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diff --git a/9387-h/9387-h.htm b/9387-h/9387-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d9a7730 --- /dev/null +++ b/9387-h/9387-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,2192 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html;charset=UTF-8" /> + <title> + Theresa Marchmont, by Mrs. Charles Gore + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Theresa Marchmont, by Mrs Charles Gore + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Theresa Marchmont + +Author: Mrs Charles Gore + +Release Date: August 10, 2009 [EBook #9387] +Last Updated: March 15, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THERESA MARCHMONT *** + + + + +Produced by Hanno Fischer, and David Widger + + + + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THERESA MARCHMONT, <br /> OR, <br /> THE MAID OF HONOUR. <br /><br /> A TALE. + </h1> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h2> + By Mrs. Charles Gore + </h2> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h4> + “La cour est comme un édifice bâti de marbre; je veux dire qu'elle est + composée d'hommes fort durs, mais fort polis.” <i>LA BRUYERE.</i> + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h5> + London, MDCCCXXIV + </h5> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <table summary="" style="margin-right: auto; margin-left: auto"> + <tr> + <td> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV. </a> + </p> + </td> + </tr> + </table> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + CHAPTER I. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Take any shape but that, and my firm nerves + shall never tremble. Hence horrible shadow! + Unreal mockery, hence!”—<i>MACBETH</i> +</pre> + <p> + It was a gloomy evening, towards the autumn of the year 1676, and the + driving blasts which swept from the sea upon Greville Cross, a dreary and + exposed mansion on the coast of Lancashire, gave promise of a stormy night + and added to the desolation which at all times pervaded its vast and + comfortless apartments. + </p> + <p> + Greville Cross had formerly been a Benedictine Monastery, and had been + bestowed at the Reformation, together with its rights of Forestry upon Sir + Ralph de Greville, the ancestor of its present possessor. Although that + part of the building containing the chapel and refectory had been long in + ruins, the remainder of the gloomy quadrangle was strongly marked with the + characteristics of its monastic origin. It had never been a favourite + residence of the Greville family; who were possessed of two other + magnificent seats, at one of which, Silsea Castle in Kent, the present + Lord Greville constantly resided; and the Cross, usually so called from a + large iron cross which stood in the centre of the court-yard, and to which + thousand romantic legends were attached, had received few improvements + from the modernizing hand of taste. Indeed as the faults of the edifice + were those of solid construction, it would have been difficult to render + it less gloomy or more convenient by any change that art could affect. Its + massive walls and huge oaken beams would neither permit the enlargement of + its narrow windows, nor the destruction of its maze of useless corridors; + and it was therefore allowed to remain unmolested and unadorned; unless + when an occasional visit from some member of the Greville family demanded + an addition to its rude attempts of splendour and elegance. But it was + difficult to convey the new-fangled luxuries of the capital to this remote + spot; and the tapestry, whose faded hues and mouldering texture betrayed the + influence of the sea air, had not yet given place to richer hangings. The + suite of state apartments was cold and comfortless in the extreme, but one + of the chambers had been recently decorated with more than usual cost, on + the arrival of Lord and Lady Greville, the latter of whom had never before + visited her Northern abode. Its dimensions, which were somewhat less vast + than those of the rest of the suite, rendered it fitter for modern habits + of life; and it had long ensured the preference of the ladies of the House + of Greville, and obtained the name of “the lady's chamber,” by which it is + even to this day distinguished. The walls were not incumbered by the + portraits of those grim ancestors who frowned in mail, or smiled in + fardingale on the walls of the adjacent galleries. The huge chimney had + suffered some inhospitable contraction, and was surmounted with marble; + and huge settees, glittering with gilding and satin, which in their turn + would now be displaced by the hand of Gillow or Oakley, had dispossessed + the tall straight ebony backed-chairs, which in the olden times must have + inflicted martyrdom on the persons of our weary forefathers. + </p> + <p> + The present visit of Lord Greville to the Cross, was supposed to originate + in the dangerous illness of an old and favourite female servant, who had + held undisturbed control over the household since the death of the first + Lady Greville about ten years before. She had been from her infancy + attached to the family service, and having married a retainer of the + house, had been nurse to Lord Greville, whom she still regarded with + something of a maternal affection. Her husband had died the preceding + year; equally lamented by the master whom he served, and the domestics + whom he ruled; and his wife was now daily declining, and threatening to + follow her aged partner to the grave. It was imagined by the other members + of the establishment, that the old lady had written to her master, with + whom she frequently corresponded, to entreat a personal interview, in + order that she might resign her “Stewardship” into his hands before her + final release from all earthly cares and anxieties; and in consideration + of the length and importance of her services, none were surprised at the + readiness with which her request was granted. + </p> + <p> + Lord Greville had never visited the North since the death of his first + wife, a young and beautiful woman whom he had tenderly loved, and who died + and was interred at Greville Cross. She left no children, and the heir, a + fine boy in the full bloom of childhood and beauty, who now accompanied + Lord Greville, was the sole offspring of his second marriage. + </p> + <p> + Helen, the present Lady Greville, was by birth a Percy; and although her + predecessor had been celebrated at the Court of Charles, as one of the + most distinguished beauties of her time, there were many who considered + her eclipsed by the lovely and gentle being who now filled her place. She + was considerably younger than her husband; but her attachment to him, and + to her child, as well as her naturally domestic disposition, prevented the + ill effects often resulting from disparity of years. Lord Greville, whose + parents were zealous supporters of the royal cause, had himself shared the + banishment of the second Charles; had fought by his side in his hour of + peril, and shared the revelries of his court in his after days of + prosperity. At an age when the judgement is rarely matured, unless by an + untimely encounter with the dangers and adversities of the world, such as + those disastrous times too often afforded, he had been employed with + signal success in several foreign missions; and it was universally known + that the monarch was ever prompt publicly to acknowledge the benefit he + had on many occasions derived from the prudent counsels of his adherent, + as well as from his valour in the field. + </p> + <p> + But notwithstanding the bond of union subsisting between them, from the + period of his first marriage, which had taken place under the Royal + auspices, Greville had retired to Silsea Castle; and resisting equally the + invitations of his condescending master, and the entreaties of his former + gay companions, he had never again joined the amusements of the court. + Whether this retirement originated in some disgust occasioned by the + licentious habits and insolent companions of Charles, whose present mode + of life was peculiarly unfitted to the purer taste, and intellectual + character of Lord Greville; or, whether it arose solely from his natural + distaste for the parasitical existence of a courtier, was uncertain; but + it was undeniable that he had faithfully followed the fortunes of the + expatriate king, and even supplied his necessities from his own resources; + and had only withdrawn his services when they were no longer required. + </p> + <p> + After the death of Lady Greville, his secluded habits seemed more than + ever confirmed; but when he again became possessed of a bride, whose + youth, beauty, and rank in society, appeared to demand an introduction to + those pleasures which her age had hitherto prevented her from sharing; it + was a matter of no small mortification to Lord and Lady Percy, to perceive + that their son-in-law evinced no disposition to profit by the Royal + favour, or to relinquish the solitude of Silsea, for the splendours of the + Capital. But Helen shared not in their regrets. She had been educated in + retirement; she knew but by report the licentious, but seductive gaieties + of the Court of Charles, and she had not the slightest wish to increase + her knowledge of such dangerous pleasures. Content with loving, and being + beloved by a husband whom she regarded with profound veneration, her + happiness was not disturbed by a restless search after new enjoyments; and + her delighted parents soon forgot their disappointment in witnessing the + contentment of their child. + </p> + <p> + For some years succeeding her marriage, they perceived no change in the + state of her feelings, but at length the anxiety of parental love led them + to form surmises, which renewed their former disapprobation of the conduct + of Greville. During their frequent visits to Silsea, they observed that + his love of study and retirement had deepened almost to moroseness; that + his address, always cold and reserved, was becoming offensively distant; + and that he was subject to fits of abstraction, and at other times to a + peevish discontent, which materially threatened the happiness of their + daughter. They also discovered that Helen, whose playful humour and gaiety + of heart had been their solace and amusement, even from her infancy, was + now pensive and dispirited. By degrees the bright expression of her + countenance had lost all that becoming joyousness of youth, which had been + its great attraction, and though still + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sphered in the stillness of those heaven-blue eyes, + The soul sate beautiful,” + </pre> + <p> + it was the soul of melancholy beauty. + </p> + <p> + Alarmed and unhappy, Lady Percy wearied her daughter with inquiries as to + the cause of this inauspicious change; but in vain. Helen denied that any + alteration had taken place in her feelings; and declared that the new and + serious tone of her character arose naturally from her advance in life, + and from the duties devolving upon her as a wife and mother. + </p> + <p> + “Be satisfied, dear madam,” said she, “that I am still a happy and adoring + wife. You well know that my affections were not won by an outward show of + splendour and gay accomplishments, nor by the common attraction of an idle + gallantry. It was on Greville's high reputation for just and honourable + principles, and on his manly and noble nature, that my love was founded, + and these will never change;—and if, at times, unpleasant + circumstances should arise, into which my sex and age unfit me to inquire + to throw a cloud over his features, or a transient peevishness into his + humour, it would ill become me—in short,” continued she in a + trembling voice, and throwing her arms around Lady Percy's neck, to + conceal her tears, “in short, dear Madam, you must remember that dearly, + tenderly, dutifully, as Helen loves her mother, the wife of Greville can + have no complaints to make to the Countess of Percy*.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + *[See “The family Legend”] +</pre> + <p> + But however well the suffering wife might succeed in disguising the + bitterness of wounded affection from her inquiring family, she could not + conceal it from herself. She had devoted herself, in the pride of youthful + beauty, to the most secluded retirement, through romantic attachment for + one who had appeared to return her love with at least an equal fervour. + Her father's house—her own opening and brilliant prospects—her + numerous family connexions and “troops of friends,”—she had deserted + all for him, in her generous confidence in his future kindness. “His + people had become her people, and his God, her God!” She had fondly + expected that his society would atone for every loss, and compensate every + sacrifice; that in the retirements she shared with him, he would devote + some part of his time to the improvement of her mind, and the development + of her character, and that in return for her self devotion, he would + cheerfully grant her his confidence and affection. But there—“there + where she had garnered up her heart,”—she was doomed to bear the + bitterest disappointment. She found herself, on awaking from her early + dream of unqualified mutual affection, treated with negligence, and at + times with unkindness, and though gleams of his former tenderness would + sometimes break through the sullen darkness of his present disposition, he + continually manifested towards both her child and herself, a discontented + and peevish sternness, which wounded her deeply, and filled her with + inquietude. She retained, however, too deep a veneration for her husband, + too strong a sense of his superiority, to permit her to resent, by the + most trifling show of displeasure, the alteration in his conduct. She + forbore to indulge even in the + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Silence that chides, and woundings of the eye.” + </pre> + <p> + Helen's was no common character. Young, gentle, timid as she was, the + texture of her mind was framed of “sterner stuff;” and she nourished an + intensity of wife-like devotion and endurance, which no unkindness could + tire, and a fixedness of resolve, and high sense of moral rectitude, which + no meaner feeling had yet obtained the power to blemish. + </p> + <p> + “Let him be as cold and stern as he will,” said she to herself in her + patient affliction, “he is my husband—the husband of my free choice—and + by that I must abide. He may have crosses and sorrows of which I know not; + and is it fitting that I should pry into the secrets of a mind devoted to + pursuits and studies in which I am incapable of sharing? There was a time + when I fondly trusted he would seek to qualify me for his companion and + friend; but the enchantment which sealed my eyes is over, and I must meet + the common fate of woman, distrust and neglect, as best I may.” + </p> + <p> + Anxious to escape the observation of her family, she earnestly requested + Lord Greville's permission to accompany him with her son, when he suddenly + announced his intention of visiting Greville Cross. Her petition was at + first met with a cold negative; but when she ventured to plead the advice + she had received recently from several physicians, to remove to the sea + coast, and reminded him of her frequent indispositions, and present + feebleness of constitution, he looked at her for a time with astonishment + at the circumstance of her thus exhibiting so unusual an opposition to his + will, and afterwards with sincere and evident distress at the confirmation + borne by her faded countenance to the truth of her representation. + </p> + <p> + “Thou art so patient a sufferer,” he replied “that I am somewhat too prone + to forget the weakness of thy frame—but be content—I must be + alone in this long and tedious journey.” + </p> + <p> + The tears which rose in her eyes were her only remonstrance, and her + husband stood regarding her for some minutes in silence, but with the most + apparent signs of mental agitation on his countenance. + </p> + <p> + “Helen,” said he at length, in a low, earnest tone, “Helen, thou wert + worthy of a better fate than to be linked to the endurance of my + waywardness; but God who sees thine unmurmuring patience, will give thee + strength to meet thy destiny. Thou hast scarcely enough of womanly + weakness in thee to shrink from idle terrors, or I might strive to appall + thee,” he added faintly smiling, “with a description of the gloom and + discomfort of thine unknown northern mansion; but if thou art willing to + bear with its scanty means of accommodation, as well as with thy husband's + variable temper, come with him to the Cross.” + </p> + <p> + Helen longed to throw herself into his arms as in happier days, when he + granted her petition, but she had been more than once repulsed from his + bosom, and she therefore contented herself with thanking him respectfully; + and in another week, they became inmates of Greville Cross. + </p> + <p> + The evening whose stormy and endless commencement I have before described, + was the fourth after her arrival in the North; and notwithstanding the + anxiety she had felt for a change of habitation, she could not disguise + from herself that there was an air of desolation, a general aspect of + dreariness about her new abode which justified the description afforded by + her husband. As she crossed the portal, a sensation of terror ill-defined, + but painful and overwhelming, smote upon her heart, such as we feel in the + presence of a secret enemy, and Lord Greville's increasing uneasiness and + abstraction since he had returned to the mansion of his forefathers, did + not tend to enliven its gloomy precincts. The wind beat wildly against the + casement of the apartment in which they sat, and which although named “the + lady's chamber,” afforded none of those feminine luxuries, which are now + to be found in the most remote parts of England, in the dwellings of the + noble and wealthy. By the side of a huge hearth, where the crackling and + blazing logs imparted the only cheerful sound or sight in the apartment, + in a richly-carved oaken chair emblazoned with the armorial bearings of + his house, sat Lord Greville, lost in silent contemplation. A chased + goblet of wine with which he occasionally moistened his lips, stood on a + table beside him, on which an elegantly-fretted silver lamp was burning; + and while it only emitted sufficient light to render the gloom of the + spacious chamber still more apparent, it threw a strong glare upon his + expressive countenance and noble figure, and rendered conspicuous that + richness of attire which the fashion of those stately days demanded from + “the magnates of the land;” and which we now only admire amid the + mummeries of theatrical pageant, or on the glowing canvas of Vandyck. His + head rested on his hand, and while Lady Greville who was seated on an + opposite couch, was apparently engrossed by the embroidery-frame over + which she leant, his attention was equally occupied by his son, who stood + at her knee, interrupting her progress by twining his little hands in the + slender ringlets which profusely overhung her work, and by questions which + betrayed the unsuspicious sportiveness of his age. + </p> + <p> + “Mother,” said the boy, “are we to remain all winter in this ruinous den? + Do you know Margaret says, that some of these northern sea winds will + shake it down over our heads one stormy night; and that she would as soon + lie under the ruins, as be buried alive in its walls. Now I must own I + would rather return to Silsea, and visit my hawks, and Caesar, and—” + </p> + <p> + “Hush! sir, you prate something too wildly; nor do I wish to hear you + repeat Margaret's idle observations.” + </p> + <p> + “But mother, I know you long yourself to walk once again in your own dear + sunshiny orangery?” + </p> + <p> + “My Hugh,” said Lady Greville without attending to his question, “has + Margaret shewn you the descent to the walk below the cliffs, and have you + brought me the shells you promised to gather?” + </p> + <p> + “How? with the spring tide beating the foot of the rocks, and the sea + raging so furiously that the very gulls dared not take their delicious + perch upon the waves. Tomorrow perhaps—” + </p> + <p> + “What now, my Hugh, afraid to venture? When I walked on the sands at noon, + there was a bowshot spare.” + </p> + <p> + “No! mother, no, not afraid, not afraid to venture a fall, or meet a + sprinkling of sea spray, and good truth I have enough to do with fears in + doors, here in this grim old mansion, without—” + </p> + <p> + “Fears?”— + </p> + <p> + “Yes, fears, dear mother,” said the boy, looking archly round at his + attendant, who waited in the back ground, and who vainly sought by signs + to silence her unruly charge. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know that the figure of King Herod, cruel Herod, the murderer of + his wife, and the slayer of the innocents, stalks down every night from + the tapestry in my sleeping room and wanders through the galleries at + midnight; and than the cross, where the three Jews were executed a long, + long time ago, in the reign of King John I think; they say that it drops + blood on the morning of the Holy Friday;—and then mother, and this + is really true,” continued the child, changing from his playful manner to + a tone of great earnestness, “there is the figure of a lady in rich + attire, but pale, very pale, who glides through the apartments—yes; + Herbert and Richard and several of the serving men have seen it; and + mistress Alice, poor old soul once was seen to address it, but she would + allow no one to question her on the subject; and they say it was her doom, + and that she must therefore die of her present sickness. Ay: 'twas in this + very room too—the lady's chamber.” + </p> + <p> + “Boy,” interrupted Lord Greville sternly, “if thou canst find no better + subject for thy prate, than these unbecoming fooleries, be silent—Helen! + why should you encourage his forwardness, and girlish love of babbling? Go + hence, sirrah! take thyself to rest; and you, Margaret,” added he, turning + angrily to the woman, “remember that from this hour I hear no more + insolent remarks, on any dwelling it may suit your betters to inhabit, nor + of this imp's cowardly apprehensions.” + </p> + <p> + Margaret led her young charge from the room; who, however sad his heart at + being thus abruptly dismissed, walked proud and erect with all the welling + consciousness of wounded pride. Helen followed him to the door with her + eyes; and when they fell again upon her work, they were too dim with tears + to distinguish the colours of the flowers she was weaving. Lord Greville + had again relapsed into silent musing; and as she occasionally stole a + glance towards him, she perceived traces of a severe mental struggle on + his countenance; the muscles of his fine throat worked convulsively, his + lips quivered, yet still he spoke not. At length his eyes closed, and he + seemed as if seeking to lose his own reflections in sleep. + </p> + <p> + “I will try the spell which drove the evil spirit from the mind of the + King of Israel,” thought the sad and terrified wife; “music hath often + power to soothe the darkness of the soul;” and she tuned her lute, and + brought forth the softest of its tones. At length her charm was + successful; Lord Greville slept; and while she watched with all the + intense anxiety of alarmed affection, the unquiet slumbers which distorted + one of the finest countenances that sculptor or painter ever conceived, + she affected to occupy herself with her instrument lest he should awake, + and be displeased to find her attention fixed on himself. + </p> + <p> + With the sweetest notes of a “voice ever soft and low, an excelling thing + in woman,” she murmured the following song, which was recorded in her + family to have been composed by her elder brother, on parting from a lady + to whom he was attached, previous to embarkment on the expedition in which + he fell, and to which it alludes: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Parte la nave + Spiegan le vele + Vento crudele + Mi fa partir. + Addio Teresa, + Teresa, addio! + Piacendo a Dio + Ti rivedrò. + Non pianger bella, + Non pianger, No!— + Chè al mio ritorno + Ti sposerò. + + Il Capitano + Mi chiama a bordo; + Io faccio il sordo + Per non partir! + Addio Teresa, + Teresa, Addio! + Piacendo a Dio + Ti rivedrò. + Non pianger bella, + Non pianger, No!— + Chè al mio ritorno + Ti sposerò. + + Vado a levante + Vado a ponente + Se trovo gente + Ti scriverò. + Addio Teresa, + Teresa, Addio; + Piacendo a Dio + Ti rivedrò. + Non pianger bella, + Non pianger, No!— + Chè al mio ritorno + Ti sposerò. +</pre> + <p> + Helen had reached the concluding cadence of her soft and melancholy song, + when raising her eyes from the strings to her still sleeping husband, she + beheld with panic-struck and breathless amazement, a female figure, + standing opposite resting her hand on the back of his chair—silent, + and motionless, and with fixed and glassy eyes gazing mournfully on + herself. She saw—yes!—distinctly saw, as described by little + Hugh, “a Lady in rich attire, but pale, very pale;” and in the stillness + and gloom of the apartment and the hour, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'Twas frightful there to see + A lady richly clad as she, + Beautiful exceedingly.” + </pre> + <p> + The paleness of that pensive face did not lessen its loveliness, and the + hair which hung in bright curls on her shoulders and gorgeous apparel, was + white and glossy as silver. Helen gazed for a moment spell-bound; for she + beheld in that countenance without the possibility of doubt, the + resemblance of the deceased Lady Greville, whose portrait, in a similar + dress, hung in the picture gallery at Silsea Castle. She shuddered; for + the eyes of the spectre remained steadfastly fixed upon her; and its lips + moved as if about to address her—“Mother of God—protect me!” + exclaimed Helen convulsively, and she fell insensible on the floor. + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Sorrow seems pleased to dwell with so much sweetness; + And now and then a melancholy smile + Breaks loose like lightning on a winter's night + And shows a moment's day.”—<i>DRYDEN</i> +</pre> + <p> + On the succeeding morning, when Lady Greville recovered sufficiently from + a succession of fainting fits to collect her remembrances of the dreadful + cause of her illness, she eagerly demanded of her attendants in what + manner, and by whom, she had been placed in her usual sleeping-room. They + replied, that Lord Greville had conveyed her there insensible in his arms; + and had summoned them in great agitation to her assistance. He had since + frequently sent to inquire after her health, and had expressed great + delight when the last message, announcing her recovery, had reached him. + But he came not himself to watch over her; and though the shock she had + received, had brought on an alarming degree of fever, which confined her + for several days to her room, he never visited her chamber. Helen was the + more surprised and pained by this neglect, as she knew he made frequent + visits to the sick bed of old Alice, and she wept secretly and bitterly + over this fresh proof of his alienated love. + </p> + <p> + During the tedious hours of illness, the mental sufferings of the + neglected wife far exceeded those of her corporal frame. She could reflect + but on one subject—one idea, one pervading horrible idea had taken + possession of her soul. She felt that through every person to whom she + might impart her tale would listen with incredibility, and mockery, that + the truth of that awful visitation could not be questioned by her own + better judgment. She considered herself one + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “To whom the world unknown + In all its shadowy shapes is shown.” + </pre> + <p> + She shuddered over the remembrance of the past, she trembled from + apprehension of the future. The approach of night was beginning to be + terrible to her feelings; the very air appeared, to her disordered + imagination, instinct with being; low whisperings seemed to approach her + ears; and if the female attendant whom she had stationed by her bedside + disappeared for a moment, she instantly fancied she saw the noble figure + approach, that pale soft countenance once more gazing upon her, and those + cold lips about to address her; and in an agony of approaching insanity, + she prayed aloud to the God of all Grace, for deliverance from the torture + that assailed her. Her prayers were heard; for as her constitution + recovered from the shocks it had sustained, her mind gradually returned to + its wonted serenity; the impression of the event became less vivid, and in + less than a week she was enabled to resume her accustomed habits. + </p> + <p> + Her return was more warmly greeted by Lord Greville than she had expected. + There was something of “long syne,” in his manner of welcoming her to her + sitting apartment, which rejoiced her warm and affectionate heart. She did + not, however, approach it without trembling; for it was the lady's + chamber. Her feelings were fortunately too much occupied by the unusual + kindness displayed by Lord Greville, and as she silently and gratefully + pressed the hand which led her to her seat, she was thankful that he made + no inquiries into the particular cause of her illness. She knew that he + treated all supernatural terrors with especial contempt, and considered + them as fit subjects for the discussion of the low-minded and ignorant. + She had formerly heard him reason soundly, and express himself strongly, + on the subject, and her own scepticism on the possibility of spectral + visitation, was principally owing to the arguments she had heard from his + lips. Frequently had he praised her in former times, for her composure of + mind in peril, and for her unfeminine superiority to all ideal terrors; + and she did not now dare provoke his surprise and contempt by a revocation + of her principles, or by a relation of the mysterious event which had + befallen her. + </p> + <p> + As soon as he left her, she descended into the court enclosed by the + quadrangle of the mansion; and as long as daylight lasted she continued to + walk there, in order to avoid the solitude of her own dreaded apartment. + As she traversed the pavement with hurried steps, she gazed on the huge + iron cross, and no longer regarded with indifference the terrific legends + attached to it. But at length the closing evening, accompanied by + tempestuous winds, compelled her to retire to the house. + </p> + <p> + Once more she found herself installed for the evening in the abhorred + chamber. All was as before—her husband was seated opposite to her in + the same chair, by the same lamp-light—the ticking of the time-piece + was again painfully audible from the wearisome stillness of the apartment; + and her own trembling hands were again lingering over the embroidery-frame + from which she dared not lift her eyes. Her heart beat painfully, her + breath became oppressed, and she ventured to steal a look at her husband, + who to her surprise was regarding her with an air of affectionate + interest. Relieved for a moment, she returned to her occupation; but her + former terrors soon overcame her. She would have given worlds to escape + from that room, from that dwelling, and wandered she cared not how, she + knew not wither, so she might be rescued from the sight of that awful + figure, from the sound of that dreaded voice. + </p> + <p> + The conflict in her mind became at length too strong for endurance; and + suddenly flinging down her work, she threw herself at her husband's feet, + and burying her face in his knees she sobbed aloud; “save me from myself—save + me, save me from <i>her</i>!” He raised her gently, and folded her in his + arms. “Save thee from whom, my beloved Helen?” + </p> + <p> + “Greville, believe me or not as thou wilt, but as the Almighty hears and + judges me, I have beheld the apparition of thy wife. I saw her freely, + distinctly, standing beside thee even where thou sittest; clearly visible + as the form of a living being; and she would have spoken, and doubtless + revealed some dreadful secret, had not the weakness of my nature refused + to support me. Oh! Greville, take me from this room—take me from + this house—I am not able to bear the horrible imaginings which have + filled my mind since that awful hour. My very brain is maddened—oh! + Greville, take me hence.” + </p> + <p> + Even in the agony of her fear, Helen started with delighted surprise to + feel the tears of her husband falling on her hand. Yes! he,—the + stern Greville, the estranged husband, moved by the deep distress + manifested in the appearance of his wife, acknowledged his sympathy by the + first tears shed in her presence. + </p> + <p> + “This is a mere phantasm of the brain,” said he at length, attempting to + regain his composure; “the coinage of a lively imagination which loves to + deceive itself by—but no,” continued he, observing her incredulous + and agonized expression of countenance, “no, my Helen, I will not longer + rack thy generous mind by these sufferings, however bitter the truth may + be to utter or to hear. Helen! it was no vision—no idle dream,—Helen, + it was a living form, a breathing curse to thee and me! Thou who hast + accused me of insensibility to thy charms, and to thine endearing + affection, judge of the strength of my love by the labyrinth of sin into + which it hath betrayed me. Helen, my wife still lives, and I am not thy + lawful husband.” + </p> + <p> + It was many hours before the unfortunate Lady Greville sufficiently + recovered her composure to understand and feel the full extent of the + fatal intelligence she had received, and the immediate bearing it must + have upon her happiness, her rights, and those of her child. As by degrees + the full measure of her misery unfolded to her comprehension, she fell + into no paroxysm of angry grief; she vented her despair in no revilings + against the guilty Greville. Sorrowfully indeed, but calmly, she requested + to be made acquainted with the whole extent of her miserable destiny. + </p> + <p> + “Let me know the worst,” said she, “I have been long, too long deceived, + and the only mercy you can now bestow upon me is an unreserved and + unqualified confidence.” + </p> + <p> + But Lord Greville could not trust himself to make so painful a + communication in words, and after passing the night in writing, he + delivered to her the following relation:— + </p> + <p> + LORD GREVILLE'S HISTORY + </p> + <p> + “I need not dwell upon the occurrences of my childhood, I need not relate + the events which rendered my youth equally eventful and distinguished. My + early life was passed so entirely in the immediate service of my + sovereign, and in participation of the troubles and dangers which + disastrous times and a rebellious people heaped upon his head, that the + tenor of my life has been as public as his own. + </p> + <p> + “Yet Helen, forgive me for saying that I cannot even now, in this my day + of humiliation, but glory in the happy fortune which crowned with success + my efforts in the royal cause, both in the field and in the cabinet, and + won for me at once the affection of my king, and the approbation of my + fellow-countrymen, when I remember that to these flattering testimonies I + owe not only the friendship of your father, but the first affections of + his child. How frequently have you owned to me, in our early days of joy + and love, that long before we met, my public reputation had excited the + strongest interest in your mind—those days, those happy days, when I + was rich alike in the warmest devotion of popular favour, and the approval + of—but I must not permit myself to indulge in fond retrospections; I + must steel my heart, and calmly and coldly relate the progress of my + misery and guilt, and of its present remorse and punishment. + </p> + <p> + “You have heard that soon after the restoration of Charles Stuart to the + throne of his ancestors, I was sent on a mission of great public moment to + the Hague, where I remained for nearly two years, and having succeeded in + the object of government, I returned home shortly after the union of the + king with the princess of Portugal. I was warmly received by his majesty, + and presented by him to the young queen, as one whom he regarded equally + as an affectionate friend, and as one of the most faithful servants of the + crown. Thus introduced to her notice, it is not wonderful that my homage + was most graciously received, and that I was frequently invited to renew + it by admission into the evening circle at Whitehall. The very night after + my arrival in London, I was called upon to assist at a masque given on the + anniversary of the royal nuptials, at which their majesties alone, and + their immediate attendants, were unmasqued. The latter, indeed, were + habited in character; but among the splendidly-attired group of the maids + of honour, I was surprised at perceiving one, in a costume of deep + mourning. Her extreme beauty and the grace of her demeanour excited an + immediate interest in her favour; and her sable suit only served to render + yet more brilliant, the exquisite fairness and purity of her complexion. + </p> + <p> + “It was not so much the regular cast of her features as their sweet and + pensive expression which produced so strong an effect on the feelings. At + the moment I was first struck by her appearance, I happened to be + conversing with His Majesty who was making the tour of the apartment, + graciously leaning on my arm; and my attention was so completely + captivated by her surpassing loveliness, that the king could not fail to + perceive my absence of mind. 'How now, Charles, how now,' said he kindly, + 'twenty-four hours in the capital, and beauty-struck already? which among + our simple English maidens hath the merit of thus gaining the approval of + thy travelled eyes?—what Venus hath bribed the purer taste of our + new Paris? Ha! let me see—Lady Joscelyn? Lady—No! by heaven,' + said he following my looks, 'it is as I could wish, Theresa Marchmont + herself. How, man—knowest thou not the daughter of our old comrade, + who fell at my side in the unfortunate affair at Worcester?' + </p> + <p> + “The king took on an early opportunity of making my admiration known to + Her Majesty; and of requesting her permission for my introduction to Miss + Marchmont; who, although born of a family distinguished only by its + loyalty to the house of Stuart, having been recommended to the royal + attention from the loss of her only surviving parent in its cause, had + sufficiently won the good will of the monarch, by her beauty and elegant + accomplishments, to obtain a distinguished post about the person of the + new Queen. + </p> + <p> + “From this period, admitted as I was into the domestic circle of the Royal + household, I had frequent opportunities afforded me of improving my + acquaintance with Theresa; whose gentle and interesting manners more than + completed the conquest which her beauty had begun. Helen, I had visited + many foreign courts, and had been familiarized with the reigning beauties + of our own, at that time eminently distinguished by the brilliancy of + female beauty, but never in any station of life did I behold a being so + lovely in the expressive sadness of her fine countenance, so graceful in + every movement of her person. But this was not all. Theresa possessed + beyond other women that retiring modesty of demeanour, that unsullied + purity of look and speech, which made her sufficiently remarkable in the + midst of a licentious court, and among companions whose levity at least + equalled their loveliness. On making more particular inquiries respecting + her family connexions, I found that they were strictly respectable, but of + the middle class of life; and that she had passed the period intervening + between the death of her father, General Marchmont, and her appointment at + court, in the family of an aged relative in the county of Devon, by whom + indeed she had been principally educated. It was at the dying instigation + of this, her last surviving friend and protector, that her destitute + situation had been represented to the king by the Lady Wriothesly, to + whose good offices she was indebted for her present honourable station. + Being however, as it were, friendless as well as dowerless, and backed in + my suit by the powerful assistance of the king's approbation, I did not + anticipate much opposition to my pretensions to the hand of Miss + Marchmont, which had now become the object of my dearest ambition. I knew + myself to be naturally formed for domestic life; and while the disastrous + position of public affairs had obliged me to waste the days of my early + youth in camps or courts, and in exile from my own hereditary possessions, + I resolved to pass the evening of my life in the repose of a happy and + well-ordered home in my native country. + </p> + <p> + “To the vitiated taste of the gallants of the court, many of whom might + have proved powerful rivals, had they been so inclined, marriage had no + attractions. The acknowledged distaste of Charles for a matrimonial life, + and his avowed infidelities, sanctioned the disdain of his dissolute + companions for all the more holy and endearing ties of existence. I had + therefore little to fear from competition; indeed among the maids of + honour of the Queen, whose situation threw them into hourly scenes of + revelry and dissipation, Theresa Marchmont, who was universally + acknowledged to be the loveliest of the train, excited less than any those + attentions of idle gallantry, which however, sought and prized by her + livelier companions, are offensive to true modesty. I attributed this + flattering distinction to the respect ensured by the extreme <i>reténue</i> + and propriety of her manners, but I have had reason since to ascribe the + reserve of the courtiers to a less commendable motive. On occasion of a + masqued festival given by Her Majesty on her birth-day at Kew, the king, + in distributing the characters, allotted to Miss Marchmont that of Diana. + 'Your Majesty' said the Duchess of Grafton, 'has judiciously assigned the + part of the frigid goddess, to the only statue of snow visible among us. + <i>Mademoiselle se renchérit sur son petit air de province, si glacial et + si arrangé</i>,' continued she, turning to the Comt de Gramont. 'Madam,' + said the king, bowing respectfully to Theresa, with all that captivating + grace of address for which he was distinguished, 'if every frozen statue + were as lovely and attractive as this, I should forget to wish for their + animation; and become myself a votary of the + </p> + <p> + “'Queen and huntress, chaste and fair!' + </p> + <p> + “'Ay,' whispered the Duke of Buckingham, 'even at the perilous risk of + being termed Charles, king and Lunatic.' + </p> + <p> + “This sobriquet of Diana had passed into a proverb; and such was Theresa's + character for coldness and reserve, that I attributed to her temper of + mind, the evident indifference with which she received my attentions. + Meeting her as I did, either in public assemblies, or in the antechamber + of the Queen among the other ladies in waiting, I had no opportunity of + making myself more particularly acquainted with her sentiments and + character. When I addressed her in the evening circle, although she + readily entered into conversation on general subjects, and displayed + powers of mind of no common order, yet, if I attempted to introduce any + topic, which might lead to a discussion of our mutual situation, she + relapsed into silence. At times her countenance became so pensive, so + touchingly sorrowful, that I could not help suspecting she nourished some + secret and hidden cause of grief; and once on hinting this opinion to the + king, who frequently in our familiar intercourse rallied me on my passion + for Theresa, and questioned me as to the progress of my suit, he told me + that Miss Marchmont's dejection was generally attributed to her regret, + for the loss of Lady Wriothesly, the kind patroness who had first + recommended her to his protection, and by whose death, immediately before + my return from Holland, she had lost her only surviving friend. 'It + remains to be proved,' added he, 'whether her lingering affection for the + memory of an old woman will yield readily to her dawning attachment for + her future husband.' + </p> + <p> + “Another suspicion sometimes crossed my mind, but in so uncertain a form, + that I could scarcely myself resolve the nature of the evil I apprehended. + I observed that Theresa constantly and anxiously watched the eye of the + king, whenever she formed a part of the royal suite; and if she perceived + his attention fixed on herself, or if he chanced to approach the spot + where she stood, she would turn abruptly to me, and enter into + conversation with an air of <i>empressement</i>, as though to confirm his + opinion of our mutual good understanding. Upon one occasion as I passed + through the gallery leading to the Queen's apartments, I found His Majesty + standing in the embrasure of a window, in earnest conversation with Miss + Marchmont. They did not at first perceive me; and I had leisure to observe + that Theresa was agitated even to tears. She turned round at the sound of + approaching footsteps, but betrayed no distress at my surprising her in + this unusual situation. In reply to some observation of the King's, she + answered with a respectful inclination, 'Sir, I will not forget;' and left + the gallery; while Charles, gaily taking my arm, led me into the adjoining + saloon, and informed me that he had been pleading my cause with my fair + tormentor, as he was pleased to term her. + </p> + <p> + “'The worst torment I can be called to endure, Sire,' said I haughtily, + 'is longer suspense; and I must earnestly request your Majesty's gracious + intercession of Miss Marchmont's early reply to my application for the + honour of her hand. Should it be refused, I must further entreat your + Majesty's permission to resign the post I so unworthily hold, in order + that I may be enabled to pass some years on the continent.' + </p> + <p> + “Charles appeared both startled and displeased by the firm tone of + resolution I had assumed. 'Were I inclined for idle altercation,' answered + he coldly, 'I might argue something for the dignity of the fair sex, who + have ever claimed their prescriptive right of holding us lingering in + their chains; and Lord Greville would do well to remember that his + services are too important to his country to be held on the caprices of a + silly girl's affected coyness. But be it so—since you are so + petulant a lover, be prepared when you join her Majesty's circle to-night, + to expect Miss Marchmont's answer.' + </p> + <p> + “It happened that there was a splendid fête given at the palace that + evening in honour of the arrival of a French ambassador. When I entered + the ball-room I caught the eye of the king, who was standing apart, with + his hand resting negligently on the shoulder of the Duke of Buckingham, + and indulging in an immoderate gaiety apparently caused by some 'foolborn + jest,' of the favourite's; in which, I know not why, I immediately + suspected myself to be concerned. On perceiving my arrival however, + Charles forsook his station, and approaching me with the graceful ease + which rendered him at all times the most finished gentlemen of his court, + he took me affectionately by the hand, and congratulating me on my good + fortune, he led me to Theresa who was seated behind her companions. + Occupied as I was with my own happiness, and with the necessity of + immediately expressing my gratitude both to Theresa and the King, I could + not avoid being struck by the dreadful paleness of her agitated + countenance which contrasted frightfully with her brilliant attire; for I + now saw her for the first time out of mourning for Lady Wriothesly. When I + entreated her to confirm by words the happy tidings I had learned from his + Majesty, who had again returned to the enlivening society of his noble + buffoon, she spoke with an unfaltering voice, but in a tone of such deep + dejection, and with a fixed look of such sorrowful resolution that I could + scarcely refrain, even in that splendid assemblage, from throwing myself + at her feet, and imploring her to tell me whether her consent had not been + obtained by an undue exertion of the royal authority. But there was always + in Theresa an apparent dread of every cause of emotion and excitement, + which made me feel that a wilful disturbance of her calm serenity would be + sacrilege. + </p> + <p> + “During the short period intervening between her consent and our marriage, + which by the command of the king, was unnecessarily and even indecorously + hastened, these doubts, these fears, constantly recurred to my mind + whenever I found myself in the presence of Theresa, but during my absence + I listened to nothing but the flattering insinuations of my own heart, and + I succeeded in persuading myself that her coldness arose solely from + maidenly reserve, and from the annoyance of being too much the object of + public attention. I remembered the sweetness of her manner, when one day + in reply to some fond anticipation of my future happiness, she assured me, + although she could not promise me at once that ardour of affection which + my present enthusiasm seemed to require, that if a grateful and submissive + wife could satisfy my wishes, I should be possessed of her entire + devotion. But although thus reassured, I could scarcely divest myself of + apprehension, and on the morning of our nuptials, which took place in the + Royal Chapel, in presence of the whole court, her countenance wore a look + of such deadly, such fixed despair, that the joy even of that happy moment + when I was about to receive the hand of the woman I adored, before the + altar of God, was completely obliterated. + </p> + <p> + “She had been adorned by the hand of the Queen, by whom she was fondly + beloved, with all the splendour and elegance which could enrich her lovely + figure; and in the foldings of her bridal veil, her countenance assumed a + cast of such angelic beauty, that even Charles, as he presented me with + her hand, paused for a moment in delighted emotion to gaze upon her. But + even thus late as it was, and embarrassed by the royal presence, I was so + pained by her tears that I could keep silence no longer. 'Theresa,' I + whispered to her as we approached the altar, 'if this marriage be not the + result of your own free will, speak—it is not yet too late. Heed not + these preparations—fear not the King's displeasure, I will take all + upon myself. Speak to me dearest, deal with me sincerely.—Theresa, + are you willing to be mine?' She only replied by bending her knee upon the + gorgeous cushion before her. 'Hush!' said she in a suppressed tone, 'hush! + my lord—let us pray to the Almighty for support,' and the service + instantly began.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Let not the Heavens hear these tell-tale women, + Rail on the Lord's anointed.”—<i>RICHARD III.</i> +</pre> + <p> + “The month which followed our marriage we passed in the happy retirement + of Silsea; and there for the first time I became acquainted with the real + character of my Theresa. Her beauty had indeed been the glory of the + court, but it was only amid the privacy of domestic life that the + accomplishments of her cultivated mind, and the submissive gentleness of + her disposition became apparent. Timid almost to a fault, I sometimes + doubted whether to attribute her implicit obedience to my wishes, to the + habit of early dependence upon the caprice of those around her, or to the + resignation of a broken spirit. Still she did not appear unhappy. The + wearisome publicity and etiquette of the life she had been hitherto + compelled to lead, was most unsuitable to her taste for retirement; and + she enjoyed equally with myself the calm repose of a quiet home. When she + made it her first request to me that I would take the earliest opportunity + to retire from public life, and by settling on my patrimonial estate + release her from the slavery of a court, all my former apprehensions + vanished; and I began to flatter myself that the love I had so fondly, so + frankly, bestowed, had met with an equal return. Prompt as we are to seize + on every point which yields confirmation to our secret wishes, and eagerly + credulous, where the entire happiness of our lives is dependent on our + wilful self-deception, is it wonderful that I mistook the calm fortitude + of a well-regulated mind for content, and the gratitude of a warm heart + for affection? I inquired not, I dared not inquire minutely into the past; + I shrunk from any question that might again disturb the serenity of my + mind by jealous fears. 'I will not speak of past storms on so bright a + day,' said I secretly while I gazed upon my gentle Theresa; 'it might + break the spell.' Alas! the spell endured not long; for however + unwillingly, we were now obliged to resume our situation at Whitehall. + </p> + <p> + “Our re-appearance at court was marked by the most flattering attentions + on the part of the King and Queen. Several brilliant fêtes were given by + their Majesties on occasion of our marriage; and I began to fear that the + homage which everywhere seemed to await my young and lovely bride, and the + promising career of royal favour which opened to her view, might weaken + her inclination for the retirement we mediated. To me however she + constantly renewed her entreaties for a furtherance of her former wishes + on the subject; in consequence of which I declined the gracious offers of + his Majesty, who was at this time particularly desirous that I should take + a more active part in public measures, and accept a situation in the new + ministry which would formerly have placed the utmost bounds to my + ambition. I was now however only waiting a favourable opportunity, to + retire altogether to the happy fire-side, where I trusted to dream away + the evening of my days in the society of my own family. + </p> + <p> + “In this position of our affairs, it chanced that we were both in + attendance on the Queen at Kew; where one evening a chosen few, + distinguished by her Majesty's favour, formed a select circle. The + conversation turned upon music, and the Queen who had been describing with + national partiality the beauty of the hymns sung by the Portuguese + mariners, suddenly addressing me, observed that since she left her native + country she had heard no vocal music which had given her pleasure except + from the lips of Miss Marchmont: 'I cannot' said she kindly smiling, 'as + you may perceive, forget the name of one whose society I prized so highly; + but if 'Lady Greville' will pardon my inadvertence, and oblige me by + singing one of those airs with which she was wont formerly to charm me to + sleep when I suffered either mental or bodily affliction, I will in turn + forgive <i>you</i>, my lord, for robbing me of the attendance of my + friend.' + </p> + <p> + “Theresa instantly obeyed, and while she hung over her instrument her + attitude was so graceful, that the Queen again observed to me, 'we must + have our Theresa seen by Lely in that costume, and thus occupied she would + make a charming study for his pencil; and I promise myself the pleasure of + possessing it as a lasting memorial of my young friend.' The portrait to + which this observation gave rise, you must have seen yourself, my Helen, + in the gallery at Silsea castle. + </p> + <p> + “While I was thus engaged by her Majesty, I observed the Duke of + Buckingham approach my wife with an air of deference bordering on irony; + he appeared to make some unpleasant request which he affected to urge with + an earnestness beyond the rules of gallantry or good breeding, and which + she refused with an appearance of haughtiness I had never before seen her + excise. He than respectfully addressed the Queen, and entreated her + intercession with Lady Greville for a favourite Italian air, one, he said, + which her Majesty had probably never enjoyed the happiness of hearing—but + before the Queen could reply, before I had time to inquire into the cause + of the agony and shame which were mingled in Lady Greville's looks, she + covered her brow with her hands, and exclaimed with hysteric violence, + 'No, never more—never again. Alas! it is too late.' + </p> + <p> + “The queen, herself too deeply skilled in the sorrows of a wounded heart, + appeared warmly to compassionate the distress which had robbed her + favourite of all presence of mind; and rising evidently to divert the + attention of the circle, whose malignant smiles were instantly repressed, + she invited us to follow her into the adjoining gallery, at that time + occupied by Sir Peter Lely for the completion of his exquisite series of + portraits of the beauties of Charles's court. In their own idle comments + and petty jealousies arising from the resemblances before them, Lady + Greville was forgotten. + </p> + <p> + “While I was deliberating the following morning, in what manner I could + with delicacy interrogate Theresa on the extraordinary scene I had + witnessed, I was surprised by her sudden but firm declaration that she + could not, <i>would not</i> longer remain in the royal suite, and she + concluded by imploring me on her knees, as I valued her peace of mind, her + health, her salvation, to remove her instantly to Silsea. 'I have obtained + her Majesty's private sanction,' said she, shewing me a billet in the + hand-writing of the queen, 'and it only remains for you publicly to give + in our resignation.' The letter was written in French, and contained the + following words: 'Go, my beloved Theresa—dearly as I prize your + society, I feel that our mutual happiness can only be ensured by the + retirement you so prudently meditate. May it be a consolation to you to + reflect that you must ever be remembered with respect and gratitude by, + 'Your affectionate friend.' + </p> + <p> + “The terms of this billet surprised me, and I began to request an + explanation, when Theresa interrupted me by saying hastily, 'Do not + question me, for I cannot at present open my mind to you—but satisfy + yourself that when I linked my fate to yours in the sight of God and man, + your honour and happiness became precious to me as my own; and may He + desert me in my hour of need, if in aught I fail to consult your + reputation and peace of mind. Let me pray of you to leave this place + without delay. I know that you will urge against me the benefit of + avoiding the various surmises which will arise from the apparent + precipitancy of our retreat; but trust to me, my lord, that it is a + necessary measure, and that we have nothing to fear from the opposition of + the king. + </p> + <p> + “The pretext we adopted for our hasty retirement from public life was the + delicate state of Lady Greville's health, who was within a few months of + becoming a mother; and having hastily passed through the necessary + ceremonies, we again exchanged the tumults of the capital for the + exquisite enjoyments and freedom of home. As we traversed the venerable + avenue at Silsea, amid the acclamations of my assembled tenantry, I formed + the resolution never again to desert the dwelling of my ancestors; but + having now entered into the bonds of domestic life, to seek from them + alone the future enjoyments of existence. I had in one respect immediate + reason to congratulate myself on the change of our destiny, for Theresa, + whose health had for some months gradually declined, soon regained her + former strength in the quiet of the country. She occupied herself + constantly in some active employment. The interests of the sick, the poor, + and the decrepit, led her frequently to the village; where I doubt not you + have often heard her named with gratitude and affection; and when she + returned to the castle, the self-content of gratified benevolence spread a + glow over her countenance which almost dispelled the clouds of sorrow + still lingering there. All went well with us, and if I dared not flatter + myself with being passionately beloved, I felt assured that I should in + time obtain her entire confidence. + </p> + <p> + “I was beginning to look forward with the happy anxiety of affection to + the event of Lady Greville's approaching confinement, when one morning I + was surprised by the arrival of a courier with a letter from the Duke of + Buckingham. I was astonished that he should take the trouble of renewing a + correspondence with me; as a very slight degree of friendship had + originally subsisted between us; and the displeasure publicly testified by + Charles on my hasty removal from his service, had hitherto freed me from + the importunities of my courtier acquaintance. The letter was apparently + one of mere complimentary inquiry after the health of Lady Greville, to + whom there was an enclosure, addressed to Miss Marchmont, which he begged + me to deliver with his respectful services to my much-esteemed lady. He + concluded with announcing some public news of a nature highly gratifying + to every Briton, in the detail of a great victory obtained by our fleet + over the Dutch admiral, De Ruyter. It was that, my Helen, in which your + noble brother fell, a the moment of obtaining one of the most signal + successes hitherto recorded in the naval annals of our country. You were + too young to be conscious of the public sympathy testified towards this + intrepid and unfortunate man, but I may safely affirm with the crafty + Buckingham, that his loss dearly purchased even the splendid victory he + had obtained. 'What news from the court,' said Theresa, as I entered the + apartment in which she sat. + </p> + <p> + “'At once good and bad,' I replied. 'We have obtained a brilliant victory + over De Ruyter; but alas! it has cost us the lives of several of our most + distinguished officers.' + </p> + <p> + “She started from her seat, and wildly approaching me, whispered in a tone + of suppressed agony, 'Tell me—tell me truly—<i>is he dead</i>?' + </p> + <p> + “'Of whom do you speak?' + </p> + <p> + “'Of <i>him</i>—of my beloved—my bethrothed—of Percy, my + own Percy,—' said she with frantic violence. + </p> + <p> + “Helen—even then, heart-struck as I was, I could not but pity the + unfortunate being whose very apprehensions were thus agonizing. I dared + not answer her—I dared not summon assistance, lest she should betray + herself to others as she had done to her husband; for she had lost all + self-command. I attempted to pacify her by an indefinite reply to her + inquiries, but in vain. 'Do not deceive me,' said she, 'Greville, you were + ever good and generous; tell me did he know all, did he curse me, did he + seek his death? + </p> + <p> + “It occurred to me that the letter which I held in my hand might be from—from + her dead lover; and with a sensation of loathing, I gave it to her. She + tore it open, and a lock of hair dropped from the envelope. I found + afterwards that it contained a few words of farewell, dictated by Percy in + his dying moments; and this sufficiently accounted for the state of mind + into which its perusal plunged the unhappy Theresa. Before night she was a + raving maniac, and in this state she was delivered of a dead infant. + </p> + <p> + “Need I describe my own feelings? need I tell you of the bitter + disappointment of my heart in finding myself thus cruelly deceived? I had + ventured all my hopes of earthly happiness on Theresa's affection; and one + evil hour had seen the wreck of all! The eventful moment to which I had + looked forward as that which was to confirm the blessings I held by the + most sacred of ties, had brought with it misery and despair; for I was + childless, and could scarcely still acknowledge myself a husband, till I + knew how far I had been betrayed. Yet when I looked upon the ill-starred + and suffering being before me, my angry feelings became appeased, and the + words of reviling and bitterness expired upon my lips. + </p> + <p> + “Amid the ravings of her delirium the unfortunate Theresa alternately + called upon Percy and myself, to defend her against the arts of her + enemies, to save her from the King. 'They seek my dishonour,' she would + say with the most touching expression, 'and alas! I am fatherless!' From + the vehemence of her indignation whenever she mentioned the name of + Charles, I became at length persuaded that some painful mystery connected + with my marriage remained to be unfolded; and the papers which her + estrangement of mind necessarily threw into my hands, soon made me + acquainted with her eventful history. Such was the compassion with which + it inspired me for the innocent and injured Theresa, that I have sat by + her bedside, and wept for very pity to hear her address her Percy—her + lost and beloved Percy, and at other times call down the vengeance of + heaven upon the king, for his licentious and cruel tyranny. + </p> + <p> + “It was during her residence on the coast of Devonshire that she formed an + acquaintance with Lord Hugh Percy, whose ship was stationed at a + neighbouring port. They became strongly attached to each other; and with + the buoyant incautiousness of youth, had already plighted their faith + before it occurred to either, that her want of birth and fortune would + render her unacceptable to his parents knowing, which he did, that they + entered very different views for his future establishment in life, he + dared not at present even make them acquainted with his engagement; and it + was therefore mutually agreed between them that she should accept the + proffered services of Lady Wriothesly for an introduction to the royal + notice, and that he in the mean while, should seek in his profession the + means of their future subsistence. Secure in their mutual good faith, they + parted, and it was on this occasion that he had given her a song, which in + her insanity she was constantly repeating. The refrain, 'Addio Teresa, + Teresa Addio,' I remembered to have heard murmured by the Duke of + Buckingham with a very significant expression, on the night when the + agitation of Lady Greville had made itself so painfully apparent in the + circle of the Queen. + </p> + <p> + “You will believe with what indignation, with what disgust, I discovered + that shortly after her appointment at court, she had been persecuted with + the licentious addresses of the king. It was nothing new to me that + Charles, in the selfish indulgence of his passions, overlooked every + barrier of honour and decency, but that the unprotected innocence of the + daughter of an old and faithful servant, whose very life-blood had been + poured forth in his defence, should not have been a safeguard in his eyes, + was indeed incredible and revolting. But it was this orphan helplessness, + this afflicting destitution which marked her for his prey. + </p> + <p> + “Encompassed by the toils of the spoiler, and friendless as she was, the + unhappy Theresa knew not to whom to apply for succour or counsel; and in + this painful exigence, she could only trust to her own discretion and + purity of intention to shield her from the advances from which she shrunk + with horror. Irritated by the opposition he encountered, and astonished by + that dignity of virtue, which, 'severe in youthful beauty,' had power to + awe even a monarch in the consciousness of guilt, the king by the most + ungenerous private scrutiny of her correspondence, made himself acquainted + with her attachment to Lord Hugh; and while she was eagerly looking for + the arrival of the ship which contained her only protector, the authority + of His Majesty prolonged its station in a distant and unhealthy climate, + where her letters did not reach him, and whence his aid could avail her + nothing. + </p> + <p> + “In this dilemma, when the death of Lady Wriothesly had deprived her of + even the semblance of a friend, I was first presented to Miss Marchmont. + The motive of the king in encouraging my attachment I can hardly guess, + unless the thought to fix her at court by her marriage, where some future + change of sentiment might throw her into his power; or possibly he hoped + to make my addresses the means of separating her from the real object of + her attachment, without contemplating a farther result, and thus the same + wanton selfishness which rendered him regardless of every tie of moral + feeling towards Theresa, led him to prepare a life of misery and dishonour + for his early friend and faithful adherent. + </p> + <p> + “Agitated by a daily and hourly exposure to the importunities of Charles; + insulted by the suspicions which the insinuations of Buckingham had + excited in the minds of her companions; friendless—Helpless—hopeless—dreading + that she might be betrayed by her ignorance of the world into some + unforeseen evil, and knowing that even in the event of Percy's return, her + engagement with him must long remain unfulfilled, the unhappy girl + naturally looked upon her union with me as the only deliverance from the + assailing misfortunes; and in an hour of desperation she gave me her hand. + That her strongest efforts of mind had been exerted, from the moment of + her marriage, to banish all remembrance of her former lover I firmly + believe. The letter acquainting him with the breach of faith which her + miserable destiny seemed to render inevitable, had never reached him, and + happily, alas! how happily for him, his last earthly thoughts were + permitted to rest on Theresa, as his beloved and affianced wife. I am + persuaded that had he returned in safety to his native country, she would + have avoided his society as studiously as she did that of the king; and + that had she been spared the blow which deprived her of reason, her + dutiful regard, and in time her devoted affection, would have been mine as + firmly, as through the vows which gave them to my hopes and been untainted + by any former passion. As it was, we were both victims. I, to her + misfortunes—she through the brutality of the king. + </p> + <p> + “It appeared to me that on our return to court after our ill-fated union, + the king had for some time refrained from his former insulting + importunities; and had merely distressed Lady Greville by indulging in a + mockery of respectful deference, which exposed her to the ridicule of + those around her who could not fail to observe his change of manner. + Perceiving by my unconstrained expressions of grateful acknowledgment for + his furtherance of my marriage with Theresa that she had kept his secret, + and incapable of appreciating that purity of mind, which rendered such an + avowal difficult, even to her husband; and that prudence which foresaw the + evils resulting to both from such a disclosure, he drew false inferences + from her discretion, and gradually resumed his former levities. Nor was + this the only evil with which she had now to contend. Some malicious enemy + had profited by her absences to poison the mind of the queen, with jealous + suspicions of her favourite, and to inspire her with belief, that Miss + Marchmont's propriety of demeanour in public, had only been a successful + mask of private indiscretion; and that Charles had not been an + unsuccessful lover. + </p> + <p> + “Unwilling to confide to me the difficulties by which she was assailed, + unable alone to steer among the rocks that impeded her course, Theresa at + length adopted the bold measure of confiding her whole tale to her royal + mistress; whose knowledge of the king's infidelities was already too + accurate to admit of an increase of affliction from this new proof; and on + receiving a letter from the avowed friend of her husband—the + grateful patron of her dead father—the august Father of his people, + containing the most insolent declarations of passion, she vindicated her + innocence by placing it in the hands of the Queen; at the same time + entreating permission that her further services might be dispersed with. + Her Majesty's reply, equally gratifying and affectionate, you have already + seen; and it was in savage and unmanly revenge towards Theresa, for the + frankness and decision of her conduct, that the king had directed his + favorite to enclose me that letter whose sudden perusal had wrought the + destruction of my unhappy wife. You will easily conceive that the terms of + my answer to the Duke of Buckingham were those of unmeasured indignation—yet + he, the parasite, the ready instrument of royal vice, and the malignant + associate of Charles in his last act of premeditated cruelty, suffered the + accusations of the injured husband to pass unnoticed and unrepelled; and I + am persuaded that nothing but the dread of exposure prevented me from + feeling the full abuse of the power of the crown by the master I had + served with so much fidelity and affection. I have never since that period + held direct or indirect communication with a court where the basest + treachery had been my only reward. + </p> + <p> + “For many months the paroxysms of Lady Greville's distemper were so + violent as to require the strictest confinement; and the medical man who + attended her assured me that when this state of irritation should subside, + she would either be restored entirely to the full exercise of her mental + faculties, or be plunged into a state of apathy, of tranquil but confirmed + dejection, from which, although it might not affect her bodily health, she + would never recover. How anxiously did I watch for this crisis of her + disorder! and yet at times I scarcely wished her to awake to a keener + sense of her afflictions; for being incapable of recognising my person in + my frequent visits to her chamber, I have heard her address me in her + wanderings for pardon and pity. 'Forgive me, Greville, forgive me,' she + would say. 'Remember how forlorn a wretch I shall become, when thou too, + like the rest, shalt abandon and persecute me. Am I not thy wedded wife, + and as faithful as I am miserable! am I not the mother of thy child? and + yet I know not;—for I seek my poor infant, and they will not, will + not, give it to me—tell me,' she whispered with a ghastly smile, + 'have they buried it in the raging sea with him whom I must not name?' + </p> + <p> + “The decisive moment arrived; and Lady Greville's insanity was, in the + opinion of her physicians and attendants, confirmed for life. She relapsed + into that state of composed but decided aberration of mind, in which she + still remains. I soon observed that my presence alone appeared to retain + the power of irritating her feelings; and she seemed to shrink + instinctively from every person with whom she had been in habits of + intercourse previous to her misfortune. I therefore consigned this + helpless sufferer to the charge of the nurse of my own infancy, Alice + Wishart; whom, from her constant residence at the Cross, Lady Greville had + never seen. + </p> + <p> + “This trustworthy woman, and her husband, who was also an hereditary + retainer of our house, willingly devoted themselves to the melancholy + service required; and hateful as Silsea had now become to my feelings, I + broke up in part my establishment and became a restless and unhappy + wanderer, seeking, in vain, oblivion of the past, or hope for the future. + Would to God I had possessed sufficient fortitude to remain chained to the + isolation of my miserable home! for then had we never met; and thou, my + Helen, wouldst have escaped this hour of shame and sorrow.” + </p> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV. + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Courteous Lord—one word— +Sir, you and I have lov'd—but that's not it— + Sir, you and I must part.”—<i>ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA</i> +</pre> + <p> + “Hitherto I have had to dwell in my recitation on the vices and frailties + of my brothers of the dust, and to describe myself as an innocent + sufferer; but I now approach a period of my life, from the mention of + which I shrink with well-grounded apprehensions. Yet judge me with + candour; remember the strength of the temptation through which I erred; + and divesting yourself, if possible, of the recollection of your own + injuries, moderate your resentment against an unfortunate being, who for + many long years of his existence has not enjoyed one easy hour. + </p> + <p> + “It was nearly three years after the period to which I have alluded that + an accident of which I need not remind you, my beloved Helen, introduced + me to the acquaintance of your family. You may remember the backwardness + with which I first received their approaches; the very name of Percy had + become ominously painful to me, and yet it inspired me with a strange and + undefinable interest. A spell appeared to attract me towards you, and in + spite of my first resolution to the contrary, in spite of the melancholy + reserve that still dwelt upon my mind, I became an acquaintance, and at + length the favoured inmate and friend, of your father. Could I imagine the + dangers that lurked beneath his roof? could I believe that while I thus + once more indulged in the social converse to which I had been long a + stranger, I should gain the affections of his child? The playful girl + towards whom my age enabled me to assume an almost parental authority, + while I exercised, in turn, the parts of playmate and preceptor, beloved + as she was in all the charms of her dawning beauty, and artless naiveté, + inspired me with no deeper sentiment; not even when I saw her gradually + expand into the maturer pride of womanhood, and acquire that feminine + gentleness, that dignified simplicity of character, which had attracted me + in Theresa Marchmont. Early in our intercourse, I had acquainted Lord + Percy that the confinement of a beloved wife in a state of mental + derangement, was the unhappy cause of my dejection and wandering habits of + life; and I was rejoiced to perceive that his own seclusion from the world + had prevented him from hearing my history related by others. He was also + ignorant of the name and connexions of the lady to whom he knew his + beloved and lamented son to have been attached; little indeed did he + suspect his own share in producing my domestic calamity. + </p> + <p> + “The disparity of our years, and their knowledge of my own previous + marriage, prevented them from regarding with suspicion the partiality + displayed by their Helen for my society, and the influence which I had + unconsciously acquired over her feelings. For a length of time I was + myself equally blind, and the moment I ventured to fear the dangers of the + attachment she was beginning to form. I took the resolution of tearing + myself altogether from her society, and without the delay of an hour, I + returned to Silsea. + </p> + <p> + “But what a scene did I select to reconcile me to the loss of the cheerful + society I had abandoned! My deserted home seemed haunted by the shadows of + the past, and tenanted only by remembrances of former affliction. In my + hour of loneliness and sorrow, I had no kind friend to whom to turn for + consolation; and for the first time the sterile and gloomy waste over + which my future path of life was appointed, filled me with emotions of + terror and regret. My very existence appeared blighted through the + treachery of others; and all those holy ties which enrich the evening of + our days with treasures far clearer than awaited us even into the morning + of youth, appeared withheld from me, and me only. Helen, it was then, in + that moment of disappointment and bitterness, that the remembrance of thy + loveliness, and the suspicion of thine affection conspired to from that + fatal passion which has been the bane of thy happiness, and the origin of + my guilt. + </p> + <p> + “Avoiding as I scrupulously did the range of apartments inhabited by the + unfortunate Lady Greville, several years had passed since I had beheld + her; and sometimes when I had been bewildered in the reveries of my own + desolate heart, began to doubt her very existence. Yet this unseen being + who appeared to occupy no place in the scale of human nature, this + unconscious creature who now dwelt in my remembrance like the unreal + mockery of a dream, presented an insuperable obstacle to my happiness. I + saw my inheritance destined to be wrenched from me + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “'By an unlineal hand + No son of mine succeedingly,' +</pre> + <p> + “and I felt myself doomed to resign every enjoyment and every hope for the + sake of one to whom the sacrifice availed nothing; one, too, who had + permitted me to fold her to my heart in the full confidence of undivided + affection, while her own was occupied by a passion whose violence had + deprived me of my child, and herself of intellect and health. + </p> + <p> + “Such were the arguments by which I strove to blind myself to my rising + passion for another, and to smother the self-reproaches which assailed me + when I first conceived the fatal project of imposing upon the world by the + supposed death of my wife, and of seeking your hand in marriage. How often + did the better feelings of my nature recoil from such an act of villainy—how + often was my project abandoned, how often resumed at the alternate bidding + of passion and of virtue! I will not repeat the idle sophistry which + served to complete my wilful blindness; nor dare I degrade myself in your + eyes by a confession of the tissue of contemptible fraud and hypocrisy + into which I was necessarily betrayed by the execution of my dark designs. + Oh! Helen—this heart of mine was once honest, once good and true as + thine own; but now there crawls not on this earth a wretch whose lying + lips have uttered falsehoods more villainous than mine! and honour, the + characteristic of the ancient house I have disgraced, the best attribute + of the high calling I have polluted, is now a watchword of dismay to my + ear. + </p> + <p> + “In Alice Wishart and her husband I found ready instruments for the + completion of my purpose; and indeed the difficulties which awaited me + were even fewer than I had first anticipated. The ravings of Lady + Greville, and her distracted addresses to the name of her lover had + inspired her attendants with a believe of her guiltiness, which in the + beginning of her illness I had vainly attempted to combat. It was not + therefore to be expected that these faithful adherents of my family, who + loved me with an almost parental devotion, and whose regret for the + extinction of the name of Greville was the ruling passion of their + breasts, should consider her an object worthy the sacrifice of my entire + happiness. The few scruples they exhibited were those rather of expediency + than of conscience were easily overcome. By their own desire they removed + to Greville Cross for the more ready furtherance of our guilty plan; under + pretence that the health of the unfortunate Theresa required change of + air. On their arrival they found it easy to impress the servants of the + establishment with a belief of her precarious state, and the nature of her + malady afforded them a plausible pretext for secluding her from their + observation and attendance. Accustomed to receive from Alice a daily + account of her declining condition, the announcement of her death excited + no surprise. In a few weeks after her journey, a fictitious funeral + completed our system of deception. + </p> + <p> + “The moment when, according to our concerted plan, the death and interment + of Lady Greville were formally announced to me, I repented of the + detestable scheme which had been successfully executed. My soul revolted + from the part of 'excellent dissembling' I had yet to act; and refused to + sloop to a public exhibition of feigned affliction. I shuddered, too, when + I contemplated the shame which awaited me, should some future event, yet + hidden in the lap of time, reveal to the world the secret villainy of the + man who had borne himself so proudly among his fellows. Yet even these + regrets, even the apprehension of fresh difficulties in the concealment of + my crime, were insufficient to deter me from the prosecution of my + original intention; and blinded by the intemperance of misguided + affection, heedless of the shame and misery into which I was about to + plunge the woman I adored, I sought and obtained your hand. + </p> + <p> + “Helen, from that moment I have not known one happy hour, and the first + punishment dealt upon my sin was an incapability to enjoy that affection + for which I have forfeited all claim to mercy, here and hereafter. The + remembrance of Theresa, not in her present state of self-abstraction, but + captivating as when she first received my vows before God, to 'love and + honour her, in sickness and in health,' haunted me through every scene of + domestic endearment, and pursued me even to the hearth whose household + deities I had blasphemed. I trembled when I heard my Helen addressed as + Lady Greville, when I saw her usurping the rights, and occupying the place + of one, who now appeared a nameless 'link between the living and the + dead.' I could not gaze upon the woman whose affections had been so + partially, so disinterestedly bestowed upon me, and whose existence I had + in return polluted by a pretended marriage.—I could not behold of my + boy, the descendant of two of the noblest houses in Britain, yet upon whom + the stain of illegitimacy might hereafter rest, without feelings of + self-accusation which filled the cup of life with the waters of + bitterness. Alas! its very springs were poisoned—and Helen, however + strong, however just thine indignation against thy betrayer, believe, oh! + believe that even in this life I have endured no trifling measure of + punishment for my deep offences against thee and thine! + </p> + <p> + “But such is the frailty of human nature that it was upon these very + victims I suffered the effects of my remorse and mental agony to all. The + ill-suppressed violence of my temper, irritated by the dangers of my + situation, has already caused you many a sorrowful moment; and the + increase of gloom you must have lately perceived, has originated in the + fresh difficulties arising to me from the death of the husband of Alice; + and the dread of her own approaching dissolution. From these causes my + present visit to this dreary abode was determined, and to them I am + indebted for the premature disclosure which has made her life as wretched + as my own. The sickness of her surviving attendant has latterly allowed + more liberty to the unhappy Theresa than her condition renders safe either + to her or me. I could not on my arrival here collect sufficient resolution + to look upon her; and to adopt those measures of security which the + weakness of Alice has left disregarded. To this infirmity of purpose on my + part must be ascribed the dreadful shock you sustained by the sudden + appearance of the unfortunate maniac, who I conclude was attracted to your + apartment by the long-forgotten sound of music. On that fatal evening your + fall awoke me from my sleep; and I then perceived my Helen lying + insensible on the floor; and Theresa—yes—the altered and to me + terrible figure of Theresa, bending over her. For one dreadful moment I + believed that you had fallen a victim to her insanity. + </p> + <p> + “And now Helen—my injured, but fondly beloved Helen, now that my + tale of evil is fully disclosed, resolve at once the doom of my future + being. Yet in mercy be prompt in your decision; and whether you determine + to unfold to the whole world the measure of my guilt, or, since nothing + can now extricate us from the web of sin and shame in which we are + involved, to assist in shielding me from a discovery which would be fatal + to the interests of our innocent child, let me briefly hear the result of + your judgment. Of this alone it remains for me to assure you—that I + will not one single hour survive the publication of my dishonour.” + </p> + <p> + For several hours succeeding the perusal of the forgoing history, Lady + Greville remained chained as it were to her seat by the bewildering + perplexities of her mind. The blow, in itself so sudden, so fraught with + mischiefs, involving a thousand interests, and affording no hope to lessen + its infliction, appeared to stupify her faculties. Lost in the + contemplation of evils from which no worldly resource availed to save + herself or her child, indignation, compassion, and despair, by turns + obtained possession of her bosom. Her first impulse, worthy of her gentle + nature, was to rush to the bed-side of her sleeping boy, and there, on her + knees, to implore divine aid to shelter his unoffending innocence, and + grace to enlighten her mind in the choice of her future destiny. And He, + who in dealing the wound of affliction, refuseth not, to those who seek + it, the balm that softens its endurance, imparted to her soul a fortitude + to bear, and a wisdom to extricate herself from the perils by which she + was assailed. The following letter acquainted Lord Greville with her final + determination: + </p> + <p> + “Greville,—I was about, in the inadvertence of my bewildered mind, + to address you once more by the title of husband; but that holy name must + hereafter perish on my lips, and be banished like a withering curse from + my heart. Yet it was that alone which, holding a sacred charter over my + bosom, bound me to the cheerful endurance of many a bitter hour, ere I + knew that through him who bore it, a descendant of the house of Percy + would be banded as an adulteress; and her child as the nameless offspring + of shame. Rich as I was in worldly gifts, my birth, my character, the fair + fortunes which you have blighted, and the parental care from which you + have withdrawn me, alike appeared to shelter me from the evils which have + befallen me—but wo is me! Even these were an insufficient protection + against the craftiness of mine enemy! + </p> + <p> + “But reproaches avail me not. Henceforth I will shut up my sorrow and my + complaining within the solitude of my own wounded heart—and thou, + 'my companion, my counsellor, mine own familiar friend,' the beloved of my + early youth, the father of my child, must be from this hour be as nothing + unto me! + </p> + <p> + “Hear my decision. Since one who has already trampled upon every tie, + divine and human, at the instigation of his won evil passions, would + scarcely be deterred from further wickedness by any argument of mine, I + dare not tempt the mischief contemplated by your ungovernable feelings + against your life. I will, therefore, solemnly engage to assist you by + every means in my power in the preservation of the secret on which your + very existence appears to depend. As the first measure towards this + object, I will myself undertake that attendance of Lady Greville, which + cannot be otherwise procured without peril of disclosure. Towards this + unfortunate being, my noble brother's betrothed wife, whose interests have + been sacrificed to mine, no sisterly care, no affectionate watchfulness + shall be wanting on my part, to lessen the measure of her afflictions. I + will remain with her at Greville Cross; sharing the duties of Alice so + long as she shall live, and supplying her place when she shall be no more. + I feel that God has doomed my proud spirit to the humiliation of this + trial; and I trust in his goodness that I may have strength cheerfully and + worthily to fulfil my part. From you I have one condition to exact in + return. + </p> + <p> + “Henceforward we must meet no more in this world. I can pity you—I + can even forgive you,—but I cannot yet school my heart to that + forgetfulness of the past, that indifference, with which I ought to regard + the husband of another. Greville! we must not meet no more! + </p> + <p> + “And since my son will shortly attain an age when seclusion in this remote + spot would be prejudicial to his interests and to the formation of his + character, I pray you to take him from me at once, that I may have no + further sacrifice to contemplate. Let him reside with you at Silsea, under + the tuition of proper instructors—breed him up in nobleness and + truth—and let not his early nurture, and the care with which I have + sought to instil into his mind principles of honour and virtue, be utterly + lost. Let his happiness be the pledge of my dutiful fulfilment of the task + I have undertaken; and may God desert me and him, when I fail through + negligence or hardness of heart. + </p> + <p> + “And if at times the stigma of his birth should present itself to irritate + your mind against his helpless innocence, as alas! I have latterly + witnessed, smite him not, Greville, in your guilty wrath—remember he + is come of gentle blood, even on his mother's side—and ask yourself + to <i>whom</i> we owe our degradation, and from whose quiver the arrow was + launched against us? And now farewell—may the Almighty enlighten and + forgive you—and if in this address there appears a trace of + bitterness, do not ascribe it to any uncharitable feelings, but look back + upon the past, and think on what I was—on what I am. Consider + whether ever woman loved or trusted as I have done, or was ever more + cruelly betrayed? Oh! Greville, Greville!—did I not regard you with + an affection too intense for my happiness! did I not confide in you with a + reverence, a veneration unmeet to be lavished on a creature of clay? But + you have broken the fragile idol of my worship before my eyes—and + the after-path of my life is dark with fear and loneliness. But be it so; + my soul was proud of its good gifts—and now that I am stricken to + the dust, its vanity is laid bare to my sight—haply, 'it is good for + me that I have been afflicted.'—Farewell for ever.” + </p> + <p> + The conditions of this letter were mutually and strictly fulfilled; but + the mental struggle sustained by Lord Greville, his humiliation on + witnessing the saintlike self-devotion of Helen Percy, combined with the + necessity which rendered it expedient to accept her proffered sacrifice, + were too much for his frame. In less than a year after his return to + Silsea, he died—a prey to remorse. + </p> + <p> + Previous to his decease, in contemplation of the nobleness of mind which + would probably induce the nominal Lady Greville to renounce his + succession, he framed two testamentary acts. By one of these, he + acknowledged the nullity of his second marriage, but bequeathed to Helen + and her child all that the law of the land enabled him to bestow; by the + other he referred to Helen only as his lawful wife, and to her son as his + representative and successor; adding to their legal inheritance all his + unentailed property. Both were enclosed in a letter to Lady Greville, + written on his death-bed, which left it entirely at her own disposal, <i>which</i> + to publish, <i>which</i> to destroy. + </p> + <p> + It is not to be supposed that the selection cost her one moment's + hesitation. Having resigned into the hands of the lawful inheritor all + that the strictest probity could require, and much that his admiration of + her magnanimity would have prevailed on her to retain, she retired + peaceably to a mansion in the South bequeathed by Lord Greville to her + son, and occupied herself solely with his education. In the commencement + of the ensuring reign he obtained the royal sanction to use the name and + arms of Percy; and in his grateful affection and the virtuous distinctions + he early attained, his mother met with her reward. + </p> + <p> + Theresa, the helpless Theresa, the guardian-ship of whose person had been + bequeathed to Helen, as a mournful legacy, by Lord Greville, was removed + with her from her dreary imprisonment at the Cross, and to the latest + moment of her existence partook of her affectionate and watchful + attention. + </p> + <p> + It was a touching sight to behold these two unfortunate beings, linked + together by ties of so painful a nature, and dwelling together In + companionship. The one, richly gifted with youthful loveliness, clad in a + deep mourning habit, and bearing on her countenance an air of fixed + dejection. The other, though far her elder in years, still beautiful,—with + her long silver hair, blanched by sorrow, not by time, hanging over her + shoulders; and wearing, as if in mockery of her unconscious widowhood, the + gaudy and embroidered raiment to which a glimmering remembrance of happier + times appeared to attach her—that vacant smile and wandering glance + of insanity lending at times a terrible brilliancy to her features. But + for the most part her malady assumed a cast of settled melancholy, and + patient as + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The female dove ere yet her golden couplets are disclosed, + Her silence would sit drooping.” + </pre> + <p> + Her gentleness and submission would have endeared her to a guardian even + less tenderly interested in her fate than Helen Percy; towards whom, from + her first interview, she had evinced the most gratifying partiality. “I + know you,” she said on beholding her. “You have the look and voice of + Percy; you are a ministering angel whom he has sent to defend his poor + Theresa from the King; now that she is sad and friendless. You will never + abandon me, will you?” continued she, taking her hand and pressing it to + her bosom. + </p> + <p> + “Never—never—so help me heaven!” answered the agitated Helen; + and that sacred promise remained unbroken. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + + + + + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Theresa Marchmont, by Mrs Charles Gore + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THERESA MARCHMONT *** + +***** This file should be named 9387-h.htm or 9387-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/9/3/8/9387/ + +Produced by Hanno Fischer, and David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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