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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..e55fc8b --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #68424 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/68424) diff --git a/old/68424-0.txt b/old/68424-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index 595f83f..0000000 --- a/old/68424-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,1470 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook of Magic words, by Emilie Maceroni - -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 -will have to check the laws of the country where you are located before -using this eBook. - -Title: Magic words - A tale for Christmas time - -Author: Emilie Maceroni - -Illustrator: E. H. Wehnert - -Release Date: June 29, 2022 [eBook #68424] - -Language: English - -Produced by: Charlene Taylor, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed - Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was - produced from images generously made available by The - Internet Archive/American Libraries.) - -*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAGIC WORDS *** - - - - - -MAGIC WORDS. - - - - -[Illustration: Day & Son, lith^{rs}. to the Queen.] - - - - - MAGIC WORDS; - - A Tale for Christmas Time. - - BY - EMILIE MACERONI. - - “Oh, many a shaft at random sent, - Finds mark the archer little meant; - And many a word at random spoken - May soothe or wound a heart that’s broken.” - - _Scott._ - - WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY E. H. WEHNERT. - - [Illustration] - - LONDON: - CUNDALL & ADDEY, 21 OLD BOND STREET. - M.DCCC.LI. - - - - - LONDON: - Printed by G. BARCLAY, Castle St. Leicester Sq. - - - - - TO - MRS. AUSTIN - This Little Volume - IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED. - - - - -ILLUSTRATIONS. - - - LITTLE MARY AND HER FRIEND TROY 11 - - MARION TEACHING LATIN 25 - - EDITH WATCHING THE DAWN 39 - - MARION AND HER FATHER (_Frontispiece_) 53 - - _From Drawings by_ E. H. WEHNERT. - - - - -MAGIC WORDS. - - - - -CHAPTER I. - - -It was the evening of Christmas Day. The hymn of “Peace upon earth, -good-will towards men,” had been chanted by thousands of voices -throughout the land, from the grand cathedral-choir to the simple -singers of the village church. Charity had extended her munificent -hand to the poor and needy, lighting up smiles on many a care-worn -face. Hospitality welcomed the good, the beautiful, and the great to -the lordly mansions of the rich. Love and Peace sat enthroned in many -a happy home. Poverty, shivering at the present, was consoled by the -glowing figure of Hope, pointing with radiant eyes to the future. -Memory and Sorrow lingered around the grave of many a departed one; -but of all mourners they were the saddest who were estranged from -those they still loved. Yes, amid the pain, the sorrow, the suffering -of life, _their_ hearts were the heaviest; for (to use the oft-quoted -words of the poet) “to be wroth with those we love, doth work like -madness in the brain;” and this hallowed season speaks strongest to our -kindest feelings, and to the tenderness of our better nature. - - * * * * * - -A train had stopped at a rough little village station about thirty -miles from town, and a few country people, on their way home, leaned -over the bridge above to admire the enormous red eyes of the monster -as it moved slowly on through a deep cutting crowned with dark firs. -They lingered yet a moment longer, to mark whom it had borne from the -great city to their quiet village. A beautiful girl of fifteen, glowing -with health and exercise, accompanied by two fine, rough-looking dogs, -rushed down to meet her playfellows and friends. She was breathless -with joy, and with her race over the heath; but her merry laugh and -warm greeting sounded pleasantly enough as the noise of the train died -away in the distance. - -A lady, wrapped in a warm plaid, who had been anxiously waiting for -some time, took the arm of her husband, with a few low words of -delighted welcome, and they walked briskly away. The dogs of the -younger party barked with glee--were patted and caressed. One look at -the dear heath and at the hills beyond, with a thrill of delight at -the thoughts of a long ramble over them on the morrow, and the ponies -were mounted, the dogs whistled to, and away flew the happy trio to -the home-welcome, to the dear old hall, to all the joy of a Christmas -meeting. - -Only two other passengers appeared, winding up the pathway--a gentleman -of tall and commanding aspect, and a buxom, brisk-footed countrywoman, -wrapped in her scarlet cloak, who passed him with a low curtsey and -cheerful good night. She was thinking of the bright fireside, of the -dear little faces round it anxiously awaiting her return, and of the -enormous amount of joy contained in that wicker basket. An event of -great marvel and wonderment is a poor woman’s visit to her friends in -town, and she is ever in a tearful state of ecstasy and excitement on -reaching home again; all of which becomes a matter of grave family -history in the lowly household, and is recounted on many an occasion to -eager and attentive hearers. - -She quickly disappeared up a winding path cut through the furze and -heather, evidently leading to a low-roofed cottage on the skirts of a -fir-wood. Lights twinkled in the casement, and joyful voices were soon -heard approaching to meet and welcome her. The road was now perfectly -solitary. A few deep-red clouds still hung over the west, and here and -there a large bright star shone silently through the sharp, pure air. -Dogs bayed in the distance; the sound came very pleasantly over the -heather through the rough old pines. - -The gentleman walked briskly on, and lights began to appear in the -valley beneath. He stopped as the merry notes of a flageolet struck -his ear, proceeding from a cottage by the road-side. The blaze of a -wood fire within illumined the little rustic porch and neat garden. -Bright branches of glistening holly shone in the tiny casement. The -tune ceased, and was followed by a light-hearted laugh and the sound of -young voices. - -“How happy they seem!” said he. “It is such scenes as these which make -the country so delightful, so cheering to sense and spirit!” - -And yet he sighed heavily as he walked on; and passing through an -avenue of fir and larch leading to one of the prettiest and most -picturesque cottages in the world, he paused when he reached the -garden-gate. It seemed, too, a dear, quiet, sweet-smelling home. Lights -shone from more than one of the windows; and more than one bright young -face might be seen, by the gleam of its golden hair, flitting about -in the uncertain light. A sweet young voice singing as sweet a tune -ceased, as all young voices do, suddenly, when the bell rang out its -summons, and a brisk, rosy little maid appeared, lantern and key in -hand, to admit the traveller, and guide him through the long shadow of -the firs to the house. A favourite dog bounded to meet and gambol round -him with unrepressed joy. The children clustered into the porch to say, -timidly, “How do you do?” and hold out their little hands to shake; -while their mother, advancing with a kindly greeting, expressed her -pleasure at his return. Even the maid looked pleased and happy to see -him. But yet it was not his home. - -After a few minutes’ conversation, the traveller was seated in his own -room, his dog, his sole companion, looking at him with glistening eyes, -as his master fondly stroked his magnificent head. He was a man of -twenty-eight or thirty years of age, with a sad and thoughtful cast of -countenance, yet one that all who looked upon it _must_ instantly love -and respect; it was at once so engaging and so noble. He looked round -his little room at his sketches and his gun with evident pleasure, -placed some books and papers which he had brought on a little table -before him, and drawing his arm-chair close to the blazing pine-logs, -sat watching the golden cones as they crumbled away, one by one, at -the height of their brilliancy. But every reverie must have its end; -and his was brought to a close by the appearance of coffee, borne by -a bright-eyed country maid, smirking and smiling with pleasure, as -country servants are wont to do at every fresh arrival. - -It would seem that the reverie by the bright fireside was not an idle -one, but that among many revolving thoughts, some, at least, were -considered worthy of preservation; for the coffee was soon despatched, -the table covered with books and papers, and the stranger intently -occupied with his pen. - -So absorbed did he become with it, that after one or two long, wistful -glances, the fine hound lay down reproachfully on his comfortable rug, -as if despairing of any further notice that night. - -The wind moaned heavily in the pine-branches round the cottage. -Presently the writer paused and listened to the sound, so like the -rushing of distant waters. He walked slowly to the window, and gazed -long and earnestly into the night. It was moonlight, yet stormy; -and large, glittering stars, looked down through the dark branches, -when the hurrying white clouds had drifted over them. The distant -clock of the old village church, slowly striking the hour, sounded -mournfully over the river; and the lonely man at that little window -thought of years that were gone, of the bright firesides in many a -happy home that night, and turned and put away his papers with a sigh. -He thought how differently he used to work years ago, when, with all -the ardour of his nature and the energy of hope, and yet with intense -fear and anxiety, he strove to render himself worthy of one idolized, -one long-sighed-for object! He thought, too, of the bitterness, the -agony of disappointment; and how long years of his young life would -have been thrown away, had he not struggled hard to save himself from -becoming a useless, melancholy being, given up to the indulgence of -selfish regrets. He had succeeded,--there was some comfort in that -reflection. He knew of what he was capable, and dared not throw away -the power he had acquired, because it no longer availed the idol Self. -So he still worked on. He had become distinguished for his literary -labours, and for his contributions to the improvement and well-being -of his fellow-creatures; but to fame and to the praises of the great -he was now equally indifferent. His happiest hours were passed in his -favourite village, where he was greatly beloved, although he dared not -wholly give himself up to the quiet of a country life. - -He had had the old Gothic church restored, with all possible observance -of its antique ornaments and its fine clustering ivy; and took a kind -of Sir Roger de Coverley delight in seeing the country people, bettered -and improved in every way, flocking to it on Sundays to hear his good -tutor’s sermons, to which he used to listen with so much reverence in -his boyish days. He had learned to believe that the word “happiness” -signifies, the being reconciled to bear, still having courage to -do, and gratitude to enjoy that which remains. Thus, he was usually -cheerful in his various occupations; _but this was Christmas time_: -a time when the lonely heart feels most desolate--a time when many a -tender word spoken by the absent is remembered with sorrow--when all -anger is forgotten in the feeling of peace and love which steals over -the heart. And his head lay buried in his hands, his whole soul given -up to an overwhelming agony of regret. - -[Illustration: Day & Son, lith^{rs}. to the Queen.] - -“This day last year,” he muttered, “who could have believed the change? -Oh, Edith!” he continued, taking up a miniature that lay beside him, -“who could have thought then that we should now be as strangers to -each other? Who could have thought that that bright face, those many -noble qualities, could have wrought so much misery?” Again he looked -at the lovely countenance, smiling on him a thousand of the tenderest -remembrances, and a still gentler expression, a kindlier spirit, came -over him. “Those eyes,” he said, “how softly they have looked on me! -Perhaps even now a thought----but what folly! In the pride of -beauty and prosperity, what is there to remind her of me?” - -A low tap at the door interrupted his meditations. For an instant he -could not say, “Come in!” his heart was so very full; but quickly -recovering himself, he turned with a smile to welcome a little village -child, who timidly advanced to place both her tiny hands in his. - -She looked into his face with eyes beaming with love and gratitude; but -the joyful, sparkling expression soon faded away, for she saw that he -was sadder than usual; and with the quick sympathy and natural grace -of childhood she sat down quietly on the rug, and taking the stately -head of the hound on her lap, pensively stroked his long, shaggy coat. -Presently she ventured to break the silence in her gentle way--“I am so -glad you are come back, sir; I have missed you so!” - -Her companion’s countenance brightened, and he said with -animation--“Have you, though, my poor little Mary? I thought you had -forgotten me, being so long away.” And he stroked her bright brown hair. - -“You should not have thought that,” said the child, earnestly; “I -always remember you, for you taught me all I know. I was longing to -come yesterday, and all day to-day,” she continued, “to hear if you -had arrived. To-day has been so happy that I could not stay away any -longer, and so here I am,” she added, with her merry laugh, which -sounded pleasantly in that usually silent room. These simple words, -that mute caress, had restored the confidence of the two friends. Mary -was herself again, full of fun and prattle. Seated on the extreme edge -of a huge Gothic chair, she balanced her little feet on the back of -her friend Troy, who, far from resenting the liberty, fixed his dark -eyes lovingly on her sweet young face, while she talked on, full of -the details of her simple life. How she had gathered pine-cones for -several evenings, because she knew he loved their cheerful blaze and -sweet smell. How poor Turpin, who was always in trouble, had hunted -a rabbit, and been caught in a trap; of her mad race over the hills -for help; how she nursed the poor, poor foot afterwards; and how -the faithful patient cried because he could not accompany her that -night; the relation of all which very much affected his kind little -mistress. Presently she produced with great glee her “Christmas -present,”--several little bundles of bark, peeled with great care, from -the silver birch-trees, cut into slips, and tied with red worsted. “I -burnt a little bit the other day,” said she, “and the smell was so nice -I thought you would like it, so I got some to light your taper with--do -try it;” and the little creature soon held a blazing piece in her hand. - -“It is delicious, Mary; and how good of you to collect it for me!” - -“I was very happy getting it,” said the child; “but I wish you had not -thought I had forgotten you. I could not forget you!” she continued, -after a pause; “you, who have been so good to me, and taught me so -much! I never looked at a book before you came. Oh, I was sadly wild! -Mother said I made more noise than the boys!” And she laughed heartily. - -The tutor laughed too, and told the often repeated story, which he knew -she loved to hear, of how, in his walks, he had frequently listened to -her little voice singing in a cornfield, while “minding” birds; how he -had been surprised at her sudden disappearance on his nearer approach, -and on making a voyage of discovery, had found her ensconced in the -body of a broken-down post-chaise, that, singularly enough, lay between -two old fir-trees at the foot of the wood! He did not describe to her -how, in imagination, he had pictured the different and exciting scenes -in which the once gay equipage might have borne its part; but went on -to say how he had peeped in unobserved, and had seen her perched on -one of the dilapidated seats, with a little piece of board on her lap, -intently occupied in carving a morsel of meat into divers small pieces, -which she divided, with impartial care, among three ragged starlings -perched on the opposite beam, who watched her with glistening eyes! -How merrily she talked to them, and how perfectly they seemed to love -and understand each other! He reminded her of her surprise on being -discovered, and her frank invitation to the intruder to “look in” on -the wonders of the unique aviary, with its valuable illustrations of -the “History of Red Riding Hood,” its bright jay’s feathers, and other -childish treasures! - -Heartily the little Mary laughed; and so the Christmas evening passed -on. - -“I must go now,” she said; “I promised to read mother the pretty story -you gave me, ‘Simple Susan,’ and they will all sit up for it! Good bye! -You will promise not to be so sad when I am gone as you were when I -came in. You have been thinking of that pretty lady again!” she said, -with a face of anxious love--pointing to the miniature--“that makes you -so, I know! Why don’t you go to her?” - -“Because she does not love me, Mary,” was the faltering reply; “and you -know we are not happy with those who do not love us.” - -“Are you _sure_ of that?” said the child, earnestly. “People often -hide their kindest thoughts--and perhaps she hides hers from you; you -must look for them, as I look for violets, in their thick leaves. Oh, -I was so unhappy once!” she continued, tears starting into her eyes at -the remembrance: “I quarrelled with my brother, and we did not speak -all day--both were so proud: but do you know” (and the sweet little -face sparkled) “that when I put my arms round his neck and kissed him, -and said, ‘Good night, Harry!’ he kissed me, and cried too; and said -how unhappy he had been _all_ the time. I had thought he would _never_, -_never_ love me again! Oh! if my brother had died, as baby did, before -we kissed each other that night!” - -Poor little Mary paused, her heart quite full at the bare idea of such -a thing; but she turned again, with admiring eyes, to the miniature. -“She looks very kind and good, and _so_ beautiful! Did you speak -gently, and ask her to love you again: or were you proud?” - -The child did not notice the agitation of her companion, and little did -she imagine that, long after her head lay softly on her happy pillow, -the simple eloquence of those Magic Words was working powerfully in his -heart! - - - - -CHAPTER II. - - -Over many a mile of hard, frosty road, by snow-clad fields and hills -and woods, by many an ice-bound stream, must we lead the imagination -of our reader on the evening of the same Christmas Day, and peep into -another home, far from that we have just quitted. - -Undrawing the warm crimson curtains of a charming little room--half -drawing-room, half library--the light of a lamp falls brightly on the -figure of a lady reading to her husband. It is manuscript, and he puts -the pages by for her as she goes on. - -She often pauses, to look up with a delighted smile at his praises, and -he thinks that she never looked so beautiful before! She is very like -Correggio’s Magdalen, and has the same lovely countenance and waving -hair. - -Presently she came to the last page, and the praise was repeated. - -“I had no idea I could translate so well,” said she, “and am glad you -like it, for that will give me spirits to go on: I may, in time, become -quite useful to you.” - -“When are you not everything to me?” was the reply. “But, Marion, you -must not work so hard; I cannot afford to see you look one bit less -bright. Besides, it is a kind of reproach to me your working so much; -indeed you must not!” - -“Nonsense!” said Marion, laughing; “you can’t think how happy I am -when helping you, for I am sure you are often very weary! Poor Edward! -what anxiety I have caused you! Now for a volley of protestations!” -said she, laughing again. “But to be serious: I was thinking, to-day, -how much we have to be thankful for; and that with all its anxieties -how happy this year has been--how _infinitely_ happier, working and -striving on together, than droning through an insipid life of ease, -as some do. I don’t know what would become of me if you were ever -to be rich,” she continued; “to be sure, one might always find some -useful employment, some good to be done; but no one knows, except those -who have experienced it, the delight of overcoming difficulties, and -earning home comforts by one’s own exertions.” - -“True, dear Marion! I never knew, until I knew you, how little is -necessary for happiness!” - -“I knew what life was--I had an anxious one at home, even from a -little child,” said Marion, “and adversity taught me to know what is -best worth knowing; what flowers to gather in this great garden, that -many neglect, or do not perceive. How sweet are the uses of adversity! -I love to linger on those words; and if ever I venture to write an -essay,” said she, smiling, “it shall be on that subject. What does it -not teach us?--the practice of almost every virtue.” - -“Nay, not quite so far, enthusiast,” said her husband, smiling; -“remember the effect of almost constant sun on flowers; how splendid -they become--how fully their beauty is developed!” - -“Yes; but they cannot bear the storm that _may_, that _must_ come. -The stout old thistle, reared in cold and sleet, is much better -off--much more useful, and protects many a little plant under its -vigorous leaves. Now, only think what adversity really does for us. -To begin with _my_ early life:--my father and mother treated me as -their friend in all their troubles; I was accustomed to watch their -anxious care-worn faces, to try to cheer them, and to rejoice when -they brightened: this bound us together in the closest affection; I -believe no child, no parents, were ever so dear to each other. No -little home was ever so loved as mine; and I was quite broken-hearted -when away from all its cares, even for a short time, although in the -midst of what people called enjoyment. These were very different -feelings from those of children nursed in the lap of affluence, who -are frequently selfish, and often but little attached to those around -them. I knew what it was to be deprived of many comforts, which made -me grateful for those I had, and taught me to feel for the sufferings -of others infinitely worse off than myself. Naturally impetuous, I -grew up patient; for, as you know, my father was a man of eccentric -genius, who failed in all his efforts to place us in the brilliant -position he dreamed of. I felt and shared in his disappointments, -until disappointment itself became powerless! Sympathy with those I -loved roused me to exertion--taught me the value of time--the dignity -of usefulness! But, above all, the frowns of the world, the sweet -uses of adversity, made me feel the dear necessity of clinging to and -loving one another, and of living in that ‘peace which passeth all -understanding!’” - -Marion paused, and looked with inexpressible tenderness on her husband. - -“I do not believe we should have loved each other half so well if we -had not borne so much anxiety together,” she presently continued, -“although it would be a dangerous experiment for those to try, who -never knew what care was! _We_ very coolly stepped into its troubled -waters. What straits we have been in! There is really some amusement, -though, in looking back to a hundred comical little difficulties, -mingled with graver trials; in peeping into the crowded picture-gallery -of one’s own life--grave and gay! Do you remember when we were so -_very_ poor, and your father’s friends, the Saviles, condescended to -drive over to luncheon with us?” - -“Oh, yes,” said Edward, laughing; “when poor old Jock behaved so -inconsiderately!” - -“Inconsiderately, indeed,” said Marion, laughing too. “I shall never -forget seeing him swallow the delicacies which I had prepared with so -much care, in the coolest manner possible, looking me hard in the face -all the time. I was in an agony to see the ham sandwiches disappear -one after another down his huge throat (knowing there were no more in -the house, too), while the capricious fine lady who took a fancy to -feed him, drawled out, ‘the d-e-a-r d-o-g! _how_ he li-kes them!’ I -should think he did, indeed, with his appetite! I do believe, though, -Mr. Edward, that, like all men, you rather enjoyed the scene than -otherwise; for you never offered to put the cruel old dog out of the -room.” - -“How could I tear him from the flattering attentions of his Patroness? -But let me see; how did you manage it, Marion? I dare say very -ingeniously and gracefully. I remember how proud I felt of you that -day.” - -“Oh, I appeared to enter into the amusement and drollery of his -enormous appetite, but suggested, in the most affectionate manner -possible, that he should _bow_ his thanks to the fair lady before -tasting another morsel! Poor Jock, who had not the slightest -acquaintance with any feat or accomplishment of the kind, was all -amazement at my gestures and commands, and only stared hard for more; -whereupon he was gently ‘_fie-fied_,’ and put out of the room for his -obstinacy and ingratitude!” - -[Illustration: Day & Son, lith^{rs}. to the Queen.] - -They both laughed heartily at the remembrance of Jock’s delinquency and -its punishment; and Marion being in a very merry humour, recounted with -much mirth many other similar incidents, which they _could_ laugh -at now. “We never deceived each other but once,” said she; “the time -when you were so ill, you know, from over-work, and I used to steal -slily into the village to give your Latin lessons to those stupid boys -you were ‘preparing!’ I often wonder how I took courage to ask their -mother to let me take your place: yet I am glad I did, for I don’t know -what we should have done without the money; and I studied the lessons -so well myself, that I did no injustice to your pupils. But then -the _dénouement_! I shall never forget your walking into that dingy -library, pale as death, and your extreme surprise on finding me seated -in the great chair, conjugating a tremendous Latin verb, while the -poor little mamma looked on with amazement at my proficiency! _I_ was -startled too, fully believing you to be quietly resting on the sofa, -_while I took my walk_!” - -“We both looked very guilty for an instant.” - -“Yes, we did indeed; and I thought I never should cease laughing on -our way home, especially as you were half inclined to be angry! But -my mirth soon vanished when I saw how faint you were, and you rested -your head on my shoulder as we sat on the stile. A terrible fear came -over me,” continued Marion, shuddering, and drawing closer to her -husband--“I never felt pain like that before!” - -Both were silent for some time; and Edward tenderly stroked the -beautiful head bent down beside him. “Nay, look up, Marion,” he said; -“I am quite well now, love, and you must not be so sad.” - -“I am not sad,” said Marion, raising her large eyes, and smiling -gently. “I was thinking how grateful I am that you are better, and -how happy this Christmas would be if you were but reconciled to your -father.” - -“Every house has its spectre, Marion, and this haunts ours. I believe -one always feels any kind of estrangement from those near to us most -powerfully on days like these. They seem to have a strange mysterious -power of calling up old recollections and early affections!” - -“Only those which ought never to be broken come at this holy time,” -said Marion; “the gentle thoughts it brings with it seem to me like -the soft warning of angel voices,--to be at peace ere it is too late! -I wish you would read them so, and write to your mother again: she -is of a gentler nature; but they must--yes, they both must, long to -see you again!--Oh, if I could but persuade you!” she continued, with -emotion: “we know not what a day may bring forth--even to the youngest -and strongest among us; and Mrs. Hope says they both seem to ‘age’ very -much. How deeply you would grieve through life if----” - -“Oh, Marion, say no more!” exclaimed her husband in an agitated voice, -“it is that thought which so constantly haunts me. For myself, I could -forget all; but their unkindness to you--to you, of whom they ought to -have been so proud; I cannot forget that!” - -“Do not think of it,” said Marion, in a soothing tone; “we must not -quarrel with people because they are unable to see things in the same -light as ourselves. They knew very little of me, and thought, I dare -say, that I prevented your being much happier with a wealthier bride: -besides, they may love me yet when you have made your peace, as I know -you will,” said she, smiling. “Remember, it is to your parents that you -bend, and I never can feel happy while you are as a stranger to them. -I suppose it would be my turn next,” said she, with her musical laugh, -“if I were to venture to oppose your wishes, or to say a few angry -words.” - -“Marion!” said her husband reproachfully. - -“Well, what security have I,” was the playful retort, “over one who -could be contented under such circumstances? You owe to them infinitely -more than you do to me--they loved you for years and years before I -did. Oh, Edward! your own heart must tell you more than I could ever -speak.” - -“We will not discuss the subject any further, dear Marion,” said he, -and his voice faltered. “Sing to me, will you? The evening never seems -perfect without a song from you.” - -Marion sang the following lines in a rich and lovely voice:-- - - -THE SPIRIT’S WHISPERINGS. - - I roved one morn in a sunlit grove, - Where the mavis was singing his song of love, - Where the wild bee flew on her wing of light, - Flitting o’er moss-cup and blossom bright! - And Nature was blooming so freshly and fair, - Nought fading or dying was resting there; - Yet the light breeze sang, as it wafted by, - “Alas that the Lily and Rose should die!” - - * * * * * - - I sat by the side of a maiden bright, - Radiant with Beauty, and Hope’s soft light; - She sang a lay of our own loved isle, - And my heart beat proudly and high the while. - Fondly I gazed on that lofty brow-- - “What can be lovelier--brighter now?” - Yet Echo replied to her lute’s soft lay, - “The sweetest and fairest must fade away!” - - * * * * * - - I wandered forth, ’neath the moon’s pale ray, - Where the dead in their last long slumbers lay; - Softly and coldly her pure beams shone - On the mouldering urn and the old grey stone; - And I sadly sigh’d, “Must the young and brave, - The loved and the honour’d, all share the grave?” - And a voice replied, in a hollow sigh, - “The bravest and fairest, all--all must die!” - - * * * * * - - I knew it was as the spirit said,-- - That all we love on this earth must fade; - That gently they wither, and slowly decay, - Or are snatch’d in a moment--away, away! - And I said, in deep sorrow, “Alas that strife - Should breathe on this short--this uncertain life! - And, alas for those who, when Life hath fled, - Have Peace to ask of the silent Dead!” - -Marion’s beautiful voice trembled with emotion, and her eyes were -filled with tears as she approached her husband. He leaned his head -thoughtfully on his hand. - -Those Magic Words were thrilling in his heart. - - - - -CHAPTER III. - - -With the exception of the young and thoughtless, who only look -forward to a season of festivity and enjoyment, and of the callous -and indifferent, who seldom think of such matters at all, the varied -feelings which hail the approach of Christmas may be compared to those -occasioned by the contemplation of advancing age--of age so different -in its aspects, whether we behold our fellow-mortals sinking down into -the vale of years alone, neglected and unloved; alienated from kindred -and friends, and still retaining the unholy animosities of earlier -years; unsubdued by religion, unsupported by the contemplation of a -useful and virtuous life; or, on the contrary, surrounded by loved and -loving hearts, looking back with gratitude and pleasure to the past, -and with hope and resignation to the future, in peace, and love, and -charity with all! Many a family in embarrassed circumstances, many a -poor widow with a “limited income,” looks on the increased expenses of -this season of the year, on its bills and various claims, with the same -feelings which anticipate the infirmities of declining years and sharp -attacks of rheumatism and gout. Many look forward to increased domestic -comfort, and brighter firesides. Many a mother smiles with delight on -her children, all assembled round her once more. Many a father rejoices -in their joyous laughter, or in the affection and reverence of maturer -age. Many an old friend is welcomed to the social board. But, alas! -there are many, too, who look back with a dreary regret to the years -that are gone, and think, how different Christmas Day seems now to what -it was! - -Such melancholy thoughts were revolving in the mind of a man of -dignified and venerable aspect, pacing gloomily up and down the -splendid library of a fine old mansion. It was almost dark, and the -glare of the fire played over the rich volumes, and on the antique -carving of the furniture. He looked with a sigh at the hearth, once -crowded with happy faces. One only remained, and ah! how changed from -the blooming figure of earlier days, which rose before him! How feebly -that once beautiful head lay on the rich velvet cushion of her chair! -How much suffering and sorrow might be traced on that furrowed brow! He -felt that her reverie was as sad as his own; and truly too, for she was -thinking of many a fair child that had gone down to the tomb in all the -promise of early youth!--of the pride and joy of seeing them assembled -at Christmas, well and happy!--of the joyous holiday-makings and merry -meetings!--of the tearful partings, and the agony of those final ones, -when the thin, small hand, pressed in its tiny grasp the last life -greeting! - -Still she could think of the departed with the softened and resigned -feelings which religion and time never fail to produce. But that which -fell most heavily on her heart and darkened her declining years, was, -that the last and only surviving one--the boy whom she had loved -best--whom she had watched over with such intense fear and anxiety--was -still a stranger from his father’s home. Month after month passed, -and still both, in their pride, hung back from any attempt at a -reconciliation. She felt that many more might not elapse before she -would be far beyond the reach of mediation, and with a mother’s and -a wife’s love she longed to see them united again ere she departed. -Presently she walked to the window, and laid her thin white hand on the -arm of her husband. - -“I see you still love to watch the rooks going to rest in the old -elm-trees.” - -“Yes,” said Sir John, hastily; “it is amusing to watch their odd -flights, and to imagine you can distinguish the croak of a particular -bird.” He would not say that it was Edward’s favourite pastime when a -boy, but his companion knew well that he _thought_ of the time when -both used to stand there together. “But who is this coming up the -avenue?” he said at length, as if willing to shake off the chain of -thought. “Mrs. Hope, I fancy, by her black dress. I suppose she is -come to tell us all about the dinner, as she promised.” - -No door ever opened on a better, or kinder, or more zealous village -schoolmistress, than did this stately one on the spare, timid little -body who now advanced. No one ever looked more placidly happy, and no -one more pleased and grateful, when she was kindly placed in the most -comfortable of chairs by Sir John, and welcomed with a cordial smile by -his lady. - -“I came up to tell you, sir, that everything was done as you desired. -The children were _so_ happy, it quite did one’s heart good to see -them. They all came in the morning with evergreens and holly, and we -made some beautiful wreaths to set off the room. Their new dresses -look very nice, and they are truly thankful to you for your kindness. -The coals and blankets, and other things, are all sent home too, and -many say they shall thank Sir John for a happy Christmas; which they -wish in return, with all their hearts, I am sure,” continued the good -little woman, with emotion; “for, thank God, _very_ few among them are -ungrateful.” - -Sir John’s benevolent countenance brightened with pleasure as he -listened to the kind schoolmistress’s further recital of the village -festivities, to which he had contributed so largely; and his wife -marvelled how the heart of so good a man could be so unrelenting as she -knew it was. - -Perhaps similar thoughts were passing in the mind of Mrs. Hope; for -after she had told all she ostensibly had to tell, and felt that it was -time for her to depart, she still lingered, and yet hesitated to speak. - -“Is there anything you wish to say to us, Mrs. Hope?” said the lady, -kindly; “pray do not be afraid to mention anything in which we can be -of service to you. Is your son----” - -“I thank your ladyship, I was not thinking of him then, but of some -one very different. I thought you might like to know, and yet was -not sure--but Mr. Edward and his lady came over to the school-house -to-day,” said she, as if from a desperate resolution, “and my heart -was quite full to see them come and go away again like strangers--just -at Christmas time, too!” Poor little Mrs. Hope trembled, for she saw -that Sir John’s brow darkened, and he drew back in his chair in an -agitated manner; but an encouraging look from the lady re-assured her. -“It was very pleasant to see him again,” she continued, “in the little -parlour where he often used to sit years ago, and give the prizes out -to the children, and speak encouragingly to them. I thought he had -forgotten the old place, and all he was so good to; but he told me he -had been longing to see it, and never could feel so happy anywhere -else.” - -“Poor Edward!” said the lady, with emotion. “How does he look?” - -“Very pale and delicate, ma’am; but just the same as ever--just the -same noble look,” said Mrs. Hope, fast gathering courage, “although not -quite so joyful like as it used to be. He made particular inquiries as -to how his father and mother looked, and seemed terribly cast down -when I told him how poorly you had both been.” - -“Did he, indeed!” exclaimed Sir. John, starting from his seat, and -pacing up and down; “why did you not let me know he was with you?” - -“I feared you did not wish to know it,” was the reply. “But oh, Sir -John! in my humble way I did think it strange that, in an erring world -like this, your heart should be turned from two such children!” - -Tears were running fast down the face of the good little -schoolmistress. She hurried away; but her Magic Words were not spoken -in vain. - -[Illustration: Day & Son, lith^{rs}. to the Queen.] - - - - -CHAPTER IV. - - -Beautifully dawned the last morning of the old year. How lovely are -some few winter sunrisings! A cold, grey sky, and dim, glimmering -light, scarcely reveals surrounding objects. Presently a delicate blush -appears, gently stealing over the east. It deepens to a ruddy glow; and -then bright, golden clouds, tinged with many a varied hue, overspread -the sky, lighting up in the strongest relief every leafless tree, even -to the most fibre-like branches. - -Everything is very still. Edith sits silently at the window of her -dressing-room, watching that lovely dawn. Presently a few starlings -appear on the frosty slopes, with their quick, impatient gestures and -rapid movements, seeking a breakfast. A pair of beautiful blackbirds -droop their jetty wings, and seem numbed with cold. A robin, cheerful -even in adversity, trills a few grateful notes on a shrub near the -window, and Edith thinks that no new-year’s serenade could be half as -touching as that low, sweet song. She thinks, too, what a lesson it -teaches; for her melancholy eye had been straying mournfully over the -broad lands stretching far and wide before her, and--“’tis an old tale, -and often told,”--she had almost envied the humblest cottager in those -her lordly possessions. “Farewell, old year!” she exclaimed; “none -other will ever dawn upon me as you did. May the new bear happiness and -joy to many! Oh, Marion! you little thought how desolate I am, when you -prophesied that there was yet much in store for me.” - -Marion’s picturesque cottage could be plainly seen in the distance, -shut in by the blue range of hills above, and sheltered with sweeping -larches. The morning sun now shone brightly upon it, and Edith pictured -to herself the beaming, happy countenance of her friend. - -“May God bless you, Marion!” she continued with emotion; “for to the -example of your gentle goodness I owe all that is now left me,--the -knowledge of that usefulness, that patient love and forbearance, which -makes you so dear to others, so happy in yourself, and without which -all that the world calls beauty and talent is hollow and heartless -indeed! You taught me the value of true affection--the folly and -littleness of the false pride I rejoiced in; and yet so sweetly, that -I was only humbled to myself--not to you. Would that it had been but a -few short months before! Oh, Percy! how willingly would I now confess -myself in the wrong! But now I am forgotten! In your benevolent plans, -in your honourable successes, there is no thought of me; or I am only -remembered as a wilful, imperious woman, whom you once foolishly loved. -I shall never see you again--mine the sorrow, mine the fault! But I am -earning the right to self-esteem; I am doing all that I believe you -would approve of, did you care for me now.” - -Her heart was very full as she descended to the breakfast-room. No -one was there; but on the table lay a simple nosegay. “From Marion,” -was written on a slip of paper. Edith mentally thanked her friend for -the love which she knew was expressed in the fragrant gift; but tears -sprang into her eyes as she looked on it; for a few lovely roses, -the little blue periwinkle, with its shining green leaves and “sweet -remembrances,” and a few early primroses and violets, were arranged -almost exactly as she had received them from a still more beloved hand -the year before. She started as her mother entered the room, and turned -hastily to conceal her emotion; but touched by the look of anxious -love which she caught fixed on herself, exclaimed, while she suffered -the large tears to fall down her face, “Oh, my mother, I will not be -proud to _you_--Heaven knows there would be little merit in that! I was -thinking”--and her beautiful head lay on her mother’s gentle bosom--“of -the happiness which I have thrown away--of one who has forgotten me.” - -“Ah, my dear child!” said her mother, as she tenderly pressed her hand -on the throbbing brow, “in the doubtfulness of our nature we often -accuse those of forgetfulness whose hearts may be breaking for our -sake.” - -Edith looked up, a sudden expression of joy beaming over her -countenance. As she bent again over the flowers, the sweetest gleam of -hope stole over her, and she felt the magic influence of those words. - -Happy are they who in their own interests, joys, and sorrows, forget -not the welfare of others! Edith looked forward with pleasure to the -events of the day; for in the morning the school which she had built -was to be opened, with an appropriate address from the good rector; -and in the evening, young and old, rich and poor, were to be assembled -in her splendid home. She had gaily declared to the gentry her wish to -receive, as lady of the manor, “all good comers,” that New-Year’s Eve; -and to sup in the old hall of her ancestors, after the manner of feudal -times, with the peasantry of her estate “below the salt.” They, of -course, looked forward to the event with unmixed pleasure and delight. -Not so all those of gentler birth; for she had lived but little among -them until of late, and was understood still less. Many thought it a -capricious whim of the spoiled beauty, and many wondered what strange -thing she would do next. “It was not that she cared more than the rest -of them that the poor should enjoy themselves, but that she loved to -do as no one else did. What a pity her uncle’s fine estate was left in -such hands!” - -So charitably reasoned some of the invited guests; but, happily, there -were others who knew Edith better, and welcomed with delight her kind -and benevolent plan for a happy new-year’s eve to them all. - -The important evening at last arrived. The village children could not -have existed much longer. Wide were the park-gates flung open, and -never had the old avenue rung with the sound of so many merry voices -before. Many a little belle startled a sleeping bird by stopping under -his resting-place to admire, by the light of the lantern she carried, -her bran new shoes and pretty frock, wondering if any of the great -ladies would look half as nice, and feel half as happy as she did. Some -timid little creatures clung to their mothers’ skirts, and looked with -mingled feelings of awe and admiration on the stately mansion, blazing -with light in the midst of the dark cedars, half afraid of entering -it until re-assured by the promise of seeing the kind lady whom they -all loved. But when they arrived there, and were welcomed by that -sweet lady herself, who shook hands with all, and wished them a happy -new-year; and when they saw the fine old hall with its bright armour, -and many magnificent rooms all beautifully lighted up and decorated, -and were shown the pictures and other wonderful things, their delight -knew no bounds. But, perhaps, that which charmed them most was a deep -recess at the lower end of the hall, completely filled with rare and -luxuriant plants, in the midst of which stood a beautiful figure of -Peace, joining the hands of Anger and Contention, who were regarding -with a mingled expression of surprise and admiration the heavenly -beauty which they had not perceived when occupied with their unholy -strife. - -The children whispered softly here; for the light was very dim, but a -lovely glow irradiated the beaming countenance of Peace, and here and -there flowers glistened in the dark leaves around them. - -And now tea and cake, such as they had never tasted before, awaited -them in a pretty room, gay with laurel and holly, where our friend Mrs. -Hope presided, half beside herself with joy, yet preserving the most -perfect order and decorum. Then the amusements of the evening began, -which comprised the merriest and oddest of all styles of dancing to the -music of the village band, the wonders of a magic lantern, and many -a childish game beside; but above all, the crowning delight was the -new-year’s gift to each of a pretty little volume, with the name of -each written in it by Edith’s own hand. - -The hours flew too swiftly by--so thought these delighted little -people, as ten o’clock was announced, and Edith wished them all good -night as kindly as she had welcomed them; but in few words, for -carriages were arriving, and she had to receive her guests: they -thanked her in their simple way for the pleasure which she had given -them, and the homely sincerity of their gratitude lighted her sweet -face with happy smiles. - -The spacious picture-gallery, which had been converted into a ball-room -for the occasion, was gay with many a shining wreath. The old family -portraits seemed to look down with pleasure, and to beam a welcome on -all assembled there; so thought several of the wandering villagers, -grouped here and there amid the more brilliant throng, watching the -mazes of the dance with interest and amazement, and listening with -equal surprise to the magnificent band, to the music of which many a -fairy foot was flying. Most, however, thought it very inferior to the -performance of their own village musicians, and wondered how people -could dance to such spiritless tunes on a new-year’s eve like this. - -Edith had anticipated their predilection, their shyness, and their love -of country-dances and hornpipes; so they were soon marshalled by their -gentle chamberlain, Mrs. Hope, into another room, where they could -enjoy all these to their hearts’ content, and yet feel themselves -privileged to look in on the grandees whenever they pleased. Perhaps -this room, with its unrestrained mirth and merry laughter, was happier -than the more splendid one; for though many there were thoroughly -enjoying the beauty and gaiety of the scene, still there were -heart-burnings. In that large assemblage several met, who, though once -friends, had not spoken for years, and who felt startled and uneasy at -being brought into such close proximity. But scarcely a shadow could be -cast where the beautiful hostess moved and spoke-- - - “Thought in each glance, and mind in every smile.” - -There was so much frankness in every kind and earnest word she said, -joined to the charm of her gentle and courtly manners, that the -coldest, the most obtuse, the most reserved, felt moved and interested -beyond themselves, and more cordially inclined to all the world beside. - -And Marion was there, whose flowers were the only ornament on Edith’s -snowy dress; but she, usually so gay, was thoughtful almost to -sadness, and looked anxiously into her husband’s face as they stood for -a few moments apart--“I believed that of late years my father never -mixed in such scenes as these,” said he. “Edith could not have thought -he would come when she invited us.” - -“I knew how it was to be,” said Marion; “there are many here to-night -whom she hopes to bring together again; rich and poor. See, she is -looking towards us now, while speaking to him! Oh, Edward, go up to -them at once, I entreat you!” exclaimed she earnestly. - -“Not before so many people,” said her husband with emotion. “Suppose he -were to refuse my hand?” - -Marion sighed: but her hopeful nature whispered that the New-Year’s Eve -was not yet ended. And now a clock of silvery tone chimed and struck -the hour of midnight. The guests were conducted to supper: unseen -harps, and sweet voices, gave a slow farewell to the old year, as they -were seating themselves at the upper end of the hall, and then burst -forth into a joyful welcome to the new, as the villagers entered -and took their places at the lower range of tables; this again died -away, and a sweet strain arose, of the softest prayer, for peace and -happiness to all! Marion looked round with emotion. - -It was a lovely scene, that huge banquet-hall, with its gay wreaths of -holly and flowers. The bright assemblage of guests; the happy faces of -the villagers below; the beautiful hostess, seated in an antique chair -at the upper end, with the banners of her ancient race, trophies of -ages long gone by, waving behind her; the lovely figure of Peace below, -almost shrouded in the dark leaves, and forming a striking contrast to -those warlike emblems: all these afforded a sight which, once beheld, -would not be easily forgotten. - -After each guest had paid sufficient homage to the choice viands before -them, Edith took up a cup of curious workmanship; her face was radiant -with kindness and love as she looked on those around her. - -“This cup has been possessed, for many a century, by my ancestors,” -she said; “preserved for ages as a venerated relic: doubtless many a -toast has been pledged in it--many a friendly welcome expressed; but I -believe no more cordial and sincere one than that with which I greet -you all this night. I would fain express the usual wish of a new-year -of all imaginable happiness and prosperity, but as such have never -visited this earth, we know it would be vain; and I therefore wish you -the greatest of all blessings--that which cheers and supports us in -the sorrows of life, and heightens beyond measure its pleasures and -enjoyments,--love and harmony in your hearts and homes! There may be -some among us estranged from friends and kindred, grieving over the -fault, (for few, let us hope, in a Christian land, can live unmoved in -enmity one with another,) and yet hanging back, in mistaken pride or -want of moral courage, from the few conciliatory words which would, in -most cases, suffice for a perfect reconciliation. The old year is now -passing away--may it bear with it all anger, all animosity! May those -few healing words be spoken,--and Peace, and Love, and Charity be with -us all!” - -Edith’s voice trembled with emotion, but she did not perceive the -agitation of many of her guests, for her eyes were fixed, as if in a -dream, on the lower end of the hall. There was a movement of surprise -among those seated there: she made her way, she knew not how, through -them all. Yes, it was Percy!--One look, expressing a thousand emotions, -and their hands were clasped in each other! For an instant her lovely -head was bowed before him, while a few large, heavy tears, fell on the -flowers at her feet! But she soon mastered her emotion, and, with a -face radiant with joy, led him through the crowd of sympathising faces -to her mother’s side. In the short silence which ensued, the bells of -the village church were plainly heard ringing-in the new-born year! -When had they ever sounded so sweetly before? - -And now a joyous strain again burst forth, and all returned to the -ball-room. Again the young, the beautiful, the gay, joined in the -dance; and never feet flew more lightly than theirs. But there -were those who felt a deeper joy; the serene, the heavenly one of -Reconciliation! - -And Percy and Edith once more stood side by side,--united, happy! And -Marion told her wondering friend how Percy (who was an old college -friend of her husband’s) had come to see them that morning, and in -their quiet home had confessed that he was drawn to them by the desire -of obtaining news of her, round whom his deep true love still lingered -with so much regret. She had tried to persuade him to accompany them -that night, but still he doubted--still feared. Yet he now confessed to -Edith how, when they were gone, he had longed to see her face again, -how he had concealed himself in the crowd, and how he had been moved, -by what she had just said, to rush forward from the recess where he -stood unobserved, that he might be the first to own the gentle Magic of -those words! - -And many others had felt them too! Marion was leaning on _her father’s_ -arm--her eyes cast down and tearful in their joyfulness, as he spoke -to her in a low tone of the invalid whom she must see on the morrow. - -And all hearts were touched and softened, and rich and poor felt drawn -closer together! And they thought of the voice that had said,--“Love -one another as I have loved you,”--and of the divine lessons of -peacefulness and long-suffering which some had forgotten! And many -blessed to the end of their days the Magic Words spoken by the -Peacemaker[A] on that New-year’s Night. - - - - -MAGIC WORDS. - - - Magic words! magic words! - From holy impulse they are born, - The seeming chance of circumstance, - God’s utterance to hearts forlorn; - Where’er they fall reject them not, - Nor think their mission is in vain; - ’Twixt loving hearts, whom coldness parts, - Let not the dreary silence reign. - Magic words! what are they? - Things the truest soul will say! - - Magic words! magic words! - Ah! dear as to the dying flow’r, - The starry dews that balm infuse, - And whisper of the fallen show’r! - Sweet as the bubbling desert spring - To one who wanders o’er the sands, - Are those chance words, that sow like birds - The flowering seeds of happier lands! - Magic words! what are they? - Things the simplest tongue may say! - - Magic words! magic words! - O let them live on ev’ry lip, - A source of bliss, of holiest kiss, - And bond of fairest fellowship. - And evermore at this blest time, - Tho’ winter’s snows o’erspread the scene, - One magic call, to bind us all, - Shall be old Christmas’ evergreen! - Magic words! are not they - Offerings meet for Christmas Day? - - -London:--Printed by G. BARCLAY, Castle St. Leicester Sq. - - - - -FOOTNOTE: - - [A] Edith, in the Anglo-Saxon language, signifies Peacemaker. - - - - -TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES: - - - Italicized text is surrounded by underscores: _italics_. - - Superscripted characters are preceded by a carat character: lith^{rs}. - - Obvious typographical errors have been corrected. - - Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized. - - Archaic or variant spelling has been retained. - -*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAGIC WORDS *** - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the -United States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms -of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online -at <a href="https://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you -are not located in the United States, you will have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this eBook. -</div> - -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Title: Magic words</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-left:2em; text-indent:0; margin-top:0; margin-bottom:1em;'>A tale for Christmas time</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Author: Emilie Maceroni</p> -<p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em'>Illustrator: E. H. Wehnert</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Release Date: June 29, 2022 [eBook #68424]</p> -<p style='display:block; text-indent:0; margin:1em 0'>Language: English</p> - <p style='display:block; margin-top:1em; margin-bottom:0; margin-left:2em; text-indent:-2em; text-align:left'>Produced by: Charlene Taylor, David E. Brown, and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at https://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive/American Libraries.)</p> -<div style='margin-top:2em; margin-bottom:4em'>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAGIC WORDS ***</div> - -<div class="figcenter hide"><img src="images/coversmall.jpg" width="450" alt="" /></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<h1>MAGIC WORDS.</h1> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_0"></span> -<div class="bbox"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/frontis.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="illoright"><i>Day & Son, lith<sup>rs</sup> to the Queen.</i></p> -</div></div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/titlepage.jpg" alt="" /></div> -</div> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="titlepage"> - -<p><span class="xxlarge">MAGIC WORDS;</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="xlarge"><span class="antiqua">A Tale for Christmas Time.</span></span></p> - -<p>BY<br /> - -<span class="large">EMILIE MACERONI.</span></p> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="first">“Oh, many a shaft at random sent,</div> -<div class="verse">Finds mark the archer little meant;</div> -<div class="verse">And many a word at random spoken</div> -<div class="verse">May soothe or wound a heart that’s broken.”</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verseright"><i>Scott.</i></div> -</div></div></div> - -<p>WITH FOUR ILLUSTRATIONS BY E. H. WEHNERT.</p> - -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/publogo.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p><span class="large">LONDON:<br /> -CUNDALL & ADDEY, 21 OLD BOND STREET.</span><br /> -M.DCCC.LI.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="center">LONDON:<br /> -Printed by <span class="smcap">G. Barclay</span>, Castle St. Leicester Sq.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> -<div class="chapter"> - -<p class="center">TO<br /> -<br /> -<span class="large">MRS. AUSTIN</span><br /> -<br /> -<span class="antiqua">This Little Volume</span><br /> -<br /> -IS AFFECTIONATELY INSCRIBED.</p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">ILLUSTRATIONS.</h2> -</div> - -<table> -<tr><td>MARION AND HER FATHER </td><td class="tdr">(<a href="#Page_0"><i>Frontispiece</i></a>)</td></tr> - -<tr><td>LITTLE MARY AND HER FRIEND TROY</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_11"> 11</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>MARION TEACHING LATIN</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_25"> 25</a></td></tr> - -<tr><td>EDITH WATCHING THE DAWN</td><td class="tdr"><a href="#Page_39"> 39</a></td></tr> - -</table> - -<p class="center"><i>From Drawings by</i> <span class="smcap">E. H. Wehnert</span>.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_1">[1]</span> -<p class="ph2">MAGIC WORDS.</p> - -<hr class="tiny" /> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER I.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">It</span> was the evening of Christmas Day. The -hymn of “Peace upon earth, good-will towards -men,” had been chanted by thousands of voices -throughout the land, from the grand cathedral-choir -to the simple singers of the village -church. Charity had extended her munificent -hand to the poor and needy, lighting up smiles -on many a care-worn face. Hospitality welcomed -the good, the beautiful, and the great -to the lordly mansions of the rich. Love and -Peace sat enthroned in many a happy home. -Poverty, shivering at the present, was consoled -by the glowing figure of Hope, pointing with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_2">[2]</span> -radiant eyes to the future. Memory and Sorrow -lingered around the grave of many a departed -one; but of all mourners they were the -saddest who were estranged from those they still -loved. Yes, amid the pain, the sorrow, the suffering -of life, <i>their</i> hearts were the heaviest; for -(to use the oft-quoted words of the poet) “to -be wroth with those we love, doth work like -madness in the brain;” and this hallowed season -speaks strongest to our kindest feelings, and -to the tenderness of our better nature.</p> - -<hr class="tb" /> - -<p>A train had stopped at a rough little village -station about thirty miles from town, and a -few country people, on their way home, leaned -over the bridge above to admire the enormous -red eyes of the monster as it moved slowly on -through a deep cutting crowned with dark -firs. They lingered yet a moment longer, to -mark whom it had borne from the great city -to their quiet village. A beautiful girl of fifteen, -glowing with health and exercise, accompanied -by two fine, rough-looking dogs, rushed<span class="pagenum" id="Page_3">[3]</span> -down to meet her playfellows and friends. She -was breathless with joy, and with her race over -the heath; but her merry laugh and warm -greeting sounded pleasantly enough as the -noise of the train died away in the distance.</p> - -<p>A lady, wrapped in a warm plaid, who had -been anxiously waiting for some time, took the -arm of her husband, with a few low words of -delighted welcome, and they walked briskly -away. The dogs of the younger party barked -with glee—were patted and caressed. One -look at the dear heath and at the hills beyond, -with a thrill of delight at the thoughts of a -long ramble over them on the morrow, and the -ponies were mounted, the dogs whistled to, -and away flew the happy trio to the home-welcome, -to the dear old hall, to all the joy -of a Christmas meeting.</p> - -<p>Only two other passengers appeared, winding -up the pathway—a gentleman of tall and -commanding aspect, and a buxom, brisk-footed -countrywoman, wrapped in her scarlet cloak, -who passed him with a low curtsey and cheerful -good night. She was thinking of the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_4">[4]</span> -bright fireside, of the dear little faces round it -anxiously awaiting her return, and of the enormous -amount of joy contained in that wicker -basket. An event of great marvel and wonderment -is a poor woman’s visit to her friends in -town, and she is ever in a tearful state of -ecstasy and excitement on reaching home again; -all of which becomes a matter of grave family -history in the lowly household, and is recounted -on many an occasion to eager and attentive -hearers.</p> - -<p>She quickly disappeared up a winding path -cut through the furze and heather, evidently -leading to a low-roofed cottage on the skirts -of a fir-wood. Lights twinkled in the casement, -and joyful voices were soon heard approaching -to meet and welcome her. The road -was now perfectly solitary. A few deep-red -clouds still hung over the west, and here and -there a large bright star shone silently through -the sharp, pure air. Dogs bayed in the distance; -the sound came very pleasantly over -the heather through the rough old pines.</p> - -<p>The gentleman walked briskly on, and lights<span class="pagenum" id="Page_5">[5]</span> -began to appear in the valley beneath. He -stopped as the merry notes of a flageolet struck -his ear, proceeding from a cottage by the road-side. -The blaze of a wood fire within illumined -the little rustic porch and neat garden. Bright -branches of glistening holly shone in the tiny -casement. The tune ceased, and was followed -by a light-hearted laugh and the sound of young -voices.</p> - -<p>“How happy they seem!” said he. “It is -such scenes as these which make the country -so delightful, so cheering to sense and spirit!”</p> - -<p>And yet he sighed heavily as he walked on; -and passing through an avenue of fir and larch -leading to one of the prettiest and most picturesque -cottages in the world, he paused -when he reached the garden-gate. It seemed, -too, a dear, quiet, sweet-smelling home. Lights -shone from more than one of the windows; -and more than one bright young face might -be seen, by the gleam of its golden hair, flitting -about in the uncertain light. A sweet -young voice singing as sweet a tune ceased, as -all young voices do, suddenly, when the bell<span class="pagenum" id="Page_6">[6]</span> -rang out its summons, and a brisk, rosy little -maid appeared, lantern and key in hand, to -admit the traveller, and guide him through -the long shadow of the firs to the house. A -favourite dog bounded to meet and gambol -round him with unrepressed joy. The children -clustered into the porch to say, timidly, -“How do you do?” and hold out their little -hands to shake; while their mother, advancing -with a kindly greeting, expressed her pleasure -at his return. Even the maid looked pleased -and happy to see him. But yet it was not his -home.</p> - -<p>After a few minutes’ conversation, the traveller -was seated in his own room, his dog, his -sole companion, looking at him with glistening -eyes, as his master fondly stroked his magnificent -head. He was a man of twenty-eight -or thirty years of age, with a sad and thoughtful -cast of countenance, yet one that all who looked -upon it <i>must</i> instantly love and respect; it was -at once so engaging and so noble. He looked -round his little room at his sketches and his -gun with evident pleasure, placed some books<span class="pagenum" id="Page_7">[7]</span> -and papers which he had brought on a little -table before him, and drawing his arm-chair -close to the blazing pine-logs, sat watching the -golden cones as they crumbled away, one by -one, at the height of their brilliancy. But every -reverie must have its end; and his was brought -to a close by the appearance of coffee, borne -by a bright-eyed country maid, smirking and -smiling with pleasure, as country servants are -wont to do at every fresh arrival.</p> - -<p>It would seem that the reverie by the bright -fireside was not an idle one, but that among -many revolving thoughts, some, at least, were -considered worthy of preservation; for the coffee -was soon despatched, the table covered with -books and papers, and the stranger intently -occupied with his pen.</p> - -<p>So absorbed did he become with it, that -after one or two long, wistful glances, the -fine hound lay down reproachfully on his comfortable -rug, as if despairing of any further -notice that night.</p> - -<p>The wind moaned heavily in the pine-branches -round the cottage. Presently the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_8">[8]</span> -writer paused and listened to the sound, so -like the rushing of distant waters. He walked -slowly to the window, and gazed long and earnestly -into the night. It was moonlight, yet -stormy; and large, glittering stars, looked -down through the dark branches, when the -hurrying white clouds had drifted over them. -The distant clock of the old village church, -slowly striking the hour, sounded mournfully -over the river; and the lonely man at that -little window thought of years that were gone, -of the bright firesides in many a happy home -that night, and turned and put away his papers -with a sigh. He thought how differently he -used to work years ago, when, with all the -ardour of his nature and the energy of hope, -and yet with intense fear and anxiety, he strove -to render himself worthy of one idolized, one -long-sighed-for object! He thought, too, of the -bitterness, the agony of disappointment; and -how long years of his young life would have -been thrown away, had he not struggled hard -to save himself from becoming a useless, melancholy -being, given up to the indulgence of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_9">[9]</span> -selfish regrets. He had succeeded,—there was -some comfort in that reflection. He knew of -what he was capable, and dared not throw away -the power he had acquired, because it no longer -availed the idol Self. So he still worked on. -He had become distinguished for his literary -labours, and for his contributions to the improvement -and well-being of his fellow-creatures; -but to fame and to the praises of the -great he was now equally indifferent. His happiest -hours were passed in his favourite village, -where he was greatly beloved, although he dared -not wholly give himself up to the quiet of a -country life.</p> - -<p>He had had the old Gothic church restored, -with all possible observance of its antique ornaments -and its fine clustering ivy; and took a kind -of Sir Roger de Coverley delight in seeing the -country people, bettered and improved in every -way, flocking to it on Sundays to hear his good -tutor’s sermons, to which he used to listen -with so much reverence in his boyish days. -He had learned to believe that the word “happiness” -signifies, the being reconciled to bear,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_10">[10]</span> -still having courage to do, and gratitude to enjoy -that which remains. Thus, he was usually -cheerful in his various occupations; <i>but this -was Christmas time</i>: a time when the lonely -heart feels most desolate—a time when many -a tender word spoken by the absent is -remembered with sorrow—when all anger is -forgotten in the feeling of peace and love which -steals over the heart. And his head lay buried -in his hands, his whole soul given up to an -overwhelming agony of regret.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_11">[11]</span></p> -<div class="bbox"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/facing011.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="illoright"><i>Day & Son, lith<sup>rs</sup> to the Queen.</i></p> -</div> - -<p>“This day last year,” he muttered, “who -could have believed the change? Oh, Edith!” -he continued, taking up a miniature that lay -beside him, “who could have thought then -that we should now be as strangers to each -other? Who could have thought that that -bright face, those many noble qualities, could -have wrought so much misery?” Again he -looked at the lovely countenance, smiling on -him a thousand of the tenderest remembrances, -and a still gentler expression, a kindlier spirit, -came over him. “Those eyes,” he said, “how -softly they have looked on me! Perhaps even -now a thought——but what folly! In the pride -of beauty and prosperity, what is there to -remind her of me?”</p> - -<p>A low tap at the door interrupted his meditations. -For an instant he could not say, -“Come in!” his heart was so very full; but -quickly recovering himself, he turned with a -smile to welcome a little village child, who -timidly advanced to place both her tiny hands -in his.</p> - -<p>She looked into his face with eyes beaming -with love and gratitude; but the joyful, -sparkling expression soon faded away, for she -saw that he was sadder than usual; and with -the quick sympathy and natural grace of childhood -she sat down quietly on the rug, and -taking the stately head of the hound on her lap, -pensively stroked his long, shaggy coat. Presently -she ventured to break the silence in her -gentle way—“I am so glad you are come back, -sir; I have missed you so!”</p> - -<p>Her companion’s countenance brightened, -and he said with animation—“Have you, -though, my poor little Mary? I thought you<span class="pagenum" id="Page_12">[12]</span> -had forgotten me, being so long away.” And -he stroked her bright brown hair.</p> - -<p>“You should not have thought that,” said -the child, earnestly; “I always remember you, -for you taught me all I know. I was longing -to come yesterday, and all day to-day,” she -continued, “to hear if you had arrived. To-day -has been so happy that I could not stay -away any longer, and so here I am,” she -added, with her merry laugh, which sounded -pleasantly in that usually silent room. These -simple words, that mute caress, had restored -the confidence of the two friends. Mary -was herself again, full of fun and prattle. -Seated on the extreme edge of a huge Gothic -chair, she balanced her little feet on the back -of her friend Troy, who, far from resenting the -liberty, fixed his dark eyes lovingly on her -sweet young face, while she talked on, full of -the details of her simple life. How she had -gathered pine-cones for several evenings, because -she knew he loved their cheerful blaze -and sweet smell. How poor Turpin, who was -always in trouble, had hunted a rabbit, and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_13">[13]</span> -been caught in a trap; of her mad race over the -hills for help; how she nursed the poor, poor -foot afterwards; and how the faithful patient -cried because he could not accompany her -that night; the relation of all which very much -affected his kind little mistress. Presently she -produced with great glee her “Christmas present,”—several -little bundles of bark, peeled -with great care, from the silver birch-trees, -cut into slips, and tied with red worsted. -“I burnt a little bit the other day,” said she, -“and the smell was so nice I thought you -would like it, so I got some to light your taper -with—do try it;” and the little creature soon -held a blazing piece in her hand.</p> - -<p>“It is delicious, Mary; and how good of you -to collect it for me!”</p> - -<p>“I was very happy getting it,” said the -child; “but I wish you had not thought I -had forgotten you. I could not forget you!” -she continued, after a pause; “you, who have -been so good to me, and taught me so much! -I never looked at a book before you came. -Oh, I was sadly wild! Mother said I made<span class="pagenum" id="Page_14">[14]</span> -more noise than the boys!” And she laughed -heartily.</p> - -<p>The tutor laughed too, and told the often -repeated story, which he knew she loved to -hear, of how, in his walks, he had frequently -listened to her little voice singing in a cornfield, -while “minding” birds; how he had -been surprised at her sudden disappearance on -his nearer approach, and on making a voyage -of discovery, had found her ensconced in -the body of a broken-down post-chaise, that, -singularly enough, lay between two old fir-trees -at the foot of the wood! He did not -describe to her how, in imagination, he had -pictured the different and exciting scenes in -which the once gay equipage might have -borne its part; but went on to say how he -had peeped in unobserved, and had seen her -perched on one of the dilapidated seats, with a -little piece of board on her lap, intently occupied -in carving a morsel of meat into divers -small pieces, which she divided, with impartial -care, among three ragged starlings perched -on the opposite beam, who watched her with<span class="pagenum" id="Page_15">[15]</span> -glistening eyes! How merrily she talked to -them, and how perfectly they seemed to love -and understand each other! He reminded -her of her surprise on being discovered, and -her frank invitation to the intruder to “look -in” on the wonders of the unique aviary, with -its valuable illustrations of the “History of -Red Riding Hood,” its bright jay’s feathers, -and other childish treasures!</p> - -<p>Heartily the little Mary laughed; and so -the Christmas evening passed on.</p> - -<p>“I must go now,” she said; “I promised -to read mother the pretty story you gave me, -‘Simple Susan,’ and they will all sit up for -it! Good bye! You will promise not to be so -sad when I am gone as you were when I came -in. You have been thinking of that pretty -lady again!” she said, with a face of anxious -love—pointing to the miniature—“that makes -you so, I know! Why don’t you go to her?”</p> - -<p>“Because she does not love me, Mary,” -was the faltering reply; “and you know we -are not happy with those who do not love us.”</p> - -<p>“Are you <i>sure</i> of that?” said the child,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_16">[16]</span> -earnestly. “People often hide their kindest -thoughts—and perhaps she hides hers from -you; you must look for them, as I look for -violets, in their thick leaves. Oh, I was so -unhappy once!” she continued, tears starting -into her eyes at the remembrance: “I quarrelled -with my brother, and we did not speak -all day—both were so proud: but do you -know” (and the sweet little face sparkled) -“that when I put my arms round his neck -and kissed him, and said, ‘Good night, -Harry!’ he kissed me, and cried too; and -said how unhappy he had been <i>all</i> the time. -I had thought he would <i>never</i>, <i>never</i> love me -again! Oh! if my brother had died, as -baby did, before we kissed each other that -night!”</p> - -<p>Poor little Mary paused, her heart quite -full at the bare idea of such a thing; but -she turned again, with admiring eyes, to the -miniature. “She looks very kind and good, -and <i>so</i> beautiful! Did you speak gently, -and ask her to love you again: or were you -proud?”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_17">[17]</span>The child did not notice the agitation of -her companion, and little did she imagine -that, long after her head lay softly on her -happy pillow, the simple eloquence of those -Magic Words was working powerfully in his -heart!</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_18">[18]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER II.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Over</span> many a mile of hard, frosty road, by -snow-clad fields and hills and woods, by many -an ice-bound stream, must we lead the imagination -of our reader on the evening of the -same Christmas Day, and peep into another -home, far from that we have just quitted.</p> - -<p>Undrawing the warm crimson curtains of -a charming little room—half drawing-room, -half library—the light of a lamp falls brightly -on the figure of a lady reading to her husband. -It is manuscript, and he puts the pages by for -her as she goes on.</p> - -<p>She often pauses, to look up with a delighted -smile at his praises, and he thinks that she -never looked so beautiful before! She is very -like Correggio’s Magdalen, and has the same -lovely countenance and waving hair.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_19">[19]</span>Presently she came to the last page, and -the praise was repeated.</p> - -<p>“I had no idea I could translate so well,” -said she, “and am glad you like it, for that -will give me spirits to go on: I may, in time, -become quite useful to you.”</p> - -<p>“When are you not everything to me?” -was the reply. “But, Marion, you must not -work so hard; I cannot afford to see you look -one bit less bright. Besides, it is a kind of -reproach to me your working so much; indeed -you must not!”</p> - -<p>“Nonsense!” said Marion, laughing; “you -can’t think how happy I am when helping -you, for I am sure you are often very weary! -Poor Edward! what anxiety I have caused -you! Now for a volley of protestations!” -said she, laughing again. “But to be serious: -I was thinking, to-day, how much we have to -be thankful for; and that with all its anxieties -how happy this year has been—how <i>infinitely</i> -happier, working and striving on together, -than droning through an insipid life of ease, -as some do. I don’t know what would become<span class="pagenum" id="Page_20">[20]</span> -of me if you were ever to be rich,” she -continued; “to be sure, one might always -find some useful employment, some good to be -done; but no one knows, except those who -have experienced it, the delight of overcoming -difficulties, and earning home comforts by -one’s own exertions.”</p> - -<p>“True, dear Marion! I never knew, until -I knew you, how little is necessary for happiness!”</p> - -<p>“I knew what life was—I had an anxious -one at home, even from a little child,” said -Marion, “and adversity taught me to know -what is best worth knowing; what flowers to -gather in this great garden, that many neglect, -or do not perceive. How sweet are the uses -of adversity! I love to linger on those words; -and if ever I venture to write an essay,” said -she, smiling, “it shall be on that subject. -What does it not teach us?—the practice of -almost every virtue.”</p> - -<p>“Nay, not quite so far, enthusiast,” said -her husband, smiling; “remember the effect -of almost constant sun on flowers; how splendid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_21">[21]</span> -they become—how fully their beauty is -developed!”</p> - -<p>“Yes; but they cannot bear the storm that -<i>may</i>, that <i>must</i> come. The stout old thistle, -reared in cold and sleet, is much better off—much -more useful, and protects many a little -plant under its vigorous leaves. Now, only -think what adversity really does for us. To -begin with <i>my</i> early life:—my father and -mother treated me as their friend in all their -troubles; I was accustomed to watch their -anxious care-worn faces, to try to cheer them, -and to rejoice when they brightened: this -bound us together in the closest affection; I -believe no child, no parents, were ever so dear to -each other. No little home was ever so loved as -mine; and I was quite broken-hearted when -away from all its cares, even for a short time, -although in the midst of what people called -enjoyment. These were very different feelings -from those of children nursed in the lap of -affluence, who are frequently selfish, and often -but little attached to those around them. I -knew what it was to be deprived of many<span class="pagenum" id="Page_22">[22]</span> -comforts, which made me grateful for those I -had, and taught me to feel for the sufferings -of others infinitely worse off than myself. -Naturally impetuous, I grew up patient; for, -as you know, my father was a man of eccentric -genius, who failed in all his efforts to place us -in the brilliant position he dreamed of. I felt -and shared in his disappointments, until disappointment -itself became powerless! Sympathy -with those I loved roused me to exertion—taught -me the value of time—the dignity of -usefulness! But, above all, the frowns of the -world, the sweet uses of adversity, made me -feel the dear necessity of clinging to and -loving one another, and of living in that -‘peace which passeth all understanding!’”</p> - -<p>Marion paused, and looked with inexpressible -tenderness on her husband.</p> - -<p>“I do not believe we should have loved each -other half so well if we had not borne so much -anxiety together,” she presently continued, -“although it would be a dangerous experiment -for those to try, who never knew what care -was! <i>We</i> very coolly stepped into its troubled<span class="pagenum" id="Page_23">[23]</span> -waters. What straits we have been in! There -is really some amusement, though, in looking -back to a hundred comical little difficulties, -mingled with graver trials; in peeping into -the crowded picture-gallery of one’s own life—grave -and gay! Do you remember when we -were so <i>very</i> poor, and your father’s friends, -the Saviles, condescended to drive over to -luncheon with us?”</p> - -<p>“Oh, yes,” said Edward, laughing; “when -poor old Jock behaved so inconsiderately!”</p> - -<p>“Inconsiderately, indeed,” said Marion, -laughing too. “I shall never forget seeing him -swallow the delicacies which I had prepared -with so much care, in the coolest manner -possible, looking me hard in the face all the -time. I was in an agony to see the ham -sandwiches disappear one after another down -his huge throat (knowing there were no more -in the house, too), while the capricious fine -lady who took a fancy to feed him, drawled -out, ‘the d-e-a-r d-o-g! <i>how</i> he li-kes them!’ -I should think he did, indeed, with his appetite! -I do believe, though, Mr. Edward, that,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_24">[24]</span> -like all men, you rather enjoyed the scene than -otherwise; for you never offered to put the -cruel old dog out of the room.”</p> - -<p>“How could I tear him from the flattering -attentions of his Patroness? But let me see; -how did you manage it, Marion? I dare say -very ingeniously and gracefully. I remember -how proud I felt of you that day.”</p> - -<p>“Oh, I appeared to enter into the amusement -and drollery of his enormous appetite, -but suggested, in the most affectionate manner -possible, that he should <i>bow</i> his thanks to -the fair lady before tasting another morsel! -Poor Jock, who had not the slightest acquaintance -with any feat or accomplishment of the -kind, was all amazement at my gestures and -commands, and only stared hard for more; -whereupon he was gently ‘<i>fie-fied</i>,’ and put -out of the room for his obstinacy and ingratitude!”</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_25">[25]</span></p> -<div class="bbox"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/facing025.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="illoright"><i>Day & Son, lith<sup>rs</sup> to the Queen.</i></p> -</div> - -<p>They both laughed heartily at the remembrance -of Jock’s delinquency and its punishment; -and Marion being in a very merry -humour, recounted with much mirth many -other similar incidents, which they <i>could</i> laugh -at now. “We never deceived each other but -once,” said she; “the time when you were so ill, -you know, from over-work, and I used to steal -slily into the village to give your Latin lessons -to those stupid boys you were ‘preparing!’ I -often wonder how I took courage to ask their -mother to let me take your place: yet I am -glad I did, for I don’t know what we should -have done without the money; and I studied -the lessons so well myself, that I did no injustice -to your pupils. But then the <i>dénouement</i>! -I shall never forget your walking into that -dingy library, pale as death, and your extreme -surprise on finding me seated in the great chair, -conjugating a tremendous Latin verb, while the -poor little mamma looked on with amazement at -my proficiency! <i>I</i> was startled too, fully believing -you to be quietly resting on the sofa, -<i>while I took my walk</i>!”</p> - -<p>“We both looked very guilty for an instant.”</p> - -<p>“Yes, we did indeed; and I thought I -never should cease laughing on our way home, -especially as you were half inclined to be angry!<span class="pagenum" id="Page_26">[26]</span> -But my mirth soon vanished when I saw how -faint you were, and you rested your head on -my shoulder as we sat on the stile. A terrible -fear came over me,” continued Marion, shuddering, -and drawing closer to her husband—“I -never felt pain like that before!”</p> - -<p>Both were silent for some time; and -Edward tenderly stroked the beautiful head -bent down beside him. “Nay, look up, -Marion,” he said; “I am quite well now, love, -and you must not be so sad.”</p> - -<p>“I am not sad,” said Marion, raising her -large eyes, and smiling gently. “I was thinking -how grateful I am that you are better, -and how happy this Christmas would be if you -were but reconciled to your father.”</p> - -<p>“Every house has its spectre, Marion, and -this haunts ours. I believe one always feels any -kind of estrangement from those near to us -most powerfully on days like these. They seem -to have a strange mysterious power of calling -up old recollections and early affections!”</p> - -<p>“Only those which ought never to be broken -come at this holy time,” said Marion; “the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_27">[27]</span> -gentle thoughts it brings with it seem to me -like the soft warning of angel voices,—to be -at peace ere it is too late! I wish you would -read them so, and write to your mother again: -she is of a gentler nature; but they must—yes, -they both must, long to see you again!—Oh, -if I could but persuade you!” she continued, -with emotion: “we know not what a day may -bring forth—even to the youngest and strongest -among us; and Mrs. Hope says they both -seem to ‘age’ very much. How deeply you -would grieve through life if——”</p> - -<p>“Oh, Marion, say no more!” exclaimed -her husband in an agitated voice, “it is that -thought which so constantly haunts me. For -myself, I could forget all; but their unkindness -to you—to you, of whom they ought to -have been so proud; I cannot forget that!”</p> - -<p>“Do not think of it,” said Marion, in a -soothing tone; “we must not quarrel with -people because they are unable to see things in -the same light as ourselves. They knew very -little of me, and thought, I dare say, that I -prevented your being much happier with a<span class="pagenum" id="Page_28">[28]</span> -wealthier bride: besides, they may love me yet -when you have made your peace, as I know -you will,” said she, smiling. “Remember, it -is to your parents that you bend, and I never -can feel happy while you are as a stranger to -them. I suppose it would be my turn next,” -said she, with her musical laugh, “if I were -to venture to oppose your wishes, or to say a -few angry words.”</p> - -<p>“Marion!” said her husband reproachfully.</p> - -<p>“Well, what security have I,” was the playful -retort, “over one who could be contented -under such circumstances? You owe to them -infinitely more than you do to me—they loved -you for years and years before I did. Oh, -Edward! your own heart must tell you more -than I could ever speak.”</p> - -<p>“We will not discuss the subject any further, -dear Marion,” said he, and his voice -faltered. “Sing to me, will you? The evening -never seems perfect without a song from -you.”</p> - -<p>Marion sang the following lines in a rich -and lovely voice:—</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_29">[29]</span></p> - -<h3>THE SPIRIT’S WHISPERINGS.</h3> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="verse">I roved one morn in a sunlit grove,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the mavis was singing his song of love,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the wild bee flew on her wing of light,</div> -<div class="verse">Flitting o’er moss-cup and blossom bright!</div> -<div class="verse">And Nature was blooming so freshly and fair,</div> -<div class="verse">Nought fading or dying was resting there;</div> -<div class="verse">Yet the light breeze sang, as it wafted by,</div> -<div class="verse">“Alas that the Lily and Rose should die!”</div> - -<div class="verse"><hr class="tb" /></div> - -<div class="verse">I sat by the side of a maiden bright,</div> -<div class="verse">Radiant with Beauty, and Hope’s soft light;</div> -<div class="verse">She sang a lay of our own loved isle,</div> -<div class="verse">And my heart beat proudly and high the while.</div> -<div class="verse">Fondly I gazed on that lofty brow—</div> -<div class="verse">“What can be lovelier—brighter now?”</div> -<div class="verse">Yet Echo replied to her lute’s soft lay,</div> -<div class="verse">“The sweetest and fairest must fade away!”</div> - -<div class="verse"><hr class="tb" /></div> - -<div class="verse">I wandered forth, ’neath the moon’s pale ray,</div> -<div class="verse">Where the dead in their last long slumbers lay;</div> -<div class="verse">Softly and coldly her pure beams shone</div> -<div class="verse">On the mouldering urn and the old grey stone;</div><span class="pagenum" id="Page_30">[30]</span> -<div class="verse">And I sadly sigh’d, “Must the young and brave,</div> -<div class="verse">The loved and the honour’d, all share the grave?”</div> -<div class="verse">And a voice replied, in a hollow sigh,</div> -<div class="verse">“The bravest and fairest, all—all must die!”</div> - -<div class="verse"><hr class="tb" /></div> - -<div class="verse">I knew it was as the spirit said,—</div> -<div class="verse">That all we love on this earth must fade;</div> -<div class="verse">That gently they wither, and slowly decay,</div> -<div class="verse">Or are snatch’d in a moment—away, away!</div> -<div class="verse">And I said, in deep sorrow, “Alas that strife</div> -<div class="verse">Should breathe on this short—this uncertain life!</div> -<div class="verse">And, alas for those who, when Life hath fled,</div> -<div class="verse">Have Peace to ask of the silent Dead!”</div> -</div></div> - -<p>Marion’s beautiful voice trembled with emotion, -and her eyes were filled with tears as she -approached her husband. He leaned his head -thoughtfully on his hand.</p> - -<p>Those Magic Words were thrilling in his -heart.</p> -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_31">[31]</span> - -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER III.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">With</span> the exception of the young and -thoughtless, who only look forward to a season -of festivity and enjoyment, and of the callous -and indifferent, who seldom think of such -matters at all, the varied feelings which hail -the approach of Christmas may be compared -to those occasioned by the contemplation of -advancing age—of age so different in its -aspects, whether we behold our fellow-mortals -sinking down into the vale of years alone, -neglected and unloved; alienated from kindred -and friends, and still retaining the unholy -animosities of earlier years; unsubdued by -religion, unsupported by the contemplation of -a useful and virtuous life; or, on the contrary, -surrounded by loved and loving hearts, -looking back with gratitude and pleasure to<span class="pagenum" id="Page_32">[32]</span> -the past, and with hope and resignation to the -future, in peace, and love, and charity with all! -Many a family in embarrassed circumstances, -many a poor widow with a “limited income,” -looks on the increased expenses of this season -of the year, on its bills and various claims, -with the same feelings which anticipate the -infirmities of declining years and sharp attacks -of rheumatism and gout. Many look forward -to increased domestic comfort, and brighter -firesides. Many a mother smiles with delight -on her children, all assembled round her once -more. Many a father rejoices in their joyous -laughter, or in the affection and reverence of -maturer age. Many an old friend is welcomed -to the social board. But, alas! there are many, -too, who look back with a dreary regret to the -years that are gone, and think, how different -Christmas Day seems now to what it was!</p> - -<p>Such melancholy thoughts were revolving in -the mind of a man of dignified and venerable -aspect, pacing gloomily up and down the splendid -library of a fine old mansion. It was almost -dark, and the glare of the fire played over the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_33">[33]</span> -rich volumes, and on the antique carving of -the furniture. He looked with a sigh at the -hearth, once crowded with happy faces. One -only remained, and ah! how changed from the -blooming figure of earlier days, which rose -before him! How feebly that once beautiful -head lay on the rich velvet cushion of her -chair! How much suffering and sorrow might -be traced on that furrowed brow! He felt -that her reverie was as sad as his own; and -truly too, for she was thinking of many a fair -child that had gone down to the tomb in all -the promise of early youth!—of the pride and -joy of seeing them assembled at Christmas, -well and happy!—of the joyous holiday-makings -and merry meetings!—of the tearful -partings, and the agony of those final ones, -when the thin, small hand, pressed in its tiny -grasp the last life greeting!</p> - -<p>Still she could think of the departed with the -softened and resigned feelings which religion -and time never fail to produce. But that which -fell most heavily on her heart and darkened her -declining years, was, that the last and only surviving<span class="pagenum" id="Page_34">[34]</span> -one—the boy whom she had loved best—whom -she had watched over with such intense -fear and anxiety—was still a stranger from his -father’s home. Month after month passed, and -still both, in their pride, hung back from any -attempt at a reconciliation. She felt that many -more might not elapse before she would be far -beyond the reach of mediation, and with a mother’s -and a wife’s love she longed to see them -united again ere she departed. Presently she -walked to the window, and laid her thin white -hand on the arm of her husband.</p> - -<p>“I see you still love to watch the rooks -going to rest in the old elm-trees.”</p> - -<p>“Yes,” said Sir John, hastily; “it is amusing -to watch their odd flights, and to imagine -you can distinguish the croak of a particular -bird.” He would not say that it was Edward’s -favourite pastime when a boy, but -his companion knew well that he <i>thought</i> -of the time when both used to stand there -together. “But who is this coming up the -avenue?” he said at length, as if willing to -shake off the chain of thought. “Mrs. Hope,<span class="pagenum" id="Page_35">[35]</span> -I fancy, by her black dress. I suppose she is -come to tell us all about the dinner, as she -promised.”</p> - -<p>No door ever opened on a better, or kinder, -or more zealous village schoolmistress, than -did this stately one on the spare, timid little -body who now advanced. No one ever looked -more placidly happy, and no one more pleased -and grateful, when she was kindly placed in -the most comfortable of chairs by Sir John, -and welcomed with a cordial smile by his -lady.</p> - -<p>“I came up to tell you, sir, that everything -was done as you desired. The children were -<i>so</i> happy, it quite did one’s heart good to see -them. They all came in the morning with -evergreens and holly, and we made some beautiful -wreaths to set off the room. Their new -dresses look very nice, and they are truly -thankful to you for your kindness. The coals -and blankets, and other things, are all sent -home too, and many say they shall thank Sir -John for a happy Christmas; which they wish -in return, with all their hearts, I am sure,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_36">[36]</span> -continued the good little woman, with emotion; -“for, thank God, <i>very</i> few among them are -ungrateful.”</p> - -<p>Sir John’s benevolent countenance brightened -with pleasure as he listened to the kind -schoolmistress’s further recital of the village -festivities, to which he had contributed so -largely; and his wife marvelled how the heart -of so good a man could be so unrelenting as -she knew it was.</p> - -<p>Perhaps similar thoughts were passing in the -mind of Mrs. Hope; for after she had told -all she ostensibly had to tell, and felt that -it was time for her to depart, she still lingered, -and yet hesitated to speak.</p> - -<p>“Is there anything you wish to say to us, -Mrs. Hope?” said the lady, kindly; “pray -do not be afraid to mention anything in which -we can be of service to you. Is your son——”</p> - -<p>“I thank your ladyship, I was not thinking -of him then, but of some one very different. -I thought you might like to know, and yet -was not sure—but Mr. Edward and his -lady came over to the school-house to-day,”<span class="pagenum" id="Page_37">[37]</span> -said she, as if from a desperate resolution, -“and my heart was quite full to see them -come and go away again like strangers—just at -Christmas time, too!” Poor little Mrs. Hope -trembled, for she saw that Sir John’s brow -darkened, and he drew back in his chair in an -agitated manner; but an encouraging look -from the lady re-assured her. “It was very -pleasant to see him again,” she continued, -“in the little parlour where he often used -to sit years ago, and give the prizes out to the -children, and speak encouragingly to them. -I thought he had forgotten the old place, and -all he was so good to; but he told me he had -been longing to see it, and never could feel so -happy anywhere else.”</p> - -<p>“Poor Edward!” said the lady, with emotion. -“How does he look?”</p> - -<p>“Very pale and delicate, ma’am; but just the -same as ever—just the same noble look,” said -Mrs. Hope, fast gathering courage, “although -not quite so joyful like as it used to be. He -made particular inquiries as to how his father -and mother looked, and seemed terribly cast<span class="pagenum" id="Page_38">[38]</span> -down when I told him how poorly you had -both been.”</p> - -<p>“Did he, indeed!” exclaimed Sir. John, -starting from his seat, and pacing up and -down; “why did you not let me know he was -with you?”</p> - -<p>“I feared you did not wish to know it,” -was the reply. “But oh, Sir John! in my -humble way I did think it strange that, in an -erring world like this, your heart should be -turned from two such children!”</p> - -<p>Tears were running fast down the face of -the good little schoolmistress. She hurried -away; but her Magic Words were not spoken -in vain.</p> - -<p><span class="pagenum" id="Page_39">[39]</span></p> -<div class="bbox"> -<div class="figcenter"><img src="images/facing039.jpg" alt="" /></div> - -<p class="illoright"><i>Day & Son, lith<sup>rs</sup> to the Queen.</i></p> -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<h2 class="nobreak">CHAPTER IV.</h2> -</div> - -<p><span class="smcap">Beautifully</span> dawned the last morning of -the old year. How lovely are some few winter -sunrisings! A cold, grey sky, and dim, glimmering -light, scarcely reveals surrounding -objects. Presently a delicate blush appears, -gently stealing over the east. It deepens to a -ruddy glow; and then bright, golden clouds, -tinged with many a varied hue, overspread the -sky, lighting up in the strongest relief every -leafless tree, even to the most fibre-like branches.</p> - -<p>Everything is very still. Edith sits silently -at the window of her dressing-room, watching -that lovely dawn. Presently a few starlings -appear on the frosty slopes, with their quick, -impatient gestures and rapid movements, seeking -a breakfast. A pair of beautiful blackbirds -droop their jetty wings, and seem<span class="pagenum" id="Page_40">[40]</span> -numbed with cold. A robin, cheerful even in -adversity, trills a few grateful notes on a shrub -near the window, and Edith thinks that no -new-year’s serenade could be half as touching -as that low, sweet song. She thinks, too, what -a lesson it teaches; for her melancholy eye -had been straying mournfully over the broad -lands stretching far and wide before her, and—“’tis -an old tale, and often told,”—she had -almost envied the humblest cottager in those her -lordly possessions. “Farewell, old year!” she -exclaimed; “none other will ever dawn upon -me as you did. May the new bear happiness -and joy to many! Oh, Marion! you little -thought how desolate I am, when you prophesied -that there was yet much in store for me.”</p> - -<p>Marion’s picturesque cottage could be plainly -seen in the distance, shut in by the blue range -of hills above, and sheltered with sweeping -larches. The morning sun now shone brightly -upon it, and Edith pictured to herself the -beaming, happy countenance of her friend.</p> - -<p>“May God bless you, Marion!” she continued -with emotion; “for to the example of<span class="pagenum" id="Page_41">[41]</span> -your gentle goodness I owe all that is now left -me,—the knowledge of that usefulness, that -patient love and forbearance, which makes you -so dear to others, so happy in yourself, and -without which all that the world calls beauty -and talent is hollow and heartless indeed! You -taught me the value of true affection—the folly -and littleness of the false pride I rejoiced in; -and yet so sweetly, that I was only humbled -to myself—not to you. Would that it had -been but a few short months before! Oh, -Percy! how willingly would I now confess myself -in the wrong! But now I am forgotten! -In your benevolent plans, in your honourable -successes, there is no thought of me; or I am -only remembered as a wilful, imperious woman, -whom you once foolishly loved. I shall never -see you again—mine the sorrow, mine the -fault! But I am earning the right to self-esteem; -I am doing all that I believe you -would approve of, did you care for me now.”</p> - -<p>Her heart was very full as she descended to -the breakfast-room. No one was there; but -on the table lay a simple nosegay. “From<span class="pagenum" id="Page_42">[42]</span> -Marion,” was written on a slip of paper. Edith -mentally thanked her friend for the love which -she knew was expressed in the fragrant gift; -but tears sprang into her eyes as she looked -on it; for a few lovely roses, the little blue -periwinkle, with its shining green leaves and -“sweet remembrances,” and a few early primroses -and violets, were arranged almost exactly -as she had received them from a still more -beloved hand the year before. She started -as her mother entered the room, and turned -hastily to conceal her emotion; but touched by -the look of anxious love which she caught -fixed on herself, exclaimed, while she suffered -the large tears to fall down her face, “Oh, my -mother, I will not be proud to <i>you</i>—Heaven -knows there would be little merit in that! I was -thinking”—and her beautiful head lay on her -mother’s gentle bosom—“of the happiness -which I have thrown away—of one who has -forgotten me.”</p> - -<p>“Ah, my dear child!” said her mother, as -she tenderly pressed her hand on the throbbing -brow, “in the doubtfulness of our nature<span class="pagenum" id="Page_43">[43]</span> -we often accuse those of forgetfulness whose -hearts may be breaking for our sake.”</p> - -<p>Edith looked up, a sudden expression of joy -beaming over her countenance. As she bent -again over the flowers, the sweetest gleam of -hope stole over her, and she felt the magic -influence of those words.</p> - -<p>Happy are they who in their own interests, -joys, and sorrows, forget not the welfare of -others! Edith looked forward with pleasure -to the events of the day; for in the morning -the school which she had built was to be -opened, with an appropriate address from the -good rector; and in the evening, young and -old, rich and poor, were to be assembled in her -splendid home. She had gaily declared to the -gentry her wish to receive, as lady of the -manor, “all good comers,” that New-Year’s -Eve; and to sup in the old hall of her ancestors, -after the manner of feudal times, with the peasantry -of her estate “below the salt.” They, of -course, looked forward to the event with unmixed -pleasure and delight. Not so all those -of gentler birth; for she had lived but little<span class="pagenum" id="Page_44">[44]</span> -among them until of late, and was understood -still less. Many thought it a capricious whim -of the spoiled beauty, and many wondered what -strange thing she would do next. “It was not -that she cared more than the rest of them that -the poor should enjoy themselves, but that she -loved to do as no one else did. What a pity -her uncle’s fine estate was left in such hands!”</p> - -<p>So charitably reasoned some of the invited -guests; but, happily, there were others who -knew Edith better, and welcomed with delight -her kind and benevolent plan for a happy new-year’s -eve to them all.</p> - -<p>The important evening at last arrived. The -village children could not have existed much -longer. Wide were the park-gates flung open, -and never had the old avenue rung with the -sound of so many merry voices before. Many -a little belle startled a sleeping bird by stopping -under his resting-place to admire, by the -light of the lantern she carried, her bran -new shoes and pretty frock, wondering if any -of the great ladies would look half as nice, -and feel half as happy as she did. Some timid<span class="pagenum" id="Page_45">[45]</span> -little creatures clung to their mothers’ skirts, -and looked with mingled feelings of awe and -admiration on the stately mansion, blazing with -light in the midst of the dark cedars, half -afraid of entering it until re-assured by the -promise of seeing the kind lady whom they all -loved. But when they arrived there, and were -welcomed by that sweet lady herself, who shook -hands with all, and wished them a happy new-year; -and when they saw the fine old hall -with its bright armour, and many magnificent -rooms all beautifully lighted up and decorated, -and were shown the pictures and other wonderful -things, their delight knew no bounds. -But, perhaps, that which charmed them most -was a deep recess at the lower end of the hall, -completely filled with rare and luxuriant plants, -in the midst of which stood a beautiful figure -of Peace, joining the hands of Anger and Contention, -who were regarding with a mingled -expression of surprise and admiration the heavenly -beauty which they had not perceived -when occupied with their unholy strife.</p> - -<p>The children whispered softly here; for the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_46">[46]</span> -light was very dim, but a lovely glow irradiated -the beaming countenance of Peace, and here -and there flowers glistened in the dark leaves -around them.</p> - -<p>And now tea and cake, such as they had -never tasted before, awaited them in a pretty -room, gay with laurel and holly, where our -friend Mrs. Hope presided, half beside herself -with joy, yet preserving the most perfect order -and decorum. Then the amusements of the -evening began, which comprised the merriest -and oddest of all styles of dancing to the music -of the village band, the wonders of a magic -lantern, and many a childish game beside; but -above all, the crowning delight was the new-year’s -gift to each of a pretty little volume, -with the name of each written in it by Edith’s -own hand.</p> - -<p>The hours flew too swiftly by—so thought -these delighted little people, as ten o’clock was -announced, and Edith wished them all good -night as kindly as she had welcomed them; but -in few words, for carriages were arriving, and -she had to receive her guests: they thanked<span class="pagenum" id="Page_47">[47]</span> -her in their simple way for the pleasure which -she had given them, and the homely sincerity -of their gratitude lighted her sweet face with -happy smiles.</p> - -<p>The spacious picture-gallery, which had been -converted into a ball-room for the occasion, -was gay with many a shining wreath. The -old family portraits seemed to look down with -pleasure, and to beam a welcome on all assembled -there; so thought several of the wandering -villagers, grouped here and there amid the -more brilliant throng, watching the mazes of -the dance with interest and amazement, and -listening with equal surprise to the magnificent -band, to the music of which many a fairy foot -was flying. Most, however, thought it very -inferior to the performance of their own village -musicians, and wondered how people could -dance to such spiritless tunes on a new-year’s -eve like this.</p> - -<p>Edith had anticipated their predilection, -their shyness, and their love of country-dances -and hornpipes; so they were soon marshalled -by their gentle chamberlain, Mrs. -Hope, into another room, where they could<span class="pagenum" id="Page_48">[48]</span> -enjoy all these to their hearts’ content, and yet -feel themselves privileged to look in on the -grandees whenever they pleased. Perhaps -this room, with its unrestrained mirth and -merry laughter, was happier than the more -splendid one; for though many there were -thoroughly enjoying the beauty and gaiety of -the scene, still there were heart-burnings. -In that large assemblage several met, who, -though once friends, had not spoken for years, -and who felt startled and uneasy at being -brought into such close proximity. But scarcely -a shadow could be cast where the beautiful -hostess moved and spoke—</p> - -<p class="center">“Thought in each glance, and mind in every smile.”</p> - -<p>There was so much frankness in every kind -and earnest word she said, joined to the charm -of her gentle and courtly manners, that the -coldest, the most obtuse, the most reserved, felt -moved and interested beyond themselves, and -more cordially inclined to all the world beside.</p> - -<p>And Marion was there, whose flowers were -the only ornament on Edith’s snowy dress; -but she, usually so gay, was thoughtful almost<span class="pagenum" id="Page_49">[49]</span> -to sadness, and looked anxiously into her husband’s -face as they stood for a few moments -apart—“I believed that of late years my father -never mixed in such scenes as these,” said he. -“Edith could not have thought he would come -when she invited us.”</p> - -<p>“I knew how it was to be,” said Marion; -“there are many here to-night whom she hopes -to bring together again; rich and poor. See, -she is looking towards us now, while speaking -to him! Oh, Edward, go up to them at once, -I entreat you!” exclaimed she earnestly.</p> - -<p>“Not before so many people,” said her husband -with emotion. “Suppose he were to -refuse my hand?”</p> - -<p>Marion sighed: but her hopeful nature -whispered that the New-Year’s Eve was not -yet ended. And now a clock of silvery tone -chimed and struck the hour of midnight. -The guests were conducted to supper: unseen -harps, and sweet voices, gave a slow farewell to -the old year, as they were seating themselves -at the upper end of the hall, and then burst -forth into a joyful welcome to the new, as the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_50">[50]</span> -villagers entered and took their places at the -lower range of tables; this again died away, -and a sweet strain arose, of the softest prayer, -for peace and happiness to all! Marion looked -round with emotion.</p> - -<p>It was a lovely scene, that huge banquet-hall, -with its gay wreaths of holly and flowers. -The bright assemblage of guests; the happy -faces of the villagers below; the beautiful -hostess, seated in an antique chair at the upper -end, with the banners of her ancient race, -trophies of ages long gone by, waving behind -her; the lovely figure of Peace below, almost -shrouded in the dark leaves, and forming a -striking contrast to those warlike emblems: -all these afforded a sight which, once beheld, -would not be easily forgotten.</p> - -<p>After each guest had paid sufficient homage -to the choice viands before them, Edith took -up a cup of curious workmanship; her face -was radiant with kindness and love as she -looked on those around her.</p> - -<p>“This cup has been possessed, for many a -century, by my ancestors,” she said; “preserved<span class="pagenum" id="Page_51">[51]</span> -for ages as a venerated relic: doubtless -many a toast has been pledged in it—many a -friendly welcome expressed; but I believe no -more cordial and sincere one than that with -which I greet you all this night. I would fain -express the usual wish of a new-year of all -imaginable happiness and prosperity, but as -such have never visited this earth, we know it -would be vain; and I therefore wish you the -greatest of all blessings—that which cheers -and supports us in the sorrows of life, and -heightens beyond measure its pleasures and -enjoyments,—love and harmony in your hearts -and homes! There may be some among us -estranged from friends and kindred, grieving -over the fault, (for few, let us hope, in a -Christian land, can live unmoved in enmity -one with another,) and yet hanging back, in -mistaken pride or want of moral courage, from -the few conciliatory words which would, in -most cases, suffice for a perfect reconciliation. -The old year is now passing away—may it -bear with it all anger, all animosity! May -those few healing words be spoken,—and<span class="pagenum" id="Page_52">[52]</span> -Peace, and Love, and Charity be with us -all!”</p> - -<p>Edith’s voice trembled with emotion, but -she did not perceive the agitation of many -of her guests, for her eyes were fixed, as -if in a dream, on the lower end of the hall. -There was a movement of surprise among those -seated there: she made her way, she knew not -how, through them all. Yes, it was Percy!—One -look, expressing a thousand emotions, and -their hands were clasped in each other! For -an instant her lovely head was bowed before -him, while a few large, heavy tears, fell on -the flowers at her feet! But she soon mastered -her emotion, and, with a face radiant -with joy, led him through the crowd of sympathising -faces to her mother’s side. In the -short silence which ensued, the bells of the -village church were plainly heard ringing-in -the new-born year! When had they ever -sounded so sweetly before?</p> - -<p>And now a joyous strain again burst forth, -and all returned to the ball-room. Again the -young, the beautiful, the gay, joined in the<span class="pagenum" id="Page_53">[53]</span> -dance; and never feet flew more lightly than -theirs. But there were those who felt a deeper -joy; the serene, the heavenly one of Reconciliation!</p> - -<p>And Percy and Edith once more stood side -by side,—united, happy! And Marion told -her wondering friend how Percy (who was an -old college friend of her husband’s) had come -to see them that morning, and in their quiet -home had confessed that he was drawn to -them by the desire of obtaining news of her, -round whom his deep true love still lingered -with so much regret. She had tried to persuade -him to accompany them that night, but -still he doubted—still feared. Yet he now -confessed to Edith how, when they were gone, -he had longed to see her face again, how he -had concealed himself in the crowd, and how -he had been moved, by what she had just said, -to rush forward from the recess where he -stood unobserved, that he might be the first -to own the gentle Magic of those words!</p> - -<p>And many others had felt them too! -Marion was leaning on <i>her father’s</i> arm—her<span class="pagenum" id="Page_54">[54]</span> -eyes cast down and tearful in their joyfulness, -as he spoke to her in a low tone of the invalid -whom she must see on the morrow.</p> - -<p>And all hearts were touched and softened, -and rich and poor felt drawn closer together! -And they thought of the voice that had said,—“Love -one another as I have loved you,”—and -of the divine lessons of peacefulness and -long-suffering which some had forgotten! -And many blessed to the end of their days -the Magic Words spoken by the Peacemaker<a id="FNanchor_1" href="#Footnote_1" class="fnanchor">[A]</a> -on that New-year’s Night.</p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<span class="pagenum" id="Page_55">[55]</span> -<h2 class="nobreak">MAGIC WORDS.</h2> -</div> - -<div class="poetry-container"> -<div class="poetry"> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Magic words! magic words!</div> -<div class="indent">From holy impulse they are born,</div> -<div class="verse">The seeming chance of circumstance,</div> -<div class="indent">God’s utterance to hearts forlorn;</div> -<div class="verse">Where’er they fall reject them not,</div> -<div class="indent">Nor think their mission is in vain;</div> -<div class="verse">’Twixt loving hearts, whom coldness parts,</div> -<div class="indent">Let not the dreary silence reign.</div> -<div class="indent2">Magic words! what are they?</div> -<div class="indent2">Things the truest soul will say!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"> -<div class="verse">Magic words! magic words!</div> -<div class="indent">Ah! dear as to the dying flow’r,</div> -<div class="verse">The starry dews that balm infuse,</div> -<div class="indent">And whisper of the fallen show’r!</div> -<div class="verse">Sweet as the bubbling desert spring</div> -<div class="indent">To one who wanders o’er the sands,</div> -<div class="verse">Are those chance words, that sow like birds</div> -<div class="indent">The flowering seeds of happier lands!</div> -<div class="indent2">Magic words! what are they?</div> -<div class="indent2">Things the simplest tongue may say!</div> -</div> -<div class="stanza"><span class="pagenum" id="Page_56">[56]</span> -<div class="verse">Magic words! magic words!</div> -<div class="indent">O let them live on ev’ry lip,</div> -<div class="verse">A source of bliss, of holiest kiss,</div> -<div class="indent">And bond of fairest fellowship.</div> -<div class="verse">And evermore at this blest time,</div> -<div class="indent">Tho’ winter’s snows o’erspread the scene,</div> -<div class="verse">One magic call, to bind us all,</div> -<div class="indent">Shall be old Christmas’ evergreen!</div> -<div class="indent2">Magic words! are not they</div> -<div class="indent2">Offerings meet for Christmas Day?</div> -</div></div></div> - -<p class="center"><small>London:—Printed by <span class="smcap">G. Barclay</span>, Castle St. Leicester Sq.</small></p> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<p class="ph1">FOOTNOTE:</p> -</div> - -<div class="footnote"> - -<p><a id="Footnote_1" href="#FNanchor_1" class="label">[A]</a> Edith, in the Anglo-Saxon language, signifies Peacemaker.</p> - -</div> - -<hr class="chap x-ebookmaker-drop" /> - -<div class="chapter"> -<div class="transnote"> -<p class="ph1">TRANSCRIBER’S NOTES:</p> - -<p>Obvious typographical errors have been corrected.</p> - -<p>Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been standardized.</p> - -<p>Archaic or variant spelling has been retained.</p> -</div></div> - -<div style='display:block; margin-top:4em'>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MAGIC WORDS ***</div> -<div style='text-align:left'> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Updated editions will replace the previous one—the old editions will -be renamed. -</div> - -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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