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diff --git a/old/68424-h/68424-h.htm b/old/68424-h/68424-h.htm deleted file mode 100644 index 9371787..0000000 --- a/old/68424-h/68424-h.htm +++ /dev/null @@ -1,2137 +0,0 @@ -<!DOCTYPE html> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> - <meta charset="UTF-8" /> - <title> - Magic words, by Emilie Maceroni—A Project Gutenberg eBook - </title> - <link rel="icon" href="images/cover.jpg" type="image/x-cover" /> - <style> /* <![CDATA[ */ - -body { - margin-left: 10%; - margin-right: 10%; -} - - h1,h2,h3 { - text-align: center; - clear: both; -} - -p { - margin-top: .51em; - text-align: justify; - margin-bottom: .49em; -} - -hr { - width: 33%; - margin-top: 2em; - margin-bottom: 2em; - margin-left: 33.5%; - margin-right: 33.5%; - clear: both; -} - -hr.tb {width: 45%; margin-left: 27.5%; margin-right: 27.5%;} -hr.tiny {width: 10%; margin-left: 45%; margin-right: 45%;} -hr.chap {width: 65%; margin-left: 17.5%; margin-right: 17.5%;} -@media print { hr.chap {display: none; visibility: hidden;} } - - -div.chapter {page-break-before: always;} -h2.nobreak {page-break-before: avoid;} - -table { - margin-left: auto; - margin-right: auto; -} - -.tdr {text-align: right;} - -.pagenum { - position: absolute; - left: 92%; - font-size: smaller; - text-align: right; - font-style: normal; - font-weight: normal; - font-variant: normal; - text-indent: 0; -} - -.bbox {border: 0; width: 450px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;} - -.illoright {text-align: right; font-size: small; } - -.center {text-align: center;} - -.smcap {font-variant: small-caps;} - -.ph1 {text-align: center; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;} -.ph2 {text-align: center; font-size: xx-large; font-weight: bold;} - -div.titlepage {text-align: center; page-break-before: always; page-break-after: always;} -div.titlepage p {text-align: center; font-weight: bold; line-height: 1.5; margin-top: 2em;} - -.xxlarge {font-size: 175%;} -.xlarge {font-size: 150%;} -.large {font-size: 125%;} - -.x-ebookmaker .hide {display: none; visibility: hidden;} - -.figcenter { - margin: auto; - text-align: center; - page-break-inside: avoid; - max-width: 100%; -} - -.footnote {margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 10%; font-size: 0.9em;} - -.footnote .label {position: absolute; right: 75%; text-align: right;} - -.fnanchor { - vertical-align: super; - font-size: .8em; - text-decoration: - none; -} - -.antiqua { - font-family: Blackletter, Fraktur, Textur, "Old English Text MT", "Olde English Mt", "Olde English", Gothic, serif, sans-serif;} - -.poetry-container {text-align: center;} -.poetry {display: inline-block; text-align: left;} -.poetry .verse {text-indent: -2.5em; padding-left: 3em;} -.poetry .stanza {margin: 1em auto;} -.poetry .indent {text-indent: 1.5em;} -.poetry .indent2 {text-indent: 2.5em;} -.poetry .verseright { text-align: right;} -.poetry .first {text-indent: -3em; padding-left: 3em;} - -@media print { .poetry {display: block;} } -.x-ebookmaker .poetry {display: block;} - -.transnote {background-color: #E6E6FA; - color: black; - font-size:smaller; - margin-left: 17.5%; - margin-right: 17.5%; - padding: 1em; - margin-bottom: 1em; - font-family:sans-serif, serif; } - - /* ]]> */ </style> -</head> -<body> -<p style='text-align:center; font-size:1.2em; font-weight:bold'>The Project Gutenberg eBook of Magic words, by Emilie Maceroni</p> -<div style='display:block; margin:1em 0'> -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 <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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