -of a crafty <i>diplomatiste</i> with the government, as -well as endeavoured to extend her rule over the -circles of fashion, had found herself at last foiled -in her political objects: and too proud to bear this -defeat, she had announced her departure as decisive; -an event that to the minister afforded a -feeling of triumph, and no less of secret joy in the -breast of Lady Tilney, who had found in her -"<i>dear friend</i>" her most dreaded rival and pertinacious -opponent. Oh! what a melancholy reflection<span class="pagenum"><a name="Page_334" id="Page_334">[334]</a></span> -to think, if the Comtesse Leinsengen ever -did think on any thing beyond views of self-interest -and the gratification of self-love, that an -intimacy with those with whom she had lived for -so many years had been productive of no one -friendship that deserved the name, and given birth -to no one regret when she was about to leave them -probably for ever!</p> - -<p>Such, however, would be found to be the case -with almost every individual forming part of this -circle, where selfishness, heartlessness, and cold -over-reaching, alternately swayed every action; -passions which, when delineated, at some future -day, as they appear exemplified in individual characters -on the scene, will give additional strength -to the moral lesson intended to be conveyed by -this general view of <span class="smcap">EXCLUSIVE SOCIETY</span>.</p> - - -<p class="center" style="margin-top: 8em; margin-bottom: 14em;">THE END.</p> - - -<p class="center">LONDON:<br /> -PRINTED BY THOMAS DAVISON, WHITEFRIARS.</p> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - - -<div class="footnotes"><p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 3.5em;">FOOTNOTES:</p> - - -<p><a name="Footnote_1_1" id="Footnote_1_1"></a><a href="#FNanchor_1_1"><span class="label">[1]</span></a> Vide Molière's Preface to Les Précieuses Ridicules.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap" /> - - - -<h2 style="margin-top: 3.5em;">INTERESTING WORKS</h2> - -<p class="center"><big>JUST PUBLISHED,</big></p> -<h3 style="margin-bottom: 2em;">BY HENRY COLBURN AND RICHARD BENTLEY,<br /> -NEW BURLINGTON-STREET.</h3> - - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1em;">The BOOK of the BOUDOIR. By <span class="smcap">Lady Morgan</span>. 2 vols.</p> - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1em;">The NEW FOREST, a Novel. By the author of "Brambletye House." 3 vols.</p> - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1em;">DEVEREUX. By the author of "Pelham," and "The Disowned." 3 vols.</p> - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1em;">The SCHOOL of FASHION. 3 vols.</p> - -<blockquote> -<p>"A true index to the tastes and feelings of the great world. The author -is known to be a person of high rank, and this is a circumstance to which -some weight is really due, when a book professes to depict the lives and -manners of the aristocracy. But in this instance the author is more than -merely a person of high rank: it is impossible to read her book without -acknowledging that she is also a person of lively talents and quick -observation, with a keen sense of the ridiculous, united by rather a -rare combination with clear sound sense and perspicacity of -judgment."—<i>Courier.</i></p> -</blockquote> - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1em;">TALES of an INDIAN CAMP. In 3 vols. post 8vo. 31<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<p style="margin-bottom: 1em;">TALES of MY TIME. By the author of "Blue Stocking -Hall." In 3 vols. post 8vo.</p> - -<p>STORIES of WATERLOO.—<span class="smcap">Contents</span>: Waterloo—The -Field of Battle—The Seventeenth of June—Quatre Bras—Ligny—Brussels—The -Dead Dragoon—Napoleon and his Army—The Captain -of Grenadiers—The Detachment—The Route—The Outlaw's -Story—The March—Story of Colonel Hilson—Sarsfield—Maurice -Mac Carthy—The Champ de Mai—Belgium—The Cavalry Picket—Napoleon's -Return, &c. &c. In 3 vols. post 8vo. 28<i>s.</i> 6<i>d.</i></p> - -<p>The CHELSEA PENSIONERS. By the author of the "Subaltern." -3 vols.—<span class="smcap">Contents</span>: The Gentle Recruit—A Day on -Neutral Ground—Saratoga—Maida—A Pyrenean Adventure—The -Rivals.</p> - - - - - - -<h3 style="margin-top: 2em;"><i>Works published by Colburn and Bentley.</i></h3> - - -<blockquote> - -<p> 1. STORIES of a BRIDE. By the Authoress of "The -Mummy." 3 vols.</p> - -<p> 2. THE BORDERERS. An <span class="smcap">American Tale</span>. By the -Author of "The Prairie," "The Red Rover," &c.</p> - -<p> 3. THE KING'S PAGE. A Novel. 3 vols.</p> - -<p> 4. THE DAVENELS: or, <span class="smcap">A CAMPAIGN OF FASHION IN -DUBLIN</span>. 2 vols. 18s.</p> - -<p> 5. OLD COURT, a Novel. 3 vols.</p> - -<p>"This Romance is the work of a very able pen."—<i>Court Journal.</i></p> - -<p> 6. RICHELIEU, A TALE OF THE COURT OF FRANCE. -3 vols.</p> - -<p>"A very superior work, and one well calculated for extensive -popularity."—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> - -<p> 7. ECARTÉ; or, the <span class="smcap">Salons of Paris</span>. 3 vols. 28s. 6d.</p> - -<p> 8. THE NAVAL OFFICER; or, <span class="smcap">Scenes</span> and <span class="smcap">Adventures</span> -in the <span class="smcap">Life of Frank Mildmay</span>. 3 vols.</p> - -<p> 9. WALDEGRAVE. A <span class="smcap">Tale</span> of the <span class="smcap">South</span>. 3 vols. -27s.</p> - -<p>10. RYBRENT de CRUCE. 3 vols. 28s. 6d.</p> - -<p>"The production of an intelligent and cultivated person."—<i>New Monthly -Magazine.</i></p> - -<p>"This is a very clever novel."—<i>Literary Gazette.</i></p> - -<p>11. GERALDINE of DESMOND; or, <span class="smcap">Ireland</span> in the -<span class="smcap">Reign</span> of <span class="smcap">Elizabeth</span>. 3 vols.</p> - -<p>"The work will take its station among the best historical romances that -have ever been written."—<i>Cheltenham Chronicle.</i></p> - -<p>12. BLUE STOCKING HALL. Second Edition. 3 vols. -27s.</p> - -<p>13. TALES of a VOYAGER to the ARCTIC OCEAN. <span class="smcap">Second -Series.</span> 3 vols.</p> - -<p>14. THE CARBONARO. A <span class="smcap">Tale</span>, by the <span class="smcap">Duke de -Levis</span>. 2 vols.</p> - -<p>15. THE SECTARIAN; or, The CHURCH and the -MEETING-HOUSE. 3 vols.</p> - -<p>16. TALES of WOMAN, Illustrative of the <span class="smcap">Female Character</span>. -2 vols.</p> - -<p>17. THE MAN of TWO LIVES. A <span class="smcap">Narrative, Written</span> -by <span class="smcap">Himself</span>. 2 vols.</p> - -<p>18. THE CASTILIAN. A <span class="smcap">Spanish Tale</span>. 3 vols.</p> -</blockquote> - - - -<hr class="chap" /> - -<div class="transnote"> - -<p class="ph2" style="margin-top: 3em;">TRANSCRIBER'S NOTE:</p> - -<p>Obvious printer errors have been corrected. 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